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05 May 2022, 07:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: News From 2022 AIGAC Conference: What Is Top of Mind for Admissions Directors |
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This week Personal MBA Coach’s founder, Scott Edinburgh, is attending the annual Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants (AIGAC) conference. As a member of the AIGAC Board of Directors, Scott had the pleasure of meeting with admissions directors from top MBA programs including HBS, Stanford GSB, MIT Sloan, Chicago Booth, Columbia Business School, UVA Darden, Berkeley Haas, Michigan Ross, Yale SOM, London Business School and others at our annual conference. The conference gives Personal MBA Coach a great opportunity to catch up with top schools, find out what is on their minds, discuss top MBA application trends, learn about upcoming MBA essays and gain a sneak peek into the 2022-2023 MBA application season. Though the AIGAC conference is still going on, Personal MBA Coach would like to share some takeaways from day one where admissions directors from a few top programs including Duke Fuqua, Berkeley Haas and UVA Darden discussed what is top of mind for their programs. These themes play a role both in how candidates are evaluated and in how curriculums are being updated. Theme #1: The role of businesses in tackling key societal challenges is top of mind. In the post-pandemic world, businesses (and business students) are expected to maximize societal value, not just company performance. For example, Berkeley Haas Dean Ann Harrison shared how Haas students are requesting classes and content that explores the role of business in improving the environment and expanding opportunities for everyone. Similarly, Bill Boulding, Duke Fuqua Dean and J.B. Professor, discussed how businesses are expected to play a broader role in society than ever before. Recognizing that the role of business in society is top of mind now for many schools (though for some schools such as Yale School of Management, this has been a key consideration for many years), Personal MBA Coach advises applicants to think through how they personally have contributed – not just to business performance but to driving societal value. MBA Applicant Takeaways: While naturally not every applicant will have an example of this, as you brainstorm essay topics, keep this theme top of mind.  Theme #2: Technology continues to shape business education. Over the last two years, business schools devoted considerable resources to increasing the use of technology in the classroom and bringing classes online, where needed. Now, that businesses are increasingly embracing technology and virtual work, admissions directors are tasked with identifying applicants who can help businesses tackle the next set of technology-related challenges: harnessing technology while maintaining humanity. Duke Fuqua highlighted new elective content in the areas of machine learning and artificial intelligence along with its new core course on technology integration. Berkeley Haas Dean Ann Harrison also shared how graduate education is increasingly focused on how to embrace the digital transformation that was accelerated by the pandemic while maintaining company culture. MBA Applicant Takeaways: Regardless of whether you aspire to work in the tech space, consider the role of technology in your future career and how you will address the broader societal issues of embracing technology and humanity simultaneously.  Theme #3: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion remains top of mind. The role of DEI in business education was once again discussed with admissions directors at this year’s AIGAC conference. Many programs highlighted curriculum changes that increase the focus on DEI. For example, Duke highlighted its new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion concentration that equips Fuqua students with the tools to create a diverse and inclusive workforce. Students will specifically develop a strong understanding of stereotyping and prejudice and learn business practices to support equitable hiring and promotion. Based on Tuesday’s presentations, it is clear to Personal MBA Coach that DEI was once a specialized field of study, but it is now a prominent subject across top MBA programs and one that some business schools directly ask about in their MBA application. Personal MBA Coach would not be surprised to see more MBA essays focused on this topic in the coming cycles. MBA Applicant Takeaways: While naturally not all applicants should write about DEI, this could be a great topic for many applicants, and Personal MBA Coach encourages all MBA hopefuls to consider how they have been inclusive throughout their careers. Stay tuned for more takeaways from this year’s AIGAC conference including details on how to manage school interactions in the post-pandemic world. About Personal MBA Coach: Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 15 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2 by leading sources including Poets & Quants. We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing, and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and former M7 admissions interviewers. The post News From 2022 AIGAC Conference: What Is Top of Mind for Admissions Directors appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
06 May 2022, 07:00
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: HBS Essay Advice and Application Deadlines: 2022-2023 |
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Once again, Harvard Business School was the first to announce its essay questions for the upcoming business school application season, sharing MBA application deadlines and the required essay for MBA class of 2025 hopefuls. While the Harvard Business School application will not officially open until mid-June, candidates can now get an early start on their essays. The 2022-2023 Harvard Business School application deadlines are as follows: Round 1: September 7, 2022 Round 2: January 4, 2023 As Personal MBA Coach predicted, HBS is minimizing changes this year and keeping the one and only HBS essay question the same: “As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA Program?” “How do I get into HBS” is one of the most common questions we hear from MBA applicants. The HBS essay is arguably one of the most difficult to tackle, given its open-ended nature. This application essay is an open invitation to show HBS what is truly interesting about your profile. This question allows you to focus and elaborate on what is important to you. Think about the HBS essay as your chance to let them “meet” the real you — the authentic person behind the resume and application questions. As everyone is likely well aware, HBS educates and admits leaders. It goes without saying that whatever story or stories you choose should show your leadership and demonstrate how you have excelled across disciplines. HBS students will emerge as leaders in the areas they are most passionate about. They will drive change. They are not afraid to stand up for their beliefs. They show courage. You want the admissions committee to see and understand how you personify these traits. Personal MBA Coach advises applicants to watch this video on the HBS case method to re-enforce how critical leadership and diversity of thought is to HBS. Keep this in mind, along with Harvard’s other stated values of analytics and community, as you craft your HBS essay. While we recommend that most applicants show their professional accomplishments, make sure to share enough anecdotally so that the admissions committee can learn more about you on a personal level. Successful essays have included some sort of personal anecdote at a minimum and often a much more detailed personal story, which is often tied to a recurring theme throughout your essay. Think about what makes you unique and why you made the choices that you did. The most accomplished individuals follow their passions, and these are usually shaped by particular experiences or personality traits. Consider what has had the greatest impact on your choices, who you are today, or who you want to be. This will likely give you some areas to expand upon. But do not just tell this story; as we have said in the past, try to help the reader live it. Personal MBA Coach’s HBS Essay – Key Takeaways: Make your essay interesting to read. Each year the admissions team receives ~10,000 applications. Differentiate yourself, particularly if you come from an overrepresented industry, such as consulting or banking, or an overrepresented demographic pool. HBS looks to select a well-rounded class, and it will be crucial to show how you will add unique value. Consider this essay as a starting point for an interview conversation. HBS has very detailed interviews that are planned in advance for each applicant and will dive into at least one aspect of your application. Be ready to talk in great detail during the interview about anything you submit as part of your application. Show rather than tell. Essays are much more impactful when they describe something about you, showing it in action instead of just stating the facts. Give the reader details about the situation. Add names to the players within your stories. Describe your setting and tell the reader how you felt. The HBS essay will be VERY different for everyone. Do not fall into the trap of trying to write an essay like one you have read in the past or like your friend is writing. There will be a wide range of successful essays this year, and proper execution will be the key rather than simply the content alone. Most essays that work will fall somewhere between 700-1,000 words. However, absolutely consider quality over quantity. If you can write a solid 600-word essay that is powerful and moving, do not feel the need to lengthen it. We have helped many applicants write successful essays on the shorter side. Are you looking for help with your MBA applications? Personal MBA Coach is willing to be your guide. About Personal MBA Coach: Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 15 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2 by leading sources including Poets & Quants. We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing, and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and former M7 admissions interviewers. The post HBS Essay Advice and Application Deadlines: 2022-2023 appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
11 May 2022, 08:00
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: How to Write Winning MBA Application Essays |
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Essay questions for the 2022-2023 MBA application cycle are starting to be released. While we are still waiting on official confirmation from many top MBA programs (aside from HBS, which released its essay question last week), there are many essay questions that candidates can and should get started on today. Before you put pencil to paper (so to speak) on your essays, Personal MBA Coach would like to get back to the basics with MBA Essay Writing 101. Essay Writing Process: We advise our candidates to follow a 5-step process as they develop their application essays, leaving adequate time for each stage. 1. Brainstorm Brainstorm each question one at a time. For those applying early decision, start with ED essays first. Otherwise, begin with the easiest essay, as your writing will improve throughout the process. As you develop potential topics, consider relevant strengths, hobbies, passions, and experiences. 2. Outline Before you begin to develop prose, outline the key points you hope to cover. Pay special attention to flow and length. (Hint: a 250-word outline is too long for a 500-word essay.) 3. Draft Once you have a solid outline, begin to put together your first draft. At this stage, it is okay if your writing is not perfect. Most first drafts will and should be a bit longer than the final product. For your early versions, be sure that your points flow well and are easy to follow. Do not worry about grammar, spelling, or other minor errors.  4. Edit Again & Again This is the longest part of the essay writing process. Edit your essays as many times as it takes to get them right. Finalize general content and flow, then begin to focus on fine-tuning your writing. If your essay is not working, do not be afraid to start over. You may need to repeat steps 1-3 multiple times. 5. Proofread Always ask someone unfamiliar with your work (and ideally your industry) to read over your essays. You will need a fresh set of eyes to catch all mistakes. As an admission essay consultant, Personal MBA Coach uses seasoned proofreaders for each MBA application for this reason. Now that you have the overall writing process down, let’s look at some key tips to keep in mind as you develop your essays. Essay Guiding Principles: 1) Answer the question ASKED It is surprising how often candidates write beautiful essays but do not answer the question. Instead of writing what you think admissions committee members want to hear, answer the question. While we advise thinking a bit outside of the box and considering the why behind an essay prompt, first and foremost you must answer the question. Personal MBA Coach provides our clients with MBA essay samples to ensure that they have a clear understanding of what their essays should look like. 2) Write authentically Do not write what you think admissions committee members want to read. There is no one perfect candidate profile. Instead, your uniqueness will be one of your greatest selling points. Your essays should paint a clear picture of who you are, what motivates you, and what you are passionate about. Do not feel compelled to show how you fit the mold that seemingly makes up the “ideal” candidate. If you have no desire to run a non-profit, that is okay. If you are not motivated by improving the environment, do not pretend you are. Readers will see right through this, and you could end up doing more harm than good. Need help articulating your personal story? Learn more about story development here.  3) Be succinct and avoid repetition Keep in mind that the essays are just one part of the application. In addition to submitting an MBA resume (unsure how to write an MBA resume? Check out these tips), most schools will have you fill out a detailed application. This means admissions committee members will read about everything you have accomplished, all the roles you have held, and the awards you have won. There is no need to try to fit this all into your essays. So instead of squeezing in as much as you can, focus on sharing a few key highlights and adding the details as well as your voice. This is your chance to explain your choices, show your accomplishments, and share your passions. The fewer things you try to cover in your essays, the more you will be able to achieve this objective. 4) Keep your language approachable The terms you regularly discuss at the office may be foreign to others, including admissions committee members. When in doubt, do not assume the reader is familiar with everything about your job. Focus on language that is more general and easier to use to compare you to other applicants. Admissions committee members do not need or want all of the technical details anyway. Our exclusive MBA essay samples serve as an important reference here as well. 5) Limit flowery prose Similarly, Personal MBA Coach often reads complex flowery prose. You are not submitting your essays for a Pulitzer Prize or applying to become a professional writer. Instead, you are telling your story. While of course you want your essays to be well written and free from grammatical mistakes and typos, you also want them to be relatable and easy to follow. Everyone from your grandmother to a professor of microfinance should be able to understand your essays. They should also convey why you are someone others would want to study with, learn from, and eventually be inspired by. That type of person is human and down to earth. Your essays should show this. Looking for an admission essay consultant? Essay writing is a key component of Personal MBA Coach’s services. Check out our comprehensive packages to learn how we can help you develop winning MBA essays. About Personal MBA Coach: Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 15 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2 by leading sources including Poets & Quants. We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing, and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and former M7 admissions interviewers. The post How to Write Winning MBA Application Essays appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
