|
It is currently 29 May 2023, 01:43 |
Customized
for You
Track
Your Progress
Practice
Pays
08:30 AM PDT
-09:30 AM PDT
12:00 AM BST
-12:00 AM BST
12:01 AM PDT
-11:59 PM PDT
08:30 AM PDT
-09:30 AM PDT
08:30 AM EDT
-09:30 AM EDT
09:30 AM PDT
-10:30 AM PDT
10:00 AM EDT
-11:00 AM EDT
03:00 PM PDT
-04:00 PM PDT
03:00 PM PDT
-06:00 PM PDT
04:00 PM EDT
-05:00 PM EDT
01:00 PM EDT
-02:00 PM EDT
08:00 PM PDT
-09:00 PM PDT
14 Jul 2019, 09:01
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: EMBA-Global Application Essay Tips & Deadlines [2019 – 2020] |
 The Global EMBA has 2 program options: EMBA-Global Americas & Europe which combines the strengths of Columbia University and London Business School; and EMBA-Global Asia, with Columbia University, London Business School, and University of Hong Kong. Of course, all EMBA applications are about “fit.” The Global EMBA is too – just more so. This adcom really focuses on fit because the program is so intense. And the concept of “global leader” is a critical part of that fit. How to demonstrate it will be unique to each applicant; ensure that your essays reflect your own mindset and vision of global leadership. In addition, the culture of the programs features a high degree of entrepreneurial energy, so entrepreneurship-related qualities like fresh thinking and initiative will also enhance fit. These adcoms also look for applicants who truly understand and will make productive use of this distinctive educational opportunity, which comprises multiple campuses and schools, each with its own focus and areas of excellence. The three essay questions vary in approach, requiring you to present yourself effectively from different angles to create a holistic picture. There’s a classic goals essay, a “story” (behavioral) essay, and an open statement. The challenge is to employ a consistent individual voice while adapting it to each essay question. EMBA-Global application essays EMBA-Global essay #1 Why do you wish to participate in the EMBA-Global programme? What do you hope to experience and how will participation in this programme help you to achieve your objectives? (maximum 500 words) Here’s that goals question. First a note about the nuance of the question: notice the words “wish,” “hope,” “experience,” and “participate/participation.” These words imply an immersive, personal, community-minded, collaborative orientation. In the essay (and indeed throughout the application), show how you fit with this culture and these values. Structure: I’ve found that it’s intuitive and logical to start the essay by discussing your goals – the objectives noted at the very end of the question. And indicate what motivates them. You can then naturally move into what you hope to experience from the program, because your professional goals create your need for the program. This part can (indeed should) include a personal component as well. To address participation, discuss elements both in and beyond the classroom where you will learn and contribute, including clubs, social interactions, etc. EMBA-Global essay #2 Please describe a situation either work or personal where you faced a particular challenge. What was the outcome and what did you learn from the experience about your own strengths and personal development needs? (maximum 500 words) This is the “story” essay I referred to in the introduction. Approach it as you would relate an interesting experience to a friend or acquaintance – straightforward narration with some expression of your feelings and/or thoughts at key points in the narrative. I suggest selecting a topic that’s relatively recent. Make it a situation with some significant stakes, and one that yielded meaningful insight, growth, and/or change. Structure: Jump right into the story. Avoid preambles that give away the ending! This approach grips the reader and frees up space for detail, which will keep the reader engaged and let her get to know you more through the story. As you walk through what happened, highlight your actions and weave in those thoughts and feelings. Conclude with a short paragraph reflecting on what you learned about your strengths and development needs – tie these points back to the story. EMBA-Global personal statement Please tell us about yourself and your background. How do you embody the characteristics of a future global leader? The objective of this statement is to get a sense who you are, rather than what you have achieved professionally. (maximum 500 words) First, think. Selecting content is not easy when faced with such an open question. There is no one formula that will work for everyone. Some people might most effectively focus on aspects of their cultural milieu and its formative influence on their values and perspective. Others might focus on pivotal experiences during university, others yet on influential role model(s) or relationships. Many people will appropriately discuss more than one topic. The adcom knows that every leader on the world stage will uniquely manifest the qualities that make him/her a “global leader.” There is no formula. So, rather than trying to fit your experiences to the concept of global leader, work the other way around: show how a singular global leader will grow from your experiences – which are inherently unique. In other words, these individual experiences will form the foundation of your future global leadership. For expert guidance with your EMBA-Global application, check out Accepted’s MBA Application Packages, which include comprehensive guidance from an experienced admissions consultant. We’ve helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to top EMBA programs and look forward to helping you too! EMBA-Global Application Deadlines for 2019-20 EMBA-Global Asia Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, within these deadline dates: Round 1 November 30, 2019 Round 2 January 19, 2020 Round 3 February 23, 2020 Round 4 March 26, 2020 EMBA-Global Americas & Europe Early Fall September 17, 2019 Late Fall November 12, 2019 Early Spring January 21, 2020 Late Spring March 10, 2020 ***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***  Cindy Tokumitsu has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA programs in her 20 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 MBA Application Essays, a free guide • School-Specific Executive MBA Application Essay Tips • Executive MBA Essays: How to Make an Impact Tags: MBA Admissions The post EMBA-Global Application Essay Tips & Deadlines [2019 – 2020] appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
15 Jul 2019, 09:01
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: UC Berkeley Haas MBA Application Essay Tips & Deadlines [2019 – 2020] |
 Haas changed both of its required essay questions this year. Applicants face a new MBA application and new MBA essay tips. Haas tossed out last year’s six-word story about a memorable experience and does not ask for your post-MBA goals. Don’t be surprised, however, if you are asked about your goals and how Haas will help you achieve them if you are invited to an interview. A few things haven’t changed. While Haas has made it very clear that you need outstanding academics to get in, they will not compromise their values to maintain those stats. The Four Defining Leadership Principles are taken very seriously by Haas’ administration and admissions team. You need to show you share and live by those principles if you are to receive serious consideration at Haas. The Four Principles are:
The deadlines are almost unchanged this year, just moved up one day for Round 1 and Round 2 and two days for Round 3. Haas School of Business Application Essays My comments are in blue throughout. Be sure to visit the Haas website which provides excellent resources and advice. Haas MBA Essay #1 What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why? (300 words maximum) This is a brand new question that replaces the one about a memorable experience. The difference is that a memorable experience may only happen once and is frequently unique, whereas this question may refer to a more ordinary or regular occurrence. This question asks about something that “makes you feel alive when doing it.” Since most of us like to feel alive, we’ll return to that kind of activity again and again for the sense of vitality it gives us. This activity could be a hobby. It could be a responsibility tied to giving in a community service activity. It could be something to do with nature. Hiking, scuba diving, parachuting, gardening, or thousands of other activities could fit the bill. Perhaps it’s something that ties you to your tradition and belief system. The possibilities are endless. However, while the options may be limitless, the word count is not: 300 words. A possible structure for this essay would be to start with a vivid description of the activity and then go into why it makes you feel “alive.” The why is probably going to be harder than describing the activity, but make sure you do it. Try to connect to relevant elements of Haas’ Four Principles without parroting them mindlessly. Haas MBA Essay #2 At Berkeley Haas, we are redefining leadership. We value different opinions and perspectives, recognizing that we always have more to learn about others’ lived experiences and histories. We encourage speaking up and listening, and courageously use our power to address barriers and drive change for positive impact. Tell us how a Berkeley Haas MBA would enhance your leadership profile, incorporating specific examples. (300 words maximum) Think about how you would like to develop as a leader. Are you already someone who looks for opportunities to improve the status quo, studies how to do so, listens well to different perspectives, and seeks to contribute to your team, organization, and community? Do you want to develop those skills further? Can you give an example of where you succeeded in a leadership role by using some of Haas’ leadership principles while also feeling that you need to nurture others and develop some even more? That example would serve as a great start to this essay. Then closely review Haas’ approach to management education and leadership specifically and discuss how you will use what Haas provides to improve your leadership skills. Haas MBA Optional Information #1 We invite you to help us better understand the context of your opportunities and achievements.
