Profile evaluation request - Stanford MSx program

[vinodm]

Hi,

I am an Indian male with the following profile:

Education:
Masters in Computer Science (GPA 3.9)

Work Experience (12+ years):
- I currently work as a Group Product Manager in Marketing department of a Fortune 150 company. I manage a team that is responsible for strategy and product management for a key market segment (over $200 million in yearly revenue)
- Previously worked at Microsoft (Program Manager), Unisys & Tata Infotech (Sr. Systems Engineer & Onsite co-ordinator)
- I co-founded an e-commerce startup after my MS. I was chief architect and CEO of that company. We eventually shutdown after a year of being in business.

GMAT: 680 (Q46, V38, AWA-6.0)

I would like to apply to the Stanford MSx program for Experienced leaders. My interests lie in entrepreneurship and based on my extensive research of all the programs, I've come to a conclusion that the Stanford program is the best suited for me for a variety or reasons:
1. Culture fit at Stanford (Entrepreneurship based, technology oriented, West coast mentality :-) )
2. MSx being an immersive program where I can choose electives from GSB
3. Accelerated 1 year program

What I plan to get out of the MBA is solid leadership skills and a kick start to go back to building my own business. In one of the essays, I plan to emphasize on what went wrong in my first attempt with building my startup, how I've grown and what I expect to get out of this course.

I understand that my GMAT score is not very good. But, I am hoping that I will be able to offset that with a good application (essay and recos). Looking forward to hearing your comments and feedback on this. Happy to provide additional details if need be.

[mbamissionjenK]

Hello,

Thanks for posting, and for the level of detail and info that you plan to provide on the application which is helpful.

Based on the info you provided, overall it sounds as though you have a strong profile for the MSx program. I wouldn't say the GMAT is a problem; the median last year was 690 for the MSx so you're right in that range. You have an appropriate quantity and quality of work experience for the program, plus strong academics. Be sure to really showcase past examples of leadership in your application as Stanford is looking for that, as well as ways you've motivated others over your career, and made an impact.

If you do a good job explaining your story, through strong essays and interview, you could have a good shot... just keep in mind that it's a small program, so extremely competitive, with lots of applicants... so it's never going to be a sure-thing. But I think you have the right idea in terms of connecting your past with what you've learned, with what you plan to do next after this degree. Be sure to get some feedback on your essay drafts to see how they come across and if the story overall makes sense, whether that be from an admissions consultant or at least colleagues with b-school experience preferably. Good luck and keep us posted!

[vinodm]

Thanks, Jennifer.

I did consider employing the services of an admissions/application consultant for reviewing my application package (specifically, my essays). I looked for someone with specific experience & with successful clients who were admitted into this program, but, I was unable to find anyone. I am currently enjoying the process of writing the essay as it has provided me with the opportunity to look back at my life/career. I intend to write all the essays and then possibly get it reviewed by someone for concision/clarity of thought. I do not want to leave any stone unturned for this application since this is the only program I plan to apply for.

I greatly appreciate your feedback and your views on the GMAT score gives me greater confidence. I also understand that their acceptance rate is in the lower single digits and hence going to be very competitive. But, I'll give it my all and see what happens. I'll keep this thread posted for anyone interested.

Thanks,
Vinod

[mbamissionjenK]

Hi Vinod,

Sounds good, and you have a good attitude about it all. ;) Please let us know if we can help any further. Generally the feedback you get from an admissions consultant will be very focused on
a) helping with the brainstorming process, and to identify key experiences you may want to highlight and identify key themes about your life and what makes you unique,
b) reflecting back to you what impressions you are conveying within your proposed essays
c) providing feedback on the actual writing, organization and presentation of yourself through the essays
d) providing feedback on how compelling your stories of why you want this degree, and why this program is best for, are

All of which an experienced admissions consultant can definitely do whether it's an MBA or MSx, just something to keep in mind. ;) In any case I definitely encourage you to get feedback from multiple people (on your essays)-- consider someone who knows you well, so they can comment on whether the essays reflect you and your traits; someone who DOESN'T know you, so you can ask what these essays say about the person who wrote them; someone who knows business schools well; and someone who is a good writer!!

Good luck and keep us posted!