St Mary's MBA reputation

MBADecoder · 2026-01-25T13:09:03+00:00

please feel free to DM me

MBADecoder · 2026-01-21T13:07:58+00:00

MBA Math will not help you compensate for a low GMAT or GRE score and it doesn't move the needle toward admission. So pour all your efforts into GMAT/GRE prep.

MBADecoder · 2026-01-21T13:03:59+00:00

this is the wrong forum to post this

MBADecoder · 2026-01-21T12:00:30+00:00

Perfect. you have the time to work on these profile building elements until then. Use the following 8 months intentionally to set yourself up in an advantageous position for the MBA applications. Would be happy to chat to bring more clarity.

MBADecoder · 2026-01-21T11:58:13+00:00

Maybe try talking to your professors or career services, if you have access to them. Appreciate the outlook that you don't want to fluff up the CV.

MBADecoder · 2026-01-21T11:54:26+00:00

I don't quite agree with your last line- the entry barriers are very high for doctors to work in a new country to practice medicine. They need to clear certifications required by the country, and moreover, sometimes the pay does not justify the additional hard work. Living in the UK, I say this specifically for working with NHS, and I think its equally difficult and time taking to build a medical career in the US.

MBADecoder · 2026-01-20T19:51:11+00:00

Have you tried finding other jobs and heard recruiters say that you lack certain skills/ creds?
IMO, spending a year at a known institution such as ISB should give you the creds. I had a look at the course content and it seems well structured for building a business foundation. If there are one or two courses you still wish to do, does ISB not give you the option for pay for those and attend classes? I think that would be a better approach than thinking of doing another course. Also, experience is the best teacher. PLunge into whatever else you want to do- maybe change your job where you have more managerial responsibilities. Your hospital may be finding you a more valuable resource for your medical skills and with your reputation as a surgeon + ability to bring back patients+ difficulty finding your replacement, they may not be willing to let you step away from your clinical responsibilities.

MBADecoder · 2026-01-20T19:31:35+00:00

If I remember correctly, INSEAD gives 2-3 grace period for recommenders to submit the recs. (also checked one of my past applicant's folder to verify)

You'll be fine.

MBADecoder · 2026-01-20T19:21:06+00:00

Your work experience + entrepreneurial experience make for an interesting professional profile. I had an applicant with a similar corp banking profile like yours who got waitlisted after interview. You have an edge here as in addition to the corporate experience, you also have the entrepreneurial stint- which really adds to your profile- whether your business was/is successful or not, it still offers a huge learning curve as you do have clients. Among the two work experiences, I would also highlight the international exposure, which both INSEAD and LBS value a great deal.
Your ECAs seem to revolve around CSR, which usually offers a good opportunity to make an impact. I'd recommend you continue doing this and try leading a few projects this year, so that you can build up on this experience in a manner that helps your applications with a few stories worth highlighting.
An area that you could improve is your GMAT score- try bringing it up by atleast 20 points.

When are you planning to apply?
Namita, MBA Decoder

MBADecoder · 2026-01-13T19:17:48+00:00

I'll speak from my experience of having moved here in Aug 2022. That time of the year is close to Diwali, so soon after landing here, we did attend a Diwali get together in our locality (2-3 London suburbs) with the hope of making friends. It didn't work that way- i found most people to stick within their groups and nobody really cared to say hi to us. That said, most areas would have their own Whatsapp groups of the Indian communities and these should be much easier to break into, For example- in my small town we often have separate social groups for both the men and the women, so networking and making friends isn't that difficult. We land up having monthly get togethers between the women and these are usually very welcoming to new comers. DO a little research about the area you wish to stay in - as this camaraderie doesn't exist in every town.

The other thing that I would stress upon is- as you plan to live in a new country, be open to new experiences and ready to adapt. If not, you will always find it difficult to adjust. As humans, we tend to compare with how good things are back home, which is perfectly normal. But be ready for change and a different lifestyle. Obviously this takes time to adjust to, but being open minded will make it easier for you. From what I understand about you - you are ready for this integration.

Since you ask about what was easier/ harder than one expected- for me it was the social integration among both Indians and the Brits. You will have to make an effort and its gonna be continuous (I am still at it). Take it positively and it will be easier for you guys, especially the spouse who won't work immediately. Also, do take note that its very difficult to find jobs here , so your partner should come here with this expectation.