In providing that context, especially when talking about hardships overcome, provide enough information for the admissions committee to understand the hardship, but not so much that you end up writing a pity essay or you end up appearing somehow “damaged” or broken. Overcoming hardship can strengthen a person. That’s the kind of image you want to create if you choose to write on the topic. Yes, you may have experienced something difficult, maybe even tragic or terrible, but you have overcome this and are stronger as a result. The reader’s reaction? Admiration, not pity. For an example, listen to Ida Valentine: Investment Banker, Inspirational Speaker, HBS 2021. Haas MBA Optional Information #2 This section should only be used to convey relevant information not addressed elsewhere in your application. This may include an explanation of employment gaps, academic aberrations, supplemental coursework, etc. You are encouraged to use bullet points where appropriate. This optional essay is a restrictive optional. Only use it to provide context for events and outcomes, like a dip in grades or employment gap. You don’t want the admissions readers to (wrongly) assume something or imagine what caused that gap or dip. Just tell them succinctly what happened if you haven’t done so somewhere else in your Haas application. For expert guidance with your Berkeley Haas MBA application, check out Accepted’s MBA Application Packages, which include comprehensive guidance from an experienced admissions consultant. We’ve helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to Berkeley Haas’ MBA program and look forward to helping you too! UC Berkeley Haas 2019-20 MBA Application Deadlines Application Deadline Decisions Released Round 1 September 26, 2019 December 12, 2019 Round 2 January 9, 2020 March 26, 2020 Round 3 April 2, 2020 May 7, 2020 ***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions, and deadlines.***  By Linda Abraham, president and founder of Accepted. Linda earned her bachelors and MBA at UCLA, and has been advising applicants since 1994 when she founded Accepted. Linda is the co-founder and first president of AIGAC. She has written or co-authored 13 e-books on the admissions process, and has been quoted by The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News, Poets & Quants, Bloomberg Businessweek, CBS News, and others. Linda is the host of Admissions Straight Talk, a podcast for graduate school applicants. Want an admissions expert help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch! Related Resources: • Leadership in Admissions, a free guide • Different Dimensions of Diversity, a podcast episode • How to Write About Overcoming Challenges Without Sounding Like a Whiner Tags: MBA Admissions The post UC Berkeley Haas MBA Application Essay Tips & Deadlines [2019 – 2020] appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
16 Jul 2019, 09:01
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Can You Get Accepted to Wharton? |
  Wharton. It’s one of the top-ranked business schools in the world – with a rigorous curriculum and amazing resources that will help you accelerate your career in any direction you desire. It’s also very selective. When you’re up against the hard reality of stats like Wharton’s – an acceptance rate of under 20% and an average GMAT of 730 – it’s easy to feel intimidated. Do you have what it takes to impress the adcom and get accepted? Our Wharton webinar can help We know applying to elite programs can be stressful. That’s why we’ve created our free, one-hour webinar, Get Accepted to Wharton. Accepted founder Linda Abraham will give you a clear action plan for your Wharton application and show you how you can prove you’re a great fit for Wharton while standing out in the applicant pool. And because we know your time is valuable, we’ve packed it all into one hour. The webinar is free, but you must reserve your space. Mark your calendars for Thursday, July 25th at 1pm ET/10am PT and again at 8pm ET/5pm PT (pick the time that works best for you). Register Now:  For 25 years, Accepted has helped business school applicants gain acceptance to top programs. Our outstanding team of MBA admissions consultants features former business school admissions directors and professional writers who have guided our clients to admission at top MBA, EMBA, and other graduate business programs worldwide including Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Booth, INSEAD, London Business School, and many more. Want an MBA admissions expert to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! Tags: MBA Admissions The post Can You Get Accepted to Wharton? appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
16 Jul 2019, 10:01
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Harvard Kennedy School: An interview with Admissions Director Matt Clemons |
 Interview with Matt Clemons, Director of Admissions for the Harvard Kennedy School of Government [Show Summary] Matt Clemons is the Director of Admissions for the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and he shares what the school is looking for in its applicants, what to expect while in the program, and some of the exciting things current students and alumni are doing to make an impact on society. If you are driven to solve the problems of public policy and society, take a closer look at Harvard’s Kennedy School. The Harvard Kennedy School of Government: Everything You Need to Know [Show Notes] It’s been almost three years since we last had on Admissions Straight Talk, Matt Clemons, Director of Admission, Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Matt entered the admissions field at Manhattan School of Music and subsequently served for five years as Director of Admission and Financial Aid at Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs. He joined HKS in 2011 as Director of Admissions and has been there for the last roughly eight years. Can you please give an overview of the HKS MPP program for those listeners who may not be so familiar with it? [2:10] The MPP can be framed against MBA and JD programs, in that they all are teaching you to engage in professional issues. The MPP is teaching a skillset to help people solve problems, and is not traditionally academic (being concerned with theory and research), rather learning those skills to solve problems. In many ways the program is similar to business school – you learn negotiations, management, quant analysis, leadership, persuasion, communications, etc. – but the case studies, internships, and work people engage in will focus on how public policy impacts peoples’ lives, in the private, non for profit or government sectors. How do the MPP, the Masters of Public Administration, and the MPAID (MPA Int’l Dev) differ? [3:31] One of the things policy schools didn’t do is come up with one acronym used across the industry like business schools did with the MBA. I don’t want people to get confused across acronyms, but the MPAID program takes quant analysis to a deeper level, specifically to help figure out how developing economies can be managed in a way to integrate them into the global economy. Graduates tend to work for multilateral organizations like the IFC, World Bank, or IMF. 75% of the students are outside of the US, and the program is constructed with that in mind. It has uniquely rigorous quant – the first year is similar to what a first year Ph.D. in economics would be studying. The MPA is typically for people who have either already been to graduate school or been admitted to a partner school. Since students are pursuing a concurrent or dual business degree, many go on to careers in the private sector to figure out how businesses can have a positive influence on society. What is the Mason Program or cohort in the Mid-Career MPA? [6:30] The Mid-Career MPA is a one-year program for individuals in developed economies. The Mason Program has essentially the same curriculum, but is for people from developing economies. The Mason Program students spend an extra two weeks on campus at the beginning in sort of a boot camp, as many may not have studied in an environment like HKS before, but the only real difference in programs is citizenship. What is the difference between joint, concurrent, and dual degree options? HKS offers all 3. [7:30] The joint degree programs are only within Harvard (with the business school and law school), and the faculty from both schools have gotten together and decided on what they want students to engage in – a particular set of courses/requirements/schedule. There is no difference between the concurrent and dual degrees, but they are flexible, less-organized and the other program is outside of Harvard – for example, MIT Sloan is just down the street. There is no particular set of courses that faculty have come up with in advance. Essentially faculty from the two schools will work together to put together course requirements. All three degree programs require one less year of enrollment than if the programs were done separately, so going from 5 to 4 years for the JD program, and 4 to 3 for business school. There is no joint or concurrent admissions process. Students will have to apply to each school separately. If they are not admitted to the other school but are admitted to Kennedy they are welcome to start in our program and then reapply to the other school that next year, but everything is handled separately. What percentage of students take advantage of these 2-degree options? [12:51] It’s about 20% of our two-year students, so a healthy percentage. What’s changed at HKS in the last 3 years? [13:04] There is a very strong emphasis on social innovation, and we started a social innovation lab which now has a fellowship program to fund students who want to start an enterprise, so not offering traditional financial aid but really funding to start the enterprise going. They also receive assistance from faculty and alumni. Digital HKS is our foray into ensuring policy makers are up to date with what’s going on with technology. Business is out to disrupt and government is typically playing catch up. We are hiring faculty and trying to attract students with backgrounds in technology, engineering, and computer science to figure out what technology means for public policy. For example, one big issue is autonomous vehicle policy – we need people with an understanding of that technology to figure out implications for society. What is something really cool that a recent HKS grad is doing? [14:52] Some alums started Turbo Vote, which is trying to solve the problem of when people are separated from their locale (from Los Angeles but going to school in Boston, for example) and finding it difficult to sign up to vote. Another example is one a current student is involved in. George Clemment started Just Fix NYC before coming to HKS. It is an app people can use to report issues with landlords and neglected living conditions. He is now looking to take the program to other cities. He entered into the President’s Innovation Competition (each year the president of Harvard gives $500,000 to students who want to solve sticky public problems) and he got a check for $75K. What are you looking for in applicants across all your degree programs? [16:50] There are two questions the adcom wants to have answered:
You can be very successful in your career and have a transferrable skill set. For example there was an investment banker who said, “I have been spending my career helping people who have money make more money, and want to transfer that to helping people without money.” There was another with a career in consulting and marketing who wanted to transition to the public sector. She ended up with an internship with the mayor’s office here in Boston and started “City Hall to Go” – she transitioned a police van into a mobile government office. We are looking for people who are creative, and looking to apply their skills in new ways, to say it and back it up with involvement we can see through their resume and letters of recommendation. What are you looking for in terms of academic experience, work experience, and other kinds of experience? [20:34] The work experience doesn’t really make a determination one way or the other, it is more the story of the work experience. For the academic portion we look at the transcript, test performance, and professional development. Again, it’s can they learn what we teach – they don’t have to be a brilliant academic. It is really the story – all elements are puzzle pieces. What gets you excited about an applicant? [23:29] I’d say leadership development makes one stand out. Someone who has taken initiative, risks, is creative, and has put themselves in a place that challenges them to develop those skills. We are also looking for what they will be able to contribute, as there is lots of group work. We also want them to be good consumers while here, so the more work experience, the more exposure, the more quickly they identify courses, extracurriculars, etc., that will align with their long term career ambitions. One complaint from alumni is that the program goes by so fast. They hit the ground running while here, and being already engaged is good. What is a turn off? [24:59] I would say the word contrived – if something in an essay could have been taken from our website, that’s a big turn off. The admissions committee is very familiar with The Kennedy School. What we are looking for is info about the applicant and how their passion, previous background, and other things relates to them wanting to be here. Being trite, or listing things we are familiar with is worthless. Another pet peeve is people who quote people in their essays – we want to hear from the applicant! Any plans to change the essays this year? [27:16] We have no plans to change them. We will be adding a biographical prompt for the MPP. We experimented with this last year with the MPA program. With people coming in sometimes with decades of experience across so many different industries/background, it can be jarring reading resumes from an admissions perspective when people are so different, and there is acronym soup. We added something essentially to summarize their professional development. Nothing deeply psychological, just an opportunity to address their professional trajectory before we see the resume to give some context. HKS required 3 recommendations. That’s a one more than most masters programs. Why? [28:44] We are looking for a 360 degree view with the LOR. So what is recommender A going to say that is different from B and C? There will be overlapping themes for sure, but we encourage people to think about what each recommender is going to say and how that will differ. The two categories people think of typically with recommendations are academic and professional, but recs don’t have to come exclusively from someone who has graded you or does your performance review. I inherited the three letters when I started here, and the adcom has not advocated for any change. It is useful from that perspective. Your brochure says that interviews at HKS are not required, but that the admission committee may “contact applicants on a case-by-case basis.” When would you contact an applicant? Would that contact become an interview or would it be more like to ask for clarification about something in the app? [30:28] It could be for clarification, but the most common reason we contact applicants is to verify English language ability. Maybe they took a lot of English classes in college but the TOEFL score is low. Sometimes there are complaints about the microphone or something like that, but obviously we need to make sure students can operate successfully in an English language environment. If someone is planning to apply this cycle, what advice would you have at this point in time? [32:19] Following the admissions blog is a good piece of advice – we have student stories, alum stories, and application advice. Visiting campus would also be great. Virtual information sessions are available as well. There is no mystical thing that will make them a better applicant other than to take advantage of all the resources. We also lead information sessions across the US and around the world. What would you have liked me to ask you? [33:47] Money! We do have a pretty sizable financial aid budget, so don’t be scared by the sticker price. Over half the students attending are receiving some form of aid. Another healthy percentage are receiving sponsorship. There are two months to apply for financial aid after submitting the application, there are fellowships and so forth, so don’t let cost scare you away from considering the school.  Related Links: • Harvard Kennedy School of Government • HKS Admissions Blog • HKS Application Essay Tips • Accepted’s Admissions Consulting Services Related Shows: • Harvard Kennedy School – Where the Bottom Line is Making a Difference to Society • All About the IELTS • All About the Grenoble DBA • Awards! Grants! Scholarships! Oh My! Subscribe:   Podcast Feed  Tags: Admissions Straight Talk, Grad School Admissions, MBA Admissions The post Harvard Kennedy School: An Interview with Admissions Director Matt Clemons [Episode 320] appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
17 Jul 2019, 09:01
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Heads Up: Price Increase Ahead! |
 We wanted to give you a head’s up that we’ll be increasing our prices August 1, which means that you have until Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at 11:59pm PT to lock in a service at our current rate. Browse our catalog of services today to get an early start on your applications and to take advantage of our pre-increase rates! Sure, you could go through the application process alone, but when you sign up with Accepted you will confidently:
 Apply with an admissions pro on your side –purchase an Accepted service before Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at 11:59pm PT, and get the help you need on your applications, all while taking advantage of our pre-increase prices! For 25 years, Accepted has helped applicants gain acceptance to top undergraduate and graduate programs. Our expert team of admissions consultants features former admissions directors, PhDs, and professional writers who have advised clients to acceptance at top programs worldwide including Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Princeton, Penn, Columbia, Oxford, Cambridge, INSEAD, MIT, Caltech, UC Berkeley, and Northwestern. Want an admissions expert to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! Tags: Admissions Consulting, College Admissions, Grad School Admissions, Law School Admissions, MBA Admissions, Medical School Admissions The post Heads Up: Price Increase Ahead! appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
17 Jul 2019, 10:01
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Want to Study Data Analytics But Don’t Have Relevant Experience or a Quantitative Degree? |
 In my experience guiding applicants to data and business analytics programs, I have often encountered applicants who really want to get into data but have little to no experience in the field. Others might have some experience, but lack the quantitative background that is preferred for these programs. If you are in such a position, do you still have any chance to attend a data-oriented program? Absolutely. However, you need to acquire the experience and exposure you currently lack, transforming yourself into a compelling, competitive applicant. Tips for gaining the experience you need for data analytics programs Here are my tips for gaining data experience and academic background in the field:
I have had many clients who have successfully secured admission at a top data analytics program without holding a STEM or other quant undergraduate degree. Many others have gained admission to these programs without relevant experience. Their secret? Demonstrating through concrete actions that their commitment to the field goes above and beyond words. Your best course of action is to prepare your analytical toolkit with courses, projects, and paid or unpaid work relevant to the field of data analysis. All this will showcase your comfort in handling data, your commitment to the field, your academic potential, and your technical and analytical skills. Do you need help creating an application strategy that will position you for admissions success at a graduate data or business analytics program? Do you need assistance in crafting a personal statement that highlights your strengths, experience, and dedication to the field? Explore our Graduate School Admissions Consulting & Editing Services and work one-on-one with an expert advisor who will help you GET ACCEPTED.   Esmeralda Cardenal is a Former Associate Director of Admissions at Yale SOM, Director of MBA Admissions at MSU Broad, and consultant at Cardiff Business School in the UK. Since 2014, she has guided Accepted clients to acceptance in various graduate programs including MBA and master's in finance, business analytics, data science, sustainability, and public policy. Want Esmeralda to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! Related Resources: • NYU Stern’s New Online Master’s in Quantitative Management, a podcast episode • Data Analytics Master’s Programs: What Do They Want in Applicants? • The Rise of Master’s Programs in Data Analytics and Related Fields Tags: Grad School Admissions, MBA Admissions The post Want to Study Data Analytics But Don’t Have Relevant Experience or a Quantitative Degree? appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
18 Jul 2019, 09:01
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: MIT Sloan MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines [2019-2020] |
