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FROM Accepted.com Blog: Admissions Straight Talk Receives #1 Ranking of Higher Ed Podcasts



It is a great honor for Accepted to receive the #1 position in the Unadmitted ranking of higher ed podcasts created by Gjergj Dollani for our weekly graduate admissions podcast, Admissions Straight Talk. It was a welcome surprise not only to be nominated by Mr. Dollani, but receive such recognition for this powerful free resource.

The biggest honor goes to the team at Accepted who makes the podcast happen each week. Accepted founder Linda Abraham has hosted Admissions Straight Talk for almost 500 episodes. She believes everyone has a story to tell, from applicants writing admissions essays to weekly discussions with deans of admissions at highly respected grad programs at top universities like Harvard, Stanford,MIT, Northwestern, Columbia, NYU, Dartmouth, Georgetown, Yale, and many, many more.

Linda’s passion for sharing information about admissions and empowering applicants to achieve their goals led her to start the Admissions Straight Talk podcast in 2012 before podcasts were the “in thing.” Through Admission Straight Talk, she has had the pleasure of interviewing admissions directors from top schools, current students, recent grads, test prep pros, and other professionals of interest to applicants. When interviewing guests, Linda always tries to think about what Accepted’s clients and visitors would want to ask if they could be in her shoes.

<< Click here to listen to the Admissions Straight Talk podcast:Interviews with admissions committee members at top schools, students, and alumni doing great things! >>

Thanks again to Mr. Dollani, it is an honor to be considered among such notable podcasts:

In addition to this honor, Admissions Straight Talk has also been ranked by Academic Influence as one of the top 25 higher education podcasts! Admissions Straight Talk is regularly released on Tuesdays and available on all major streaming platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe so that you never miss an engaging interview on timely topics.

  • The Enrollment Clinic. A podcast series for education professionals, it tackles specific issues that come up in enrollment, recruitment and admissions.

  • The EdUp Experience. Hosted by Dr. Joe Sallustio, the podcast aims to inspire and educate people to pursue a lifelong learning mindset no matter the path they choose.

  • The Higher Ed Marketer. This weekly podcast features the best and brightest marketing minds in higher education.

  • Changing Higher Ed Podcast. A podcast with a dedicated newsletter, Changing Higher Ed is focused on helping college and university leaders improve their institutions.

Listen: In our latest episode, Linda Abraham shares insights on how best to approach your MBA application:



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!



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FROM Accepted.com Blog: 2015 Duke MBA—Cross-Continent Essays Tips
[url=https://reports.accepted.com/top-mba-essay-tips][img]https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Duke-Fuqua1.jpg[/img][/url]
The Duke Cross Continent MBA program is unique in its format and mission, and it targets a special segment of the MBA applicant pool: those who intend to continue working during the MBA [b]and[/b] whose work and goals have a global focus.  The average age of Cross-Continent students is a couple of years older than that of traditional MBA students.

Given the above, it’s not surprising to see the essay questions both addressing, directly and indirectly, fit with this one-of-a-kind program.  And that’s exactly what you should keep your eye on as you develop your essays.  While creating essays that answer the questions and also showcase your strengths, spotlight those experiences and elements that demonstrate both your understanding of the program’s specialness and how you align with and will enhance it.

[b]Required Short Answer Question:[/b]

What are your career [url=https://www.accepted.com/mba/goalsessay.aspx]goals[/url]? [b]Respond in a maximum of 100 words.[/b]

Give the basic facts – position, company example, industry (if not apparent from the company) and a word about responsibilities and desired impacts. Don’t repeat the question (it wastes space).

[b]Required Essays:[/b]

1. How will your skills, training and background enhance your cohort’s experience? Please include both personal and professional insight that may not be apparent through your resume and other application materials. [b]Your response should be a maximum of 250 words.[/b]

This question is asking you to look behind your accomplishments and identify what “drives” or enables your success.  The quality of your insight in this regard is the key point.  With only 250 words, focus on 2-4 things; probably 3 would be ideal.   Draw from at least 2 of the 3 categories (skills, training, background) as each category has a different type of influence.

Use [b]examples[/b] and [b]anecdotes [/b]to make the actual points – it they will make the essay more vivid, memorable, and credible. Obviously you won’t have room for lengthy stories, but you can sometimes convey an anecdote in one sentence, e.g., “When confronted with ABC, I drew on my [specific background/skill/training] and did DEF, resulting in XYZ.”

2. Duke University is embedded in the world’s most important economic regions. As a result, our students experience a unique learning environment in which programs are delivered on 4 different continents, by our world-renowned faculty. Our diverse student cohorts represent a vast array of professional backgrounds, nationalities, interests, and experiences. Serving students who are also working professionals, The Duke MBA—Cross Continent program allows student to apply new skills immediately in the workplace and reap the benefits from their first-hand global experiences.  Explain how you and your organization will benefit from the global education offered at Duke. [b]Your response should be a maximum of 500 words.[/b]

There’s a lot of preamble before the actual question, “Explain…”  Don’t gloss over it – this intro encapsulates Duke’s vision for this program, and it can help you focus your goals essay accordingly.

Start with the immediate and short-term – discuss what you want to accomplish while in the program, and how applying the MBA learning “in real time” including its global aspect will enable you to do so.  [url=https://blog.accepted.com/2013/11/11/five-keys-to-concreteness/]Be concrete[/url], be specific.  Discuss benefits to you (how you’ll be able to achieve more, grow, strengthen your impact) and to your company – they will connect with your impacts.  Being specific in this discussion will also convey what you’ll bring to the table in terms of issues you’re addressing and working on, your industry and functional perspective, etc. so select points that will be interesting to the adcom and future classmates.

Finally, add a similar discussion for longer term goals, but make it shorter and less detailed.

[b][url=https://blog.accepted.com/2013/12/18/when-the-mba-optional-essay-is-no-longer-optional/]Optional Essay[/url]: [/b]If you feel there are extenuating circumstances of which the admissions committee should be aware, please explain them here (e.g. unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, significant weakness in your application). Do NOT upload additional essays nor additional recommendations in this area. The Optional Essay is intended to provide the admissions committee with insight into your extenuating circumstances only.

This [url=https://blog.accepted.com/2013/12/18/when-the-mba-optional-essay-is-no-longer-optional/]optional essay[/url] should focus on matters that require explanation; it does not invite you to further market yourself. Only write it if you do indeed have extenuating circumstances to discuss for a full and clear presentation of your candidacy.

[b][b] [/b][/b][b]Re-applicant Essay:[/b]

An additional essay is required for re-applicants. It is not uncommon for it to take more than one try to achieve a goal. Please share with us the self-reflection process that you underwent after last year’s application and how you have grown as a result. How did it shape your commitment to [url=https://www.accepted.com/zones/DukeFuqua.aspx]Fuqua[/url] and inspire your decision to reapply?

The [url=https://www.accepted.com/mba/mba-admissions-application-advice-for-reapplicants]reapplicant[/url] essay focuses on “how” you approached growth and change as much as “what” that growth was.  They are not just looking for updates on new achievements – they want to know that you have deliberately pursued a path of growth and development, what they results were, and, finally, how it spurs your reapplication to Fuqua.  To avoid the potential pitfall of a lot of explanation in this essay, make the main part of the essay – the self-reflection and the growth – into a story, and conclude with how it incorporates Fuqua.

The deadlines are:

[url=https://reports.accepted.com/mba/bschool-application-final-check][img]https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Duke-deadline.jpg[/img][/url]

[url=https://reports.accepted.com/resume_guide-gift?utm_campaign=blogcta&utm_medium=ResumeGuideReport&utm_source=CTA][img]https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/AdmissionsResumeGuide_CTA.png[/img][/url]

[url=https://www.accepted.com/aboutus/CindyTokumitsu][img]https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/cindy.jpg[/img][/url]
[b][b] [/b][/b]

By [url=https://www.accepted.com/aboutus/editors.aspx?editorid=3]Cindy Tokumitsu[/url], author and co-author of numerous ebooks, articles, and special reports, including [url=https://info.accepted.com/mba/why-mba]Why MBA[/url] and [url=https://info.accepted.com/mba/where-you-should-apply/]Best MBA Programs: A Guide to Selecting the Right One[/url]. Cindy has advised hundreds of successful applicants in her fifteen years with Accepted.com.

[b]Related Resources:[/b]

•[url=https://reports.accepted.com/top-mba-essay-tips] Top MBA Program Essay Questions: How to Answer Them Right[/url]

• [url=https://blog.accepted.com/2013/10/28/4-goals-of-an-mba-application/]4 Goals of an MBA Application[/url]

• [url=https://blog.accepted.com/2012/08/01/7-signs-an-experience-belongs-in-your-application-essay/]7 Signs an Experience Belongs in Your Application Essays [/url]

The post [url=https://blog.accepted.com/2015-duke-mba-cross-continent-essays-tips/]2015 Duke MBA—Cross-Continent Essays Tips[/url] appeared first on [url=https://blog.accepted.com]Accepted Admissions Blog[/url].
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FROM Accepted.com Blog: 3 Tips for Writing a Winning EMBA Essay
[img]https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/EMBA-essay-tips.png[/img]
[url=https://reports.accepted.com/Ace-the-EMBA][img]https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/EMBA-essay-tips.png[/img][/url]

You’ve been busy these last few years. Very busy. How will you ever fit all of your classes, extracurricular activities, awards, and job experience in your EMBA application essays?

The simple answer is that you won’t, and you shouldn’t even attempt to.

Trying to include all of your past experiences will create an essay that is too long and confused. You should focus on two or three ideas or experiences and discuss them in depth, [url=https://reports.accepted.com/Ace-the-EMBA]describing how they make you the best executive b-school candidate out there[/url].

Follow these three simple tips to write your winning essay and ace the EMBA:

[b]1. Write what you WANT to say and what you NEED to include in your essay.[/b]

The ideas or experiences you will write about in your essay will fall into one of the following two categories:

• Points that you want to make because they’re very striking and [url=https://blog.accepted.com/stand-out-a-critical-goal-for-your-application-episode-181/]separate you from the rest of the applicants[/url].

• Themes that you must write about because the essay question requires them.