12 May 2022, 09:00
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: What If I Am an International Applicant? Answers to Top 8 Frequently Asked Questions |
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Each year, international applicants represent a sizeable percentage of Personal MBA Coach clients. Clients often ask us if being an international student helps or hurts their chances of MBA application success and how they can maximize their chances of acceptance. Q: Does being an international student help my chances? A: This varies considerably based on the country you are applying from. Business schools are looking to develop well-rounded classes, which means you are going to be evaluated not just on your own stats but on how you add diversity to the class. Top US MBA programs receive a large number of applications from certain regions, and if you are coming from one of those regions, your chances of success do decrease. It should come as no surprise that India is one such area. Conversely, there are many countries in which applying to business school, particularly in the US, is not very common. In this case, your odds of success are higher than those of US applicants. Q: How can I stand out as an international student? A: Regardless of where you are applying from, the best way to stand out is to develop a compelling and ownable personal story. Admissions committees want to know how you will improve the business world (and the world at large) when you graduate from their MBA program. They are also looking for evidence of how you will make your unique mark. While doing something remarkable or overcoming a difficult situation can produce strong essay content, it is important to recognize that many applicants write successful essays without this type of material. The most important thing is that your essays fit with your story and paint a clear picture of who you are as a student, classmate, employee, and overall individual. It is also important that your application shows you are aware of the realities of job searching as an international candidate. For example, if you hope to work in the US post-MBA, be sure that your target industry frequently sponsors H1B visas. Not sure where to begin? Personal MBA Coach finds that personal story development is one of the areas in which clients require the most guidance. Find out how we help candidates craft focused, logical, and unique personal stories via our comprehensive services.  Q: Which business school accepts the highest number of international candidates? A: Candidates applying to US schools from other countries often want to know the best MBA programs for international students. At the top US business schools, international students make up a significant portion of the student body. Columbia Business School’s class of 2023 is composed of nearly 50% international citizens (48% in the latest reported data). Yale SOM also accepts a high number of international candidates, with 44% international students in the class of 2023. MIT Sloan follows close behind (43%) and Booth’s latest class profile information reported 39% international students. HBS and Berkeley Haas’s most recent class profiles reported 37% international citizens, followed by Wharton and Kellogg (both 36%). Stanford GSB’s class of 2023 consists of 33% international students and NYU Stern is close behind at 32%. Q: Does it matter if I plan to stay in the US after business school? A: The short answer here is no. Personal MBA Coach has seen no evidence of bias toward applicants whose goals will keep them in the US. While developing logical, compelling, and realistic goals is a crucial part of the MBA application process, there is no blanket preference given to your future country of residence. Find out more about developing a compelling goal statement here. For those who do plan to stay in the US after graduating from business school, STEM MBA programs give international students the chance to remain in the country and gain work experience for 2 years after their MBA studies are completed. Q: What should I do if my GPA is not on a 4.0 scale? A: Nothing! Submit your GPA as is and DO NOT attempt to convert it. There is no credible conversion.  Q: Do I need to take the TOEFL? A: Personal MBA Coach recommends that you check the specific test requirements of your target MBA programs. Generally speaking, those who did not attend an undergraduate institution in which the primary language of instruction is English are required to submit an English proficiency test. For instance, Harvard Business School requires these students submit either a TOEFL, IELTS or Pearson Test of English (PTE). Currently, the program accepts only the internet-based version of the TOEFL. Other schools, like Chicago Booth, state that those whose native language is not English must also submit a TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Booth can waive the requirement if applicants have earned a degree from an institution in which English is the primary language of instruction, or if they are a permanent resident/citizen of a country in which English is an official language. Q: How do I get a visa? International students who want to attend business school in the US must have a valid, up-to-date passport throughout the duration of their studies. There are two kinds of visas for international students: an F1 and a J1 visa. To apply for either type of visa, students will need to have been admitted to a US program of study. The visa application process varies based on your home country and individual circumstances. F1 visa applicants will be administered an 1-20 form by their school to complete (J1 applicants skip this). Applicants will then complete their online visa application and schedule an interview at their local US embassy or consulate. Are you an international candidate seeking guidance throughout the application process? Personal MBA Coach is here to help you maximize your chances of success. Visit our services to learn more. About Personal MBA Coach: Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 15 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2 by leading sources including Poets & Quants. We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing, and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and former M7 admissions interviewers. Last cycle, our clients earned more than $6.5M in scholarships! The post What If I Am an International Applicant? Answers to Top 8 Frequently Asked Questions appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
19 May 2022, 11:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Less Is More When it Comes to Writing Compelling MBA Application Essays |
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Top business schools are just beginning to release their essay questions for the 2022-2023 application cycle, Harvard Business School being the first to do so again this year. Each year, Personal MBA Coach devotes considerable time to tracking all MBA essay questions and looking for trends, themes, and MBA essay format changes. In recent years, shortening essays has been a common trend! While many applicants may be excited by smaller word counts, writing less is actually HARDER than writing more. It can be a challenge to summarize your life’s accomplishments into one or two short essays. Personal MBA Coach spends the greatest amount of time with our clients on the actual editing process, helping clients maximize each available word. Even with MBA essays that have no word limits, it is crucial to be succinct if you want to develop the best business school essays possible. Here are our top four tips for writing more with fewer words. 1) Resist the urge to include unrelated details Business applicants are accomplished. Naturally, it can be tempting to try to include as many of these accomplishments as possible in your application essays. However, it is crucial that you avoid this urge. For each application essay, think about what the question asks and why the admissions committee is asking this question. Do not include any detail that does not cover this what or why. For example, a question asking how an MBA will help does not require hundreds of words on your past professional success, however impressive it may be. Similarly, a question on career goals does not require you to explain the industry dynamics in detail or the reasons behind your perspective on the industry. With each sentence you add to your essays, consider the question you are actually answering. If it is not related to the question asked, cut it!  2) Avoid repetition With limited words available to sell yourself, there is rarely a need to say anything twice. Regardless of how successful you might have been in your role, admissions committee members do not need to read about it multiple times. Whether you founded a non-profit, were the first in your class to be promoted, or were a Division I athlete, tell each story one time. While naturally you can (and should) touch on a broad theme or aspect of your personal story from multiple angles, this is not the same as repeating the same story. Avoiding repetition will help you stick to a strong MBA essay format. 3) Leverage all aspects of the application As a natural extension of point 3, use all aspects of your application to your advantage. Even for schools requiring very short essays, there are countless other aspects of the application to pay attention to. The best business school essays ensure that every piece counts! Take the time to carefully craft answers to your short-answer questions. Prepare your recommenders to ensure their stories complement (but do not reiterate) yours. Use every line in your resume as efficiently as possible to show your leadership and success. In addition, video essays and pre/post interview essays provide other ways to sell yourself. Leave plenty of time for these application extras. In fact, Personal MBA Coach advises our round 1 clients to finish their essays by the end of July (and round 2 clients to finish by late November) whenever possible to allocate adequate time to other crucial MBA application components. Check out our MBA application timeline to learn more.  4) Look for every opportunity to trim words As we have said countless times, edit, edit, edit. Ensure every word counts. If there is a way to say it more succinctly, do! Cutting excess words will lead to stronger writing while giving you extra space to cover details that really set you apart. You’d be surprised how a trained eye can cut 50-100+ words from a 400-word essay without deleting a single piece of true content. Need help? Personal MBA Coach is willing to be your guide. Take a look at our comprehensive packages to find out how we can help you create winning essays and maximize your chances of success! About Personal MBA Coach: Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 15 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2 by leading sources including Poets & Quants. We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing, and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and former M7 admissions interviewers. The post Less Is More When it Comes to Writing Compelling MBA Application Essays appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
26 May 2022, 14:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: University of Virginia Darden MBA Application Essay Analysis 2022-2023 |
