Hi everyone,

I’m an Indian engineer with 6.5+ years of experience in analytics, starting with Mu Sigma and later moving to startups. I’ve worked on advanced analytics projects and hold a Business Analytics certification from ISB Hyderabad. I’ve also received multiple awards in my professional journey.

My GRE score is 314 (Q162, V152), and I’ve struggled with competitive exams for years. I attempted the GMAT multiple times, with a max score of 630, (older GMAT) mainly due to verbal. My undergrad CGPA is 7.57/10 (Amrita University), with strong final semester grades (8.33, 9.25, and an "A" for my engineering project).

My dream schools for top 1-year MBA programs in India are ISB, IIM A, IIM B, and XLRI. I had an admit from SPJIMR last year but deferred to try for these schools. For international options, I’m looking at Melbourne Business School, UNSW, and schools like Warwick and Manchester in the UK.

For recommendations, I have:
- A senior leader with 30+ years of experience (alumnus of Colombia University), closely associated with Narayana Murthy, who can provide an LOR for 1-2 schools.
- My previous line manager (IIM K alumnus).
- My current firm's practice head for healthcare operations (no elite MBA but knows my work well).
- My current lead, a senior architect (worked with Microsoft for 20 years)

Can you please help me on the below questions:
1. What are my realistic chances for the top 1-year MBA programs in India (ISB, IIM A/B, XLRI)?
2. Are there other Indian colleges I should consider that offer strong ROI and placements?
3. For the US and UK, which schools should I target in the following categories:
- Sure-shot chances
- Worth trying
- Dream schools

Would love to hear your suggestions and guidance! I also have drafted my Essay, but need someone who can read through that and validate it. Can you please suggest anyone. I am also open to analytics programs.