Thanks to everyone that came by, especially our guest Linda Abraham. Here is a transcript for those that missed it.
21:01 Linda Hello.
21:02 mib_vr7os8 hello
21:02 hamm0 Hi Linda!
21:02 Linda Hi!
21:02 hamm0 Small showing so far.. people have been filtering in though.
21:02 Linda Thanks for recommending my book yesterday on Twitter!
21:02 hamm0 No problem! I haven't had a chance to read it yet - In the middle of a heated battle with Ross essays.
21:02 Linda We can wait a couple of minutes to officially start. or we can start now.
21:03 Linda whatever you want.
21:03 hamm0 Up to you.
21:03 mib_vr7os8 saw the link for this chat on twitter, thank you for the opportunity
21:03 Linda Hamm0. No problem.
21:03 +++ hamm0 has given halfop to Linda
21:03 hamm0 you're the boss
21:03 +++ hamm0 has given op to Linda
21:03 hamm0 there we go. My mistake.
21:03 Linda Does anyone have a question they wnt to ask?
21:04 Linda FYI typos don't count here.
21:04 hamm0 lol.
21:04 hamm0 I'll let these guys start, unless they don't have anything...?
21:05 Linda Well if no one has a question, I have one for you?
21:05 Linda How do you like the minimalist applications?
21:05 Linda Are they a relief (less writing) or a concern (less room)?
21:06 hamm0 I'd be more on the relief side. I think Wharton knocked their questions out of the park this year.
21:06 chouman Hi Linda! Hi Hamm0!
21:06 Linda Hi chouman.
21:06 chouman and mib!
21:06 Linda anyone else?
21:07 hamm0 Darden's essay kind of concerns me, though there are rumors that the more "standard" questions will remain in the acutal application.
21:07 hamm0 (like last year)
21:07 chouman I looked through previous years, and it seemed like the old ones gave you more to fall back on with past people's essays or samples as guides
21:07 jumsumtak morning/evening everyone
21:07 mib_vr7os8 Yale is doing a video question this year...what advice to you have for that?
21:07 chouman The new one's definitely give room to more "personalization"
21:07 Linda I think more and more info is going to "hidden" in short answers in the app.
21:07 Linda That's certainly what HBS did.
21:07 hamm0 "hidden" work too
21:08 Linda mib, my first piece of advice is to practice in front of a vide.
21:08 Linda it is very different from writing and very different from speaking.
21:08 chouman That makes filling out the apps themselves seem like extra work. I hate character limits and not being able to cut in paste in browsers
21:08 Linda It is even different from talking on Skype.
21:09 Linda Make sure you smile and gesture as if you are talking to a real person.
21:09 mib_vr7os8 ok, should it be treated as a job interview or more like a conversation?
21:09 Linda a job interview is a conversation, just a professional one.
21:09 Linda I would treat it like a professional conversation.
21:10 mib_vr7os8 ok ty
21:10 Linda But don't be wooden.
21:10 hamm0 Linda how many applications do you think is too many for 1 round?
21:10 hamm0 (i'm waiting for the "it depends" answer)
21:11 Linda You can do 4-5 comfortably while working.
21:11 Linda Get much over that, and I think quality could start to suffer.
21:11 Linda hamm0, just wait. I'll get there. I'm sure.
21:11 hamm0 Got it. I'm hoping to push 6 though in R1 this year. We'll see how that works out, though.
21:12 hamm0 Feel free to jump in with questions guys/gals...
21:12 jumsumtak hamm, I think we can do 6 with fewer essay questions (if our recs are ready)
21:12 Linda Any questions for me?
21:13 Linda How many of you are aiming for R1?
21:13 jumsumtak *raises hand*
21:13 chouman I'm aiming for R1
21:13 hamm0 same.
21:13 mib_vr7os8 is waiting for round 3 too risky? Should one wait for round 3 to bolster application?
21:13 chouman but staggering my applications R1, R2 with some top choices in both
21:14 Linda mib, you should apply as soon as your app represents you well.
21:14 Linda If it doesn't represent you well, wait.
21:14 Linda R3 is somewhat of a tricky question.
21:14 jumsumtak Linda, what should be the strategy for Booth's ppt. Also, I'm playing to pick and drop a lot of stuff from that in this year's MIT optional essay. (some tweaking for school specifics and story of course)
21:14 Linda for more on R3, please see
https://blog.accepted.com/2013/01/13/sho ... next-year/ 21:14 jumsumtak *planning
21:15 Linda chouman, I like applying in both R1 and R2, especially if you are applying to more than 4-5 programs.
