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09 Jun 2020, 09:00
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Combining a Stanford MBA with a Tech Startup Career |
 What’s it like growing a startup during business school? [Show summary] Stephen Cognetta had already co-founded his tech startup, Exponent, by the time he entered the Stanford GSB class of 2020. Today, he shares how his MBA experience shaped his approach to growing Exponent and what the business is doing to help job applicants land their next tech position. Combining a Stanford MBA with a tech startup career [Show notes] Are you thinking you’d like your next job to be in software engineering, product management, data analysis, or a host of other high-tech fields? Interested in learning about the Stanford MBA experience? This Admissions Straight Talk episode is going to discuss both how Exponent can help you land that next high-tech job, as well as how Stanford helped our guest run his startup, Exponent. Stephen Cognetta earned his bachelor’s at Princeton in computer science before taking a position at Google in product management, where he did work on Google search features and then Android. In 2017, he founded Exponent and joined the Stanford MBA class of 2020 a little while later. Let’s hear about his business, his MBA experience, and where he’s headed. Can you tell us a little bit about your background, where you grew up, and what you like to do for fun (when you can leave your house)? [2:07] I grew up in the Bay Area; my life always keeps pulling me back here, to the San Francisco Bay Area. I worked at Google, as you mentioned, for a couple of years. Then when I was founding Exponent, I took a big cross-country road trip where I went to 44 different states over a year and a half. I was doing a little bit of the digital nomad life, sort of starting a company, traveling, trying to explore and get out of the Bay Area. But of course, it took me back. My life took me back there, and I came back to Stanford for a great opportunity. So I’m back in the Bay Area. Some things I like to do for fun: Obviously, I love road trips, exploring and seeing things. I’m a huge fan of puzzles and riddles and things like that. I go crazy for twisting plots of TV shows and movies and stuff like that, which is probably what got me to be a computer science major in the first place. What was the most interesting place you visited when you took that 44-state road trip? [3:11] I really loved the natural beauty of West Virginia. It was just super beautiful. I was staying in a town called Lewisburg, and it was near a bunch of natural beauty. I also felt like there was a lot of an appreciation for the land there that felt really special. It was on my list because it was one of those places that I didn’t know much about or had much of an expectation about, but I was just blown away by the forest and the natural beauty and all the local types of flowers and plants that were there in the region. I think we in California have this idea that we’re the most beautiful place in the US. California is certainly beautiful, but there’s just so much beauty in other parts of the US also that I was not exposed to or knew about. Why did you decide you wanted an MBA? [4:58] My story is actually a little different. I applied to a deferred admin program. Actually, while I was at Princeton, I applied to get into Stanford. The deferred admit program, for those that don’t know, is where you get admitted, and then you can choose to go to the MBA school two to four years after your graduation date from undergrad. At the time, I knew I really valued higher education. I knew that there would be a path for me where I could potentially get an MBA and it was an option that I thought was really helpful, especially as a STEM major, since I was majoring in computer science. And I thought that it would really balance out my skillset of having both the technical background and then also, the business acumen to help me succeed in that entrepreneurial world that I was hoping to get into. [youtube2]figure> [/youtube2] What could have been improved? [10:41] Definitely post-COVID, I could tell you a lot about what probably could be improved. I think the online learning experience is not on par with the experience that I would have loved to get out of the MBA program. We’re obviously in crazy times, so it’s hard to really criticize that element of the institution. For me, that last quarter was affected. It was kind of a light quarter for me in general. I was hoping to spend this quarter connecting with people, forming community, saying goodbye to the people in the community, which definitely is tough now, in this time. I think proper goodbyes are really important to me, actually, so it’s sad to have that stripped away, but we’ll see. There’s an attempt to do virtual graduation, and there’s some hope that maybe in a couple of months, we’ll be able to revisit each other actually in person. I would say that’s probably one of the biggest areas that comes to mind concerning my experience at Stanford. Otherwise, I wish that the classes that were taught were a little more tied to the real world. It would be awesome to come out of Stanford with more hard skills that are applicable to things like running the business. For example, email marketing principles would have been really helpful to know, even though it’s, I know, not the most high-level, case-based thing to learn. There are a lot of practical things that would help almost every business leader. How did you handle the transition to online learning, social distancing, and sheltering in place? [12:27] Online learning, social distancing, and sheltering in place all took away one of the main benefits of an MBA program, which is what was so tough about it. MBA programs are inherently very community-oriented, very socially oriented. So when you take away the one thing that we’ve all bought into and are really excited about, especially in our last quarter at Stanford, it felt like a really big disappointment. A lot of it was emotional management, feeling really disappointed and feeling a lot of the uncertainty. Some responses that have been helpful for me have been doubling-down on my roommates and the community that I live in, like the actual shelter that I’m in with the people here and really investing in that community, planning events, even if it’s just four of us watching a movie or something like that. It still feels like I’m getting the benefit of the GSB experience by being close to these few people that I’m close with. Then we’ve also been doing some Zoom-based Hangouts and things like that. It feels a little bit like a halfway point for me in terms of connecting with people, and I’m hopeful that we can find ways to also invest in future activities and events. A lot of us will be living in San Francisco after we graduate, so there’s an opportunity to revisit that and to try to reinvest in the people after we graduate too. Do you think that Stanford could have done anything differently, given the circumstances, the suddenness, etc.? [14:12] I don’t know. I have a lot of empathy for Stanford’s position in terms of being as blindsided as all of us were. They definitely have picked up on Zoom and all the virtual learning stuff pretty quickly, which has been impressive. I think what I would really look to Stanford to do isn’t necessarily the moment that we’re in now, but it would be the moments that follow the pandemic and what opportunities Stanford might be able to provide us in terms of community building and things like that, things that might happen in the next few months, as opposed to right now. To be honest, my heart goes out more to the MBA ones who now may be doing their fall semester online. I’d really be curious how they handle that. Are you glad you did the MBA? If you knew that there was a possibility that some portion of your MBA was going to be online, would you still do it? [15:48] I think what this question boils down to in my mind is, what were my goals coming into the MBA experience? My goals coming in were more about community building, were more about emotional development, coaching, becoming better at that and growing my business, and learning tools to help me grow my business, and I haven’t felt a loss of those pieces. Maybe the community building would be the only one, but to be honest, by the time that COVID happened, I had already formed enough of a community that I felt happy with. I didn’t necessarily need more of a community. If I had known that the experience would be like this going into Stanford, I think I would have still come to the MBA program. However, if it had been completely online, I think that that wouldn’t have suited my needs in terms of community building and emotional development because I’m not so confident in the ability to translate those classes that are in-person into online formats. Let’s move on to Exponent. What is Exponent? How does it work? [17:16] Exponent is an online learning platform to help people advance their careers in tech. What that looks like is right now, we focus a lot on interview prep, so helping people ease into their interviews for careers like product management, product marketing management, data science, technical program management, and a few others as well. A lot of the popular roles in tech. We do this in three ways. We have online videos and example interview questions and answers. We have a coaching platform, so people can book sessions with our expert coaches from Google, Facebook, etc. Then we also have a vibrant community of people that do mock interview practice with each other, or they submit practice questions to our forum and we can review the questions and answers that they submit. How did you manage running a business and being an MBA student? [18:28] It was hard. I grew a lot throughout Stanford. Before coming to Stanford, I had been coaching clients myself. We had maybe a team of three coaches at the time. Now, we have a team of about 30 coaches. So it’s a lot different. But back then, I had a team of about two other coaches and me. So I was doing coaching sessions during my MBA. That means that I was going to classes and then taking time between classes to do calls with clients to help them with interview prep, and then going back to my classes and trying to be social and trying to meet people the first quarter, and trying to maintain relationships with friends outside of the GSB. As you can imagine, it was a really, really challenging juggle for me. I think I ended up having to prioritize, “What is the most important thing for me to do this week? Is it to meet people? Is it going to classes?” I ended up not focusing on classes as much in the first quarter because I wanted to run this business. It was really important to me. I ended up realizing that coaching was just too much in terms of being able to run a business and be in school at the same time. So I ended up deciding to stop coaching completely. That’s been helpful a lot in growing the business. What are some differences, let’s say, between a data analyst interview and a product marketing interview, or between a Google interview and an Apple interview? [20:11] We try to craft our courses and our experience to be as tailored to the actual interview process that you have. If you have a product marketing management interview at Google, we show you different sets of lessons and questions and things like that, so that you can easily browse through our course and get to those. It turns out that differences between those interviews vary a lot. So there’s no clear signal on some of them. We do have general trends between marketing and product management, for example, where part of the marketing focuses a lot more on campaigns and marketing-oriented concepts and principles like brand. Whereas product management may focus more on technical knowledge and being able to work with engineers. So there are some differences in the role that emerge in the interview process. We try to do mock interviews with people from those different jobs, so you can get a sense of how they think and the questions they ask. Then, when you look within the company, it’s even harder to distinguish what’s really the difference between a Google PM interview and a Facebook PM interview. It’s surprising. There are subtle differences between them in terms of what you need to know and prepare for. It’s really tough for the interviewee because you have to now prepare for all of these different types of companies and roles. That’s what we try to do a lot with Exponent: demystify that process. It’s a lot of scraping Glassdoor or looking through long lists of possible interview questions to find that piece of information (that should be a lot easier to surface and to view). You can either book online courses, or you can go to the one-on-one coaching sessions. We also have a community, a Slack channel where they can all talk to each other. How did Stanford play a role in the building of Exponent? [22:27] It was really helpful being an MBA student while growing Exponent, especially because a lot of the target customers of the platform are MBA students. A lot of my peers could be user testers, beta testers, or they could be advisors, or some of them could be coaches, or some of them could help me make videos. Really, being in Stanford was super, super helpful for growing the company and for making what it is today to the point where we now also actually sell to MBA schools. We provide our courses to MBA, students and Stanford was our first customer. It was a really beautiful turnaround there in terms of being a part of the school as a student, but then also finding a way to help the school itself, provide some of these useful resources and tools. I’ve done several workshops just for Stanford to help MBA ones and MBA twos get into product management and other careers. A lot of the entrepreneurial support was also really helpful for us. There are people and mentors in the faculty department that were really helpful in terms of figuring out how we wanted to grow. One big problem or question that Exponent has is that we’re a bootstrap company, which means that we don’t actually take outside investment. It was really helpful to talk to some mentors at the school because it’s a very unconventional path. Creating a bootstrap company is not popular in the Valley. It’s actually like the opposite. So it was interesting to talk to people about that, to ask, “Is this the right path? Is this reasonable? What do we need to watch out for? How do we manage our business differently?” Some of those pieces and principles were really helpful for us, for our accounting structure and our business incorporation structure. Why did you decide to go the bootstrap route? [24:40] We decided to be bootstrapped because we believe that the ability to grow our company slowly and the way that we want to, will ultimately make a better business for the people that use it. Oftentimes, we see VC money kind of explode companies. VCs don’t necessarily care whether or not a company succeeds as much as whether or not the risk ratio is very high so that there could be a possible benefit to the investors. We believe in creating a sustainable business that can help people that also has a lot more control on the part of the owners and the co-founders of the company, as opposed to the investors, which are a little bit misaligned with incentives sometimes in terms of financial profit. What are your plans for the future? [25:47] It’s hard to think about the future at a time like this because who knows what anything will look like. My co-founder, Jacob, and I will be planning on continuing to work on the business. So that’s a certainty at least. We’re going to be continuing to work on the business. We have a lot of really exciting goals with our product. We’ve created this vibrant community. We’ve created a lot of value services. Jacob and I are both tech people. We’re both product-oriented people. So we do want to think about how we can take some of this stuff and turn it into a product experience. We did that a little bit with our interview question forum. We were noticing a lot of people sharing interview questions in our community. We could pull that out into a separate product that’s like, “Hey, here. This’ll be more evergreen. You can always revisit it. You can comment on each other’s answers.” Things like that, which really help people more than they would through an informal community. We’re invested in creating more of a product experience for our users to turn Exponent into this online space where you can come in, train, get ready, and prep for your upcoming interviews and your career advancement goals. Are you thinking of expanding to other fields outside tech, or are you thinking more of a longitudinal approach? [26:54] We’re thinking of staying in tech right now just because there are so many other consulting tools. There are so many other tools in other industries, and we feel like our competitive advantage is really in tech. So it’s more the longitudinal answer. We’re hoping to invest a little bit in helping people. Once we’ve helped people ace their PM interview, let’s say, we want to help you continue to advance your career and learn product management fundamentals and skills. So hopefully, we can stay with our users and develop more of a relationship with them over time. What would you have liked me to ask you? [27:37] One thing we could talk about is the emotional aspect of the company. Our company had a lot of ups and downs and turns and turnarounds throughout the course of the MBA program. I think there’s a lot of challenge with being a student and telling a co-founder, “Hey, I’m a student still, and I have to manage that.” I think we took it all in stride, which is really awesome. But I always think businesses have a lot of emotional pieces that never get heard. There’s this picture that we paint that everything is fine and dandy. It’s all for the business. It was all planned before. But there’s actually tons of loops and turns throughout the process. Sometimes businesses will say, “Oh, we made this decision because this is the strategic decision for the company,” but if you look behind the hood, it’s because there was a big breakup or because there was a co-founder conflict or something like that. All these emotional things underneath bubble up. Where can listeners learn more about Exponent, acing their tech interviews, and landing that fantastic position that you’re preparing them for? [32:05] Our website is TryExponent.com. We also have a YouTube channel. Search “Exponent,” and you can check out some of our mock interview videos.  Related links:
Related shows:
Subscribe:   Podcast Feed  Tags: Admissions Straight Talk, Grad School Admissions, MBA Admissions The post Stanford MBA Grows His Amazing Tech Startup [Episode 369] appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
11 Jun 2020, 09:00
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Physical Whiteboards Allowed for Online GMAT |
  The Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) has announced that it will allow physical whiteboards for those taking the GMAT at home beginning June 11. The Executive Assessment Online will also offer the option of a physical whiteboard. The decision was made after significant pressure was put on the organization against the unwieldy online whiteboard tool for the at-home exam. GMAC has also extended the availability of the online GMAT from June 15 to July 17, and will open additional dates as needed. Many test-takers switched to the online GRE, which came out almost a month before the online GMAT, and allows the use of a physical whiteboard with an erasable marker, or paper with a transparent sheet protector and erasable marker, to take notes and do calculations. Test-takers can use one erasable whiteboard no larger than 12 inches x 20 inches, one dry-erase marker, and one marker eraser. Some students who were afraid that the online whiteboard would cost them points on their GMAT score traveled hundreds of miles to open test centers in order to take the exam in person. GMAC has seen online scores comparable with those taken in test centers. “We’ve heard the market and are excited to provide candidates with options and additional flexibility, helping ensure they can be at their best on exam day,” stated Vineet Chhabra, senior director and head of the GMAT product at GMAC.  Months of frustration lead to change GMAC first announced the availability of the online GMAT almost two months ago. At the time, there was no practice tool or tutorial on how to use it. Within days of the announcement scores of students voiced frustration and anger with the online whiteboard piece of the test. Close to 2,500 test-takers signed an online petition demanding that they be allowed to use pen and paper to take the test. This led to the creation of an online practice whiteboard less than two weeks after the initial announcement. However, test-taking experts were suggesting 10-20 hours of practice to perfect use of the online tool. There were glitches, software bugs, and poorly trained test proctors. All of these frustrations led to students traveling to states with open test centers. Positive response to change First responses were positive from professionals who help with exam prep. But will those who test after the change have an advantage over those who signed up early and tested with the online whiteboard? According to a GMAC spokesperson, applicants who tested without access to a physical whiteboard will be allowed to test again. Are you applying to a top MBA program? Work one-on-one with one of our MBA advisors to be sure your application, stats, and interview paint a holistic, impressive picture of you that will get you ACCEPTED!   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:
Tags: MBA Admissions The post Physical Whiteboards Allowed for Online GMAT appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
12 Jun 2020, 09:00
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Stanford GSB MBA Application Essay Tips & Deadlines [2020 – 2021] |
  In terms of its application, Stanford is once again re-using its essay questions. And there’s good reason for the recycling: Stanford has excellent questions that succinctly get to the heart of what Stanford wants to know about you. They are not easy questions to answer, but they are thoughtful, probing ones. Last year, Stanford GSB also added optional short answer questions to its application. Stanford gives a lot of advice and guidance on its website as to what it’s looking for in the essays. You should access that advice in addition to reviewing my suggestions below. Stanford GSB 2020-21 MBA application essay questions Essays help us learn about who you are rather than solely what you have done. Other parts of the application give insight to your academic and professional accomplishments; the essays reveal the person behind those achievements. We request that you write two personal essays. In each essay, we want to hear your genuine voice. Think carefully about your values, passions, aims, and dreams. There is no “right answer” to these questions—the best answer is the one that is truest for you. Stanford MBA Essay A: What matters most to you, and why? For this essay, we would like you to reflect deeply and write from the heart. Once you’ve identified what matters most to you, help us understand why. You might consider, for example, what makes this so important to you? What people, insights, or experiences have shaped your perspectives? This superficially straightforward question has been Stanford’s first for at least the last seventeen years, but it is actually one of the most difficult, if not the most difficult MBA essay question to answer. Superficial responses will fail. The prompt demands introspection. Before you put finger to keyboard or pen to paper, really reflect on what you value, how you have acted upon those principles, and why you live by them. Stanford’s advice urges reflection. The question requires it. When I reflect on our many successful Stanford clients, initiative in the face of need is the common thread among them. They are always the ones who showed, especially in Essay A, that they do not turn away when they see a problem or need for action. They grab the initiative when faced with an opportunity to contribute. They are comfortable expressing emotion and their values, and their actions reflect both, but particularly the latter. Think purpose-driven, principled lives and leadership. More than anything else, initiative and self-awareness characterize the successful Stanford MBA applicant. Implication: You have to know your values and those times you have acted upon them. Yes I wrote that a few seconds ago, but it bears repeating. Climbing Mt. Everest or suffering from terrible social ills is not a requirement of admission, but you do have to know the person occupying your skin. Stanford MBA Essay B: Why Stanford? Describe your aspirations and how your Stanford GSB experience will help you realize them. If you are applying to both the MBA and MSx programs, use Essay B to address your interest in both programs. Now that question is succinct, and really says what they want to know. Two pieces of information are required to answer this question well: A clear MBA goal and an in-depth understanding of Stanford GSB’s curriculum. (Folks: It’s not just the ranking, brand, or location.) This question is a variation of a standard MBA goals question. For this forward-looking question, discuss why you want an MBA. The best way to do so is in terms of your desired post-MBA professional direction. Then explain how specifically Stanford’s highly customizable program will help you travel down that path. Do your homework. You need to know what are the distinctive characteristics of the Stanford MBA program, or you simply can’t answer the question. Understand the flexibility inherent in Stanford’s curriculum, its integrated approach to management education, its entrepreneurial culture, and how all these elements (and others) will help you learn what you need to know to realize your aspirations. Recognize that the curriculum allows for personalization based on your goal and your past experience, specifically your previous business education. Please do NOT write that you want to attend Stanford because of “the flexibility inherent in Stanford’s curriculum, its integrated approach to management, its entrepreneurial culture….” That phrasing is too general for your specific reasons (and besides the Stanford adcom can google the phrase if they see it too often and see that you found it here). Go deeper and be more distinctive in your writing so that you really tie your goals to different facets of Stanford’s MBA program. Length Both essays combined may not exceed 1,150 words. We recommend up to 750 words for Essay A and up to 400 words for Essay B. We often find effective essays written in far fewer words. Formatting:
Be sure to save a copy of your essays, and preview the uploaded document to ensure that the formatting is preserved. Stanford MBA optional short-answer question The two required essays shed light on who you are and how you imagine Stanford will help you achieve your aspirations. We are also interested in learning about the things you have done that are most meaningful to you. In this section, we provide an optional opportunity to go beyond your resume to discuss some of your contributions more fully. Please do not include your short-answer response in your essays upload; use the text boxes provided in the application. Optional short-answer question Think about times you’ve created a positive impact, whether in professional, extracurricular, academic, or other settings. What was your impact? What made it significant to you or to others? You are welcome to share up to three examples. (Up to 1500 characters, approximately 250 words, for each example) I think this question gets to the heart of the initiative, impact, and leadership we’ve seen in successful Stanford applicants. It gives you more opportunity to show those times when you’ve made a difference. While the question is officially optional, Stanford wants people of impact. Show the Stanford GSB that you are that kind of person. All the essays should lead Stanford to that conclusion. Using a CAR approach with each example would be very effective for these short responses: Challenge: What was the situation or issue you were addressing? Action: What did you do? Result: What was the impact of your actions on you and others and why does it matter? Given the character limit, you clearly need to be concise. For expert guidance with your Stanford GSB 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 Stanford’s MBA program and look forward to helping you too! Stanford GSB 2020-21 MBA application deadlines RoundApplication DeadlineDecisions Released 1September 15, 2020December 10, 2020 2January 6, 2021April 1, 2021 3April 6, 2021May 20, 2021 Your completed application, including your letters of reference and application fee payment, is due at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time on the deadline date for the round in which you apply. Source: Stanford GSB website Stay on top of MBA deadlines with the MBA Admissions Calendar! [Click here to add the calendar to your Google calendar; or here to add the calendar to another app.] ***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:
Tags: MBA Admissions The post Stanford GSB MBA Application Essay Tips & Deadlines [2020 – 2021] appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
14 Jun 2020, 09:00
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: HBS at the Top of Your List? You Need to Watch This Video! |
 Our recent webinar, Get Accepted to Harvard Business School, provided a deep dive into what HBS looks for in an ideal candidate, and how you can best position yourself to land that coveted acceptance letter. If you’re hoping to apply to HBS and you weren’t able to join us for this session, it’s now available for free, on-demand viewing. So put down whatever you’re working on and watch this video now! Watch the webinar: 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 HBS at the Top of Your List? You Need to Watch This Video! appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
14 Jun 2020, 10:00
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: 6 Tips for Getting Started on Your Application Essays |
 Sometimes the hardest part of writing a personal statement or application essay for college or grad school is finding the discipline to sit down and focus. Often, once you accomplish that, the ideas begin to form and the words begin to flow. The following 6 tips will help motivate you to start writing, and then to continue writing until you’ve got some solid material for a compelling essay.
Now, sit down, think, and start writing! Need help getting started? That’s why we’re here. Our exceptional consultants will guide you through the entire essay-writing process, from brainstorming and conceptualization all the way through to the final edits. Explore our services to learn more about how we can help you GET ACCEPTED.  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! Related Resources:
Tags: Admissions Consulting, College Admissions, Grad School Admissions, Law School Admissions, MBA Admissions, Medical School Admissions The post 6 Tips for Getting Started on Your Application Essays appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
15 Jun 2020, 09:00
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Time to Get Started on Those MBA Applications! |
 The process of applying to b-school is lengthy and complex, and especially now, with everything in flux because of the global COVID-19 pandemic, you may be feeling unsure about what steps you should be taking to move forward. Instead of waiting idly to see how things develop, you should be using this time to focus even more intently on creating an application that will help you stand out from the thousands of other highly qualified applicants you’ll be competing against. To help you on your path, starting June 15, we’re offering our biggest discount of the year on MBA admissions services. By using the code STARTNOW at checkout, you can save $500 on a 1-school package, $700 on a 2-school package, or $800 on a 3-school package. If you need a la carte services, use the code TAKE10 to get 10% off any of our non-rush hourly admissions services. But hurry! This promotion ends on June 22. Don’t let this unprecedented disruption to the application cycle throw you off your game. This class of MBA applicants is being called on to be uniquely flexible and resilient, and we know you’re up to the task! Let’s work together to make the most of this time so you can breeze through the rest of the application process and take your spot among the business leaders of tomorrow.  Note: The coupon can’t be combined with another offer, is for non-rush orders only, and can be used one time only. 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 Time to Get Started on Those MBA Applications! appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
16 Jun 2020, 11:00
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Michigan Ross MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines [2020 – 2021] |
 The Michigan Ross MBA program is thriving. Its graduates are getting jobs throughout the United States and the world. Here are a few of the stats:
There’s opportunity in these numbers. The Michigan Ross MBA program is a fantastic option that is easier to get into than other top programs. Michigan Ross 2020-21 MBA application tips Ross kept the basic structure that it has had for the last couple of years, but also made changes. It still has a career goals essay and short answer questions with a little bit of choice to them. These short answer questions give you the means to paint a unique, multi-dimensional picture of yourself. Keep that goal in mind as you respond. You don’t have to be something you’re not, but you can certainly use these questions to provide context for events described elsewhere and perspective on who you really are. Remember, the application is a way for the admissions committee to meet you. Changes from last year’s application So what were the changes to the app? Last year Ross asked you to respond to three short answer questions and gave you two options for each. This year you have two short answer questions with three options each. Like last year, your answer to each of these two questions is limited to 100 words for a total of 200 words. The career goals essay has some minor and insignificant changes to the wording. However, Ross is cutting the word limit from last year’s 300 words to this year’s 200-word maximum. Michigan Ross MBA application short answer questions Select one prompt from each group of the two groups below. (Choose one from each group; 100 words each) While I wish Ross would have given you more room to answer these questions, make the most of what you’ve got. For the short answers, you’re going to have to ask yourself which prompts most speak to you. Answer the question in each group that is easiest for you to answer and that allows you to present events and experiences that complement each other and the information provided in other parts of the application. You want to minimize repetition and overlap. Ross hasn’t labeled the groups thematically. It seems to me that Group 1 is an opportunity for you to talk about something you’re proud of — a contribution you made or an achievement or perhaps a time of challenge when you took the proverbial “road less traveled.” Group 2 relates to handling a difficult experience or situation. Again, choose the individual questions that allow you to present yourself best. Both groups ask for a behavioral response, where you discuss one experience or situation and reflect on it. You don’t have room for more. Think a lot about what you want Ross to know about you as you choose the questions to answer. The question tells you what they want to know. Now answer it in such a way that allows you to tell them what you want them to know. Group 1