You should [b]try to include as much information as possible from the first category in the second [/b]category[b].[/b] This will help you be efficient in answering the question, while assuring that you get to tell as much of your story as possible.

[b]2.[/b] [b]Make sure your essays complement each other (and compliment you!). [/b]

Be sure that all the elements in each of your essays are connected in some way, painting a complete picture of you. Each of your essays should stand on its own, while providing balance for the other. If the [url=https://reports.accepted.com/guide/leadership-in-admissions-2]theme of one is leadership[/url], the other should be on a different one of your exceptional qualifications. They should complement, not duplicate each other.

[b]3.[/b] [b]Use recent material first.[/b]

Be sure to use recent experiences to portray a clear, powerful image of your current position at work. Once you’ve done that, if you have more to say, it’s useful to include older experiences as well. These will give you an opportunity to show your development and progress. It’s perfectly acceptable to focus only on new or contemporary experiences. However, DO NOT use only past events. This may give the impression to the adcom readers that you peaked early in your career, and have nothing further to offer. Your essay needs to leave the impression that your best is yet to come.

Following these tips will help the adcom readers learn about who you are, and what makes you uniquely qualified to be a member of their next EMBA class.

[b]For more valuable tips, check out our [url=https://www.accepted.com/mba/bestembaprograms]EMBA 101 resource page[/url], or [url=https://www.accepted.com/mba/admissionsconsultant?utm_campaign=Blog&utm_medium=contact_us&utm_source=blog]get in touch with an admissions consultant[/url].[/b]

[url=https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/58291/e3778f45-eff2-4b0e-80e4-6a9555738038][img]https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/58291/e3778f45-eff2-4b0e-80e4-6a9555738038.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]

• [url=https://blog.accepted.com/excellent-executive-mba-admissions-advice/]Excellent Executive MBA Admissions Advice[/url], a podcast episode

• [url=https://blog.accepted.com/resources/mba-admissions/executive-mba-essay-tips/]School-Specific EMBA Application Essay Tips[/url]

• [url=https://blog.accepted.com/5-key-qualifying-factors-the-emba-adcoms-look-for/]5 Key Qualifying Factors the EMBA Adcoms Look For[/url]

The post [url=https://blog.accepted.com/3-tips-for-writing-a-winning-emba-essay/]3 Tips for Writing a Winning EMBA Essay[/url] appeared first on [url=https://blog.accepted.com]Accepted Admissions Blog[/url].
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FROM Accepted.com Blog: Cambridge Judge MBA Interview with Tejasvi Bhat

“You need to do a lot of research.”
Here’s a talk with Tejasvi Bhat, MBA candidate at Cambridge Judge who works in the health care industry. Thank you Tejasvi sharing your thoughts and experiences with us!

This interview is the latest in an Accepted.com blog series featuring interviews with current MBA students, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at top MBA programs. We hope to offer you a candid picture of student life, and what you should consider as you prepare your MBA application.

Accepted: First, some basics: Where are you from? Where and what did you study as an undergrad? How many years of work experience do you have?

Tejasvi: My name is Tejasvi Bhat and I am from Bangalore, India. I am an Industrial Engineer by qualification and went to R.V College of Engineering in Bangalore. I came into the MBA with 4.5 years of experience. I initially started off as derivatives trader focusing on American and European equity markets. After that I made quite a career change by starting to work with my parents at our pharmaceutical family business. I did that for 3 years before starting my MBA at Cambridge.

Accepted: Which other programs did you consider when applying to b-school? Why did you choose Judge?

Tejasvi: I was mainly looking at one year MBAs and hence applied to Cambridge and ISB in India. The only two year MBA I looked at seriously was Dartmouth Tuck. Judge was one of the main targets for me because of three points.

  • Class size. Now that I am here I know it is just perfect in the sense that it’s not too big for you to get lost in or too small to hinder the networking opportunities and diversity.
  • The academic structure that involves two live consulting projects with real clients is very helpful especially if you are looking at a career in consulting.
  • Final point is that Judge is part of the wider University of Cambridge which is simply amazing. I believed it would be a much better experience and that’s how it turned out to be. There are so many events and activities here that I would never have been able to enjoy at any other major MBA other than maybe Oxford. Your network is not just the MBA students. Your network is the whole of the university which includes students doing medical, engineering, arts, etc. It is also a great place for entrepreneurs with so many groups and activities like Enterprise Tuesday targeted at helping ideas grow into businesses.
Accepted: If you could change one thing about Judge, what would it be?

Tejasvi: I am enjoying my time here so much that I want to contradict my initial point of how I was looking at one year MBAs and say I wish I had more time here in Cambridge. But on a serious note, I think the one thing I would change would be to make the careers team more active in areas other than consulting and banking. For someone considering a career in the health care industry, not many companies come to campus. This does not mean you don’t have support in applying to these jobs. You can still find a number of jobs on the online careers portal and apply through the portal. But it always helps to meet the recruiters face to face before applying. We do know why this happens. It’s just that because of the class size, companies looking for a few applicants don’t come on campus. That I guess is the flip side of having a small class.

Accepted: What is your favorite class so far?

Tejasvi: My two favorite classes so far have been Strategy and Marketing. They are taught by two of the most witty and intelligent lecturers I have seen.

Accepted: Do you plan on staying in the UK after you graduate or returning to India to work? 

Tejasvi: Immediately after graduation, I am not looking to go back to India. I am not particularly keen on a location and am open to moving depending on the jobs I get.

Accepted: What role (if any) has Judge played in helping you secure a job/internship? 

Tejasvi: In terms of finding jobs and internships to apply to, Judge has a very good careers portal and also has tie ups with a few job sites targeted at MBA students where you can search. For help in applying, we regularly have workshops on cover letters and CV writing. We also have 1 on 1 sessions with industry experts who come to Judge every week and help you with your application.

Accepted: Can you share some application tips for our b-school applicants who are applying to Judge?

Tejasvi: Collaboration is not just a buzz word at Judge. I think the admissions team keeps this in mind when they are looking at applications. They take a lot of care in making sure that the class is filled with people who are good team players. This is very important keeping in mind the two live projects that you do as a team. It’s not like in other schools where you do a few assignments with you team and your can somehow push along by not being a team player. These are projects with client interaction and it’s the image of the school at stake.

And with regards to the application itself, it’s important that it tells a story. There has to be some connection with your work experience, the MBA and your future plans. Make sure there is a coherent logic that goes through all three of them. The Cambridge MBA is not the best fit for everyone and you need to do a lot of research and show why you are looking at Cambridge MBA and not Insead or LBS. These are schools with a very different setup and culture. If you submit similar and generic applications to them you are not going to have much success.

For one-on-one guidance on the Cambridge Judge application, please see our Cambridge Judge Business School packages. For specific advice on how to create the best application for Judge, see the Cambridge Judge B-School Zone.




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FROM Accepted.com Blog: Columbia Business School MBA Interview with Cassandra Pittman

Here’s a talk with Cassandra Pittman, a former admissions committee member at INSEAD and recent graduate of Columbia Business School. Thank you Cassandra for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us!

This interview is the latest in an Accepted.com blog series featuring interviews with current MBA students, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at top MBA programs. We hope to offer you a candid picture of student life, and what you should consider as you prepare your MBA application.

Accepted: First, can you tell us a little about yourself – where are you from? What and where did you study as an undergraduate and when did you graduate?

Cassandra: I grew up mostly in California, but moved to London when I was 18 to attend Richmond: The American University in London. I graduated in 2002 with a degree in International Relations and then moved to Brussels to pursue my MA in European Integration and Development at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. I completed that program in 2003 and moved back to London.

Accepted: I see from your LI profile that you’ve worked at INSEAD and London Business School (and studied at INSEAD). Can you talk about your experience with these European business schools?

Cassandra: My experience with both schools was absolutely fantastic. Both have great programs and communities, and a true commitment to developing truly global business leaders.

I had the special opportunity to attend one of INSEAD’s Management Acceleration Program while I was working there. It was this program that first got me seriously thinking about pursuing an MBA. I already knew the INSEAD community was fantastic, and with the opportunity to experience it first hand, I was also overwhelmingly impressed with the quality of the teaching and thought leadership. It is also one of the few executive education programs in which graduates are granted alumni status.

I owe so much of where I am now to my experience at both schools. Not only did I learn and grow professionally, I also met and worked with amazing people from all over the world. I met many of my best friends through work I did at LBS and INSEAD – friendships which now span literally every corner of the globe.

Accepted: Why did you decide to attend Columbia Business School? 

Cassandra: I felt I had reached a crossroads in my career; I had learned enough about my role that I didn’t feel challenged on a daily basis and I knew that if I took one more step up in the education industry, it would be difficult to ever try anything else. I also knew that if I was going to go to business school in the US, Columbia was the only school I’d want to attend. Quality – in teaching, in rankings, etc. – was obviously a top priority, but equally important to me was the diversity in the class. I joined Columbia’s January term, which is about 50% international.

Accepted: What were some of your favorite things about Columbia? Are there any things you wish would have been different about the program?

Top three best things about Columbia:

1) The people, especially my fellow classmates.

2) The location. For professional, personal, and social reasons New York City simply can’t be beat.

3) The University. The CBS experience extends beyond CBS to the knowledge, resources and network of one of the best university’s in the world.

I started the program in January 2011. At the time, CBS did not have grade non-disclosure. I believe strongly that GND helps to foster a strong, more collaborative community and allows students to stretch themselves in challenging electives that cover unfamiliar subject matter. While I was a student, we voted to adopt GND, which was a welcome change. In my perfect world, we would have had it from our first semester (in time for Corporate Finance!), but, thankfully, future classes won’t have the same problem.

Accepted: I see you are now working at Capgemini Consulting. Can you tell us about the role Columbia played in securing that position?

Cassandra: There is no way I’d be at Capgemini now if it weren’t for having gone to CBS. Career Services provided the gateway and structure for the career search, but at least as important were my classmates. I can’t tell you how many hours we spent giving each other mock cases, and the student run clubs also provided invaluable information for interview preparation.

Accepted: Do you have any advice for some of our applicants who will be applying to Columbia?

