HEC Paris - 02-25-2020 | Clear Admit ApplyWire

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February 24, 2020 9:42pm ET

Applying: HEC Paris, IMD, INSEAD, London Business School

Intake Year: 2021

Pre-MBA Career: Managing partner in a family business

Post-MBA Target Industry: Technology, Undecided Companies: Amazon , Apple , Google , Tesla

GMAT: 710

GPA: 2.5

Years of Work Experience: 12

Location: India

Post MBA Location: London or UAE

Notes:

I am an above average age (33) and above average work-ex (12years) applicant coming from an over-represented pool (Indian male. Non-IT) with very limited social impact. I have 3 years of work-ex as a photographer with the remaining years in a small scale family owned business. I am looking for a change in function and geography post MBA and am not interested in Executive MBA. Kindly advice on my competitiveness at my school of choice and the recommended approach.

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Show Comments (5) Last: March 9, 2020

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1693 Do you know what change you are seeking, what are your post MBA goals? What was your undergrad record, a 2.5 sounds low? How much impact have you had on your family business? With 12 years of experience, you will be somewhat of an outlier. You'll really need to show fit for the programs you apply. (1)

grichmond Verified User. Likes Earned: 1304 I worry that your age and demographic - coupled with academics (GMAT + GPA) that don't stand out from the pack - will make for an uphill battle here. Is 710 your best effort, or do you think you might be able to eek about a few more points on that front? Also, with older applicants, the career goals are often scrutinized based on how realistic they appear. How does your work experience to date make you potentially appealing to the firms you have listed for post-MBA employment? I'd consider working on these aspects before applying... I also recommedn casting a wider net to include additional programs that are potentially one notch below those on your list. The UK has several decent MBA programs beyond LBS, for instance...
(1)

anon11622 Likes Earned: 0 Thank you for your time & inputs. I'm not sure how to translate my reported marks and grades to GPA. Found a few different formulas and approach and landed up with GPA varying from 1.9 to 4. As a worst-case scenario, I have decided to approach admission consultancy with 2.5. GMAT I definitely can improve by 20-30 points. Some family emergency a day prior to GMAT threw me off. Work-ex stories highlight leadership potential as I increased topline and profits by 3-5 times. Prior to joining business, I was a professional photographer with 3 years of experience as a architectural photographer. I'm hoping that adds to the USP. I've concrete post Mba plans and am using them to define fit for the programs. I know the advice comes from a good place, but if I get an MBA this late in day and age, I'd rather get it from the best or not at all. If there's anything else you can guide me with, I welcome the comments. Cheers. (0)

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1693 Do you have a class rank, or other metric to help provide context for your GPA? As an older candidate, "fit" for the programs you apply will be very important. You'll need to show how you will truly engage with the MBA experience. Also be good to apply in Round 1. 20-30 additional points on the GMAT will help, especially if there is a concern with the GPA. (0)

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1693 More details on this candidacy in this episode of Wire Taps: https://www.clearadmit.com/2020/03/episode-88-wire-taps/ (0)