Ask Fortuna Admissions : Ask Admissions Consultants - Page 6

I have an issue and I am wondering how it will affect me down the road. I graduated with a fairly low cumulative GPA (3.08). After starting my first job, I began 2 non-degree courses in accounting at a local college (4 year). I took one in person and one online. Long story short I had some serious issues with the online course and I made a D in it. I am wondering how bad of an impact this could have on me later if I apply for an MBA program several years down the line. I am currently accepted into a MS Accounting program and will be attending it soon. So I will take the class again and in person which will help.

Any thoughts on my situation, and any potential implications?

Thanks,
-Steve

Posted from my mobile device

Hi StudentSteve

Should be fine as long as you address it in your application - for example in your optional essay question (most schools offer this) you can speak to why the low grades, plus validate how you have the skills to keep up with the school's rigorous academics. And really focus on getting a strong GMAT score to compensate. If gmat is low as well as undergrad then it might be tough to get in. That's great that you will be 're-taking' this course - shows you are committed and will further validate your academics.

Best,
_________________

Hello Melissa,

Kindly review my profile and share your valuable inputs.

Profile: I completed my graduation in Fashion designing from one of the top 3 colleges in Asia in 2014 with a CGPA of 7.43. I have been working with the biggest apparel organization in India for past 4 years. Have a healthy work experience across 2 different roles.

Extra-curricular: I am a national level athlete and I am regularly involved in different sports.
Have also won national level quiz competitions. Have been involved with couple of NGOs during my college days.

GMAT (Oct’2017) : 700 (Q-50, V-34, IR-8, AWA-5).

Areas of interest : 1) General Management, 2) Marketing

I need your help in deciding which colleges I should apply.

Should I target US B schools for either R2 this year or R1 next year ? Employment after completing MBA is an important criterion to decide which schools to apply. From few current students I have heard really negative reviews regarding job scenario for international MBA students in US. The situation is not bright in even top 15 colleges. Under the current geo-political situation, will it be a viable option to try for any US school?

With my profile, should I apply in NUS and INSEAD? What are the job scenarios post MBA in Singapore?

Also, I will be looking for a scholarship. Earlier I was targeting top 15 US B schools. Though my profile is extremely unique, my GMAT score is on a lower side. Being from India would go against me. Are there any colleges in top 15 where I can expect admission with scholarship?

I am okay to give GMAT again and if required then wait for one year before applying.

My first shortlist of colleges is below. Should I apply to any of these colleges in R2?
1. Kellogg,
2. Ross,
3. Fuqua,
4. NUS, and
5. ISB

Kindly review my case. Also please let me know if you need any other input to review my candidature. Thanks!

Hi Melissa,

Kindly revert. Waiting for your reply.

Hi Somnath1234,

Thanks for reaching out. You've got an interesting background that could be quite appealing for the top MBA programs. As an indian candidate you definitely need to have a very high gmat score for the top 15 schools. What percentiles do you have in quant and verbal? It's quite challenging to say what schools to go for without a full review of your background, accomplishments, etc so would you consider setting up a free consultation on the phone with us? It would be much more detailed than in a chat and we could give you much more guidance, particularly after we've seen your CV. Hope this is ok as you've got a lot of questions! www.fortunaaadmissions.com/free-consultation
As a side note though Kellogg is definitely the way to go if you want to focus on Marketing - but also the schools in NYC would be a great fit if you wish to continue in fashion. Not sure of your short/long term goals. Hope to hear from you! I assure you you will get a lot of our call - I would suggest to speak with Matt.
_________________

FortunaAdmissionsMJ wrote:Hi Somnath1234,

Thanks for reaching out. You've got an interesting background that could be quite appealing for the top MBA programs. As an indian candidate you definitely need to have a very high gmat score for the top 15 schools. What percentiles do you have in quant and verbal? It's quite challenging to say what schools to go for without a full review of your background, accomplishments, etc so would you consider setting up a free consultation on the phone with us? It would be much more detailed than in a chat and we could give you much more guidance, particularly after we've seen your CV. Hope this is ok as you've got a lot of questions! https://www.fortunaaadmissions.com/free-consultation
As a side note though Kellogg is definitely the way to go if you want to focus on Marketing - but also the schools in NYC would be a great fit if you wish to continue in fashion. Not sure of your short/long term goals. Hope to hear from you! I assure you you will get a lot of our call - I would suggest to speak with Matt.

