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Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog

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Stanford GSB Expands Course on Female Entrepreneurship [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   26 Dec 2014, 08:00
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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Stanford GSB Expands Course on Female Entrepreneurship

Stanford Graduate School of Business‘s course on female business leaders has become so popular it has a lengthy waiting list. According to a recent profile in Fortune, “Entrepreneurship from the Perspective of Women,” taught by Professor Fern Mandelbaum, will now be offered as a full, quarter course, beginning in 2015.

The idea for the course came ten years ago, when Professor Garth Saloner, currently dean of the Stanford GSB, created a two-week seminar on female entrepreneurship with the simple goal of exposing business students to a multitude of entrepreneurship examples.

According to the current course description, this seminar shows how successful women entrepreneurs navigated finding an idea, forming and building a team, being an effective leader, raising money, overcoming setbacks, and assembling a board. It also explores some of the unique challenges women face when approaching entrepreneurship.

“Something that we talk a lot about [in the class] is, ‘how do you use your differences as strengths?’” Mandelbaum tells Fortune. “And [these feelings] could come from being an Asian or African-American person or an introverted male. It’s not just women, but the fact of the matter is, 50 percent of the population is women, and many of them view their differences as weaknesses.”

Female enrollment at the Stanford GSB currently stands at 42%, and perceptions are evolving so that participants no longer view the topics covered in the course as women-specific issues; rather, they are simply people issues, and are important for anyone who wants to be successful in today’s diverse business environment.

“Everything in the class is as important for men as it is for women,” Mandelbaum says.
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6 Tips for Acing Your MBA Interview [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   29 Dec 2014, 07:00
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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: 6 Tips for Acing Your MBA Interview
There is no mute button in an admissions interview to get into a top business school, and since this is one of a handful of opportunities for face time you’ll have with someone from the AdCom team, you’ll need to do all that you can to make the time count.

Keep in mind, the interaction in an MBA interview speaks volumes about what kind of teammate you will be when you are in the program, so make sure the right message is coming across loud and clear.

Here are six interview tactics that will leave them wanting more of you.

1)    THERE’S NO PRIZE FOR ANSWERING THE FASTEST! Business school interviews are as much about getting to know you as they are about getting to know how you think.   The interviewer isn’t going to endorse you based on how fast you answer a question, but they are going to hold it against you if you answer a question without understanding it. So if you’re stumped by a question, ask for clarification. And don’t be afraid to take a moment to ponder your answer.  A well-thought answer is never a bad thing!

2)    BE A BROKEN RECORD.  What’s the best way to get to Carnegie Hall? Practice. The same can be said for your business school interview, PRACTICE!  Once you’ve thought of the stories and anecdotes you want to highlight in your interview, practice them out loud and for an audience. Sure, your roommate may roll her eyes when asked to hear the “Peace Corps” story again and your brother may plug his ears when you tell him the “What I Learned From Being Fired” story again, but all that practice will make sure your Interviewer isn’t the one plugging his ears and rolling his eyes.

3)    IT’S AN INTERVIEW, NOT A MONOLOGUE.  The point of the interview is to get to know you, but you don’t want to bore the interviewer in the process. Remember, they may interview dozens of candidates. That means a lot of eager future-moguls talking about the same thing: themselves. So whenever possible, make the interview a conversation, not a monologue. By including the interviewer in the conversation, you’ll keep them interested and engaged in the most important topic of all: YOU.

4)    DON’T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW AN ALUM.  If your interviewer just happens to be an alum, take the opportunity to get to know a bit more about their experiences with the school.  Not only will you learn more about your potential business school, but by asking thoughtful questions your interviewer will get another opportunity to see your savvy thought process and insightful way of thinking. Believe us – MBAs love to talk about themselves!

5)    PROFESSIONAL IS AS PROFESSIONAL DOES.  Be on time and be professional.  That means, be on time if not early. Dress professionally, turn your cell phone off and present yourself as you would at work.  Not sure what that means? Ask your friends who have gone to business school, or a trusted professional.  Still not sure? Just think of what your mother would say to do, don’t be late, sit up straight, spit out your gum and for goodness sake, turn off your cell phone!  Nothing screams unprofessional like the beeping of an iphone text because all your buddies and family members want to know how it’s going.

6)    DON’T BE A ROBOT. Easier said than done, but RELAX and realize you are speaking to a real live human being.  If your interviewer wanted formulaic answers without the addition of your personality and charm, they’d read your resume and application package and that would be that.  They’re interviewing you because they want to get to know you. Your personality is as unique as your experiences. Share your story and share who you are, that’s why they’re there after all!