21:15 mib_vr7os8 thank you Linda
21:16 chouman Linda, can you talk about whether or not to apply to "safety" schools?
21:16 Linda jum, just one sec on that.
21:16 jumsumtak no problem
21:16 Linda chouman, I believe in safety schools provided that you have safety schools that support your professional goal.
21:17 Linda There are some who really should only apply to elite programs because they have super jobs now and have super-star goals.
21:18 Linda But for most, who can achieve most or all of their goals at let's say a good regional school if they are not accepted to an top tier, then safety schools are a good idea.
21:18 chouman Thanks. So it really means clarifying goals before narrowing down schools, right?
21:19 Linda YES! chouman
21:19 Linda My mantra
21:19 Linda And also assessing your qualifications vis a vis th e school's typical class.
21:19 Linda Getting back to the PPT for Chicago.
21:20 Linda If you are more comfortable with PPT, use it. If you are more comfortable with words, write the essay.
21:20 chouman Does that also need to balanced with overall flexibility (general brand of program)? I hear a good number of people change goals during their time at the MBA program.
21:21 Linda chouman, I'm guessing that we are still discussing the safety school question, and yes general brand or reputation of the program would be part of it. But your steadfastness in terms of goals would also be a factor and influence how important that flexibility is to you.
21:22 Linda presumably if a student's goals change, it's usually because they become aware of an opportunity while in the MBA program and it is something to do with the program.
21:22 Linda It's not impossible that they could be disconnected, but less likely.
21:22 jumsumtak got that Linda. what I meant was, what should be the focus (content-wise) for the ppt.
21:23 Linda jum, the content, much like with HBS' optional essay, is what do you want Booth to know about you that isn't found elsewhere in the app.
21:23 Linda That could be challenges overcome.
21:23 Linda It could be context for achievements discussed either on your resume or job history or activity list.
21:24 Linda It could be motivation for your particular path to date or in the future.
21:24 Linda This one really does depend on you.
21:24 jumsumtak got it. thanks!
21:24 Linda I knew we'd hit an "it depends."
21:24 hamm0
21:25 jumsumtak yea. i realized we would. Hard to get through a lot of questions without going there
21:25 amogedon7 What is this chat room used for?
21:25 hamm0 Ha. I got an easier one for you..
21:25 hamm0 Linda - back to spreading apps between R1 & R2.. I'm a bit confused on the timeline. If you were to get an admit in R1, and still applied in R2, wouldn't you have to place a deposit down at your R1 acceptance before you hear from your R2 application?
21:25 hamm0 amogedon7 - we chat about a lot of stuff in here. Right now Linda from
accepted.com is graciously doing a Q&A with us.
amogedon7 generally, how old are the people on this website?
21:26 Linda Unless you applied early decision, like CBS and a few other schools have ED programs, most schools give you until March or April to get back to them even if you applied R1.
21:26 chouman Linda, thanks for the reply on safety schools!
21:26 amogedon7 not neccesarily exact age like college, post college, pre college
21:26 Linda However, check with the individual programs to make sure you will not have to be shelling out deposits while you wait to hear from R2 schools.
21:26 Linda also, you can apply to the top choice programs R1 and if accepted, you don't need to apply R2.
21:27 hamm0 Oh ok - That was my confusion. Thanks.
21:27 hamm0 I thought the deposit date was much earlier than you thought.
21:27 hamm0 *than I thought.
21:27 hamm0 can't talk & type...
21:27 mib_vr7os8 Linda when you get a chance to answer...how do you feel about going straight from undergraduate to B-School...e.g. programs like Yale Silver Scholars? And do you know what the possible acceptance rate is for these?
21:27 Linda Double check, most programs do give you some time.
21:27 Linda again, early decision programs are different.
21:27 hamm0 Got it, thanks.
21:28 Linda With Yale Silver Scholars is a program where you start your MBA program immediately after your MBA.
21:29 Linda Then you work for a year in an "extended internship."
21:29 Linda then you will take your 2nd year of the MBA program.
21:29 chouman amogedon7: Post college with 4 years work experience here
21:29 Linda Personally, I like better the 2+2 model where you work full time for two years before starting the MBA studies.
21:29 Linda Same with the Stanford deferred admission program.
21:30 hamm0 2+2 certainly seems to make more sense..
21:30 Linda I agree.
21:30 hamm0 Linda I have a school specific question for you.
21:30 Linda Ok. I'll see if I can help.
21:30 hamm0 I'm writing my essay's for Ross right now - i'm sure your familiar with how they broke apart the career goals essay into 3 parts (150 words each).