Given the 100-word limit on each response to these behavioral questions, describe the incident or situation and succinctly analyze it in terms of the prompt. For example, why do you “want them to know” about X (Group 1, #1) or why were you humbled or out of your comfort zone (Group 2, #1-2). Michigan Ross MBA application essay questions Ross MBA essay #1 Michigan Ross is a place where people from all backgrounds with different career goals can thrive. What is your short-term career goal and why? (200 words) Ross is very clear in what it’s asking for with this MBA essay question: Your short-term career goals and the reasons (and experiences) that make this goal right for you. So where should you focus? In her blog post announcing this cycle’s essay questions, Soojin Kwon, Managing Director Full-Time MBA Admissions and Program, wrote: We found that the best responses to this essay were clear and succinct. The ones that were less successful tended to be less focused or focused too much on the “what” and not enough on the “why.” For the AdCom, the “why” is the most impactful and differentiating aspect of each essay to me. There’s your answer: Focus on the “why” more than the what. While you do need to briefly state your short-term career goals, the majority of your essay real estate should go towards the “why.” Those reasons could include:
Those are just a few ideas. You can come up with your own. Ross MBA essay #2 (Optional statement) Is there something in your resume or application that could use some explanation? You might want to discuss the completion of supplemental coursework, employment gaps, academic issues, etc. Feel free to use bullet points where appropriate. Use this statement if necessary to provide context surrounding circumstances that affected your performance or that may lead admissions readers to the wrong conclusion about your abilities. Ross doesn’t provide a word limit, but keep it short. For expert guidance with your Michigan Ross 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 Michigan Ross’ MBA program and look forward to helping you too! Michigan Ross 2020-21 application deadlines Application DeadlineDecisions Released Round 1September 14, 2020December 2, 2020 Round 2January 4, 2021March 17, 2021 Round 3March 29, 2021May 5, 2021 Round 4June 1, 2021June 25, 2021 *All applications are due by 11:59pm ET on the date listed. International students can apply in any round, but are encouraged to apply in Round 1 or 2 to allow sufficient time for visa processing. ***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.*** Source: Michigan Ross website Stay on top of MBA deadlines with the MBA Admissions Calendar! [Click here to add the calendar to your Google calendar; or here to add the calendar to another app.]  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:
Tags: MBA Admissions The post Michigan Ross MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines [2020 – 2021] appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
21 Jun 2020, 09:00
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Last Chance! Save BIG on MBA Application Services |
 We know you have a lot on your mind right now. Juggling MBA application prep when the world is in such a unique situation isn’t easy, but strong leaders press forward, even through adversity. If you put in the work now, you can get into a program that will help you become the kind of business leader the world needs like never before. Don’t let the stress of this unpredictable time get the best of you. Spend your time developing an application that will ensure the adcom remembers your name (positively, of course!). Our biggest annual promotion is ending soon, but you can still take advantage of this rare discount and get the services you need to take your application to the next level. Last Day to Save: June 22 Save $500 on a 1-school package, $700 on a 2-school package, or $800 on a 3-school package with code STARTNOW. Take 10% off all non-rush hourly MBA application services with code TAKE10. Note: The coupon can’t be combined with another offer, is for non-rush orders only, and can be used one time only. 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 Last Chance! Save BIG on MBA Application Services appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
21 Jun 2020, 10:00
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Wharton MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines [2020 – 2021] |
 Wharton’s changes to its application this year are minor. They’re really just tweaks as the admissions office was preoccupied responding to COVID, moving all recruiting online, and preparing for the possibility of significant summer melt. One of the concerns applicants have this year is that as a result of COVID-related deferrals there will be fewer spots available for the class entering in 2021 – even without the anticipated spike in applications this upcoming cycle. At the AIGAC (Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants) conference that I attended virtually in May, Blair Mannixindicated that Wharton was considering increasing class size to account for deferrals, but she couldn’t commit to that. Wharton MBA application essay questions Wharton MBA essay #1 What do you hope to gain professionally from the Wharton MBA? (500 words) This question is future-focused and exclusively professional. What do you want to do professionally that you can’t do now and that a Wharton MBA will help you do? What “soft” and “hard” skills do you hope to acquire at Wharton? How will a Wharton MBA – the education, the credential, and the experience – help you achieve your dreams? In Blair Mannix’s words in December’s Admissions Straight Talk interview: “We want students to do self-reflection on why they want this degree. We want students to explore the pivot moment (when they decided they wanted to do this) and unpack the talent and treasure they can bring to the MBA. Spend the time and really think about the top three things you will get out of the program.” As with most MBA goals questions, Wharton wants to see how you plan to connect your Wharton education to your future. Keep in mind that Wharton has an incredibly rich curriculum. How will you take advantage of its premier offerings to prepare yourself to realize your vision? To answer this question well, you need to have professional direction and you need to know which of Wharton’s myriad resources make it perfect as the next stop on your professional journey. Wharton MBA essay #2 Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words) Start with the end in mind: How do you intend to contribute to the Wharton community? To answer that question, research the co-curricular opportunities and pedagogical approach at Wharton. How will you contribute? Based on your experience, what difference do you intend to make? How will you participate, and yes, contribute? Now decide on the aspects of your experience and background that prepared you to have your intended impact. You can highlight achievements, challenges overcome, initiatives you’ve led, and teamwork, and that’s just for starters. And now you’re ready to write. You can start this essay with the impactful experience from your past and then analyze the lesson you learned from that accomplishment. Then bring it forward and apply it to your intended role at Wharton. Alternatively, you can start with your intended impact at Wharton and then go back to your past experience. Wharton MBA additional essay question (Required for all reapplicants) Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words) The name of the MBA reapplicant game is Growth and Improvement. Wharton is asking for reflection, and you need to provide it, but also show how that reflection led to action and improvement. Show Wharton that you are a better candidate this time than last. Wharton MBA optional essay question Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. “Addressing extenuating circumstances” means that you should describe those circumstances in a straightforward way. Give the admissions committee context. Avoid excuses and whining. If possible, provide evidence that those circumstances either no longer exist and will not affect your performance. For expert guidance with your Wharton MBA application, check out Accepted’s MBA Application Packages which include comprehensive guidance from an experienced admissions consultant. We’ve helped thousands of applicants get accepted to Wharton’s MBA program and look forward to helping you too! Wharton 2020-21 application deadlines Application Deadline Decision Notification Round 1September 15, 2020December 16, 2020 Round 2January 5, 2021March 25, 2021 Round 3March 31, 2021May 11, 2021 *To be considered for a round, you must submit a complete application by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of the deadline. Source: Wharton website ***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.*** Stay on top of MBA deadlines with the MBA Admissions Calendar! [Click here to add the calendar to your Google calendar; or here to add the calendar to another app.]  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:
Tags: MBA Admissions The post Wharton MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines [2020 – 2021] appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
22 Jun 2020, 09:00
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Applying to Stanford GSB? Get Expert Advice on Beating the Odds |
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[img]https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/get_accepted_to_stanford_gsb_webinar.jpg[/img] [url=https://reports.accepted.com/mba/webinar/stanford-graduate-school-of-business-webinar?utm_campaign=Blog&utm_source=webinar&utm_medium=Stanford_webinar_2020p1][img]https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/get_accepted_to_stanford_gsb_webinar.jpg[/img][/url] If you’ve got Stanford GSB at the top of your list of dream MBA programs, you probably already know that the odds are tough. This elite program accepts only 6% of applicants, so your submission needs to be something truly special if you hope to be included in that precious 6%. Accepted founder and CEO Linda Abraham has decades of experience helping applicants just like you beat those tough odds. She’ll be hosting a live webinar on Wednesday, July 8th to share tips and guidance on how to develop a game plan for application success. Join us for [url=https://reports.accepted.com/mba/webinar/stanford-graduate-school-of-business-webinar?utm_campaign=Blog&utm_source=webinar&utm_medium=Stanford_webinar_2020p1]Get Accepted to Stanford GSB[/url] and walk away armed with the tools you need to craft a compelling application that will grab the attention of the adcom. We’re offering this live webinar at two different times to maximize convenience for attendees. You must register to attend though, so choose your timeslot (10am PT/1pm ET OR 5pm PT/8pm ET) and register today! Register for the webinar: [url=https://www.accepted.com/mba/services?utm_campaign=Blog&utm_medium=blog_bio_mba&utm_source=blog][img]https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/accepted_admissions_consulting.jpg[/img][/url] 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. [url=https://www.accepted.com/mba/services?utm_campaign=Blog&utm_medium=blog_bio_mba&utm_source=blog][b]Want an MBA admissions expert [/b][b]to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch![/b][/url] Tags: [url=https://blog.accepted.com/category/mba-admissions/]MBA Admissions[/url] The post [url=https://blog.accepted.com/do-you-have-what-stanfords-looking-for/]Applying to Stanford GSB? Get Expert Advice on Beating the Odds[/url] appeared first on [url=https://blog.accepted.com]Accepted Admissions Blog[/url]. |
23 Jun 2020, 09:00
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: What MBA Students Can Expect at UCLA Anderson |
 Are you dreaming of an MBA from UCLA Anderson? [Show summary] UCLA Anderson’s Assistant Dean of MBA Admissions, Alex Lawrence, explores the opportunities awaiting future MBA students, as well as the changes Anderson is making to campus life this fall to provide its students with a safe, rewarding MBA experience. Learn about Anderson’s unique MBA program, as well as tips for submitting an acceptance-worthy Anderson application [Show notes] Alex Lawrence is the Assistant Dean of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at UCLA School of Management and an Anderson alum who earned his MBA in 1999. Prior to that, he earned bachelors and masters degrees in electrical engineering. After earning his MBA, he worked in management consulting for four years and then returned to UCLA Anderson as director of the Riordan Programs before becoming Assistant Dean for MBA Admissions. Can you give an overview of the Anderson full-time MBA program, focusing on its more distinctive elements? [2:08] Anderson emphasizes early specialization and hands-on experiences. We’re like the typical two-year MBA program, having core classes with electives following that. I think one of the distinctive features, especially since we were the first school to have this as part of the requirement, is that all of our students have to complete one of two hands-on exercises or opportunities, that being the applied management research project, where you get a chance to work with an organization on a real business challenge or a business creation option. We were the first ones to create that opportunity for our MBA students. In addition, we’re not a one-trick pony in the sense that we’re not just a consulting school or a finance school. There’s a lot of different areas that our students can be interested in or focus on. That variety makes our campus, our culture, so much more distinctive than other campuses, because students come in with diverse backgrounds and diverse interests. Other than the lockdown and pandemic, what’s new at UCLA Anderson? [3:37] One of the big things is that we launched a brand-new campus, a brand-new facility building, which is spectacular. Before this virus situation went down, the students were really enjoying it, the visitors who were coming, prospects, as well as those who had just been admitted and are still coming, the class of 2022 and beyond. Fantastic facility. Our new dean at that time, Tony Bernardo, he’s still short of a year of being in the program, though he’s been here on the campus for over 20 years, so we had a new dean in place as well. Those are two of the biggest things. What don’t people know about Anderson that you would like them to know, on a bigger scale? [5:03] I alluded to it a little bit earlier, talking about the variety of choices that students can look at. Very few people know that in the Los Angeles area alone, it’s number one in the world for small business activity. I say that because when you look at the culture, when you look at the opportunities that many of our students are exploring and that our alumni are currently participating in, it’s a very entrepreneurial culture. It’s a very entrepreneurial environment. That’s why I made it a point to mention the BCO (Business Creation Option), which is younger than the AMR (Applied Management Research) opportunity as well. With our accelerator that is on campus, many of our students do still look at that opportunity of becoming an entrepreneur. Many may still focus on some of the traditional career choices (tech, finance, consulting), but as a secondary, they all also are pursuing some entrepreneurial ventures as well. When you look at the types of companies that alumni have started or are currently engaged at, it’s so diverse. The last thing I’ll mention is that for as long as I’ve been here, I’ve seen this increase in the number of students who are doing internships beyond just the summer opportunity. They’re doing internships during the academic year as well, in addition to the summer. Many of them, especially first-years, will start exploring the opportunity in the winter quarter, which starts in January. Again, this is something that’s not required as part of the graduation requirements, but our students (probably about 60 to 70% of them are career switchers) are looking at bolstering their resume by looking at these different opportunities. For some of them who are coming from big companies who want to look at a startup, it’s a great way to get inside and see the activity level, the roles and responsibilities of people. Because as you and I know, especially in your entrepreneurial venture, there’s probably no day that’s similar to the previous one, and you probably have to wear a lot of different hats at the same time. I don’t keep track of the highest number, but I’ve heard some students do as many as six or seven of these short engagements of these internships during the academic year. What can applicants applying to Anderson this year expect that they could not expect last year? [8:03] As you might imagine, on the technical side, we extended our Round 3 deadline. That being said, we’ve been seeing some of those individuals who may