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Accepted MBA Updates

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MIT Sloan Master in Finance: How to Get In! [#permalink] Accepted MBA Updates   31 Oct 2017, 09:01
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FROM Accepted.com Blog: MIT Sloan Master in Finance: How to Get In!



This week we are pleased to welcome Heidi Pickett, Director of the MIT Sloan Master of Finance Program. Heidi worked in financial services for 20 years before becoming Director of this program in 2011. She fills us in on what the program is looking for in an applicant, how to figure out if the program is a good fit for you, and the application process. Listen in for the inside scoop!

Could you give an overview of the MIT’s Master in Finance program highlighting its distinctive features? [0:28]

The program was launched in 2008 at the height of the financial crisis, in direct response to the crisis. Our finance faculty felt that there shouldn’t be fewer people in the finance function, but better trained people. It’s geared toward early career finance professionals and grounded in finance theory, models, and applications. Modern finance was invented here at MIT, and the tools and models developed here and used throughout the world are taught by those who created them.

The MIT Sloan MFin comes in a 12-month and an 18-month option. What are the differences? [1:53]

The 12-month track is our original and primary track. The degree requirements for both programs are the same, but the 18-month track is ideal for those that would like to take more time and take advantage of more courses, not just at Sloan but across MIT. The 18 month program also allows for an internship to gain practical experience, which is a great opportunity for people who haven’t worked full time in finance.

I understand that this is a program geared to early career applicants. Is that correct? [2:51]

Yes. Not all MFin programs are geared to early career applicants, but ours definitely is.

What is the typical amount of work experience? [3:23]

The average is around 18 months, however full-time experience ranges from zero to three years max, with one caveat. We feel strongly about training people in the public sector as well (central bankers, official institutions, regulators, etc), so we do attract people from those types of organizations as well. Those students tend to be sponsored and return to their organizations after graduation and are usually outliers with 5-10 years of experience.

Let’s return to the 12- vs 18-month options. Other than the internship, is it just the love of learning that would motivate students to do the 18-month option? [4:51]

There are a few reasons people choose the 18-month option. The program is very rigorous and intense. Many students who have gone through the 12 month program have told us they wished they had another semester to allow for participation in the other things available, like clubs, leadership opportunities or running conferences. Other want the extra time to load up on additional courses, sometimes in finance, sometimes in other subjects.

How does the MFin differ from an MBA with a concentration in finance or a Master in Financial Engineering? [6:15]

MFin vs. MBA: The MFin is early career vs an average of 4-5 years of experience in the MBA program. You also get double the amount of finance courses, so overall it’s more quantitative.

MFin vs MFE: Intention. The MFin offers a broader range of subject matter, resulting in a broader range of opportunities upon graduation as opposed to a sliver of the market with the MFE. Students can customize their curriculum, and we do have a MFE concentration within the MFin program, so we provide the skill set to MFin students who are interested.

Any discussion at MIT Sloan about an eventual joint MBA/MFin? [8:14]

No, not at this point, and we don’t see a need. We have two strong programs, and student interests are different.

Can you describe the application process for the MIT Sloan Master in Finance? [8:44]

It starts with a pre-app through online chats or info sessions on campus or other locations around the world, in order to understand who we are, our program and culture, and make sure we are a good fit. Once the decision to apply has been made, applications are due the first week of January. The application includes an essay and three letters of recommendation (one academic, one professional, and the third either/or). Transcripts must also be submitted, and we look closely at the level of math courses as well as for some proficiency in a programming language, whether that’s R or Python or something comparable. We also have the video interview. And we look at GRE or GMAT scores. If an applicant is a non-native English speaker and did not attend four years at an English-speaking institution, we require the TOEFL or IETS as well.

Applications are reviewed, and interviews are invitation only. Interviews take place in person, either on campus or around the world with our team.

Any advice for answering the essay questions? [10:59]

We look for the applicant’s own voice, a passion for finance, an understanding of the preparations thus far (coursework, research, work experience), and then what they want to do when they graduate. Goals don’t need to be precise, but realistic and well thought through, with an understanding of the range of opportunities that will exist after receiving the degree.

What’s the purpose of the video question? [13:23]

Finance is not just numbers or knowing how to run a model or create a program. It requires communication skills – specifically the ability to communicate clearly the complex issues being worked on to everyone in the room. We promise strong communication/presence skills to our employer partners and it is part of the MFin experience, so we use the video data point as another part of the application before meeting in person to see how applicants can present themselves in 60 seconds.

One needs good quantitative skills to succeed at MIT Sloan, and good communication skills to succeed in a finance career. What other personal qualities are important? [14:38]

A strong grounded sense of ethics. The ability to recognize when to ask questions or voice concerns. Having the conviction to raise issues and understand implications of actions with access to such powerful tools. With lessons learned from the financial crisis, we want our graduates to go out into the world doing things in an ethically and socially responsible way.

What kind of careers will graduates go into? [15:43]

Pretty traditional. About 1/3 go into investment management, maybe 20% into consulting, and a large portion into investment banking. Also a small portion goes into venture capital, private equity, CFO rotational programs, or even starts ups.

What’s a cool story about an MFin grad? Or one that you are particularly proud of? [17:23]

We have a 2010 graduate who works for a large asset management company in the US but is very focused on social impact investing. He recently came back to campus and spoke at our sustainability summit about new forms of capital to solve the world’s problems. It’s really neat to see someone using their financial skill set in a way that also aligns with MIT’s mission of solving the world’s problems.

What question would you like to answer that I didn’t ask? [18:56]

The long term value of the degree. It not only pays off when you graduate, but generates returns throughout your lifetime, providing skills that will help you adapt to global markets that change rapidly and become more complex.



Related Links:

• MIT Sloan Masters of Finance Admissions

Related Shows:

• Contemplating a Career in Data Science/Business Analytics?

• Insights into MIT Sloan MBA Admissions with Dawna Levenson

• A Transformational Year: The MIT Sloan Fellows Program

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Tags: Admissions Straight Talk, Grad School Admissions, MBA Admissions

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The Economist 2017 Full-Time MBA Rankings [#permalink] Accepted MBA Updates   31 Oct 2017, 10:01
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FROM Accepted.com Blog: The Economist 2017 Full-Time MBA Rankings



The Economist has released its annual international ranking of full-time MBA programs based on data collected during spring 2017. Two surveys were used: 1) The first was completed by schools with eligible programs which covered quantitative subjects and accounted for 80% of the ranking. 2) Current MBA students and a school’s most recent graduating MBA class completed a second qualitative survey which accounted for the remaining 20% of the rank.

The factors included:

• Percentage of graduates receiving a job offer within three months of graduation

• Student assessment of their program’s career services

• Quality of faculty

• Diversity of students

• Overall educational experience

• Post-MBA salary

• Percentage increase between pre- and post-MBA salary

• Breadth of alumni network

A total of 100 schools were ranked by The Economist. Here are the top 10 ranked schools:



OF NOTE:

This is the first year since at least 2007 (I could only find rankings back to 2008) that the top 10 schools are all from the US. In fact the first non-US school doesn’t make an appearance until HEC Paris at #15 (down from #9 in 2016 and #5 in 2015).