Cassandra: Do well on your tests, of course, but know that that is not going to make you stand out. Identify what your story is and tell it in a compelling way. Oh, and don’t freak out in week two of Corporate Finance. Although it won’t seem this way at the time, I promise you will know your stuff by the time final exams roll around.

For one-on-one guidance on the Columbia application, please see our Columbia Business School packages. For specific advice on how to create the best application for CBS see Linda’s Columbia 2013 Essay Questions, Deadlines, and Tips.




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FROM Accepted.com Blog: Columbia Full-Time MBA: A Current Student Interview
Accepted.com is continuing a blog series featuring interviews with current MBA students, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at selected MBA programs. We hope to offer you a candid picture of student life, and what you should consider as you prepare your MBA application.

Our first stop?  New York City. Here are some excerpts from an interview with a current full-time Columbia MBA student from a finance background.

What’s the best way to plan for the two years so that you get the most out of it?

Point blank, you gotta know what you want to do. Especially now in this recession economy. I had a lot of friends who came into school with the assumption they would figure out their career plan in their first year–and they were left behind.  School starts in August, and recruiting starts in September.  It’s over very quickly and if you don’t get an internship, you’re not going to get a full-time offer.  So if you don’t know what you want to do, you might want to defer your plans to apply.



How close did you stick to your originally stated goals from your application?

My goal was to get into Columbia, and my second goal was to get into the value investment program.  So I followed my goals to the “T.”



So you were pretty focused on finance.  That’s been a good match for you at Columbia?

Absolutely. I came specifically for the value investment program, which you’re allowed into through interviews and write ups.  It’s an entire second-year specialization that allows direct access to industry practitioners.

What about the New York location?  How did that affect your experience?

It’s absolutely tremendous. Really, in any field the opportunities are in New York City. If you’re an investment banker you have access to Wall Street, such as morning phone calls with all the investment banks. Your professors are multimillionaires who’ve made it on Wall Street. One of them made phone calls on my behalf at internship time, which I thought was unheard of.  So the dedication of their time–from an internship standpoint it’s invaluable.

Any trade-offs?

I have a 600 sq. foot apartment without a second bedroom or even a desk to study. It’s not nice if you’re working your tail off and you have a wife who doesn’t think you’re paying enough attention to her and you have no place to get your studying done. I would chose to live close to school or the library.



What did you find out the school offers that you couldn’t find out from the website or an information session?

I guess the good access to the professors.  I was going through job recruiting and I was reached out to by multiple professors who said they would put out in a good word for me.  They will put out their neck out for you.  It was really something I didn’t anticipate.

What kind of leadership training or mentoring do you receive at Columbia?

Every class in the core curriculum now has a portion dedicated to leadership training, such as ethical decision making. All clubs have individual mentorship programs. And in the value investment program, which is opened to 30 people a year, those who make it into the program have a mentor matched up to them for their desired work location in the future.

How much help has career services been to you?  How much job search have you had to do on your own?

Career services is instrumental in setting up resume critiques, mock interviews, and actual meet-ups. But I think the most important part of the Columbia experience is the clubs.  The real vital knowledge about internships and connections is in the clubs.



Can you tell me about your best day so far on campus?

Making it through the interviews for internships and getting an internship offer. You go through 5 to 7 interviews a day, that can last an hour and a half, where you pitch your stuff and it gets pretty intense.  But it was worth it in the end when I got good news.



The challenges?

The unavoidable part is definitely choosing between your significant other, socializing, making good grades, and your career search.  You can really only do three at the most and usually it’s best to stick to two out of the four.  You need to really map out your plan about what you’re okay letting go of and where you really want to focus your time, then stick too it–or you’re not going to make anybody happy. I had a professor say that everybody likes hot tea and iced tea, but nobody likes tepid tea.  You don’t want to be tepid.  You have to decide where you’re really going to excel.

Last words of advice?

Know what you want to do before you get here. A lot of people are very focused. Competition is tough, so executing a well-thought out plan will get you ahead.

 Interview conducted by Michelle Stockman, who worked in the Columbia Business School admissions office, has a Masters in Journalism from Columbia, and has assisted Accepted.com clients applying to top business schools since 2007.  She is happy to help you with your application.

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FROM Accepted.com Blog: How to Give Your Application as Much Weight as Possible



Although you may think that your grades, test scores, resume and application essay carry the most weight, the actual application form is important too. The boxes should contain valuable information that helps convince the admissions readers you will thrive at their school and add to their community. If you fill in the boxes at the last minute in a sloppy, hasty manner, you may be blowing your chance of acceptance, especially if your stats are borderline.

Make sure that you complete those boxes so that they do their job and carry weight in the evaluation process.

Creating a “Heavyweight” Application

While reading the boxes on your application, the reader forms an impression of you and your worthiness as a potential member of their next grad school class. This is your chance to make the best impression possible on the reader. Since you don’t want to end up with a lightweight application, you’ll want to follow these tips for successfully creating a “heavyweight” application:

1. Provide as much information as possible when filling out your boxes.

For example, when preparing a response about your involvement in clubs or organization, either undergraduate or after college, fill the box with a lot of information – giving it weight. Focus on results when possible. Listing your position as President and moving on to the next box is a lightweight answer that won’t leave the reader wanting to learn more about you.

2. Emphasize your achievements and accomplishments.

Show the reader that you are a person of achievement, accomplishment, and contribution. Use numbers and statistics to show that your leadership contributed in a meaningful way and changed the organization. People who change, contribute, and lead are exactly what schools want to see.

3. Create a holistic, complementary application.

Essays and transcripts should build on and complement what you have already stated in your application.

4. Use details.

Heavyweight boxes should include the details that help distinguish you from all of the other organization presidents that are submitting applications to the same graduate and business schools as you. Use this as your opportunity to stand out.

5. Whet their appetite for what’s to come.

Using your boxes to demonstrate a record of leadership, impact, and contribution will put you ahead of the game when the reader gets to your essay or transcript (or whatever it is that they’ll be reading next).

Becoming Extraordinary

Filling your boxes with substantial information will turn your application from ordinary to extraordinary. You’ll make the adcom reader want to learn more about you, putting your application on the top of the pile, while the lightweight apps just float away….





Related Resources:

• Stand Out! A Critical Goal for Your Application [Episode 181]

• Tone Up Your Writing: Confidence vs Arrogance

• Writing Techniques From a Pro

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FROM Accepted.com Blog: IMD MBA Interview with Student Vikas Menon

Here’s a talk with Vikas Menon, a soon-to-be graduate of IMD Switzerland. Vikas talks about his b-school experience, and offers some serious insight into the IMD MBA program. If you’re thinking about applying to IMD, then you’ll definitely want to read on! Thank you Vikas for sharing with us!

This interview is the latest in an Accepted.com blog series featuring interviews with current MBA students, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at top MBA programs. We hope to offer you a candid picture of student life, and what you should consider as you prepare your MBA application.

Accepted: First, can you tell us a bit about yourself: Where are you from? Where and what did you study as an undergrad? What other degrees do you hold?

Vikas: I am of Indian heritage but was born and brought up in Dubai, UAE and lived outside India all my life. I moved to the US in 2000 for my undergrad at Michigan State University (Go Green! Go White!!) and studied electrical and computer engineering. Third year into my undergrad, I realized that I didn’t like engineering as much as I liked interacting with people but I also realized that I was passionate about technology. I completed my engineering coursework and my first job in the US was in Sales for a Software company in DC that allowed me to pursue my passion for technology while working with people.

Accepted: Which other schools were you considering? What tipped the scales to favor IMD?

Vikas: IESE, INSEAD, HEC and a few American universities.

1. Once you attend the one day assessment at IMD with 5-6 people from different nationalities, backgrounds, professional experiences, you realize how IMD’s teaching style is truly based on “Real World…Real Learning” – you learn just as much from your classmates as you do from your professors, and your classmates are mid-level to senior level managers from large global MNCs, entrepreneurs, PHDs, scientists and people who have an average work experience of 7-8 years working in 2-3 countries.

2. Leadership at IMD – I had always heard about IMD’s leadership stream being one of the best in the world but I can tell you 6 months into the program, that IMD’s leadership stream is not simply the best but is one of a kind. It challenges you to rethink who you are, your personality, and helps you discover not just the conscious parts of your personality and leadership but also the subconscious and helps you understand how people perceive you. This knowledge can really help you become a better leader, team player, communicator and motivator in a professional environment.

3. Small class size – I meet my 90 classmates every day for almost 75% of the program. We sit in the same classroom, we eat together and we spend long long hours together. The bonds and connections that are formed from that level of interaction and intimacy are incredible. We are a small community of MBAs and alumni (even though our extended network is probably one of the biggest) however, based on my experience so far and during the application process last year, I can guarantee you that every MBA alumni or student would respond to any request of help in less than 48-72 hours…some would even welcome the opportunity to help you and meet you. My mentor and advisor since last year is an alumnus from the class of 2008! He not only helped me with the application process but also continues to be a good friend, mentor and advisor and this is the power of the IMD class size and ‘tight-knit’ MBA community.

Accepted: What do you think are some of the advantages of attending a one-year MBA program? Are there disadvantages?

Vikas: The advantages –

1. Focus on general management.

2. The shorter duration obviously helps you get back to the real world sooner.

3. The intensity really helps you push yourself to the next level and challenges you every day and every minute.

The disadvantages –

1. Lack of specialization – If you are looking for a specific functional role/industry post-MBA that requires expertise in Finance (for instance, VC, investment banking, etc), a one-year program might not help an individual with no background in those areas.

2. Intensity – the intensity is great for some people but can be too much for others.

Accepted: What’s your favorite thing about living in Switzerland? Do you plan on continuing to live and work in Europe after you receive your MBA?

Vikas: Switzerland, specifically Lausanne is a very cool, calm and beautiful place….really facilitates and helps in the learning process. IMD is located on the lake and every day, I get to see the Swiss Alps and the lake on my way to school. Yes, I plan on continuing to work in Europe but probably in a bigger city (only because that’s my personal preference).

Accepted: Can you recommend a nice coffee shop or other place that’s good for hanging out and/or studying in Lausanne?