not have thought about applying this year in particular. Anybody who has applied in the later rounds for the class of ’22, we have made some adjustments not only with the deadline, but people being able to apply without a test score, though they still would need to submit a test score in order to get a decision. For obvious reasons, we are one of those schools that has decided to adjust our starting timeframe for the class of ’22. We announced on May 15th that the official start of school is going to be September 28th. We still intend to start some of our virtual experiences the first week of August. In comparison to last year, we won’t have those in-person offerings, but we will still have a number of different resources and services available, skill development, career development, academic development, all those things that are going to help with the person making the transition to the in-person experience starting on September 28th. What about students who can’t get a visa? Are they going to be deferred? [9:35] For those who can’t come on campus as of September 28th, our plan is that when you arrive, you can still come to Anderson. You mentioned one of those magic words, because right now a lot of schools are saying that they have deferral policies, adding deferral policies, etc. Our deferral policy is one that, if the individual decides that they are not going to join us in that particular academic year, we will allow them to apply in the following year with a much simpler application, no application fee. We don’t reserve seats for those who can’t join us, but we want to make sure, especially when we know it’s a very difficult decision to decide not to come, we want to make it that much easier in the future. No guarantees on the admission, but from my perspective, if you’ve been admitted once, it’s a good chance that you’re a great candidate again. For those who cannot physically be there (rather than those who don’t want to come because they’re nervous about exposure), will there be remote options for them? [10:38] Absolutely. While I can’t say for certain right now what those particular options will be, I spoke with my boss and the faculty chair earlier today, actually, and there is a task force. They’re looking at those types of options, because again, we don’t want to make it a significant burden, especially for those who are overseas and having to wake up in the middle of the night just to attend a class. I’m sure, like you, I’ve read many of those sorts of stories going on right now, especially in the undergraduate market. They’re exploring different ways to deliver pre-recorded classes to those who are overseas and still trying to make it over here to campus in Los Angeles. I assume there would be accommodations made for those domestic applicants who, maybe for health reasons, don’t want to be in a classroom environment also? [11:30] That’s a great point. While I’ve been talking about the international market, for anybody who has difficulty making it here to the campus for a variety of reasons, we’re going to work with them. We look at each case individually. Again, talking about those who decide to defer, over the years I’ve fielded all of those phone calls, talking with them to make the process as humane as possible. Many times they understand. I always tell them, “When you’re ready to apply, contact me,” and many who decide to reapply, they do reach out to me and say, “I just submitted the application. Just wanted to let you know.” Again, they appreciate giving an explanation as well as the step-by-step process, which is on our website, but the step-by-step process on how to reapply. How can prospective students engage with the Anderson community if they can’t physically meet them, go to events, attend your receptions, or visit campus? [12:36] On a weekly basis right now, we do have online virtual general information sessions that are facilitated by our current students. Now, as we transition to the summer with expectations that some of these travel bans and/or some of these physical gatherings will be lifted, many of our students and alumni do host coffee chats. Now, if that’s not possible, we also will be hosting, on a weekly basis from a staff perspective, also the opportunity to call in and speak with staff in a smaller environment. Because like you, I have participated in some of those 200-person information sessions where there are panels, there are breakout rooms. We’ll be doing those too. We’ll be reaching out to specific regions around the world. We’ll be adding alumni from those regions and areas, not just from a geographic standpoint but from a career background as well. Because again, here it is early in the cycle for those applying for the class of ’23 and beyond, but we know that getting information out there is going to be important. Also, we want to make sure that especially, like I said before, we demystify some things for people who may never have been to Los Angeles or even know about UCLA Anderson, and may think that we’re just an entertainment school, which we are not. [b]<< READ: What Should You Do If You Can’t Visit B-Schools in Person? [A COVID-19 Special] >>[/b] For students starting their MBA program this September, what’s it going to look like and feel like? [14:13] Again, this is without having the final master plan. For those who can’t make it to the campus, definitely there’ll be offerings available for them in a virtual format. There will be some hybrid types of delivering as well. From a typical class size of 70 to 75 people, we know that we’re not going to be able to put everybody in the room. Possibly having people in more like a pod structure, where having the same group of people who we know with confidence are healthy and we can deliver the instruction that is the same for all the so-called pods, versus having a big lecture room or a big classroom like that. That’s what’s being discussed right now. I’ll be honest with you — I haven’t heard anything about putting shields up in between students or anything like that. I don’t think there’s need for those drastic measures. Again, when you look at the typical Anderson start, a lot of the activity is in the fall quarter. All of our students are here. Then as you get later into the academic year, because the core classes that are no longer required are available, then you start getting into electives. Students are really starting to hone in on some of their career choices. I mentioned the internship opportunities during the academic year. A lot of our students are taking advantage of that off campus as well. They’re even doing this now. Some students aren’t local to Los Angeles, right? I know a few. I speak with some of the students on a diversity task force. Some are living in New York and New Jersey right now, who plan on doing their management consulting summer internship or their finance internships. They know that they can still do the class instruction, but I know a couple of students who are doing an academic internship, primarily research-focused, but at the same time, there are those opportunities as well. Are you anticipating any changes to Anderson’s application for the application for the class of 2023, the upcoming application cycle, and specifically the essay questions? [17:18] I don’t anticipate any major changes. Since our application for this cycle is still currently open, we haven’t had a chance to really do a deep dive to see the outcomes. What I will tell you is that we don’t anticipate any major changes. We did go through the same process last year, looking at our essay question. I will say with total confidence, we do not want to make the application harder or more challenging. That being said, we will look at the essay question again and see if it did serve us what we wanted to get out of it. If necessary, we will make some slight changes to it. How are the co-curricular activities and events going to take place if social distancing rules are still in effect? [18:24] Once everything went virtual, they just made some modifications without shutting things down. One of the popular activities from a social standpoint, the dinner, they still facilitated those, paying for people’s dinners, having it shipped to their homes. You don’t have the face-to-face, in-person activity, which is unfortunate, but the spirit, having the right people at the table, having a lively conversation, having exchange of information, ideas, with the key hosts, that still goes on. The faculty, they put in some courses that were right in line with what’s going on. There were economics, supply chain classes, marketing classes, what the impact of COVID has been in certain areas. Those were very popular with students. For those schools that pride themselves, like UCLA Anderson, on the culture, how can you keep that still in effect? I think this is the great feedback that we continue to get, even in this year, from those students who we admitted and who attended our virtual admit month, they told us that of all the schools, Anderson was so engaging, so open to answering questions, just being there to open emails, start a Zoom conversation. Those things in our DNA, as you well know, are still there even if we’re not in person. Yes, this is a crisis, that will hopefully be short-term, but that’s not something that we’re just going to retrench and just wait it out. We’re still going to go out there, seeing how we can help people, delivering the resources as best we can. If it’s even a delivery model, food, whatever it may be, we want to make sure that we’re going to help people as best we can. In light of the pandemic, are you going to read applications with a slightly different perspective in terms of the qualities that you’re looking for? Are you going to be weighing qualities differently than you did before the pandemic? [20:31] Today, I don’t think so. When you think about it, there are going to be some people who are going to be negatively impacted from a career standpoint. We know that some people are going to be losing their jobs. They’re going to be worried about how that’s going to be reflected or reviewed by the admissions committee. The good thing is that, when you look at the admissions committee and the staff that I work with, these are experienced professionals. They were around 10 years ago when the last big recession occurred. Again, while this is different, we always have made it a point that we give applicants, I believe, a lot of information space to explain their story, whether it be with the optional essay. As we are reading these essays, looking at the application, some of the things that are still going to be consistent will be, why do you need an MBA? Why now? Why from UCLA Anderson? We will definitely understand if somebody says, “My company laid me off,” or, “I thought that this was a great time for me to make a career switch.” Like we’ve talked about in the past, whenever there’s a crisis, there’s also a great opportunity to do something different, to do something bold. For those who may just say like, “I’m just going to go get an MBA,” there’s still going to be the questions why. We’re still going to interview the best candidates and make sure they’re going to be the right fit for our community, our culture. We just know that we’ll probably see more people who are unfortunately unemployed or impacted in a different way by the virus situation. At the same time, we’re still going to be looking for the best people who are going to be the best individuals for our culture and have the best stories that talk about why Anderson, why MBA. I’m really excited, because I think those who are going to take the opportunity to look at what an MBA can do for them at this point in time will be a larger number. As we talk about trends, we’re hearing the different stories right now about how some individuals are having to take care of parents or siblings. Just seeing those trends and those stories and seeing the grit behind those individuals, the courage behind those individuals, are going to be some things that, again, just resonate with who we are at UCLA Anderson. Some applicants are worried about starting the MBA, taking on the cost of the MBA, graduating into a weakened economy, applying when deferrals may have shrunk the number of available seats or during a spike in applications because everybody figures it’s a great way to sit out a recession. How would you respond to those concerns? [23:41] About how deferrals are going to take away seats, a lot of times it sounds worse than what it actually is. Knowing a lot of my friends at other schools, we know that those are on a case-by-case basis. It’s not going to take up as many seats as you may think. That’s one thing. The spike in applications, you can’t get caught up on the numbers. I know a lot of times you see these big GMAT numbers or big GPAs or whatever it may be. I always tell candidates, even when you look at UCLA Anderson, look at the range of the scores. You don’t need a 720 to get into Anderson. Look at the range of scores. The thing for us is, can people do the work? Can they do the academics? That’s where the transcripts are going to come into play. That’s where the additional coursework is going to come to play. I would never tell somebody not to apply. I always tell them just like, again, “Tell me why you need an MBA.” I start there. I want to find out why you think you need an MBA at this point. If somebody is more in the herd mentality, is like, “I think this is something that I just need to do,” then I would be worried. I want to know that you have a plan. When you look at our application, Linda, it’s just like the best ones we’re going to ask are, “What are your short-term and long-term goals?” People are going to have to put a lot of thought into that. They’re going to have to tell us how they are going to leverage their pre-MBA experience, and what they are going to do during their time in business school and afterwards. We want to know people have a plan. The interview is an opportunity to close the deal, right? If you get an interview request from us, then it’s really for you to come and sell us on why you want to be at Anderson. A majority of people can close the deal a lot of times, but I would say don’t put the cart before the horse. If you’re a great candidate, if you think you’re a great candidate, I would say continue with that, but look at the process. As they go through that journey of researching, some things are going to stay on the table and some are going to fall to the floor, to the point where they narrow their schools down to the right choice, and even the degree. I’ve got my MBA and I work at Anderson, after getting a master’s in electrical engineering as well. I can still do a few calculus equations, but I’ll tell people that between the two master’s degrees that I have, the MBA is so much more versatile. It’s a pivot in my career. For that young person, that 20-year-old who may have some thoughts about it, let me tell you, it’s going to exceed your expectations if you go and get an MBA. For the 2020 graduating class, what percentage of the class had rescinded offers, and for the class of 2021, what about rescinded internship offers? Are UCLA students having this problem? [27:29] I have heard of a few stories of people who have had rescinded offers, and it’s in the industries that you might expect like retail, travel, and entertainment. As a school, we did reach out to the alumni community, which has always been very supportive of our students, as a call to action for them, asking if there are options within their organizations to please reach out to the school. Just within a matter of two weeks, 20 opportunities did come up, which is fantastic. I won’t say that it’s sunshine and rainbows everywhere. There are some students who are still trying to figure out what’s going to happen for them because they had some niche interests. One of the best things I think is that some of these companies (those outside of the industries that I mentioned) are still committed to the offers that they provide to our class of ’21 students doing their summer internships. I’ve heard stories where, say in the management consulting space, they’ve had to adjust the timeline of what those opportunities may look like, especially from a virtual standpoint, but I even have heard of commitments for full-time offers after the summer internship. Those are great signs. At least for the few students that I counsel and stay in touch with, I tell them that this again is a great opportunity right now in this crisis. Don’t just sit back and relax. They can appreciate that, especially as they talk to alumni who went through this sequence of events back in 2008, 2009 timeframe. Talented individuals in general, they just don’t sit back, right? Here’s a great opportunity to possibly learn a new language, learn coding. Think of some of those skillsets that at the end of the day are going to differentiate you. We’ve asked, “Well, so what did you do while you were laid off? Did you just pine away, or did you decide to maybe start your own business?” Or maybe you got involved more with your community. What advice would you give to a potential MBA applicant thinking to apply in fall 2020, this upcoming cycle? [30:40] When you’re looking at UCLA Anderson in particular, there’s so much great information on the website on how to engage. We have a community of individuals who definitely want to talk to you about their own experiences with the school. I would also, again, think about that question: Why do you need an MBA now? You may not be able to answer it, say, in a 30-second pitch now. That’s where I think coming and talking to students, alumni, staff, and trying to see what the MBA experience at UCLA Anderson