Basically, if you can get from point A to point B in a clear, logical way; maintain an open, friendly, and professional demeanor; dress appropriately; and have an inquisitive attitude about the school and all it has to offer students, you stand a very good chance of coming out of the interview with flying colors.

*     *     *
A version of this post by Stacy was originally published on the MBA website Poets & Quants.
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Stacy Blackman’s Top MBA Stories of 2014 [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   30 Dec 2014, 07:00
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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Stacy Blackman’s Top MBA Stories of 2014


How is it possible that we’re already in the final days of 2014? Once again, the time is upon us to make new resolutions, push ourselves to learn and grow, and rededicate ourselves to our personal and professional goals. My goal with this blog has always been to bring MBA applicants the latest news from the top business schools, insightful application and essay tips, and to explore major trends affecting the future of management education (I’m looking at you, MOOCs!)

With that in mind, here are some of the most popular topics we’ve covered in 2014:

Before signing off, I’d like to share with you a quote by best-selling author and motivational speaker Denis Waitley that is absolutely perfect in the context of the MBA admissions process. I hope you’ll remember and allow it to buoy your spirits whenever you feel fatigued, face that dreaded writer’s block, or start to notice your eyes glazing over during a marathon GMAT study session.

“Success is almost totally dependent upon drive and persistence. The extra energy required to make another effort or try another approach is the secret of winning.”

Thank you so much for making the Stacy Blackman Blog a top destination for your b-school research. Wishing all of you success, health, joy and continued growth and learning in 2015!
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So Long, 2014! [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   31 Dec 2014, 07:00
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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: So Long, 2014!
As we prepare to welcome 2015 this week, it’s a time for both reflection and anticipation. But odds are if you’ve been working on MBA applications, you’ve already been doing a lot of both over the past several months.

Updating your resume, brainstorming the most intriguing stories for your essays and reminding your recommenders of everything you worked on together is about as intense a walk down memory lane as it gets. You’ve spent weeks upon weeks reviewing your life’s accomplishments and navel-gazing in order to ensure your materials will show admissions committees who you really are.

Now we encourage you to take a break (even if it’s just for a day) and focus on looking forward.

If you already know where you’ll be heading in the fall—or are in the envious position of deciding between programs—then there’s no doubt 2015 is going to be a banner year. You have much to be excited about!

If you’ve been waitlisted, are putting the finishing touches on your Round 2 applications or are just beginning the application process for Round 3, we understand how nerve-wracking it is to have a good chunk of 2015 up in the air. But your future plans will all fall into place in due time. And once your materials are in, there’s no harm in testing out the power of positive thinking, right?

You could also make it a New Year’s resolution to look forward to bigger and better things in 2015—no matter what ends up happening with business school.

Or you could take this slightly more cynical approach:



 

 

 

Happy New Year,

The team at Stacy Blackman Consulting

*     *    *

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What to Do When Waitlisted by Your Dream B-School [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   02 Jan 2015, 07:00
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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: What to Do When Waitlisted by Your Dream B-School
If you were a Round 1 applicant this season, over the last few weeks you may have received great news, upsetting news or a mix of both— otherwise known as placement on the waitlist. First of all, the waitlist is great feedback. It means that you are qualified to attend the program, and that the school was interested in your application and your profile. Unfortunately, it was a competitive year and they couldn’t offer you a solid place in the class. No matter the reason, the waitlist is still a tough place to be.

Will I get in?
There is almost no way to know if you will be admitted off the waitlist. It certainly does happen, often, yet you have little information about the ranking of the waitlist, how many people are on the waitlist, or whether the school will reach the yield they are looking for with regular applicants. Therefore, being on the waitlist means a certain comfort with ambiguity. Hopefully you were admitted to another school and can decide whether to remain in limbo or not.

Should I stay on the waitlist?
The decision to stay on the waitlist depends on your interest level in the MBA program you have been waitlisted for. If it is your top choice, you may be willing to remain on the list until school begins, especially if you are willing to move quickly and give up a deposit on a school that has offered you firm admission.

If the waitlisting program is not your first choice, or you would like to settle your MBA plans before school starts, you may choose to remove your name from the list. It is a great service to another applicant if you do so promptly, allowing someone else a chance at their MBA dream.

Can I improve my chances of admission from the waitlist?
You may be able to improve your chances. The number one rule of waitlists is to follow directions. The school provided you with instructions about how to handle the waitlist process, and you must follow these directions to avoid having a negative impact on your standing with the admissions committee. If the school tells you that no additional materials are required, no additional materials are required, and you should not submit any under any circumstances.

