Profile evaluation - want to go for a 2nd MBA

[sentipayal]

I am scheduled to take GMAT by end of Feb 2011. I have zeroed in to five B-schools I would like to apply to... London Business School, INSEAD, Harvard, Stanford and Columbia. I want to apply for the class of 2013.

I believe I have a good profile as such. Academically I have >3 GPA. Have done Chartered Accountancy and MBA from India. Having worked for 5yrs now, I have varied and good experience with renowned MNCs. Also, I have had a good global experience at work. Currently working as a Senior Business Development manager. I have taught business school aspirants at a coaching class (for CAT and GMAT) in India and have also been a part of youth social organization. I also take / conduct corporate training at my organization.

I want to do another MBA (from a global business school) for the following reasons:
- Need for a 'global and scaled up direction' in life
- Would like to build a learning organization at a global level
- Keen interest in mobilizing people and resources to build a vehicle for social change

Primarily need for an MBA arises from the fact that I want to rise from being successful in India to being successful globally. After having some global exposure during the 5 yrs of experience, this realization has dawned upon me... and excellence is what I seek beyond current limitations.

I have a few questions basis above information:
1. Do you think my rationale for a 2nd MBA along with my profile makes it a well considerable proposition for a business school?
2. What should be the minimum GMAT score I should get to want to apply to the b-schools I mentioned?
3. I prefer 1-yr programs, hence would like to focus more on LBS, Insead, however HBS, Stanford and Columbia are 2 yr programs and I will be able to apply only to the 3rd round of application (deadlines for 1st two rounds have passed)... Should I still apply to these too?
4. Do you think i should consider other b-schools in addition / in lieu of my list?
5. With the large applicant pool from Asia, how would you assess my chances of making it to top 5-10 global business schools?

I have not had much time to prepare for GMAT, hence do not expect extraordinary scores (expect between 650 and 720). But would like to be mentally prepared with whether I should apply to the above business schools and with what minimum scores? I believe I can put up with reasonably good essays and references, GMAT score is my concern though.

Appreciate your views and inputs.

[mbamission]

Hi there,

In regards to your questions:

1.I do think your rationale is well-planned, but you will need to present it very clearly in your essays as it will likely be an uphill climb. Make sure to check that the schools you're interested in will accept applicants who already have an MBA -- some don't.

2. I think you'll want to crack 700 on the GMAT to pursue this strategy, and your case would get stronger with a 720+.

3. Round 3 is traditionally the toughest round to apply in, especially at these top-tier schools. Given your unknown GMAT score, it probably makes most sense to focus on the other two 1-year programs.

4/5 - I'd consider including options in the top-20 range, as they may be more receptive to students seeking a second MBA. Given your timing of being in R3 for this application season, I believe top-10 is a reach.

Best of luck!


Daniel Richards
http://www.mbamission.com

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[sentipayal]

Thanks Daniel!

I do realize that R3 is a stretch and with my profile, probably going for a 1-yr MBA makes more sense (given my prior MBA and my goal for MBA being more inclined towards entrepreneurship / strategy).

I have reviewed my target list for application as follows:
1. London Business School
2. INSEAD
3. IE, Spain
4. Columbia (1yr program)

What are your views on the above? Any other / different schools would you recommend?

Does LBS offer a Jan session MBA in addition to the Sep session? The deadline for LBS R3 (there's an R4 as well) seems to be cutting close.

[mbamission]

Hi again,

The programs you've ID'd are all top-tier, so it's a bit tough to comment on your chances given the wide range in potential GMAT scores you're expecting. I don't have much expertise in 1-year programs, so am unable to provide additional insight into LBS options or other schools. I believe Cornell and Emory have options that could help diversify your chances.

Good luck!