Oxbridge 2011 applicants

Hi,

Can you please let us know those two college names?

- YM

This thread is too quiet! Did anyone hear anything from SBS today?

I've posted a blog article about the employment data we have collected for the most recent Cambridge MBA graduating class (ie those who entered in 2009 and graduated in 2010).

https://www.thecambridgembaadmissions.co ... r-mba2010/

Conrad Chua
Head MBA Admissions
Cambridge Judge Business School

Hi Conrad,

Thank you very much for the link. Such open discussion is very useful. And your point on PE/VC jobs helps. Couple of questions though

1) Is it possible to write a bit more on why MC jobs are difficult to get as well? Is the difficulty level same as that of IB or that of PE/VC?
2) The last point in your article mentioned about balancing study and networking time. For the people who come from traditional MBA feeder background, it should not be a big problem as they have their jobs booked mostly. However, people who come from other backgrounds would have to spend more time on networking in order to get the desired job. The one year MBA allows somewhat less time for networking compared with 2 year MBA. Is it possible to have option to stretch the 12 month program into 15 month program? Such option would help people who are in between one year MBA and 2 year MBA. I am trying to check for something similar to Oxford-SBS' 15 month option for the people who intend to do summer internship. I apologize for bringing the topic about the other place.

regards
YM

Hello all,

I received the application decision from Oxford University Said Business School. Declined. Obviously, I am disappointed, but strangely, not discouraged.

Here is my information:

US Male / 40 yrs
3 bachelor of science degrees: BS Aerospace Engineering
BS Physics
BS Astronomy

Undergrad GPA: 2.5 (not so good)
Current Graduate GPA: 4.0 (perfect) studying at local AACSB accredited graduate business school)
Experience: 3.5 yrs (Metallurgical engineering)
GMAT results: 710 (50Q 37V 6.0 essay)

I enrolled in August of 2010 at a local MBA program to demonstrate to elite MBA programs that my undergradualte GPA was not indicative of my scholastic capability. Apparently, my academic excellence at the graduate level in an accredited business school did not weigh significantly in Said Business School's decision to admit. My GMAT score is comparable or better than the average GMAT score of students admitted to Said Business School. I also thought three undergraduate degrees would be a positive contributor to my application.

I'm curious what else I can do to demonstrate my ability to excel at an elite business school. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance, SJD

too old, no PhD

Posted from my mobile device

I received the interview invite yesterday .... yet to finalize the interview date...
anybody else heard from them ?

Congratulations to you

YM

Most MBA students want to go into one of the top strategy houses in London or New York. The reality is that there aren't that many new positions offered every year in those companies (the likes of McK, BCG, Bain, Booz). You can expand your choice by considering positions in those companies in growth offices such as China or India. Or look at other consulting firms.

I don't think the length of programme matters as much as how much time and drive you have. I am not 100% up to date with SBS but do they still offer the 15 month programme? We don't offer such an option and even if we did, I doubt there will be much impact on careers because it is not in synch with most firms' recruiting cycle.

Conrad Chua
Head MBA Admissions
Cambridge University

Hi SJD,

I am sorry about the ding. As a fellow applicant, I have the following comments with my limited research. Your ding could have been because of various reasons.

1. Your current MBA as a degree to show higher academic capacity might not be a good selling point. First of all, post grad. GPA is not considered serious indicator of academic strength compared with under grad. And the second itching point is that it is another MBA. You would have to do very strongly to justify as why you are applying for another MBA when you are already enrolled in one. A second MBA might be justifiable if you had done first one long ago (say 10 years ago for your age). And you will have to do a lot to address these points in your essays.
2. Post MBA goals : At 40 and with multiple degrees, you can not possibly project yourself as career changer with elite schools. I am not saying it is impossible. But it is near impossible. On other hand, if you had projected yourself as career accelerator, then why not part time MBA? You will have to answer this question as well.
3. More than a post grad degree, your GMAT score carries more weightage to show your academic capacity at this age. In fact, your undergrads might not matter much if you had done them 10 years ago. Bumping your GMAT score by another 40 points might help in showing your academic rigor.

Elite schools usually look for either super achievers or someone with a lot of non profit activity or both. If you are in first category, then you might consider Sloan program for leadership at many top schools.

All the best.

tc
YM

Thank you Conrad. I appreciate your time in responding to my queries. Your information about India/China jobs is very encouraging as I am on of those people wanting to move back to India.

- YM

SBS has closed the 15 months option... its a 12 month program now.... came to know about this in a SBS consultation sesion...

Thank you very much. The information helps.

- YM

Anyone invited to interview on 16th May at SBS here?

I have my Skype interview scheduled on 17 May....

I'm interviewing at SBS on May 16th in the morning.

I just put in my Cambridge JBS app. for last round. . Now the waiting game begins.

-- YM