CobraKai:
Thanks for the info. My "real" goal is closer to starting my own business than "placement" in the Bay Area. But I'll research McCombs a bit to just see if I like it. Thanks!
domotron:
"pick an application you thought was the best" - I think that's a great idea. Didn't think about that.
Thanks also for the example of classes. So you're saying that schools don't prefer one class over another, so I can just pick what I'm interested in taking, as long as it's quant?
"The tough part was the 3 schools you applied to in R1 are extremely competitive and applying to any school in round 3 is basically a lottery even with a good GPA." - yea, I am realizing this too late. It seems to be equating my efforts to applying to 3 schools in R2, ha.
cheetarah1980:
Thank you for discussing your own experience. This really helps with the process as well as moral support, haha.
You brought up many good points which lead to some questions/response I have...
1. I understand the need to "position myself," but I'm not sure if I was able to "positioning the hell out of it." I suppose that a ding analysis would be able to help me a bit in this respect. But just wondering, what was your process in doing this? Did you seek out a consulting service? And how much did that help you, if you did?
2. You are probably correct in that my career progression did not look very strong on paper either. Short of asking for promotions, what do you think I can do to mitigate its negative effects? (I mean, I've always thought that I have a great job, it's just that in software consulting, we really don't have management roles, and at least our company gives few raises.) Do you think this warrants an optional essay, more than my low GPA? Or can I mention both in the optional essays?
3. I thought about how "realistic" a goal in entrepreneurship would sound to a business school. I tried to make it more realistic by demonstrating my professional experiences in multiple industries, as well as funding community organizations. But I see what you mean. I'm not sure if I have "something in-between" (that Dakells mentioned) that would sound any more realistic that I can be passionate about. But I will give it further thought.
4. As for my recommenders, I chose the two who are sincerely supportive of me, who thinks highly of my work, etc. As it happens, one of them was the manager/director who hired me in 2006, the other was the client manager I've worked with for almost 5 years and still currently work with now. Do you think the first selection, being so long ago, is irrelevant? But he is very very supportive and willing to rework his recommendations for me after my rejections. Should I replace him with my current HR manager who had back-stabbed me once before? (I really don't want to, but I don't have many choices, being a consultant.) Also, how can I obtain the stellar recommendations I need? Discussing over a cup of tea is not feasible as we are physically very far away (CA to DC). How do other applicants usually do this? I used emails as my main form of communication with my recommenders - sent them my goals, resume, highlights, and a few things schools are looking for, and they did them from there. Bad idea?
Dakells:
I'm not sure I can find something related to starting a business that is "a goal that was close to my real goal but more related to what I have experience doing." I think it is great advice, however, and I will try my best to link experience with goal better.
"Did you give your recommenders some guidance on qualities you are trying to show and remind them if specific times your showed those qualities" - I tried doing this in general, to go with my "positioning," however, I couldn't get my recomenders to tailor them to each school - I think that's too much work for them and I better not bug them that much, lest they couldn't finish doing them. Also, unless the schools publish them directly, sometimes I'm not really sure, even after extended research, what the distinct qualities they value are. Any suggestions on how else to improve recommendations?
Thank you for mentioning your experience with Berkeley Extension. Can you elaborate? I am deciding between UCLA Extension and Berkeley Extension right now. Did you take the courses online? Was the professor knowledgeable? responsive? Courses easy enough to get an A? Were they time-consuming? Software easy to use? (I was almost going to PM you these questions, but then I thought if they are on the forum, it may benefit others who are deciding on somewhere to take courses online as well.) Thanks!
ricecake:
Yup, I did. One of my friends from Berkeley is currently in that program. However, I really really want the full-time experience, so I'm trying again this application season. In case I fail, I may look into that (and other part-times). But I'm really hoping I don't get there.
Again, thanks to everyone for all your advice. They really helped in making up my mind on what to do now. I've pretty much decided on a ding analysis. I know I need to rework my essays/recommendations(how?), and maybe I can do something about my work experience (what?). I am still considering taking 2 classes online (if they are not that hard/time-consuming). If nothing else, just to show that I'm seriously making an effort, and be able to answer the "what did you do in the past year as a reapplicant" question.
I know I'm asking a lot, but please answer my questions above. Any new advice is of course welcome.