I got Q50 and V34. I agree. A consultation call will be a good idea to start with. I have read really good reviews about Matt online. Do you guys provide service for Asian colleges ?

Somnath1234 Yes absolutely - but only MBA programs.

Best,
_________________

.

Hi seekingmba93 , Thanks for reaching out...apologies for the delay but Fortuna has been on holiday!

You've got a very interesting profile and seems well suited for the 3 schools you mention. I wouldn't worry about your undergrad as your gmat is outstanding and will compensate for the low undergrad (what are your percentiles for the quant and verbal?). Was there a particular factor that contributed to lower grades in undergrad? Eg something personal going on? If so, this is something you can validate in the schools' optional essays.

From what I can see you you've got great work experience, extra curriculars and accomplishments. I would need to learn more though to fully assess your chances for these top schools. Any chance you'd like to speak and do a 30 minute (free) consultation? Matt, on our team who is really great at assessing your chances would gladly speak with you after he's seen your CV and will ask you more about your leadership experience and other accomplishments.. You can sign up at https://www.fortunaadmissions.com/free-consultation

Hope to hear from you!
Melissa
_________________

Great thanks for the feedback

Hello,

I would appreciate it if you could evaluate my profile and provide feedback. Thank you!

Currently, 26yr old Asian American Male. 27 at Matriculation.

College- 2 yrs at community college (3.8 GPA), then 2 years at UC Riverside (3.15 GPA). Combined GPA ~3.5. GPA fell at UCR due to familial obligations of taking care of a sick relative. Will use optional essay to discuss this.

GMAT: GMAT Prep Test Score of 740 (49Q 41V) Let's assume I will score between 720-740 on the real test.

Work Exp
1.5 yrs- Wealth Advisor at Guardian Life. My team and I specialized in working with business clients on insurance and investment programs, corporate tax planning, and business succession planning. I took this role out of college to really strengthen my soft skills (boardroom presentations, relationship building, communication, etc..). I am a huge believer in working on my professional skills and at the time, my soft skills were lacking in my opinion.

What will be ~3.5 yrs (at matriculation) as a analyst in Product Management at a Top 15 P&C Insurance Company (~$4B in revenue). I love the work I do. This role marries two interests of mine- data analytics and leading cross functional executive level projects within the company. I have plenty of quantitatively-backed examples of the impact I have had. The P&C insurance industry is going through a transformation and it will be heavily disrupted within the next 10-15 years by autonomous vehicles. I aspire to be a leader of a top 5 insurer in the long run and guide the industry through the changing landscape.

Extracurriculars: Vice Chair of a Young Entrepreneurs non-profit organization for 4 years. I was brought in to grow the membership base, and I was able to grow it from ~300 to now over 2,400 members. We provide entrepreneur education and community to grow and collaborate. I also started a volunteer program within this organization and we have volunteered over 3,000 hours at local food banks, beach clean ups, Easter egg hunts, soup kitchens, local libraries, etc..

Organized a basketball team through work. We play in a local men's league. I will somehow incorporate the importance sports (and basketball, specifically) has had in my personal and professional development over the past 18 years.

United Way Rep for 2017. Organized fundraisers and food drives at work. Launched our first Annual Silent Auction which raised more money than any other event.

Short-Term Goal: Join MBA Leadership Development Program at Liberty Mutual Insurance

Target Schools: Columbia, Yale, Kellogg, Ross, Fuqua, Darden, Cornell, NYU, UCLA. I will shorten this list but those are the schools I have an interest in.

Hi Fortuna Admissions,

I'm considering applying in round 1 this year for full-time MBA programs enrolling fall 2019 and would love to get a profile evaluation and general thoughts on my potential career path. Any evaluation or advice you could give me would be much appreciated. Also curious if I'd gain anything from waiting another year, getting some more experience in my current role and getting some more community involvement.

