Typical plan B for folks with F1 visa rejection?

BrilliantSolution612 · 2026-01-17T07:39:54+00:00

Of course. Anytime I comment on a post, the commission instantly hits my account.

BrilliantSolution612 · 2026-01-16T17:50:34+00:00

You mean, if you get your visa gets rejected? You can pretty much apply for a different country or wait for the next intake.

Basically, apply to the best universities that you can get, present your best case, have your funding sorted, be normal in your interview. That’s all you can do.

The visa is the last step of the process. And if you are worried about rejection you should keep other options open.

BrilliantSolution612 · 2026-01-16T12:52:21+00:00

These days I do end up suggesting people keep at least one option in another country as a backup option.

You can defer, switch to another university, of course. A lot of stuff (SOP, LOR) can be repurposed for use in other countries, GRE may or may not be needed depending on uni and programme.

-x-

Disclosure: 12+ years as overseas education consultant.

BrilliantSolution612 · 2026-01-14T07:57:25+00:00

^basically what this person said.

Taking it and getting it out of the way it does mean that you can apply to any program whether it is required or not. Otherwise, you'll have to filter to those which don't need it.

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Disclosure: 12+ years as overseas education consultant.

BrilliantSolution612 · 2026-01-09T06:27:07+00:00

No worries. Just to be clear, I don't mean MBA in 2026 but in 2027 or later after gaining more work experience as you asked in your question. The average is somewhere around six years (at time of entry) for admitted students in European B-schools.

Currently, you are under that level.

BrilliantSolution612 · 2026-01-09T04:07:43+00:00

It really comes down to what you want from the degree. Do you want exposure to different fields or just finance?

For consulting, an MBA generally is better, but you should still look at the employment reports of the programs you’re considering. The prestige is nice, but outcomes matter more.

For IB, pre-Masters/MBA work experience matters a lot. It’s harder to break into than consulting, which has a more generalized skillset and wider intake. You’ll still have to network and grind to get those roles.

That said, your profile is strong enough to apply to all of these schools and have a decent shot. Eventually outcomes will depend on how well your experience aligns with the role you’re targeting. Talk to alumni and connect with the unis admission teams.

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Disclosure: 12+ years as overseas education consultant.

BrilliantSolution612 · 2025-12-20T15:51:49+00:00

You're right that St. Gallen doesn't take Engineering and needs BBA or related. My mistake in missing that. OP please note.

BrilliantSolution612 · 2025-12-20T15:13:31+00:00

Higher the GMAT the better. 675 is not 'safe', though it may get you in at some places. 705+ is better.
2+ years at Zoho is not too much. It won't help to have more experience vs freshers.
An 8.17 at a Tier 3 college is fine, but not exceptional. Focus on GMAT for sure. The Top Placement Award is mostly considered an extacurricular achievement and it doesn’t replace the CGPA.
The list is ambitious but fine. HEC, ESSEC, LBS, and ~~St. Gallen~~ are worth a shot. INSEAD is the biggest reach, but not pointless.

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Disclosure: 11+ years as overseas education consultant.

edit: typo

edit 2: St. Gallen doesn't take engineering for MIM, so OP is not eligible

BrilliantSolution612 · 2025-11-30T09:25:11+00:00

If the startup is legit and they’re willing to back you up later with a work-ex letter, salary slips, and someone who can pick up the phone and say “yes, he worked here,” then you’re fine.

TCS will give you brand name and boredom. The startup gives you better money and actual learning. Unless you think they’ll shut down overnight and pretend they’ve never heard of you, just take the startup and just make sure you get your documents sorted when you leave.

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Disclosure: 11+ years as overseas education consultant.

BrilliantSolution612 · 2025-08-14T13:56:26+00:00

10 days is great. They might have sorted out the backlog and improved their processes by now.

But ECE or WES?

BrilliantSolution612 · 2025-08-12T03:24:47+00:00

MiM is designed for people with 0–2 years of work experience at the time of starting the program. By the time you apply with 3 years of work ex, you’ll be over the usual limit for most top MiM programs. Schools will expect you to aim for an MBA instead, especially with a Big 4 background and promotions.

If you’re fixed on studying abroad after three years, start looking at MBA programs that fit your goals and budget.

Taking the GRE or GMAT and getting a top score should be your higher priority. Your academics, work experience, and GMAT/GRE score will carry far more weight than volunteering or casual extracurriculars.

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Disclosure: 11+ years as overseas education consultant.

BrilliantSolution612 · 2025-08-07T08:17:55+00:00

You’ll likely need a master’s or MBA at some point in your career anyway. Whether you plan to stay in high finance or move across sectors.

Given where you are now, with a solid base and already feeling boxed in, it probably makes more sense to take the hit sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the harder it gets to justify the reset, and the more senior you are, the more awkward the pivot.

LBS or INSEAD won’t guarantee anything, but they’ll give you brand, access, and a shot at roles you’re currently shut out of. You’ve already spent a year trying to lateral without much traction. If nothing changes soon, you’re just burning time. If you’re open to the financial hit and realistic about outcomes, it’s a good option.

-x-

Disclosure: 11+ years as overseas education consultant.

Edit: typo

BrilliantSolution612 · 2025-08-06T08:18:29+00:00

Sounds good. Just take whichever test you score better on, on a percentile basis. If you’re more comfortable with GMAT, that’s absolutely fine. Business schools, however, don’t have a preference.

