If you are coming across this term for the first time, it’s not really something to rejoice. But, as always, cracking a top MBA is about being prepared. So, now that you are going to learn about one of the most saturated pools of MBA applicants (which you probably belong to), you will have a better chance at getting into your target B-schools!
Let’s first understand what this archetype really stands for.
Are all Indian IT Male MBA Applicants from India the same?
Of course not! No two individuals in this world are the same. But, in the eyes of the admissions committees of top B-schools, you are Indian guy who scores 720+ on GMAT, has work experience in global IT companies, an engineering degree and same old story in his MBA applications. Sad but true, you are going to be one in a million pool of such applicants.
But, if we were to break it down even further, we can have 4 different types of Indian IT male MBA applicants:
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- The corporate ladder climber
- The life measurer
- The confused guy
- The one who runs behind nothing but a GMAT score
You need to step out of these zones starting right now if you want to ensure that you get an admit to a top B-school in USA or Europe. Genuinely introspect! Have a good clarity on what career you are targeting post-MBA. Just because you are in the IT does not mean MBA is the next step. Admission committees will see through a blank but heavily worded application in minutes and you will not get a seat.
You can also improve your profile by enhancing your leadership skills. Even if you are not in a lead position, you can take initiative in projects to highlight this. This is one of the easiest ways to stand out in a saturated pool. Also, don’t do cliche extracurricular just to enhance your resume. Look at things that genuinely excite you and do 1-2 solid things there. In the end, it all boils down to how clearly and strongly you are putting your story in the applications. This is where an expert MBA admission consultant can help you!
What makes an Indian IT male MBA applicant stand out?
If you have worked in a blue chip company it will help a lot in your application. Especially if your company is F100 or even F500, you have a very clear chance of being taken seriously. For smaller companies, working with international clients will help, as will having foreign work experience — client work and what have you. Either way, make sure that you thoroughly explain your role, projects, and how they have prepared you for your post-MBA role.
You may also need to adjust your score based on demographic factors, that is, the large applicants’ pool combined with uniformity having Engineering as professional background. Experts suggest adjusting your score down by about 20 points. Thus, for applying to a school with a 690 average, you will need to score 710 to get a good chance at acceptance.
Take a look at the below to know the average GMAT score requirements of the top B-schools:
| B-School | Average GMAT Score 2018 |
| University of Chicago – Booth School of Business | 730 |
| Kellogg School of Management | 732 |
| Harvard Business School | 730 |
| University of Pennsylvania – Wharton School | 732 |
| Stanford University – Graduate School of Business | 737 |
| UCLA – UCLA Anderson School of Management | 715 |
| University of Virginia – Darden School of Business | 713 |
| Columbia Business School | 725 |
| INSEAD | 709 |
| London Business School | 708 |
| IE Business School | 685 |
| SDA Boconni | 665 |
| IESE Business School | 681 |
| Esade Business School | 665 |
| ESMT Berlin | 638 |
However, good GMAT scores are only part of the process. Just because you have high scores it does not ensure you a seat in any of these B-schools. The schools take into consideration several other factors including educational and industry background. Thus even with a GMAT score of 770, if you lack work experience with a reputed company or have graduated from a relatively unknown university, you may not make it. On the other hand, with work experience in a well-known consulting firm or bank and an IIT degree or equivalent, schools may offer you a place, even if you have somewhat lower scores.
You should be able to stand out in some way through some sort of innovative voluntary work or interests. Here the trick is to adjust your expectations according to your background and apply to more B-Schools with a broader range of selectivity.
Further tip
When you are targeting top B-schools; simply a good GMAT score and work experience is not enough! You need to start the process really early, and you need to make sure that you create an understanding of the transformative experience that a top-tier MBA program in USA or Europe will provide.
Start by building networks. Networking is an important part of learning about the program you will be applying to. Attend their webinars, try to build a line of conversation with ex-students and faculty, and also visit the campus if possible. If you can get in touch with an alumnus of your target B-schools who was in a position similar to you, it will allow you to understand what is exactly required to crack the application process.
Most importantly, remember that MBA is a means to an end. So, when you are trying to get into an MBA program that selects the best of the best you need to know why you want it and how it will help you. A very common question asked during the application process is why you have selected a particular program. And in such a case an understanding of your long-term and short-term goals is necessary.
The application questions are the perfect way to make your applications stand out. They give you an opportunity to portray your strengths. Here’s a quick look at how the best answers look like when attempting a top B-schools.
In this video below an IT male applicant from India who cracked top B-schools shares his experience, so make sure to watch it!
