MBA Crystal Ball

Getting into the Mays Business school doesn't require you to have a 'typical' background. Differently put, a background which is different from the typical MBA applicant's will not preclude you from admission. If anything, it will help you.

Looking at the profile of most of the successful applicants at the Mays school I saw most of them having had experience at large well known brands and an average of 3-8 years work experience. They also had education/work backgrounds in business, consulting, finance, or engineering.

I had none of this.

I had a design degree and one year of work experience in a largely design based role. How was I going to compete with all these people? A guy I knew who had three years experience with Honeywell and then TCS and a better GMAT score applied, and was rejected in spite of having applied much before me. I was nervous. And very very Late.
Even so, I went ahead and applied.

Looking back at what I suspect helped my case was that I had started and run a successful business during college which coupled with my design centric background made me what the admission committee would consider 'diverse' and I got in. I brought in with me experience and industry knowledge which was different from what was 'conventional'.

So if you've got a background which is 'thoda hatke', don't fret. It might just work to your advantage if you package it correctly.

Thanks for sharing your insights!

It would be great,as Sameer mentioned,if someone studying at MAYS could share some of their experiences during their MBA program and probably even their career goals.

Thanks!

I am a current 1st year MBA student at Texas A&M. The journey so far has been hectic and enjoyable. Class size is very small which helps in connecting with each and every class member much more easily. I have experienced a lot in the last month and a half. From adapting to the high paced curriculum to enjoying a game of American college football here at Texas A&M. Being a 16 month program it is more challenging as the course is being compressed within 16 months whereas other schools complete the same credit hours in about 22 months. But the professors are really good one of the best in their fields. Overall I have enjoyed my experience till now thoroughly and hope to enjoy even more.

If any one is planning to apply for Mays this year and want to have any specific info can post here.

All the best for your application and the way Aggies say Gigem

Sayanthan87,
Thanks for your candid reply. You seem to having a great time there indeed.

Just for our knowledge,would you please share your profile with us.Also I wanted to ask you -I a 2 1/2 years work ex(with an International bank) with decent extra curriculars.Would my limited experience be fall short of MAYS expectations ? Also, What is the GMAT score expectation from the school for us Indian candidates-range would do :)

Thanks again!

MBAtrooper,

I have around 4 years of experience in Oil and Gas industry with one of the firms in India. Mays generally ask for a minimum of 2 years of work experience. But they may consider less if you an exceptional candidate and they think you can add a lot of value to the program.

About Mays the average score here is 650 but for Indians it will be a bit high maybe around 680-700. I have seen guys getting rejected with very high GMAT and guys with low GMAT getting accepted in Mays. They focus more on your profile than your GMAT. The whole idea is to differentiate yourself from the crowd. Your experience in an international bank seems to be a bit different from the typical engineer profile Indian's do have. Dont know much about your profile but you have something to differentiate yourself. And anyways a higher GMAT score won't hurt you.

All the best. Hope the information helps.

Sayantan

Sayathan,
Thank you very much- that Info helps.

Also,I have planned to re take the GMAT mid next month(striving for the 700+ mark) and would require at least a few weeks to compile my application(would have to seek help from MBA crystal ball for this!)Thus leaving me with the option to apply only into round 3 :(
Would this be a significant disadvantage to my application for being accepted at MAYS ? - I really don't want to rush up with the applications after my GMAT. Would like to know your views.


Thank you once again.

MBAtrooper

ALl the best for your GMAT. The essays are the most important part of your application. I guess you can start generating ideas for your essays simultaneously from now on along with your GMAT preparations. I won't say that applying in the third round means you are too late. But at the same time applying early has its own benefits as the chances of a scholarship are higher. But at the same time one should apply when he has his essays prepared...don't rush it but at the same time start on your essays.

MBA crystal ball have some great resources who can help you with your application. So surely take help from them.

Sayanthan,
Once again,Thank you very much.

Wish you all the best for your course and may you land your dream job there :)