is like. That’ll give you some ideas. Then as you start figuring out, “Okay, if I’m going to be applying to UCLA Anderson, what are the deadlines? What are the requirements?” If you’re thinking about starting in the fall, put all those materials together, getting letters of recommendation, hopefully taking a standardized test score. We still require that, so hopefully that’s on your radar too. I think that’s where that whole idea about having a plan comes from. First thing is go to our website, see how you can get engaged with our community. Start building out a plan on how to submit a competitive application. As many people know, I’d be willing to speak with anybody, time permitting. Or if I can’t do it, I have an army of dedicated individuals who would love to share their own experiences about why you should apply to UCLA Anderson. Then after that, I think what you will find, especially if things go well and you apply, you’re interviewed and you’re admitted, your expectations are going to be exceeded as somebody who’s going to enroll at the school. It’s one of those things that I can tell you all of this, but you have to experience it yourself. Then you’ll see like, “Wow, I can’t believe the two years have gone by so quickly.” A funny story, again because of all my global travels, so to speak: I’d be on the road right now. I would be flying to different cities, Atlanta, Chicago, New York, welcoming those who’ve been admitted. Just a few days ago, I saw somebody on LinkedIn announce, “Okay, my time at Anderson has come up. I’m happy to announce that I’ll be starting at Amazon in the summer.” I thought, “Oh, my gosh. You’re a second-year? You’re graduating? It just seemed like maybe last year we were in Atlanta,” and he was just like, “Yeah, I remember that dinner.” The time just goes by so quickly. Not just for them, but for myself as well. Are there any questions that you would have liked me to ask you? [33:28] When you start looking at the ROI and the investment, think about that investment piece. At Anderson, we give out fellowships. We’re one of the more affordable MBAs. When you see these price tags, you’ve got to go deeper. That’s what talking to students is all about. Very few students are going to say, “I went to school for free at Anderson,” even if they did get fellowships of a sizable amount. That’s where the academic internships, as I like to call them, come into play, where people start piecemealing to make the MBA affordable: being a TA, obviously from the summer internship, scholarships outside of Anderson. Today’s prospects are probably coming in with some student debt already. They’re already thinking, “Why would I want to pile on more?” If you start looking at the numbers on a long-term basis, 10, 20 years out, it’s a great investment, not only from a financial standpoint, but also from your social capital as well in building up your network. Networks are another big thing. We didn’t spend a lot of time on it. The people who listen to your podcast, they’re very good, competitive individuals, great profiles. They’re probably going to have multiple choices. I think that, once you start looking at the different school cultures and things like that, the ones that are going to really resonate with you are going to probably be the best choices for you. Of course, again, like I said, I’m biased, right? I think Anderson is going to be the best choice for you. Where can listeners and potential applicants learn more about Anderson’s full-time MBA program? [36:08] www.anderson.ucla.edu is where you can find more information. Of course, I can’t hide; I’m all over the internet. You’ll even see me in the staff directory. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me. My email’s up there too as well, and I would love to talk to you more about the Anderson MBA. Related Links:
Related Shows:
Subscribe:  Podcast Feed Tags: Admissions Straight Talk, MBA Admissions The post What MBA Students Can Expect at UCLA Anderson [Episode 371] appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
23 Jun 2020, 10:00
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Considering Graduate School? First, Figure Out Your Ideal Career Path. |
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[img]https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Considering-grad-school-First-figure-out-your-ideal-career-path.jpg[/img] [img]https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Considering-grad-school-First-figure-out-your-ideal-career-path.jpg[/img] The coronavirus pandemic has created a tough job landscape, but it has also created an opportunity for career “rethinking” as well. Many people are considering pivots and turning towards skill development and learning opportunities like graduate school. But how do you decide what’s next? How do you think about what you want, and also, how to get there? Below, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide to answer these (and other) questions. What is career exploration? Career exploration is a process that is separate and preliminary to the job search, including a series of steps of practical learning about potential career paths of interest as well as self-reflection. The goals and outcome of the process are to learn, compare, contrast, and narrow in on your options until you reach a point of clarity and confidence about which career path is best for you. It is grounded in the concept that: [b]learning + self-reflection (in an iterative and fluid manner) → [/b][b] [/b][b]clarity and confidence on your ideal career path[/b] Why is this the best time for career exploration? While many of us have a newfound sense of time, we are starting to reflect on the bigger picture of our lives, asking ourselves questions like, “What’s important to me (both personally and professionally)?” and “Where am I lacking fulfillment?” Take this moment to reflect on your path to date, your future goals, and how you can [url=https://blog.accepted.com/wake-up-to-your-amazing-career-possibilities-episode-354/]forge an interesting journey towards reaching your potential[/url]. If you’re still unsure of your direction, don’t fret as there are practical steps you can take to gain clarity; see below! What does career exploration entail? Step 1 – Reflect on your interests. There are three distinct aspects to explore: [list][*]First, think about the functions, tasks, actions, or projects that you truly enjoy doing (i.e. researching, selling, consulting, teaching, building, analyzing). [/*][*]Second, think about the content areas you find interesting (i.e. education, finance, fashion, politics, etc.) [/*][*]Third, reflect on which environments you thrive in (big vs. small companies, and what culture and values you align with). [/*][/list] Step 2 – Translate your interests into real-world opportunities. Break it down into: [list][*]What roles relate to the functions or tasks you love doing? [/*][*]What industries relate to the content you find interesting? [/*][/list] Step 3 – Learn and reflect to dive deeper into your options. You can accomplish this step with the steps outlined below: [list][*][b]Research [/b]– We can only learn so much online about certain career paths, but it’s a good place to start. See what you can find out about your target roles and industries and what questions or reflections arise for you. [/*][*][b]Networking as a way to learn[/b] – Connect with professionals in your target roles and industries and learn from them! Figure out what these roles and industries are really like and also what it takes to get there. [/*][*][b]Reflect[/b] – Once you begin learning about your options, reflect on what you’re hearing. Which paths do you want to learn more or less about? [/*][*][b]Continue learning[/b] until you feel clear and confident in your direction. [/*][*][b]Experiential learning[/b] – You can also test the waters by shadowing, [url=https://blog.accepted.com/how-can-i-continue-my-volunteering-in-the-age-of-covid-19/]volunteering[/url], doing an online course, completing a side project, and attending professional events to ensure the path is right for you before you dive into the job search.[/*][/list] Once I’ve confidently identified my ideal path, what’s next? This is where you start to learn about how to get where you want to go. This is where you [url=https://blog.accepted.com/apply-graduate-school/]consider whether a graduate program will propel you towards your desired direction[/url], and which specific program will be the best fit for you. In order to gain confidence on which program is right for you to help you achieve your goals, pursue similar activities to the career exploration process: [list][*][b]Online research – [/b]This research can be carried out by exploring the various programs that you are considering and admissions consultant blogs, like this one! [/*][/list] [list][*][b]Network and consult – [/b]Network with past, current, or prospective [url=https://www.accepted.com/grad/what-is-graduate-school-like]students of programs you’re considering[/url]; this is an impeccable way to learn about a program’s content, value, and potential fit with your goals. You can also consult with an admissions counselor at your intended schools and with [url=https://www.accepted.com/services?utm_campaign=Blog&utm_medium=woken_guest_post&utm_source=blog]admissions consultants like those at Accepted[/url], who have broad exposure to various programs, their value, and requirements.[/*][/list] After following a thorough career exploration process, as well as performing sufficient due diligence on which program is right for you, I can guarantee you’ll feel confident about the next steps in your career. Remember, with increased learning and reflection, you will feel greater clarity, confidence, relief, and excitement about your career path! [b]For assistance applying to graduate programs, [url=https://www.accepted.com/services?utm_campaign=Blog&utm_medium=woken_guest_post&utm_source=blog]check out Accepted’s Admissions Services[/url]. We’d be delighted to help guide you successfully through the application process.[/b] [b]For assistance with career exploration, check out [url=https://www.iamwoken.com]www.iamwoken.com[/url]. [/b] [url=https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/58291/24b524a1-98eb-4392-84e2-97f16a3f2fc1][img]https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/58291/24b524a1-98eb-4392-84e2-97f16a3f2fc1.png[/img][/url] [url=https://www.iamwoken.com][img]https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Rachel-Woken.jpg[/img][/url] My early professional experience was at Goldman Sachs in Operations and at Bridgewater Associates in HR. From there, I was trained as a coach at NYU and became a certified coach through the International Coach Federation. After this, I worked in HR Research at Aon Hewitt and attained my Technology MBA at NYU Stern. Throughout my career, I have helped hundreds of professionals with career exploration and for the past ~2 years I’ve been building my company, [url=https://www.iamwoken.com]WOKEN[/url], which is an online career exploration platform to coach professionals through the process of figuring out their ideal job and career path. I am also a Professor of Entrepreneurship at Binghamton University and a Career Coach through the Flatiron School/WeWork. [b]Related Resources:[/b] [list][*][url=https://blog.accepted.com/when-is-the-mba-worth-the-time-and-money-episode-346/]Is an MBA Worth It, or Is the Sky Falling Down on the MBA Degree?[/url][/*][*][url=https://blog.accepted.com/wake-up-to-your-amazing-career-possibilities-episode-354/]Wake Up to Your Amazing Career Possibilities[/url][/*][*][url=https://blog.accepted.com/writing-a-compelling-personal-statement-episode-368/]Writing a Compelling Personal Statement[/url][/*][/list] Tags: [url=https://blog.accepted.com/category/college-admissions/]College Admissions[/url], [url=https://blog.accepted.com/category/grad-school-admissions/]Grad School Admissions[/url], [url=https://blog.accepted.com/category/law-school-admissions/]Law School Admissions[/url], [url=https://blog.accepted.com/category/mba-admissions/]MBA Admissions[/url], [url=https://blog.accepted.com/category/medical-school-admissions/]Medical School Admissions[/url] The post [url=https://blog.accepted.com/considering-graduate-school-first-figure-out-your-ideal-career-path/]Considering Graduate School? First, Figure Out Your Ideal Career Path.[/url] appeared first on [url=https://blog.accepted.com]Accepted Admissions Blog[/url]. |
24 Jun 2020, 10:00
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: UCLA Anderson School of Management MBA Program Now STEM-Certified |
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[img]https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/UCLA-Anderson-gets-STEM-certified.jpg[/img] [url=https://blog.accepted.com/ucla-anderson-mba-essay-tips-deadlines/][img]https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/UCLA-Anderson-gets-STEM-certified.jpg[/img][/url] UCLA Anderson School of Management’s full-time, fully-employed, and executive MBA programs have received [url=https://blog.accepted.com/mba-programs-go-stem-certified/]STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) certification[/url]. Anderson now joins a select group of business schools to receive the certification for all of its programs, regardless of specialization. The certification is retroactive to the class of 2019. These programs join Anderson’s Master of Financial Engineering and Master of Science in Data Analytics, which were previously STEM-certified. In response to technological innovations, employer requirements, and student interest, UCLA Anderson’s MBA program’s focus has become more qualitative. [url=https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/news-and-events/press-releases/three-ucla-anderson-school-of-management-mba-programs-receive-stem-designation]Dean Antonio Bernardo stated[/url], “Our MBA programs have always had significant qualitative elements, but as technology has advanced and more MBA students turn to tech careers, the number of data and quantitative courses in the MBA curriculum at Anderson has grown significantly. This change is a reflection of that.” More about the new STEM designation The STEM curriculum – a combination of technology and management – will give grads the essential skills that recruiters are seeking. “Anderson’s STEM designation will underscore our students’ abilities and interests in these areas,” said Bernardo. [url=https://blog.accepted.com/international-mba-applicants-and-covid-19-risks-opportunities-short-video/]International students[/url] will benefit further from the new STEM designation. MBA grads are generally permitted to hold a job in the US for 12 months. STEM grads can apply for an additional 24 more months of work experience after graduation. The STEM designation was created by the U.S. government to help deal with the lack of qualified employees in scientific and tech fields. The Department of Homeland Security’s STEM Designated Degree Program, which includes different STEM areas, permits eligible students with F-1 visas to apply for a STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training) extension. Any UCLA Anderson international student currently on an F-1 visa and enrolled in one of the designated programs will be able to apply for the extension. UCLA’s graduate division reviewed how the three Anderson MBA programs are categorized by the National Center for Education Statistics under a Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code. Once the review was completed, the programs were changed from “Business Administration and Management, General,” to “Management Science,” which is considered a STEM program. [b]Do you see a STEM MBA in your future? [url=https://www.accepted.com/mba/services?utm_campaign=Blog&utm_medium=UCLA_Anderson_goes_STEM&utm_source=blog]Work one-on-one with one of our MBA admissions experts[/url] and create an application that will get you ACCEPTED![/b] [url=https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/58291/885bd87c-93a9-49cb-b45d-6f22a610ac9c][img]https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/58291/885bd87c-93a9-49cb-b45d-6f22a610ac9c.png[/img][/url] [url=https://www.accepted.com/mba/services?utm_campaign=Blog&utm_medium=blog_bio_mba&utm_source=blog][img]https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/accepted_admissions_consulting.jpg[/img][/url] 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. [url=https://www.accepted.com/mba/services?utm_campaign=Blog&utm_medium=blog_bio_mba&utm_source=blog][b]Want an MBA admissions expert [/b][b]to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch![/b][/url] [b]Related Resources:[/b] [list][*][url=https://reports.accepted.com/mba-admissions-report]Navigate the MBA Maze[/url], a free guide[/*][*][url=https://blog.accepted.com/mba-programs-go-stem-certified/]Top MBA Programs Get STEM-Certified to Attract Int’l Students[/url][/*][*][url=https://blog.accepted.com/what-mba-students-can-expect-at-ucla-anderson-episode-371/]What MBA Students Can Expect at UCLA Anderson[/url], a podcast episode[/*][/list] Tags: [url=https://blog.accepted.com/category/mba-admissions/]MBA Admissions[/url] The post [url=https://blog.accepted.com/ucla-anderson-school-of-management-mba-program-now-stem-certified/]UCLA Anderson School of Management MBA Program Now STEM-Certified[/url] appeared first on [url=https://blog.accepted.com]Accepted Admissions Blog[/url]. |
28 Jun 2020, 09:00
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Duke Fuqua MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines [2020 – 2021] |
