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aeglorre
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As a non-US MBA applicant: what documents/info is needed? 11 Dec 2013, 04:46
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Hi, I live in Europe and am interested in applying to several schools. Below I will list the schools Im interested in so that you guys understand in which context Im asking the questions:


* London School of Economics - Msc Fiance or Msc Economics (preferbly Finance)

* London Business School - Msc Finance or MBA (no preference)

* INSEAD - Msc Finance or MBA (no preference)

* IESE - MBA

* Harvard - MBA

* Wharton - MBA

* Stanford - MBA

* Booth - MBA

* Yale - MBA

* Oxford - MBA or Msc Financial Economics (no preference)

* NUY Stern - MBA

* Columbia - MBA



I already know the R2 deadline dates for all aforementioned MBA programs at every school. However, I do NOT know of any deadlines that LSE has for their Msc's so if anyone would kindly help me with that, I would greatly appreciate that.

What Im wondering is:

* Im asuming the MBA and Msc application processes and deadlines are identical, is that true? And if not, in what way do they differ or where can I find the differences?

* Exactly what documents/"papers" such as grades, letters of recomendations etc, do I need to submit in my application process? I have absolutely no idea. Is there a standardized process and is the process in general the same for all schools?

* This might sound like a stupid question, but what exactly is a "letter of recommendation?". In Sweden we have a completely different process at grad schools than you guys have in the US, and thus I have no idea what several aspects of the process actually refer to. Is it a recommendation from past employers? Is there a standardized way the letter should be written in and what it should say about me, or is it basically up to me/the person that writes the recommendation?

* How far in advance would you guys say I need to start planning the application? I barely have any time bandwidth from now until january 1st since Im fully involved in other things, but from january 1st and onwards (especially after january 15th) I have much more time.

* Im taking the GMAT january 15:th, since many/all schools have R2 dates prior to the 15:th, and since a lot of people say R3 is more or less a lost cause, am I screwed? Is there a way for me to notify the ad com of my taking the GMAT at that date and thus send them the results AFTER the R2 date? Or are my only options to apply at R3?


I thank whomever takes their time to read and reply deeply and wish you a great day. Thank you!
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As a non-US MBA applicant: what documents/info is needed? 11 Dec 2013, 05:42
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Looks like you a really new to the process and frankly you are rapidly running out of time. Let's address a few of your queries:

1) If your GMAT is Jan 15th then no you cannot apply for R2 since you need a GMAT result in order to apply. You would have to be in R3 and it's tough for internationals because of potential visa issues. Looks like you are Swedish so it should be relatively straight forward but even if you get admitted in R3 but you cannot get your visa issued in time, your admit will be deferred onto next year.

2) Each school have their own separate applications. Generally you will need an electronic copy of your transcript, resume, 2x letters of recommendations, and finally a number of school-specific essays.

3) Letters of recommendation are written by people you choose, generally a minimum of one being professional and preferably by your direct supervisor. These are not standardised. All of them are filled in online and each school have their own specific recommendation questions / forms. It is NOT up to you to write it. It is solely up to the person who writes it to give frank opinions of you as an individual. In fact schools ask you to waive your right to viewing the recommendations. That being said you are well within your right to prepare your recommenders by reminding of stories and qualities you want them to talk about.

My general view is that since you seem to be completely in the dark over the whole process, I would suggest you wait to apply either in R3 or maybe R1 next year. That way you can prepare adequately.
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As a non-US MBA applicant: what documents/info is needed? 11 Dec 2013, 06:46
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domotron
Looks like you a really new to the process and frankly you are rapidly running out of time. Let's address a few of your queries:

1) If your GMAT is Jan 15th then no you cannot apply for R2 since you need a GMAT result in order to apply. You would have to be in R3 and it's tough for internationals because of potential visa issues. Looks like you are Swedish so it should be relatively straight forward but even if you get admitted in R3 but you cannot get your visa issued in time, your admit will be deferred onto next year.

2) Each school have their own separate applications. Generally you will need an electronic copy of your transcript, resume, 2x letters of recommendations, and finally a number of school-specific essays.

3) Letters of recommendation are written by people you choose, generally a minimum of one being professional and preferably by your direct supervisor. These are not standardised. All of them are filled in online and each school have their own specific recommendation questions / forms. It is NOT up to you to write it. It is solely up to the person who writes it to give frank opinions of you as an individual. In fact schools ask you to waive your right to viewing the recommendations. That being said you are well within your right to prepare your recommenders by reminding of stories and qualities you want them to talk about.

My general view is that since you seem to be completely in the dark over the whole process, I would suggest you wait to apply either in R3 or maybe R1 next year. That way you can prepare adequately.
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Thank you so much for your insight domotron. Your answers help me a lot. I think I might apply for R3 (Columbia only seems to have one round, in april, so that might give me a fair chance?) and in the worst case I re-apply (with better applications) next year.

Some additional questions though: IF I get accepted to Stockholm School of Economics, I enroll in August for their 2 year Msc programme. How do ad coms judge an applicant that already is enrolled in a Msc, do you have any insight? Im asking because their judgement might affect whether or not I enroll in august.

Also, do you know if the application process for the Msc's at LSE and LBS are different from the MBA-process you mention?

Thanks in advance!!