If the MBA program does provide the option of submitting additional materials, apply consistent application strategy to the task. The AdCom may welcome letters of recommendation, improved GMAT scores or additional essays/letters from you. Carefully consider your strengths and weaknesses and what may be most beneficial in your situation.

Letter/Essay
If you have recently been promoted at work, have accomplished a personal goal, or have completed an academic class with a strong grade, it may be worth writing a letter to update the admissions committee with your news. Try to keep your essay or letter factual, and do not repeat information that was already included in your original application.

Recommendations
A supplemental recommendation may add information about you to strengthen your position on the waitlist. If you have been involved in an extracurricular activity, know someone associated with the school, or can use a letter to strengthen a part of your application, the letter may be the right direction to proceed in. Make sure your additional recommendation is brief, focused and adds significant additional information to your overall profile.

GMAT scores/Transcripts
Factual information like improved GMAT scores or transcripts from successful business related classes could go a long way towards bolstering your chances.

While the waitlist may be frustrating, it is a positive indication for your application, and you may be fortunate enough to receive final admission from your chosen program.

Good luck!
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Are You Applying for B-School in Round 2? [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   05 Jan 2015, 07:00
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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Are You Applying for B-School in Round 2?
Today is the Round 2 deadline at several top programs—Wharton School, Michigan Ross, Harvard Business School, Duke-Fuqua, Georgetown McDonough, London Business School—with several more in the coming week, and we want to congratulate all MBA hopefuls who, despite the distraction of the holidays and end-of-year festivities, have managed to organize their time and efforts to get their applications in during this highly competitive round.

Whether you found yourself rushing for Round 2, or haven’t quite gotten your application together and are wondering whether Round 3 attracts onlymavericks and super-humans, keep in mind that only you know when the time to apply is right. However, if you’re aiming at a highly competitive program, we advise you to hit submit only once you’ve put together your absolute best, strongest application package.

There is still work to be done as you begin preparing for your MBA interviews and, if you haven’t already, planning your campus visits to coincide with your interview. But first, take a few moments to relax, recharge, and bask in the glow of the major accomplishment you’ve just achieved. The journey to business school is often arduous, but with any luck your considerable efforts will soon be rewarded.
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Round 2 Deadline at Harvard Business School [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   06 Jan 2015, 05:00
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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Round 2 Deadline at Harvard Business School
Today is the Round 2 deadline at Harvard Business School, and Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid Dee Leopold updated her blog with a brief re-cap of what will happen.

As a reminder, the deadline is at noon EST, and you can expect traffic on the server to be heavy around that time, so don’t panic if it takes time to successfully submit, Leopold urges.

While the deadline for applications and recommenders is officially the same, Leopold explains that the admissions team will keep the system open for a few days to allow recommendations to arrive. Once there is one recommendation letter in the file, the AdCom will begin to review your application.

By mid-day Wednesday, AdCom will have a handle on the size of the Round 2 applicant pool, and Leopold expects her team to have a good idea of when interview invitations will go out.

Off-campus interviews will take place in Shanghai, Tokyo, Dubai, Mumbai, London, Paris, Menlo Park, and New York City, she says.

As soon as we hear additional interview details, we’ll share them here. Good luck HBS applicants!

You may also be interested in:
MBA Trends at Harvard Business School and Beyond
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Last-Minute Round 2 Tips [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   07 Jan 2015, 07:00
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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Last-Minute Round 2 Tips
Before this week is over, more than a dozen of the top MBA programs will close out their Round 2 application periods.

If you are targeting one of those schools and haven’t hit “Submit” yet, here are some last-minute tips for you:

  • Ensure your recommendation letters are in. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: you know you’ll get your materials uploaded in time, but you simply can’t be as confident about your recommenders. If you haven’t received confirmation that they’ve submitted their letters, stop everything and do what you can to help them finish this critical task. Seriously. Right now. Go call them.
  • Give both your resume and your essays to a family member or friend to review for typos. At this point, it’s not wise to change much about the content itself, so be clear that you are not looking for their thoughts on whether there’s a better story to use or example to discuss. Their concern should be your spelling and grammar, not making you second-guess your strategy.
  • The application itself—or, the “data form”—also needs a careful review. Here are specific things to look for before you hand it over to someone else with fresh eyes:
    • Spelling errors, missing letters/words, stray punctuation. There’s no spell-check feature in most applications, and if you’re in a hurry, it’s easy to make a mistake.
    • Consistency. Ensure you’ve remained consistent in everything from titles to organization names to date ranges across the data form, your resume and your essays. If something doesn’t match up across your materials, it may raise a red flag to the AdCom.
    • Redundancy. While you want your background to presented consistently across each piece of your MBA application, if you simply copy and paste your resume bullets into data-form fields such as “Most significant accomplishment,” you’re wasting an opportunity to tell the AdCom something new. Even if time is tight, you should be able to describe an achievement in a fresh way or give additional details that didn’t fit on your resume.
    • Correct program name. The “optional essay” or “additional information” field in particular can be a dangerous one if you re-use the same content across applications—ensure you don’t have School X’s name in School Y’s materials.
Best of luck in getting everything in!