 Leadership, teamwork, ethics, and a global approach to business are essential elements of the Duke Fuqua MBA, which is why you’ll need to make sure you express your passion for these qualities in your application essays. Impress the Fuqua adcom by positioning yourself as an innovative leader and team player, as someone who can see the big picture, work collaboratively, and shape global business. Duke Fuqua 2020-21 MBA application essay instructions You’ll need to provide your thoughts on one short-answer question and two essays as part of your application. Instructions for all written submissions:
All submissions are scanned using plagiarism detection software. Plagiarism is considered a cheating violation within the Honor Code and will not be tolerated in the admissions process. Duke Fuqua required short-answer essay question Duke announced on its blog that it is reducing its short-answer questions from 2 to 1 as part of a broader effort to increase accessibility and ease the application process. Duke Fuqua MBA essay #1 (25 random things about yourself) Instructions: Present your response in list form, numbered 1 to 25. Some points may be only a few words, while others may be longer. Your complete list should not exceed two pages. For context: Fuqua believes different types of people, points of view, and experiences bring out the best in everyone. And above all, we place a premium on succeeding while making a positive impact on businesses, organizations, and the world. These ways of thinking set the Duke MBA experience apart, and this concept extends beyond the student body to include faculty, staff, and administration. When a new person joins the Admissions team, we ask that person to share with everyone in the office a list of “25 Random Things About Yourself.” As an Admissions team, we already know the new hire’s professional and academic background, so learning these “25 Random Things” helps us get to know someone’s personality, background, special talents, and more. In this spirit, the Admissions Committee also wants to get to know you – beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript. You can share with us important life experiences, your likes/dislikes, hobbies, achievements, fun facts, or anything that helps us understand what makes you who you are. Share with us your list of “25 Random Things” about YOU. Have some fun with this list. It certainly allows a more creative approach than permitted by most essay prompts. Note that the question asks you to go “beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript.” So you can list your Pez collection or perhaps your brief membership in a rock band, or the fact that you took violin from ages 6-18, or your membership in a gospel choir, or your volunteer work in a hospital, your needlepoint, your favorite recipe or photo. Gosh – the list is endless. Just let it reflect you. Think of this list as an introduction to potential friends. For more insight into this question and the motivation behind, please read Megan Overbay’s, the former Director of Admissions, advice. Yes, it’s old, but I believe you will find it helpful. And very friendly. For even more ideas, check out Associate Dean for Admissions Shari Hubert’s 25 Random Things or these examples from different Fuqua students. Duke Fuqua MBA Essay #2 (The Fuqua community and you) Instructions: Your response should be no more than 300 words in length. Fuqua prides itself on cultivating a culture of engagement. Our students enjoy a wide range of student-led organizations that provide opportunities for leadership development and personal fulfillment, as well as an outlet for contributing to society. Our student-led government, clubs, centers, and events are an integral part of the student culture and are vital to providing you with a range of experiential learning and individual development experiences. Based on your understanding of the Fuqua culture, what are the three most meaningful ways you expect to engage and contribute to our community outside of the classroom? Do your homework about Fuqua (and yourself) before responding to this question. What activities and groups appeal to you? How do you see yourself participating? Making a difference? Imagine how you would participate and sometimes lead. While you can reference similar activities in the past, keep the focus of this essay on what you would do at Fuqua, and choose those three activities/groups that most appeal to you. One approach to responding to this question: Address a letter to a close friend or colleague and tell them how you would contribute to this very participatory culture. That letter could morph into this essay. Duke Fuqua MBA Essay #3 (Optional – tell us more) If you feel there are circumstances of which the Admissions Committee should be aware (such as unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance), please explain them in an optional essay. Please do not upload additional essays or additional recommendations in this area of the application, and limit your response to one page. Why isn’t your current supervisor writing your rec? Why is there a six-month gap on your resume? Why did your grades dip during the first semester of your senior year? What are your responsibilities while working for a family business after having left a prestigious investment bank, and why did you make the change? Answering any of those questions (but hopefully not all) could be the topic of your optional essay. For expert guidance with your Duke Fuqua 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 Duke Fuqua’s MBA program and look forward to helping you too! Duke Fuqua 2020-21 MBA Application Deadlines Round Application DeadlineDecision Notification Early ActionSeptember 23, 2020October 27, 2020 1October 20, 2020 December 18, 2020 2January 7, 2021 March 20, 2021 3Mar. 25, 2021 April 30, 2021 * International applicants should apply in EA, Round 1, and Round 2 to allow time for visa processing. Source: Duke Fuqua website Stay on top of MBA deadlines with the MBA Admissions Calendar! [Click here to add the calendar to your Google calendar; or here to add the calendar to another app.] ***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:
Tags: MBA Admissions The post Duke Fuqua MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines [2020 – 2021] appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
30 Jun 2020, 11:00
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: UVA Darden MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines [2020 – 2021] |
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[img]https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/UVA-Darden-MBA-essay-tips-and-deadlines.jpg[/img] [url=https://reports.accepted.com/mba/guide/top-mba-essay-tips][img]https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/UVA-Darden-MBA-essay-tips-and-deadlines.jpg[/img][/url] If you like the idea of being thrown into the decision maker’s role, using the case method to navigate real-life business situations, then you may want to consider applying to University of Virginia’s Darden MBA program. Darden is one of the largest case publishers in North America, and because of Darden’s commitment to the case study method, a Darden student will examine many, many business cases throughout the course of their two-year Darden MBA studies. Darden grads do well upon graduation; members of Darden’s Class of 2019 earned the most compensation of any Darden graduating class. Consulting was the top career choice, with tech and entrepreneurship at a close second. Top employers at Darden were BCG, McKinsey, Amazon, Bain, and Accenture. In May 2019, Darden received its largest donation ever: $68 million from Sands Capital Management Founder Frank Sands, Sr., who earned a Darden MBA in 1963. As a result of his generosity, Darden doubled the available funding for scholarships. Here are the questions that Darden asks in its 2020-2021 application. In addition, Darden’s admissions team has offered some [url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/2019/06/17/application-advice-all-about-our-short-answer-questions/]great guidance of its own here[/url]. Note that Darden’s application essays are all to be answered in text boxes, so you must keep to the word limit exactly. Darden MBA short answer questions For the 2020-21 application cycle, Darden will again offer multiple short answer questions. We want to get to know all of the various facets of your background and personality. Darden MBA essay #1 Darden strives to identify and cultivate responsible leaders who follow their purpose. Please provide an example of a situation in which you have made a meaningful impact. (200 words) Darden is seeking more than a brain on a stick, as Dean Scott Beardsley has said. Yes, you have to have strong analytical ability, but you also have to prove your drive for impact. This essay allows you to share an example (just one!) in which you applied your drive – ideally in combination with your analytical and leadership skills – to shape an organization or marketplace. A CAR (Challenge-Action-Results) format will help you demonstrate the before-and-after picture of this situation to prove your impact. Darden MBA essay #2 Diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission, and they work best when they are an integral and celebrated part of our community. [url=https://vpdiversity.virginia.edu/]The University of Virginia’s Commitment to Diversity[/url] Diversity stands with ethics, integrity, and academic excellence, as a cornerstone of University culture. The University promotes an inclusive and welcoming environment that embraces the full spectrum of human attributes, perspectives, and disciplines. When people of different backgrounds come together, they exchange ideas, question assumptions (including their own), and broaden the horizons for us all. A University of Virginia community rich in diversity affords every member equal respect and provides a forum for understanding our differences as well as our commonalities. Share a time in which you engaged with a perspective, identity, community or experience that was different from your own and how it impacted your worldview. (200 words) Darden’s case method puts students into the role of protagonists from diverse industries and backgrounds. In addition, Darden students hail from 38 countries and 35 states in the U.S. Each first-year student is immersed in a learning team of 5 or 6 fellow students for the entire core curriculum to help them understand some of those other perspectives. This short essay question aims to find out if you will benefit from that kind of environment or detract from it. To answer this question well, first explain your own perspective then show how the alternate one challenged you and how you pushed yourself to examine your prejudices and preconceived notions to arrive at a deeper understanding. Darden MBA essay #3 Tell us what you would want your learning team to know about you – personally, professionally, or both? (100 words) Darden is one of the smaller MBA programs, with 336 students in the class of 2021. That class size means that every single student needs to be congenial: there’s just no room for a jerk at Darden. This is a great opportunity for applicants to share an example of [url=https://blog.accepted.com/display-teamwork-in-application-essays/]contributing to a personal or professional team[/url] – during a difficult situation, through a crisis, or just with a specific set of insights, talents, or personality traits. Then, draw the connections to show how this experience will prepare you to contribute to your learning team. Darden MBA essay #4 What is your short-term, post-MBA career goal and why? (150 words) This question has remained the same for a few years. You have room here for two small paragraphs to [url=https://reports.accepted.com/mba/why-mba]explain your expected path after you graduate[/url] from Darden. If your goals are seen as unachievable – for example, investment banking or consulting industry aspirations despite having a low GMAT score, or a pharmaceutical general management ambition despite having no background or education in that field – then you will have weeded yourself out of the class. Darden also has a few fields to which they send most of their students; if you wish to stray greatly from them, you will need to demonstrate your ability to tap your own connections and network to help pave that path – as 20% of 2018 Darden graduates did. In responding to this question, don’t forget the “why” in it. Self-reflection and a response that mirrors your deliberate and astute thought process will make your goal more real and compelling. Darden MBA essay #5 Each year, Darden connects with over 80 countries. If you could choose any location in the world, where would you want to travel? (5 words) And why? (50 words) Darden has an array of [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/mba/academics/experiential-learning-opportunities/global]international experiential learning programs[/url] and expects every one of its students to take part in at least one global opportunity during their two years in the program. Applicants should identify a location somewhere in the world that excites them, and then succinctly explain the unique opportunity to learn or make an impact that they envision there. Ideally, this experience will connect in some way to your past experiences or future goals. A final note: Darden’s online application form has no word limit for your job description in the “Where have you worked?” and the “What do you do for fun?” professional associations and community activities section; and a 200-word allotment for your College Extracurriculars and Employment description. While I would not recommend detailing every single project you contributed to in these sections, these spaces do certainly allow more detail than many other schools’ applications, which tend to be more parsimonious with their character limits and even the number of activities you can mention in these sections. Darden is clearly seeking active students and wants to hear about all of your passions. I recommend using some of the allotted space to describe your most significant initiatives, roles, and impacts to compensate for the limited essay space. [b]For expert guidance with your UVA Darden MBA application, check out Accepted’s [url=https://www.accepted.com/mba/services/application-packages?utm_campaign=Blog&utm_medium=mba_essay_tips&utm_source=blog]MBA Application Packages[/url], which include comprehensive guidance from an experienced admissions consultant. We’ve helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to top MBA programs and look forward to helping you too![/b] UVA Darden MBA 2020-2021 application deadlines RoundApplication Deadline Early ActionSeptember 2, 2020 1October 5, 2020 2January 4, 2021 3April 7, 2021 All applications for the full-time MBA are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on the deadline day. Source: [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/mba/admissions/apply/deadlines]UVA Darden website[/url] [b]Stay on top of MBA deadlines with the [url=https://www.accepted.com/calendar]MBA Admissions Calendar[/url]![/b] [[url=https://calendar.google.com/calendar/b/2?cid=ZWdybWVsZ3IzZTZtczUxYzMwOGY0MGxiODhAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ]Click here[/url] to add the calendar to your Google calendar; or [url=https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/egrmelgr3e6ms51c308f40lb88%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics]here[/url] to add the calendar to another app.] ***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions, and deadlines.*** [url=https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/58291/a921552d-3588-4837-b48b-f2b386f0a230][img]https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/58291/a921552d-3588-4837-b48b-f2b386f0a230.png[/img][/url] [img]https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Jennifer-Bloom-Accepted-Consultant.jpg[/img] By Jennifer Bloom, admissions consultant at Accepted for 20 years and Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW). She is an expert at guiding you to produce 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. [url=https://www.accepted.com/service-request-jennifer?utm_campaign=Blog&utm_medium=blog_bio_jennifer&utm_source=blog][b]Want Jennifer to help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch![/b][/url] [b]Related Resources:[/b] [list][*][url=https://reports.accepted.com/mba/guide/why-mba]Why MBA[/url], a free guide to writing about your MBA goals[/*][*][url=https://blog.accepted.com/whats-life-like-darden-mba-entrepreneur-episode-194/]What’s Life Like as a Darden MBA and Entrepreneur?[/url], a podcast episode[/*][*][url=https://blog.accepted.com/writing-the-diversity-essay/]What Is the Diversity Essay Question & How Do You Answer It?[/url][/*][/list] Tags: [url=https://blog.accepted.com/category/mba-admissions/]MBA Admissions[/url] The post [url=https://blog.accepted.com/uva-darden-mba-essay-tips-deadlines/]UVA Darden MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines [2020 – 2021][/url] appeared first on [url=https://blog.accepted.com]Accepted Admissions Blog[/url]. |
01 Jul 2020, 09:00
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Don’t Start Your Stanford GSB Application Without This Information! |