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The UVA Darden MBA application is open! Do you want to attend an MBA program that puts collaboration and teamwork at the forefront of your experience? If so, UVA Darden School of Business may be a great choice for you. UVA Darden is known for its case-based and customized learning experience. As first years, students are assigned to learning teams that enable them to delve deep into case discussions, strengthen their communication skills, and form strong relationships with their classmates. Second-year students at UVA Darden use these tools learned in their first year to personalize their academic experiences, targeting specific career goals and skill sets. If you’re looking to apply to UVA Darden’s MBA program during the 2022-2023 application cycle, the school offers a standardized test waiver. These requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and the admissions committee takes several factors into account when reviewing waivers. The upcoming UVA Darden MBA deadlines are: Early Action: September 8, 2022 Round 1: October 5, 2022 Round 2: January 5, 2023 Round 3: April 5, 2023 The 2022-2023 Darden MBA application essays are below: Community of Belonging: Student clubs and organizations at Darden enhance and integrate with the academic experience through social, cultural and community events. Given that you will be forming lifelong connections with your classmates that extend beyond the classroom, what is important for your classmates to know about you that is not on your résumé? (200 words) UVA Darden has updated this first essay question for 2022-2023 MBA applicants, instructing applicants to consider the role of community more broadly. Personal MBA Coach advises most applicants to use this essay to share a personal aspect of their candidacy as opposed to talking about their professional leadership or track record. Topics discussed here should enhance (not repeat or conflict with) your “Personal Story” and should allow admissions committee members to learn more about you. This is not the time to present a laundry list of hobbies, passions or accomplishments. Instead, focus on what makes you unique. Think about how you might add to the diversity (think literal diversity and/or diversity of perspective) on your learning team. Be specific and keep in mind that actions are the best predictors of future behavior and provide examples wherever possible. Go beyond just sharing details about you and include the “so what?” For example, if you were raised in a unique environment, explain this to the reader but then push further. Consider how this shaped who you are today, what makes you unique and what you will bring to the table for your learning team. Regardless of the topic selected, show the reader that you are someone your peers will be excited to learn with!  Inclusive Leadership: The University of Virginia promotes an inclusive and welcoming environment that embraces the full spectrum of human attributes, perspectives, and disciplines. Diversity stands with ethics, integrity, and academic excellence as a cornerstone of University culture. Review the University of Virginia’s Commitment to Diversity. Consistent with this ethos, the Darden School of Business seeks to improve the world by developing and inspiring responsible global leaders. We are committed to developing the School’s ability to leverage our global diversity — the multitude of different experiences and backgrounds among our stakeholders from around the world — to achieve excellence in business education in today’s complex marketplace. We do so in the service of our mission, adhering to an unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe all key stakeholders — students, faculty, staff, alumni — play a critical role in cultivating an inclusive environment, and every action — whether big or small — in service of this goal is important. Please describe a tangible example that illuminates your experience promoting an inclusive environment and what you would bring to creating a welcoming, global community at Darden. (300 words) This question covers a topic that continues to be important to leading MBA programs: inclusion. Earlier this month Personal MBA Coach attended the annual AIGAC conference with leading admissions directions, and Diversity & Inclusion were top of mind for all schools! Therefore, Personal MBA Coach is not surprised to see Darden’s leadership essay focused on D&I. A personal or professional example would work here. However, Personal MBA Coach encourages candidates to look at their applications holistically when selecting a story to discuss. You want to ensure this story fits with who you are and that your Darden application includes a nice balance of personal and professional stories. Remember that inclusion is a broad term here. Do not limit yourself to current event topics unless they are relevant to your story! Ensure that you limit the amount of time spent on set-up and instead focus on your thoughts and actions. While remaining authentic is important, think about the qualities Darden is looking for in applicants and make sure the story selected clearly SHOWS how you demonstrated them. While the bulk of this essay should be focused on the story itself, be sure to leave time to discuss the implications of this experience and how this experience changed your leadership style and has positioned you to contribute on campus.  Careers With Purpose: Darden’s Career Center delivers personalized career searches, support, and resources to empower students in their goals to create value as purpose-driven leaders. The team of dedicated, expert career coaches spans every major industry, function and geography and collectively represents over one hundred years of coaching experience. Coaches are prepared to support students wherever they are in their search, as career goals shift and evolve while pursuing an MBA. Through a wide variety of career-related programming, students gain lifelong skills they will continue to leverage throughout their careers. This support continues after graduation with access to complimentary career support for life through Darden’s Alumni Career Services. At this time how would you describe your short-term, post-MBA goal in terms of industry, function, geography, company size and/or mission and how does it align with the long-term vision you have for your career? (200 words) This question is a straightforward career goals question. If you need help articulating your goals, check out this blog! With this short essay, be specific and include both your ideal position and organization type. Articulate what you hope to accomplish in this desired role and why this objective is interesting and important to you. Darden once again specifically asks candidates about their long-term vision. Given this, be sure to discuss what you hope to learn in the short term and how this experience will prepare you to achieve your long-term goals. Once again, this year’s Darden MBA application includes two other straightforward short-answer questions: What are you excited to explore in Charlottesville? (25 words) Darden has an incredible network of alumni and partners around the world, and, in a typical year, the School connects with over 80 countries. If you could choose any location in the world, where would you want to travel? (5 words) And why? (50 words) If you are looking for more Darden essay tips, feel free to contact us to learn more about how Personal MBA Coach’s services can help you get into your dream MBA program. About Personal MBA Coach: Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 15 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2 by leading sources. Personal MBA Coach is the #1 most favorably reviewed US Consultant of all time on Poets & Quants. We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing, and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and former M7 admissions interviewers. Last cycle, our clients earned more than $6.5M in scholarships! The post University of Virginia Darden MBA Application Essay Analysis 2022-2023 appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
27 May 2022, 07:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Columbia Business School Application Updates: 2022-2023 |
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It is time to get started on your Columbia Business School application as the Columbia MBA essay questions for class of 2025 business school hopefuls were just released. The 2022-2023 Columbia Business School MBA Application Deadlines Are As Follows: Early Decision: September 28, 2022 Merit Fellowship: January 11, 2023 Regular Decision: April 5, 2023 Read Personal MBA Coach’s Top Tips for Tackling Columbia Business School’s Essays Below! The Columbia MBA essays changed slightly for 2022-2023 applicants
The three questions together will prompt MBA candidates to cover a wide range of information about their professional goals, plans on campus, personal stories and leadership styles. Avoid repeating yourself while ensuring that the three Columbia essays work together to paint an accurate and consistent picture of your candidacy.  Columbia MBA Essay Question 1: Through your resume and recommendation, we have a clear sense of your professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next three to five years and what is your long-term dream job? (500 words maximum) Columbia specifically asks that candidates not repeat their resumes in this career goals question. While some mention of your professional past is still expected, it should be brief and used as context to further elaborate on why your goals are attainable. This question explicitly asks for both a short-term goal and a long-term dream job so be sure to include both. According to Nicole Shay, former Columbia Business School Admissions Director: “Your goal should be pragmatic. The committee will be asking themselves: ‘Given the applicant’s work experience + the resources/opportunities at CBS, will this applicant be successful in achieving their short-term goal?’” In addition, your goals should show a logical progression from your current experiences. If they do not, then a brief explanation is a good idea so that the admissions committee can understand how you will realistically attain your goals. Discussing your long-term dream job is an opportunity to show the admissions committee your true ambitions and what really matters to you professionally. It is important that candidates have lofty goals here but ones that make sense for them and fit with both their short-term goals and overall story. This is a unique chance not only to show how you envision your career unfolding, but also to give the reader a little more insight into who you are by adding at least a brief mention of why this career interests you. Finally, while not explicitly asked, a bit on how you will prepare for these goals while at Columbia would serve as a nice conclusion. Columbia MBA Essay Question 2: We believe Columbia Business School is a special place. CBS proudly fosters a collaborative learning environment through curricular experiences like our clusters and learning teams, co-curricular initiatives like the Phillips Pathway for Inclusive Leadership, which aims to equip students with the skills and strategies necessary to lead in an inclusive and ethical manner, and career mentorship opportunities like our Executives-in-Residence program. Why do you feel Columbia Business School is a good fit for you academically, culturally, and professionally? (300 words) This question takes a direct approach to addressing fit. During some previous cycles, CBS has asked candidates about their desire to be in New York City. While the current prompt addresses fit more broadly, mentioning how you plan to leverage the city would still be advised here. With only 300 words and a lot to cover, it is important to be focused and specific. Show that you have done your research on what options are available on campus and which specifically interest you. Naturally, a tie should be made between these opportunities and your career goals. According to Nicole: “In this essay, the committee is looking for which resources you are going to utilize to achieve your short-term goal and fulfill your social/cultural needs/interests. However, they are also looking at how you are going to contribute to the CBS community.” This is the time to discuss the classes you hope to take, clubs you will join and other programs of interest to you, such as speaker series or immersion seminars. While we have always recommended that candidates consider culture as they answer this question (which, as we have shared in the past, is becoming increasingly important to many top business schools) this year CBS explicitly asks applicants to speak to why the CBS culture is a good fit. Be sure that you have done your research on CBS and its culture and community. Find out more about what sets CBS apart by visiting our CBS school guide. Plus, watch Personal MBA Coach’s Nicole Shay’s exclusive interview with former colleague and current CBS Adcom Director, Jordan Blitzer. Get insider information about CBS including what Jordan wishes applicants would do differently, what is new on campus and common misconceptions about CBS. This is a must see for prospective CBS students.  Columbia MBA Essay Question 3: Tell us about your favorite book, movie, or song and why it resonates with you. (250 words) This third Columbia Business School essay prompt (which has been asked in previous cycles) is used to get to know applicants on a personal level. A strong answer will tell admissions committee members something unique about your profile. Think here about your hobbies, passions, upbringing or values. Then select a book, movie or song with parallels to your own experience(s). For example, perhaps you have a passion for music. Choose a movie or book about a musician with similar talents. Similarly, if you have overcome a particular hardship, a song that discusses a struggle that mirrors your own could be an ideal choice. As we often say, the what matters much less than the why in this essay. Do not pick something you think will impress the reader or something from the New York Times Bestsellers list. Instead, pick something that you truly connect with personally. Finally, Columbia has an optional essay. As we advise for most schools, do not feel compelled to answer this unless you have something specific to explain in your background (e.g., a career gap, an unusual recommender, extreme personal circumstances, etc.) This is not the time to spend 500 words professing your love for Columbia. Considering Columbia Business School? Personal MBA Coach is willing to be your guide via our comprehensive services. About Personal MBA Coach: Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 15 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2 by leading sources. Personal MBA Coach is the #1 most favorably reviewed US Consultant of all time on Poets & Quants. We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing, and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and former M7 admissions interviewers. Last cycle, our clients earned more than $6.5M in scholarships! The post Columbia Business School Application Updates: 2022-2023 appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
31 May 2022, 13:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Dartmouth Tuck Essay Advice: 2022-2023 |