 This year’s MIT Sloan MBA application, like most MIT applications in the last fifteen years, includes its signature cover letter and resume. It also retains the video component, which was introduced approximately three years ago. My tips for these parts of the MIT Sloan application are in blue below. MIT Sloan MBA cover letter and resume MIT Sloan seeks students whose personal characteristics demonstrate that they will make the most of the incredible opportunities at MIT, both academic and non-academic. We are on a quest to find those whose presence will enhance the experience of other students. We seek thoughtful leaders with exceptional intellectual abilities and the drive and determination to put their stamp on the world. We welcome people who are independent, authentic, and fearlessly creative – true doers. We want people who can redefine solutions to conventional problems, and strive to preempt unconventional dilemmas with cutting-edge ideas. We demand integrity and respect passion. Taking the above into consideration, please submit a cover letter seeking a place in the MIT Sloan MBA Program. Your letter should conform to a standard business correspondence, include one or more examples that illustrate why you meet the desired criteria above, and be addressed to Assistant Deans of Admissions, Rod Garcia and Dawna Levenson. (300 words or fewer, excluding address and salutation) MIT helpfully provides insight into what it’s looking for in the cover letter. Like all cover letters, this one is a marketing document. If you apply for a job, you research the firm to learn what it values and is seeking. Based on your research, you send your resume with a cover letter designed to make you as attractive to the company as possible, one that shows you have what the firm wants. Similarly, your MIT Sloan cover letter should show that you have what MIT is looking for. Make your case for admission using your accomplishments, specifically those where you show the qualities mentioned above. How do the talents revealed in your examples demonstrate fit with the MIT Sloan program, its tight-knit community, and its innovative, culture of doers? Your resume should reveal above-average progression on the job and increasing responsibility, as well as the creativity and contribution that MIT Sloan requires. In making your case and mentioning your accomplishments, highlight your role and the impact on the entities you contributed to. Those results are “your stamp on the world” so far. Note: this is not an essay. Make sure your letter is formatted as a professional letter with a date, address, header, salutation, and close. Please submit a one-page resume (Times New Roman 10-point font preferred) that includes your employment history and academic record in reverse chronological order. Other information appropriate to a business resume is welcomed and encouraged, including extracurricular activities, awards, and achievements. Please REDACT your name, address, and contact information. For formatting purposes, please list the information in the following order:
In your resume, go beyond mere job descriptions to highlight achievement. If your title is “consultant,” saying that you “consulted on projects” is redundant and uninformative at best. Writing that you “Led a 6-member team working on a biotech outsourcing project to Singapore with a budget of $X; it came in on time and under budget” conveys infinitely more. Quantify your impact as much as possible. You want the reader to come away with a picture of you as an above average performer on a steep upward trajectory who has the hands-on, problem-solving focus that demonstrates you belong at MIT Sloan. Applying to MIT Sloan? Listen to our podcast interview with the Director of Admissions: All the Details About the Full-Time MIT Sloan MBA Program [Episode 241] MIT Sloan MBA video statement Please take a minute to introduce yourself to your future classmates via video. Include a bit on your past experience and why MIT Sloan is the best place for you to pursue your MBA. Videos should be a single take (no editing) lasting no more than one minute and consisting of you speaking directly to the camera. We recommend using an application such as QuickTime or iMovie to record yourself. Upload the video file according to the detailed instructions within the application. We support the following file formats: .avi, .flv, .m1v, .m2v, .m4v, .mkv, .mov, .mpeg, .mpg, .mp4, .webm, .wmv. Should you experience difficulties uploading your file, please ensure that you’re using a modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Safari) on the fastest wired Internet connection available. An intermittent or slow Internet connection can cause uploads to timeout. The video statement was introduced at MIT Sloan about three years ago. Your goal here: deliver your statement with poise and presence. I suggest you outline a 60-second statement that you would use to introduce yourself to your classmates (not the admissions committee members; they’re just important flies on the wall who happen to be listening in). Don’t be too casual; your classmates are your future professional network and social group, but do be friendly and remember to smile. What would you tell them about yourself? What would show that you are already a member of MIT’s community – you just don’t happen to pay tuition yet? A few tips for the video part of this exercise: Practice in front of a webcam so that you get used to talking to a little lens that has no affect, feedback, or expression. Recording yourself on video is not the same as talking on Skype with another human being. I suggest you put a smiley face beneath or above the camera to remind you to smile at appropriate points in your statement. Then view your practice videos looking for poise and presence. During some of the practices, maybe have a friend present to encourage you, but also practice without anyone else in the room. We here at Accepted are happy to help you prepare too. For the real statement, dress in business or business casual attire. If you’re not confident that your attire is appropriate, it probably isn’t; dress more conservatively. Make sure your location is quiet and that pets and children are in a location where they won’t be heard or disturb you. Make sure your background is neutral and not a distraction. Blank walls make a great background. For expert guidance with your MIT Sloan MBA application, check out Accepted’s MBA Application Packages, which include comprehensive guidance from an experienced admissions consultant. We’ve helped applicants get accepted to MIT Sloan’s MBA program and look forward to helping you too! MIT Sloan application deadlines for August 2020 entry Application Deadline Decisions Released Round 1 October 1, 2019 December 18, 2019 Round 2 January 21, 2020 March 31, 2020 Round 3 April 9, 2020 May 7, 2020 Applications must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. EST ***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***  By Linda Abraham, president and founder of Accepted. Linda earned her bachelors and MBA at UCLA, and has been advising applicants since 1994 when she founded Accepted. Linda is the co-founder and first president of AIGAC. She has written or co-authored 13 e-books on the admissions process, and has been quoted by The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News, Poets & Quants, Bloomberg Businessweek, CBS News, and others. Linda is the host of Admissions Straight Talk, a podcast for graduate school applicants. Want an admissions expert help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch! Related Resources: • Fitting In and Standing Out: The Paradox at the Heart of Admissions, a free guide • All the Details About the Full-Time MIT Sloan MBA Program, a podcast episode • Tips For MBA Video Essay Questions Tags: MBA Admissions The post MIT Sloan MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines [2019-2020] appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
19 Jul 2019, 09:01
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Wharton MBA Class Profile: Class of 2020 |
 Let’s take a look at who makes up Wharton’s class of 2020…
FIELDPERCENT (last year in parentheses) Consulting27% (26%) Private Equity/Venture Capital13% (14%) Technology/Internet Services10% (9%) Nonprofit/Government9% (12%) Diversified Financial Services8% (8%) Investment Banking9% (8%) Other6% (9%) Healthcare5% (6%) Investment Management5% (3%) Energy2% (2%) Consumer Packaged Goods/Retail2% (2%) Media/Entertainment2% (1%) Do you want to be counted among Wharton’s next crop of students? Come to our webinar, Get Accepted to Wharton Business School, to learn the steps you need to take to discover your competitive advantage and GET ACCEPTED! For personalized assistance on your Wharton applications, check out Accepted’s MBA Admissions Services.  For 25 years, Accepted has helped business school applicants gain acceptance to top programs. Our outstanding team of MBA admissions consultants features former business school admissions directors and professional writers who have guided our clients to admission at top MBA, EMBA, and other graduate business programs worldwide including Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Booth, INSEAD, London Business School, and many more. Want an MBA admissions expert to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! Related Resources: • 2019-20 Wharton MBA Application Essay Tips & Deadlines • A Wharton-Lauder Student Chats About Management Leaders of Tomorrow and the Value of Time • Stanford MBA Class of 2020 Profile Tags: MBA Admissions The post Wharton MBA Class Profile: Class of 2020 appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
22 Jul 2019, 09:01
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: UCLA Anderson MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines [2019-2020] |
 Accepted’s B-School Selectivity Index shows that UCLA Anderson is 14th in selectivity and 16th in U.S. News’ ranking. Its average GMAT is 716, up one point from last year and the year before. However, the acceptance rate at Anderson has climbed a bit from 20.7% for the class that entered in 2016 to 22.3% for the class that entered in 2017 to 24.3% for the class that entered in 2018. Now on to tips for the application itself, which requires a 500-word goals essay and a 300-word short answer. In essence, the longer question is about how you intend to benefit professionally from an Anderson MBA and the short question asks how you will benefit the Anderson community: What will you get from and what will you give to Anderson -and I don’t mean donations as an alum? The essay advice that UCLA Anderson provides on its website is excellent, not just for Anderson’s essays, but for most MBA essays. Read it carefully. Our advice is in blue below. UCLA Anderson 2019-2020 MBA application UCLA Anderson MBA essay question Describe your short-term and long-term career goals. How can the UCLA Anderson experience add value to your professional development? (500 words maximum) Anderson gives you enough room to write a revealing response, but not a verbose one. Make sure this essay shows that you’re already a member of the Anderson community by virtue of your values and experience. You just haven’t yet paid tuition. First think about Anderson’s motto: Share success. Think fearlessly. Drive change. Read the stories and posts that Anderson provides on each of those values. Watch the relevant videos. Think about the ways you can show that those values are your values while answering the question. To respond to the question itself, what are you looking to gain from the Anderson MBA? How do you hope to grow? How will that growth prepare you to realize your professional goals? Focus on the elements of the Anderson program that are distinctive, if not unique, and most supportive of your dreams. A great way to approach this essay would be to discuss an experience or anecdote that reveals you acting according to UCLA’s principles. Then connect that story to your goals and to UCLA Anderson’s program and your reasons for choosing its MBA program. Conclude by connecting relevant aspects of the Anderson MBA experience and program to the achievement of your short- and long-term goals. Your particular story may benefit from a different order, and that’s fine. Just make sure that the reader can follow it and that you include the requested elements. UCLA Anderson MBA short answer question What are you passionate about and why? (300 words maximum) I once had a client who was asked a similar question