White male, 26 years old

Education:
"Southern Ivy" (Duke, Emory, Vandy, etc.), graduated in 2014, Mathematics and Economics BA, GPA: 3.25 (started out pre-med which did not go well. Started to do better when I switched to math and econ, but suffered family tragedy fall of senior year which hurt my grades and recruiting as well)

GMAT:
770 (50Q/46V/8IR/5AWA)

Work (all at private, family-owned diversified holding company with $20B+ revenue):
-1 year as a business analyst in the Operational Excellence department in the automotive division. Acted as a liaison between business operations and IT development for the development of enterprise mobile applications, completed heavily statistical analysis to complete the business cases for these applications as well as justify a multi-million dollar acquisition, created operational tools for field use and trained several GMs on their use.
-2 years as a manager in the Financial Planning and Analysis department in the same division. Promoted to manager 3 years ahead of schedule for being recognized as a top performer. Managed a contractor and intern. Currently in charge of budgets and forecasts for several smaller portfolio businesses and on the leadership team of these businesses to provide insights that drive strategic decision-making.
-2 years (at matriculation) as a senior analyst in an elite corporate strategy & development group at the holding company level responsible for portfolio management, M&A, diversification strategy. So far led primary due diligence for several minority investments as well as played an integral role developing a strategy for the Company's extension into the clean technology industry (renewable energy, food and agriculture, water conservation, etc.). Interface regularly with C-level leaders, board members and external parties (banks, PE firms, Consultants, VCs)

Extracurriculars:
-Pro Bono consultant at an eCommerce retail store, creating the business plan, social media marketing strategy, and pricing methodology
-Half marathon participant in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training program. Raised $2000 for cancer research
-Finalist in my company's internal StartUp business plan event
-Mentor at Big Brothers/Big Sisters Atlanta

Post-MBA Goals:
Ultimately I want to become the CFO of a well-funded start-up in my current industries of expertise (Cleantech, Auto). To get there, I want to work in Finance at one of the external parties I regularly interface with (PE or VC if possible) unless the opportunity presents itself to be a finance leader at a start-up right out of my MBA. I think working in M&A at a particularly flexible, family-owned Strategic provides a different, interesting perspective.

Schools under consideration:
I have two routes I'm considering, since I actually really like my current job:
-Shoot for the stars (Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Chicago) where I think the the value would justify leaving my current role and paying the tuition
-Go to the one year MBA at my local university (Emory, where I think I can get close to a full scholarship), continue working part-time or take 1 year off and come back to my current role.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Posted from my mobile device

Hi
I am Rakshit Sharma
Profile
Age: 29
Gender: M
Ethnicity: Asian (Indian)
GMAT: 730, Q50 V38 IR8 AWA4
Education: B.Tech Civil Engg IIT Roorkee 2006-10 (GPA 7.51/10) and M.B.A Marketing & Operations M.D.I Gurgaon 2012-14 (GPA 6.96/10)
Work Experience: Total 6 years of experience.

Post B.Tech: 2 years of construction project management experience in Oil & Gas sector with a public sector undertaking (GAIL India Ltd.) 2012-14
Post M.B.A: 4 year with PepsiCo so far in Future Leadership Program as follows (2014-Current):

*2 years of sales & distribution experience as Area Head for the business driving large teams & responsible for delivering topline for the territory.
*2 years of experience in handing eCommerce channel for PepsiCo, responsible for driving account relationships with online Groceries in India (Amazon, Flipkart * other eGroceries) & delivering P&L objective metrics for the organization.

Working in the eCommerce role exposed me to the way digital is shaping businesses in every function. Met Indira Nooyi in India & her words of guidance to us was: Run eCommerce channel in PepsiCo like a Tech Company not like a CPG Org. Realized hands on that eComm is not just a platform for purchase but a medium now to transform GoToMarket channels (Online B2B, B2C, HoReCa) , Marketing strategies (Amazon Media Services), Communication modes (Amazon search competing with Google now) & a whole new experience to connect with consumers.

