Profile Evaluation

[pattrow.iitm]

I am from India (Chennai) and posses a decent academic record. I had been amongst the top rankers during my Secondary and Higher Secondary education. I did my undergraduate studies from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.

UG Score - 8.59 on 10 (Class of 2009).

I am currently employed as a product development engineer with a leading construction equipment and heavy machinery firm (a US-Fortune 50 company) , having previously interned with a Fortune 500 Petrochemicals major.

I have decent extra-curriculars (National level Bridge player, association with the Scouts Movement, Positions of responsibility during my UG days) and an about average community service background.

I had a few queries.

1) Does an engineering background put me at a disadvantage ? Do I need to look for a work profile more business related in the next few years ?
2) "Ideally", how many years should I give myself before I apply for B Schools ? 3 or more ?
3) What should be the best time to write GMAT ? Now , when I am just out of school and still in touch with the rigors of studying or later. much closer to the actual application date.
4) Do I stand a chance in the top 5 programs considering that I intend to apply with just 2-3 years of work ex ?

[StaceyKoprince]

Great questions! Unfortunately, I'm only qualified to answer the GMAT-related questions. Post your other questions in the Ask An Admissions Consultant section of the forums - they will be able to advise you about admissions-related questions.

3) What should be the best time to write GMAT ? Now , when I am just out of school and still in touch with the rigors of studying or later. much closer to the actual application date.

For the vast majority of people, it's best to take the test while still in school or just after school - while you're still used to studying. The longer it has been since people finished school, the lower the average score on the test. There are a couple of things to think about though:
(1) scores are good for 5 years, so it wouldn't be worth it to take the test now if you're not planning to go back to school for 6 years (doesn't sound like this applies to your situation, though)
(2) you have to make sure you actually have time to study every day for 3-4 months; if you don't really have the time during or right after school, then it's better to wait until you do (though remember that, as people advance in their careers, they tend to get busier!)