As usual, The Economist rankings are a rollercoaster ride for some schools. Wharton went from #12 to #4, which seems close to where it should be, and UCLA Anderson is currently at #6, having been #14 and #9 in 2016 and 2015, respectively. UVA Darden fell from #3 to #10.

Since schools in reality change slowly, the volatility of The Economist rankings, not to mention some of the outcomes (MIT is #19, below HEC Paris, Queensland, IESE, and Warwick and one notch above University of Florida), makes this one a head-scratcher. To use it at all, make sure you understand the factors that go into this ranking and compare them to your own criteria.

Need help choosing — and then applying to — the best MBA program for you? Get matched with one of our expert advisors for one-on-one consulting that will help you get accepted!





Related Resources:

• School-Specific Application Essay Tips for Top Business Schools

• Can You Get Into Your Dream School? – The MBA Selectivity Index

• Busting Two MBA Myths

Tags: MBA Admissions

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Mock Wharton Team-Based Discussion Anyone? [#permalink] Accepted MBA Updates   01 Nov 2017, 09:01
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FROM Accepted.com Blog: Mock Wharton Team-Based Discussion Anyone?



“Chance favors the prepared mind” said Louis Pasteur, and I agree.

Don’t leave your Wharton Team-Based Discussion to fickle chance. It’s your chance to show the adcom what you’ll contribute to Wharton – an opportunity you truly don’t want to miss. Prepare for it with Accepted’s Mock Wharton Team-Based Discussion. This is a prime-time rehearsal. Details and prices are here.

A participant in one of our past mock TBDs wrote us after the real Wharton TBD, “The practice session was a huge help!”

Be ready. Be poised. Be confident.

Click here for more details.




By Linda Abraham, president and founder of Accepted.com and co-author of the definitive book on MBA admissions, MBA Admission for Smarties: The No-Nonsense Guide to Acceptance at Top Business SchoolsPerfect Answers to MBA Interview Questions, a free guide

• 3 Tips for Your Team-Based Discussion

• Do I Really Need a Mock Admissions Interview?, a short video

Tags: MBA Admissions

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What is the Chicago Booth Adcom Looking For? [#permalink] Accepted MBA Updates   02 Nov 2017, 10:01
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FROM Accepted.com Blog: What is the Chicago Booth Adcom Looking For?



What is the adcom really looking for? They want to understand your goals, and they want to see that you’re a great fit for their program.

If “fit” sounds like a nebulous concept to you, you’re not alone. That enigmatic word is one reason why we’ve created our webinar, Get Accepted to Chicago Booth. In just one hour, Accepted’s founder and president, Linda Abraham, will show you how you can demonstrate your “fit” – while also standing out!

You’ll learn proven strategies for each part of your Chicago Booth application, and an overall strategic approach that will help you apply thoughtfully. All in one hour!

The webinar is free, but you must reserve your spot.

REGISTER NOW:

 



Tags: MBA Admissions

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The Increasingly Important Role of Social Media in the Application Pro [#permalink] Accepted MBA Updates   03 Nov 2017, 09:01
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FROM Accepted.com Blog: The Increasingly Important Role of Social Media in the Application Process



On October 25th, Kaplan Test Prep released the results of a survey from over 150 business schools in the United States. While the survey only interviewed business schools, the implications are relevant to all college and graduate school applicants.

With regard to social media, the results very clearly indicate that an applicant’s social media profile is becoming more and more a part of the application process. Here are some particularly important stats:

• 35% of admissions officers say they visit applicants’ social media accounts (up from 22% in 2011) to acquaint themselves with an applicant in an informal way.

• Of those who said they visited social media sites, 33% say they do it “often.”

• Social media accounts have negatively impacted an applicant half the time (up from 14% in 2011), and have had a positive impact the other half (48% – the question wasn’t asked in 2011).

• Some of the information that negatively impacted applicants included misaligned goals, racism, and unpleasant imagery.

• Applicants were helped by evidence of volunteer work, writing samples, and an overall positive impression of the candidate from hobbies and ambitions.

• 61% of those surveyed agreed with the statement, “What students post on their social media pages is in the public sphere, so it’s ‘fair game’ for us to use to help make admissions decisions.”

So what does this mean for you? It means that before you apply, you need to do a serious audit of ALL of your social media accounts. Don’t leave a single one out, even if you think that you only use Pinterest for collecting cute ideas for knitting socks, or Instagram for posting pictures of your dog. At some point you may have posted, liked, or commented on something inappropriate.

Once you have done the audit yourself, enlist the help of someone you trust implicitly (parent, family friend, colleague, professor – essentially anyone you know has your best interests at heart) to check through your accounts as well.

When you are confident that your accounts look good, it is time for you to focus on how to use social media going forward. Even if you think your settings are private and others won’t be able to see your content, act as if what you post is public. Consider the following:

Would what you are about to post make your favorite teacher proud?

What about your boss who you so respect?

How would your beloved grandmother feel if she saw it?

If you think the response would be negative, don’t post it. On the flip side, if you have accomplishments, extracurriculars, or other positive information to share, continue to do so! Whether you realize it or not, social media is a reflection of your personal brand, and will continue to be as you move forward in school and with your career. Treat it with care.

Create an admissions profile that will impress the adcom! Team up with an Accepted admissions expert who will help you present yourself at your best and get accepted to your dream school. 




Jen Weld worked as an admissions consultant and Former Asst. Dir. of Admissions at Cornell’s EMBA program (4 years) prior to joining Accepted. She has an additional 10 years of experience in higher ed and corporate marketing. Want Jen to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!
Related Resources:

• Leadership in Admissions, a free guide

• Can You Get Accepted After Doing Something Stupid?

• Your Past Doesn’t Define You, a podcast episode

Tags: College Admissions, Grad School Admissions, Law School Admissions, MBA Admissions, Medical School Admissions

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One Hour to a Stronger Chicago Booth Application [#permalink] Accepted MBA Updates   06 Nov 2017, 11:01
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FROM Accepted.com Blog: One Hour to a Stronger Chicago Booth Application



There’s still time to reserve your spot for Get Accepted to Chicago Booth! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn expert strategies for your MBA application.

Accepted’s founder and president, Linda Abraham, will share a proven strategic framework for approaching your application – and discuss each part of the Chicago Booth application. You’ll learn tips you can put into action right away. Don’t miss it!

REGISTER NOW:

 



Tags: MBA Admissions

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7 Tips for Writing Harvard Business School’s Post-Interview Reflection [#permalink] Accepted MBA Updates   07 Nov 2017, 11:01
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FROM Accepted.com Blog: 7 Tips for Writing Harvard Business School’s Post-Interview Reflection



Congratulations! You’ve just completed another step on the road to acceptance to Harvard’s MBA program – your interview. Now you have 24 hours to send HBS your Post-Interview Reflections…so let’s get started!

As soon as possible after your interview, sit down and think about the interview. Try and complete tips 1-3 immediately after the interview. You can complete 4-7 after you get home or at least back to where you’re staying in Boston.

1. Think about your responses that weren’t as clear as you wanted them to be.

Make a note of any answers where you didn’t hit the nail right on the head, or where you feel that your logic or story was a little fuzzy. How could you clarify?

2. Analyze the responses that were incomplete.

Jot down answers that you wanted to add something to later, but didn’t think of during the interview. What should you have included?