Vikas: The good thing about IMD is that we are provided a 5-star hotel level lunch every day (included in the fees) throughout the year by a Michelin star chef and team! Coffee, tea, nespresso, hot chocolate, etc are all available whenever we want on campus…..we barely ever use coffee shops because we are in the IMD “dungeons” most of the time :-). The campus is beautiful, dynamic, green and sophisticated-modern, so we barely find the need to find a coffee shop……ask me about a bar and that’s a different story :-).

Accepted: What was the most challenging step for you in the MBA admissions process? How did you approach it and overcome it?

Vikas: The one day assessment can be really challenging because it requires thorough preparation. As part of the one day assessment you have an impromptu case, a prepared case (they send a week before the assessment), admissions interview and lunch with a current student. Additionally, the 11+ essays in the application and the short word count really makes you think about your skills, achievements, weaknesses, personality, etc in very different light.

For one-on-one guidance on your b-school application, please see our MBA Application Packages. For specific advice on how to create the best application for IMD, see our IMD 2014 MBA Application Tips.


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FROM Accepted.com Blog: UCLA Anderson Executive MBA Application Essay Tips & Deadlines [2022 – 2023]




The Anderson EMBA‘s two questions together cover past, present, and future, in that order. Essay 1 addresses the past by asking for a particular story drawn from your experience, and essay 2 addresses the present and future by asking about why now is the right time for you to be pursuing this degree. The questions indicate that the adcom believes the personal informs the professional; who you are defines your career and your work. Consequently, who you are as a person matters.

It helps to see these essays as two phases of a continuum:

  • In essay 1, portray qualities, skills, and experience(s) that support your goals.

  • In essay 2, show that your future plans fulfill the mission and purpose of the character portrayed in essay 1.

UCLA Anderson EMBA application essays

UCLA EMBA essay #1

Legendary UCLA basketball Coach John Wooden once said that one’s leadership is derived from one’s character. Please provide an example of a time when your own leadership was at its best. (500 words max)

There are two key words in this question: leadership and character. The implication in the latter word is that UCLA seeks applicants who not only have the requisite track record of leadership and impact that is commonly sought by top EMBA programs, but also gravitas, depth as a human being. Your chosen example should include leadership/impact and gravitas/depth.

You can select a topic for this essay either from your work experience or outside it – but keep the phrase “at its best” on your radar. What does “your leadership at its best” mean to you? This point reflects your character. For most people, I suggest going with a professional example in order to give the adcom a glimpse of you in your work environment, handling important and high-stakes situations. Go with a non-work example if it has some specific strategic value for your application. Also, use a relatively recent experience if possible, to allow the adcom to see the person who will show up in the classroom.

Let the story itself carry most of the weight in the essay – depict not just the story of leadership but how you inspired others to follow due to your character, example, and leadership style. At the end of the essay, write a short concluding paragraph explicitly summarizing why this is you as a leader at your best.

UCLA EMBA essay #2

Why are you interested in pursuing an MBA at this time? Please share any goal(s) you may have that the MBA will help you achieve. (500 words max)

Starting the question prominently with “why now?” indicates that the factor of timing as you perceive it is as important as the goals themselves to the adcom. There is a practical dimension to this interest that should be reflected in your essay. 

First I’ll discuss “why now” in both a micro and a macro view. The micro view looks at the particulars of your current situation – your current responsibilities and challenges and likely next step. This should position you at the right experience, responsibility, and decision-making level for a competitive EMBA like UCLA’s, and the next step should be a role for which the EMBA learning is either essential or at least a clear asset. The macro view looks at the longer-term career vision and the continuum of your career. Within that continuum, why is now the pivot point where you should make the investment of time, effort, and (most likely) money? How will pursuing the Executive MBA now prepare you not just for the next step but for the long term?

In describing your goals, indicate why you are planning that path. For shorter-term goals, detail specific positions, company, scope of responsibilities, and desired impact (i.e. what your desired “footprint” would be). Longer-term goals need less detail but should present a clear direction, building on the earlier roles.

The question does not ask you why you are choosing UCLA’s EMBA, but you can add a brief discussion of this point. If you do, be specific: describe how the program meets your key learning needs; refer to the features of the program that are most important to you.

UCLA EMBA essay #3 (for reapplicants)

Please describe your career progress since you last applied and how you have strengthened your candidacy. Include updates on your short-term and long-term career goals. (500 words max)

As a reapplicant, you should show growth from the previous application. Discuss professional developments such as promotions, awards, and new projects, as well as any significant community involvements and/or educational endeavors. Describe the activity/experience and note its positive impact if any, plus what you have gained or learned from it. Try to include an anecdote for at least 1-2 of the activities. Finally, be selective and present only those activities that are relevant and enhance your application and candidacy in some way.

If you have refined or revised your goals, explain it and make a strong case for why you are now pursuing this altered path.

UCLA EMBA essay #4 (Optional)

Are there any additional circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions Committee should be aware? (500 words maximum)

The phrase “should be aware” indicates that this essay should be used to explain any extenuating circumstances, as well as points that are important to fully understand your candidacy. It’s not the place to add enhancements.

For expert guidance with your UCLA Anderson 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 UCLA Anderson’s EMBA program and look forward to helping you too!

UCLA Anderson Executive MBA application deadlines 2022 – 2023

Round 1December 1, 2022Round 2February 1, 2023Round 3May 1, 2023

Source: UCLA Anderson EMBA website

***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:


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FROM Accepted.com Blog: MBA Admissions: UC Berkeley Haas and Finance
 

This post about [url=https://www.accepted.com/mba/UCBerkeleyHaas.aspx]Haas [/url]and finance is part of a series of interviews of [url=https://www.accepted.com/Zones/bschools.aspx?utm_source=AcceptedBog&utm_medium=Post&utm_campaign=CareerGoals&utm_content=CareerGoals]top MBA programs[/url] called “[url=https://blog.accepted.com/tag/bschool-strengths/]MBA Career Goals and the B-Schools that Support Them[/url].” Please [url=https://www.accepted.com/blog/subscribe.aspx]subscribe to our blog[/url] to ensure that you receive all the interviews exploring the elements at each school that support career goals in finance, consulting, general management, entrepreneurship, marketing and more.

[list]
[*][b]What kind of background and skills do you like to see in applicants expressing interest in a career in finance?[/b]The [url=https://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/prospective.html]Berkeley MBA Program[/url] is delivered from a general management perspective, and thus attracts applicants with a diverse range of backgrounds and interests. We seek candidates who have solid professional experience and leadership potential, and who possess the Berkeley values of confidence without attitude and a willingness to look beyond the status quo.Candidates who wish to pursue a post-MBA career in finance should demonstrate at least one of the following pursuits through their application: previous work experience in a finance function or industry, extracurricular involvement in finance with a leadership role, or comprehensive research into specific positions or organizations for post-MBA employment. Candidates who are making a career-switch into finance should also be able to clearly articulate how they intend to leverage their skill set and work experience to date to successfully make this transition.
Learn more about the [url=https://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/academics/finance.html]Finance Program[/url] at Berkeley-Haas or read up on general [url=https://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/admissions/index.html]admission criteria[/url].[/*]
[*][b]What aspects of your curriculum do you feel are best suited to students who want to eventually pursue a career in finance?[/b]Elective courses comprise over 60% of the curriculum, and students begin to customize their own course of study in the first year of the program. Students have access to [url=https://www.haas.berkeley.edu/MBA/academics/class/electives-career.html#finance]numerous elective courses in finance, accounting and economic analysis[/url], designed to prepare them for the rigors of a career in the field.Students can choose from a range of finance electives specific to their area of interest:
[list]
[*][url=https://www.haas.berkeley.edu/MBA/academics/class/electives-career.html#finance]Investment Banking[/url], courses include:
[list]
[*]Mergers and Acquisitions[/*]
[*]Global Financial Services[/*]
[/list]
[/*]
[*][url=https://www.haas.berkeley.edu/MBA/academics/class/electives-career.html#finance]Investment Management[/url], courses include:
[list]
[*]Portfolio Management[/*]
[*]Risk Management[/*]
[/list]
[/*]
[*][url=https://www.haas.berkeley.edu/MBA/academics/class/electives-career.html#finance]Venture Capital and Private Equity[/url], courses include:
[list]
[*]Private Equity: Leveraged Buyouts[/*]
[*]New Venture Finance[/*]
[/list]
[/*]
[*][url=https://www.haas.berkeley.edu/MBA/academics/class/electives-career.html#finance]Corporate Finance[/url](in private industry), courses include:
[list]
[*]Corporate Financial Reporting[/*]
[*]Taxes and Firm Strategy[/*]
[/list]
[/*]
[*][url=https://www.haas.berkeley.edu/MBA/academics/class/electives-career.html#finance]Sales and Trading[/url], courses include:
[list]
[*]Futures and Options Markets[/*]
[*]Behavioral Finance[/*]
[/list]
[/*]
[/list]
In addition, [url=https://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/academics/studentinitiated.html]student-initiated courses[/url] bring finance leaders and practitioners to the classroom for first hand insights. These courses have included The Private Equity Speaker Series, Investment Speaker Series, Microfinance and Real Estate Speaker Series. Each year students initiate new finance speaker series to reflect the interests of their classmates and current economic environment.

