MIT Sloan Fellows 2016

This question is a classic behavioral question, though it is not one we see often in MBA applications. And I think the reason for that is not everyone has encountered this type of situation, though the longer you have worked, the more likely it will be that you have such an experience. This should be from work or an extracurricular type experience that is managerial in nature. They want to know when you stood alone, took an unpopular view, went against the consensus at your organization. The answer can follow a classic 3 act structure of what was the problematic background, what did you (the protagonist) do, and what were the results. Then you can reflect on what you learned in hindsight.

As in all of these behavioral questions, choose a story with compelling stakes. Deciding to postpone a food drive will never rise to the level of importance worthy of a question like this. Explain what was at stake, and what the implications were for this decision. Let the reader know this issue mattered, and explain why. Then explain why you took your position and what you did to persuade others or socialize your view. Of course, the reader will be dying to know what actually happened and what were the results. Though most of you will likely choose a scenario where your view was ultimately vindicated, the brave may choose a situation where they were mistaken or partially mistaken, and learned from others. It's OK to show vulnerability in an MBA application. Most people try to sound perfect and omnipotent and adcoms get tired of that.

Good luck!

Alex

I am one of the prospective candidates for MIT Sloan Fellows 2016. Just wanted to connect to other people applying for 2015 intake.

Does anyone have idea about the total applications and selection rate.

Did you finally apply?

It's great to connect with those applying to the MIT SF program. I finished my application by the 1st round deadline. I live in the US so I am not expecting an interview just yet since they will do international students first. In my visit last month however, I asked what would happen if someone gets an acceptance to another program (i.e. Stanford MSx) early, she said that they could speed up the application/interview process. Just FYI

These are great programs and cannot go wrong with either one.

Thanks brace man
Any idea as to how competitive these programs are? What do u think is the selection percentage normally? How much important is GMAT score although they gave me waiver due to my previous degree.

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Raja1972,

The stats for applicants vs. admits seem very hard to find. This is such a different type of applicant pool that it appears to be quite self selecting. From everything that I have researched, I would say that the fit of the program to the applicant is the most important criterion. As I met with both Stanford and MIT admissions people, they both stressed the point that the GMAT is looked at quite differently than with regular MBA programs. They use it as a "threshold" rather than a comparative measure. They just want to know if you are able to handle the academic rigor of the program. Even an "A" on a calculus class can waive the GMAT requirement. Having said that, I am sure it doesn't hurt to do well on the test. Have you applied to any of the other Sloan Fellows programs? What's your background?

Thanks Braceman,

I also had the feeling after interacting with the admission team that they take a lot of pain in selecting right kind of people who could add value to the experience of cohort.

I had been thinking about applying for quite some years and finally this year I decided not to delay it further. I have applied to MIT Sloan Fellows program recently and hoping to get interview call.

I have more than 20 years of experience in diverse industries and different job functions. Having done MBA earlier, I have spent large part of my career travelling and managing operations in emerging markets taking care of established brands as well as start ups. Currently I am working on my own business plan and have started an investment advisory and joining MIT is a step towards making this venture leapfrog to next level.

raja1972

Yes i did Apply, Round 1

Any ideas when the interview invites should be rolling out.

Did you also Apply to Stanford, if so did you receive an interview decision.

Official email indicates Jan for rolling out interview invite but I think some of them are sent mid of Dec also.

Received interview invite yesterday, so it appears that they have started already. I was surprised by how early it was. I am very impressed by this program and how they run it. Had a great visit with them last month in Boston. The interview will be next week via Skype.

Yes I did, I interviewed with them two days ago via Skype and it was very professional. I was also very impressed by Stanford - The Stanford decision will be made by December 19, although I think it may come earlier than that.

That's good. All the very best for your interview. Please do provide a debrief once you have interviewed.

In the meantime it will be helpful to know your background and experience.


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Thank you. My background and experience is quite different than most that apply to this program. I am a native of Chile and live in the US. I am an orthodontist who enjoys business very much. I have been in private practice for 16 years and have been blessed with great success. In addition, I have been consulting orthodontists for the last 10 years in the US. I plan to start a consulting firm to help improve business practices with orthodontists in the US and South America.

Just sold my practice, took the GMAT and I am applying to Stanford MSx and MIT SF, the only programs that make sense for someone in my situation. I looked into LBS as well, but I did not like the fact that their academic year starts in January. That messes up with my children's school schedule here in the US.

Congrats!!! on the interview.
Do you know if there are others who received any invites from MIT.

Also do let us know your experience once done..
All the Best!!

That's great profile Braceman.

Not many people have the courage to move from practice to class room again more so from your field of practice.

Lets keep in touch.