Welcome to MBA Simplified…
Hey all MBA aspirants,
I am starting this blog to answer any questions you guys might have regarding admission to b-schools. I went through this process myself before getting into UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, and I understand how stressful it can be. There are too many people asking questions and very few answering them.
So feel free to ask questions about profile evaluations, essays, basically anything and everything about the admissions process.
To ask a questions, scroll down and “leave a comment”. It usually takes me about a week to get to your posts. UNC ppl are keeping me busy 
Good luck to all of you, hope you all get into your dream schools.
Anshul 
Hi,
I read your comment of PagalGuy.com and so am posting here. My profile is:
Undergrad major: Computer Science
GMAT: 690
GPA: 3.20
Work Experience: 4 years
I worked at Infosys since my graduation and now I plan to do my MBA. Please let me know what colleges do you think I should apply in.
Sakshi Gupta
August 25, 2008 at 4:15 am
Sakshi,
I would need more information regarding your LT goals to be able to suggest better schools. You come from the highly competitive IT pool, so you will have to work really hard on differentiating your application.
You can realistically look at the 15-25 ranked schools.
hope this helps. and spread the word
Anshul
mbasimplified
August 25, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Anshul,
My Profile – 740, 5 years with Tata Steel, 2 promotions, on the board of an NGO that helps animals.
Interests – marketing / industry finance (still deciding).
What schools should I consider?
Regards,
Raghu
Raghu
September 5, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Raghu,
Sorry for the late response. Your work ex is different than an average indian applicant, which will work in your favor.
You can safely look at the top 20 schools. I would suggest that you make up your mdin about marketing or finance, cuz that will change the schools you might wanna look at. I would suggest the following:
Stretch: Chicago, Stern
Realistic: Cornell, CMU
Safe: Rochester, Maryland
lemme know if you need more help.
mbasimplified
September 12, 2008 at 5:23 pm
hiiiii…..
i dont know mere is post se kya hoga …. i hope kuch kharab impression nahi jaae… this is a nice way to communicate to u…. mujhe laga tha aap to chod doge u r so busy.. its good that ur replying … aur kya
bholu
September 23, 2008 at 1:12 pm
thanks for responding to my Query at pagalguy.
I m posting the same query here too.
Plz suggest some names of the realistic and safe B-schools for me.
I need an honest opinion from you. I am a doctor (MBBS) by profession with 4+ yrs of work-ex by fall 2010 (including internship) and aspire to do MBA from one of the top 15 B-schools in US.
My GMAT Score is 720 [V35, Q51]
AWA 3.5
Almost all of my work-ex [till now] are in a small town clinic in bihar. I do have some community service under my belt too, both during my college days and working days: namely tsunami fund raising and flood relief during surat floods, ngo service etc. My college acads are a little below average to be honest and my college is a govt medical college, virtually unknown to the US adcom.
Please suggest some realistic and safe B-Schools options for me, considering my profile and assuming that I DONT have any compunctions with not working in Healthcare Sector post MBA. A general MBA wouldn’t hurt me either.
Any word of caution wud be highly appreciated.
PS : I would also appreciate any sort of feedback…regarding improving my profile for the 1 year i have…or any thing even unrelated.
Also please answer -
Shud I join a corporate hospital in a big city like delhi to improve my profile forthe 1 yr that i have?
Shud I give GMAT again aiming 760+ and a better AWA?
nyz
September 27, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Hi Anshul,
This is simulacra from PG. Further to the follow-up from the post at pagalguy, what in your opinion, do you think will be realistic and safe schools.
Besides, do you think I should re-take my GMAT and aim for a higher score, to go for my “stretch” schools. Kindly let me know.
Thanks once again !
Nirmal
September 28, 2008 at 8:30 am
Hi Anshul,
Thanks for your response to my post on PG.
I have a few more questions on KFBS – the student life at KFBS, the mode of teaching, the diversity and stuff like that… we read a bout it on the website.. but I thought I might get a better perspective from you as you are experiencing e’thing there….
Please let me know if I can email my questions to you.
Thanks!
Lakshmi
Lakshmi
September 29, 2008 at 5:53 am
@nyz
No, you do not need to relocate to a bigger city. Experience of a small city is just as valuable.
Yes, do retake your GMAT to improve your score.
@Nirmal,
While it is not a bad idea to aim for your stretch schools, please be aware that due to the financial turmoil applications to b schools are rising as people are out of jobs. So I would strongly rec having a couple backups in place.
@Lakshmi,
That will be a long answer. There are things I like and things I dont about the program. Things that I like include a very good program and a lot of focus of soft skills rather than just numbers and quant. skills. Things I dont like include, not many recruiters are hiring international students. You can blame the financial crisis for that but I feel the school shares a part of the blame too. This year we have a new Career Person, let us see if he can turn things around.
hope this helps.
mbasimplified
September 29, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Hi Anshul,
my profile:
female
IT – working with HSBC
3-4 yrs exp
yet to take GMAT (nov) – expected score 700+
actively involved in community service
I am planning to start working on my essays as i am preparing for GMAT since i plan to apply in KF i round 2 – dec 5th. Does my approach sound odd? i had my reasons to take this up though…..can u please have a look at my essays for KF? mayb u can gimme some inputs on what feel u get from my essays.
thanks
SV
October 2, 2008 at 2:20 pm
forgot to add that my B.E. score was 70% …. no GPA
SV
October 2, 2008 at 2:21 pm
@SV,
Your profile looks good. I can def look at your essays. I will be extremely busy for the next 15 days. Anytime after that should be fine.