Haas’ [url=https://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/academics/index.html]general management curriculum[/url] teaches students fundamental business concepts – from accounting and finance to marketing and strategy. Through [url=https://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/academics/curriculum.html]core and elective courses[/url], [url=https://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/academics/experiential.html]experiential learning[/url] and a [url=https://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/academics/global.html]global focus[/url], the Berkeley MBA Program helps students develop skills to become innovative leaders.[/*]
[*][b]Which school clubs and extra-curricular events are most relevant to people interested in finance? [/b]Providing students with hands-on exposure to real-world business situations is a key strength of the Berkeley MBA Program. [url=https://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/academics/experiential.html]Experiential activities[/url] are required for graduation, and numerous out-of-the-classroom initiatives give students the opportunity to build on their business skill set.Finance courses are integrated with successful practitioners in financial firms. Students have the opportunity to develop skills outside the classroom through:
[list]
[*][b]Clubs[/b]: Most students take a leadership role in the industry club that aligns with their career interests, such as the [url=https://haas.campusgroups.com/finance/about/]Haas Finance Club[/url], [url=https://haas.campusgroups.com/investment/about/]Haas Investment Club[/url] and [url=https://haas.campusgroups.com/peclub/home/]Haas Private Equity Club[/url]. In recent years, the clubs have organized career treks to Wall Street and Hong Kong, as well as an annual trip to meet [url=https://berkeleymbastudents.blogspot.com/2011/03/haas-students-visit-warren-buffett.html]Warren Buffett[/url]. Treks also explore career opportunities in the Bay Area and Southern California.[/*]
[*][b]Conferences[/b]: The [url=https://www.berkeleyfinanceconference.com/]Berkeley Finance Conference[/url] is an annual event featuring top financial industry executives and academics, as well as students from the Haas MBA program. It is the only student-run finance conference on the West Coast.[/*]
[*][b]Business Competitions[/b]: Case competitions challenge students to apply classroom learnings to real-life business problems. Berkeley-Haas students have participated in many nationwide competitions, such as the [url=https://www2.haas.berkeley.edu/News/Newsroom/2010-2011/110216wellsfargocase.aspx]Wells Fargo Finance Case Competition[/url] (1st place), the [url=https://www2.haas.berkeley.edu/News/Newsroom/100308whatoncomp.aspx]Wharton Buyout Case Competition[/url] (3rd Place) and the [url=https://www2.haas.berkeley.edu/News/Newsroom/2010-2011/101115stockcompetition.aspx]UNC Kenan-Flager Alpha Challenge[/url] (3rd Place).[/*]
[*][b]Haas@Work[/b]: This experiential learning course gives students an opportunity to develop innovative recommendations to address a competitive challenge posed by the sponsor company. The strongest recommendations are then added to the client’s business roadmap for implementation. [url=https://haasatwork.berkeley.edu/]Haas@Work[/url] projects often have a finance component, and sponsor companies have included [url=https://haasatwork.berkeley.edu/recent.html]Visa, Wells Fargo and Charles Schwab[/url].[/*]
[*][b]Haas Socially Responsible Investment Fund[/b]: The [url=https://responsiblebusiness.haas.berkeley.edu/HaasSRIFund.html]Haas Socially Responsible Investment Fund (HSRIF)[/url] is the first and only student-led investment fund of its scale ($1M+) with a leading business school focused on both social and financial returns. [url=https://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/community/students/marshall_hallie.html]HSRIF Principals[/url] are MBA and MFE students interested in finance and corporate responsibility. Through the Fund they have the opportunity to test the investment and corporate responsibility principles they’ve learned in the classroom, and to experience the complexities, challenges, and rewards of the investing world.[/*]
[*][b]Industry Leaders at Haas[/b]: Each year [url=https://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/academics/industryleaders.html]distinguished leaders[/url] are brought to campus to share their real-world experiences and insights. Recent speakers with a finance bent include Janet Yellen, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Nils Tcheyan, Director for Strategy and Operations, World Bank, and [url=https://www2.haas.berkeley.edu/Faculty/tyson_laura.aspx]Laura Tyson[/url], Member of the President’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board and Haas faculty member.[/*]
[*][b]Career Management[/b]: The [url=https://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/careers/careercenter.html]Berkeley-Haas Career Management Office[/url] was ranked #4 nationwide by recruiters in a 2008 BusinessWeek survey. Career Management plans workshops, panels, networking events, job fairs, company visits and receptions specific to all phases of the finance job search. For finance students, it has also facilitated outside programs such as Training the Street, Bloomberg and Factset.[/*]
[/list]
Learn about other extracurricular activities directly from Haas students on the [url=https://berkeleymbastudents.blogspot.com/]Berkeley MBA Student Blog[/url]. Browse the blog library or find finance specific posts using relevant keywords.[/*]
[*][b]Since “finance” is a very broad term, can you break down some of the sub-categories in the field that your school excels in?[/b]The [url=https://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/academics/finance.html]Berkeley-Haas Finance Program[/url] covers several sub-categories, including corporate finance and investment management. Classroom learning and experiential opportunities prepare students for careers in:
[list]
[*]Investment banking (including industry coverage, for example technology or healthcare/biotech clients)[/*]
[*]Investment management, including hedge funds[/*]
[*]Corporate finance departments[/*]
[*]Private equity[/*]
[*]Venture capital[/*]
[*]Economic development[/*]
[*]Management consulting firms[/*]
[/list]
[/*]
[*][b]Which financial services firms recruit at Haas? How many graduates of your 2010 class received offers from each of these firms? [/b]Berkeley-Haas remains one of the world’s leading centers for the study of finance. Approximately 15-25% of students gain full-time employment in a finance function after graduation.In 2010, dozens of firms recruited on campus for finance jobs in investment banking, corporate finance, asset management, financial services, and private equity. A selection of firms includes Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, Citi, Barclays, Dodge & Cox, Franklin Templeton, Parnassus Investments, Scharf Investments and numerous others.
Learn more about the finance career paths post-MBA from upcoming graduates:

[list]
[*][url=https://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/community/students/snyder_sam.html]MBA ‘11 Sam Snyder[/url], Investment Banking Associate, Goldman Sachs[/*]
[*][url=https://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/community/students/marshall_hallie.html]MBA ’11 Hallie Marshall[/url], Portfolio Manager, Dodge & Cox[/*]
[*][url=https://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/community/students/coleman_scott.html]MBA ’11 Scott Coleman[/url], Investment Banking, Wells Fargo[/*]
[/list]
Students can also apply for the [url=https://www2.haas.berkeley.edu/News/Newsroom/2010-2011/101206banking.aspx]Haas Investment Banking Fellowship[/url], awarded to a select number of students who are pursuing careers in investment banking. As a fellow, students receive a partial tuition credit, get paired with an industry mentor, and receive priority for finance courses and career treks.

Learn more about [url=https://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/careers/index.html]careers post-MBA[/url], view an [url=https://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/careers/employmentreports.html]employment snapshot[/url] of recent graduates or see a list of [url=https://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/careers/recentrecruiters.html]firms that recently recruited[/url] on campus.[/*]
[/list]
By Morgan Eckles, Assistant Director, Haas Full-Time MBA Admissions.

The post [url=https://blog.accepted.com/mba-admissions-uc-berkeley-haas-and-finance/]MBA Admissions: UC Berkeley Haas and Finance[/url] appeared first on [url=https://blog.accepted.com]Accepted Admissions Blog[/url].
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FROM Accepted.com Blog: MBA Admissions: Visit to Columbia Business School
I had a most enjoyable morning yesterday. I visited Columbia Business School, met with Linda Meehan, a few students, and attended a class.

In our meeting I asked Linda about the possible tension that exists between being a top (in her words “the top”) finance program with roughly 50% of all MBA’s going into finance-related positions, and attracting and serving the needs of those interested in marketing, health care, media, and a host of other businesses.

To paraphrase her response, she said that every business needs finance. It is the foundation of all businesses whether in IT, marketing, pharma, or any other industry. Consequently she feels that it is the most important discipline and is proud that CBS is known as the leader in finance.

Furthermore she says that Columbia’s core provides a foundation in business — not just finance — that will serve MBAs no matter what field they enter.

She passionately argues that the classroom at Columbia Business School extends beyond the walls of Uris Hall, the school’s official home, or Warren Hall, where many classes are held; it includes the larger Columbia University campus and its professional schools, as well as bustling New York City, arguably the financial capital of the world.

There is no question that Columbia’s location gives students easy access to all kinds of business projects, connections, and opportunities. In talking to the students afterwards, it was quite clear that they take advantage of those opportunities both on campus by attending a plethora of guest lectures, and off-campus with access to corporations usually a train ride away. Students also benefit from professors who can consult with corporations in the morning and lecture in the afternoon. The profs practically bring their experience to the classroom in real time.

Despite, or perhaps alongside, CBS’ strength in finance, it claims to be a general management school. To me a general management MBA program makes a point of integrating the various business functions and does not teach them in silos. Both Linda and my student guide, Todd, told me that during the core, professors do bring out the connections between different business functions, although my sense is that programs like HBS, Stanford, Michigan, Darden, or Tuck stress the integration more.

When I walked into Uris, I saw a big sign in the lobby “Learn about the New Core.” I asked Linda about it, but she isn’t at liberty to discuss it yet. My sense is that it will build on the Individual Business & Society (IBS) thread that runs through the CBS MBA program and its new Program on Social Intelligence (PSI) and work on increasing integration among the business functions. But that’s not what she said, and we will all have to wait for more details.

Both Linda and Todd brought up the internationalism at Columbia: I heard several different accents in the classroom and a variety of languages being spoken among the students in the cafeteria. Todd told me about his study trips to Japan and India, and mentioned one group that visited Rwanda. Linda spoke proudly of the exchange programs and international study opportunities that Columbia has with campuses outside the US. Columbia has a large global footprint.

I hope you have gleaned a little more insight into Columbia from my brief report above. In addition to providing me with more insight into CBS, my visit highlighted again the importance of understanding the differences among schools. You can learn a lot by seeing what they emphasize in their web sites, literature, and presentations. If you can, visit, but whether visiting, reading, or talking to current students, look for the nuances.

For example, Tuck stresses the close-knit nature of its student body and the ties fostered with alumni. While its profs consult and it too has an array of guest lecturers, life at Tuck is very different. It is an immersion in the Tuck experience as well as a top-notch MBA program that provides a strongly integrated core and opportunities for specializing in the second year. That kind of tight community also creates strong ties and relationships. CBS in contrast trumpets its New York location and its strength in finance. New York City provides unparalleled opportunities on Wall St. and Madison Avenue, dynamism, cultural life… and a lot of distractions. While yes, CBS has its students organized into cohorts to foster closeness, it is a very different experience. For some, Tuck will be perfect. For others, Columbia will be the right match. They are both great programs – for different people.

So when deciding where to apply, evaluate:

  • Professional opportunity, as Todd clearly did before deciding to attend CBS.
  • The curriculum and how it supports your goals.
  • Your personal preferences.
For more tips on choosing the school that’s right for you, please see:

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FROM Accepted.com Blog: Tim Eisenmann: Stanford GSB Student, Blogger, and World Traveler

Here’s a talk with Stanford Graduate School of Business student, Tim Eisenmann – a world traveler with a unique work history, set out to impact his surroundings and change the world! Read our interview below to hear about Tim’s experiences at Stanford, and then check out his blog, From PA to the World, for more info. Thank you Tim for sharing your story with us!