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Located in New England’s Upper Valley, [url=https://www.personalmbacoach.com/schools/dartmouth-tuck/][b]Dartmouth Tuck[/b][/url] offers small-town charm while providing the resources of a larger area. If you are looking to attend a smaller MBA program but still want access to a cosmopolitan mix of cultures and global connections, Dartmouth Tuck may be a great choice for you. In the most recent reported class profile data, Dartmouth Tuck admitted applicants with an average GMAT score of 724 and an average undergrad GPA of 3.54. Information on the [url=https://www.tuck.dartmouth.edu/admissions/class-profile][b]class of 2023[/b][/url] also notes that 46% of students identify as female and 41% of students are international (including dual citizens and permanent residents). [b]The upcoming Tuck application deadlines are:[/b] [b]Round 1: [/b]September 26, 2022 [b]Round 2: [/b]January 4, 2023 [b]Round 3:[/b] March 27, 2023 [b]In a statement detailing the 2022-2023 full-time MBA admissions criteria, Dartmouth Tuck shared the following:[/b] Tuck classes are diverse by design, but our students share four common characteristics that form the basis of our admissions criteria. Tuck students are smart, accomplished, aware and encouraging; no two candidates are equally strong across all criteria, and you may demonstrate different strengths in different ways. Once again, the school asks applicants to answer three required essay questions. This year, Dartmouth has kept essays 1, 2, and 3 the same as the previous Tuck application cycle. Please see below for Personal MBA Coach’s tips on how to answer the Dartmouth Tuck MBA essays. [img]https://www.personalmbacoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/WordPress-Dartmouth-Tuck-Essay-Advice-2.png[/img] [b]Dartmouth Tuck MBA Essays:[/b] [b]Dartmouth Tuck MBA Application Essay 1:[/b] [b]Tuck students can articulate how the distinctive Tuck MBA will advance their aspirations. Why are you pursuing an MBA and why Tuck? (300 words maximum)[/b] There is a lot to fit into this short 300-word essay. First, candidates need to clearly articulate their goals, including both short-term and long-term aspirations. If you need help thinking through your goals, we have published [url=https://www.personalmbacoach.com/post/how-to-think-about-mba-goals][b]a blog[/b][/url] with our general tips. Next, candidates should reflect upon the skills they will need to succeed in this desired career and SPECIFICALLY how Tuck will help them. Be sure to do your research into everything Tuck has to offer and discuss what you will take advantage of on campus and how. Tuck has a unique program, and it is more than just being close-knit. As always, avoid vague statements here. [b]Dartmouth Tuck MBA Application Essay 2: Tuck students recognize how their individuality adds to the fabric of Tuck. Tell us who you are. (300 words maximum)[/b] For this question, candidates should reflect upon what makes them unique. Hobbies, passions, skills and aspirations are all fair game here. This essay also should paint a picture of what studying and living with you would be like and at least briefly discuss the role you will play within the class of 2025 and how you will improve life at Tuck. While Tuck no longer specifically asks candidates how they will contribute on campus, a strong answer will not completely ignore this discussion. Even though they removed this question, the mindset remains. Tuck would like to know how your uniqueness will add value on campus. [b]Dartmouth Tuck MBA Application Essay 3: Tuck students are encouraging, collaborative and empathetic, even when it is not convenient or easy. Describe a meaningful experience in which you exemplified one or more of these attributes. (300 words maximum)[/b] Recognizing that actions speak louder than words, Tuck is looking to learn more about how you have demonstrated the school’s values. Naturally, the story selected should show speak to one or more of the aforementioned values, yet it should also be one that is easy to set up. You do not want to use many words explaining the situation; instead, you want to SHOW your actions. This question is yet another opportunity for candidates to allow the Tuck admissions directors to assess what studying and living with them would be like. Stories discussing volunteer and extracurricular work could be logical choices for this question. However, examples of how candidates exhibited these qualities in their personal or professional lives would work equally well. [img]https://www.personalmbacoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/WordPress-Dartmouth-Tuck-Essay-Advice-1.png[/img] [b]Dartmouth Tuck Optional Essay:[/b] [b]Please provide any additional insight or information that you have not addressed elsewhere (e.g., atypical choice of evaluators, factors affecting academic performance, unexplained job gaps or changes). Complete this question only if you feel your candidacy is not fully represented by this application. (300 words maximum)[/b] Tuck also has an optional question that should be answered only by those candidates with unique circumstances. Read our advice on how to address optional questions [url=https://www.personalmbacoach.com/post/short-answer-optional-videos][b]here[/b][/url]. [b]Dartmouth Tuck Reapplicant Essay: How have you strengthened your candidacy since you last applied? Please reflect on how you have grown personally and professionally. (300 words maximum)[/b] If you are reapplying, the Dartmouth Tuck application has a reapplicant essay question. Get Personal MBA Coach’s advice on how to tackle the reapplicant essay [url=https://www.personalmbacoach.com/tackling-the-mba-application-reapplicant-essay/][b]here[/b][/url]. Looking for more information Dartmouth Tuck’s MBA program? Check out our [url=https://www.personalmbacoach.com/schools/dartmouth-tuck/]Dartmouth Tuck guide[/url] to find out what sets the program apart, get the latest class profile information, and more. [b]About Personal MBA Coach:[/b] Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, [url=https://t.sidekickopen84.com/s3t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7kF8bWxWWW1jdhbt59hl3kW7_k2841CXdp3VP16L37sSSvHN2bzNKWKs-KQ101?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-45NqmXW43TBFH3_RvYBW43N9FW1JxwY5F1LvclrmMxJ1&si=8000000004146882&pi=b6e2f3a3-f12b-47f8-c9d0-d59a270d5b0b][b]Personal MBA Coach [/b][/url]has been guiding clients for 15 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2 by leading sources. Personal MBA Coach is the #1 most favorably reviewed US Consultant of all time on Poets & Quants. We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing, and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and former M7 admissions interviewers. Last cycle, our clients earned more than $6.5M in scholarships! The post [url=https://www.personalmbacoach.com/dartmouth-tuck-essay-advice/]Dartmouth Tuck Essay Advice: 2022-2023[/url] appeared first on [url=https://www.personalmbacoach.com]Personal MBA Coach[/url]. |
01 Jun 2022, 09:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: School Interaction in a Post-Pandemic World |
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Personal MBA Coach’s founder, Scott Edinburgh, attended the annual Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants (AIGAC) conference this May. Along with general upcoming application themes, we gained insight into how schools are engaging with prospective students. More than two years after the start of the pandemic, top business schools are finally beginning to invite visitors back to campus in small numbers. While not required, visiting business schools is a great tool during the school selection process. By exploring a campus, MBA hopefuls will gain a sense of life on campus and a school’s overall culture, helping them determine whether a particular program will provide them with a fulfilling MBA experience. That said, virtual events are still a strong option for folks who are unable to get to campus (admissions committee members will not hold it against you if you cannot visit in person). For those who are interested in visiting their target business schools in person, sign up early! There are limited spaces, so the sooner you schedule a visit, the better. Below, Personal MBA Coach has shared some insights on school interaction in a post-pandemic world. Harvard Business School Harvard Business School is offering several in-person campus tours this spring and summer, expressing their excitement to bring back in-person outreach events. The school has also recently announced that admissions representatives will be hosting information sessions in Israel, London, Frankfurt, Nashville, Milan, San Diego, and other major cities. Naturally, virtual tours and events remain an option as well. Wharton If you are interested in a Wharton MBA visit, the school currently has virtual options. These include virtual tours, class visits, and information sessions. These online offerings provide a closer look at Wharton’s academics, student life, and the MBA admissions process. Stanford GSB Currently, Stanford GSB’s on-campus information sessions and campus tours are on hold. That said, Personal MBA Coach learned at the latest AIGAC conference that on-campus sessions will likely begin again shortly. In the meantime, applicants are encouraged to visit the school’s online event schedule.  Chicago Booth Chicago Booth representatives at this year’s AIGAC conference emphasized that engagement is not the most important, though it is still beneficial to attend some events to demonstrate interest. Booth has announced that they are very excited to invite visitors back to campus after a long hiatus. Of course, virtual visits also remain an option for those who prefer this format. MIT Sloan Right now, MIT Sloan welcomes visitors in outdoor spaces and nonresidential campus buildings (while escorted). The school also offers an in-depth virtual tour and a handful of virtual and in-person admissions events. Kellogg As of now, Kellogg has yet to resume in-person tours. However, the school assures students that their virtual tours will give those hoping to visit Kellogg business school a close look into what they can expect from the Kellogg community. The school’s new video series not only features a tour of their flagship building but also features student, faculty, and staff perspectives. Columbia Business School Columbia Business School shared that some on-campus events will begin to resume in small groups. For the time being, however, the school continues to offer online campus tours, information sessions, and more. Additionally, the MBA program will launch a Class Visit Program this summer, a monthly virtual series featuring different topics and faculty members, to give prospective students a closer look at the student experience. Berkeley Haas Berkeley Haas offers a number of options for those interested in exploring the campus. These include virtual admissions Q&As, prerecorded class sessions, self-guided tours, and student-led virtual events. While most of these offerings remain online, students can choose between an in-person and online tour. Yale SOM At Yale SOM, on-campus visits are available, though visitors must confirm their vaccination status when registering. While the school is offering some domestic events, Personal MBA Coach was told that they are continuing to restrict international travel for the time being.  NYU Stern NYU Stern shared that they are planning to introduce shorter virtual events and Zooms. Given the busy lives of business school applicants, we imagine these offerings will be well received by attendees. Stern’s office is currently closed to visitors, but the school is offering virtual tours of the campus as well. Dartmouth Tuck Dartmouth Tuck is open to campus visits, though they emphasized at the AIGAC conference that prospective students do not need to visit. For those who do want to come on campus, spots will be available to a small group of visitors. The school also currently offers a 360° virtual tour, along with a number of online admissions events. Michigan Ross Michigan Ross will not offer campus visits until the fall. For now, the school has in-depth virtual tours. The Ross website also has a text-based tour, which describes the school’s physical spaces and facilities in detail. UVA Darden Following the release of the UVA Darden application, the school announced various new outreach events, including in-person admissions chats, coffee chats, and “office hours.” Darden also encourages prospective students to tour the campus virtually if an online event best fits their needs. Duke Fuqua Duke Fuqua is among the business schools allowing in-person visits and open houses. Those looking to further acquaint themselves with the school are encouraged to stay tuned as these Duke MBA campus visit details are released. Visitors are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated before coming to campus and, of course, virtual formats remain an option for those who cannot get to Durham. UCLA Anderson Those looking to get a closer glimpse of the UCLA Anderson experience have several options. From virtual information sessions to Q&As, there are many ways to learn more about Anderson’s MBA program. The school also has in-person coffee chats, campus tours, and general information sessions, though it notes that in-person class visits are not currently available.  Texas McCombs Texas McCombs is offering virtual information sessions and in-person interest sessions this summer. Virtual and in-person self-guided tours are also an option for those interested in seeing the campus. Cornell Johnson Cornell Johnson has limited on-campus visits and admissions events. However, the school continues to offer virtual event series, webinars, and more. Connected Conversations are a virtual offering that Cornell Johnson highlighted at this year’s AIGAC conference. This is a free virtual webinar series that delves into conversations regarding family, business, and leadership. As an example, a recent recording explores navigating the MBA admissions process for those coming from a family business. CMU Tepper CMU Tepper continues to hold off on on-campus visits for now. That said, the school offers virtual tours, online class visits, webinars, faculty lectures, and “Ask Me Anything” events hosted by Tepper students. Applying to business school this fall? Personal MBA Coach is already beginning to work with many round 1 candidates on their applications. Find out how we can maximize your chances of success here! About Personal MBA Coach: Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 15 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2 by leading sources. Personal MBA Coach is the #1 most favorably reviewed US Consultant of all time on Poets & Quants. We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing, and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and former M7 admissions interviewers. Last cycle, our clients earned more than $6.5M in scholarships! The post School Interaction in a Post-Pandemic World appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
02 Jun 2022, 07:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Wharton MBA Application Deadlines and Wharton MBA Essay Tips: 2022-2023 |
