jbug wrote:
gambelda wrote:
christinemmx86 wrote:
Yea I'm sure the application change also has a lot to do with the increase. 1 recommendation and 1 essay is a lot less intimidating and a lot easier to sneak in last minute.
I'm no expert but here's what I'd predict:
-yield will drop slightly (it's easier to tack on as a safety now)
-the 1 essay won't allow personality to be a huge factor in the decision process (this is super unfortunate as the culture and legacy/network of its grads aren't where I think they belong) [I was interviewed at the 3 M7 schools I applied to and not at Anderson - really feel like my story had no place in their short application as it was probably what earned me an interview everywhere else]
+ rankings will be bumped up for selectivity - those GMAT's and GPA's will inevitably be going up with more applicants
+ application volume will be a huge headline for them to flaunt moving into next year's recruitment season
I'm still a fan of Anderson but my interactions as an applicant have brought my liking of them to diminish.
-Perhaps I'm just a disgruntled applicant but I felt the least appreciated here (emails sent to admissions weren't responded to, student interactions were terse, people i was passed along to contact never replied, class visit was dull). Alumni didn't seem interested in figuring out my fit but instead were set on sharing their accomplishments. Sadly I thought this would be a friendlier and more familial experience but in reaching out, the LA girl in me just about crossed this school off her list.
Try visiting Marshall in close proximity to UCLA and see how different the two are. It's uncanny how much more welcoming, friendlier and close knit SC is. Again i'm very torn and much of it has to do with rankings (which I should get over) but UCLA has been disappointing as an applicant. Perhaps if I'm accepted they'll welcome me in a totally different way.
But being totally transparent - these are experiences that will leave scars regardless of the traction I may or may not make this month. As schools BEYOND my league have accepted me - I still felt more welcome as a reach applicant there than I have as someone who has gone out of their way to show love for Anderson.
Ha really? I felt the exact opposite. My USC application process was HORRIBLE.
Can you provide details on these horrible experiences? As far as my experiences have been throughout the application process, I submitted my application, experienced one technical difficulty (by the admin office's fault) causing a delay in the review of my application. They apologized for the issue and there's not much else to do about it. I wouldn't call that a horrible experience. Can anybody share their experiences, which have turned them off?
Again I'll stand by this school being my first choice until I actually applied. And in theory and on paper I still think there's plenty of great things to say about Anderson.
However as someone so ready to fall deeper in love as an applicant, I quickly felt like a number on campus. Particularly with admissions. Despite being "networked" with people on adcom to reach out to, I NEVER heard back. (I also called numbers handed to me referencing specifics) - and students were the ones referring me. There was also an adcom member who told me specifically to message them …. again NO RESPONSE.
There are key people on their leadership team who have been quoted saying some pretty strong statements about business, non-profits, and government of which I fundamentally don't agree with. I'm NO EXPERT but it was off-putting hearing a program take an active stance against integrating certain spheres of business I deeply believe in. They're not alone in this and may be smart in taking a strong stance…. but in this regard, I ideologically found Anderson not to be a match for me. It was odd as students shared a very different opinion on the matter when I was early in the application process. Perhaps a recent shift but one that I didn't enjoy learning about.
I think the students at UCLA are definitely quality people and this year's incoming class will no doubt be the same (if not numerically "better") with their uptick in apps. What I think is unfortunate though is their new "easier" app. There's no space to really share your story and 1 rec is a bit redic considering how standard my interview was. In hearing back from a certain school further north and hearing why I was accepted on the phone, literally everything brought up were elements I had NO SPACE to mention on my LA app. Makes me wonder what they're looking for and how they can find it. It was a tough choice withdrawing but having been admitted I'd be stealing a spot from someone who wants it more than me.
Side note : My class visit was also disappointing. Students didn't have the camaraderie I saw at other schools and the prof was dull with the content. And again I WANTED TO LOVE IT SO BADLY. Maybe it was a bad day ?
The school is on a clear mission to improve its ranking (and what's wrong with that!?) but sadly i think it will be at the expense of the personality and soul I now realize means more to me in my school.
I come from a family of Bruins and even went so far as to regret choosing not to attend for undergrad. The school as a whole I still appreciate. Anderson however I found to just not be a match for myself. With the history I have, this wasn't a conclusion I jumped to quickly. It occurred slowly and over time. I visited multiple times, spoke with a lot of students, and networked with some alumni via my Anderson parents. In the end it just felt hollow. It's hard to explain. And FYI I'm a pretty "unconventional" applicant so my metrics could be COMPLETELY off and different so please don't destroy me for my honesty.
I hate posting this in here but wanted to reply to the question asked and just be honest. If you get in and loved your experience. GO BRUINS! There was no shortage of people who shared their love for UCLA (and my parents are still fervent Bruins). However if you're on the fence or get rejected - perhaps something more fitting is on the horizon for you as I learned is the case for me.
Good luck this week guys and hope my withdrawal helps someone out!
Updated on: 24 Mar 2014, 10:25
Too bad to hear that your top choice went down a few positions, but I can understand, I had a similar experience with other schools when I was deciding where to apply and as a consequence of that I didn't. Anyway, I think the vibe of the school is an important factor, and it is great to hear you have found another school where you feel welcome.
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