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Get the inside scoop on what makes Emory’s Goizueta Business School great and how you can present a strong MBA application. Explore the difference between our One-Year MBA and Two-Year MBA programs, talk to our admissions team, and meet students.
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Learn directly from our successful applicants about their experiences in selecting the ideal MBA program, effectively financing their MBA, and Post-MBA goals.
Personal MBA Coach Founder
Joined: 11 Sep 2010
Status:Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting from a Wharton graduate - Helping applicants get into top global business schools since 2008
Affiliations: Wharton, MIT
Posts: 3645
Given Kudos: 11
Location: United States (NY)
Overall Client Admit Rate: 96%
Re: Personal MBA Coach Updates
[#permalink]
06 Aug 2020, 10:43
06 Aug 2020, 10:43
Expert Reply
It is no surprise that COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on the global economy. While many MBA applicants (correctly) believe that NOW is a great time to leave the workforce and pursue an MBA, funding is likely a major concern!
Last year, Personal MBA Coach's clients earned over $5.5M in scholarships! Earlier this year, I shared with Poets & Quants founder, John Byrne, how my clients had received record scholarship amounts last season.
While many top schools use scholarships to attract candidates during weaker application cycles, we expect scholarships to continue (if not increase) this year not only to attract candidates but also to drive affordability in this challenging economic environment.
Personal MBA Coach is here to help you maximize your chances of MBA Scholarship success!
First, let discuss the basics on MBA scholarships.
Scholarships/fellowships fall into two major categories:
1. Merit-based money offered as a result of the MBA application.
The vast majority of scholarship $$ are offered based on your original MBA application. They do not require you to submit anything additional. Schools offer this money to candidates they are trying to attract (often away from other schools).
This money can come directly from the school itself, having nothing to do with the applicant’s specific demographic or professional background. Or the scholarship may be in collaboration with another organization. While this other organization may suggest guidelines for consideration, it is up to the schools to decide which candidates actually receive the award.
For example, one of our partners, the Forté Foundation, gives the following guidelines to admissions directors selecting Forté Fellowship recipients:
· Candidates should exhibit exemplary leadership in one or more ways: academic leadership, team leadership, community leadership, and creative leadership.
· Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to women and girls via personal mentorship or community involvement. Such commitment is in alignment with the mission of Forté Foundation.
· Schools are encouraged to nominate fellows from their schools who represent diverse educational and work backgrounds, career goals, ethnicities and citizenship.
2. Scholarships that students apply for directly.
These scholarships generally target specific candidates based on industry, ethnicity, gender, etc. A separate application is required for each of these scholarships, and specific criteria apply.
Examples include:
The Consortium (note: you can also apply to participating schools through the scholarship application): Since 1966, we have offered more than $465 million in fellowships to the best and brightest MBA students in the country. We have programs that cover full tuition and mandatory fees for two years of full-time study (Emory also offers a one-year program).
The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship For New Americans: The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans is a $90,000 merit-based fellowship exclusively for immigrants and children of immigrants who are pursuing graduate school in the United States. The program draws nearly 1,800 applications annually for just 30 fellowships.
[urlhttps://militarymba.net/scholarship/]Military MBA[/url]: Military MBA is an education network for military officers and NCOs who are interested in obtaining and applying their MBA graduate degrees for career advancement. We represent MBA schools and prospective MBA students who have a background in the military.
Now that we know the basics about MBA Scholarships, find out what you can do to maximize your chances of earning one these coveted scholarships.
Here are 4 key tips from Personal MBA Coach.
1) Ensure your application stands out!
The good news for candidates hoping to receive a scholarship is that the same advice Personal MBA Coach provides on developing stand-out applications applies to earning scholarships, too (which is why our clients do so well!).
Business schools look for well-rounded classes. For candidates hoping to secure extra $$ it is even more crucial that your application tells a solid story about how you will add unique value on campus.
At the end of the day, the school wants to pay you to be one of the best students on campus. This can be because of your outstanding academic qualifications or because you will contribute on campus in a unique way.
2) Court your target schools.
MBA Admissions Directors do not want to hand out precious money only to lose the candidate to another top MBA program. Therefore, while it is not required, getting to know a school never hurts your chances of getting $$.
While COVID-19 is preventing MBA applicants from visiting campus, there are many options for reaching out to and connecting with your target MBA programs. In the best-case scenario, you will build a rapport with an admissions representative and directly improve your chances of earning a scholarship.