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[img]https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/get_accepted_to_stanford_gsb_webinar.jpg[/img] [url=https://reports.accepted.com/mba/webinar/stanford-graduate-school-of-business-webinar?utm_campaign=Blog&utm_source=webinar&utm_medium=Stanford_webinar_2020p2][img]https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/get_accepted_to_stanford_gsb_webinar.jpg[/img][/url] The MBA application process can feel overwhelming. That’s especially true when your target program is highly selective. Even the tiniest misstep could mean the difference between getting accepted and getting passed over. If you’re aiming high and dreaming of getting your MBA from Stanford GSB, your application needs to be flawless. A whopping 94% of Stanford GSB’s MBA applications end up in the discard pile every year, so you’ll need a nearly-flawless submission if you want yours to be in the coveted 6% that don’t. Our upcoming webinar, [url=https://reports.accepted.com/mba/webinar/stanford-graduate-school-of-business-webinar?utm_campaign=Blog&utm_source=webinar&utm_medium=Stanford_webinar_2020p2]Get Accepted to Stanford GSB[/url], will be hosted by our founder and CEO, Linda Abraham. Linda has 25+ years of experience helping MBA-hopefuls create applications that both demonstrate excellent fit with Stanford’s program and the ways in which you stand out from the competition. She’s ready to share her tools for success with you! Join us on Wednesday, July 8th to get Linda’s expert advice totally free of charge. We’re offering one session at 10am PT/1pm ET and another at 5pm PT/8pm ET. Seats are filling up fast for both, so [url=https://reports.accepted.com/mba/webinar/stanford-graduate-school-of-business-webinar?utm_campaign=Blog&utm_source=webinar&utm_medium=Stanford_webinar_2020p2]grab your spot today[/url]! Register for the webinar: hbspt.forms.create({ portalId: “58291”, formId: “55d16bc6-0b8f-44ce-a0ff-50ee8b130ea6” }); [url=https://www.accepted.com/mba/services?utm_campaign=Blog&utm_medium=blog_bio_mba&utm_source=blog][img]https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/accepted_admissions_consulting.jpg[/img][/url] 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. [url=https://www.accepted.com/mba/services?utm_campaign=Blog&utm_medium=blog_bio_mba&utm_source=blog][b]Want an MBA admissions expert [/b][b]to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch![/b][/url] Tags: [url=https://blog.accepted.com/category/mba-admissions/]MBA Admissions[/url] The post [url=https://blog.accepted.com/planning-on-stanford-gsb-plan-for-this/]Don’t Start Your Stanford GSB Application Without This Information![/url] appeared first on [url=https://blog.accepted.com]Accepted Admissions Blog[/url]. |
02 Jul 2020, 09:00
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Columbia EMBA Application Essay Tips & Deadlines [2020 – 2021] |
 The first two Columbia EMBA essay questions ask you to project into the future, both near and long term – they address what you hope, plan, want, and expect. The third essay question is a “getting to know you” question, and it also reflects the adcom’s interest in your well-roundedness. In these essays, a potential pitfall, given the non-anecdotal questions, is to write generic, abstract “stuff”: ideas, thoughts, buzz words, admirable sounding ideals/objectives, artistic critiques. However, even though not specified in the questions, grounding these essays in your experience is the key to making them credible and dynamic. This approach will enable you to create a vivid, meaningful picture of your candidacy. Considering the scant opportunity to discuss past professional achievements in the essays, your resume carries all the more weight in the Columbia EMBA application – attend to it accordingly. Columbia Executive MBA short-answer question What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (50 characters maximum) Examples of possible responses: 1) “Work in business development for a media company.” 2) “Join a strategy consulting firm.” 3) “Launch a data-management start-up.” As their examples show, a factual phrase or bullet will suffice; no need to use a whole sentence. Do include key details. Columbia Executive MBA essay questions Columbia EMBA essay #1 Through your resume and recommendations, we have a clear sense of your professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next 3-5 years, and what, in your imagination, would be your long-term dream job? (500 words) This question helps you avoid a common, reflexive pitfall: summarizing your career before discussing goals. Yes, goals need a context – and a sentence (or at most two) upfront about your current situation can work as a “launchpad” for presenting your goals. CBS is always interested in elaborated career goals, in this case specifying your short-term goals (3-5 years). So, give solid detail about the role(s) you plan during these years: position, type of company, scope of accountability, what you want to accomplish, and why you want to pursue this path – this “why” is the key to moving the readers from professional interest to caring about you and your goals. Your longer-term “dream job” needs less detail and should of course reflect some reasonable trajectory from the earlier role. The wording of “dream job” instead of “long-term goal” plus “in your imagination” provides an invitation (even encouragement) to be open, to “go for it.” Put some heart and risk into this future vision and think beyond just practical considerations. If it’s a dream job, it should be ambitious in a way that is meaningful and enticing to you. Make the reader feel your excitement. There is no request to explain “why Columbia” in the question, but it would be fine to add a sentence or two about what is truly compelling to you about the program, if you have something thoughtful and insightful to say in this regard. Columbia EMBA essay #2 Columbia Business School’s Executive MBA will challenge you by offering a rigorous academic experience, global exposure through the international seminar, and the opportunity to immediately apply what you learn to your career. How will you approach balancing the demands of the program with your professional and personal life while you are in school? (250 words) Discuss the accommodations you will make at work, such as delegating more, adjusting travel schedules, etc. Focus on the most significant two or three adjustments. Also address your personal responsibilities and how you will meet them with this additional demand on your time and energy; include 1-2 specific changes (probably, sacrifices), e.g. acknowledging that you’ll have less time at the playground with your toddler or mentioning the support of your significant other. If you’ve already successfully balanced school and working full time, mention it. Nothing is better than actual evidence that you can juggle a demanding schedule. Columbia EMBA essay #3 Tell us about your favorite book, movie or song and why it resonates with you. (250 words) Columbia EMBA’s adcom wants to get to know you as a person, beyond all the professional success, career plans, and possibly even community activism. What better way than with this question? Its brevity teases, as it yields up a rich opportunity to present a formative experience. You might wonder,
Final tip: “resonate with you” means now, today. Whatever you discuss, end with its ongoing meaning and relevance to your life. Columbia EMBA essay #4 (Optional) An optional fourth essay will allow you to discuss any issues that do not fall within the purview of the required essays. This does not need to be a formal essay. You may submit bullet points. (500 words) This question enables you to explain anything that needs explaining (e.g., gap in employment, choice of recommender if not using a direct supervisor, etc.). As far as non-necessary points, read “between the lines” about not needing to be formal and using bullet points; it implies that this isn’t the place to make a whole additional marketing point about your candidacy. Whatever you present, there should be a clear value to the information you’re sharing. For expert guidance with your Columbia EMBA 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 MBA and EMBA program and look forward to helping you too! Columbia Executive MBA 2020-21 application deadlines Program Name Entry Date Application Deadline EMBA-New York Saturday May 2021 Early: January 6, 2021 Final: February 17, 2021 EMBA-New York Friday/Saturday August 2021 Early: March 17, 2021 Final: May 26, 2021 The Admissions application for the EMBA-Americas program is on hold for the upcoming 2020-2021 cycle. ***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:
Tags: MBA Admissions The post Columbia EMBA Application Essay Tips & Deadlines [2020 – 2021] appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
03 Jul 2020, 09:00
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: Dartmouth Tuck MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines [2020 – 2021] |
 Under Executive Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Luke Pena’s leadership, Tuck has developed a very purposeful process focused on admitting people who meet its four criteria, summed up as: smart, accomplished, aware and encouraging. The criteria match my understanding of the Tuck community, and also are relatively easy to grasp. Once Tuck established and defined these criteria, it designed its application process to unearth the qualities it is seeking in candidates. For more information on the Tuck criteria and the application process, please review: Dartmouth Tuck MBA application Your essays are an opportunity to articulate your candidacy for Tuck. The best responses are clear, succinct, forthright, thoughtful, genuine, and so distinctly personal that only you could have written them. We expect that your essays are completely accurate and exclusively your own. Use of essay writing services violates Tuck’s admissions policies. Tuck MBA application essay #1 Tuck students can articulate how the distinctive Tuck MBA will advance their aspirations. Why are you pursuing an MBA and why Tuck? (300 words) What distinctive aspects of the Tuck MBA experience will help you realize your post-MBA goals? What motivates you to apply to Tuck and would compel you to accept an offer of admission? That’s really what they want to know. And those elements of the program need to be associated with your aspirations. In terms of structuring a response, you can start with your aspirations, which should lead directly to your reasons for pursuing an MBA. Then show how Tuck is perfectly suited to propel you towards your vision of your future. Focus on the distinctive aspects of Tuck’s program. Tuck MBA application essay #2 Tuck students recognize how their individuality adds to the fabric of Tuck. Tell us who you are. (300 words) This is a big question with a small allotment of words to answer it in. Think about aspects of you and your life that reflect your individuality and aren’t reflected in other parts of the application or in other essays. Choose the most important elements and spotlight them in this essay. There are so many different ways to approach the response that I’m not going to suggest a structure. I do urge you to think deeply about what makes you You. Also, deliberate carefully and select those experiences and attributes that you want to highlight for Tuck. If your transcript and test score show you’re smart and your resume shows you’re accomplished, Essays #1 and #2 will show how aware you are. Tuck MBA application essay #3 Tuck students invest generously in one another’s success even when it is not convenient or easy. Share an example of how you helped someone else succeed. (300 words) This question asks you to provide one experience that shows you contributing and supporting someone else’s success. Your assistance could be on or off the job. While Tuck hasn’t given a timeframe, I would recommend that you go back not more than two years and certainly not more than four years. A CAR approach will work well here:
Keep it specific and concrete or you will blend in with others writing in generalities. You’re empathetic, helpful response to the other party’s situation is key. Set the scene by describing the situation. How did you help the other party succeed? What were the challenges you both faced? What were the results? Tuck MBA application essay #4 (Optional) Please provide any additional insight or information that you have not addressed elsewhere (e.g., atypical choice of evaluators, factors affecting academic performance, unexplained job gaps or changes). Complete this question only if you feel your candidacy is not fully represented by this application. (300 words) If you have any of the elements mentioned in Tuck’s question, by all means, address them here. You do NOT want the admissions committee guessing or assuming wrongly when they come across something anomalous. If you feel your application represents your candidacy well, don’t feel compelled to respond to the optional essay. If you believe, however, that your application is missing key elements of your story, then briefly include them here. Whether it’s a challenge that you’ve faced or a hardship overcome or another context for what you’ve achieved that will help the admissions committee appreciate your candidacy, include it. But don’t waste their time with drivel or material that’s elsewhere in your application. Doing so would reveal a definite lack of judgment, and in Tuck terms, awareness. For expert guidance with your Dartmouth Tuck 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 Dartmouth Tuck’s MBA program and look forward to helping you too! Dartmouth Tuck 2020-21 application deadlines Round Application Deadline Decisions Released 1 September 28, 2020 December 10, 2020 2January 4, 2021 March 18, 2021 3March 29, 2021 May 6, 2021 4Rolling from April 1, 2021 to June 1, 2021Rolling from May 10, 2021 to July 1, 2021 Round 1 Consortium* October 15, 2020 December 10, 2020 Round 2 Consortium* January 5, 2021 March 18, 2021 Applications are due by 5:00pm EST Source: Tuck website Stay on top of MBA deadlines with the MBA Admissions Calendar! [Click here to add the calendar to your Google calendar; or here to add the calendar to another app.] ***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:
Tags: MBA Admissions The post Dartmouth Tuck MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines [2020 – 2021] appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
05 Jul 2020, 09:00
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: First Drafts of Personal Statements: Let Yourself Go |
  Writing the first draft of your personal statement is probably the hardest part of the whole application process. And it makes sense – it’s not easy to capture so much of your experience onto a single page. Transforming your first draft from just OK to simply spectacular I’ve read hundreds of first drafts over the years. Most were okay. Not stellar, but that could be polished up enough to probably win an interview at an average program. But I’ve also read a few first drafts that totally blew me away, ones that told me the applicant would be accepted somewhere great. These were first drafts that, although the language might not be sharp or the organization might be terribly muddled, already contained the core of what would be an astounding final version. In fact, sometimes in the most focused, sharp sounding, well-written essays, applicants are just too focused on how their story sounds to really recognize what was special about it. Write big, even when word counts are small When you allow your first draft to be expansive, writing and writing without worrying about limitations, wonderful things can happen. I frequently find the best ideas are hidden, just waiting to be pulled out and put center-stage. For instance, in the middle of one applicant’s four-page first draft, this gem was tucked away: The radiology attending was pointing out how sometimes we forget that in interpretation that it is still an image and not an actual person. However, our interpretation will significantly impact the human and not the image. This same radiologist on a separate occasion while a resident and I were looking at a plain film of the chest brought up the same point, but in a very creative way. He pulled up a painting by René Magritte that said “This is not a Pipe.” In this painting, Magritte cleverly communicates with his viewers that it was truly not a pipe, but an “image” of a pipe. This passage concealed an essential truth of how this applicant had come to view radiology. We brought it to the start of her personal statement, and used it to set the stage for an essay focused on the radiologist’s commitment to her patients: “The Treachery of Images,” one of surrealist artist René Magritte’s most famous works, depicts an ordinary pipe with “this is not a pipe” written below it. While a resident and I examined a chest x-ray, our attending pulled out this image. I immediately understood his meaning. What we saw was not truly a pipe, only its image; similarly, a chest x-ray was only a representation of what we were really seeing. It was a reminder that what was revealed in these shadowed images – the reality behind the image – could be used to treat our patients. Many things stand out about this introduction. This revelation about radiology is expressed in a creative way that shares something about the expanse of her education. The way she seems to effortlessly extrapolate these other aspects of her life to this chosen specialty implies a level of comfort with this specialty – a way of thinking of herself already as a practitioner of it. It also helped roll out a very clear structure for the essay focusing on how these images could help real people. This applicant succeeded because she gave herself the freedom to write expansively in her first draft, expressing – albeit unknowingly – what was special in her story. Whatever your educational goal, try giving yourself this freedom, and allowing yourself to discover what is special about your own story. Having trouble getting those first few words and sentences of your application essay up on your computer screen? Don’t fret – even the most accomplished novelists or famous journalists have a tough time getting started. Tempted to get up and do something – anything! – rather than stare at that blank screen for another second? One piece of advice: DON’T. STAY WHERE YOU ARE. AND SET A TIMER FOR 15 MINUTES. AND MOST IMPORTANT… WRITE, WRITE, AND WRITE SOME MORE UNTIL THAT TIMER GOES OFF. When you start to write a few words on the page – even words like “I don’t know what to say” – something miraculous happens. Suddenly, there are WORDS on the page, not just blank space. And these words will inspire you to continue writing. Here are 2 reasons why you should JUST KEEP WRITING: This is your warm-up Think of this 15–minute exercise as a warm-up. It’s not a marathon, but it’s a quick jog that will remind your body that it DOES INDEED know how to run. Maybe all you’ve done is written about how you have nothing to write, but the actual act of writing will trigger your writer’s reflex and motivate you to keep up the momentum and write something more and – hopefully – something of substance. Words beget words Your babbling string of “I’m writing but I really don’t have anything to say” will likely transform into, “well, maybe I have a thing or two worth mentioning.” You’ll see. How to make the most of your early essay draft Now you know WHY you should keep on writing. But what can you do to ensure that you’ll make the most of your time? Turn off your devices I guarantee that all of this advice will work, but with one big BUT: You must turn off your devices. 