Engineers - Is the free Vocaz Chances Indication accurate? : The B-School Applications

ahish · 2010-11-29T07:08:47-08:00

Hi, I'm an engineer looking to apply to some of the US MBA programs, but i want to make sure i have a fair chance before starting this long process. i was trying to get some chances indication and stumbled upon this tool: https://www.vocaz.com/ClientInfo/Chances ... n27985.htm It supposed to predict my chances of admission. i did the calculations and my results were too pesimistic in my opinion i have undergrad degree in Mechanical Engineering and almost 2 years of work experience. not much, i know... anyone else tried it? found it accurate in retrospective? cheers, ahish

Leo24

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16 Jun 2011, 10:23

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How important do you think the recommendations are anyway? what is their weight in the whole application package?
I mean, the essays and the GMAT are probably the most important things, right?

ahish

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30 Jun 2011, 04:35

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Well, according to Vocaz https://www.vocaz.com/Requirements.htm the recommendations weight is around 10%-15%, and the GMAT and GPA are estimated as 20% each.

bizwiz6

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08 Jul 2011, 02:31

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Leo24

How important do you think the recommendations are anyway? what is their weight in the whole application package?
I mean, the essays and the GMAT are probably the most important things, right?

Recommendations are very important in my opinion, otherwise schools wouldn't ask for them. the recommendations should complement your essays and mention the same characteristics you claim to have, maybe even tell the same story (like your greatest accomplishment from your supervisor's point of view).

ahish

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08 Jul 2011, 04:10

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bizwiz6

Leo24

How important do you think the recommendations are anyway? what is their weight in the whole application package?
I mean, the essays and the GMAT are probably the most important things, right?

Recommendations are very important in my opinion, otherwise schools wouldn't ask for them. the recommendations should complement your essays and mention the same characteristics you claim to have, maybe even tell the same story (like your greatest accomplishment from your supervisor's point of view).

I'm with you on that, great tip!

Steve2014

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14 Jul 2011, 08:10

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Hi,
speaking of recommendations, what would you do in case the applicant works in a family business? wouldn't it seem wrong to provide a recommendation from a family member?

ahish

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21 Jul 2011, 00:22

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you're right, it's a complicated situation... maybe I'd explain why i'm providing a recommendation from a family member, or maybe try to get one from a peer or even a client.

brainiac

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28 Jul 2011, 00:34

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I think that recommendations from family members are ususally frowned upon, and you should try to avoid it anyway you can.

Leo24

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04 Aug 2011, 05:38

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I agree, don't do that, it looks very unprofessional. try to find other recommenders, even from your previous job or college.

ahish

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18 Aug 2011, 07:53

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By the way, I just saw they posted some recommenders selection guidelines on their blog, maybe it can help:
https://blog.vocaz.com/2011/07/choose-yo ... ely-2.html
https://blog.vocaz.com/2011/06/choose-yo ... isely.html

Leo24

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26 Aug 2011, 00:19

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ahish

By the way, I just saw they posted some recommenders selection guidelines on their blog, maybe it can help:
https://blog.vocaz.com/2011/07/choose-yo ... ely-2.html
https://blog.vocaz.com/2011/06/choose-yo ... isely.html

That's great, thanks for the links!

ahish

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09 Sep 2011, 23:39

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Speaking of recommenders, when you list your recommenders on the application form you have to choose if you waive your right to see the recommendations - why do they ask that? do you think it has any effect on admission chances?

brainiac

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19 Sep 2011, 00:17

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Although waiving your right to see the recommendation gives your recommenders more "freedom" to be honest, I don't think it has any impact on the admission chances. This is just something they have to ask, since otherwise they would have to let you see your recommendations.

Steve2014

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26 Sep 2011, 05:03

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You're probably right, but i think it's still better for the applicant to waive his right to see the recs. it shows confidence and honesty.

chris55

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02 Oct 2011, 23:24

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While we are on that subject, does anyone know which schools allow (or forbid) submitting one additional recommendation letter, in addition to the required two?

Steve2014

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09 Oct 2011, 23:47

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As far as I know - NYU, Tuck and Darden for example allow additional rec, while HBS, Stanford, Kellogg and Berkeley for example does not allow additional rec.
Some schools say that if you want to submit one additional rec, this rec should add a different angle and provide new info.

ahish

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01 Nov 2011, 02:04

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Steve2014

As far as I know - NYU, Tuck and Darden for example allow additional rec, while HBS, Stanford, Kellogg and Berkeley for example does not allow additional rec.
Some schools say that if you want to submit one additional rec, this rec should add a different angle and provide new info.

Thanks for sharing, good to know, although it's hard enough to find 2 recommenders, where would I find a third?

Leo24

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08 Nov 2011, 04:10

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Of course it's hard, but don't underestimate the importance of recommendations. if the school allows a 3rd rec, you should definitely use it. try to find someone who can comment on your skills from a different perspective, maybe a client or a peer.

Engineers - Is the free Vocaz Chances Indication accurate?

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