And remember:



 

 

 

 

 

Do you want to stay on top of the application process with timely tips like these? Please subscribe to our weekly newsletter and you’ll receive our expert advice straight in your mailbox before it appears on the blog, plus special offers, promotions, discounts, invitations to events, and more.
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Strong Job Market Predicted for 2015 B-School Graduates [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   08 Jan 2015, 08:00
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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Strong Job Market Predicted for 2015 B-School Graduates
What turned out to be a strong job market for business school and management degree graduates in 2014 should continue into 2015, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council‘s (GMAC) Year-End Poll of Employers, released Wednesday.

This year’s hiring outlook holds steady for 2015 graduates as nine out of ten employers planning to hire business school graduates expect to maintain or increase the number of job openings for these hires compared with 2014.

“The solid job prospects for b-school talent seen over the past several years and again reflected in this poll, give prospective students good reason to consider pursuing these degrees as part of a strategy to drive their career goals,” says Rebecca Estrada Worthington, GMAC’s Survey Research Manager.

The poll of 169 employers in 33 countries, conducted in late 2014, serves as an early view into the 2015 job market for MBA, master of management, accounting, finance, and other specialized business master degree-holders.

The greatest hiring demand for b-school talent remains recent MBA graduates, while the largest increase in hiring demand is projected to be for Master in Management talent, as reflected in the eleven percentage point increase in firms who hired this category of graduates in 2014.

“Our data show that even in the depths of the recession, business and management degrees can provide a measure of job protection and opportunity. Today, in a recovering global economy, management degrees can be a powerful driver of confidence and provide fuel for an individual’s career growth,” Estrada Worthington says.

The annual Year-End Poll of Employers provides an early look at hiring plans. For a copy of the poll report, go to gmac.com/employerpoll.
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Stacy Blackman’s B-School Buzz [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   09 Jan 2015, 13:00
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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Stacy Blackman’s B-School Buzz

Welcome back to Stacy Blackman’s B-School Buzz, our periodic check-in with some of the MBA blogosphere’s applicant and student contributors. This was a busy week as multiple bloggers submitted Round 2 applications, and the new year sparked reflection and shifts in goals that better reflect the current reality. As a reminder for those who have been waitlisted: Don’t lose hope! You’re still in the running, and there are definitely things you can do to manage the waitlist experience.

Setting goals for the new year—Pro GMAT offers many congrats for those who have recently submitted their Round 2 applications, as well as commiseration for applicants who were not admitted in R1 and will likely postpone their MBA dreams until next season. In addition to taking on additional work responsibilities, Pro GMAT has also set an annual goal of walking for 315,000 minutes. Here’s to reaching your objectives in 2015!

5 changes that made a difference—After going through multiple rejections last year, Scott Duncan used that learning experience to improve his MBA applications this season—to remarkable success. In this post, he talks about five things he did differently this year that earned him an acceptance at a top MBA program. This post is a must-read for anyone feeling down about their admittance status so far.

Going all in for Round 2—Four applications submitted in two days is a killer, but that’s just what Pulling That MBA Trigger did this week. She readily acknowledges some of the issues that may have affected her chances during Round 1, and is feeling much better about the changes she made during this latest round—and her chances, as well. Regardless of the outcome, she has a great attitude, saying, “MBA this year or no MBA this year, I’m gonna be okay!”

Shifting gears—MBA on My Mind has done some soul-searching and come to the realization that her business school dreams must be put on hold—temporarily. With a start-up that needs nurturing and attention, funding issues that must be resolved, and a GMAT score that could use a boost, revising the timeline to apply in the 2015 cycle just makes more sense on all fronts.

Decisions, decisions—Ah, the enviable position of deciding between multiple top-notch MBA programs! Hugo has whittled down the candidates to MIT Sloan and Tuck School of Business, both excellent schools and equally guaranteed to advance his career. Seems the decision, at least in part, will come down to physical environment and what kind of experience he wants to have for the next two years.