Anshul
mbasimplified
October 2, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Hi Anshul,
Will send you my resume only after reviewing it at least 3 times…. so i wont be disturbing u for the next 15 days
…. do let me know where to mail u.
SV
SV
October 3, 2008 at 2:19 pm
@SV… thanks for understanding. I think I have your email. I will send u an email so that way you can get my email id. Dont want to post it here otherwise i will get a lotttt of emails.
Alright off to take a final. wish me luck!
mbasimplified
October 4, 2008 at 11:56 am
Anshul…. all the best buddy… bye bye
SV
October 4, 2008 at 1:26 pm
hi anshul
i got your contact through chopras and would like your advice for my son who wants to persue engineering in us university where he can get scholarships.he scored 90%in class x and is presenyly in xIIgrade
anita batra
October 8, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Hi Anshul
Got your reference through Chopra’s
My Profile: Chem Engg – Workin with Reliance Industries Limited 4-5 Yrs exp
Would like to do MBA in International Business
Kindly suggest some good IB colleges of US.
Vibhu Rastogi
October 15, 2008 at 2:14 pm
@Ms. Anita
Information you have given me is not enough to give you a list of schools. Please give me the SAT score of your son and what kind of engg he wants tu pursue like electrical, mechanical, etc.
@Vibhu
I feel you have a fair chance at Hult. Thunderbird might be a stretch but give it a shot. Do you feel retaking the GMAT will help you get a higher score? If yes take the GMAT again and with a score of 630-650 you will be all set for thunderbird. Also check out Temple University.
hope this helps
mbasimplified
October 16, 2008 at 12:22 am
hi anshul…
just posting my profile from PG to make u able to rememeber me ..
I am a Chartered Accountant and a Cost Accountant ( both First attempt) by profession, i have around 50 months of workex till now and plan to apply 2 following schools in fall 09.
Giving my GMAT in Dec 08
wharton/GSB chicago/columbia/NYU stern/YALE/Cornell/Simon
I am also a certified assesor by CII ( confederation of indian industries) and a certified treasury manager by catalyst consulting group.
Work exp
Was into treasury and forex, financial planning and Analysis, derivatives, product control ( from manufacturing company to TOP I banks).
Has around 8 months of international work in whole Europe and Newyork helped in migration of processes from abroad.
Extra curricular/Community service
Was a school leader and college leader.
represented my school and college in inter college cricket
Stated a group called “Mavericks” consisting of all F1 fans . i was the one of the guys who started it in 2000
helped our office staff to effectively use the paper.
Is a member of our society committee which helps in the day 2 day management of things in our apartments,
Community service
worked with an NGO – sponsored by our company, during the Tsunami ( nagapatanam )
Stated a group in our locality to help people understand the effective and efficient usage of water and helped in putting thru a rain water harvesting plant in the locality.
working with underpriveleged children for their rehabilitation and education.
Post MBA goals.
I want to get into front end Investment banking/PE/hedge funds,work in M&A . Hence i want to apply to schools which are good in finance.
i am planning to apply to only top 20 schools and not beyond that… please let me know what do u think and what are the areas i need to concentrate in my profile..
sudhir
November 5, 2008 at 12:36 pm
@sudhir
Your profile looks fantastic. I dont really have anything to add. Just make sure you contact alumni and current students of schools you are interested in. This shows your interest in the schools and mention them in your essays.
Hope this helps.
Anshul
mbasimplified
November 6, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Hi Anshul,
Got your reference from Sudhir. Here is my profile:
I am a doctor (female), graduated from one of India’s top 5 medical schools. Worked in the Indian Army for 6 years and resigned as a Major. A major portion of this was in Counter-Insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir. Was selected for a UN Mission, to represent India. At one point of time was the only lady officer responsible for all administrative work in a Unit in the Indian Army.
Am planning to take my GMAT this december. I am primarily looking at General Management schools. What are the schools that you recommend, and what is your suggestion? How should I go about it?
mayuri
November 7, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Thanks a lot anshul for the quick reply … to be very fair to you i was neve rlooking @ UNC untill i read an article abt it on BW, i tred to do some reaseach on it and how its fits me .. and then i realised that i donthave to .. as u r there
I chked their website for curriculuma and placements ..looks attractive but very little on the companies which come for placements,infact i dint get their placement report ( in pdf) ,
As u know i am interested in Finance .. and u are there .. seen it .. it would be gr8 if u can help me som eof the companies and type of roles .. i m looking only at I banking , PE and hedge funds .. also @ treasury sales & trading roles..
As always thx a lot for all ur help .. looking fwd to ur reply ..