21:31 hamm0 How big of a deal is it to maintain the 150/150/150 split, versus coming in at 450 words all together?
21:31 hamm0 for example, could I do something like 100/200/150?
21:31 Linda yes.
21:32 Linda I don't think you have to be exactly at 150/150/150, but I think you should be closer than you indicate.
21:32 Linda Your 200-word one is 1/3 over. That's a lot.
21:32 Linda At the same time, if there is some critical reason why you want to do it that way and it make sense for you situation, then take the risk.
21:33 Linda they want you to be responsible adults.
21:33 jumsumtak similar question - how much is too much? is +7/8% on all essays a definite red flag?
21:34 hamm0 Got it. I was just confused since the 150 word boxes really seem to constrain my answer and make it hard to put my story forward. That said, I don't want to get in trouble for not following directions either.
21:34 Linda But don't create a situation where they believe you were just lazy or sloppy or didn't feel like following directions. it'll need to be obviousl from the content why you did what you did, and you certainly dont' want to use characters explaining it.
21:34 Linda jum, our rule of thumb for years has been up to 10% over.
21:35 Linda Now some forms will limit characters and you have to make sure that you are not dealing with an app that simply stops after the character imit.
21:35 jumsumtak yep. So, if my school has 4 essays, can I go +10% in, say, 3 out of 4. (I know I'm being lame but the very short questions are a pain)
21:37 Linda As long as the application doesn't cut you off, and most do not, then yes. But 10% isn't 15% or 20%.
21:37 jumsumtak gotcha! thanks.
21:38 jumsumtak haas specific question, Linda:
21:38 jumsumtak should I assume adcom will go through the lyrics once (for the song question)
21:38 jumsumtak or should I make the essay self-explanatory (that means cutting down stuff as it is only a 250 word prompt)
21:39 mib_vr7os8 how much is a typical app fee? or deposit after acceptance?
21:40 Linda jum, I would be as succint as possible.
21:40 Linda Only quote the lyrics that are relevant to your point.
21:41 Linda mib, that varies. it also varies at different times. Check with the individual schools.
21:41 mib_vr7os8 thank you
21:42 Linda Any other questions?
21:43 chouman Linda, I have an employment gap for about 2 years. I spent that time volunteering at a Learning institute mentoring and tutoring. Also took a language class
21:43 Linda chouman, were you unemployed by choice and did you intend to do this?
21:44 +++ ChanServ has given op to xgineer
21:44 chouman 1) Should I include these elements on my resume? 2) Do I need to write a full essay on this topic or just fill in a short-answer under the employment section on the app
21:44 Linda Does this volunteering have anything to do with your business goals?
21:44 xgineer Hi Linda
21:45 chouman Yes by choice. Relocated from Chicago to Taiwan. Wanted international work experience. Volunteered while I built up business language skills. Then networked to find current position.
21:45 Linda chouman, you definitely want to indicate that you were volunteering full-time during this period.
21:45 Linda You don't just want a gap.
21:45 chouman indicate through resume? or?
21:45 Linda Other wise treat your volunteering as a job. Focus on achievements and impact.
21:45 xgineer Linda, are work recommendations always preferred over extracurricular recommendations?
21:46 Linda chouman, that shouldn't be a problem.
21:46 chouman guess what i want to know is whether or not to spend my essay on this aspect or will putting it on my resume with accomplishments/achievements be enough?
21:46 Linda xgineer, professional recommendation are almost always preferred over EC recs, unless a school specifies otherwise.
21:47 xgineer Hmm, thanks Linda
21:47 Linda Again, you know your story and sometimes for you as an individual, it may make sense to ask for an EC rec, but that would definitely be an exception -- unless the school requests one.
21:48 Linda chouman, I would have to know more about you and what you are including and might omit before I respond.
21:49 Linda Any other questions?
21:49 xgineer No, thank you Linda
21:49 hamm0 Would it look disingenuous to pick up an EC at this stage in the game, assuming I'm applying R1?
21:50 hamm0 Its something I'd love to do, but I'm wondering if the adcom would look at it a little funny, like I'm trying to pad my app.
21:50 chouman Okay. But overall you do think this is one aspect I need to be careful and present well. Thanks for your thoughts.
21:50 Linda It's not a question of disingenuous. It's simply not as valuabe as something you had been doing for months or years.
21:50 Linda That does't mean it's worthless or disingenuous.
21:51 mib_vr7os8 Do you recommend visiting the school before applying?