Even if this does not happen, attending online events and interacting with the school you hope to attend will give you valuable material to make your essays stand out. Remember, students are often the most valuable resources since admissions directors may not be as available to chat with you.
3) Submit your applications as early as possible.
With a limited amount of money to go around, the earlier you can get your applications in, the better. Schools also want to be sure that their classes are filled with well-rounded students and are more likely to use scholarships to ensure this earlier in the process.
By round 3, there is likely to be less money left.
That said, scholarships sometimes do open up even late in the year!
4) Excel in as many areas as possible.
While this may seem obvious, I often see candidates who have a decent GMAT/GRE score but have not put in the extra effort to maximize it. If you took the test once and did little preparation, consider getting a tutor to reach your full potential!
Similarly, I see candidates who do not want to dedicate time outside of the office to beef up their extracurricular profiles.
While I always advise that candidates put their best foot forward, this is even more crucial for those looking for a scholarship. Scholarship recipients most often excel in multiple areas.
Are you looking for help with your MBA Applications? Personal MBA Coach is willing to be your guide. Founded by a Wharton and MIT graduate, we regularly help applicants navigate their applications each year. We also conduct mock interviews with former M7 interviewers on our team.
Personal MBA Coach has been guiding candidates through all aspects of the MBA application process for 13 years with a 96% success rate. Call us today at +1 617-645-2424 or email scott@personalmbacoach.com for a free consultation on your profile along with how we can help make your MBA dreams a reality!
Last year, Personal MBA Coach's clients earned over $5.5M in scholarships! Earlier this year, I shared with Poets & Quants founder, John Byrne, how my clients had received record scholarship amounts last season.
While many top schools use scholarships to attract candidates during weaker application cycles, we expect scholarships to continue (if not increase) this year not only to attract candidates but also to drive affordability in this challenging economic environment.
Personal MBA Coach is here to help you maximize your chances of MBA Scholarship success!
First, let discuss the basics on MBA scholarships.
Scholarships/fellowships fall into two major categories:
1. Merit-based money offered as a result of the MBA application.
The vast majority of scholarship $$ are offered based on your original MBA application. They do not require you to submit anything additional. Schools offer this money to candidates they are trying to attract (often away from other schools).
This money can come directly from the school itself, having nothing to do with the applicant’s specific demographic or professional background. Or the scholarship may be in collaboration with another organization. While this other organization may suggest guidelines for consideration, it is up to the schools to decide which candidates actually receive the award.
For example, one of our partners, the Forté Foundation, gives the following guidelines to admissions directors selecting Forté Fellowship recipients:
· Candidates should exhibit exemplary leadership in one or more ways: academic leadership, team leadership, community leadership, and creative leadership.
· Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to women and girls via personal mentorship or community involvement. Such commitment is in alignment with the mission of Forté Foundation.
· Schools are encouraged to nominate fellows from their schools who represent diverse educational and work backgrounds, career goals, ethnicities and citizenship.
2. Scholarships that students apply for directly.
These scholarships generally target specific candidates based on industry, ethnicity, gender, etc. A separate application is required for each of these scholarships, and specific criteria apply.
Examples include:
The Consortium (note: you can also apply to participating schools through the scholarship application): Since 1966, we have offered more than $465 million in fellowships to the best and brightest MBA students in the country. We have programs that cover full tuition and mandatory fees for two years of full-time study (Emory also offers a one-year program).
The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship For New Americans: The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans is a $90,000 merit-based fellowship exclusively for immigrants and children of immigrants who are pursuing graduate school in the United States. The program draws nearly 1,800 applications annually for just 30 fellowships.
[urlhttps://militarymba.net/scholarship/]Military MBA[/url]: Military MBA is an education network for military officers and NCOs who are interested in obtaining and applying their MBA graduate degrees for career advancement. We represent MBA schools and prospective MBA students who have a background in the military.
Now that we know the basics about MBA Scholarships, find out what you can do to maximize your chances of earning one these coveted scholarships.
Here are 4 key tips from Personal MBA Coach.
1) Ensure your application stands out!
The good news for candidates hoping to receive a scholarship is that the same advice Personal MBA Coach provides on developing stand-out applications applies to earning scholarships, too (which is why our clients do so well!).