15 minutes of writing isn’t a real 15 minutes if halfway through you check Instagram and send a Snap. It just won’t work. So hard as it is to do…just turn off your phone and resist the temptation to open a new tab. Reward yourself You’re more likely to make it through your 15-minute writing workout if you know you’ve got a reward waiting for you. Whether it’s a social media break, a coffee with a friend, or an ice cream sundae – just knowing that it’s there and waiting will help motivate you to keep on going. Get ready, get set…go! It’s time to start! UNPLUG and set an alarm for 15 minutes. Then ask yourself: What do I care about? What do I enjoy doing? What’s important to me? And write. Your only commitment is to keep going until you hear that beep. When the timer goes off, STOP. Hit “Save.” And then go get yourself a double scoop of sweet, cold, decadent ice cream. Need help getting started? Talk to our experts – we’re here to answer your questions, motivate you, and help you get ACCEPTED!  After a successful career in business publishing, Cindy Tokumitsu has worked for the past 15+ years with Accepted, every year helping clients get accepted to top MBA, law, and med programs. She is a pioneer in the niche of EMBA application consulting. Want Cindy to help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch with Cindy Tokumitsu. Related Resources:
Tags: Admissions Consulting, College Admissions, Grad School Admissions, Law School Admissions, MBA Admissions, Medical School Admissions The post First Drafts of Personal Statements: Let Yourself Go appeared first on Accepted Admissions Blog. |
07 Jul 2020, 11:00
| FROM Accepted.com Blog: An MBA’s Perspective on Columbia Business School |
 What’s it like to be a student at a top business school during COVID-19? [Show summary] Eli Engelman, member of the Columbia Business School Class of 2021, shares his experience applying to and matriculating at Columbia’s MBA program, including how his experience has been shaped by COVID-19. A CBS student reflects on his b-school experience so far [Show notes] Are you wondering if an MBA moved online is a valuable experience? Or are you less worried about how your education will be delivered and more worried about getting into an elite MBA program when you didn’t necessarily attend a college with an Ivy League pedigree? Our guest today will address both those topics. Eli Engelman grew up outside of New York city and decided after a stint in the Israeli army to attend the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College, where he earned a BA in finance and minored in philosophy and computer applications and business. After interning at Bank Leumi, he joined the bank full time in 2016 and worked there until he joined Columbia Business School’s Class of 2021. Can you tell us a little bit about your background and where you grew up? What do you like to do for fun? [1:52] I grew up in Monsey, New York, which is about 45 minutes north of the city. I attended a local high school and upon graduating, I decided that I wanted a little bit of an interesting experience in life. And so I moved to Israel to study abroad and join the Israeli Defense Force. And after three years in Israel, I decided to return to New York, this time Manhattan. I wanted to position myself at the center of business and to pursue a degree at Baruch College. Like you said, I majored in finance and minored in computer information systems and philosophy. And I had a wonderful internship at Bank Leumi, which is Israel’s largest investments bank, and I decided to join them full-time. I loved the idea of being at the intersection of business, as well as that international experience that being at an Israeli bank afforded me. And at Leumi, I was a member of both the portfolio strategy and alternative investment teams. For fun, I love to read, I love to snowboard, hike and travel, and discovering different cuisines is a favorite pastime of mine. Your undergraduate degree is in business. You have four and a half solid years of experience at an international bank. Why did you decide you wanted or needed an MBA? [3:11] There are three primary reasons. I think there are actually many more, but the three that spring to mind are the fact that at Leumi, I got a really broad experience and I thought it was very important that starting out, I would focus more on the breadth than the depth of my experience, just to see what I would like. And I worked on public markets and private markets, and the private markets were really interesting to me. I hoped an MBA would allow me to leverage what I learned at Leumi and provide me a platform to focus my skill on that particular discipline. The second was that I wanted to just surround myself with ambitious, hardworking peers who I could learn so much from, and that’s really come to fruition in a profound way. And the third and perhaps most important, and one that you’re less likely to hear in general, is that life is short and I wanted to diversify my experience as much as I possibly could. I wanted to live as interesting a life as I could, and I thought an MBA would be a great way to take a two year break from “real life” and explore and see what’s interesting to me and hear different perspectives, and that was very enticing. Do you remember anything particularly challenging about the MBA application process for you? [4:53] What was the most challenging thing to me on my application was also the thing I thought would be the least challenging, which was my resume. I originally assumed that my resume’s purpose is to highlight responsibilities, essentially to showcase the faith that Leumi or the companies I worked for in my internships had in me. But Natalie from Accepted, who was absolutely instrumental in getting me into the various programs that I did and helping me along my MBA search journey, quickly checked me on this and explained to me that the real value of a resume is as a marketing tool and a medium to tell my story. I then had to extricate my successes from my responsibilities, really highlighting the successes as opposed to the responsibilities. That was actually challenging because I had the words on the paper. I had the resume. I thought it was good to go. Instead of building it from scratch, which might’ve been easier, if I had that focus on success, I had to revamp it. And once I began to think about the resume as a narrative with a beginning, a middle and end, and I started to think about how one instance of success led to another, I put that on paper, completely revamped my resume, and that helped tremendously. I saw a difference in the interviewers that I had in admissions. People would look at it, and they’d look up at me as though they learned something; there was something there that they can talk about. So that was really excellent and a challenge, which I’m very happy to have had Natalie’s help to overcome. [youtube2]iframe> [/youtube2] Regarding the pre-COVID experience, what would you have liked to see improved at Columbia? [8:09] The facilities. I think aesthetics are extremely important, in that a building should be a reflection of the kind of work you expect to achieve within. When a student walks into a beautiful, naturally lit, open plan building, which I saw many of during my MBA explorations, I think there was a different atmosphere. People were inspired to open up, to collaborate, to innovate. When you walk into the Soviet-style bunker (I hoped Dean Maglaras isn’t going to listen to this) that is Uris Hall (put up, by the way, under protest from the neighboring architecture school), the first instinct is to feel a little restricted and gloomy. I can rant about this for an hour, but there’s a new building in the works. It looks amazing. It should be completed next year. And I’m really excited to attend the events there and maybe participate in some continuing education. How was your adjustment to online learning, social distancing, and sheltering in place? And how on earth did you manage to pull this off in Hawaii? [9:31] Originally, I had worked for months and months with a team of students to bring 150 CBS students to Israel for spring break to experience the social and business culture there. Obviously, that fell through at the last second due to COVID. But one of the attendees who was on the trip asked me if I would like to join him for a week in Maui, so I’m talking to you three months later from Maui. I’m still here. And I thank him for his generosity, let me tell you. In terms of social distancing, it actually made life very easy. I’m very fortunate. I’m here with my wife and seven other CBS students, and so the loneliness associated with social distancing and sheltering in place was never really an issue. I’m very thankful for that. I’ve always been a “quality over quantity of relationships” guy anyway. Exploring my relationships and deepening my relationships with these people has been tremendous. In terms of virtual learning, we use Zoom. Nothing special about it. It was a little bit weak. It’s not great; it is what it is. We understood that the school had to pivot very quickly but didn’t have the resources to do it in a way that might’ve benefited us a little more in terms of collaborating virtually and interacting with the professor virtually. The quality of lecture-oriented classes, I found, weren’t really hit. Capital markets and investments, for example, the quality was barely diminished, but I can’t say the same for collaborative classes. We had these unbelievable classes led by industry leaders and things like Think Bigger which was sort of an iterative thinking process in which you collaborate with people to your left and right constantly in the classroom, and we couldn’t do that virtually nearly as easily. And then we had classes like organizational change, which were also highly collaborative. Unfortunately, I decided to really stock up on those classes over the last semester before her COVID, and so that wasn’t great, but I think CBS did its best. And the next time learning from home is required, they’ll be much better equipped to deal with these things. Other than spending several months in Hawaii, are there other silver linings for you regarding remote education? [12:34] Flexibility is a big one. We have people who are able to dial in from any location; I think that’s important. I think a lot of people got to spend more time with family than they otherwise would have. You’re able to work simultaneously while taking courses. I understand that those are benefits on paper, but that’s certainly not what I signed up for. And I’m just the kind of person that prefers being onsite to the extent that I don’t really see those things as much of a benefit, but I do understand that a lot of people can benefit tremendously from that. So much of the MBA is extracurricular or co-curricular. Do you feel that you lost out during the last three months in terms of those activities, or was there at least partial success in transferring that online? [13:39] I think a mix of both. I definitely miss participating in club events and interacting with classmates in person, going out with them and being able to just turn around to a professor and spontaneously ask a question, sort of tapping on the shoulder. That was the reason that I decided to attend the full-time program, and I really do miss those aspects of the experience that I really hoped for. Are the things that you’re missing serious enough that you wish you hadn’t started your MBA in the summer of 2019? [14:28] Right now, I can unequivocally say no. Thankfully, we’ve only experienced this virtual world for half a semester, but any longer and my answer may well be different. I spoke to a prospective on the phone, and we still didn’t know whether we’ll be on campus or not in the next semester, and I recommended that they defer. I said, you’re not signing up for part-time. You’re not signing up for virtual. You’re signing up for full-time, and you should take advantage of that. Obviously, his specific circumstances were such that he was unfortunately given a timeline to be let go, and so he’s going to matriculate, but to those people who have the opportunity to wait until, with a high degree of certainty, classes will resume as normal, I would say defer. How are you spending your summer between the first and second year of business school, professionally? [15:38] I’m fortunate yet again. The digital media/private equity firm that I’m interning with is based in Manhattan and because they’re in the digital media space, they are actually doing quite well despite COVID, and they didn’t have to make any adjustments to the length of my internship or salary. And I know a lot of my classmates are suffering as a result of changes made by their firms, and we’re, as a matter of fact, in the midst of acquiring two new companies with more deals on the horizon. So it’s been a really great time. I’ve been working on due diligence and forecasting and strategy. I’ve been having a blast and learning a ton. You have the same downsides you do to not being in-person in the MBA program in terms of collaboration in person, etc. But by and large, especially now that we’re used to having three months of virtual programming, it feels much more like second nature than it did to make the transition from in-person to online for the MBA program. What are your plans for the second year of your MBA program? [16:58] In my second year, I hope to be more involved in extracurriculars. I’m quite involved right now, but I’d really like to take it to the next level in terms of leadership in clubs. I joined the Board of The Rugby Association, for example. That and the wine club, entrepreneurship through acquisition on the professional side, the VC club. Those are the ones that I’m most interested in. And things like company visits, I’m really hoping to take advantage of next semester. And I’d like to focus a little bit more on those classes that are around investments and entrepreneurship. What are your plans for the future after your MBA? [17:48] We were talking about this earlier, how COVID really subverts plans, and global pandemics can change the way you think about having a structured plan. And so I think in my life in general, I’ve carved out a path but have never been too myopic about the goal. And so I’d like to work in investments in some capacity at a serious firm or spend time searching for an interesting business to acquire. Like I said, I’m interested in entrepreneurship through acquisition, but I’m going to continue to work hard, keep my options open, and capitalize on a great opportunity when one arises. Is there anything you would have liked me to ask you? [18:33] Maybe what life is like at CBS for partners, or as we say at CBS, “better halves.” Sally, my wife, was at the school of Public Health at Columbia, so she had a little bit of a taste of the graduate school experience, but nothing compares, I think, to the MBA experience when it comes to things like extracurriculars and the social side of it. And to say that she’s been welcomed with open arms is a massive understatement. When people see me, they say, “Eli, where’s Sally?” And when I say she’s not going to be here, they sort of grunt a little and walk away. She’s definitely the better half here. And they have a great support system for better halves through the better half community. That’s both on Slack and email. They have events, and they’re really well-connected. Better halves are able to participate in just about everything at the school programmatically. Sally has reached out to professors about auditing classes, and it’s always welcomed unless there’s absolutely no room in the class physically. She’s had a wonderful experience. She’s been looking more at the investment side of healthcare and has leveraged a lot of the relationships that she’s built through me at Columbia business school to take advantage of that opportunity. Is there any place where somebody who wants to contact you can do so? They could look me up on LinkedIn under Eli Engelman, and I’m happy to reply to any questions about the MBA program or the search.  Related Links:
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