3. Take note of the responses when you did a great job.

Don’t ignore the answers that were on-point, where your thought process was organized, you were articulate, and got your point across. Give yourself a pat on the back! And also make a note.

4. Choose which elements you want to focus on in your Reflections.

Most of your Reflections should be from 1 and 2 above. Choose the points that you feel are most important for HBS to know about you. Since you don’t want your Reflections to only be about clarifications and adding things you forgot in the interview, weave in and attempt to close with a point related to the answer that you believe you aced.

5. Think of your Reflections as a one-on-one conversation with another person, or as HBS advises, “Think of it…as an email you might write to a colleague or supervisor after a meeting. “

Write to that person as you would in a business email: you can use the second person and the first person in your writing. Keep it cordial, and be sure that it is well-written, grammatically correct, and professional.

6. Write succinctly.

Don’t repeat information from your application or interview. They already have it on file. And don’t just repeat what you said in the interview. They heard it already.

7. Be sure to thank them for their time and continued consideration.

Remember, they are people, and like all people, they appreciate appreciation for the time that they’ve put into meeting with you.

Taking the time to consider your HBS interview will make writing your Post-Interview Reflection a much easier and meaningful experience. The result: a more effective, articulate piece of writing. Learn more about the HBS Interview Reflections here.

Are you ready to prepare for your interview (for HBS or any other program)? Prep with the best for this life-changing experience when you check out Accepted’s Mock Interview Services.





 

Related Resources:

• Get Accepted to Harvard Business School, a free webinar

• Mock Interview Services

• Do I Really Need a Mock Admissions Interview?, a short video

Tags: MBA Admissions

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Are You a Competitive B-School Applicant? [#permalink] Accepted MBA Updates   08 Nov 2017, 10:01
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FROM Accepted.com Blog: Are You a Competitive B-School Applicant?



Every year, MBA applicants call us to ask whether their profile (GPA, GMAT, work experience) is competitive at the schools they’re targeting. It’s a question we take seriously and address individually, because there are so many factors that impact competitiveness. Deciding where to apply is crucial, especially if your stats are low: if you target the wrong schools, you could end up not getting in – and who wants to delay/deny that b-school dream?

If you’re applying to business school with low stats, you need to have a strong strategy. That means evaluating your profile honestly, thinking about where you’re a competitive applicant, and doing what you can to mitigate your low stats and strengthen your profile.

Our new guide, Applying to Business School With Low Stats: What You Need to Know, gives you a no-nonsense plan for how to do this. If your aspirations are higher than your GMAT/GPA, you can’t afford to miss it.





Tags: MBA Admissions

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Are You Targeting the Right MBA Program for You? [#permalink] Accepted MBA Updates   09 Nov 2017, 11:01
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FROM Accepted.com Blog: Are You Targeting the Right MBA Program for You?




“Are You Targeting the Right MBA Program for You?” is excerpted from MBA Admission for Smarties: The No-Nonsense Guide to Acceptance at Top Business Schools, by Linda Abraham and Judy Gruen.

If you are considering adding the prestigious initials “MBA” to your credentials, you are probably like many of the thousands of clients that Accepted has worked with over the years: intelligent, goal-oriented, ambitious and eager to make your mark in the world of business. Whether you dream of bringing new products to the marketplace, becoming a successful investment banker or one day having the title of CEO of a business or not-for-profit organization, you know that a robust business education can make the difference between realizing those dreams – or not.

It’s no wonder that in good economic times or bad, the MBA remains one of the most sought-after graduate degrees. Foundational coursework in business combined with access to internships, specialty programs and powerful alumni networks usually makes the investment in an MBA pay off handsomely. Forbes, in its 2017 ranking of business school (based on ROI) estimates that for the top 25 programs the payback period is only 3.9 years. And you won’t be surprised to learn that the most prestigious of the full-time MBA programs, including Harvard, Wharton and Stanford, yielded a long-term salary differential much greater, about $3.6 million over a twenty-year period. That’s a lot of cash.

But gaining acceptance to the right MBA programs for you requires considerable thought, research and effort – significantly more than you may realize. Notice that I said the right MBA programs for you and not the most illustrious name in the pantheon of top-ranked programs. MBA applicants like to aim as high as possible when applying to schools, but even in tougher economic times it’s always a buyer’s market, and the MBA programs are the buyers. This is one reason, though certainly not the only reason, why the process of choosing an MBA program must go beyond a superficial picking of the top ten or even top twenty schools.

In my more than twenty years as a graduate school admissions consultant, I have seen a needless yet predictable pattern in too many clients. These men and women were well qualified for many excellent programs yet set themselves up for rejection by failing to evaluate how closely they fit with their target schools, which were often out of their league. Dazzled by a school’s star status, these applicants didn’t or wouldn’t explore whether they were competitive for their “reach” schools or even whether the schools met their educational needs. I am not suggesting that you shouldn’t aim high, but you’re much more likely to hit your target if you subscribe to the “Ready, Aim, Fire!” approach rather than the “Fire, Aim!” approach.

Fortunately, most clients understand that to be successful in their quest for an MBA, they must ask themselves two fundamental questions:

1. Do my career goals and personal preferences match the school’s curricular, extracurricular, and recruiting strengths?

2. Do my academic and professional qualifications compare favorably to the school’s recent class profiles?

When you take the time and effort to match your career goals to the school strengths, you reveal “fit”, an element all admissions committee members look for. When you understand how your profile compares to those recently accepted, you are in a position to evaluate your competitiveness for a particular program. The schools that help you achieve your goals are the ones you should want to attend, and the schools where you are competitive are those more likely to accept you. Determining overlap between those two categories will help open the MBA admissions doors at the right schools for you.

An effective application is not about spin

It’s also become popular among some grad school consultants to claim that MBA candidates need to create “spin” in their applications and advise candidates to “brand” themselves. I disagree. Branding is important for consumer products, like Pepsi, Patagonia, and Puma, and it’s essential for ranchers who need to identify their cattle. Spin is also necessary after publicity disasters or to put the best face on poor corporate earnings. Ultimately, however, no matter how competitive a program is, the MBA applications process involves complex and multifaceted human beings on the admissions committee who are carefully (albeit sometimes quickly) evaluating other complex and multifaceted human beings as potential matches for their programs.

Understood this way, focusing on spin is a bad idea not only because it is simplistic and artificial. It’s a bad idea because in focusing on the sizzle rather than the steak, you might easily present yourself in a way that is inauthentic or incomplete. Either scenario is a loser for you. For example, let’s say you portray yourself as someone you think the school wants you to be (but are not) and are accepted. In that case, you may realize only too late that the school is a bad fit for the real you. This emphasis on marketing over authentic presentation will likely cause you to miss opportunities to reveal yourself to the admissions committee in a meaningful way. This, sadly, can dash your prospects for acceptance. So leave the spin for the wash cycle and branding for soft drinks and athletic shoes. Your job as an MBA applicant is to show yourself to full advantage – authentically and genuinely.

Whether you are still deciding whether to get an MBA, deciding where to apply, working on essays, preparing for interviews, or trying to deal with a “special situation,” MBA Admission for Smarties: The No-Nonsense Guide to Acceptance at Top Business Schools provides practical, down-to-earth advice for the MBA application process in a coherent framework — and for less than the cost of a first-run movie. Check it out.