Business schools look for well-rounded classes. For candidates hoping to secure extra $$ it is even more crucial that your application tells a solid story about how you will add unique value on campus.
At the end of the day, the school wants to pay you to be one of the best students on campus. This can be because of your outstanding academic qualifications or because you will contribute on campus in a unique way.
2) Court your target schools.
MBA Admissions Directors do not want to hand out precious money only to lose the candidate to another top MBA program. Therefore, while it is not required, getting to know a school never hurts your chances of getting $$.
While COVID-19 is preventing MBA applicants from visiting campus, there are many options for reaching out to and connecting with your target MBA programs. In the best-case scenario, you will build a rapport with an admissions representative and directly improve your chances of earning a scholarship.
Even if this does not happen, attending online events and interacting with the school you hope to attend will give you valuable material to make your essays stand out. Remember, students are often the most valuable resources since admissions directors may not be as available to chat with you.
3) Submit your applications as early as possible.
With a limited amount of money to go around, the earlier you can get your applications in, the better. Schools also want to be sure that their classes are filled with well-rounded students and are more likely to use scholarships to ensure this earlier in the process.
By round 3, there is likely to be less money left.
That said, scholarships sometimes do open up even late in the year!
4) Excel in as many areas as possible.
While this may seem obvious, I often see candidates who have a decent GMAT/GRE score but have not put in the extra effort to maximize it. If you took the test once and did little preparation, consider getting a tutor to reach your full potential!
Similarly, I see candidates who do not want to dedicate time outside of the office to beef up their extracurricular profiles.
While I always advise that candidates put their best foot forward, this is even more crucial for those looking for a scholarship. Scholarship recipients most often excel in multiple areas.
Are you looking for help with your MBA Applications? Personal MBA Coach is willing to be your guide. Founded by a Wharton and MIT graduate, we regularly help applicants navigate their applications each year. We also conduct mock interviews with former M7 interviewers on our team.
Personal MBA Coach has been guiding candidates through all aspects of the MBA application process for 13 years with a 96% success rate. Call us today at +1 617-645-2424 or email scott@personalmbacoach.com for a free consultation on your profile along with how we can help make your MBA dreams a reality!
Personal MBA Coach Founder
Joined: 11 Sep 2010
Status:Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting from a Wharton graduate - Helping applicants get into top global business schools since 2008
Affiliations: Wharton, MIT
Posts: 3645
Given Kudos: 11
Location: United States (NY)
Overall Client Admit Rate: 96%
Re: Personal MBA Coach Updates
[#permalink]
11 Aug 2020, 13:39
11 Aug 2020, 13:39
Expert Reply
Personal MBA Coach interviewed Nicole Shay, Associate Director, Admissions, at Columbia Business School to get an insider’s look at what is new at Columbia, what makes Columbia unique and how candidates can best stand out! Plus, find out how COVID-19 is changing the Columbia MBA application process and more. Do not miss this rare and valuable advice!
Nicole Shay: Associate Director, Admissions, Columbia Business School
Scott Edinburgh: Founder, Personal MBA Coach
Personal MBA Coach: How did you first get involved in admissions?
Nicole: I started my higher education career working in program administration for a university in Philadelphia. I found myself working closely with the admissions team there, and was recruited for a role helping to oversee admissions for ten biomedical science graduate programs. About five years ago, after deciding to move to New York City, an opportunity at Columbia became available which allowed me to remain in admissions, but pivot to business candidates. I gladly accepted!
Personal MBA Coach: What excites you most about your work?
Nicole: I really enjoy the opportunity to connect with candidates from across the globe and share how a Columbia Business School MBA can help them reach their professional, and oftentimes personal, potential. Situated within Columbia University, and in Manhattan, a Columbia Business School student is offered a multitude of resources regardless of what industry or function she chooses to pursue. Helping a candidate find a path to best fit her MBA education needs is extremely fulfilling. For candidates looking to make a larger career transition, we have the traditional 20 month August entry. For candidates working in Family Business, entrepreneurship, those who are sponsored, or looking to make a smaller career transition post MBA, our 16 month January entry program might be the right fit. For candidates who are a little further along in their careers, we also have a suite of Executive MBA programs, including EMBA-Global, a partnership with University of Hong Kong and London Business School.
Personal MBA Coach: Focusing on CBS, what are you most excited about coming up on campus?