Do you have an MBA-centric blog? Want it featured in an upcoming B-School Buzz post? If so, email me at buzz@StacyBlackman.com.
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Build an Effective MBA Application as a Female Candidate [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   12 Jan 2015, 07:00
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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Build an Effective MBA Application as a Female Candidate
This post originally appeared on Stacy’s “Strictly Business” MBA Blog on U.S.News.com
It’s tempting to dismiss the idea that female MBA applicants can benefit from targeted tips when applying to business school as out of touch or old fashioned. But the reality is that women are still considered a minority on campus and sometimes gender stereotypes can impact their applications.

Female enrollment continues to trail behind men, and despite gains in recent years, the latest Graduate Management Admission Council application trends survey reveals that the proportion of woman applicants dipped slightly in 2014 for full-time, two-year MBA programs. The number dropped to 37 percent in 2014 from 39 percent in 2013.

In business school, as in the working world, a woman might find herself in a position where she is the only woman at the table or in the minority. So, you need to do all you can to feel comfortable and confident in those situations. Obviously, this information won’t apply for every female applicant, but having an awareness of some of the differences that exist can be very helpful.

A frequent issue I’ve had in my consulting work with female clients relates to the admissions committee doubting whether the applicant has enough moxie to contribute to the classroom discussions that form a crucial part of the MBA learning experience.

Several clients have reported that their recommenders received phone calls from admissions officers with questions such as, “Is she confident?” or “Will she speak up in class discussions?” I can’t recall a time when a male client experienced a similar problem.

In the application process, female candidates have to make sure that they exude confidence. Essays, interviews and letters of recommendation need to indicate a comfort level with speaking out, defending points of view and collaborating with all types of people.

In an interview scenario, female candidates often begin their answers with a disclaimer that reveals their insecurities and detracts from any positive information that follows or are too modest about their accomplishments for fear of appearing arrogant. Ideally, you started cultivating your personal brand early on in your application process, so tap into those bullet points and broadcast your accomplishments and skills with pride.

Business schools have made significant efforts to increase female enrollment over the last decade, and the numbers are much higher than when I attended Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Some male-dominated post-MBA career paths, such as finance, are hungrier for women as well, so a woman targeting those fields may have an advantage over one pursuing a role in brand management. This is true in the MBA admissions process as well as in the job search.

Another upside is that by tapping into storytelling skills and the emotions behind an event or experience, we’ve found that female clients generally have an easier time coming up with compelling essays. The admissions committee doesn’t favor women over men outright, but the subjective nature of this part of the application process often gives females an edge.

If you are a woman planning on applying to business school in the future, I encourage you to connect with Forte Foundation and Catalyst, two widely respected organizations dedicated to expanding opportunities for women in business. Forte’s mission is to educate women on the value of an MBA degree, and holds events throughout the year to help prepare female applicants to become the best candidate possible.

Also, look for MBA blogs written by female students and applicants, such as Defying Gravity–The MBA Journey, My Life of Bliss, and Pulling that MBA Trigger, for advice from those who have walked the path before you.

The array of opportunities for women on campus is another important aspect of business school that you can consider as an applicant. Be sure to research what options your target programs offer, and think about how you could help contribute to them.

The Huffington Post featured a great article last year written by a student at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business who believes being a woman MBA candidate is a beautiful thing, the best part being that you have the ability to affect change. Showing schools that you are aware of their networking opportunities for women and have ideas for how to build upon them is a great way to convince the admissions team that you are a perfect fit.

Earning an MBA degree opens doors all over the business world, so make sure to evaluate all of your options and take advantage of the numerous resources available to help you reach your career goals.
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UV Darden School Names Scott Beardsley as Dean [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   12 Jan 2015, 19:00
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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: UV Darden School Names Scott Beardsley as Dean

The University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business has appointed Scott Beardsley as its next dean, effective August 1. Beardsley succeeds Robert F. Bruner, who is completing his 10th year as Darden’s dean, and last year announced his intention to return to the faculty at the end of his second term.

Currently a senior partner of McKinsey & Company, Beardsley leads learning and leadership development for all McKinsey professionals. He has been based for most of his 26-year career in its Brussels, Belgium office.

Beardsley received a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering magna cum laude from Tufts University and an MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management, where he received highest honors as a Henry S. Dupont III Scholar and served as editor and marketing manager of the MIT Sloan Management Review. He is a candidate at the University of Pennsylvania for an executive doctorate in higher education management, expected in May.

“The Darden School of Business is moving from strength to strength,” says U.Va. President Teresa A. Sullivan. “Scott Beardsley’s knowledge and vast experience will help guide the school to greater heights of excellence. We are very fortunate that Scott will build upon the strong legacy of Bob Bruner, who, along with his team, achieved recognition for Darden as the world’s best graduate business education experience.”