For personalized advice tailored just for you, check out our MBA admissions consulting and editing services and work one-on-one with a pro who will help you discover your competitive advantage and use it to get accepted.





Related Resources:

• Why MBA: A Guide to Determining Your MBA Goals

• Admissions Tip: BE YOURSELF!

• Which B-School is the Best for You?

Tags: MBA Admissions

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Can The Consortium and Forte Foundation Boost Your Goals? [An Intervie [#permalink] Accepted MBA Updates   10 Nov 2017, 10:01
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FROM Accepted.com Blog: Can The Consortium and Forte Foundation Boost Your Goals? [An Interview]



This interview is the latest in an Accepted blog series featuring interviews with business students, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at top programs. And now, introducing Jasmine…

Accepted: We’d like to get to know you! Where are you from? Where and what did you study as an undergrad?

Jasmine: Hi everyone! I grew up in Honolulu, HI and miss its warm-hearted people, year-round sunshine, and delicious local food all the time. Not wanting to give up sunny weather, I attended the University of Southern California for undergrad and majored in business administration.

Accepted: Where are you currently attending business school? What year are you?

Jasmine: I am in my first year at the Yale School of Management (Class of 2019). We just finished our fall 1 quarter, which was an absolute whirlwind!

Accepted: You are a Consortium Fellow and have taken advantage of The Forte Foundation’s incredible resources for women MBA applicants. How have these two programs helped launch your journey to business school?

Jasmine: I’d highly recommend anyone who supports the Consortium’s mission of promoting inclusion in school, in their jobs or in their personal lives to consider applying to business school via the Consortium. In addition to providing scholarships, the Consortium hosts its Orientation Program (OP) conference each summer. OP is a great opportunity to meet other Consortium students across the network’s 19 business schools and network with top companies looking for diverse MBA talent before you step foot on campus. Beyond providing scholarships and access to career opportunities, the Consortium is a truly unique community of driven, supportive, and purpose-driven classmates that I lean on frequently. Transitioning to business school is challenging, but I’m grateful to have a group of people I can always turn to whether it’s to study for exams, provide and share career advice, or just hang out.

Similarly, the Forte Foundation provides an array of pre-MBA and MBA networking and career opportunities for women. I hope to attend one of their conferences in the future, and have already taken advantage of the job resources and information that they regularly disseminate to fellows. While I’m not an alum, I’d highly recommend the Forte MBALaunch program to women who are considering applying for their MBA, and know several peers who found the program to be very valuable.

Accepted: Looking back at the application process, did you experience any challenges? How did you overcome them?

Jasmine: One of my biggest challenges was tackling the GMAT. I took it three times before I got a decent score! I’m not a naturally good test taker, and if you aren’t one either, that’s totally OK. Incorporating a consistent study regimen into my schedule helped immensely, which meant studying a few hours in the early mornings since I had trouble concentrating in the evenings after work. If something about your current studying strategy isn’t working for you, don’t be afraid to change up the materials or approach that you’re using. Additionally, having accountability partners to keep me on track was extremely helpful. I participated in the Riordan MBA Fellows program at UCLA Anderson before applying to business school, and the friends I made through the program helped motivate me through the toughest parts of the studying process. In fact, I celebrated with them after taking my last exam!

Accepted: Your work has been focused on educating youth and ways to strengthen the community. How will an MBA help you achieve your long-term career goals?

Jasmine: When I was working in operations for a charter school network, I saw how a strong business skillset was essential to running an efficient, financially sustainable, and effective nonprofit organization. Many of my colleagues and mentors whom I looked up to had MBAs, and I witnessed how their diverse perspectives, strong problem-solving skills, and capacity to work with numerous stakeholders coupled with the academic expertise of talented educators and administrators helped drive better results for our schools.

As my long-term goal is to serve in a chief operations or strategy role of an education nonprofit (or possibly lead my own!), I felt that getting an MBA was the best way to accelerate my career and build those skills quickly. Additionally, since I studied business in undergrad, I wanted to attend an MBA program with specialized courses in nonprofit management and an interdisciplinary curriculum that combined business with social impact. Yale SOM definitely checks those boxes. I would like to gain several years of experience in the private sector to expand my perspective before returning to education or nonprofit work.

Accepted: What are some of your most rewarding extracurricular activities (both before entering Yale and your current activities)? How have those activities helped shape your career?

Jasmine: While I was working in my first job in finance, I spent my Saturdays volunteering as a mentor with Minds Matter of Los Angeles, an organization that empowers underserved youth to achieve a college education. That experience working with my mentee motivated me to want to work in a more hands-on role in education, which led to my career transition from finance to education. My mentee and I remain close to this day, and she is a constant source of inspiration for why I’m so passionate about working in education; I strongly believe that anyone can reach their full potential once they’re empowered to do so. I was also deeply involved with LAMusArt, a multidisciplinary arts school with a 70+ year history located in East LA, where I founded its young professionals advisory board. There is a broader trend now of nonprofits establishing young professionals boards to leverage the fresh ideas, energy, and diverse skills that we can bring to the table. Our board is thriving, and one of our prior members now serves on the board of directors.

Accepted: Finally, what are your top three tips for those who are going through the MBA application process right now? Is there anything you wish you would have known, that you know now?

Jasmine:

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! I reached out to dozens of current MBA students and alumni at the schools that I applied to. You’ll find that people are very gracious and willing to help you since they were once in your shoes. Also, leverage your mentors, close friends, and the people who know you best to give you feedback at different points in the process. They can help to both push you and encourage you to stay authentic to your true self and voice.

2. Take time off the summer before you start business school if you can – you’ll need it! Travel, spend time with family, or do whatever you need to re-charge. Once you start school, you will hit the ground running at 100 mph!

3. Try to find the silver lining in the application process. It can feel like a very arduous marathon, but at the same time, it’s a unique opportunity to pause and deeply self-reflect on your short-term and long-term career goals. An MBA is a huge investment in yourself, and you may be surprised by some of the insights you uncover about yourself through the process!

Want to learn more about Jasmine? You can check out her LinkedIn profile (@Jasmineako). Thank you Jasmine for sharing your story and advice – we wish you much success! 

For one-on-one guidance on your b-school applications, check out our catalog of MBA admissions services.

Do you want to be featured in Accepted’s blog? If you want to share your b-school journey with the world (or at least with our readers), email us at bloggers@accepted.com.





Related Resources:

• The GMAT: Low Scores, Retaking & Strategies for Success, a free webinar

• How Forté Helps Women Get into Business and Stay in Business, a podcast episode

• The Consortium Can Help You Get Your MBA, a podcast episode

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From the Mouths of MBA Adcom Members [#permalink] Accepted MBA Updates   13 Nov 2017, 11:01
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FROM Accepted.com Blog: From the Mouths of MBA Adcom Members

https://blog.accepted.com/listen-mba/Looking for the best possible admissions advice?

How about admissions advice from the admission committee members themselves?

Linda Abraham, founder of Accepted and host of the Admissions Straight Talk Podcast has a collection of highly enlightening interviews with directors of admissions and adcom members of top business schools!