Academic:
1. Cohesive Leader Award, PepsiCo
2. Highest Growth Area Head, PepsiCo
3. Selected for ILEAP, Leadership Academy of PepsiCo Globally
4. Best Summer Project, MBA
5. Runners Up, PepsiCo Indra Nooyi Case Study, MBA
6. Runners Up, Deloitte National Case Study, MBA

Extra Curricular:
1. Placement Committee Member, MBA
2. Member, Summer Mentorship Program - Coaching students on summer internships interviews & skill sets
3. Organizer Sports News Letter - IIT Roorkee
4. Dance & Dramatics On Stage events

Post MBA Goals:
Short Term: Working in Strategy/Channel Development/Marketing roles in eCommerce/Tech sector, leveraging past experience in consumer goods & online channel along with driving businesses through digital integration learning at MBA

Long Term: General Manager roles in retail sector demonstrating leadership across multiple geographies & leveraging digital capabilities in driving business P&Ls and growths.

Queries:
I have following queries regarding the application:
1. Which schools should i target with the profile & score.
2. What are the possibilities one can explore in eCommerce space in terms of roles - Do people pursue Strategy/GoToMarket roles in tech ?
3. I wanted to write Product Manager roles in eComm but dont have a coding experience per se. How critical is that & would that impact the application ?
4. Is Indian GPA at IIT Roorkee 7.51/10 decent enough when converted to 4 scale GPA ?
5. To answer why another MBA, i really feel that my MBA 4 years back helped me gain experience in driving businesses traditionally. But in the span of 4 years, i saw quite massive drifts in the way digital is shaping businesses these days. And that's what i wish to seek ahead in my learning pursuit. (Crude form currently).

ChristineFortuna wrote:

Welcome to Fortuna Admissions!

Fortuna Admissions is a unique team of former Directors and Associate Directors of MBA Admissions from top tier business schools, including:

• Harvard Business School
• Stanford GSB
• Wharton
• INSEAD
• Chicago Booth
• London Business School
• Kellogg
• NYU Stern,
• IE Business School
• UC Berkeley Haas

We have personally reviewed tens of thousands of applications from candidates from all over the world. But that’s not all. We’ve also shaped admissions policy, devised the application processes, and had the final say on who gets in. We know the inside track – what goes on behind the closed doors of Admissions Committees, how your candidacy will stand up versus the competition, and how you can best maximize your chances of gaining a coveted place in a top MBA program.

Our experience gives you a level of MBA admissions insight that you won’t find anywhere else. With our passion for coaching, we can help you bring out the best in yourself so you truly shine in your application and interviews.

From initial orientation and school selection, through thoughtful essay editing and recommender support, to mock interviews and reapplication strategy, our experience and insight will help you stand out in your business school applications.

Please take a look at our services to find the option that is best suited to your needs. We’d also like to invite you to our free 30-minute consultation where we can discuss anything that’s on your mind – your profile, your chances of admission at your dream school(s), or even a tailored service package if you need something that is not covered on these pages.

Check out our website to read MBA admissions articles that we regularly provide for major media such as Forbes, the FT, BusinessWeek, P&Q, and The Economist. Lastly, don’t forget to request your complimentary copy of the Fortuna Admissions Insider’s Top Tips for the world’s top business schools, filled with insider perspectives and advice to improve your chances of admissions success.

Feel free to use this thread to reach out to us with any questions you might have about Fortuna and/or admissions to the world’s best business schools.
We look forward to talking to you!
The Fortuna Team

I'm super keen on applying to B-School, with my top choice by far being HBS. I'm also applying to MIT Sloan, Stanford, Berkeley, Yale, Wharton, and at least one school abroad in Europe. HBS is by far my first choice, however, and I'm definitely looking to partner with an admissions consultant ASAP to help with my application for this specific school ASAP. I'll make a choice based on the initial evaluations I get, and decide based on who has the best advice/insight into my profile.