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The Wharton School has confirmed the 2022-2023 MBA application essays. This year, Wharton has decided to keep its first and second essay questions the same as the previous application cycle. Wharton has an additional required application essay for reapplicants along with an optional essay. Below, please find this year’s deadlines along with Personal MBA Coach’s analysis of the Wharton MBA application essays. The Upcoming Wharton MBA Application Deadlines Are As Follows: Round 1: September 7, 2022 Round 2: January 4, 2023 Round 3: March 29, 2023 2022-2023 Wharton MBA Essays: Founded by a Wharton MBA graduate, Personal MBA Coach is intimately familiar with the Wharton MBA program and the culture at Wharton. We advise candidates to think about each question differently, ensuring answers complement each other AND show readers multiple aspects of their candidacy. Wharton MBA Essay 1: How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words) With this first Wharton MBA essay question, you should discuss your specific short-term goals, but also think more broadly. Essay 1 allows you to reflect at a higher level on your aspirations. Think about where you see yourself in 10, 20 or even 30 years. Consider the path you will take to get there. It is also expected that you touch upon your past successes, explaining how they are relevant to your future objectives. This question does not require you to walk through your entire resume, and candidates are advised not to do so. Instead, focus only on your past to establish what your key skills are as well as how and why you will succeed in the future. As you think about your future, also think about your skill gaps and how a Wharton MBA, specifically, will help you to close these gaps. It is important that you allow adequate time to research all that Wharton has to offer. Personal MBA Coach suggests being very specific in detailing the opportunities you plan to take advantage of on campus. Discuss classes you are particularly interested in or perhaps professors you are looking to study with, etc. Do not include a laundry list. Instead, carefully think through how each offering will allow you to fill in your skill and/or experience gaps. Be sure to show an understanding of Wharton’s culture here. Avoid writing vague statements and copying and pasting content from other MBA application essays.  Wharton MBA Essay 2: Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words) Essay 2 gives candidates the opportunity to share past accomplishments and detail potential contributions to the Wharton community. Think about what you have done beyond what is in your resume. Consider items you wish you had space within your resume to elaborate on. Ask yourself what makes you special. This question gives you the freedom to consider talents, impressive extracurricular accomplishments and/or unique professional skills. We advise candidates to think broadly here about what makes them unique and how they have succeeded both professionally and personally in the past. Then, consider how you might share these passions, experiences, and successes with your future peers. Tell the reader how you will improve and enrich the Wharton campus. Be sure to do your research on all that Wharton has to offer and to be specific on the contributions you will make. Is there a club you want to join? Perhaps there is a talent you want to share? As with essay 1, avoid listing items. Instead, select a few unique areas where you will contribute and discuss the mark you hope to leave. Then, as you discuss the specific contributions you will make, tie these to the past experiences you have just brainstormed. A strong essay will cover multiple contributions that flow naturally from your personal story, your passions and your career goals. Required Essay for all Reapplicants: Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words) Reapplicants should use the required additional essay to demonstrate growth. We advise candidates to review our tips for reapplicants before tackling this essay.  Optional Essay: Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. Finally, the optional Wharton MBA essay should only be answered by those with extenuating circumstances. Read more on our approach to optional essays here. Looking for more information on Wharton’s MBA program? Check out our Wharton guide to find out what sets the program apart, get the latest class profile information, and more. About Personal MBA Coach: Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 15 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2 by leading sources. Personal MBA Coach is the #1 most favorably reviewed US Consultant of all time on Poets & Quants. We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing, and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and former M7 admissions interviewers. Last cycle, our clients earned more than $6.5M in scholarships! The post Wharton MBA Application Deadlines and Wharton MBA Essay Tips: 2022-2023 appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
06 Jun 2022, 09:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Kellogg MBA Essay Advice and Application Deadlines: 2022-2023 |
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Kellogg School of Management has released its essay questions and application deadlines for the 2022-2023 application cycle. Once again, Kellogg asks applicants to answer two essay questions. This year, Kellogg is minimizing changes by keeping the same two MBA application essays and video essay questions from the previous cycle. Last year, Kellogg allowed MBA applicants to select their top choice program and then rank additional programs for which they would like to be considered. This year, Kellogg has slightly altered this policy. After candidates submit their applications, Kellogg allows them to select an alternate Full-Time MBA program of interest and/or the Kellogg Evening and Weekend MBA program. Those who select an alternate program must write a short paragraph detailing why they are also interested in an alternate program. The 2022-2023 Kellogg MBA Application Deadlines Are As Follows: Round 1: September 14, 2022 Round 2: January 10, 2023 Round 3: April 5, 2023 Read Personal MBA Coach’s Top Tips For Tackling Kellogg’s MBA Essays Below! Both of Kellogg’s MBA application essays are fairly broad, giving candidates the opportunity to reflect on and discuss multiple aspects of their candidacy. However, remember to strive for quality over quantity when crafting your essays. With a 450-word limit for each, your responses should be particularly succinct. Kellogg MBA Essay 1: Kellogg’s purpose is to educate, equip and inspire leaders who create lasting value. Provide a recent example where you have demonstrated leadership and created value. What challenges did you face and what did you learn? (450 words) Many candidates are likely to share a professional story to answer this first prompt. However, strong leadership examples in your extracurricular activities could also work well here. Keep in mind the request for a recent example when developing your response to this first Kellogg application essay. Be sure to think of a significant undertaking where you can clearly demonstrate the value you added. This story also should be easy enough to explain that you do not have to waste too many words setting up the situation. A strong essay will discuss the actions you took and show how these actions required you to demonstrate bravery and leadership. Equally as important as what you did is what you learned from this experience. Learnings should be specific. Ideally, you would also mention how you have carried these learnings forward to future endeavors. A strong answer not only will demonstrate leadership experience but also will highlight your strengths and specific skills.  Kellogg MBA Essay 2: Values are what guide you in your life and work. What values are important to you and how have they influenced you? (450 words) This second Kellogg MBA essay is a challenging one as it forces candidates to reflect on what truly drives and motivates them. Authenticity will be key when developing your answer to this question. Admissions committee members want passionate students and well-rounded classes. So do not simply tailor your answer to what you think admissions committee members want to hear (a common MBA application misconception). Instead, you should write about the values that you have repeatedly demonstrated throughout your life. For each value selected, discuss WHY this value is important to you and show HOW you have integrated this value into your life. While you do not want a laundry list, you should include more than one value in your response. Candidates also should include some personal detail so that the reader can better understand how this value has influenced their actions, beliefs, and aspirations. It is particularly crucial that you have someone who knows you well read through this essay to ensure it is authentic. Of course, this is a good idea for all essay questions. Additional Kellogg MBA Application Essays Kellogg requires candidates considering options other than the full-time MBA to answer these additional essay questions. One-Year applicants: Please discuss your post-MBA career goal, the current experience you will leverage to support the transition, and the Kellogg One-Year MBA opportunities that will help you reach this goal. (250 words) With this short and straightforward essay, we advise applicants to be very direct both in terms of their career goal (need help on approaching a career goal essay?) and how Kellogg will help. Be specific here, outlining what you will take advantage of on campus and how each opportunity will help you. MBAi applicants: The Kellogg McCormick MBAi program is designed to train the next generation of leaders who can help businesses deliver successful outcomes through AI-driven technology. This requires leaders who have strong technical and business skills; many firms struggle to find leaders with these skills. Tell us about your firsthand experience with this disconnect between business and technology and how MBAi will prepare you to successfully lead businesses at the intersection. (450 words) With this essay, be very specific in the story you tell. You will want to clearly articulate your understanding of this challenge. While not specifically asked, candidates would benefit from sharing the work they have already done in this space. Finally, as with the one-year essay question, outline how an MBA and the offerings within the MBAi program specifically will prepare you to solve this disconnect in the future. MMM applicants: The five core values of the MMM Program are curiosity, creativity, empathy, open-mindedness and a learning mindset. Describe a situation in which you demonstrated one of these values. Why is this value an important part of the MMM experience for you? (250 words) Only applicants to Kellogg’s MMM program should answer this question. For those unfamiliar with the MMM program, it is a dual degree program offering graduates both an MBA from Kellogg and an MS in Design Innovation from the Segal Design Institute at the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science. For this essay, select just one value. The value you select is less important than the accompanying story. With only 250 words both to tell the story and tie it to Kellogg’s MMM program, pick a story that is easy to explain. Be sure you can show the reader how you lived this value, clearly explaining your actions. Finally, help the reader to understand why this value matters to you and how it will shape your Kellogg MMM experience. This is a lot to cover so choose your words carefully. Reapplicants are also required to answer one additional question: Since your previous application, what steps have you taken to strengthen your candidacy? (250 words) Check out Personal MBA Coach’s tips for addressing reapplicant essays here.  Kellogg MBA Video Essay Questions “Show us the person behind all those carefully crafted words. The video will be comprised of three questions, each designed to help you showcase your personality and share some of the experiences that brought you here today.” Finally, the Kellogg video essay questions remain from the previous year as well. This component of the application offers admissions committee members the chance to learn more about you on a personal level. Once you submit your application and payment, you will be able to access the Kellogg video essay through your application status page. You will be asked to answer three questions: Kellogg MBA Video Essay 1: Please introduce yourself to the admissions committee. Consider this your opportunity to share what you would want your future Kellogg classmates and our admissions committee to know about you. What makes you, you? Kellogg MBA Video Essay 2: What path are you interested in pursuing, how will you get there, and why is this program right for you? This is an intentionally broad question so you can answer honestly and meaningfully. We want to know why you’re pursuing an MBA and why you’re choosing a particular Kellogg Full-Time Program. Kellogg MBA Video Essay 3: This question will be based on a challenge you’ve faced and what you’ve learned from it. Read Personal MBA Coach’s tips for handling videos and other Kellogg MBA application extras here. Are you looking for more information on the Kellogg MBA program? Visit our Kellogg guide to get details on what sets the program apart, class profile statistics, and more. About Personal MBA Coach: Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 15 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2 by leading sources. Personal MBA Coach is the #1 most favorably reviewed US Consultant of all time on Poets & Quants. We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing, and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and former M7 admissions interviewers. Last cycle, our clients earned more than $6.5M in scholarships! The post Kellogg MBA Essay Advice and Application Deadlines: 2022-2023 appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
14 Jun 2022, 10:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: London Business School Essay Tips: 2022-2023 |