A frequent author, speaker and media commentator, Beardsley has presented at the World Economic Forum at Davos and teaches as a faculty member in McKinsey’s programs. Previously, he lectured in the MBA program of the Belgian business school Institut d’Administration et de Gestion. He chairs the board of directors of the American Chamber of Commerce in Belgium.

In a press statement, Beardsley expressed great enthusiasm for this new role, saying, “I believe deeply in Darden’s values and its clear and focused mission to improve the world by developing responsible leaders and advancing knowledge. I am very excited to be part of the University of Virginia family, and its Jeffersonian commitment to excellence.”

You can learn more about Darden’s newest dean, Scott Beardsley, here.

You may also be interested in:
Darden’s Dean Bruner Plans Return to Faculty Position

Darden’s Dean on the Value of International MBA Students
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Should You Consider Applying in Round 3? [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   14 Jan 2015, 08:00
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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Should You Consider Applying in Round 3?
You tried your best, but you just couldn’t pull together all of your business school materials before Round 2 deadlines hit. Now what should you do? Isn’t Round 3 where MBA applications go to die?

Not always.

In general, it is tougher to earn a spot at most top MBA programs when you apply in Round 3. Admissions committees have seen thousands of qualified applicants throughout Rounds 1 and 2, have pulled together a fairly good idea of what the incoming class will look like, and have also compiled a waitlist of additional candidates.

Before Round 3 closes out, a certain percentage of people who were admitted in Round 1 and 2 will have already committed to a program. In short, there will be precious few spots left when the adcomm finally turns its attention toward final-round applications.

So where does that leave you? It depends. If it’s been more than five years since you graduated from college, you should seriously consider applying in Round 3. While every situation is different, time could start to work against you at programs that tend to focus on younger applicants.

Plus, the odds of your candidacy significantly improving over the next eight months after you’ve already been in the workforce for so long are probably slim. If this is your situation and all you need to do is put the finishing touches on your materials, go for Round 3.

There are also other circumstances that make Round 3 a perfectly fine option: you’re in the military and recently received your release papers; you are going through a job change or rolling off of a major project; you had extenuating circumstances that prevented you from applying earlier (and which you can reference in the optional essay); or you are most interested in MBA programs outside of the “top 20.”

However, if you’re only two or three years into your career, it may make sense to wait until next season’s Round 1. Focus on building more leadership and community service/volunteer experience in the meantime and make your application even stronger.

And remember:



 

 

 

 

 

 

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Michigan Ross School Gets $20M for New Leadership Center [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   15 Jan 2015, 13:00
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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Michigan Ross School Gets $20M for New Leadership Center

The University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business has received a $20 million gift from former General Mills CEO Stephen Sanger and his wife Karen Sanger to launch a new center that will expand the school’s leadership development programming.

According to an announcement made Thursday by the school, the new Sanger Leadership Center builds upon the current activities of the Ross Leadership Initiative — including the annual Impact Challenge and Crisis Challenge, Legacy Lab, Story Lab, and skills-based workshops — as well as the Leaders Academy, where students create, launch and lead actual businesses.

Ross students will use the center as a resource for personalized coaching, development, and feedback, while faculty will take advantage of the center to help develop cutting-edge ideas and new leadership practices.

“Leadership development is a strategic imperative for companies around the world—it is one of those burning issues that keeps CEOs up at night,” says Alison Davis-Blake, Edward J. Frey Dean of the Ross School, who expressed her appreciation for the Sangers’ generosity and commitment to expanding the school’s most intensive, realistic leadership development opportunities.

One of the things that sets Ross graduates apart is their leadership skills, says Sanger, who received his MBA from the University of Michigan in 1970. “This difference reflects the innovative, hands-on programs of the Ross Leadership Initiative. Karen and I are honored to support the continued growth and development of this program through the establishment of the Sanger Leadership Center.”

The Sangers’ gift is part of the university-wide Victors for Michigan campaign, which kicked off in 2013 with a goal of raising $4 billion.
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When Your B-School Rejection Makes the News [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   16 Jan 2015, 08:00
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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: When Your B-School Rejection Makes the News
A popular MBA applicant blogger this season who goes by the moniker Grant Me Admission woke up to a huge surprise earlier this week when he found out the profile about his journey to b-school originally published on Poets & Quants had found its way to Fortuneonline.

Over the past few months, readers of his blog have followed along as he decided to retake the GMAT after scoring 710, mulled over the mistakes he made last year applying to Tuck School of Business, and fell in love with Kellogg School of Management. We also felt his pain upon receiving ding after ding from all five of the schools he applied to this season during Round 1.

