Seeking advice regarding b-schools to apply to

Ikukuoma hope you are doing great and many many congratulations on the stellar score!

Something tells me you have not done enough research on the schools. To even give you a recommendation for a school, we would need to know more about your professional background and your goal of getting an MBA. Believe me when I say that you should take time to evaluate post-MBA career opportunities in line with what you have accomplished so far, even if that takes a little more time to compile the list of target schools. Also consider where you want to be geographically, and then research the best B-schools in that region.

Hope you can share more about yourself for us to guide you better.

Best wishes

Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

Thanks for your response. Below are more details.

Undergrad Degree: Electrical Engineering
GPA: 2.89/4.0
Work Exp: 9yrs (3 Companies: Power, Tech, Aviation)
Post-MBA Goals: My shot term goals is transitioning from a technical role to a business leadership position within the next 3-5 years. In the future, i look forward to starting my own company with Strategy, FinTech, Consulting being my industry of interest inline with my career goals of becoming a leader in the technology industry.

Looking forward to your response.

Hi Ikukuoma,

You have quite a GRE score. Well done!

We always recommend students apply in R1 and R2 intake as the chances of admission are higher for international students.

At this point, a detailed profile evaluation session with our MBA experts will help you make a guided and informed decision. Our MBA consultants have helped ample applicants to submit successful applications to leading business schools.

You can schedule a Free call with our MBA experts here.

Additionally, you can also call us at +91 77807 69732

Ikukuoma glad you shared more details. Interestingly, I am a fellow electrical engineer

I like the fact that you have gained cross-industry experience. Highlight this diversity in your applications and emphasize the unique insights from each area, especially the problems you have observed and solved that motivate you to pursue a leadership position where you take responsibility for a vision for the company. As for the long-term goal - I think the motivation comes across better in the essays if you take the time to think and write about what kind of company you would start. Since you have used several buzzwords here - strategy, fintech, consulting - it seems like you do not have a clear direction, which is fine, but at least show the underlying motivation for why you want to work in the fintech space - maybe you want it to strengthen the economy in Nigeria, or maybe strategy because you want to provide consulting services to small family businesses in an emerging market. Find the hook for your story.

If you are interested in the US, pick 5 schools and keep the list to a mix of approachable and safe schools. For example, choose Ross and Haas (as "reach schools") and Tepper, Georgetown, Fischer and Olin as "safe schools". You can add more schools, but this could affect the quality of the application. If you are aiming for the UK/EU, HEC and IMD would be a good choice. Add Oxford and Cambridge too. You can also consider INSEAD, but it would be a reach school.

Best wishes

Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

Hello Ikukuoma,

I hope you are doing well. Congratulations on your GRE score of 335! That's an impressive achievement. Given your background in Electrical Engineering, 9 years of work experience in diverse industries, and clear post-MBA goals, you have a strong profile.

Duke University - Fuqua School of Business:
Duke's Fuqua School is known for its strong finance and consulting programs.
They also have a strong focus on technology and entrepreneurship, which aligns with your career goals.
Duke often values work experience and leadership, which are strengths in your profile.

University of Michigan - Ross School of Business:
Ross is known for its action-based learning and strong emphasis on leadership development.
Their MAP (Multidisciplinary Action Project) could be beneficial for your goals.
Ann Arbor's proximity to the tech hub in Detroit could be advantageous.

Carnegie Mellon University - Tepper School of Business:
Tepper has a strong reputation in technology management and analytics.
Your engineering background aligns well with their strengths.
The Tepper School is also known for its analytical approach to management.

University of Virginia - Darden School of Business:
Darden is known for its case method approach, emphasizing practical application of business concepts.
They have a strong general management focus, which could complement your technical background.
Charlottesville offers a great environment for learning and networking.

Indiana University - Kelley School of Business:
Kelley is known for its strong finance and entrepreneurship programs.
They have a strong global focus, which aligns with your interest in consulting and strategy.
The MBA program places a significant emphasis on teamwork and leadership.

University of Texas at Austin - McCombs School of Business:
McCombs is known for its strong ties to the technology industry.
Austin is a growing tech hub, and McCombs has a strong network in the region.
They value diversity in their class, and your international background could be an asset.

Tailor your application materials to highlight your strengths and address any concerns about your GPA.

Best of luck with your applications!

We offer a limited number of complimentary profile evaluations each week. We match you with the students and alums of top B-Schools according to your background and target schools. In this call, the experts will try to dig out your USP for top B-schools and provide you with honest feedback on your profile and chances to your target schools.

Book a free profile evaluation call now with Alums and Current students of top B-schools.

MBA and Beyond

Thanks for the responses and recommendations.
I am better guided with these.

I will also like to ask, what are the possibilities of getting good funding for R3 MBA applicants?

Best regards.

Hello Ikukuoma,

Chances of funding in R3 will not be very high; hence, if you are looking at funding, you must look at applying for the first round of the next intake.

Thanks.

Ikukuoma:

I'm surprised it hasn't been mentioned above, but you really should wait for R1/R2 of the coming application season instead of R3 of this year. Not only does funding "dry up" for all students, but your chances of getting in period also decrease significantly.

Lastly, you really need to first start with creating a list of schools that would be a good fit. Part of that is determining where you have a shot based on your credentials. The GMAT is just one of several components. It's important, but it's not a sole determinant of your chances.

Speak to a few consultants to go over your background, convey your interests, and identify which company/individual will be help you optimize your chances in this process.

https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/

Ikukuoma,

R3 is a very competitive round due to limited seats. Hence, to get good funding, better is to apply in the R1 intake.

Do connect with our MBA consultants team so they can guide you and help you strategize and make sound decisions.

You can schedule your free call here
Connect with our MBA team via call at +91 7780769732