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London Business School has officially confirmed its essay questions for the 2022-2023 application cycle. If you are seeking an MBA program with a global community and access to a major city, London Business School may be a great option for you. With acclaimed professors and visiting speakers from around the world, and students representing 67 nationalities in the class of 2023, London Business School is truly a global hub. Information on the class of 2023 also notes that 38% of students identify as female, and students come from a variety of industry backgrounds. If you have decided that the London Business School full-time MBA program is a good fit for you, check out Personal MBA Coach’s tips below for tackling the LBS MBA essay questions. Once again, the London Business School application will ask applicants to answer one required essay question. This year, the school is minimizing changes and keeping the question the same as the previous application cycle. London Business School gives candidates the opportunity to answer an optional essay question as well, which also remains the same this year. London Business School’s MBA Essays for 2022-2023: LBS MBA Essay 1: What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School programme contribute towards these? (500 words maximum) LBS MBA Essay 2 (Optional): Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School? (500 words maximum) Please see below for Personal MBA Coach’s tips on how to answer London Business School’s MBA essay questions.  Personal MBA Coach’s London Business School Essay Tips: LBS Essay 1: What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School programme contribute towards these? (500 words maximum) This is a standard goals essay. Personal MBA Coach recommends beginning your essay by providing some background context about yourself and detailing your career accomplishments to date. This does not mean that applicants should detail their entire careers or repeat what is on their resume. However, LBS is looking to understand how your past career has prepared you to achieve your goals. Therefore, you should include some discussion of your career in terms of how it relates to your aspirations. After sharing this background information, go on to discuss your MBA goals. If you are having trouble articulating your goals, take a look at Personal MBA Coach’s six key pieces of advice here. This section should be a good portion of your essay and should include a specific short-term and long-term goal. Finally, the remainder of your essay should specifically discuss how attending London Business School will help you accomplish these goals. Be sure to research everything that London Business School’s MBA program has to offer and detail what you plan to take part in on campus. Is there a class you want to take? A club you hope to join? Mention these here and clearly explain how they relate to your MBA goals. Keep in mind that LBS is an international program, and a strong essay will explain why this is important to you.  LBS Essay 2 (Optional): Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School? (500 words maximum) While Personal MBA Coach normally does not advise most candidates to complete optional essays, you should consider answering this essay. This is the chance to tell London Business School a bit more about who you are and what makes you unique. Possible topics to cover here include extracurricular leadership roles or other work that is not presented in the rest of your application. This could be a personal story, triumph, or a side project you were involved in. Want to learn more about the London Business School full-time MBA program? Visit Personal MBA Coach’s LBS school page for more information on what sets the program apart. About Personal MBA Coach: Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 15 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2 by leading sources. Personal MBA Coach is the #1 most favorably reviewed US Consultant of all time on Poets & Quants. We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing, and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and former M7 admissions interviewers. Last cycle, our clients earned more than $6.5M in scholarships! The post London Business School Essay Tips: 2022-2023 appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
17 Jun 2022, 12:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Duke MBA Application Deadlines and Essay Advice: 2022-2023 |
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Duke Fuqua has confirmed its essay questions for 2022-2023 MBA hopefuls. Both required essays have remained the same this year, though the word count has increased for the second essay. For those interested in applying to Duke Fuqua, the school offers an early action deadline, along with three regular rounds. The Duke MBA Application Deadlines Are: Early Action: September 7, 2022 Round 1: September 26, 2022 Round 2: January 5, 2023 Round 3: March 28, 2023 Please see below for Personal MBA Coach’s tips on how to answer the Duke MBA essays. Personal MBA Coach’s Tips for the Duke MBA Essays: In addition to a required short answer question: What are your post-MBA career goals? Share with us your first choice career plan and your alternate plan, Duke asks applicants to answer two essay questions.  Duke MBA Essay 1: 25 Random Things About Yourself The ‘Team Fuqua’ spirit and community is one of the things that sets the MBA experience apart, and it is a concept that extends beyond the student body to include faculty, staff, and administration. Please share with us “25 Random Things” about you. The Admissions Committee wants to get to know YOU – beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript. Share with us important life experiences, your hobbies, achievements, fun facts, or anything that helps us understand what makes you who you are. Your list will be limited to 2 pages (750 words maximum). Please present your response in list form, numbered 1 to 25. Some points may be brief, while others may be longer. With this first Duke MBA essay, be yourself and have fun. The majority of this essay should be personal, including hobbies, passions and interesting facts. These facts do not need to be formal. This is your chance to show how you are unique. It is also a great opportunity to weave in additional elements of your personal story and let the reader in on your personality. Include not only the what but also some of the why behind your facts. There are no wrong answers here, but Personal MBA Coach advises that clients limit repetition and do not include a lot of professional details. Check out these examples from Duke to get some additional inspiration! Duke MBA Essay 2: The Fuqua Community and You Fuqua prides itself on cultivating a culture of engagement. Our students enjoy a wide range of student-led organizations that provide opportunities for leadership development and personal fulfillment, as well as an outlet for contributing to society. Our student-led government, clubs, centers, and events are an integral part of the student culture and to the development of leaders. Based on your understanding of the Fuqua culture, what are 3 ways you expect to contribute at Fuqua? Your response will be limited to 1 page (500 words maximum). For this Duke MBA essay, pick only THREE things. An ideal answer will show that you are a well-rounded and engaged citizen and will act this way as well once you get on campus. They want to see that you did your research and really know why you want to go to Duke and how you will improve the community. You should include a mix of what you have done in the past AND specifically how you will be active on campus. In addition to discussing the Fuqua culture, you should specifically mention how you will be involved on campus. Name specific clubs you might join, programs you hope to establish and/or ways you would like to become involved in the broader community. Even though Duke Fuqua shortened this essay, it is particularly important to Fuqua that candidates have clearly thought through their unique roles on campus, so be sure to devote plenty of time to research for this essay!  Duke MBA Optional essay: Tell us more If you feel there are circumstances of which the admissions committee should be aware, please explain them here (e.g. unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance). Note that you should NOT upload additional essays nor additional recommendations in this area. The Optional Information section is intended to provide the admissions committee with insight into your circumstances only. Instructions: Your response will be limited to 1 page (500 words maximum). Duke Fuqua also has an optional essay. However, DO NOT feel compelled to answer this Duke MBA application essay. In most instances, Personal MBA Coach advises candidates only with extenuating circumstances (i.e., low GPAs or gaps in employment) to provide additional information here. Looking for more information on the Duke Fuqua MBA program? Visit Personal MBA Coach’s Duke Fuqua guide to get program-specific MBA application tips, class profile information, insights from students and admissions directors, and more! About Personal MBA Coach: Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 15 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2 by leading sources. Personal MBA Coach is the #1 most favorably reviewed US Consultant of all time on Poets & Quants. We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing, and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and former M7 admissions interviewers. Last cycle, our clients earned more than $6.5M in scholarships! The post Duke MBA Application Deadlines and Essay Advice: 2022-2023 appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
22 Jun 2022, 10:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Stanford GSB Essay Advice: 2022-2023 |
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The Stanford MBA essay questions, as expected, did not change this year. Once again, there are two Stanford GSB essays, which have a combined word limit of 1050 words. Stanford suggests applicants allocate up to 650 words on Essay A and up to 400 words on Essay B. Stanford shortened the combined word limit a few years ago, a sign that the school encourages applicants to remain focused and concise in their answers. Below, please find Personal MBA Coach’s advice on how to approach the two Stanford GSB essay questions. 2022-2023 Stanford GSB Essays: Stanford GSB Essay A: What matters most to you, and why? (650 words suggested) For this essay, we would like you to reflect deeply and write from the heart. Once you’ve identified what matters most to you, help us understand why. You might consider, for example, what makes this so important to you? What people, insights, or experiences have shaped your perspectives? This first Stanford MBA essay is arguably one of the hardest MBA application questions across all schools. This challenging question requires candidates to speak from the heart. As Stanford advises, think more about your values here and WHY you made the choices you have made than WHAT you have done. Personal MBA Coach recommends you do some serious soul searching before starting. Think about what you are most passionate about. What drives you to get out of bed each morning? If you could spend your time as you wish, what would you do? Ideally, you have acted on this passion, and it extends throughout multiple aspects of your life. Then, think carefully about why this matters to you. Did you have an experience as a child? Are you following a passion held by others in your family? Finally, once you have established the why, you should include some WHAT here. After all, a passion or cause that you have done nothing with will not be very believable. Remember though, this is only PART of this personal essay.  Stanford GSB Essay B: Why Stanford? (400 words suggested) Describe your aspirations and how your Stanford GSB experience will help you realize them. If you are applying to both the MBA and MSx programs, use Essay B to address your interest in both programs. In this short Stanford MBA essay, candidates have a lot to cover. First, you should set up why you want an MBA. Naturally, this would include what your goals are and what skills you need to develop to achieve these goals. Then, establish how Stanford will help you to fill these skill gaps. Once again, be specific! Name classes, clubs, programs, etc. and how they will help. Finally, be sure to articulate what attracts you to Stanford’s culture. We realize this is a tall order with a suggested word count of only 400 words, so be succinct. Unlike other schools, Stanford gives the candidate discretion on how to divide the 1050 words (1100 for dual degree candidates) across the two essays. The breakdown above is a suggestion and, in general, this is an ideal breakdown for most candidates. In addition, there are two optional questions in the Stanford GSB application. Stanford GSB Optional Question 1: Think about times you’ve created a positive impact, whether in professional, extracurricular, academic, or other settings. What was your impact? What made it significant to you or to others? In the Essays section of the application, we ask you to tell us about who you are and how you think Stanford will help you achieve your aspirations. We are also interested in learning about the things you have done that are most meaningful to you. If you would like to go beyond your resume to discuss some of your contributions more fully, you are welcome to share up to three examples. (Up to 1,200 characters, or approximately 200 words, for each example)  Stanford GSB Optional Question 2: Tell us about a time within the last three years when your background influenced your participation in a situation, interaction, or project. We know that each person is more than a list of facts or pre-defined categories. We are interested in how your background may have influenced your life experiences. In answering this question, consider how your background, such as your work, education, skills, interests, culture, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, where/how you grew up, and/or other factors, had an impact on your recent actions and choices. (Up to 1,200 characters, or approximately 200 words) For many other top MBA programs, Personal MBA Coach advises clients to answer optional essays only to discuss unique circumstances. Take a look at our blog on optional essay questions to learn more. However, the requirements for addressing one or more of the optional Stanford MBA essays are not quite as stringent. You can use these optional essays to share other aspects of your candidacy not included in your essays. That said, use these Stanford MBA essays sparingly. Less continues to be more here. Answer these questions only if you have something very powerful to add that is not already included elsewhere in your Stanford GSB application. Looking for more information on the full-time Stanford MBA program? Check out Personal MBA Coach’s Stanford guide to learn more. About Personal MBA Coach: Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 15 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2 by leading sources. Personal MBA Coach is the #1 most favorably reviewed US Consultant of all time on Poets & Quants. We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing, and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and former M7 admissions interviewers. Last cycle, our clients earned more than $6.5M in scholarships! The post Stanford GSB Essay Advice: 2022-2023 appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
23 Jun 2022, 13:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Interview with Personal MBA Coach Founder, Scott Edinburgh |