Sudhir
sudhir
November 8, 2008 at 5:27 am
@Mayuri,
I cant remember if I emailed you already, so m writing here again. Your profile is just fan-freaking-tastic. One of the best I have come across this fall. You should leverage your military background in your essays and the interview. Ppl just love that. Score a 700+ and you will have a shot at the top 10 schools. You can even take a shot at h/s/w if you score well on the GMAT. make sure u get at least one LOR from your army folks. best of luck. hpe this helps.
@sudhir,
the financial industry today is in deeeeep trouble… having said that, there are still jobs available. Companies that are coming to campus include: Bank of america, wachovia, amex, credit suisse, Bain, etc. I am not a finance guy so wont be able to help you with job descrptions… but a google search might make it much clear.
Thanks:)
mbasimplified
November 15, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Anshul,
Thank you for the suggestions.Really appreciate you taking time out for the reply.
mayuri
November 17, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Dear Anshul,
I got your reference through Priyanka.
My Profile: Male, Supply Chain/IT background. Working in the US with a major Supply Chain firm since the last 3 years. Looking for a part-time weekend program to suit my current job. I’m an average student and GMAT was also average. I don’t need to be in the top 10-20 schools, but looking for a good well known MBA program. Any suggestions?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanks!
Ankit
November 25, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Dear Ankit,
Sorry the for late reply. I was very busy with finals and internship applications. I would suggest that you re-take GMAT as it might drastically improve your chances at better schools. Good part time schools are:
CMU Tepper, UCLA, Emory, SMU Cox, OSU, Georgia State.
hope this helps.
mbasimplified
December 20, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Dear Anshul,
I am an MBA aspirant keen to apply to US business schools.I got your reference from Ms Garima Nalwa from N & N Chopra Consultants Pvt Ltd and hence seek your guidance for US business schools applications.Mr. Anshul, I have some queries and I would be highly obliged if you can clear my doubts.First, I will tell you briefly about my profile.
I am an engineering graduate with a first class degree from Pune,India.I have around three years of experience,two years in banking(ICICI Bank Ltd) and presently in a small management consultancy firm.I have scored 640 in GMAT and 106 in TOEFL.I had managerial experience in the bank. I am intending to apply to b schools with specialties in Finance or consultancy.
Now
1.On the basis of my profile,what good b schools can I apply to?
2.I had taken GMAT more than once.Which B schools consider an average or the best score?
3. Does my applying in the second deadline weakens my application to these B schools(based on my profile)?
4. My budget for the program is within Rs 25 Lakhs. Based on my profile, do I stand a chance to receive any financial help like scholarships or fellowships from US universities? Are there any other sources of financial help?
5.What are the placement opportunities in US in financial services for international students(taking the future prospects into consideration)?
6.Are there any international opportunities for the MBA graduates?
I understand that these are very open ended questions but I would really appreciate your time to answer my queries above.
thanks and regards,
Arpit Baijal
Arpit
December 20, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Arpit,
1.On the basis of my profile,what good b schools can I apply to?
INDIANA U, VANDERBILT, SMU COX, PENN STATE.
2.I had taken GMAT more than once.Which B schools consider an average or the best score?
THE BEST SCORE.
3. Does my applying in the second deadline weakens my application to these B schools(based on my profile)?
NOT AT ALL
4. My budget for the program is within Rs 25 Lakhs. Based on my profile, do I stand a chance to receive any financial help like scholarships or fellowships from US universities? Are there any other sources of financial help?
APPLY TO SCHOOLS LIKE UNC, UVA, AND OTHER THAN OFFER 100% LOAN WITHOUT CO-SIGNOR. LITTLE CHANCE FOR FIN AID FOR INTLS.
5.What are the placement opportunities in US in financial services for international students(taking the future prospects into consideration)?
BY THE TIME YOU GRADUATE THINGS WILL BE NORMAL. SO DONT WORRY ABOUT THAT.
6.Are there any international opportunities for the MBA graduates?
ITS USUALLY USA OR INDIA. COMPANIES HERE WILL HIGHER YOU IN THE US AND THEN SEND U TO INDIA.
mbasimplified
December 20, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Suggestion of schools:
Gmat: 690
pre MBA experience (length and level – for eg manager, project lead): 5 yrs as of nov 2008
Embedded software..senior software engineer.
post mba industry you want to be in:management consultancy (focus on strategy)(or it consultancy)/bdm ..long term entrepreneurship or corporate strategy
any social work: nothing much other than blood donation and teaching comp and spoken english for few months to slum children
I have no co-signer and Indian loans could be only upto 20lak..have around 10lak in savings.
Rk
December 20, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Hey all,
I want to thank you all for posting messages on the blog and hope I answered your questions to your satisfaction. I realize that I was not able to keep up with all the messages I got on this blog, PG and my email. I still have about more than 100 emails in my inbox that I have to paste here with my answers to them.
For the next admission season, I will assign one day every week to answer posts and will spend more time. First few months of the MBA have been veryyyyy busy.
Once again, thank you all and good luck with your MBAs.
Thanks,
Anshul
mbasimplified
March 12, 2009 at 1:46 am