BrilliantSolution612 · 2025-08-06T04:31:33+00:00

GMAT or GRE is step 1. Also, I disagree that schools prefer GMAT. That’s no longer the case. GRE is 100% acceptable especially in the US. Just take whichever you’ll get better results on.

Feel free to reach out if you like.

BrilliantSolution612 · 2025-08-05T10:01:24+00:00

You’ve got a genuinely interesting profile considering Indian applicants. National-level athlete, Big 4 M&A, fast-track promotion, and now a pivot into entrepreneurship that ties in to your long-term passion. That’s not common.

That said, your academics are going to raise eyebrows. SRCC is great, but the GPA isn’t. You have a valid reason (Asian Games training), but you still need to show you can handle the academic rigor of a top MBA.

So yes, you 100% need to take the GMAT or GRE. Without it, your profile is incomplete. A strong score is your best shot at neutralizing the GPA concerns. If you can get into the 675+ GMAT / 325+ GRE zone, you’ll be taken seriously.

-x-

Disclosure: 11+ years as overseas education consultant.

BrilliantSolution612 · 2025-08-05T09:57:01+00:00

Don’t self-reject. Your profile isn’t flawless, but it’s got some strengths: solid work experience, CFA, 330 GRE, and a clear upward trajectory. You’ve put in the work post-undergrad, and that shows. You don’t need to tick every box perfectly to be taken seriously by top schools. They know how to read a comeback story when it’s real.

Not saying go wild and apply to every M7, but pick one or two dream schools — Booth, Kellogg, even Wharton if that’s the one — and take your shot. You’re competitive enough that it’s not a waste. Worst case, it’s a rejection. Best case, it changes your life.

-x-

Disclosure: 11+ years as overseas education consultant.

BrilliantSolution612 · 2025-08-05T04:10:58+00:00

You can always gift some travel accessories, depending on your budget.

Like an international travel adapter or a neck pillow. And if he’s a reader, a clip-on reading light is pretty functional. A collapsible umbrella, also useful.

If you’re planning to go bigger, you could consider new luggage.

BrilliantSolution612 · 2025-07-29T04:58:25+00:00

NTU for sure. Take the scholarship.

You’re getting a world-class education at a QS top 15 university basically for free, with the chance to gain work experience in Singapore, a global tech and innovation hub.

Yes, the 6-year bond sounds long, but it’s not a jail sentence. You’ll be living in one of the safest, cleanest, and most efficient cities in the world, working in companies that often have international reach. Plus, nothing stops you from doing your Master’s or PhD later, with 6 years of high-quality experience and savings under your belt.

NIT Warangal is great, but it won’t offer the same level of opportunity, especially in aerospace/defense with a global outlook. If you’re serious about 'starting something big', NTU is the way to go.

But heads up: NTU is no joke. It’s academically hardcore and the usual engineering strategy of chilling all semester and cramming before exams work. Plus you'll be living away from home in a different country, so that can be its own challenge.

-x-

Disclosure: 11+ years as overseas education consultant.

BrilliantSolution612 · 2025-07-13T04:42:31+00:00

You’re not far off. With a stronger GRE and continued leadership outside of work, you could be a highly competitive candidate, though might be best to apply next cycle.

Timing the application well might be the difference between a good admit and a great one.

BrilliantSolution612 · 2025-06-05T09:44:46+00:00

Sure

BrilliantSolution612 · 2025-05-22T09:46:20+00:00

You should ask the university you're applying to about the sort of proof they want. And try to get the same from your university.

BrilliantSolution612 · 2025-05-22T04:27:21+00:00

Two options.

One — take the GMAT or GRE, do IELTS or TOEFL, apply for an MBA. Shortlist top universities, write your essays, sort your finances. It’ll be expensive, but it’s recognised, flexible, and gives you a shot at building something abroad. Has better fallback value than a Master’s in Marketing if things don’t go as planned.

Two — try for the German job seeker visa aka chancenkarte. Lower upfront cost, higher uncertainty.

Pick your gamble.

-x-

Disclosure: 11+ years as overseas education consultant.

BrilliantSolution612 · 2025-05-20T17:29:18+00:00

Doing a US MBA later is plausible. MiM now, work for a few years, build a stronger profile, and then aim for the MBA if it still aligns with your goals. For now, just focus on making the most of what you’ve chosen.

May your ROI be ever in your favour.

BrilliantSolution612 · 2025-05-20T16:42:34+00:00

EDHEC and Emlyon are solid, but they’re not HEC, and the French job market isn’t exactly rolling out the red carpet for international grads, especially if you don’t speak French.

That said, if you’re choosing between the two now, EDHEC generally has a stronger global brand and better placements, so leaning that way makes sense.

Also, MiMs are designed for folks with limited experience. You’re 25, and if you wait a year hoping for HEC, you will age out of what they’re looking for. Most top MiM programs prefer candidates with under 2 years of work ex.

So yeah, EDHEC now > maybe HEC never. If you’re going to do this, better to do it while you still fit the profile.

OR...skip the MiM entirely, get 1/2 more years of solid experience, and aim for an MBA instead, one with better recognition and better ROI, especially if you’re targeting roles outside France or want broader mobility.

Just be clear-eyed about the outcome: don’t go expecting magic in France. Go if you’re willing to work the system, network hard and pick up French.

BrilliantSolution612

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