MBA Story (in Chicago)!

Question

Hi all, Just wanted to share my brief application story, as i received a great deal of helpful suggestions here. Thanks again. Here's my general history/bio: - 26 yo, female, white - 3.5 years experience w/ major bank in Fraud Prevention/Audit department as an analyst - Strong undergrad GPA: 3.7/4.0, majored in business (major: decision sciences & minor: economics) I started "school shopping" back in 2003. Knew I wanted to go part-time (work has a good tuition reimbursement plan) and wanted to stay in Chicago. Took the GMAT in April 2004 after completing a Veritas prep course in March 2004. Scored 670 - which I was quite happy about, since I am not the best standardized test taker (had a horrific LSAT experience in a previous life! :stab

) Decided not to retake the test. I started preparing my applications in Jan 2005. Applied to DePaul, U of Chicago, and Kellogg (all part-time) to start in summer 2005. Reviewed/revised my essays (nine in total) for months! :wink:

Interviewed at Kellogg and Chicago GSB. I was quite nervous, but had a good experience at both schools. Very approachable and kind interviewers. They provided a lot of good info as well. The hardest part of the application process for me was "managing" the people writing my letters of recommendation. Namely, my manager. :madd

Don't get me wrong, I love working for her - but she sure did wait til the last minute on the letters! Got my acceptance letter from DePaul first. And got the call from Kellogg earlier this week ... I'm in!!! :banana

I'm just thrilled. Still waiting to hear from U of Chicago. Thanks again for the help/advice throughout the application process. :magic

mckenna · Answer

Hearty Congratulations! 
Kellogs and UChic are great schools. Thanks for sharing.

Praetorian · Answer

congratulations

thanks for sharing your experience. it would be very helpful to our members if you can share your strategies for writing the essays , interview prep, etc.

Praetorian

Hjort · Answer

Congrats!

Thanks for sharing you experiences.

Hjort

ceg · Answer

Thanks for the kind responses. Although there are A LOT of good resources out there, I read Richard Montauk's "How To Get Into the Top MBA Programs" before working on my essays and applications, etc. It allowed me to collect my thoughts, get organized, etc. I made myself complete one entire set of essays (for one school) before doing any others. Also, I forced myself to write the "why do you want your MBA / why now / why our school?" essay first. I made sure I could clearly explain my intentions, need for an MBA, and future goals. This is imperative, IMO. And quite frankly, the rest of the essays came pretty easily after that. I wrote approx one essay a week. I chose 3 people to edit my essays - individuals I trusted - w/ good writing skills & know me well. The hardest part for me was making myself STOP editing and making changes!! I had to force myself to say, "I'm done w/ this essay & I'm moving on!" :rotate

Word of advice: don't lose your original voice in your essays. In other words, don't let friends/family change your essay into something entirely different. Carefully pick/choose what changes & suggestions you want to incorporate. As for the interviews ... I consulted accepted.com and Motauk's chapter on interviewing for possible questions. I then drafted answers to almost all of them. I practiced out loud w/ a friend. Studied my resume, transcript, and essays. Researched the schools like crazy! Made sure I knew about the best professors, what majors I would select at each school, classes I wanted to take, etc. As I mentioned, neither of the interviews were intimidating - the interviewers were friendly and warm. They really wanted to know why I want my MBA, why now, why their school, and my future plans/goals. I was asked to "describe a typical work day" - which was a difficult question for me, since I don't have a very routine job! :suspect

As I'm sure is the case for most people. Best advice for the interviews is to be yourself! (Well, don't be yourself if you're a jerk. :lol:

) Smile, ask questions, be friendly, outgoing, enthusiastic! And make sure you carefully choose and then track the people writing your letters of recommendation. I would even suggest giving them an earlier deadline (vs. the actual application deadline). Take care. I will let you know where I end up going! :flower

Paul · Answer

Fantastic post. I really appreciate your inputs Ceg. All the best at Kellogg(or Chicago)!

ceg · Answer

Hi there,
Well I got into Chicago GSB, too!

I am totally excited - but what to do?!?!
I always thought Kellogg for sure (my dream school) ....

I intend to study Decision Sciences and Management/Strategy ... 

Any suggestions or opinions?

Hjort · Answer

The two schools are pretty even in general reputation, but I would give Northwestern a slight edge in management/strategy.

Paul · Answer

Because of my stronger interest in finance, Chicago would have been my pick. If you want a broader management school and given that Kellogg is already your dream school, go for it! The fit is definitely important now that you have the gift of choice.

chriswil2005 · Answer

ceg, congrats on everything. You deserve it. :wink:

ceg · Answer

hi there, thanks again for the advice/support. accepted the kellogg offer ... starting in june! can't wait.

thanks again.

kwasi7 · Answer

hello ceg, Congrats again on those two great admits. Looking at your writing flare makes me think Kellogg will be a better fit for you. Anyway that's not to say that Chicago is ................ :wink:

MBA Story (in Chicago)!

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