21:51 Linda Remember, while you certainly hope you will be accepted R1. you can't be positive that will happen.
21:51 chouman hamm0: does it tie to your passions and previous ECs in some way? that could make it less suspect
21:51 Linda And if you start somethign now and maintain the commitment and if you are waitlisted in the winter, suddenly this commitment isn't so short.
21:51 Linda And if course if you are rejected and have to re apply, it is very real.
21:52 Linda mib. YES!
21:52 hamm0 got it. I plan on doing it anyway, I was just wondering what, if any, impact it would have (+ve or -ve).
21:52 Linda If at all possible.
21:52 Linda It isn't always possible, but if it is, it can only help.
21:52 Linda You will do a much better job on "Why this school" if you visit.
21:52 Linda You may also decide not to apply to certain schools after you visit.
21:52 hamm0 mib - I got a lot of info I'm using in my essays from my school visits.
21:53 hamm0 Its good ammunition for the essay.
21:53 hamm0 Ross specifically asks "As you have researched MBA programs, what actions have you taken to learn more about Ross and what has led you to believe that Ross is the right MBA program for you?"
21:53 Linda Exactly Hamm0
21:53 mib_vr7os8 thank you
21:53 hamm0 I can really unload with that info there.
21:53 Linda Please see
https://www.accepted.com/mba/fit.aspx#Visits Linda any other questions?
21:54 hamm0 believe chouman is working on one...
21:54 chouman any thoughts on how to make up for not being able to visit? (reaching out to online research/alum/current students/webinars/etc are what i'm doing now)
21:55 Linda Sure.
21:55 Linda Atttend school receptions and fairs.
21:55 Linda Sign up for online events sponsored by schools.
21:55 Linda Yes, reach out to current students and recent alumni.
21:56 hamm0 Do you think school's care how much interaction you have with the admissions staff, Linda?
21:56 chouman some of the videos give a decent feel of campus and surroundings.. tho of course marketing materials are always cast in a positive light
21:56 Linda You may also want to contact a few of the clubs that you are particularly interested in, espeically those related to your career goals.
21:56 Linda hamm0, yes.
21:56 hamm0 During my visits, I was much more focused on meeting students clubs than I was on meeting the admissions people.. was that a mistake?
21:56 Linda Too much is bad!
21:57 chouman not sure how to get a feel of actual classes, profs, and content though. ideas?
21:57 Linda Quality of interaction will trump quantity.
21:57 Linda This is not a question of facetime.
21:57 Linda Or even email time.
21:58 Linda hamm0, not a mistake.
21:58 Linda I think you used your time well.
21:58 hamm0 but its important to have your name known somewhat? For example, during my Ross visit I didn't meet a single adcom member, since they were busy interviewing for R2 people...
21:58 Linda you can ask to attend classes Chouman.
21:58 Linda That's a good idea.
21:59 Linda hamm0, did you sign up for an info session?
21:59 chouman i'm in taiwan though so as much as i'd love to visit... not currently an option for me
21:59 hamm0 yes
21:59 Linda Did you contact htem to attend a class?
21:59 hamm0 yep
21:59 Linda Then they know you were there.
21:59 hamm0 but thats just a basic form on their website..its not actual interaction?
21:59 hamm0 ok.
21:59 hamm0 thanks
21:59 Linda Also, then it goes back to how you used the insights you got in either the app or the interview.
21:59 Linda hamm0, I suspect it goes into a DB.
22:00 jumsumtak yep. I think it does.
22:00 Linda chouman, given that you're in Taiwan, I wouldn't worry about it, but do take advantage or receptions and events near you.
chouman yes. definitely! i'm heading to a sloan on the road event this sunday
22:00 Linda Great Chouman
22:01 chouman and there's a mba tour coming end of august
22:01 Linda One last question, then it's time for dinner in the Abraham household.
22:01 chouman i'm only bummed that some of my target programs haven't set up such events here
22:01 Linda see if they have online events, Chouman.
22:01 chouman will do!
22:02 jumsumtak I think we're done here Linda. Thank you so much for taking out time today and have a good meal
22:02 chouman Linda, can you talk about your own MBA and its value? i gain a lot of insight from people who already have the degree. And then do you think it's value is different to when you got it?
22:02 Linda Thanks a lot. good luck everyone!
22:03 chouman Oops! Probably got my question in too late.
22:03 mib_vr7os8 Thank you Linda
22:03 hamm0 bumemr Chouman.
22:03 hamm0 Thanks for doing this Linda - Looking forward to reading your book. Come back anytime!
close
31 May 2013, 09:13