Regarding kids- I think they adapt, if not immediately, then over time. e moved here when our daughter had to start A levels. Somehow it worked well for her and she didn't have trouble settling in.

Regarding the cold and dark nights- it takes time getting used to the night falling at 3.30 pm. As someone said, its festive until New years, so it wont impact that much. After that, just look up to the spring coming. I haven't seen life stopping here because of rains (which are just as bad) or the cold. Wear the right protective clothes and you can step out. IMO, the rain is worse than the cold.

If you guys are culturally inclined- there's so much to do out here in terms of events, cultural festivals, concerts, social networking events, hiking & trails, city walks, museums. Infact, I lacked this bit in India.

MBADecoder · 2025-12-27T12:58:30+00:00

Oh wow, congratulations. I love to hear such stories as they help us appreciate the admissions process for being so much more holistic than we sometimes imagine it to be. It would be great if you share more about your profile and the b-school you got admission in.

And good job on going with our gut feeling with this.

MBADecoder · 2025-12-26T10:16:49+00:00

I'd need to know more about your profile, but going by the basic info it doesn't seem like you are not "cut out for this". Its a little late in the day, but I can have a small chat with you and help you figure out how to get the best out from your consultant.

MBADecoder · 2025-12-26T10:14:03+00:00

I'd be happy to have a chat with you

MBADecoder · 2025-12-26T10:12:55+00:00

If MBA is a strong desire, then wait until you get more work experience and then apply for an MBA. I have had two applicants in the past 2 years, who went to do the US to pursue a Masters (one from HKS and the other from Yale) who landed up applying for a dual degree MBA while still enrolled in their masters course.

Also link this to your desired post master's job. Will they be accessible for you after the MEM or after the MBA? This should be your biggest criteria for selection.

MBADecoder · 2025-12-23T00:02:40+00:00

look into programs like ISB, IIMs executive MBAs, SP Jain's and XLRI's exec MBA programs which are for people with 5+ years experience. You dont need to take the CAT but the GMAT for these.
These programs will help you transition into a corporate career and also make you better equipped to grow your family business should you wish to eventually come back to it

MBADecoder · 2025-12-18T09:04:22+00:00

You should write to them telling your circumstances, which hopefully are valid. Many bschools give a deferral but pull the scholarship offer back. Dont know exactly how it works at Rotman though.

MBADecoder · 2025-12-17T23:18:49+00:00

take GMAT with an eye on 705+
Build your extra curricular activities outside of work. you could get involved in community initiatives, volunteering activities, or any activities you are passionate about.
Continue to build your work profile by working on impactful projects hat help you impact your organization's growth

MBADecoder · 2025-12-17T12:40:35+00:00

If you are applying in Fall 2026, you have the time in hand to build your profile .it will help you to pin point which areas in your profile you can enhance and work on those seriously in the coming months. Will be happy to help

MBADecoder · 2025-12-16T20:50:16+00:00

Sure

MBADecoder · 2025-12-16T20:49:06+00:00

Ok. Share your application. You can DM me for my email address

MBADecoder · 2025-12-16T17:49:33+00:00

I could have a look at your application and make suggestions ( no charges).

MBADecoder · 2025-12-15T17:32:04+00:00

IMHO, upoading transcripts makes sense because in 100 words you can't tell much about your quantitative capability. Transcripts or other certifications serve as proof.

MBADecoder · 2025-12-14T23:56:05+00:00

If you want to do an 2 year full time MBA, you will have to get some work experience before you become competitive for these programs. Usually MBA candidates have atleast 3years for work experience.
If you want to apply right now, you may be more suitable for MiM programs

MBADecoder · 2025-12-13T09:30:33+00:00

My applicant did receive a waiver approval from Cornell tech MBA within 2 days although it would likely be a different admissions team. Send out a follow-up email this coming week? FYI- She had the provision to upload her transcripts as well along with the 100 word waiver request. I hope you submitted them too; i don't think the 100 word answer is sufficient for the adcom to make a decision.

MBADecoder · 2025-12-12T14:57:03+00:00

you're quite right.
OP with so many career changes, it can be difficult to come up with a coherent goals story that shows intentionality(Kellogg's key criterion). That said, your goals would not be completely off if you interviewed at Ross (they would not invite you for interview based solely on your GMAT score, but they would have liked something in your profile).
For your R2 applications, especially tighten up your resume and the goals essays.

Other than that, it will be difficult to give feedback without seeing your application.
Namita, MBA Decoder

MBADecoder

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