for an application. He responded “I feel passionately about child abuse. When I hear about incidents of child abuse my blood boils.” I said “OK. Have you volunteered to help victims of child abuse in any way? Have you raised money to help them or to prosecute abusers or perhaps get abusers help?” “No,” he replied, ” I haven’t done anything like that, but when I hear about it on the news, it really makes me angry.” Bad answer. Your passion must translate into commitment and action or it seems shallow. And so do you. If you love music, presumably you will either spend hours writing, playing or listening to it. If you are passionate about sports, that passion will be reflected in how you spend your time. If you are passionate about a cause or group, you will commit time to it. Given the 300-word limit, don’t choose more than 1-3 things you are passionate about. I’d prefer 1-2. Describe your passions and how you came to feel so strongly about this activity or cause. If you choose to focus on more than one “area of passion,” see if you can tie the different commitments together with a common theme so that the essay is a coherent whole. Don’t force it if that doesn’t work. UCLA Anderson MBA reapplicant question (For applicants who applied for the MBA program in the previous two years) Please describe your career progress since you last applied and how you have enhanced your candidacy. Include updates on short-term and long-term career goals, as well as your continued interest in UCLA Anderson. (750 words maximum) This is the key question in every MBA reapplication: How have you enhanced your candidacy? Career progress is an obvious place to start and something you must address, but if academics were a weakness, then what have you done since you last applied to show you can excel at Anderson? Finally, if your career goals have evolved since you last applied, discuss that evolution. UCLA Anderson MBA optional question Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions Committee should be aware? Please use your best judgment. (250 words maximum) No preference is given in the evaluation process to applicants who submit a response to the optional question. If there are extenuating circumstances that would add perspective or context for a weakness, you can discuss them here. A few years ago, UCLA added the following: “Please do not submit redundant information in the Optional Essay.” Good advice for all optional questions. For more suggestions, please see Optional Essays: When and How to Write Them. For expert guidance with your UCLA Anderson MBA application, check out Accepted’s MBA Application Packages, which include comprehensive guidance from an experienced admissions consultant. We’ve helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to UCLA Anderson’s MBA program and look forward to helping you too! UCLA Anderson 2019-2020 MBA application deadlines Application Deadline Decisions Released Round 1 October 2, 2019 December 18, 2019 Round 2 January 8, 2020 March 26, 2020 Round 3 April 16, 2020 May 21, 2020 ***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.*** By Linda Abraham, president and founder of Accepted. Linda earned her bachelors and MBA at UCLA, and has been advising applicants since 1994 when she founded Accepted. Linda is the co-founder and first president of AIGAC. She has written or co-authored 13 e-books on the admissions process, and has been quoted by The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News, Poets & Quants, Bloomberg Businessweek, CBS News, and others. Linda is the host of Admissions Straight Talk, a podcast for graduate school applicants. Want an admissions expert help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch! Related Resources: • 5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your MBA Application Essay, a free guide • Why Does an MD Need an MBA? This UCLA MD/MBA Student Tells All, a podcast episode • The B-School Selectivity Index: Discover the Schools Where You Are Competitive Tags: MBA Admissions The post UCLA Anderson MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines [2019-2020] appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
23 Jul 2019, 09:01
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Georgetown McDonough MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines [2019 – 2020] |
 Georgetown’s MBA application essay questions and video component remain the same as last year, with the exception of Essay Option #3. My advice is in blue below each of Georgetown’s prompts. Georgetown McDonough 2019-2020 MBA application essays We want to hear your story. When responding to our required essays, be authentic and take time to reflect on your goals and past experiences. Craft a response that explains how these experiences led you to pursue an MBA. Our goal at Georgetown McDonough is to craft a diverse class with people who have had varying personal and professional life experiences. As such, we want to give our applicants the opportunity to select one essay (from a list of three) that allows them the ability to best highlight their experiences, characteristics, and values that showcase the value proposition that they can bring to the McDonough community. Please select one of the following three essays to complete in 500 words or less and include the essay prompt and your first/last name at the top of your submission. The first issue you need to address is which question to respond to. All three prompts below ask you to use examples of either a specific challenging experience or a particular individual whom you view as a leader. The goal of your response is to allow the readers to see you as a distinctive contributor to the Georgetown McDonough community by showcasing how you have addressed one of these three experiences. So which should you choose? Respond to the one that you will be able to write most easily and enthusiastically while complementing the material presented elsewhere in your MBA application. As you’re choosing, review Georgetown’s mission and the influence of Jesuit values on the school. Then think about which of your experiences shows that you identify with those values and will contribute to Georgetown’s community. Also realize that regardless of the option you choose, Georgetown is asking for one example and your reflection on that example. It is not asking for a general, lofty treatise on a topic with no example, and it’s not asking for multiple examples without analysis. It wants one example and a thoughtful response to its question(s) about that incident or individual. Georgetown MBA essay #1 It can be said that life begins outside your comfort zone. Describe a situation when you were asked to lead outside of your comfort zone. What leadership characteristics did you exemplify in this situation that allowed you to succeed? While I dislike the “comfort zone” cliche, Georgetown doesn’t apparently share my negative reaction. To address the prompt, discuss when you have led in an uncomfortable or new situation. When have you led and didn’t want to lead? Finally, as the question asks, what characteristics allowed you to succeed? You could structure the essay by starting with the point of discomfort and the challenge you faced. Discuss how you resolved it, share the results or outcome, and conclude with the attributes you utilized to succeed. Georgetown MBA essay #2 “Failure is not something to be ashamed of, it’s something to be POWERED by. Failure is the high-octane fuel your life can run on. You’ve got to learn to make failure your fuel.” – Abby Wambach. Describe a situation when failure has been your fuel. What was your failure (or when did you not succeed to your full potential), and how did you use this as motivation to move forward and be successful in a future situation? I have a quote on my bulletin board (attributed to Will Rogers) that is good to keep in mind if you choose to write this essay: “Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.” This question is looking for resilience. When have you bounced back from failure or from a situation when you disappointed yourself? Describe the situation, what you didn’t do optimally, the outcome, and then a similar situation that you handled well because of the lessons learned from the first experience. The resilience and ability to learn, adapt, and grow are what Georgetown is looking for. Georgetown MBA essay #3 Think of the business leader or role model you admire or aspire to be. What are the defining characteristics of their personal brand that you see in yourself, why would you highlight those qualities, and how will those characteristics enrich the community at McDonough? I think this is the hardest of the three prompts to answer, but if you know your personal brand and are comfortable responding to this one, go for it! Clearly, Georgetown values self-aware, thoughtful, purposeful individuals. Take note that personal brand (AKA reputation) is not just ideals; it has to be reflected in your behavior. To take an extreme example, if someone espouses kindness but is cruel, their personal brand is one of cruelty. If one espouses activism and initiative, but is passive, their personal brand is one of passivity. So if you want to present yourself with specific values, the behavior must match, or you don’t have the brand you claim. The essay readers will see the hollowness of your claims very quickly. On the other hand, if you have a leader you admire and have lived your ideals as a leader, you will have the leader to write about, a clear personal brand, and be able to showcase the attributes. You will still need to discuss why those qualities are important and how you to intend to use them to benefit the Georgetown community. Georgetown MBA essay #4 (Video essay) We ask that you introduce yourself to your cohort in one minute or less. The Admissions Committee would like for you to appear in person during part of your video, and we strongly encourage you to speak outside of the experiences we can read on your resume. Use this video as an opportunity to bring life to your application. For more instructions, view our Video Essay Guide. This is one of those questions when you are not supposed to think about the fact that your video is being watched by admissions people. Address your peers, your professional network to-be, and your future friends (i.e. your classmates). Assume that your peers have already read your resume; you certainly don’t want to bore them by telling them what they just read. What would you want them to know about you? Your future friends (and the adcom) are looking for more than just spreadsheet skills or professional mojo here, although those might creep in. Balance personal and professional. As Georgetown says, “bring life to your application” with this video. If you used the essay to discuss a professional experience, use the video essay to reveal something that is not work-related. If you used the essay for a personal example of resilience, then I still wouldn’t focus exclusively on work, because you are addressing your peers and classmates here. Take the time to sketch out what you want to say in these 60 seconds. I don’t recommend that you write it out and memorize it, but definitely have a plan. And then practice, practice, practice. It can be strange to speak to a camera. Since by its very nature the camera gives no feedback and has no reaction, you need to either practice by yourself and view the videos of your practices so