This interview is the latest in an Accepted.com blog series featuring interviews with current MBA students, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at top MBA programs. We hope to offer you a candid picture of student life, and what you should consider as you prepare your MBA application.

Accepted: We’d like to get to know you! Where are you from? Where and what did you study as an undergrad? What was your most recent job before you started b-school?

Tim: I was born and raised in Frankfurt, Germany. Starting with my high school exchange to the US when I was 15 I have always put a lot of emphasis on changing the environment around me which has led to me living in Germany, the US, Canada, Hong Kong, Poland and Rwanda.

Connecting people and facilitating transportation has always fascinated me, which was one of the reasons why I joined Lufthansa, the biggest European airline group, right after undergrad.

Most recently I was working on post merger integration issues and long-term sales strategy.

Accepted: On your blog you say that you’re searching for new inspirations for what to do in the future. Does that mean that you’re stepping away from aviation? Do you plan on entering a new industry? What do you plan on doing post MBA?

Tim: Honestly, I don’t fully know what I want to do. That’s one of the reasons I am at Stanford. Being with bright, motivated students from all over the world gives you exposure to a lot of different industries and functions. There are a few characteristics that my job after b-school needs to have though: international travel, a high performance team and the potential for large scale impact.

Stanford is doing a great job of providing opportunities in a lot of fields: be it through introductions to social entrepreneurs in Africa, meeting McKinsey partners for lunch or connecting you to VCs that might be interested in your start-up idea. I really feel that the world is you oyster in Palo Alto.

Accepted: Which other business schools had you considered? Why did you choose a U.S. program over one closer to home? 

Tim: Education is free in Germany, so most of my friends questioned my decision to spend tons of money on an MBA from a US school. I still feel I am making the right choice though. With an MBA one buys a network, a brand name and generalist business skills. For me it was always clear that especially for the first two factors one has to get an MBA from a top school in the US, which is why I applied to HBS and the GSB.

Accepted: Why did you choose Stanford GSB? How would you say you’re a good fit for that program?

Tim: There really isn’t a “good fit” at Stanford. I feel that I am like no one else in my class, but still there is the desire to change the world we live in and to have a lasting impact that resonates with most of us in some way.

Once I had offers from HBS and the GSB I realized that most doors in my future would be opened and it boiled down to where I felt I could become a better manager and grow as a person.

Given the small class size, the collaborative atmosphere and the strong emphasis on leadership, I figured that the GSB was the right place for me. And the constant sunshine doesn’t hurt either. 🙂

Accepted: What’s your favorite class so far?

Tim: I am taking a course called “Design for Sustainable Abundance” at the design school this quarter. The design school focuses on human centered approaches to problem solving through design thinking. All classes in the d.school have MBAs, engineers, med school students and scientists work together on real life problems. In our case it is redesigning parts the food system to be more sustainable. We get 24/7 access to a playground for adults including a craft room, movable walls for sticky note brainstorming sessions and a microwave for late night ramen noodles.

Accepted: Can you talk about your internship in Kigali? And do you have an internship lined up for this coming summer yet?

Tim: After quitting my job at Lufthansa I felt like something totally different before b-school. Stanford connected me to a social entrepreneur (also a GSB grad) in Rwanda who tries to fight malnutrition by developing mushroom cultivation through an outgrower model in northern Rwanda. I got to work on the export to Uganda and Burundi, as well as on forming a Joint Venture with a Spanish partner to set up a lab for mushroom tissue replication. Yes, fairly random, but immensely exciting and a great learning experience to work with a small team in a challenging environment. If you want to learn more: Kigali Farms is always looking for motivated interns!

Regarding next summer, recruiting is already at full speed on campus. I am currently thinking about splitting my summer between two internships. One more traditional one doing management consulting in London or New York and the other one exploring more opportunities in the food processing sector in East Africa. Maybe not mushrooms, but mangos this time…

Accepted: Looks like you’re passionate about travel – how do you plan on fitting that into your future plan?

Tim: Over the course of the last years I have managed to each year spend at least 100h on a plane. I really enjoy having time for myself during the flight, then exploring new cultures and meeting new and old friends. Optimally, in the future I have a job that requires me to travel, but gives me the free time to actually explore the place that I am in. But with family in Germany, an interest in East Africa and a network of friends all around the world I am sure that I won’t ever experience a lack of travel opportunities.

Accepted: Can you tell us about your blog? Who is your target audience? How have you benefited from the blogging experience?

Tim: Since I don’t really have the time any more to write individual emails to family and friends I thought a blog would be right medium to keep everyone up to date. After a while I realized that I don’t have 1000+ friends, so there have to be some others that read my blog. It is great to know that my experiences can maybe help applicants or admits to make the right decision for themselves. I can only encourage everyone to check out my blog and leave a comment in case of questions. I’ll promise to answer them, because if they teach us one thing at the GSB it is that people development is the key to success and I’d be happy to see a lot of you at Stanford in the next couple of years.

For one-on-one guidance on your b-school application, please see our MBA Application Packages. For specific advice on how to create the best application for Stanford see:

• Stanford GSB 2014 MBA Questions, Deadlines, Tips

• Stanford GSB Application Tips Video

• Stanford Sloan Master’s Program 2013 Application Essay Questions and Tips

• Steer Your Way to A Stanford MBA, a free webinar.

• What Stanford is Looking for: Personal Qualities and Contributions

• What Stanford is Looking for: Demonstrated Leadership Potential




Accepted.com ~ Helping You Write Your Best

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FROM Accepted.com Blog: MCAT Expertise + Harvard MBA Experience [Episode 145]


Today’s show has something for pre-meds looking to prepare for the MCAT and for MBA wannabes interested in Harvard Business School.

<< Click here to listen to the show >>

Meet Alec Lee [1:15]

Alec is the co-founder of the online prep course M Prep. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2011 with a BS in BioTechnology and a minor in philosophy. After completing the first year of his MBA program at HBS, he decided to take a leave of absence to work on a start-up.

What is M Prep [2:07]

It’s a full-service MCAT prep company. They started by offering an MCAT question of the day – to help students prepare on a daily basis (and avoid procrastination). And now they’ve grown that product into passage-based prep and a full prep course. They also offer other services/resources, such as a database of med school info, etc.

How M Prep has adapted to the new MCAT [3:25]

They started developing resources a few years ago when AAMC released info on the new exam. Overall, the strategic goals of the new exam are the same as the old one, so there’s some overlap. But the new sociology/psychology section required substantial development, as did the biochem material. They’ve also upgraded their prep materials in response to the actual exam after it was released.

Focus on content review or test strategies? [5:45]

Everyone knows what subjects will be tested – there are a lot of free resources for content review. So M Prep’s goal is to add value on the strategy side. But they also do a comprehensive content review.

What students should know about preparing for the new MCAT [7:00]

For the old exam, he advised 2-4 months prep time; now he advises 6 months, especially if applicants are full-time students. And it’s best to take as many pre-reqs as possible before the exam (especially soc/psych and biochem), to be ready for that material.

When should applicants retake the MCAT? [9:20]

Aim for the scores you need, not the scores you want – that is, know what it actually takes to get into med school. The new MCAT is a bit of a wildcard at the moment.

Factors to consider when deciding whether to retake the exam: the combination of your MCAT and GPA (do you need a higher MCAT to offset a lower GPA?). What schools are you applying to?

Transition period for new MCAT [14:45]

Schools are adjusting to data from the revised exam, so it’s only natural for scores to be weighted a little less while they get used to the new exam.

What’s next for M Prep [15:35]

Launching a full set of practice exams for the new MCAT – the first three are coming soon, and more in a few months. They’re developing a lot of new content.

Advice for premeds [17:08]

Start early! It makes a big difference for test prep. Let the MCAT be a rite of passage – see it as an important step, rather than something you just have to endure. Attitude matters.

When you’re looking for help with test prep, consider the track record of the instructor in helping students prep for the exam. Look for someone who’s a good coach and teacher – not just someone who has a high MCAT score.

His HBS experience, and why he took a leave of absence [21:40]

He did the 1st year required curriculum – he loved the courses and especially loved the environment (studying with the talented people in his class). But he realized that a two-year program goes by fast, and he wanted to make more thoughtful, goal-directed choices about his time at HBS. So he opted to take a leave of absence (HBS allows up to 5 years). He sees a risk of losing relationships, but the potential to explore projects and consider his goals for when he goes back.

Should MBAs think about those goals before b-school? [25:00]

He thinks it’s important to do some soul searching up front: the people who know exactly what they came for do get the most out of b-school. Having direction is important.

Has his HBS experience helped him run M Prep? [28:04]

Yes: he’s drawn on it when negotiating contracts, etc – but he’s also found that the skills he gained from the case method help him frame situations effectively and solve problems.

Advice for MBA applicants [31:25]

It’s helpful to have direction and goals, even if you’re a career changer who will be using b-school to explore. People who know what they want to get out of b-school will be able to use their time more effectively.



Related Links:

• Register for the MCAT webinar• M Prep/MCAT Question of the Day• Should I Retake the MCAT?

• Navigating the Med School Maze, a free download

Related Shows:

• Shadowing Experiences Around the Globe with Gap Medics

• MedHounD Hunts The Right Med School for You

• MCAT Scores, MCAT Prep, and #MCAT2015• MCAT Mania: How to Prepare• Learning by Osmosis: Premeds, Med Students Take It All In!• How to Upload Medical Terminology To Your Permanent Memory

Subscribe:

   
            



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FROM Accepted.com Blog: Harness the Power of Storytelling in Admissions and Job Interviews



“Tell me about a time when you disagreed strongly with your supervisor. ”

“How would you do things differently now?”

“What draws you to this program more than to any other?”

If you have interviews coming up, whether for a seat in a college program or a job opening, will you be ready to answer these types of questions in an effective, natural, appealing way? Compelling storytelling showcases your communication skills and relays your expertise and qualifications for the slot in the class or the job.