While wading through brutal anonymous comments likely required cultivating an especially thick skin, Grant also found much to gain from hearing these fresh perspectives. The plan now, he says, is to complete his post mortem on why he didn’t get into business school, do some serious self-reflection, and see how plans to go to a top school fit in with all that.

As any applicant will tell you, applying to an MBA program is seriously hard work. And with acceptance rates at the best schools as low as they are, applicants need to make sure every aspect of their package is as polished as humanly possible. Take a look at the original article as well as his reaction post. It really is illuminating for many b-school hopefuls out there.

You may also be interested in:
Should You Consider Applying in Round 3?

How to Cope with B-School Rejections
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Survey Says MBA Essay Trimming Trend Hasn’t Spread [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   19 Jan 2015, 12:00
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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Survey Says MBA Essay Trimming Trend Hasn’t Spread
Last week, Kaplan Test Prep revealed the results of its 2014 business school admissions officers survey which found that the vast majority of U.S. MBA programs don’t plan on cutting the number of admissions essays they require applicants to submit.

While programs such as those at Yale School of Management, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School made headlines last cycle by eliminating essays and reducing word count, Kaplan notes that just 13% of the 204 surveyed business schools had cut the number of admissions essays for this cycle, compared to 2013; and just 3% of schools say they plan to cut the required number of essays for the next application cycle.

“While it’s true that some of the most competitive business schools have cut the number of admissions essays or reduced the word count, our survey finds that the overwhelming number of MBA programs continue to see value in applicants submitting more information about themselves,” says Brian Carlidge, executive director of pre-business and pre-graduate programs, Kaplan Test Prep.

Some applicants may have a harder time with fewer essays and the lower word count, Carlidge notes, because it forces them to be more succinct. However, the essays are perhaps the most important element of the application as they provide candidates with the opportunity to show the admissions team why they are a good fit for the school in a way the GMAT score, GPA, and work experience cannot, he adds.

The streamlined trend is still one to watch, though, Carlidge says, pointing out that several years ago only a handful of schools allowed applicants to submit a score from the GRE instead of the GMAT, but now it’s something almost all schools allow.
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INSEAD Inaugurates Leadership Development Center [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   20 Jan 2015, 07:00
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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: INSEAD Inaugurates Leadership Development Center
INSEAD inaugurated its landmark, S$55 million Leadership Development Centre in Singapore last week, completing the third phase of the school’s major Asia campus expansion. This year marks INSEAD’s fifteenth anniversary in Singapore at the same time as the country celebrates its own fiftieth year of independence.


The 10,000 square-meter center will raise capacity by 50% to meet growing demands for management and leadership education in Asia, and significantly increase the number of students, executives, top scholars and practitioners on-site.

Annually the Asia campus will welcome 500 MBA students, 5,000 executives, 90 Global Executive MBA students, and 200 participants enrolled in the Master of Finance program.

“The Leadership Development Centre is a significant milestone for INSEAD in our continued global growth and commitment to providing relevant and locally-driven business education across Asia, and globally,” INSEAD Dean Ilian Mihov said at the inauguration ceremony, held January 15th-16th.

The Singapore campus is currently home to 63 permanent faculty hailing from 22 countries, and there are over 7,000 INSEAD alumni living and working in the Asia Pacific region. The expansion will allow the campus to build its complement of world-class faculty to 70, which translates into expanding research in areas such as emerging markets, Asian business leadership, global strategy and other areas of critical importance to the region.

“At the core of INSEAD’s global offering is the large number of permanent faculty present on each campus, highly localised research and diverse mix of nationalities and cultures represented on each programme,” says Andreas Jacobs, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the school, who believes these characteristics are what sets INSEAD apart from other business schools with outposts abroad.

“For companies and individuals to have an edge in today’s rapidly evolving global business environment, access to insights into the Asia Pacific region is vital,” adds Michael Pich, Dean of Executive Education. “INSEAD’s continued investment in Asia, home to many of today’s key emerging growth markets, helps businesses identify, understand and leverage the changing opportunities and challenges these markets present.”
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How to Decide Between MBA Programs [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   21 Jan 2015, 08:00
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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: How to Decide Between MBA Programs
If you’re reading this post, there’s a good chance that you’re in a very envious position: you’ve been accepted into more than one MBA program. Congratulations!

Let’s just take a moment to appreciate how many people wish they were you right now. We certainly hope you understand how impressive this achievement is and have taken some time to celebrate accordingly.