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This week we are changing things up a bit and turning the camera (so to speak) on Scott Edinburgh, Personal MBA Coach founder. Get Scott’s insight on the value of an MBA, the main challenges MBA candidates face, the right time to apply and more! Question: Based on your experience and expertise, what is the value of pursuing an MBA? With low levels of unemployment (though this may change soon – more on that below) you may be questioning the value of an MBA. However, there are countless benefits of earning an MBA. The most obvious, of course, is the technical knowledge you will gain. In addition to traditional courses in fields such as finance, accounting and marketing, nearly all MBA programs offer specialized courses covering a variety of industries and functional areas. Whether you are planning to go into finance, real estate, marketing or healthcare, you will have the chance to learn the fundamentals from industry experts. Equally as important as these technical skills are the “soft” skills you can gain during an MBA. Both inside and outside of the classroom, MBA programs strongly emphasize skills such as leadership, teamwork and communication, all crucial skills for future leaders. In addition, the countless volunteer and travel programs offer students further opportunities to stretch themselves personally and professionally. The business school classroom also provides students the chance to take risks in an open and trusting environment. Often students enter business school with one goal, but they use this unique and safe environment to try classes or programs in other fields. In many cases, this leads students down an unexpected path as they find a field that is a better fit. Finally, business schools provide students with great networking opportunities, both while on campus and beyond. In addition to learning from classroom peers, students find alumni to be invaluable resources as they seek their first post-MBA jobs. Alumni not only can provide crucial insider knowledge, but they also often help fellow alums secure roles in their companies. MBA graduates will then continue to rely upon this network throughout their careers for partners, mentors or even investors.  Question: What do you recommend to candidates who have considered postponing applying to business school because of the strong job market? This is actually an ideal time to apply to business school. With lower levels of unemployment, many top business schools are seeing fewer applicants (particularly domestic applicants). This makes now a slightly (and I do mean slightly) less competitive time to apply. Further, all signs point to a worsening job market, which means by September 2023, when 2022-2023 applicants will enroll in business school, professional opportunities are likely to be more limited. Based on my 15 years of experience, I expect to see an increase in applicants in the near future as more companies announce layoffs and hiring freezes due to increased interest rates and lower spending. If you are considering an MBA in the near future, now would be a great time to take the leap. Question: What was the greatest impact attending Wharton had on your professional and personal life? Naturally, given my line of work, my MBA experience changed my career. While I started my post-MBA career in a more traditional strategy role, the MBA was so transformational for me that while I was in school, I began helping my friends with their applications so they, too, could have this valuable opportunity. Thirteen years later, helping others enjoy the transformative experience of the MBA has become my life’s passion. Tactically, at Wharton I learned to think more strategically and to develop stronger presentations. I also expanded my negotiation and decision-making skills and became an overall better leader. Leadership is tough and while I am still learning, a lot of the skills that have helped me succeed today, I developed at Wharton. Personally, I now have friends (even very close friends) from around the world. While you meet a lot of people and develop great friends as an undergraduate, everyone is still somewhat immature. Business school is a great time to develop lasting relationships. I still cherish and leverage these relationships today, using many of my peers as sounding boards, both personally and professionally. The opportunity to attend global weddings (once they are allowed to happen) is not a bad perk, either.  Question: What is the main challenge that MBA candidates face in getting accepted to their target MBA programs? The main challenge that Personal MBA Coach and our team help clients tackle is figuring out how to truly tell their stories. Developing the personal story may be the hardest and the most important part of the application. This story should be compelling and somewhat unique. MBA admissions directors see countless similar profiles each year, particularly for students who work in overrepresented industries or who come from overrepresented demographics. Personal MBA Coach helps candidates to stand out and clearly articulate the value they will add on campus. We advise candidates to start this process months, if not years, in advance to develop a story that is focused, logical and unique. When I meet with a new candidate, I start by asking a lot of questions. We talk about everything the applicant has done, often starting from childhood. I advise you to start with a similar process. Make a list of everything you have done in your life and take the time to write it all down. Think carefully about the decisions you have made, activities you enjoy and, most importantly, why you made those choices. Think about your future goals. What do you want to do after you earn your MBA and, again, why? Next, look for a theme! What single idea ties all this together? This is the hard part, so give it time. Question: What is the profile of an MBA candidate? There is no one profile of an MBA candidate. Each year we work with more “typical” candidates, including management consultants, investment bankers and private equity professionals. We also help many clients coming from and/or returning to family businesses. However, we also work with clients who are opera singers, musicians, nonprofit leaders, teachers, marketing professionals, restaurateurs, physicians, family business professionals — the list goes on. Strong business and leadership skills can be an asset in any industry as supported by the diversity of MBA applicants. Question: After completing the MBA, what comes next? That answer is up to the applicant. The fields that MBA graduates enter are as diverse as the fields they worked in prior to business school. In certain careers MBA graduates feed into common roles – for example, consulting firms start MBA graduates in a “class” of their peers. Other firms provide leadership development programs for recent graduates. In general, however, there are countless roles a graduate can fill. MBA programs dedicate an entire career services department to helping graduates find their ideal jobs. About Personal MBA Coach: Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 15 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2 by leading sources including Poets & Quants. We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing, and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and former M7 admissions interviewers. The post Interview with Personal MBA Coach Founder, Scott Edinburgh appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
24 Jun 2022, 12:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Personal MBA Coach’s Take on the Economist MBA Rankings 2022 |
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The Economist MBA Ranking report for 2022 full-time MBA programs has just been released, with some interesting shifts this year. Most notably, US MBA programs have regained the top positions. Given that the Economist did not release rankings in 2020 and most, including all of the M7 schools, declined to participate in the 2021 Economist MBA rankings, many top US business schools are returning to the Economist MBA rankings for the first time since 2019. Below, see the 2022 Economist MBA rankings and get Personal MBA Coach’s insight on how to use MBA rankings.  Harvard has secured the #1 spot, a jump from #2 the last time the business school was part of the Economist MBA rankings in 2019. Wharton holds the #2 spot this year, also a rise from its 2019 ranking of 5th place. Coming in 3rd, Kellogg moved up from its 2019 ranking of 4th place. In 4th place this year is Columbia Business School, which experienced a massive shift up from #15 the last time it was part of the rankings in 2019. MIT Sloan rounded out the top 5 in this year’s Economist MBA rankings. Once again, this is significant jump from the school’s placement of #19 in 2019. Interestingly enough, Duke Fuqua holds 6th place this year, ranking ahead of two of the M7 programs. Again, this is an upward shift from Fuqua’s #11 standing in 2019. HEC Paris holds 7th place in this year’s Economist MBA rankings and is the only non-US business school in the top 10. HEC Paris did participate in the 2021 rankings and, given the increased participation from US business schools this year, has dropped five places from #2. Closing out the top 10, Stanford GSB took 8th place (the same position as its 2019 ranking), Chicago Booth took 9th (a large drop from #1 in 2019), and Michigan Ross took 10th. Ross was one of the few top US business schools that was present in the 2021 Economist MBA rankings. Again, due to the return of other top US schools, Ross dropped 7 places from #3.  Beyond the top 10, Dartmouth Tuck holds the 11th place in this year’s rankings (one up from #12 in 2019), followed by Berkeley Haas in 12th (a drop from #7 in 2019). Italy’s SDA Bocconi holds 13th place this year (a drop from its 2021 ranking of 6th place). Following close behind is UVA Darden in 14th (up from #16 in 2019) and NYU Stern in 15th. Stern was among the few top US business schools in the 2021 Economist MBA rankings, where it previously held 4th place. Now #16, IESE Business School has lost its #1 title from the 2021 rankings. In 17th place is Yale SOM (up from #21 in 2019). EDHEC Business School is down 11 places from its 2021 ranking, now holding #18. WashU Olin took #19, a somewhat surprising placement above schools like UCLA Anderson and Cornell Johnson. This is a huge leap from the school’s 2019 ranking of #41. Concluding the top 20 is UCLA Anderson. The school dropped quite a bit from its previous ranking of #6 in 2019. Keep in Mind Remember, changes over time are more important than yearly fluctuations. Plus, these rankings can vary significantly from one source to the next (check out Personal MBA Coach’s blog posts on the US News Historical MBA Rankings and the latest Bloomberg Businessweek and Financial Times rankings). The continual shuffling at the top and schools’ rotation in and out of the top 10 exhibits the increasing competition among esteemed MBA programs. While, naturally, the M7 business schools have a strong reputation, we encourage clients to select a broad range of target schools. On average, Personal MBA Coach clients apply to 5 to 8 schools to increase their chances of admission. Of course, rankings are only one part of the equation. MBA hopefuls should not all apply to Harvard Business School because it is #1 in the 2022 Economist MBA rankings, nor should they lose sleep over the fact that Stanford GSB is #8 this year.  Beyond rankings, candidates should consider a program’s culture, academic programming, location, particular areas of specialization, and post-graduate employment rate. For more information, please visit Personal MBA Coach’s full-time MBA program guides here. Looking for guidance as you begin the application process? School selection is a key component of Personal MBA Coach’s comprehensive packages. Contact us today to learn how we can help guide you every step of the way. About Personal MBA Coach: Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 15 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2 by leading sources including Poets & Quants. We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing, and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and former M7 admissions interviewers. The post Personal MBA Coach’s Take on the Economist MBA Rankings 2022 appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
28 Jun 2022, 08:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: A Look into Top STEM MBA Programs in the US |
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Personal MBA Coach founder Scott Edinburgh recently moderated a panel on the value of a STEM MBA (formally known as a STEM-designated MBA) for aspiring entrepreneurs. Not only will a STEM MBA program teach students specific skills, such as using analytics to identify new customer insights, but it also will enhance key competencies such as critical thinking and managing risk. These skills are crucial for those hoping to launch new ventures successfully. Schools with STEM designation also tend to create unique environments that are particularly fertile for new ideas in the science and tech fields. What are STEM MBA programs? They are programs that give particular exposure to or provide specialization in certain fields (science, technology, engineering, and math) that, in combination with the preparation in business administration, are particularly valuable to economic growth in certain fields. A university’s entire MBA program can be STEM-designated or a specific program or major within the program: for example, at Harvard Business School, the Management Science track of the full-time MBA is STEM-designated. Acquiring STEM designation requires going through a rigorous curriculum overhaul and ensuring that the courses meet government-established criteria. A fast-growing number of top MBA programs are seeking STEM designation: According to the 2021 Kaplan/Manhattan Prep business school admissions officers survey, 22 percent of the programs surveyed were designated as STEM programs, up from 13 percent in 2020. Another 23 percent of the MBA programs surveyed said they planned to go through the process to secure designation. STEM-designation is not only a technical/scientific credential that is appreciated by many employers and recruiters, but it also is becoming an important student recruitment tool. In fact, the STEM-designated MBA offers particular benefits for , hence helping schools lure international minds to their programs: Because the tech skills they acquire through these programs are so attractive to employers, the US government allows these international MBA recipients to stay in the US through the STEM Optional Practical Training program, which grants these graduates an automatic 24-month extension, for a total of three years in the US post-graduation. This means that as schools become more competitive, STEM-designated programs will have a powerful advantage in the recruitment of bright applicants from outside the US.  Which schools offer STEM MBA programs? The business schools whose entire MBA program is STEM-designated include Berkeley Haas, Carnegie Mellon, Kenan-Flagler, Georgetown, and Texas McCombs. Many other institutions have programs within their business schools or certain types of MBAs that are STEM-designated: The Management Science track in Harvard’s Full-Time MBA Harvard’s MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences Program is designed for those with undergraduate degrees in engineering, computer science, or a related technical field.
Kellogg’s Management Science major qualifies as a STEM-designated field of study that prepares students to both manage and direct analyses to improve decisions.
 NYU Stern’s 2-year Full-time MBA program and the 1-year Andre Koo Technology and Entrepreneurship MBA Along with its STEM-designated full-time MBA, NYU Stern also offers a Tech MBA program. The Andre Koo Tech MBA is a one-year STEM MBA program that gives students a foundation in business and allows them to graduate with a focus in technology.
Cornell’s one-year Tech MBA program is STEM-designated. With the majority of the program based at Cornell Tech in New York City, students have access to a rapidly growing tech sector.
The USC Marshall IBEAR MBA provides a STEM track for MBA hopefuls. The one-year program is designed for globally focused mid-career professionals.