My main concern is my low GPA and jumpy career history (circling around the sales/PR/marketing drain, and switching industries from toys to SaaS (tech), before settling in Sales/SaaS 3-4 years ago). I've accomplished a lot at the companies I've worked for, received 5 promotions and held leadership roles for the last 3 years, but it's still not very impressive.

During undergrad, I was seriously ill, once homeless, and worked full-time while studying, so I'm hoping this will shine a brighter light on my dim academics and inconsistent profile. I want my themes to be 1. failing, and then picking myself back up again to show tenacity, and 2. overcoming obstacles, and now wanting to start my own company to make the world a better place.

Academics:
- 3.29 GPA, social sciences
- 730 GMAT (RETAKING aiming for a 780)
- Completing HBX CORe (Harvard business 'prep' course) soon with a goal of an A (4.0) average
- Undergrad was at Harvard Extension School (I'm not sure how this is regarded at HBS? It's part of Harvard University, but obviously much less impressive than Harvard College or any other Ivy League college)

Work Experience:
- American, 3 years of international experience (Germany - working language proficiency)
- 8 years of professional experience, 4 years in people management/leadership roles
- Managed 15 people at maximum, now managing around 5 people (switched companies, and now growing the team from 0 to 5)
- 5 promotions, from intern >associate > senior associate > team lead > senior manager > head of sales
- Starting my own company, in the very early stages

Life Background:
- Aged 30
- Experienced a life-threatening illness and homeless during undergrad - hence the low GPA
- Also worked full-time during all of undergrad, taking classes at night
- Decent amount of volunteering experience
- "Theme" of my application is overcoming hardship/life threatening illness/and homelessness, and now wanting to start my own company and make the world a better place [

quote="berliner"]

ChristineFortuna wrote:

Welcome to Fortuna Admissions!

Fortuna Admissions is a unique team of former Directors and Associate Directors of MBA Admissions from top tier business schools, including:

• Harvard Business School
• Stanford GSB
• Wharton
• INSEAD
• Chicago Booth
• London Business School
• Kellogg
• NYU Stern,
• IE Business School
• UC Berkeley Haas

We have personally reviewed tens of thousands of applications from candidates from all over the world. But that’s not all. We’ve also shaped admissions policy, devised the application processes, and had the final say on who gets in. We know the inside track – what goes on behind the closed doors of Admissions Committees, how your candidacy will stand up versus the competition, and how you can best maximize your chances of gaining a coveted place in a top MBA program.

Our experience gives you a level of MBA admissions insight that you won’t find anywhere else. With our passion for coaching, we can help you bring out the best in yourself so you truly shine in your application and interviews.

From initial orientation and school selection, through thoughtful essay editing and recommender support, to mock interviews and reapplication strategy, our experience and insight will help you stand out in your business school applications.

Please take a look at our services to find the option that is best suited to your needs. We’d also like to invite you to our free 30-minute consultation where we can discuss anything that’s on your mind – your profile, your chances of admission at your dream school(s), or even a tailored service package if you need something that is not covered on these pages.

Check out our website to read MBA admissions articles that we regularly provide for major media such as Forbes, the FT, BusinessWeek, P&Q, and The Economist. Lastly, don’t forget to request your complimentary copy of the Fortuna Admissions Insider’s Top Tips for the world’s top business schools, filled with insider perspectives and advice to improve your chances of admissions success.

Feel free to use this thread to reach out to us with any questions you might have about Fortuna and/or admissions to the world’s best business schools.
We look forward to talking to you!
The Fortuna Team

[/quote]

berliner,

Thanks for reaching out and sharing.

