IMP Q&A from today's chat
Q: Do you think that candidates who are 30-32 years old have a tougher time getting into business schools as opposed to those in the mid-late 20s?
A: a great question! Depends largely on the school. Generally speaking, you can assume that Top 10 programs will be tougher. However, 30 is not far off from their range. Would encourage you to apply and just be cognizant that the higher ranked programs will be the tougher - but they are anyway!
Q: I am from India and post MBA I wish to have a career in management consulting. Can you provide a brief overview over the traits that adcom wish to see in such a candidate?
A: What you’ll want to focus on are the traits that the *school* is looking for. Go here to see how each school ranks (this is for top 10 and 20 programs)
https://aringo.com/top-mba-programs/ Click on each school you are interested in, and scroll down to "What is (Kellogg) looking for in a candidate?" You’ll immediately notice that they ALL say leadership first. But beyond leadership, each one of these schools has their own desired traits. Kellogg for example ranks teamwork highly! Then you can go here to see how they are defined/examples of the trait - we call them admissions drivers!
https://aringo.com/mba-admission-drivers/ We have lots of other free resources on our site, help yourself and enjoy!
Q: Yale SOM published R1 results yesterday. Many of our forum members have been waitlisted. Would you like to give any tips/advice to them? What to do, What NOT to do, etc.?
A: Excellent question about Yale. My biggest tip is to NOT wait quietly! now is the time to submit those additional letters of recommendation, update the SOM on any accomplishments since submitting your application - promotions, successful projects or other undertakings. Instructions on where to submit here:
https://som.yale.edu/yale-som-waitlist And, by way of a shameless plug for
ARINGO - we can help! Waitlist strategy is one of our many areas of expertise. Register here for info:
https://aringo.com/mba-process-registration/Q: If I sent my interviewer a "thank you" email and did not get a response, is that a bad sign?
A: Not at all, you can assume that your interviewer conducted many interviews and is quite busy. It is also possible that the school asks them not to communicate for a period of time after the interview to avoid conflicts.
Q: Is it advisable to give personal stories in your apps? I know Stanford wants that (what matters most to you and why), but what of other top MBA institutions?
A: A great question not easy to answer quickly! Overall, yes, IF: you can demonstrate why you are a solid candidate thru this story and IF it is relevant and answers their question!