The most critical step before one starts application is doing the profile fitment. But this process is being not given that importance by most of the advisors which really doesn't help the aspirant. The short listing of the schools is very critical and one must get engaged with the people whom the advisories are been sought. If the process is flawed then no one can help you get into the school and the fault is on the applicant. You must get details on why a school is being picked?
I do advise to get the maximum engagement on the school fitment viz a viz profile. One should look at following attributes:
Academic Background
Professional Background
Your Score
Career Goals and aligning them with
School Specialization
Researching on the school
Go through the Entire Core Curriculum of the school
Electives
Clubs
and then decide on whether the school offers you the experience which will make you realize your career goals.
Getting into the Ivy League schools is being considered to be the most difficult thing to think. The aspirants are always made to think like that. Looking for academic advancement through a formal management degree can't be a decision which is influenced by people who are going ahead. But one needs to plan the MBA from a Ivy League school globally. It is very critical to know about your own self on the following parameters:
Academic Background
Professional Background with emphasis on traits like Teamwork, Leadership, Maturity and Initiative. Also to be looked at is the philanthropy and/or Community Service Experience.
A Good GMAT Score
Top Schools in US are very much putting emphasis on GMAT score but that doesn't mean with Low GMAT one can't get into the top schools. The subjective factors are very important as well. It is been seen that the Low GMATers are not advised to apply for the top schools. I strongly feel that GMAT is just one factor and emphasis is given to what you have done and who you are? The admission Committe does keep these factors in mind.
The employability factor of Indian applicants is also guaged during the process of screening by the AdCom. If AdCom finds that employability can be a concern then also it is difficult to get into the good schools even if one offers a great profile.
There are options available for fresh graduates from Top Schools with good GMAT score. Other than the MBA programs the applicants can look at options in HBS 2+2 and YALE Silver Scholar program.
Please note while applying to schools globally don't do the very common mistake of writing similar stuff for all school essays. This is very critical in letting you a chance of making it into the league which most of the professionals are dreaming about.