Nicole: In February the Business School received the fantastic news that our program would be formally STEM designated. This designation recognizes the ongoing efforts to emphasize technology, data science, and analytics within the curriculum. The STEM-designated degree also increases the length an international student may work in the U.S. under an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) work permit.
Additionally, in late 2018 the Columbia Business School admissions team launched the first application cycle of our new Deferred Enrollment Program. This program allows seniors in an undergraduate program, or full-time graduate students who entered a master’s program directly after earning a bachelor’s degree, to apply for admission now, but start the MBA after gaining two to five years of work experience. It has been a fantastic experience to visit college campuses and discuss how an MBA can benefit professionals across all industries, with varying academic backgrounds. This program allows undergraduates to have more control of their professional and educational options a few years into their career and allows our team to demonstrate the value of an MBA for those who otherwise may not have considered it.
Personal MBA Coach: To address the elephant in the room, what is changing in the admissions cycle this year due to Covid-19?
Nicole: There have, of course, been a multitude of changes related to the current pandemic. What holds steady is our shared dedication to supporting our students, our community at Columbia Business School and the communities around us. We have seen students, faculty, and staff going above and beyond to put courses online this past spring, to host social hours and speaker events to stay connected, even when we couldn’t be together, and to find creative ways to give back to first responders and communities who have been hardest hit by the pandemic. It has been inspiring.
The admissions team has been working to bring in a diverse and vibrant class, and we hope to meet them on campus soon. Many will be on campus in our new hyflex model this fall, where students will rotate when they will be on campus, in masks, socially distant, with many of our faculty teaching in person keeping safety in mind. The rest of the class will join virtually and have a conversation in real time with enhanced technology in the classroom. It is a different experience than in the past, but the experience of learning leadership in this time of crisis is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
From the admissions perspective, this next year will be similar to past years. We are still looking for a diverse group of candidates, with a variety of strengths, who have done their research and are excited about the opportunities they will find at Columbia. We are looking to bring in teammates who will keep our community strong and will engage with each other to broaden their mindset. The world is always changing, and a CBS MBA will help our students lead in any environment, whether it is in a crisis, or a time of calm and prosperity.
Personal MBA Coach: What is a common misconception about Columbia Business School?
Nicole: I have encountered many candidates who believe that because they don’t have a bachelor’s degree in business or economics, or aren’t working in finance or consulting, there isn’t a place for them in an MBA program, or specifically at Columbia Business School. What makes Columbia Business School such an inspiring learning environment is the diversity of the student body. We have many students with social science, journalism, and arts degrees, and whose work experience in social impact, luxury goods, and theater, brings richness and depth to the classroom conversation. Further, we have a vibrant campus culture and tight-knit community with nearly 100 different student organizations across a wide range of professional and personal areas of interest. So that student with the music interest could help lead a trip to the New York Philharmonic with other members of the Arts Society organization, for example.
Personal MBA Coach: How do you best see students taking advantage of being in NYC while studying for their MBA?
Nicole: Some of Columbia Business School’s most popular electives are our Immersion Seminars which allow students to engage with industry practitioners through downtown site visits to multiple organizations each term. Many students also choose to participate in part-time, in-semester internships because of the school’s proximity to the offices of organizations across all industries. These part-time in-semester internships may be counted for course credit, if students are able to secure a faculty sponsor. Additionally, Columbia Business School has over 16,000 alumni in New York City and 47,000 alumni worldwide. Students can leverage this network for coffee chats, mentorship, and to carve their own paths for in-semester internship opportunities.
Personal MBA Coach: I was recently on campus for a Forte Foundation event and saw the dynamic community in action, even from just a corner of the campus. What is something you think students underutilize / are not aware of?
Nicole: When I have the opportunity to present with current students, the resource they often mention wishing they had better utilized is our Executives in Residence program. The Executives in Residence Program is comprised of twenty-five retired, or semi-retired, senior executives and senior partners who span almost every industry. Those that do take advantage of this opportunity talk about how impressed they were by the amount of thoughtful insight that was given during their interactions, and many of these executives go on to be active members of the student’s network.
Personal MBA Coach: I know we both travel together to many MBA events. I see a lot, but from your perspective, what is one piece of advice you would give to applicants before they arrive to best utilize these fairs?