Listen in as Linda asks her adcom guests pointed and to-the-point questions about the school, the admissions process, how to get in, and…how to get rejected.

Listen, enjoy, and apply successfully!

Cornell Johnson
Judi Byers, Executive Director of Admissions & Financial Aid

Wharton Lauder
Kara Keenan Sweeney, Director of Admissions Marketing & Communications

UCLA Anderson
Alex Lawrence, Assistant Dean of MBA Admissions & Fin Aid

NYU Stern
Isser Gallogly, Associate Dean of MBA Admissions

UC Berkeley Haas
Peter Johnson, Assistant Dean

INSEAD
Virginie Fougea, Director of MBA Recruitment & Admissions

London Business School
Jamie Wright, Senior Recruitment & Admissions Manager

Kellogg School of Management
Melissa Rapp, Director of Admissions



Ross School of Business
Soojin Kwon, Director of Admissions

Yale School of Management EMBA
Vani Nadarajah, Director of EMBA Admissions

IE
Jean Marie Winikates, Director of IE’s North American Office

Columbia Business School
Emily French Thomas, Director of Admissions

Yale School of Management
Bruce DelMonico, Assistant Dean & Director of Admissions

USC Marshall
Keith Vaughn, Former Assistant Dean of Admissions

Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business
Shari Hubert, Associate Dean of Admissions and Doreen Amorosa, Associate Dean & Managing Director of Career Management



MIT Sloan
Dawna Levenson, Director of Admissions

Rotman School of Management
Niki da Silva, Recruitment & Admissions Director

Tuck School of Business
Dawna Clarke, Director of Admissions

Ross School of Business
Diana Economy, Senior Associate Director of Admissions, and Terry Nelidov, Managing Director of the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise

The Fuqua School of Business
Liz Riley Hargrove, Associate Dean for Admissions

HEC Paris
Philippe Oster, Director of Communication, Development & Admissions

For a varied menu of thought-provoking and informative conversations with business leaders, entrepreneurs, MBA students, and more, check out the Admissions Straight Talk Podcast:


            



Tags: MBA Admissions

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Admissions Tips for Vanderbilt Owen’s MBA Program [#permalink] Accepted MBA Updates   14 Nov 2017, 10:01
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FROM Accepted.com Blog: Admissions Tips for Vanderbilt Owen’s MBA Program



This week we welcome Christie St. John, Director of Admissions at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management. Christie earned her PhD in French and Italian from Vanderbilt and worked at Vanderbilt as Director of International Relations before becoming the Senior Associate Director of Admissions at Tuck. Christie returned to Vanderbilt as Director of MBA admission in 2012.

Can you give an overview of the Vanderbilt 2-year MBA program with a focus on its distinctive elements? [1:54]

Two things make our program distinctive. First, we are on a modular system, instead of semester, so we have seven week mods. Students get through all core courses in the first year, and they also start taking electives during their second mods. Students have three required courses and one elective in Mod 2, two and two in Mod 3, and in Mod 4, one required course and three electives. Second, we have the Leadership Development Program, which is distinctive in that we use executive coaches who have worked with mid-level managers from Fortune 500 companies and we pair up the students with coaches in the fields they are planning to go into. For example, if you are interested in going into finance, you would be paired with someone who had worked with businesses on Wall Street. The coaching is included in the program, and strictly optional, but 80+ percent of students participate. Students also work on their own leadership development plan for the entire two years and also as alums. We have staff devoted to leadership development for each of our degree programs.

Owen also has several one-year programs including a Master of Management in Health Care, Master of Accounting, Master of Finance, and a Master of Marketing. Can you touch on these programs and how they differ from the MBA? [5:00]

The main difference is that those programs are for people just graduating from undergrad without much experience. The Master of Finance is quite competitive and they do look for internships and quant proficiency – the GMAT is required. The Master of Marketing is new as of last year and growing fast, and the Master of Accounting is also quite new. Each degree program has their own dedicated admissions person, faculty member and career service person, and for the last five years we have had 100% placement with the Master of Finance. The Master of Accounting also has 100% placement as we work with the Big Four accounting firms on projects and early placement. The Master of Marketing is so new we don’t have stats yet. Each program is one year long. Graduates of these programs can get experience and then come back to Owen and get their MBA in three semesters with a guaranteed scholarship.

One exception is the Master of Management in Health Care, which was launched several years ago for people in the industry with 8-10 years of experience.

What’s new at Owen? [8:07]

We have the Turner Family Center for Social Enterprise, which resulted from the Turner family having given us a large grant to pull all of our coursework and programs that relate to the non-profit industry under one umbrella. The person directing that is a graduate who started a minority business lending institution when graduating and finds projects all over the local area as well as internationally. Our students work with these organizations to find a business solution to a social problem. If students are interested in going into this area when they graduate, the director of the program, Mario Villa, will help them with their job search.

Project Pyramid is the international projects that we do. This is an interdisciplinary trans-university initiative, which means not just a business school project. We draw in grad students from nursing, engineering, law school, anthropology, etc. Students run projects with the help of Mario and faculty members, then go to the country at spring break for 10 days or more. They get two hour course credits for this, and have done projects in Africa, Nepal, Chile, Peru, etc., and they learn so much.

The Vanderbilt employment report for the Class of 2016 shows that 25% of the graduate went into consulting and a whopping 24% went into health care. That is a very high percentage. To what do you attribute that success? [12:17]

We say Nashville is the center of the healthcare industry. There are over 350 companies that employ over 335,000 people just here in Nashville. One of the larger organizations, the HCA Hospital Corporation of America, owns 165 hospitals and 115 small surgery centers in over 20 states and England, so people don’t just work here in Nashville but all over. Fresenius Medical Care, based here but with over 3,000 dialysis center locations around the world, is also a big employer. We have really close relationships with a lot of the healthcare organizations here.

Any advice for Vanderbilt’s essay? [14:54]

We don’t want people coming in saying they have no idea what they want to do and they’ll figure it out when they are here. Yes, the MBA program is a transformative experience and they in fact will figure it out when they are here, however they don’t have a lot of time, so the main things we are trying to get out of that essay are, Do you know what you are good at? What industries and functional areas you are interested in? We never hold anyone to what they say in the admissions essay – you only know what you know at the time you apply. Once you get here and listen to the companies that visit you learn a lot more and can figure out what you really want, and then we help with that.

The Career Management Office starts working with our students in April and all through the summer we provide podcasts and work with students on resumes so they are prepared for interviews, for the really early recruiting processes like the National Black MBA, Forte Leadership Conference, and MBA Veterans Conference that start in October. Most companies will be recruiting for first year internships in January, but for these early opportunities, students need to have thought about what they want.

We also use that essay for acceptance. If we see somebody who is just throwing something out there, like, “I want to go into PE,” but have no quant background, no finance background, and no appreciable network, that person really doesn’t know what that is, and needs to go out and do some soul searching and have a reality check. Sometimes folks in our office even call our applicants to ask why they are interested in what they are. We really don’t want students to be floundering.

