Pkt wrote:
I still have about a year before I apply. Is it too late to pack on some extra curricular activities or volunteer work that demonstrates leadership? I guess something is better than nothing but I don’t want to look desperate in front of the business school. Also, how strict are the schools about requiring proofs and references? I haven’t really maintained my contacts since all this was a very long time ago.
About 1year MBA programs in US, none of them are in top 25 or even top 50. Most top programs in US are 2 years. It’s hard for me to take that much time off since I have to maintain a house and support my parents. If I do my MBA, I want it from a school that is recognized world wide.
Again, comments have been very helpful and I would appreciate you guidance.
Ha ha... Key Club... I did that, too.
I would avoid talking about too much high school stuff, though. Unless you have an incredible experience from back then that you absolutely must talk about, try to talk about more recent achievements. The blood drive in college is good, although ideally you took on a leadership role there.
It's not too late to get involved. Like you said, something is better than nothing. Think about what really matters to you and how you can make an impact in that area.
For your extracurricular stuff you won't need proof or references. Of course, in your application you will have 2 or 3 letters of reference, but they don't need to be from these activities. If one reference comes from this area, then fine, but schools prefer professional references, anyway.
BTW, where are you looking for one-year MBA programs (what information source)? Some top-ranked schools that normally do two-year programs also offer one-year programs. Kellogg and Emory immediately come to mind, but I'm sure there are more. At Kellogg we have around 65 or so one-year students each year. It's competitive, but think about applying!
Scott