that you improve, or ask an encouraging friend to film you so that at least you have your friend’s reactions to respond to. Another idea: ask a friend to have a video call with you, but your friend should turn off the camera so that your friend can see you, but you don’t see your friend. Then ask for feedback. What is the Georgetown admissions committee looking for in this video? They are trying to imagine you as a member of their community. They also want to see how you present yourself without going to the trouble and expense of an interview. They want to assess your presence: how will you appear to a potential employer? Georgetown MBA essay #5 (Optional) Please provide any information you would like to add to your application that you have not otherwise included. (500 words or fewer) Please see Optional Essays: When and How to Write Them. Georgetown MBA essay #6 (Required for reapplicants) How have you strengthened your candidacy since your last application? We are particularly interested in hearing about how you have grown professionally and personally. (500 words or fewer) This is a key question (whether asked explicitly or not) for all reapplicants to any MBA program. What have you changed? How are you “new and improved” since your previous application when you were rejected? Georgetown does you the favor of providing this explicit prompt so you can address this question while retaining the ability to address the main essays. For expert guidance with your Georgetown McDonough MBA application, check out Accepted’s MBA Application Packages, which include comprehensive guidance from an experienced admissions consultant. We’ve helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to Georgetown’s MBA program and look forward to helping you too! Georgetown MBA Application Deadlines for 2019-2020 Application Deadline Round 1 September 30, 2019 Round 2 January 6, 2020 Round 3 March 24, 2020 Round 4 April 27, 2020 ***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.*** By Linda Abraham, president and founder of Accepted. Linda earned her bachelors and MBA at UCLA, and has been advising applicants since 1994 when she founded Accepted. Linda is the co-founder and first president of AIGAC. She has written or co-authored 13 e-books on the admissions process, and has been quoted by The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News, Poets & Quants, Bloomberg Businessweek, CBS News, and others. Linda is the host of Admissions Straight Talk, a podcast for graduate school applicants. Want an admissions expert help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch! Related Resources: • Leadership in Admissions, a free guide • From Rio to Georgetown: Trekking through the MBA Experience • An Overview of MBA Video Essays Tags: MBA Admissions The post Georgetown McDonough MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines [2019 – 2020] appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
24 Jul 2019, 09:01
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Are You Thinking About Applying to Wharton? |
|
We know there’s a lot of information out there for applicants – some of which is helpful, and some of which probably only increases your anxiety level. We’re committed to providing clear, direct, actionable advice – advice that is built on our decades of admissions experience and that has been proven to help applicants get accepted to top programs like Wharton. One way to take advantage of this expertise is with our free webinar, Get Accepted to Wharton. Accepted founder Linda Abraham will share a proven strategic framework for your Wharton application, and help you understand what your application must accomplish. There’s still time to register! Don’t miss it. Thursday, July 25 at 1pm ET/10am PT and again at 8pm ET/5pm PT. Register Now: For 25 years, Accepted has helped business school applicants gain acceptance to top programs. Our outstanding team of MBA admissions consultants features former business school admissions directors and professional writers who have guided our clients to admission at top MBA, EMBA, and other graduate business programs worldwide including Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Booth, INSEAD, London Business School, and many more. Want an MBA admissions expert to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! Tags: MBA Admissions The post Are You Thinking About Applying to Wharton? appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
24 Jul 2019, 10:01
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: What are the Components of a Great Statement of Purpose for Data or Business Analytics? |
 You have decided to apply to data or business analytics and have narrowed down your list of schools. Now it’s time to complete a statement of purpose (SOP) as part of your application. Although it is becoming increasingly popular for schools to require additional essays, the SOP continues to be the most important (and lengthy) of all. What makes a great SOP? 5 must-have elements for your data/business analytics SOP To write a great SOP, you need to address each and every part of the question while being specific and concise. In short, your SOP should contain these 5 elements:
The statement of purpose helps the admissions committees determine the true interest of the applicant in their program. They have seen your stats, they have reviewed your transcript, and have your GMAT or GRE. The SOP is the one item of your application where you have the chance to tell them not only how you stand out, but also how much you fit in at their program. It should never be taken lightly. It is often the most critical part of the application, the one that can make it or break it. Do you need help crafting a statement of purpose that demonstrates your unique fit with your target data or business analytics program? Check out our Graduate School Admissions Consulting & Editing Services and get the assistance you need to create an SOP that will get you ACCEPTED. Esmeralda Cardenal is a Former Associate Director of Admissions at Yale SOM, Director of MBA Admissions at MSU Broad, and consultant at Cardiff Business School in the UK. Since 2014, she has guided Accepted clients to acceptance in various graduate programs including MBA and master's in finance, business analytics, data science, sustainability, and public policy. Want Esmeralda to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! Related Resources: • 5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your Grad School Statement of Purpose, a free guide • Statement of Purpose Must-Haves: 4 Tips to Get You Started • Want to Study Data Analytics But Don’t Have Relevant Experience or a Quantitative Degree? Tags: Grad School Admissions, MBA Admissions The post What are the Components of a Great Statement of Purpose for Data or Business Analytics? appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
25 Jul 2019, 10:01
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: How This Wharton MBA Created Her Women’s Workwear Brand |
 Learn how real students navigate their way through the business school admissions process and b-school itself with our What is Business School Really Like? series. Meet Melina, a recent Wharton MBA graduate and the founder of Keaton, a woman’s workwear brand dedicated to empowering women to look, feel, and perform their best. Melina, thank you for sharing your story with us! What inspired you to pursue an MBA? Melina: Prior to my MBA, I was working at a traditional (majority brick-and-mortar) retailer, PANDORA Jewelry, on the strategy team. I loved my work there, but I was excited by the direct-to-consumer trend in retail and excited to learn more about it. What has always excited me about retail is listening to the customer and solving their problems—and I felt that the direct-to-consumer business model was well-equipped for this. Wharton is well-known for incubating DTC brands like Warby Parker, Burrow, and others. Further, I did not study business in undergraduate (I was a political science major), so as I became more senior in my career, I wanted to fill some gaps related to business fundamentals (accounting, finance, etc.). What was the most challenging aspect of the business school application process? Melina: I was applying with a partner (my fiancé), so this made the process extra stressful—we wanted to be in the same program. Luckily, we were both accepted to Wharton, which was a top choice given our career backgrounds (retail for me, finance for him). I also found it challenging to distill my “personal story” into a pithy essay format. I must have written about 50 versions of my personal statement. I found it helpful to seek honest feedback from people who know me well and have insight into my personality. I got feedback from my boss, colleagues, and friends to create a version that was true to myself. <<Register for our free webinar, Get Accepted to Wharton!>> Did you participate in a Wharton team-based discussion? How did you prepare for this experience? Melina: I did a Team-Based Discussion in November 2016. The TBD is a live discussion of a broad “case question” with a small group of MBA candidates, so there is only so much preparation that is possible. However, I read the prompt and formulated several ideas going into the session. In these environments, everyone is nervous and eager to share their thoughts. I reminded myself to step back and listen to my teammates and to facilitate an environment of collaboration instead of competition. I really enjoyed the TBD and remain friends with candidates I met through the process. Once school began, what surprised you the most about the program? Melina: Not so much a “surprise,” but I was incredibly impressed with the caliber of the other students in the program. One of the most valuable parts of the MBA is learning from peers—at Wharton, students come from all sorts of career backgrounds and from 50+ countries. I had heard that Wharton has a flexible curriculum, but I was surprised by how true this was. There are some required classes, which are very helpful for someone with a limited business background like me. Beyond that, we can take classes across Penn. I took several classes in the law school that will be helpful as an entrepreneur. I had friends take classes about nutrition science, meditation, design, and more. I felt I had a good amount of structure in terms of coursework but also plenty of time to pursue entrepreneurship. How does Wharton encourage entrepreneurship? Melina: Penn-Wharton Entrepreneurship offers a suite of programming for founders. This ranges from funding awards that founders can apply for to an accelerator, VIP-X, to mentorship and networking opportunities. I was able to take full advantage of these resources with Keaton. I was awarded a good amount of funding for my business which helped as I bootstrapped in the early stages—the application requires founders to set milestones and track progress, which is a valuable forcing mechanism. One of the most valuable resources was the Female Founder Mentoring program. I was paired with three amazing mentors from VC, fashion/retail, and branding backgrounds. We met multiple times throughout the year and they plugged in on very tactical questions I was facing. For example, I had an issue with a manufacturer and thought that I was being taken advantage of—as someone who was new to manufacturing, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. One of my