What about the video essay? [19:08]

We started doing that last year. I know a lot of schools are doing them with case questions or “tell me what you want to do” questions. We decided to have a little bit of fun with it. The questions are not difficult, they rotate with each application round. They are random when you go online. If you don’t like the first question that comes up you can choose a second. If you don’t like that one you get one more chance and must answer that third question. You get about 90 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to record. We just want to know what you can talk about extemporaneously. This helps us discern interpersonal skills, vocabulary, how articulate you are, see what you look like, and can be used by the admissions team to further an individual’s case for admission (“I think this person is great – look at the video. See what I mean?”).

Can you give us an example of some questions? [21:04]

Tell me what’s great about your hometown? If you invite me over for dinner what will you make?

What distinguishes applicants who get interview invitations from those who don’t other than stats? [21:54]

We are looking for what you think you want to do, what qualities you possess already, and why you think our MBA will get you there. We are looking for transferable skills.

What can those invited to interview expect on interview day? [22:59]

If they are coming to visit us they will have a student host that will first take them to class and then drop them back off in admissions, though sometimes the interview comes first depending on the class schedule of the day. The interview is more of a conversation. We don’t do case interviews, or ask about the stock exchange. We really want to know about you. Why you want an MBA, what you think you will get out of our program, what you are going to be involved in. We want people who will come and enrich our community and leave behind a legacy. There are so many ways to be involved here. We are a small program, so we do place a lot of value on interpersonal skills and a person’s collaborative nature. We are not a school for divas, and people can see that right away. We are small enough that we get to know our students, but big enough to attract a lot of great companies.

I understand that Nashville is a lovely city with great quality of life, but it’s not a business center like NYC, Chicago, or LA or a start-up hotbed like Silicon Valley or Boston. How would you respond to potential applicant concerns about Vanderbilt’s location? [26:07]

Nashville is the “it” city now. The Tennessee Economic Council has done so much outreach. In the state of Tennessee there are 51 public universities, 36 private universities and 27 different tech centers. We have a highly educated population. 82 people are moving here a day because of the job situation, and Forbes or a similar publication last year ranked Nashville as the #1 choice for recent graduates. Tennessee was just ranked #1 for foreign direct investment in IBM’s Global Location Trends Report. Bridgestone America, Hankook Tire, Nissan, Beretta, CKE Restaurant, ATC Automation, Volkswagen, all the healthcare organizations, UBS, AT&T, you name it, are all here. The economy is good here, and as far as being an entrepreneurial center, it is booming. What Silicon Valley and other places cannot offer we can, with an affordable cost of living and lack of congestion. We are two hours by plane from most major cities, with the international airport close by.

What’s an example of something entrepreneurial and really cool that a Vanderbilt student or alum is doing? [30:59]

One of our current students is working on a housing exchange platform. It’s an app that will allow students to swap apartments during internships and so on. The young man who pitched that idea just won a Firestarter Scholarship and is up for a Soar grant (we offer four $25K grants a year). There is a lot of help here if you have a good idea.

What are some work opportunities available for students while in school? [32:28]

We really believe in the practical application of what you are learning in business school, so whatever specialty you are going into there are possibilities for small consulting projects during the year. A lot of those are through the health care immersion program, the Turner Family Center with non-profits, some are with start-ups. Some students start working up to 20 hours a week and they learn so much.

What advice would you give to someone thinking ahead to a Fall 2018 application? [34:05]

Reach out to our students. Go to our website, and do a search for MBA Ambassadors. Bios are there, emails are there. Students are really good about responding.

Christie, thank you so much for joining me today. Where can listeners and potential applicants learn more about Vanderbilt Owen’s MBA programs? [37:40]

Our website is business.vanderbilt.edu, or they can write to our MBA office at MBA@owen.vanderbilt.edu. We are happy to talk with you, and hope you can visit.



Related Links:

• Vanderbilt Owen MBA

• Email Vanderbilt Owen Admissions: mba@owen.vanderbilt.edu

• Meet Accepted’s MBA Admissions Experts

Related Shows:

• Interview with Christie St-John and Sandy Kinnett

• Former Investment Bankers, Current Admissions Experts

• Do You Fit With Cornell Johnson?

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Tags: Admissions Straight Talk, MBA Admissions

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November – Just the Time for a Discount! [#permalink] Accepted MBA Updates   15 Nov 2017, 10:01
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FROM Accepted.com Blog: November – Just the Time for a Discount!



It’s crunch time. Whether you’re applying to college, b-school, law school, or a masters or PhD program, deadline season is just around the corner. There are dozens of deadlines between the beginning of November and the end of January.

Will your application be as strong as it can be? And will you be ready to submit it in time?

To help you finish strong, we’re offering a special discount on non-rush purchases placed between November 15-22. With the discount code SAVEBIG, you’ll save $100 off orders over $1000, $200 off orders over $2000, or $500 off orders over $5000.

This is your chance to work one-on-one with an admissions expert. Our expert consultants can provide assistance with every part of your application journey – from strategy, to editing essays and resumes, to preparing for interviews.



Don’t miss your chance to make sure your application is as strong as it can be! SAVEBIG between November 15-22.



Tags: Admissions Consulting, College Admissions, Grad School Admissions, Law School Admissions, MBA Admissions, Medical School Admissions

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HKUST MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines [#permalink] Accepted MBA Updates   16 Nov 2017, 11:01
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FROM Accepted.com Blog: HKUST MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines



Applicants seeking an MBA with high placement rates throughout Asia may find HKUST the perfect fit for their needs. The Financial Times ranks HKUST #15 in the world, 68% of the class successfully changes functions following the MBA, and 47% changes industries. A full 57% of the class enters the Finance/Banking industry upon graduation, with respectable numbers also entering the Energy/Engineering industry (11%), and IT/Technology (13%). In terms of job functions, HKUST graduates thrive in finance roles (50%), sales and marketing (19%), and general management (14%).

The HKUST application has stayed the same this year. My tips are below in blue.

1. The HKUST MBA mission is to inspire and transform individuals to be future business leaders for Asia and the world. We embrace diversity, and are looking for ambitious and open-minded candidates with a passion to contribute. It is the first day of orientation. Please introduce yourself to your classmates, highlighting what drives you in your personal and professional life. (500 words)

Each graduating class is comprised of 120 students from 28 countries. Since HKUST strives for diversity throughout this small group, each applicant must demonstrate a unique perspective and experiences. If your professional background is in a heavily represented group – IT or finance for example, then I highly recommend highlighting not only your most exceptional professional experience in this essay but also the personal qualities, extracurricular involvement and values that differentiate you. When in your professional or personal life have you demonstrated an open mind and contributed? These will prove your potential at HKUST.

2. Tell us about your post-MBA goals and based on that, why is the HKUST MBA the ideal program for you and how do you plan to engage and enrich our community? (500 words)

This is a traditional goals essay with a twist of tying those goals to your future engagement and enrichment of the HKUST community. The admissions office is making it clear that they expect to hear how you will enhance the education of your peers. What aspects of the program will you be able to contribute to most and how will your fellow classmates benefit?

If you would like professional guidance with your HKUST MBA application, check out Accepted’s MBA admissions consulting services or our MBA Application Packages, which include advising, editing, interview coaching, and a resume edit for the HKUST application. 

The HKUST August 2018 Intake Deadlines:



Ideally, international students should send through their applications by the first or second deadline to allow sufficient time to process their visas and for making other travel arrangements to Hong Kong. Late applications after all deadlines may be considered subject to place availability.