For school interviews, you may be asked behavioral questions that ask about a specific situation or experience: “Tell me about a time when…” The stories you choose to share will reveal a great deal about your accomplishments, work style, and skills. Choose stories strategically. You should be able to tell them briefly in a way that demonstrates your expertise and allows the interviewer to learn about you.

Recipe for a good story: Situation, Action, Result

A helpful approach to storytelling is SAR: Situation, Action, Result.

First, share the situation, with enough background so that the interviewer has the context for the situation but not more than is essential. Keep it brief! Next, share the action: how did you handle the situation? This is the most crucial element of the anecdote. As you plan how to tell this story in your mind, consider: what skills did you use and what personal qualities did you demonstrate when you took the actions you did? Finally, share the result: what happened after you took your action? And–this is also key–what did you learn from the experience?

If you are preparing for a job interview, review the job posting. Circle or highlight the essential responsibilities and qualifications listed. Learn about the organization’s key priorities and accomplishments by reading their website. Next, think about specific experiences you have had when you demonstrated skills related to the position. This may involve discussing broader professional skills, such as project management, working with a team, adapting to unexpected circumstances, and learning new technologies, so be prepared to share relevant stories. While you want to come across as a team player, try to avoid using the word “we” as you tell your story. The interviewer wants to learn about you. When appropriate, refer to “my staff” or “our team” when discussing a team experience. 



Honesty and diplomacy matter

If you are asked about a difficult supervisor, aim to describe the situation honestly, yet diplomatically. Choose a situation where you and your manager saw things differently, but you were able to come to a shared understanding. Even if the interviewer uses loaded adjectives, such as “worst,” you are not required to agree and describe a terrible boss. Your goal is to show the interviewer that you know how to work with someone with whom you do not always agree. Similarly, if you are asked to share an anecdote about a challenging person or situation, select anecdotes that reveal your qualities as a self-reflective, collaborative individual, someone who can find a way to work with others who have diverse perspectives and even difficult personalities.

Make sure you can talk about a difficult team project without throwing the other team members under the bus. (I know, this may be really challenging!) Choose your words carefully. Instead of saying, “One of the team members just wouldn’t do their work,” say “One of the team members had many additional responsibilities, so focusing on this project was difficult.” In this way, you lift the blame from the individual, and the interviewer will get the message. If you were ever engaged in a team project that was a complete disaster, do not share that story in an interview.

Practice your storytelling 

It’s not easy to tell stories effectively, with just enough context and details but without rambling or repeating yourself. If the anecdote you selected requires too much time to set the stage, think of another situation. Many candidates spend 90% of their response describing the situation, and then say little about the actions they took and the outcome. This is a wasted opportunity. 

Because most people do not have much experience in telling stories succinctly, it’s critical to your success to practice. Do not not try to memorize your stories, because if you suddenly forget one word, you might freeze up and ruin the moment. You know the essentials, and that’s what you need to keep in mind, including any pertinent highlights that will add a bit of flair or impact. It can be very helpful to write down on an index card the key highlights of each story. Look at the card before the interview begins to refresh your memory. Try to keep each anecdote to not more than one minute. Does that sound short to you? Time yourself: you can say a lot in one minute! Consider doing mock interviews with a career coach. This can be very helpful and build both your skills and your confidence.

Be prepared for follow-up questions

“How would you handle that differently now?” is a question you should be ready to answer after describing a challenging situation. This gives you an important opportunity to show that you have learned and grown from your experiences.

Be prepared for the unexpected

While you cannot prepare anecdotes for every question you may be asked, if you practice telling several stories, you will be more likely to think of a story for a situation you did not expect. What if you are asked about a situation that you have not encountered? Share a story about something you did that involved something similar. 

Most of your stories likely will come from your work experiences, but you may also want to talk about situations in your personal life or through some community involvement that raise relevant issues. However, if you talk about your personal life, be sure to maintain good boundaries. No TMI! Do not share anything the employer does not need to know about. 

With careful preparation and selecting the right experiences, you can impress your interviewer as a dynamic candidate who will contribute to the organization or the program and get the offer you are after.

Do you need help preparing for an important interview? Check out our comprehensive mock interview service options,where our expert consultants will prepare you to present yourself as your best. Get ACCEPTED!



Alice Diamond is Associate Dean for Career and Community Service at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. She has 35 years of experience in career and admissions advising for undergraduate and graduate students. Want Alice to help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch!



Related Resources:

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FROM Accepted.com Blog: Toronto Rotman MBA Interview with Robyn Ross

MBA Candidate: Robyn Ross
Here’s a talk with Robyn Ross, an MBA candidate at Toronto Rotman with tons of advice on the MBA application process. Thank you Robyn for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us!

This interview is the latest in an Accepted.com blog series featuring interviews with current MBA students, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at top MBA programs. We hope to offer you a candid picture of student life, and what you should consider as you prepare your MBA application.

Accepted: Can you tell us a little about yourself? Where are you from? Where did you study as an undergrad? What did you major in?

Robyn: I grew up outside of Boston, Massachusetts but my parents are Canadian so I have always spent summers and family vacations up here. I graduated from Union College in Schenectady, New York in 2006 with a double major in Psychology and French. Believe it or not, Psychology and French didn’t point me in a clear path so after graduating I took an opportunity to work abroad in Scotland for a year followed by a few months of traveling before landing back in Boston to work for a business services start-up company.

Accepted: Which other programs were you considering other than Toronto Rotman? What tipped the scales to favor Rotman?

Robyn: While exploring MBA opportunities, I was focused on finding a program within a city that I could see myself living and working in afterwards. One of the important takeaways of an MBA is the network and the relationships that you build throughout it. I wanted to make sure that I could take advantage of that after completing the program. This narrowed my search down to Boston and Toronto. While Boston has very strong schools, I was eager for a change and saw Toronto as an opportunity to experience a bigger, more diverse city. As I researched programs, spoke with admissions offices and current students all schools talked about the fact that they create business leaders. What stood out about Rotman is that they were one of the few schools that told me how they do this. Through their top-ranked faculty and focus on Integrative Thinking, I felt as though I had a really solid grasp of how the program would help me grow as a professional.

Accepted: What is your favorite thing about studying in Toronto? Least favorite?

Robyn: My favorite aspect about studying in Toronto is the diversity of opportunities both on and off campus. The size of the city and reputation of the school attracts an incredible range of speakers on campus with my personal favorites including Behavioural Economist Dan Ariely, IDEO’s Tim Brown and the New York Times’ columnist David Brooks. Outside of school, every weekend provides something new. Toronto is made up of many small neighborhoods, each with small shops, restaurants and bars to explore.

My least favorite aspect of studying in Toronto is the high cost of living. While there are a lot of benefits to being located in downtown Toronto, they come with a price. Rent is on par with Boston and other cities that I have lived in; however, the costs of other everyday necessities like food, public transportation, cell phones, and clothing are higher. The transition back to a student budget was a challenge in itself and the high cost of downtown living makes it a bit trickier.

Accepted: Can you recommend a cozy coffee shop or library – a good spot to hang out with friends and/or study?

Robyn: My favorite place to escape campus for a coffee with friends is L’espresso by Mercurio, a café around the corner from Rotman. Their lattes and biscotti are the perfect pick-me-up after a morning of classes.

Accepted: What was the internship application process like? What role did Rotman play in helping you secure your summer internship at Bain & Company?

Robyn: The internship application process is intense. I started the program without a hard-set idea of what I wanted to do afterwards. Throughout the fall, as I networked with people both on and off campus, I narrowed my search to management consulting. While I have had a lot of experience on both sides of the typical “behavioral” interview, the consulting case interview was entirely new to me. I would never have been as successful had it not been for the Rotman Management Consulting Association and second year students that organized weekly workshops, resume review sessions, and mock interviews throughout the fall and early winter. My classmates were also incredibly collaborative, and we spent hours each week giving each other mock interviews and providing feedback.

Each of the firms came on campus through Rotman’s Career Center in January with interviews starting immediately afterwards. Throughout the interview process I was most surprised by how hands-on each of the firms were. After interviews, whether successful or not, each firm provided very constructive feedback that helped me grow and improve throughout the recruiting process. Overall, it was a combination of my peers, Rotman, and the consulting firms that helped me succeed in landing my internship.

Accepted: What are the MBA Games? What has your experience with the games been like so far?

Robyn: The MBA Games is a three day event where every MBA program within Canada sends a team of students to compete in sports, academics, and school spirit. It is an incredibly fun weekend with over 700 students. Last year the games were in chilly Edmonton, Alberta. My days were filled playing ultimate Frisbee and inner-tube water polo while nights were spent at cowboy bars. This year we’re much closer to home in Hamilton, Ontario. I’ll be suiting up for a Strategy Case Competition and then trying to channel my inner-Canadian with a day of floor-hockey. Overall, it’s a great weekend to meet students from other programs and build close-knit relationships with the 40 Rotman students that are chosen to attend.

Accepted: What was the most challenging aspect of the MBA admissions process for you and how did you overcome it?

Robyn: The hardest part of the MBA admissions process for me was the personal statements. When I applied, Rotman required (1) 500 word personal statement and (3) 250 word essays. Trying to express everything I wanted to convey in so few words was incredibly challenging. I relied on friends and family to give me honest feedback. The example I remember most clearly was when I sent my father my essay on an example of failure, having spent 2 days coming up with a good example and trying to squeeze it into 250 words. He came back and told me that I had missed the mark and recommended that I start over. As hard as it was to hear, he was absolutely right, and in retrospect it helped me recognize the importance of having people around you who provide you with honest feedback and help you to grow and improve.

For one-on-one guidance on the Rotman application, please see our Toronto Rotman Business School packages. For specific advice on how to create the best application for Rotman, please see Toronto Rotman 2013 Essay Questions, Deadlines, and Tips written by Accepted.com president, Linda Abraham. 


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FROM Accepted.com Blog: Tu Perfil para el MBA: El Rendimiento Académico
[img]https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Tu-Perfil-para-el-MBA-El-Rendimiento-Académico.jpg[/img]
[img]https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Tu-Perfil-para-el-MBA-El-Rendimiento-Académico.jpg[/img]

En mi artículo anterior observábamos los cinco elementos que todo aplicante a un programa de MBA debe analizar. En este artículo abordaremos el primero: el rendimiento académico.