mentors who is a CEO of a fashion brand was able to advise me how to negotiate better pricing and a refund for some early samples. How has your background in public policy informed your current projects? Melina: I was motivated to study public policy because I like to understand how people make decisions. In my public policy studies, we emphasized complementary qualitative and quantitative approaches, e.g., starting with focus groups and interviews to understand what motivates a decision at a high level, and then drilling down with data to prove out hypotheses. I took this same approach when I transitioned my career to retail. The decision to buy something from a certain brand is complex and difficult for even the customer themselves to articulate. When designing my first style for Keaton, I interviewed over 300 women to talk about workwear. There was tremendous dissatisfaction with workwear—styles have not kept up with an increasingly casual workplace. Women’s work attire is often dry clean-only, wrinkles easily, and lacks versatility. I also looked at sources of data, such as a large data set on U.S. women’s measurements, to inform the style. Can you tell us more about Keaton? What inspired you to start this brand? Melina: Keaton makes thoughtfully-designed women’s workwear created by women, for women. As a young professional, I found that having a great outfit helped me feel confident when faced with a crazy day of meetings or a big presentation. I created Keaton to be the brand that young women love to wear to work, offering office staples that can keep up with you anywhere work takes you. Keaton’s first product, the Perfect Pant, is a machine-washable, non-wrinkle pant with roomy front pockets. The product was designed with input from over 300 professional women. Business school is intense! How do you juggle being a student and business owner? Melina: It can be a delicate balance—but working on Keaton doesn’t really feel like work because I’m so passionate about it. So I’m happy to spend nights and weekends working on the business. What’s next for Keaton? Melina: I graduated from Wharton in May and I am working on Keaton full-time based out of New York City. I am working on hiring my first employees, growing the brand through a mix of channels, and developing new styles. We are making a big push for the back-to-school season in August since this is when many women refresh their work wardrobes. I love hearing from potential customers about what we should tackle next—please reach out to me at melina@wearkeaton.com. I’d love to hear from you! Do you have questions for Melina? Questions for us? Do you want to be featured in our next What is Business School Really Like? post? Know someone else who you’d love to see featured? Are there questions you’d like us to ask our students in this series? LET US KNOW! You can learn more about Melina by connecting with her on LinkedIn. You can find out more about Keaton onInstagram. Are you setting out on your own b-school journey? We can help you reach the finish line! Check out our MBA Admissions Consulting Services to team up with an admissions expert who will help you join the ranks of thousands of Accepted clients who get accepted to their dream schools. For 25 years, Accepted has helped business school applicants gain acceptance to top programs. Our outstanding team of MBA admissions consultants features former business school admissions directors and professional writers who have guided our clients to admission at top MBA, EMBA, and other graduate business programs worldwide including Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Booth, INSEAD, London Business School, and many more. Want an MBA admissions expert to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! Related Resources: • Fitting In & Standing Out: The Paradox at the Heart of Admissions, a free guide • How to Ace Your Team Based Interview: 4 Tips for the Big Day • Wharton MBA Class Profile: Class of 2020 Tags: MBA Admissions The post How This Wharton MBA Created Her Women’s Workwear Brand appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
25 Jul 2019, 10:01
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Stanford MSx Application Essay Tips & Deadlines [2019-2020] |
 Both the relatively complex MSx application form and your resume will establish you as a leader in your organization (and possibly even your domain), and that leadership experience is essential if you want to be a qualified MSx applicant. It’s important, but it’s just a qualification. Being qualified isn’t enough because Stanford MSx always receives applications from more qualified applicants than it admits. Showing you’re qualified is the role of the resume and application form, and it’s the foundation of your application. However, your essays need to do more. In reviewing current and former MSx student profiles, one thing stands out: they’re vibrant. They shine. They have impact, not just because of solid career strategies and impressive results, though that’s part of it. They are propelled forward by qualities of character: passion, courage, energy, curiosity, commitment, rigor, vision, big thinking, heart. These essays are your opportunity to reveal your own special character and clarify how it will add to the Stanford MSx mix. You’re already a substantial leader organizationally with a track record to show it. To shape the future, you must have something to say, a point of view, a distinctive voice – so don’t hesitate to take a stand in these essays. Stanford MSx application essays Our essay questions are meant to be straightforward, not trick questions. This is an opportunity for you to share reflections on your life and career and further describe your aspirations. (Your answers to the two essays questions combined may not exceed 1,150 words.) Stanford MSx essay #1 What matters most to you, and why? To really hit a home run with this essay, you need to bare your soul, at least a bit; take a risk, be open and probing about some essential aspect of yourself. That doesn’t mean the topic must be about your personal life, though for many applicants it is. You could, for example, discuss a political belief that truly drives you, and if it’s that strong, it will reflect your deepest values and relate to your significant experiences. I do suggest using a topic that has some profound meaning to you and that will allow you to ground this essay in your experience. Ultimately, it’s your experience and how you process or synthesize it that will be a key part of this essay. Keep in mind, though, talking about what matters to you is just that – talking (well, in this case, writing). To be credible, and to impress the adcom, present actions you’ve taken and impacts you’ve had related to what matters most. (You know the cliché: actions speak louder than words…) Sometimes my clients worry when facing this question that their most intuitive topic isn’t “unique” – to which I say, it will be by the time you’re done with the essay, if you delve deep into your experience and deliver your message via detailed anecdotes and frank reflection. Don’t make this essay overly or overtly strategic; that ends up feeling superficial and manipulative given the topic. One straightforward approach is to structure the essay as a story, with reflection and insight at various pivotal points. Last, don’t forgot to explicitly address “why” your chosen topic is what matters most to you. The explanation need not be long, and the “why” may already be obvious from the thrust of the essay. But do still address it. Stanford MSx essay #2 Why this program now? What are your personal and professional objectives, and how will the Stanford MSx Program help you achieve them? I suggest starting with your professional objectives – include specific details about position, company, anticipated responsibilities, etc. Equally if not more important, however, is why you want to pursue this position/role: what motivates this projected career path, what impact you aim to have. This information will invigorate the essay and turn a competent essay into a compelling one. It ideally will get the adcom excited about supporting your career journey. Toward the end of this section, add a specific point or two about your personal objectives for attending this program – this part of the question also reflects the program’s emphasis on holistic growth, and your application should respond to that emphasis. Personal objectives need not be divorced from professional ones – often, development of a given trait or capability will benefit various aspects of one’s life. Do be explicit about “why now” – it’s an especially important point for mid-career professionals pursuing a full-time program. If you are being sponsored, you can include aspects of that condition as context; if you are shifting career focus, your answer to why-now may be more complex, e.g. market conditions combined with career factors. In discussing how the program will benefit you, be specific: describe what skills and knowledge you need and how the program meets those needs. Also refer to the structure, culture, and special features of the program, detailing how they will support you and your goals. Additional information If there is any information that is critical for us to know and is not captured elsewhere, include it in the “Additional Information” section of the application. Pertinent examples include:
For expert guidance with your Stanford MSx application, check out Accepted’s Application Packages, which include comprehensive guidance from an experienced admissions consultant. We’ve helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to top schools and look forward to helping you too! Stanford MSx Application Deadlines for 2019-20 Submission Deadline Decision Notification Round 1 September 12, 2019 Early December 2019 Round 2 January 9, 2020 Late March 2020 Round 3 March 12, 2020 Mid April 2020 ***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.*** Cindy Tokumitsu has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA programs in her 20 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: • Leadership in Admissions, free guide • Stanford MBA Application Essay Tips & Deadlines • Too Old for an MBA? Check Out 3 Outstanding MBA and EMBA Alternatives, a podcast episode Tags: Grad School Admissions, MBA Admissions The post Stanford MSx Application Essay Tips & Deadlines [2019-2020] appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
26 Jul 2019, 10:01
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Making Friends With the GRE: How To Overcome Test Anxiety and Perform at Your Best |
 “I can’t stop trembling…I can’t eat…I cry for little or no reason…I am just so nervous.” All of this from Janelle, a prospective graduate student on her response to scheduling a GRE test date. I was not surprised that Janelle was nervous as almost all prospective graduate students are a bit anxious about admissions’ tests. However, Janelle took “anxious” to a whole new level. It was clear to me that I would need to develop a somewhat different plan of action to successfully help Janelle perform at her very best on this exam. My first step was to listen carefully as Janelle shared all her feelings and fears. She said that she already felt better just by having someone listen without judgement. I told her that I would brainstorm some options and we scheduled a follow-up meeting. I decided to “borrow” some of the techniques I use to deal with speaker anxiety in the public speaking classes that I teach at the undergraduate level. I was planning to use cognitive restructuring – changing the way we think about something. A 3-stage strategy for GRE success During our next conversation, I told Janelle that I had developed a three-stage strategy to position her for success. I asked her to think about the GRE process like the development of a relationship. In other words going from the acquaintance level to friend level to intimate level. We were going to “Make Friends with the GRE.” Here’s how we did it: STAGE 1: Acquaintance level This is the “getting to know you” stage of the process. Here’s what you need to accomplish during this stage:
STAGE 2: Friendship level This is the “let’s become friends” stage of the process. It includes the following:
STAGE 3: Intimate level This is the commitment stage of the process that requires you to:
And we can help you too – with testing strategies and any other element of the graduate school admissions process. Check out our Application Services to learn more about how we can guide you to acceptance at your top choice graduate program!  As a Dean of Graduate Admissions for over 10 years, Carol Drummer, signed off on over 4,500 graduate applications annually. She is a communication professor and author of "College Is Not 13th Grade-- An Easy to Read Guide for Parents of College Bound Students." Carol has helped clients get accepted to Ph.D. Psy.D, DOT, DPT, PA, MHA, MSW, and masters in Speech Language Pathology, Business Analytics, Accounting, Global Affairs, Counseling, Architecture, Design Engineering , Nutrition, Exercise Physiology to name a few. Want Carol to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! Related Resources: • Get Your Game On: The Comprehensive Guide to Creating a Successful Grad School Application! • 5 Things You Need to Know Before You Take the GRE • Should You Take the GMAT or GRE Exam? Tags: Grad School Admissions, Law School Admissions, MBA Admissions The post Making Friends With the GRE: How To Overcome Test Anxiety and Perform at Your Best appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
28 Jul 2019, 09:01
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Don’t Forget to Sign Up for Our Wharton Webinar |
|
There’s still time to join our in-depth, tip-filled webinar, Get Accepted to Wharton! At the webinar, Accepted founder Linda Abraham will guide you through the Wharton application process, offering you a clear understanding of how to approach your application and a step-by-step strategy for successfully navigating the process. The webinar is free, but you must reserve your space – Thursday, July 25 at 1pm ET/10am PT and again at 8pm ET/5pm PT. Register Now: For 25 years, Accepted has helped business school applicants gain acceptance to top programs. Our outstanding team of MBA admissions consultants features former business school admissions directors and professional writers who have guided our clients to admission at top MBA, EMBA, and other graduate business programs worldwide including Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Booth, INSEAD, London Business School, and many more. Want an MBA admissions expert to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! Tags: MBA Admissions The post Don’t Forget to Sign Up for Our Wharton Webinar appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
29 Jul 2019, 09:01
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: 5 MBA Reapplication Lessons |
 MBA admissions is tough at top schools. If you were rejected last year and are trying again, you definitely want a different outcome this time around. What can you do to increase your chances of admissions this year? Tips for reapplicants
  Michelle Stockman is a professional journalist, former Columbia Business School admissions insider, and experienced MBA admissions consultant. Want Michelle to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! Related Resources: • Best MBA Programs, a free guide to selecting the right one for you • How to Reapply Successfully to Top MBA Programs [Video] • Stand Out! A Critical Goal for Your Application, a podcast episode Tags: MBA Admissions The post 5 MBA Reapplication Lessons appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
29 Jul 2019, 10:01
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Do You Have a Sound GRE Game Plan? |
 You dream of going to graduate school. You have the grades, the experience, and the goals to make you an excellent candidate, but you worry that the GRE will stand between you and successful admission. Fortunately, the GRE is a beatable test, and on Monday, August 12th at 5pm PT/8pm ET, Dominate Test Prep’s founder, Brett Etheridge, will present the proven strategy to do just that in Your 3-Part Game Plan to Dominate the GRE. During this packed one-hour webinar, Brett will lay out that ideal game plan for you as he covers:
Register Now: For 25 years, Accepted has helped applicants gain acceptance to top undergraduate and graduate programs. Our expert team of admissions consultants features former admissions directors, PhDs, and professional writers who have advised clients to acceptance at top programs worldwide including Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Princeton, Penn, Columbia, Oxford, Cambridge, INSEAD, MIT, Caltech, UC Berkeley, and Northwestern. Want an admissions expert to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! Tags: Grad School Admissions, Law School Admissions, MBA Admissions The post Do You Have a Sound GRE Game Plan? appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
30 Jul 2019, 09:01
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Last Chance to Beat Accepted’s Price Increase! |
 Only two days left to take advantage of Accepted’s current rates before our prices go up! Effective at 12:00am PT on Thursday, August 1, 2019, Accepted will increase all prices on its admissions consulting packages and hourly services. Accepted’s admissions consultants have helped thousands of MBA, law, med, grad, and college applicants get accepted to the schools of their dreams. Let them help you discover your competitive advantage and experience the excitement of getting accepted. Purchase Accepted’s admissions consulting services now and take advantage of our current prices…before it’s too late! Apply with an admissions pro on your side –purchase an Accepted service before Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at 11:59pm PT, and get the help you need on your applications, all while taking advantage of our pre-increase prices! For 25 years, Accepted has helped applicants gain acceptance to top undergraduate and graduate programs. Our expert team of admissions consultants features former admissions directors, PhDs, and professional writers who have advised clients to acceptance at top programs worldwide including Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Princeton, Penn, Columbia, Oxford, Cambridge, INSEAD, MIT, Caltech, UC Berkeley, and Northwestern. Want an admissions expert to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! Tags: Admissions Consulting, College Admissions, Grad School Admissions, Law School Admissions, MBA Admissions, Medical School Admissions The post Last Chance to Beat Accepted’s Price Increase! appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
31 Jul 2019, 09:01
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: When is the Best Time to Take the GRE? |
 If you’re applying to graduate or business school, it’s likely that you need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for admission. The GRE is a standardized test that covers a broad range of quantitative and verbal topics and requires ample preparation time, so you need to be strategic about when to take it. While each test taker’s circumstance is unique, there are nevertheless some general guidelines you should consider as you map out your GRE game plan. Let’s take a closer look. There’s no time like the present There’s a poem by personal development author Denis Waitley called “Someday Isle” about a fantasy island you’ll never see if you continue to put off your dreams by invoking the excuse, “Someday I’ll….” There’s never a perfect time to embark on the journey of preparing for an exam like the GRE. It takes time and effort and you no doubt have plenty of other things competing for your attention. Yet, once you’ve made the decision to go back to school and know that you’ll have to take the GRE before applying, you might as well go ahead and start preparing now. I’m a big believer in the concept of reverse procrastination, doing now what our inclination is to put off until later. Is waiting to take the GRE really going to make it any easier? Of course not. The exam and preparation will end up being the same, the only difference will be the time you will have lost. Remember that your GRE score is good for five years, so go ahead and get it out of the way. Even if you don’t apply to grad school for a year or two, that’s okay. At least you’ll have the GRE in your back pocket to use whenever you’re ready. Start with the end in mind While the general advice to take the GRE sooner rather than later is valid, you can be more strategic about exactly when to sign up for the GRE by working backwards from your application deadline(s). Toward that end, the first thing you should do is check the website of the schools you’re going to be applying to for specifics about their application processes, including deadlines. To figure out when you should schedule your GRE and start preparing, consider the following.
If you won’t be applying until next year and still have a half a year or more before your deadlines, don’t forget that the non-GRE parts of your application are time-intensive as well — and equally important. As such, it would still be a good idea to spend the next couple months studying for the GRE and getting it out of the way now so that you can turn your attention to the rest of the application process. I’ve seen it too often where a student leaves the GRE until the very last minute and feels increased pressure to get a great score just a day or two before an application deadline. Talk about putting all of your eggs in one basket. It’s hard to perform your best under that kind of stress, so leave yourself some breathing room if at all possible. Need a GRE study plan? Whether you’re still in the early stages of thinking about taking the GRE or are already knee-deep in preparing for it, join us on August 12th for a free webinar where you’ll learn an actionable three-part game plan for dominating the GRE. Click here to reserve your spot. See you then! Brett Ethridge is the founder of Dominate Test Prep, a leading provider of GMAT and GRE courses online as well as topic-specific GRE and GMAT video lessons. He has taught both exams for over 12 years and loves working with students to help them achieve their highest potential. Brett is an entrepreneur, a competitive tennis player, and an avid Duke basketball fan. Related Resources: • Get Your Game On, a free guide to creating a successful grad school application • Should You Take the GMAT or GRE Exam? • Making Friends With the GRE: How To Overcome Test Anxiety and Perform at Your Best Tags: Grad School Admissions, Law School Admissions, MBA Admissions The post When is the Best Time to Take the GRE? appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
|
|
||
close