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***




Jennifer Bloom has been a consultant with Accepted for 19 years and is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW). She is an expert at crafting application materials that truly differentiate you from the rest of the driven applicant pool. If you would like help with your application, Jennifer can suggest a number of options that work with any budget. Want Jennifer to help you get accepted? Click here!
 

Related Resources:

• Top MBA Essay Questions: How to Answer Them Right, a free guide

• What to Do if You Belong to an Overrepresented Applicant Group

• 4 Ways to Show How You’ll Contribute in the Future

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London Business School MiM Essay Questions, Tips & Deadlines [#permalink] Accepted MBA Updates   17 Nov 2017, 11:01
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FROM Accepted.com Blog: London Business School MiM Essay Questions, Tips & Deadlines



The London Business School Masters in Management application essay questions indicate that the adcom values and seeks applicants who, at an early state in their careers, already have self-understanding and the ability to reflect and self-critique. Why? For people who are just starting their careers and don’t yet have a lot of real-world experience to draw on, these qualities will allow them to truly benefit from the program and chart an appropriate path forward.

The LBS MiM essay questions also reflect the program’s requirements for strong communication skills. They require you not just to cite facts but to express ideas, evaluate qualitative factors, and draw insights.

Question 1: What motivates you to further your academic and professional interest in business and why do you want to pursue the Masters in Management or Global MiM programme at London Business School? (600 words)

A simple and sensible approach to this essay is to break it into two main sections per the question:

1. Your academic and professional interest in business.

2. Why this program.

The first section may be a bit longer than the second, which is fine.

I combine academic and professional interest together in the first section because they are not separate for most people, and they both relate to a key point: your career goals. Presumably, your career plans are what motivate your interest in business. Briefly discuss those career plans as you envision them at this point, and explain how and why they inspire you to learn more about business. Since the question breaks out academic and professional, do directly address both – academic would refer to your desire to pursue this learning specifically through a graduate business program, and professional would refer to your projected professional growth and the education it requires.

In the second section, identify specific aspects of the LBS MiM program that you believe will be particularly helpful and/or important in facilitating and enabling that growth. Don’t just list things, but connect them to learning needs, goals, and/or intellectual interests.

Question 2: During your time as a student, how will you contribute to the London Business School community? (400 words)

This question is a great opportunity to differentiate yourself and spotlight relevant accomplishments. Having an impact means contributing based on what you have done, experienced, and/or learned (and, sometimes, endured…). To identify the best topics, consider drawing from your work or internship experience, personal interests, academic experience, distinctive or unusual aspects of your background, etc. Most people will do best to discuss 3-4 topics, for each describing the experience you’re drawing from and then explaining – in specific terms – how it will allow you to contribute to the LBS community. If 1-2 of these are discussed in some detail, you can mention 1-2 more topics with less detail.

Question 3 (Global MiM applicants only): Global MiM applicants will be required to complete an additional video essay component of the application via Kira Academic. You will receive the details of how to access your video questions via Kira within one week of submitting your application. If you do not receive the instructions within this timescale please contact us. Please note your application will not be considered complete until the video portion of your application has been submitted.

If you aren’t accustomed to doing video presentations, put some effort into visual elements like background and lighting. Keep the background simple, clean, and uncluttered. Have the light behind the camera and shining on you. Dress professionally. Also, practice – make up some sample/test questions and practice answering into a video camera, so that when the time comes you’re comfortable talking to the camera and can respond succinctly and engagingly. Oh, and remember to smile!

If you would like professional guidance with your LBS MiM application, check out Accepted’s MiM Application Packages, which include advising, editing, interview coaching, and a resume edit for the LBS MiM application.

London Business School MiM 2017-18 Application Deadlines:





***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***




By Cindy Tokumitsu, has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA, master, law, PhD and medical programs, with special emphasis on MBA and EMBA and other business programs in her 15+ years with Accepted. She would love to help you too. Want Cindy to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!
 

Related Resources:

• 5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your Application Essays, a free guide

• College Students, Recent Grads Interested in Business: London is Calling!, a podcast episode

• Approaching The Diversity Essay Question

Tags: Grad School Admissions, MBA Admissions

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Deadlines Are Approaching – Will Your Application Be Ready? [#permalink] Accepted MBA Updates   19 Nov 2017, 11:00
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FROM Accepted.com Blog: Deadlines Are Approaching – Will Your Application Be Ready?



There are still a few days left of our November special!

With deadlines looming, it’s natural to feel a little pressured (or more than a little). But don’t let stress harm your application. Instead of stressing, it’s time to refocus and make sure your application reflects your very best work.

To help you do that, we’re offering a special discount on non-rush purchases placed through November 22. With the discount code SAVEBIG, you’ll save $100 off $1000, $200 of $2000, or $500 of $5000.

Work one-on-one with an admissions expert on any part of your application – from strategy, to essay review, to interview prep. And apply with confidence.





Tags: Admissions Consulting, College Admissions, Grad School Admissions, Law School Admissions, MBA Admissions, Medical School Admissions

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Your 4 Step Guide to Beating Those MBA Round 2 Deadlines [#permalink] Accepted MBA Updates   19 Nov 2017, 11:00
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FROM Accepted.com Blog: Your 4 Step Guide to Beating Those MBA Round 2 Deadlines



January may seem like worlds away, but if you don’t get crackin’ now, then these next 6-8 weeks will come and go before you can say “MBA 2018.”

Hopefully by this point you’ve already taken your GMAT and decided on the MBA programs you’d like to attend. Now it’s time to turn your attention to the actual applications, with a heavy emphasis on those MBA essays.

Yes, now.

Assuming you apply to 4-6 programs, that’ll give you about 3 weeks for the first application (which is always the hardest), and then about 1-1.5 weeks for each remaining application, and a couple of weeks for the unexpected things that you can expect will happen between now and January.

It’s you versus the buzzer.

Here are four things you can do now to make sure you submit your MBA Round 2 applications on time:

1. Create a detailed schedule.

Make a fairly rigid schedule that allows time for drafting, writing, and editing each essay. Each one of these steps requires time, lots of time, so the key is to start early and commit to your schedule. Let your forward momentum propel you to the finish line. (P.S. Your schedule should be rigid, but you should also accept that there are always hiccups along the way; leave room for error and the expected unexpected.)

2. Complete one application before moving to the next.

Approaching each application separately will help ensure that each is completed as a cohesive package. Writing all your goals essays and then all your achievement essays and then all your team work essays will simply confuse things and result in you losing focus. Write HBS’ essay first, conveying your unique story as it relates to Harvard. Then do Stanford’s essays, while focusing on how your story relates to Stanford. Then move on to Wharton, Columbia, MIT, and Kellogg respectively (or whatever other schools you’re applying to, of course).

3. Determine which experiences best match each question for each school.

Your essays should complement each other and the rest of your application. You won’t want to use the same experience in two of your Haas essays, but you may be able to use an experience highlighted in a short answer from Harvard’s app in one of your Kellogg essays.

4. Do NOT submit your applications right away.

This applies to all your MBA applications, but particularly to the first one you complete. Here’s why: As you proceed through subsequent applications, you may discover that certain ideas that you developed in Application #4 help sharpen a point in Application #1. A week before the deadline is a good time to review your first application and clarify any points that have been further developed in later applications. If your original points seem fuzzy, then you’ll have enough time to refine them.

