Hi

I’m Sandeep. I’m interested in doing my MBA from the UK. My profile is as follows:
- 7 years 10 months experience in IT
- Working as a Solutions Architect in Pre-sales with DXC Technology (formed by merger of CSC & HPE)
- Working on Cloud Projects
- Have done AWS, ITIL and IBM AIX certifications
- GMAT- 640
- I have learned German and Spanish

- Non-profit experience: I have been an active member of a committee that runs a local girls school and have been a part of volunteering work for years.

- I also happen to have some experience in Marketing as I have done some projects (unpaid, freelance basis) in a startup that focuses on marketing and brand management.

I will be applying for 2019 intake.

So far my options are :

Alliance Manchester Business School (my top priority)
Imperial College Business School
Edinburgh University Business School

I’m confused at the moment and disappointed too as I can’t apply to the some other good business schools because of my low GMAT. I can’t retake it as I got 640 in my fourth attempt.
Please help!

Thanks

[Edited by Sandyyy on Jul 08, 2018]

These are three good options and you have them ranked correctly.

Hi Duncan

Thanks for your input.

With my profile that I have mentioned above, what do you think are my chances of getting a call from any of them ?

Thanks

Your GMAT is around the average for those schools, and your length work experience helps. You are part of a large group of Indian men in IT who are over-represented in the applicant pool, so it's hard. In particular Edinburgh will want to see leadership experience, not just work experience. You will be a stronger candidate if you apply early. Maybe consider Bath, Durham or Lancaster as alternatives.

Hi Duncan
Though I am working on my essays, I am kind of worried about the length of my experience. Do you think that 8 years of experience can go against me while applying for Manchester or Imperial MBA ?

Also, what are my options outside the UK? How is Vlerick Business School ?or ESMT Berlin ? How is HEC Montreal? I am very confused and anxious at the moment.
Please revert.
Thanks

Look at the average age of the cohort. My guess is that eight years is not an issue that those schools if other things are good. If you speak Dutch, German and/or French then Vlerick, ESMT and HEC Montréal are also great schools.

Personally I think that Manchester is the best fit for you from these schools. Since you speak German, I would also look at Mannheim and WHU.

Are you not considering any schools in Spain? (since you speak Spanish..)

Why not Case city university London. Anybody has any idea how is it compared to above stated universities for an international student

If you look at the FT ranking Cass comes in better than Imperial and Edinburgh but not as well as Manchester. I'd say that's a good guide for most applicants (although there are some exceptions, for instance if you wanted to work in Scotland...)

What are your career goals?