Chances for Deferred MBA at S/H/W: Profile Evaluation : Ask Admissions Consultants

Hi, I am a final year engineering student planning to apply to deferred programs of Stanford, Harvard, Wharton. I'd love to get your feedback on my profile and chances of getting in.

1. Background
- Indian Male Engineer
- Final year student pursuing Dual Degree (Bachelors and Masters) in Computer Science & Engineering with a Micro Specialization in AI from one of the top engineering schools (old IIT) in India

2. GMAT: 720 (V39, Q49), IR:8

3. Academic Achievements:
- GPA: 3.8/4.0
- Coursework: CSE & AI (Major Focus) + Finance & Marketing
- Secured Institute Rank 12th among 1465 students in first year (Top 1%)
- Two top-tier publications in the field of AI and NLP
- Received few scholarships and won various case study competitions
- Awarded Institute award for excellent performance in English & Communication course

4. Work Experience (Internships):
- Philips: Developed AI powered software that is currently being used
- Adobe: Publication and Patent
- IBM: Paper under review
- Amazon: Developed algos that led to ~$7.5Mn annual revenue increase (Major highlight/ personal accomplishment for me tbh)
- Will be joining Amazon as an Applied Scientist in July

5. Leadership and Extracurricular Activities:
- Head at Institute's Business Club and speaker at knowledge sessions on AI and ML
- Organized competitions with 3K+ participants from 100+ cities
- Active member of NGO organizations such as Rotaract International Club and Indian Red Cross Society

My GMAT score is quite poor and falls towards the lower end of the spectrum. I had considered retaking the GMAT, but the deadlines are on the 11th, 26th, and 27th of April, so it does not seem possible now.

I am seeking guidance on applying to deferred MBA programs at S/H/W. Given the competitiveness of these programs, I am uncertain whether it is worth applying.

Hello iwilldothis101

It can be tough but not impossible. The average score of your listed Schools is 730+. Your GMAT is decent but it can be tough when compared to the rest of the applicant pool. But it’s just not the numbers game that can convert you to admit. If I were you I would not risk retaking GMAT again with the current score being 720. Your years of experience in Amazon and Philips look good considering your career achievements. As your current profile looks good apply for most schools listed there, but be sure on selecting the right program to help you in achieving your post-MBA goal.

Hey iwilldothis101,

Thanks for sharing your profile.

To begin with, on the academic front, you seem to have a strong profile, from your GMAT score to your GPA and other academic achievements (Scholarships, awards, and publications), all seem aligned.

However, Deferred programs at top B-schools are extremely competitive and involve excessive hard work in building a strong and robust application to cater to the AdComs on all parameters. You also belong to an over-represented pool of applicants. Thus, you will need more work to identify your USP and stand out from the crowd.

Your Work Experience (Internships) revolves around big multinational companies, which will eventually be a boon to your profile. AdComs like to have resumes having big names under them. Also, since you mentioned, you'll be joining Amazon as an applied scientist. These assignments will definitely add much more value to your application.

Coming to your ECs, they seem a bit generic; however, it can be worked upon. You will also need to highlight your short and long-term goals and elaborate on how a deferred MBA from a top B-school will help you achieve them.

To answer your question, GMAT is one of the parameters which AdComs look for in an application and not the sole one. Your GMAT of 720 is decent and can be easily compensated with an overall excellent profile. We think you should go ahead with your current score for the admission process.

You may also read our article on The complete guide to Top Deferred MBA programs, to gain some insights about the program.


Overall your profile seems decent and stands a good chance at the top Deferred MBA program. It all depends on how you demonstrate your fit for the school. In case you have any further questions regarding your profile or the program and would like to have a clear and better discussion about it with our top profile experts, feel free to hop on a call with us. Hence, feel free to schedule a call with us at your convenience.


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iwilldothis101 wrote:Hi, I am a final year engineering student planning to apply to deferred programs of Stanford, Harvard, Wharton. I'd love to get your feedback on my profile and chances of getting in.

1. Background
- Indian Male Engineer
- Final year student pursuing Dual Degree (Bachelors and Masters) in Computer Science & Engineering with a Micro Specialization in AI from one of the top engineering schools (old IIT) in India

2. GMAT: 720 (V39, Q49), IR:8

3. Academic Achievements:
- GPA: 3.8/4.0
- Coursework: CSE & AI (Major Focus) + Finance & Marketing
- Secured Institute Rank 12th among 1465 students in first year (Top 1%)
- Two top-tier publications in the field of AI and NLP
- Received few scholarships and won various case study competitions
- Awarded Institute award for excellent performance in English & Communication course

4. Work Experience (Internships):
- Philips: Developed AI powered software that is currently being used
- Adobe: Publication and Patent
- IBM: Paper under review
- Amazon: Developed algos that led to ~$7.5Mn annual revenue increase (Major highlight/ personal accomplishment for me tbh)
- Will be joining Amazon as an Applied Scientist in July

5. Leadership and Extracurricular Activities:
- Head at Institute's Business Club and speaker at knowledge sessions on AI and ML
- Organized competitions with 3K+ participants from 100+ cities
- Active member of NGO organizations such as Rotaract International Club and Indian Red Cross Society

My GMAT score is quite poor and falls towards the lower end of the spectrum. I had considered retaking the GMAT, but the deadlines are on the 11th, 26th, and 27th of April, so it does not seem possible now.

I am seeking guidance on applying to deferred MBA programs at S/H/W. Given the competitiveness of these programs, I am uncertain whether it is worth applying.

_________________

Thank you all for taking the time to review my profile and share your valuable feedback.

I am considering retaking the GMAT Online Exam on April 24th since the application deadlines are on the 26th and 27th. If I score less than 720, will I be able to send my earlier GMAT Online Exam score of 720?

PS: My last attemt was on 8th April

GeneralEducation wrote:Hello iwilldothis101

It can be tough but not impossible. The average score of your listed Schools is 730+. Your GMAT is decent but it can be tough when compared to the rest of the applicant pool. But it’s just not the numbers game that can convert you to admit. If I were you I would not risk retaking GMAT again with the current score being 720. Your years of experience in Amazon and Philips look good considering your career achievements. As your current profile looks good apply for most schools listed there, but be sure on selecting the right program to help you in achieving your post-MBA goal.

Thanks GeneralEducation for your reply! Could you please elaborate on the 'risk' associated with retaking GMAT?