Advice desperately needed about B-schools..

In My Humble Opinion
1

Dear Dopers,
I have a big problem at hand and was wondering if my latest group of friends would help me out in solving it. So here goes…

I’m interested in applying at some of the better B-schools for an MBA degree (I already have a 3-year bachelors degree in CS coupled with a one-year MBA from one of the most renowned B-schools in my country). First preference would be in the USA, second UK, and third Canada. I would like to know which would be a realistic university to apply to. Some information to help you guys out:

  1. I had a SAT score of 1450, but at that point, my parents didnt want me to live away from them so I didn’t apply anywhere abroad (I’m from Pakistan, FYI)

  2. I had a GPA of 3.11 (Pretty poor, but I was definitly above average in my class)

  3. I had 6 A’s and 3B’s in my O Levels, and 1 A Level ‘A’, one B, 1 E (plain ol’ bad luck) and an A/S Level A.

  4. I was an active participant in numerous sports (cricket, volleyball and table tennis) and social events.

  5. I’m quite good at verbal and math skills, so I think I can get around 700 - 720 in the GMAT after preparation.

  6. Currently, I’m working for a shipping company and I’m sure my boss would give me a kick-ass recommendation any time I want it. The thing is, the job is not very rewarding in terms of monetary compensation.

With the above information in context, I have a few questions,

  1. Do the people applying to the top b-schools have a better ‘rap sheet’ than me?

  2. What schools should I realistically apply to? (I would love to go to NorthWestern / Harvard / other Ivy League univs, but I’m trying to get to a realistic target)

I’m sorry if I sound a little bit desperate, but I’m very worried about my career. Some people might RTFM me, but I’m already researching these univs. Please consider the fact that I want opinions as well as facts, and the SDMB is IMHO the best place to get them.

Please help me… :slight_smile:

2

I think your background should be enough to get into a top 25 school (I wouldn’t recommend going to any school ranked lower than that)

I don’t think a 3.1 will get you into Harvard, Wharton and so on, but there’s no harm in trying.

I would read what Business Week, US News & World Report, Financial Times and Vault.com have to say about various B-School (you can check their websites).

One question though, why are you applying when you hold an MBA already?

3

How’s your work experience? When I got my MBA (11 years ago), most (if not all) candidates had at least 2 years (preferably more) of good experience.

Assuming you have some…

Try for the best schools. Your GMATs should be fine. Your GPA should be good enough for all but the very top. However, it can’t hurt to apply (well, other than the application fee). Actually, I don’t know how they’ll look at your GPA. If it’s not from the US, they may give you more or less leeway.

If you don’t have any work experience (or nothing worthwhile), you may consider applying in a few years after you have that under your belt.

4

Thanks a lot for the feedback guys.

Just wanted to add that if I apply for the Fall 2006 semester, I will have 3 years of experience by then.

Another thing, is there a chance I might get preference because of the diversity issue in US universities? I mean, I do come form a very unique racial and cultural background, (apart from being of the sub continent).