Application Metrics: Your MBA Scorecard - mbaMission Lecture : The B-School Applications

bb · 2012-11-12T11:53:55-08:00

Application Metrics: Your MBA Scorecard a Video Lecture by mbaMission | A part of the 1,000,000 posts celebration How will admissions officers weigh your application? How do admissions officers deal with the situation they face of too many good candidates and not enough seats in the class? They assess each candidate based on an array of factors, from academic potential to leadership experience and potential, to interpersonal skills, to fit with the program. In this session, learn how to asses your own quantitative and qualitative factors to try to understand how you will be viewed by the admissions committee at the school of your dreams...and what you can do to improve that assessment! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=At4CCg6oV-Q Have comments or questions? Post them here Free Tests Day Code: Nov12FreeMBA . You can redeem it here: https://gmatclub.com/tests/price.html just pick the one-day package. 50% off GMAT Apps GMAT Toolkit for iPhone and Android are on 50% sale today 2012-11-12_1157.png

Jessica, thanks for the very informative presentation! I have two questions and would love to hear your opinion on them.

1. Do you think that a nationality which is not that well represented in the MBA applicants pool could be an advantage? (again because of the schools wanting to have more diverse classes)

2. Do business schools prefer candidates having work experience in multinational companies (banking, consulting, auditing) rather than smaller start-up projects? (I agree this sound like a MBA myth, but still if I try to place myself in their "shoes" it should be very difficult for them to really undestand the development withing a smaller-scale business vs. standardized career development in MNC)

Thank you for your time!

1. Yes, absolutely. It won't compensate for a weak profile, but schools do like to build a diverse class.

2. Again, they want to build a diverse class. They will take applicants from many backgrounds. Yes, they like to see big companies because those companies are known quantities. But they also will take people with start up experience. It's always the IMPACT you've had that is more important anyway.

Thanks for earlier answer and insightful presentation. Another question, as someone who recently graduated as business undergrad about 2 yrs ago, now works in tech company in Silicon Valley, and starting to think ahead for an MBA, what considerations should we make to strengthen our profile outside of work environment? What type of certifications or volunteer work would be most compelling for someone without a plethora of leadership experience?

Or more specifically, what type of unique opportunities and from what avenues can we reach out to get involved in? I was thinking micro finance abroad but don't know where to start.

sayuri, what's most important is that you get involved in something that you're passionate about. There is no one activity or type of activity that will necessarily round out your profile better one way than another. If you're passionate about something and enjoy doing it, you'll have an impact, and that's what they're looking for. But if you lack leadership at work, look for it outside - don't just volunteer, organize an event. Offer to chair a committee. etc

Sorry, another question: I feel that over the last 2 years, my role/job in SV Tech company has not offer or condoned much opportunity for advancement, personal growth, and initiative in innovation. Should I be looking to continue to make impact organically within my organization/company or actively look for another position at a different company where there is more opportunity to make meaningful impact?

I've seen people do different options. Sometimes they find a chance outside their job function but at work, other times they find opportunities to make an impact outside of work and other times they end up leaving. The schools like to see that you create your own opportunities - regardless of where. I'm sorry for the vague answer but there is no formula here!

Thanks for your answers. In additional to that question, is there a general guideline for # of years to stay within one role before there is an expectation from schools for advancement or transition to another job/company? Would staying in an analyst role for 2-4 years at a company be looked down upon?

That seems a bit long, but some industries don't promote. The schools are more interested in seeing that your scope of responsibility expanded than that your title changed.

Application Metrics: Your MBA Scorecard - mbaMission Lecture

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