Hello Sir,
I consider myself as future MBA Aspirant. Currently I have one year of work experience. I would like to go back to MBA school with minimum of 3 years of work experience. I have noticed that an individual should also actively participate in extra curricular activities as I have gone through some of the posts on this forum.Could any one let me know what kind of activities can an individual participate in order have a positive weightage during the admission process?

Waiting for reply!
Thanks,
bobby

Haha, yeah. Saving orphans is so last year. It's all about the cute and cuddly animals this year.

All kidding aside, there isn't one type of magical extracurricular activity that will give you additional points. Everyone has different interests so just pursue what you like to do outside of work. Describing your extracurricular interests is a good way to add some personality to your applications. It's also a good way to show your leadership qualities outside of a work setting.

You really need to find something you are passionate about...thats your best bet. Even if it is a pretty cliche thing like habitat for humanity or big brother...its not outside the box but if you are very active in it that is great. I know of people who did everything from helping the poor do their taxes to helped at animal shelters to the special olympics to absolutely nothing.

Its not so much what you do but what you put into it that matters to them.
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Kellogg Class of 2010...still active and willing to help. However, I do not do profile reviews, don't offer predictions on chances and am far to busy to review essays, so save the energy of writing me a PM seeking help for these. If I don't respond to a PM that is not one of the previously mentioned trash can destined messages, please don't take it personally I get so many messages I have a hard to responding to most. The more interesting, compelling, or humorous you message the more likely I am to respond.
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I'm biting the bullet applying to a bunch of top 15 schools with virtually no traditional "extracurricular" activities on my resume. I'm gambling that the admissions committee is simply looking to get a sense of how well-rounded an individual you are, how well you are going to get along with your learning team, and how by having interests outside of work you aren't going to weird out future recruiters. All that's something you can demonstrate if you have had a somewhat distinctive life story and hobbies. You just need to find a way to spin things the right way.

It's probably a waste of time to simply take on a role in an "extracurricular" activity 3 months before the applications open, just so you have something to fill in on that box on the application. The adcoms will be able to tell pretty quickly that you were just getting your "extracurricular" ticket punched. Spend the time instead on developing personal stories from your life, more specifically events that have formed you as an individual, to get a sense of what it is you are truly passionate about. That would be great fodder for your essays, and will sound way more genuine than talking about your commitment to saving baby seals or dancing penguins and such.

--caveat--

If I don't get into any schools this year, then clearly my approach went horribly wrong somewhere, because I know my work experience and academics are solid enough for every school I am applying to.

Wait, so you really didn't list any extra-curriculars on your application (post-college)?

There was an old thread (can't find it) where folks on the forum said that ECs that were from work were maybe less valuable as less initiative was needed to participate, etc. What's the take on that? How are ECs that are work-sponsored viewed by adcoms?

cheers,
ac.

Hi,

I am applying to FT MBA for 2010 and here's my background:

Indian Male, 32 years old when matriculating, 3.4 Undergrad GPA(top 5 Indian Engineering school), 3.8 GPA (top 3 US Masters program), International work experience in Europe for 2 years as Project Manager in Logistics, 4 years in the US in Logistics, GMAT = 750 (Q=49, V =41). My biggest disadvantage is that I do not have any EC's to write about. After reading this post, I got some hope for my app process (I am considering MC at M/B/B post MBA and hence I am planning to apply only to only the top schools - so far, I am considering MIT, Wharton, Kellogg and Tuck. Can you please let me know if I stand a chance?

Thanks

How do I present my hobbies (on resume or application) if they aren't associated with any sort of official organization? I spend a lot of time playing tennis and go rock climbing with a group of friends, but is there a way to mention this on a resume or application if they aren't from a particular club?

Not sure which b-school you are applying to. The one in which I applied had a separate section for hobbies in the application.
Also, I think if you have done anything significant in your hobbies, you can highlight them in the essays.
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