 Other STEM MBA Programs Include: Several majors in the MBA program at Wharton Business School (Business Analytics, Business Economics & Public Policy, Business, Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Operations, Information & Decisions, Quantitative Finance, and Statistics) MIT Sloan’s Full-Time MBA, Sloan Fellows MBA, Sloan Executive MBA, Master of Finance program Columbia Business School’s Full-Time MBA and Executive MBA programs The Duke Fuqua Management Science and Technology Management track in Daytime MBA program and the Accelerated Daytime MBA The Berkeley Haas Full-Time MBA, Evening & Weekend MBA, and Executive MBA The MBA and Master of Advanced Management program at Yale SOM The University of Virginia Darden’s Management Science MBA specialization If you are interested in applying to one or more STEM-designated MBA programs and need help with the selection and application, Personal MBA Coach is here to help guide you through the process. Check out our comprehensive services to learn how we can maximize your chances of success. About Personal MBA Coach: Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 15 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2 by leading sources. Personal MBA Coach is the #1 most favorably reviewed US Consultant of all time on Poets & Quants. We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing, and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and former M7 admissions interviewers. Last cycle, our clients earned more than $6.5M in scholarships! The post A Look into Top STEM MBA Programs in the US appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
29 Jun 2022, 07:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: MIT Sloan Application Advice and Deadlines: 2022-2023 |
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This year, the MIT Sloan application remains nearly the same as the previous cycle, with one small change. Again, the school requests that applicants submit a cover letter, organizational chart and 60-second video statement as part of their application. Below, please find this year’s 2022-2023 application deadlines along with Personal MBA Coach’s advice on how to tackle the MIT Sloan application. The MIT Sloan Application Deadlines Are: Round 1: September 29, 2022 Round 2: January 18, 2023 Round 3: April 11, 2023 MIT Sloan Cover Letter: MIT Sloan seeks students whose personal characteristics demonstrate that they will make the most of the incredible opportunities at MIT, both academic and non-academic. We are on a quest to find those whose presence will enhance the experience of other students. We seek thoughtful leaders with exceptional intellectual abilities and the drive and determination to put their stamp on the world. We welcome people who are independent, authentic, and fearlessly creative — true doers. We want people who can redefine solutions to conventional problems, and strive to preempt unconventional dilemmas with cutting-edge ideas. We demand integrity and respect passion. Taking the above into consideration, please submit a cover letter seeking a place in the Sloan MIT MBA program. Your letter should conform to a standard business correspondence, include one or more professional examples that illustrate why you meet the desired criteria above, and be addressed to the Admissions Committee (300 words or fewer, excluding address and salutation). Those applicants wondering how to get into MIT Sloan should keep in mind that the MIT Sloan cover letter requires quite a different approach from other MBA application essays. Candidates really need to reflect on their most significant accomplishments here and make it clear what they will bring to the table once they arrive at Sloan. We actually advise Sloan MBA candidates to approach this cover letter as they would any professional cover letter. Ask for a place in the MIT Sloan class and tell the reader who you are. This is not the time to repeat your resume but, as with any cover letter, provide greater depth about your character and accomplishments. With such a short letter, you will need to choose each word carefully and select the most compelling stories to tell. Think about MIT’s values as you write this letter and consider instances where you exhibited innovative thinking and leadership. Finally, note SPECIFICALLY how you will bring this experience to the Sloan MIT MBA program and how you will use it to create meaningful contributions within the community.  MIT Sloan Video Statement: Introduce yourself to your future classmates. Here’s your chance to put a face with a name, let your personality shine through, be conversational, be yourself. We can’t wait to meet you! Videos should adhere to the following guidelines:
Use your MIT Sloan MBA video essay to share personal aspects of your candidacy. While MIT Sloan asked candidates a few years ago to address why MIT Sloan was a good fit for them, this was removed last year. This means this script is NOT the place to address why Sloan is a good fit or to cover details already included in your resume or your cover letter. Instead, think about what make you unique and what your passions and/or hobbies are. You truly should be INTRODUCING yourself to you classmates here. For the video component of your MIT Sloan application, it is most important to be yourself. This is also a chance for admissions committee members to evaluate applicants’ physical presence and delivery. Keep this in mind as you develop your video and consider factors such as audio quality, demeanor, and fluency in addition to the content itself! While you do not want to memorize the video statement and sound overly rehearsed, we do advise that candidates write out some thoughts/bullets in advance of filming and to practice multiple times! Personal MBA Coach includes analyses of sample videos in its comprehensive packages.  MIT Sloan Organizational Chart: To help us better understand your current role and the impact that you have on your team and department, please submit an organizational chart. We should be able to clearly understand the internal structure of your organization, where you sit in your organization, and your line of reporting.
Click here to view a sample MIT organizational chart. There is no right or wrong format for the organizational chart. The key is that is it easy to follow and understand and shows your direct reports (if any) and who you report to. Most companies should have a chart that you can work from. If you want more help with your MIT Sloan application, please contact us to learn how Personal MBA Coach can assist in getting you into MIT Sloan. About Personal MBA Coach: Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 15 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2 by leading sources. Personal MBA Coach is the #1 most favorably reviewed US Consultant of all time on Poets & Quants. We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing, and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and former M7 admissions interviewers. Last cycle, our clients earned more than $6.5M in scholarships! The post MIT Sloan Application Advice and Deadlines: 2022-2023 appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
07 Jul 2022, 07:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Berkeley Haas MBA Essays: 2022-2023 |
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Berkeley Haas has officially announced its essay questions for the 2022-2023 application cycle. If you are looking for an MBA program with a small class size and close-knit community, Berkeley Haas may be a great choice for you. With around 300 students enrolled in each entering class, Berkeley Haas is one of the smallest top full-time MBA programs. This past application cycle, Berkeley Haas admitted applicants with an average GMAT score of 726 and an average undergrad GPA of 3.67. The class of 2023 has an average of 5.5 years of pre-MBA work experience. Records also note that 37% of students identify as female and 37% of students have international citizenship. In a statement introducing the 2022-2023 Berkeley Haas Application, Berkeley Haas shared the following: Our distinctive culture is defined by four key principles — Question the Status Quo, Confidence Without Attitude, Students Always, and Beyond Yourself. We encourage you to reflect on your experiences, values, and passions so that you may craft thoughtful and authentic responses that demonstrate your alignment with our principles. Below, please find Personal MBA Coach’s advice on how to tackle the Haas MBA essays. 2022-2023 Berkeley Haas Essay Questions: Essay 1: What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why? (300 words maximum) Essay 2: What kind of leader do you aspire to be and why? (300 words maximum)  Personal MBA Coach’s Tips on Mastering the Berkeley Haas Essays and Application: Along with the following Berkeley Haas advice, Personal MBA Coach suggests looking at our top tips on writing winning MBA application essays. Below, we break down the Haas MBA essay questions. Berkeley MBA Essay 1: What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why? (300 words maximum) With this short essay, get right to the point. This is a chance to talk about your true passions and what really drives you. For some applicants, this may be their job (but tread cautiously here). If your job is what truly drives you, be sure that you have a strong reason and can illustrate passion as you write. Extracurricular work also could fit well but be sure it is an area where you have emerged as a leader and/or have added substantial value. Be succinct and speak from the heart. Be sure to include both the “what” and the “why.” While this is not the time to brag about accomplishments, an ideal answer will show something you have done to set yourself apart. Berkeley MBA Essay 2: What kind of leader do you aspire to be and why? (300 words maximum) For many years, Berkeley Haas has pressed candidates to define successful leadership. This year, Haas takes a more direct approach to asking about leadership. However, your approach to this essay should still consider your definition of successful leadership. Personal MBA Coach recommends that candidates consider the qualities they believe that successful leaders embody and why they believe these traits are important. Next, think about how you personally have begun to demonstrate these characteristics. Personal MBA Coach recommends including a few short examples. Finally, think about how you will grow as a leader at Berkeley Haas. Discuss, in detail, what classes, clubs, or programs will help you achieve your leadership objectives. As Personal MBA Coach generally advises, you should not include a laundry list of items. Instead, focus on a few specific areas of interest, telling the reader what you will gain from each of these experiences and how you will contribute. You want to leave the reader with a vision of how your leadership style will have evolved by the time you leave campus.  Berkeley Haas also has two optional essays, the first following a series of questions. Optional Essay 1: Please elaborate on any of your above responses. Alternatively, you may use this opportunity to expand on other hardships or unusual life circumstances that may help us understand the context of your opportunities, achievements, and impact. (300 words maximum) Many applicants will not answer this question. Personal MBA Coach recommends that applicants use optional essays sparingly. If your answers to these questions are not unique, there is a good chance you should skip this essay. Optional Essay 2: This section should only be used to convey relevant information not addressed elsewhere in your application. This may include explanation of employment gaps, academic aberrations, supplemental coursework, etc. You are encouraged to use bullet points where appropriate. For this second Haas optional essay, answer only if you have specific or extenuating circumstances to explain. Read more on our approach to optional essays here. Looking for more information on Berkeley Haas’s full-time MBA program? Check out our Haas guide to learn what sets the program apart, access the latest class profile information, and more. About Personal MBA Coach: Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 15 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2 by leading sources. Personal MBA Coach is the #1 most favorably reviewed US Consultant of all time on Poets & Quants. We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing, and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and former M7 admissions interviewers. Last cycle, our clients earned more than $6.5M in scholarships! The post Berkeley Haas MBA Essays: 2022-2023 appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
07 Jul 2022, 10:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: 5-School M7 Admit With $160K Scholarship |
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Wondering how to get accepted to an M7 business school or other top MBA programs? While, of course, there is not one particular answer, discover how this Personal MBA Coach client got into Wharton, Chicago Booth, Kellogg, Michigan Ross, and Dartmouth Tuck with $160K in scholarships! Plus, find out how they fine-tuned their testing strategy, the most challenging aspects of the MBA application process, and more. If you plan to apply to business school this fall, you should now be working on your round 1 applications! Not sure how to begin the application process? Personal MBA Coach is here to guide you! We offer comprehensive packages to help you every step of the way. 5-School Admit Candidate Profile Overview: MBA Programs Accepted To: Wharton, Chicago Booth, Kellogg, Michigan Ross, and Dartmouth Tuck Gender/Nationality: Female/Indian Years of Experience: 5 GRE: 327 Pre-MBA Experience: Consulting Education: Top Private Research University GPA: High 3s  Candidate Q&A Personal MBA Coach: Why did you decide to pursue an MBA? Candidate: I decided to pursue an MBA because I wanted to pivot from consulting to in-house corporate strategy. Pursuing an MBA would equip me with the strategic thinking and decision-making skills needed to enable such a pivot. Personal MBA Coach: Why did you decide to turn to Personal MBA Coach for help? Candidate: One of my close friends (also a former colleague) highly recommended Personal MBA Coach as she found success in getting into her dream school (CBS). Given the guidance and expertise that Personal MBA Coach provides, I knew working with the team would keep me accountable to all deadlines and position me for success in the rigorous MBA process. Personal MBA Coach: What was the hardest part of the application process? Candidate: For me, the hardest part of the application process was taking the standardized test. However, through Personal MBA Coach’s tutoring services, I was able to address my weaknesses in test taking and manage stress effectively. Eventually, I reached a score that once felt unattainable. These tutoring services equipped me with confidence in my own test taking abilities and truly unleashed my potential. Personal MBA Coach: What was the biggest surprise for you throughout the application process? Candidate: The biggest surprise was how beneficial it was to self-reflect deeply when cultivating my story. I pinpointed seemingly simple life experiences that turned out to have tremendous impacts on who I am today and what I want for my future. I was able to highlight what my personal brand is in my application and got a better sense of what I want to accomplish through an MBA. Such self-reflection will come in handy as I start my MBA this fall. Personal MBA Coach: How did Personal MBA Coach help you? Candidate: Personal MBA Coach helped me augment my test score through personalized tutoring services, hone my personal story, boost my confidence, and improve my interviewing skills through tailored feedback via multiple rounds of interview prep. Thanks to such prep, I attended every interview feeling very prepared and confident in my abilities.  Personal MBA Coach: Do you have any final pieces of advice for prospective candidates? Candidate: If you know you want an MBA, start early, start now! One element that is particularly helpful to tackle first is the exam. Give yourself ample lead time as it may take longer than expected especially when working and studying simultaneously. The earlier you finish the exam, the more undivided attention you can give to finalizing other equally important aspects of your application. For those seeking more information on how to get into an M7 business school or other top programs beyond the M7, check out Personal MBA Coach’s Top MBA Application Tips e-book. If you are seeking more program-specific guidance, visit Personal MBA Coach’s school guide pages to learn more! About Personal MBA Coach: Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 15 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2 by leading sources. Personal MBA Coach is the #1 most favorably reviewed US Consultant of all time on Poets & Quants. We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing, and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and former M7 admissions interviewers. Last cycle, our clients earned more than $6.5M in scholarships! The post 5-School M7 Admit With $160K Scholarship appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
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