Wrapping up Introduction: Global MBA application process

When I began the process of applying to top global MBA programs, the first thing I realized that it was very different from the 'Indian' process.

From primary school, we are brought up with a view that a 'good' student always scores 'high' in tests. The same logic applies to CAT and other Indian MBA entrance tests - if you score high you get IN, if you don't score high you DON'T (generally) get in. This system helped applicants who are naturally good test takers and were strong particularly in quantitative aptitude.

The global application process was much more than just the test (GMAT or GRE). Read this poetsandquantsarticle to know more. 

One had to communicate an impressive and consistent story through various pieces of application such as essays, statement of purpose (SOP), resume, letter of recommendation (LOR). Elements in your profile such as leadership experiences (personal also), extracurriculars, volunteering etc. also are important to the admissions committee. Overall, one had to demonstrate a strong fit with the particular program and clarify how pursuing that program would be the right choice for you personally and professionally.

Given that GMAT has 20-30% weight in the admissions decision, it follows that other parts of applications have 70-80% weight. Thus you don't have to necessarily ace the GMAT (or the GRE) - a decent score with a strong and relevant story can get you an admit as well. This is good news for many applicants who don't necessarily put their best foot forward in standardized entrance tests. 

To cut a long story short, I applied to 6 schools and secured admit in 4 including the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, 2 others in top 10 and a top European MBA program. Applying to these top programs dramatically improved my self awareness. At the time, I became the first person in my family to ever apply and study abroad and it became my passion to share my experience and knowledge with many new applicants to help them become successful. 

Post my Berkeley MBA, I've worked in management consulting in San Francisco, in corporate strategy and marketing in the midwest, enjoyed an exploratory stint with a NY-based investment bank and headed operations and marketing for a billion dollar business in USA. Further, I've been a CXO for several years with leading Indian businesses. The experience has been heady at times and enabled me to achieve my ambitions from a professional standpoint.

Today, I pursue my twin passions with zeal -
1) Helping put India on the global map - I identify promising start-ups/small/medium businesses and help them become successful by guiding them on strategy, operations and finance/funding. I also selectively invest in such companies. I believe that a stronger startup ecosystem will enable us to bring to life future 'Googles' and 'Twitters' of the world. and
2) Help top rung talent from India reach the global stage: I guide limited, talented candidates to apply and secure admits to some of the best global schools.

This blog will primarily be about helping bright individuals get to the schools they deserve. I look forward to sharing my experiences and thoughts and hope that these will help many of you who have embarked on this journey.

For more tips on this or other topics or to get regular updates on new articles, write to me:

sumeet [underscore] verlekar [at the rate] berkeley [dot] edu

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