You’re positioning yourself wisely by beginning this process now. Remember, pace yourself, stay organized, and keep your eye on those deadlines. Slow and steady wins the race, here – last minute sprinting will only lead to errors!

Work one-on-one with an admissions pro to write application application essays that will get you accepted to your dream school.





 

Related Resources:

• From Example to Exemplary: How to Create Outstanding Essays, a free guide

• 6 Tips for Getting Started on Your Application Essays

• Resourceful Essay Recycling

Tags: MBA Admissions

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Bloomberg Businessweek Announces Best Business Schools in 2017 [#permalink] Accepted MBA Updates   20 Nov 2017, 11:01
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FROM Accepted.com Blog: Bloomberg Businessweek Announces Best Business Schools in 2017



You’re getting ready to apply to a full-time MBA program, but which program will best prepare you for job success? Bloomberg Businessweek’s 2017 ranking goes straight to that issue. The Employer Survey measures recruiter opinions on how well MBA programs prepare their graduates with relevant skills. The Student Survey tracks feedback from students about how well they have been prepared for the workforce, including job placement rate, and starting salary. Alumni are surveyed on increase in compensation, job satisfaction, as well as their MBA experiences, the specific impacts their MBA programs had on their careers, and whether they would recommend their programs to others.

Based on all of these factors, Harvard Business School has been ranked first for the third straight year in a row. UPenn Wharton comes in at number two, followed by the MIT Sloan at number three, pushing Duke Fuqua School and the Dartmouth out of the top five.

Is the highest starting salary important to you? Check out Stanford Graduate School of Business. Their MBA grads, on average, capture the highest pay right out of school.

Do you want to go to work in financial services immediately after graduation? Consider Columbia Business School, which yields the largest share of MBAs that head to Wall St. upon receiving their degrees.

Would you like to work in Asia? Approximately 40% of the UC San Diego Rady School of Management graduates head there to work.

Here are Bloomberg Businessweek’s Top 10 business schools:



Do you need help choosing the best b-school for you, and then applying successfully so you get accepted? Our expert admissions advisors can guide you through every step of the MBA application process. Contact us and we’ll match you with your personal consultant today! 





 

Related Resources:

• Navigate the MBA Application Maze, a free guide

• Business School Selectivity Index [Can I Get Into My Dream School?]

• Are You Targeting the Right MBA Program for You?

Tags: MBA Admissions

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Will Your Anxiety Hurt Your GMAT/GRE Score? [#permalink] Accepted MBA Updates   21 Nov 2017, 10:01
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FROM Accepted.com Blog: Will Your Anxiety Hurt Your GMAT/GRE Score?



It’s natural to be anxious about the GRE or GMAT – after all, your future educational options could depend on how well you perform. But the bind is this: if test-taking anxiety paralyzes you, you probably won’t perform as well as you could.

Reducing test anxiety can enable you to take the exam confidently and perform to the very best of your ability. If that sounds easier said than done, don’t worry! We’ve partnered with our friend Bara Sapir, a life coach and test prep expert, to bring you a special webinar devoted to this precise topic. In Five Effective Stress-Reducing Solutions for GMAT/GRE Success, you’ll learn tried and true solutions for test taking anxiety, and ways to think through which tools may be right for you.

Don’t let panic or anxiety prevent you from realizing your grad school dreams. Register for Five Effective Stress-Reducing Solutions for GMAT/GRE Success and learn to master the test.





 

Tags: MBA Admissions

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Using Head, Heart and Gut for GMAT and GRE Success [Part 1] [#permalink] Accepted MBA Updates   22 Nov 2017, 10:01
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FROM Accepted.com Blog: Using Head, Heart and Gut for GMAT and GRE Success [Part 1]



Here’s what I believe: Tests not only measure what you know, they also measure how well you take tests.

It’s extremely rare that someone waltzes into a GRE or GMAT center without preparation and aces their test. Even a lot of test preparation won’t always help if you don’t employ a multi-intelligence approach to your study and test-taking strategies. Tests judge you beyond academic know-how, and reward or penalize you based on how adept you are in using other forms of intelligence such as your heart and gut intelligence. When all three types of intelligence are honed and used appropriately, they can upgrade your performance and increase your score.

In this post I introduce how to think about these intelligence modes as well as some techniques to master them so you can approach the test in a focused and confident manner. Here are the three forms of intelligence:

“Head Intelligence” involves mastering material and recalling it correctly.

“Heart Intelligence” is dedicating time, focus and endurance to complete the test.

“Gut intelligence” involves answering questions in a conscious manner. You need to be fully engaged with each question, and not distracted by other things happening around you or in your mind.

While these tests are highly coachable, most people focus on “head” intelligence and neglect “heart” and “gut” intelligence. Utilizing all the three types of intelligence, however, promotes an increased intimacy with the material and process and helps your performance. These different types of intelligence are also transferable to a myriad of other situations, including relationships, your job, and in the pursuit of your goals.

So how do you learn to use and trust your head, heart, and gut, to answer questions correctly as often as possible? Practice.

First, “head” intelligence. Have you gone through the content and are you assured you’ve mastered it? If yes, move on. If not, what will it take to learn all that you need to know to get the score you need? How many medium and difficult questions must you answer correctly (assuming you get all the easy ones right should they show up) to earn the score you seek?

Get some “heart” in the mix: set a goal and develop an action plan to actualize it. Included in the plan should be when and for how long you’ll study (keep in mind you might want to take the exam at least twice). Be aware of how long the test sections take and what this feels like. The test is a marathon, not a sprint, and the study for it should be as well. Remember: it’s not just what you know; it’s how you show up for the test. (This last point will be discussed more in part II).

Finally, doing a lot of practice will allow your “gut” intelligence to kick in. You’ll start to feel the difference between a right, wrong, and a weak answer. It’s a kind of knowing that is somewhat indescribable, but you’ve likely felt it at some time – like when you “get a feeling” about something, someone or a situation. While I don’t recommend you solely rely on your gut as a test-taking default strategy, don’t be surprised when you become so aware, that you begin answering without even reading RC essays or looking at the questions in the math/quant! I’ve demonstrated this to students and now boast a near-perfect score on many Facebook tests even when I don’t know the subject matter. I have cultivated head, heart and gut intelligence and you can do it too!

For best performance on the GMAT, GRE or any other high stakes test, learning to understand, identify, and integrate the three types of intelligence combined with continuous practice promotes engagement with the questions. Use of the multiple forms of intelligence makes the process more dynamic and focused and leads to more consistent performance at a higher level.





Bara Sapir, CEO and Founder of Test Prep New York and Test Prep San Francisco, is a nationally recognized test anxiety relief expert and sought-after speaker with over 20 years of experience. Each year she helps hundreds of students through workshops, webinars, articles, products, and books, and works privately with a number of students.

Related Resources:

• MBA Action Plan: 6 Steps for the 6 Months Before You Apply, a free guide

• GMAT & MBA Admissions: True or False?

• 3 Tips to Reduce GMAT Test Anxiety

Tags: Grad School Admissions, MBA Admissions

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