Tu rendimiento académico en la universidad, desde el primer hasta el último año, es muy importante para cualquier aplicación de maestría, y el MBA no es una excepción. Las oficinas de admisiones tradicionalmente analizan tres aspectos importantes de tu rendimiento:

1. El desempeño en cada una de tus clases, con especial énfasis en las clases más rigurosas y las más cuantitativas. Anotan en qué clases saliste bien y en cuales no, con especial atención a cualquier reprobado que hayas tenido. Es importante que si hay anomalías en tus calificaciones, que las sepas justificar en los ensayos. Para ello muchas escuelas ofrecen la oportunidad de reportar en el ensayo opcional cualquier anomalía en tu desempeño, dando las razones para justificar notas problemáticas. Por ejemplo, vale la pena indicar si el bajo rendimiento fue por causa de una enfermedad en la familia, o por mantener un trabajo mientras estudiabas, o por alguna situación personal que te impidió que te dedicaras al cien por ciento a tus clases.

2. La reputación de tu universidad. Si la universidad en donde te graduaste no es muy conocida en el exterior, es importante que indiques en tu aplicación como está posicionada en comparación con otras universidades en tu país o en tu región, así como qué tan selectiva es en admitir estudiantes; hay universidades que seleccionan a sus estudiantes mediante un riguroso examen de admisión. Si tú fuiste uno de los seleccionados, hazlo saber en las aplicaciones. Muchas veces puedes mencionarlo tanto en tu hoja de vida (curriculum vitae) como en la misma aplicación. Para este tipo de información es importante incluir datos cuantitativos y no solo subjetivos. Por ejemplo, para recalcar la reputación de tu universidad, haz referencia a rankings que la incluyan, y para indicar el grado de selectividad indica el porcentaje de estudiantes que son aceptados con respecto a los que solicitan admisión.

3. La continuidad de tu desempeño. Las oficinas de admisiones se fijan muy detenidamente en la carga académica que tuviste año con año, y ponen atención particular si hay períodos en los que disminuiste tu carga de estudio. Por ejemplo, cualquier semestre donde talvéz decidiste tomar un trabajo de tiempo completo y te tomaste un descanso del estudio, o aquel año donde decidiste aminorar tu carga académica de cinco clases y tomaste solamente dos. Igual que con el primer punto, prepárate para justificar y/o explicar tu situación en la aplicación.

Si obtuviste un bajo rendimiento en las matemáticas y otras clases cuantitativas, recomiendo que tomes cursos independientes en materias como contabilidad, finanzas, economía, cálculo, y estadística. Puedes tomarlos en cualquier universidad local debidamente acreditada, pero asegúrate de sacar notas sobresalientes. Esto aminorará el efecto que puede tener un bajo rendimiento en la universidad, porque estarás demostrando que sí estas capacitado para asumir el rigor académico de un MBA.

Finalmente, junto con notas sobresalientes en esos cursos, debes demostrar tu capacidad con un GMAT o GRE altos, un tema que trataremos en el siguiente artículo.

Si te gustaría tener una guía professional que te ayude con tus aplicaciones para el MBA, considera los servicios MBA essay editing o MBA Application Packages. Ambos incluyen asesoramiento general, revisión de los ensayos, entrenamiento para las entrevistas, y revisión de tu hoja de vida (Curriculum Vitae).




Por Esmeralda Cardenal, ex Directora Asociada de Admisiones de la Escuela de Negocios de Yale, ex Directora de Admisiones de MBA de Michigan State University, y consultora para Cardiff Business School en el Reino Unido. A Esmeralda le encantaría ayudarte a preparar tu solicitud de admisión al MBA de la mejor manera posible y contestar tus preguntas. Si quieres que Esmeralda te ayude a que te admitan a un programa de MBA, haz click aquí para ponerte en contacto con ella.

Related Resources:

• ¿Cuál MBA es el Mejor Para Tí?

• 5 A’s for Your Low GPA [Podcast Episode]

• How to Apply to B-School With a Low GPA, Part 1

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FROM Accepted.com Blog: Personal Statement Tip: Failure Questions
Facing a failure question? Keep in mind this maxim from Michael Josephson of the Josephson Institute:

“Find the lesson in every failure, and you’ll never fail.”

That concept is the key to successfully answering failure questions on applications and in interviews. 

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FROM Accepted.com Blog: MBA Admissions: Yale SOM and Management Consulting
  

This post about Yale SOM and management consulting is part of a series of interviews of top MBA programs called “MBA Career Goals and the B-Schools that Support Them.” Please subscribe to our blog to ensure that you receive all the interviews exploring the elements at each school that support career goals in finance, consulting, general management, entrepreneurship, marketing and more.

Here is the interview with the Admissions Office and Career Development Office at Yale SOM.

What kind of background and skills do you like to see in applicants expressing interest in a career in management consulting?

The backgrounds for prospective management consultants can vary widely from analyst positions at consulting companies to work experience as part of Teach for America.  The generalist model consulting companies are looking for the “best and brightest” regardless of industry background, so strong analytical skills and communication skills (for example, as demonstrated by high GMAT scores) are essential.  The interview process is extensive and is focused on “casing,” which requires candidates to demonstrate business acumen, problem framing and solution development while engaging in a collaborative discussion with the interviewer.

The generalist consulting companies do value to some degree prior experiences in consulting, finance, operations, or marketing; however those experiences are not essential.

More specialized firms expect undergraduate education and prior experiences in related fields.  For example, healthcare consulting companies consider more candidates that have scientific undergraduate degrees and have worked in the healthcare industry prior to Yale SOM and finance consulting companies consider more candidates with a related financial work experience.

What aspects of your curriculum are best suited to students who want to eventually pursue a career in management consulting?

The “core” course for the strategy curriculum is Competitive Strategy. Students can pursue an ‘emphasis’ in strategy; for those students or students interested in consulting/general management, the second “core” course of the strategy curriculum is Internal Competitive Strategy and the Internal Organization of the Firm. Students considering a career in strategy are also recommended to take Statistical Modeling. Other courses to consider include Technology Strategy, Behavioral Economics and Strategy, and Developing Winning Strategies.

Which school clubs and extra-curricular events are most relevant to people interested in management consulting?

Membership in the Consulting Club is essential for prospective consultants.  The club conducts a curriculum that is focused on case interviewing, enabling students to develop essential techniques and offering an environment for practicing case interviewing in groups and one-on-one.  Additionally, the Club holds case competitions in conjunction with prospective employers, which both sharpen skills and build professional contacts for networking.  Club leads and 2nd year members act as coaches to help students sharpen their resumes, prepare for interviews, and navigate employer opportunities.

Since “management consulting” is a very broad term, can you break down some of the some of the sub-categories in the field that Yale SOM excels in?

A wide variety of consulting firms recruit Yale SOM students, including strategic consulting firms, operational consulting, human capital, financial consulting, healthcare consulting, and innovation consulting.

Which management consulting firms recruit at Yale SOM? How many graduates of your 2010 class received offers from each of these firms?

Many consulting firms recruit at Yale SOM.  A sampling of them includes Bain, BCG, McKinsey, Deloitte, PwC, Booz Allen Hamilton, Arthur D. Little, Charles River Associates, PA Consulting, Casey, Quirk and Associates, CCS Fund Raising, Chartis Group, Frankel Group, The Hay Group, Innosight, Mars Consulting, The Parthenon Group, and Putnam Associates.  Additionally there are many firms that recruit Yale SOM graduates through other channels such as diversity programs.  Approximately 20% of our 2011 students have taken full-time positions at companies within the consulting sector.

Thanks to the Yale SOM Admissions Office and Career Development Office for granting us this interview. 


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FROM Accepted.com Blog: NYU Stern’s Isser Gallogly: Finance from an Admissions Perspective
Part of an ongoing series “MBA in Finance: Forget It?”

My question:

Given the weakness in investment banking, hedge funds, and financial services in general, how do you react to applicants who say they want an MBA to enter IB, PE or a related field that has been devastated by the economic downturn? Is the reaction “What planet have you been on?” Or, are you willing to consider those applicants because you feel the market for these skills will come back in a couple of years? Would you like to know that IB et.al. is the primary goal? Would you like to see a Plan B? Is your reaction different if the applicant is coming from IB or a related field as opposed to someone seeking the MBA to change careers?

Isser Gallogly, NYU Stern‘s Director Full-Time MBA Admissions, and I spoke on the phone. The paraphrase of his response follows:

NYU Stern is, as always, seriously considering applicants who express interest in a career in finance. Financial services firms are still hiring our students. Yes, finance will evolve and change as a result of the financial crisis, but it will not disappear.

Applicants need to be aware of change in the financial markets and field, which is rapid now. We want informed students. When we review applications and interview applicants we want to see how informed they are. Are students actually absorbing and studying the situation? Are they reading The Wall St. Journal? Are they reading the headlines or the full articles? Are they networking in their industries? Can they bring specifics to bear? I sometimes will ask an applicant, “How would you advise Barak Obama?” Some applicants have fantastically informed and specific ideas. Others provide more general and generic responses. That tells me something about the depth and seriousness of that applicant’s interest in finance and economics. Considering the historic events of the last six months, if you are serious about your career in finance, banking, or a related field, you should have an informed opinion.

When the economy is down, we frequently like to know about contingency plans for applicant’s post-MBA career. Students need to be flexible. We are interested in hearing about related, secondary choices.

As I said, finance is not going to disappear. Companies are scaling back, but have not stopped hiring. Stern finance students are still getting multiple offers. When I last checked with Career Management the numbers were looking solid. Some companies are hiring fewer students, but there are companies recruiting too.



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FROM Accepted.com Blog: MBA Interview Feedback Database is Back Up


The MBA Interview Feedback Databaseis back up! We apologize to those of you who attempted to access it and couldn’t.

Many of you are trying to access the questionnaire to share your feedback because this is the last month for the MBA iPad giveaway. The questionnaire is also back up and awaiting your input. You could win a brand new, shiny iPad!

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