But now you have a tough decision to make. You probably only applied to schools you were truly interested in, and soon it will be time to choose between two of them (or more). How should you figure out where to spend eighteen months of your life—not to mention tens of thousands of dollars?

Step one is to attend each program’s Admit Weekend. Spending time on campus and around current students and other admitted applicants will go a long way in helping you decide which program is the better fit. If you cannot find a way to go to the Admit Weekend for each school you’ve been accepted to, do everything else you can to at least visit campus and sit in on a few classes. Worst-case scenario: try to speak or Skype with alumni and current students.

Then think about where you want to end up geographically after graduation. Is one program in your desired city—or at least in the same overall region? Does one program have a reputation for helping its students land jobs in the area you want to live?

If location isn’t a concern, then focus on what does matter most to you: recruitment stats for certain industries? Diversity? International opportunities? We know you reviewed all of this information when you were deciding where to apply in the first place, but now it warrants a second, closer look.

In the end, this may be the best advice of all:



 

 

 

 

 

Do you want to stay on top of the application process with timely tips like these? Please subscribe to our weekly newsletter and you’ll receive our expert advice straight in your mailbox before it appears on the blog, plus special offers, promotions, discounts, invitations to events, and more.
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Boothie’s Advice to Early Career Candidates [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   22 Jan 2015, 06:00
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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Boothie’s Advice to Early Career Candidates
If you haven’t already checked out the recently re-launched Booth Experience blog, run by students at Chicago Booth School of Business, you’re missing out! For the uninitiated, this blog covers the entire gamut of the Booth community, from daily student life to academics; to recruiting, career services and internships; to student clubs and travel stories, and everything in between.

Even if Chicago Booth isn’t on your short list, there’s a series on the blog that many of our visitors can benefit from reading. The first installment came in early November, when Alex Simon broached the topic, “How do you know when it’s time for an MBA?” Simon was 24 when he started at Booth, and with just two years of work experience, he worried he would be at a serious disadvantage with classmates five to 10 years older than he.

Does that sound familiar to anyone? If so, ask yourself the three questions he raises: Do I have enough experience to succeed and contribute? What benefit will I get out of one or more years of work experience? What’s my career progression with an MBA?  “You’ll avoid a lot of undue recruiting stress if you get a good handle on your options before applying to or starting your MBA,” Simon writes.

Whereas the first post in the series required introspection, the next installment, published last week, turns the tables and brings up some of the key questions MBA applicants should be asking about their target programs.

Simon believes early career candidates need to focus on these three issues: How strong are the career opportunities for early career candidates? How can I contribute to the school? Does the school offer enough diversity to explore multiple interests?

“The way I feel today may not be how I feel ten or twenty years from now, and you can only get an MBA once. As an early career candidate, you should make sure the program you select lets you understand everything that’s out there,” he advises.

Simon’s advice is spot-on, so we’re looking forward to reading his thoughts in the final post of the series, coming soon. In that entry, he promises to share some tips to early career candidates who are considering applying to an MBA program in Round 3 or next season.

You may also be interested in:
How to Determine When the Time is Right for an MBA

Timing Your MBA: Work Five First or Dive Right In?
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Dartmouth Tuck School Names New Dean [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   23 Jan 2015, 07:00
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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Dartmouth Tuck School Names New Dean

The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth has named Matthew J. Slaughter as the school’s 10th dean, Dartmouth announced Thursday.

A scholar of international economics and an expert in globalization, Slaughter is a renowned academic who has held several key leadership roles at Tuck since joining the faculty in 2002. He will assume his new role on July 1.

“Matt embodies all that is great about Tuck. He is a committed scholar-educator with a global outlook and deep connections to the worlds of policy and practice,” said Dartmouth President Phil Hanlon, who also noted that Slaughter is devoted to the school’s values and traditions, its close-knit community, spirit of innovation, and culture of diversity.

Currently Signal Companies’ Professor of Management, associate dean for faculty, and founding faculty director of Tuck’s Center for Global Business and Government, Slaughter previously served as associate dean of the MBA program. From 2005 to 2007, he served on the Council of Economic Advisers in the Executive Office of the President of the United States.

Slaughter succeeds Dean Paul Danos, who announced in March he would not seek reappointment at the end of his fifth term in June 2015.

“I am delighted Matt will become our new dean,” Dano said. “Matt is a superb scholar and a gifted teacher, and Tuck is indeed fortunate to welcome a leader of his accomplishments and thorough knowledge and appreciation of Tuck’s traditions and operations.  I have every confidence Matt will lead Tuck to new levels of excellence and distinction.”

To learn more about Slaughter, the next dean of Tuck School of Business, you can read the full announcement here.
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