Wow, you've got a very impressive profile - one that seems a wonderful fit for top business schools. I also really like your theme - don't worry about revealing difficult times to an admissions committee as they actually love it when people can be real/authentic and reveal some 'weaknesses' or hardships and how you learned from them. Although it sounds like you had some tough times, it looks like you got through it and are much stronger now as a result so indeed this is a great story to tell. You've got some great accomplishments - criteria that the ad coms will be looking at - leadership experience, int'l experience,career progression and so on. My only concern is your age. But from the sounds of it you might have a gap in school or work? Is that the case? Though you mentioned 8 years of experience so youwill be more on the 'senior' side.
It would be most ideal if we could set up a chat (we do free consultations). Is that something we can arrange? If so please send me your email address or email me at melissa.jones@fortunaadmissions.com and either I and Matt on our team (who's amazing) can walk through your profile once we see your CV and learn a bit more about you.You didn't mention any hobbies/community work etc above and as I'm sure you know, this is a bit part of what schools are looking for - how well rounded you are. So something else we can talk about on the phone.
Hope to hear from you.
_________________

Not a full profile overview, but is a 162Q 162V GRE score solid enough for programs such as HBS, Michigan, and GSB? I know HBS and GSB have medians/means higher than that but I’d like to know what their wiggle room is like. I did the GRE to have some flexibility with joint degree programs.

Thanks.

Posted from my mobile device

StudentSteve,

I would say that a 162 is just a tad too low to remain competitive, particularly for Harvard. If you convert that to a GMAT that's about a 680. The average for HBS is 730 and 737 for GSB. This doesn't mean you won't get in with a 680 as they've had students range from the 600s to high 700. It really depends on your whole profile. But...you are taking more of a chance with a lower score so if you can, I would try to write again, just for more comfort. For Michigan though 680 could be just fine (once again depending on your entire profile).
You can use this to help convert: https://www.ets.org/gre/institutions/abo ... rison_tool

Good luck!
_________________

Qualifications
Xth :-64%
XII th:- 82%
Graduation :- 65% English (Hons) Humanities
Current work:- income tax inspector
Age:- 24 years
Nature of work:- not related to corporate work experience in anyway, it is government sector work. The work is divided into two categories

Assessment Section 
A job in this section includes work related to desk job details that come with the title of Income Tax Inspector.
You will be responsible for assessing income tax that people, company or partnership firms are liable to pay.
You will also have to handle refund claims and TDS (Tax Deduction at Source) queries Non-Assessment Section 
A job in this section will subject you to field work.

Inspectors employed in this section can be a part of the rapid response team that conducts raids.

The ITIs who are given non-assessment duties usually have to perform only clerical duties.

Their job is limited to filing official paperwork and occasionally accompanying raid teams

My query:- I always wanted to do an MBA as it was my dream to work for a private company. Due to financial constraints, I was not able to apply for MBA in foreign universities. I had no interest in Indian MBA as I always wanted to work in a foreign country. Also Indian MBA had very low chances to get me placed in a foreign firm. Private firms in India without an MBA gives very less salary and high load which would not have given me time to make my profile for foreign MBA.
Therefore, I decided to pursue a government job and finance my future MBA from that money.
I intend to do an MBA after 5 years. I can score score very well in GMAT and TOEFL from official mocks that I have given. I am interested in doing MBA from Canada so that I can get permanent residency. I am aiming for "average" b schools in Canada only.
Please I am in dire need of help. I have 5 years at my disposal. Please guide me on how can I make my profile in these 5 years so that the adcoms don't reject me. Also honestly tell me whether I am eligible of doing MBA from an average Business School in Canada only.
Thank you and God bless you !

Posted from my mobile device

Hi Fortuna Admissions,

I would like to request a suggestion/opinion on a confusion I am facing. One of the B-School Forum Moderators suggested that I reach out to you for help as you people have a rich experience in the MBA admissions process.
I received an admit from a business school in Georgia, USA with a full scholarship and stipend/graduate assistantship. Therefore, I asked other two MBA schools for which my decision was pending after the interview if it is possible to provide my application decision sooner as I already have a decision in hand and wish to make an informed decision before paying out the enrollment fee. The schools reverted with a request to send them a copy of "Admission Letter" and "Scholarship Letter" before taking the case to the Admissions Committee for decisions.
Now, I am little confused whether to provide the letters or details such as the name of program, amount, the deadline for payment, etc. to those schools. I am not sure whether this would put my only admit into jeopardy or help me.
Kindly advise. Hope to hear from you soon.