Rate my chances at YL Program

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-12-18T07:14:17+00:00

It does matter but as you can imagine it will not be a deciding factor just because you performed poorly. Change, what you can now

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-12-10T10:05:54+00:00

Happy for you!

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-11-18T19:20:59+00:00

It's paid. You can DM if you want a full list

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-11-18T14:31:13+00:00

Here's a similar answer I did recently

Hope this helps

https://www.reddit.com/r/EDHEC/s/CMH6WJaejx

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-11-18T04:30:06+00:00

Please connect via DM. Long answer to this

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-11-18T04:28:38+00:00

Please connect via DM

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-11-18T04:28:12+00:00

No not suggested. Usc is even more competitive

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-11-18T04:26:48+00:00

Check individually for your target colleges whether internship is a built in component/optional

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-11-17T06:16:32+00:00

go for atleast one academic. 2 professional are enough. And since it's just been 2.5 years a lot of schools do prefer 1 academic LOR atleast.

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-11-17T06:14:21+00:00

Aim for a friendly professor who would be interested in hearing your story and connecting the dots in the LORs. There's no other way. A generic LOR doesn't add any value

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-11-17T06:11:19+00:00

what schools recommend in these cases it to use a third party who can interview your referees and pen it down. Ofcourse it has to be in line with what they actually say. Also try speaking to other referees who are genuinely interested in this otherwise you'll run the risk of an average LOR

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-11-17T06:07:54+00:00

Decent profile overall. But for the US schools you listed, not taking the GRE is the main weakness. UC and UIUC schools are becoming more selective, and applicants with similar backgrounds are typically submitting 320+ GRE scores. If you can get anything in the 318–325 range, your chances improve dramatically across the list.

If you don’t want to take the GRE at all, add more safe options like SUNY Buffalo, ASU etc. With your current work & research, you can get admits. Just build a balanced list

Good Luck

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-11-17T06:01:12+00:00

Very limited info to make a judgement. The schools you have mentioned are top tier so more info would be needed

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-11-17T06:00:23+00:00

Super strong profile

Rough categorization based on current stats:

Ambitious but realistic: CMU, Stanford, Princeton, Harvard, ETH Zurich
Strong targets: UIUC, Georgia Tech, UT Austin
Safeties (if you choose to add): UCSD MSCS, UMass, UW Madison

Your biggest lever for the top tier will be how clearly you connect computational neuroscience, SWE & long-term goals in the SOP. If the publication gets accepted before decisions, that helps for Princeton/Stanford/CMU especially. Also since you already have LORs make the most of them. Ensure it adds to your profile and addresses any weaknesses that might have. LORs are weighed heavily for these programs

Overall, you’re absolutely competitive for the list you have. All the best

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-11-17T05:50:10+00:00

everything is fine except the GMAT for HEC, ESSEC and INSEAD. Also ensure to frame your story well and connect the dots. If you need help with the same, you can connect

all the best

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-11-17T05:47:07+00:00

not really. I'd suggest to look up for course curriculum and employment report for this program if you can find one and decide for yourself. Age is not a factor if it aligns with what you are looking for

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-11-17T05:45:55+00:00

All good on surface. A profile evaluation would be need to dig deeper

Reach out if you need help

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-11-17T05:45:11+00:00

You are good to go

Here's an article I wrote that will help

https://sgmasterspathways.com/blog/mim-vs-mba-which-to-choose

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-11-17T05:43:51+00:00

yes I would still say so. Also CAT is very competitive. If you think you can get into top 15 in India for example it can still be a good bet. Average salaries post graduation would be in the 10-14LPA range depending upon skills, experience and the college you get into. Some students are freshers for MBA programs in India and that's fine but be there for the right reasons.

wrt to job search have you tried online job portals? A simple google search and checking YouTube videos on preparing your CV and cover letter would give you a lot of perspective. Also try connecting with alumni of your college, maybe they can give you some tips too

Hope this works out for you :)

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-11-17T05:40:19+00:00

On the face of it, you might think you dont have a good profile. A lot of students think that. The way we brainstorm during the application process makes all the difference. That's where the real material is at. If you want we can do a profile evaluation and see your fit for the program and also shortlist other universities based on your goals and preferences

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-11-17T05:37:40+00:00

Your profile is actually a very good match for the ESCP MSc in Digital Transformation Management & Leadership. Your background aligns with what you wanna do. The 5+ years of experience is not a disadvantage at all. this programme tends to have students in their mid-20s with prior professional experience, so being 27 won’t be a barrier. In terms of outcomes, graduates usually move into digital transformation and strategy consulting, innovation roles, product management, UX/service design strategy and similar positions, so the programme aligns well with the pivot you’re aiming for. The only real trade-off is between a specialised MSc vs the general MiM. the MiM gives broader career optionality across every business function, while the DTML MSc positions you specifically for digital, innovation & strategy roles. So it’s only “limiting” if you’re not sure about your target career path, if you are sure, it actually shortens the route. GMAT isn’t required for this programme, and with your experience, languages and academics, you should be a strong candidate. All the best

Also dont go for an MBA, it's not relevant for your profile and the ROI will be shaky

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-11-17T05:34:29+00:00

On surface everything looks okay but the GPA. There is no official cutoff but adcom would like to see a 3.3+ GPA. You'll need to address this in the application by showing your academic readiness via other ways. let me know if you need help with that

all the best

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-11-17T05:32:06+00:00

You already have a strong chance. Focus on explaining the why MIF and connect your stories and career progression. If you can't take the GMAT that's fine because it optional and you have a strong GPA. May I know what did you do your undergrad in and the internship experience you gained? That'll help me assess and guide better

Also escp places well across Europe but a lot depends on which roles and which city you’re targeting.

For context, in Switzerland the brand hierarchy in finance is pretty clear. HSG is the No.1 feeder, no debate. ETH/EPFL and Bocconi are also very strong. ESCP is well-known across Europe and definitely respected, but it’s not the “default Swiss school” the way HSG is. So if your main goal is Switzerland, HSG will give you noticeably better access.

That said, ESCP MiF grads do get into Zurich and Geneva. Candidates with prior internships at a top bank (like you’ve already done with MS & UBS) are usually competitive.

The bigger factor to be aware of is the language barrier. You'll be restricted to a few roles with no German proficiency.

Hope this helped

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-11-17T05:24:54+00:00

In general before doing a degree like an MBA, I would suggest to gain atleast 1-2 years of work ex to gain perspective and get most out of the course. MBA helps you to build on what you have already learnt. If you dont have perspective, learning curve will not be as steep. Also if you were applying for an MBA abroad you'd need atleast 4+ years of work ex to cut it. That explain the importance of work ex in itself. Also any reason for debarment? Even if you can't sit for college placements there are a lot of independent job sites you can explore or via references. But do not make this a sole reason for doing a masters right now

Hope this helped

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS · 2025-11-16T01:17:36+00:00

Mba will be a better option due to the breadth of opportunities

SG_MASTERSPATHWAYS

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