Nicole: Event attendees who spend time asking questions that demonstrate a genuine interest in Columbia Business School and wanting to understand how we can meet their needs will get the most out of a conversation with a member of the admissions team. It will be a more beneficial interaction for the candidate if she comes to the event with a basic understanding of our program, rather than needing to use the time to ask for information readily available on our website (such as our average number of years work experience). This is 100% relevant for virtual interactions too. A candidate with smart, thoughtful questions is going to standout regardless of the format.
Personal MBA Coach: What other changes are you looking forward to at Columbia?
Nicole: Columbia Business School has always done a fantastic job of making sure coursework and student opportunities are contemporary, so I am always excited to hear about the new coursework being introduced each semester. Courses like “Introduction to Programming Using Python”, “Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and Digital Tokens Demystified”, and “Virtual Reality & Artificial Intelligence” are a few of our recent additions, and have quickly become favorites among our students. A focus on technology has certainly been underscored with the introduction of our Dean, Costis Maglaras. Dean Maglaras has a demonstrated commitment to data-focused scholarship, and I am sure there will be more to come. And, of course we are excited for the opening of our brand new campus in Manhattanville in 2022.
Personal MBA Coach: What advice do you have for applicants interested in the new deferred admissions option?
Nicole: My advice for anyone interested in the Deferred Enrollment Program is to start preparing early for the GMAT or GRE. This component tends to be the most time consuming aspect of the application. Apart from the standardized test, I would encourage candidates to get to know Columbia Business School through one of our many virtual events. From anywhere in the world candidates can chat with a current student, attend an MBA class, or log in to an information webinar. It is easier now than ever to connect with our team.
Personal MBA Coach: How do you think the admissions process will evolve over time?
Nicole: We continue to strive to find new ways to connect with diverse student populations. Our team does a fantastic job planning events in the fall for diverse groups, but these are still self-selecting. We are continuing to explore ways to show those who might consider themselves “non-traditional”* how a business education can benefit them professionally. I think the Deferred Enrollment Program has been a great launch pad for this, as we are seeing peers bringing their friends to group meetings, encouraging them to learn more, and these are often stellar candidates who may have not otherwise seen how the MBA can benefit their professional plans.
*We’ve had Grammy nominated opera singers, journalists, Broadway actors, social scientists, and almost every other professional background join the class, and we think a “non-traditional” perspective is one of the features that makes Columbia so great!
Personal MBA Coach: What do you wish applicants would do differently when applying?
Nicole: Be yourself when applying! There are no molds to fit or quotas to fill at Columbia Business School. We are looking for talented candidates from every walk of life, with diverse experiences to bring to the table, and who will succeed academically and professionally, while also contributing positively to the Columbia Business School community.
Personal MBA Coach: Do you have any advice for applicants excited about CBS that isn’t easily found on your website?
Nicole: I would encourage anyone interested in applying to Columbia Business School, or even just curious about the benefits of an MBA, to get to know us. Our admissions team does a great job planning a robust slate of events to suit candidates at any point in the admissions process. While the information shared at these events can be found on the website, the insight an applicant will gain from hearing from our team members, current students, alumni, and faculty that participate cannot. An applicant can sign up to receive invitations to relevant events by using our Stay in Touch form.
Are you looking for help with your MBA Applications? Personal MBA Coach is willing to be your guide. Founded by a Wharton and MIT graduate, we regularly help applicants navigate their applications each year. We also conduct mock interviews with former M7 interviewers on our team.
Personal MBA Coach has been guiding candidates through all aspects of the MBA application process for 13 years with a 96% success rate. Call us today at +1 617-645-2424 or email scott@personalmbacoach.com for a free consultation on your profile along with how we can help make your MBA dreams a reality!
Nicole Shay: Associate Director, Admissions, Columbia Business School
Scott Edinburgh: Founder, Personal MBA Coach
Personal MBA Coach: How did you first get involved in admissions?
Nicole: I started my higher education career working in program administration for a university in Philadelphia. I found myself working closely with the admissions team there, and was recruited for a role helping to oversee admissions for ten biomedical science graduate programs. About five years ago, after deciding to move to New York City, an opportunity at Columbia became available which allowed me to remain in admissions, but pivot to business candidates. I gladly accepted!
Personal MBA Coach: What excites you most about your work?
Nicole: I really enjoy the opportunity to connect with candidates from across the globe and share how a Columbia Business School MBA can help them reach their professional, and oftentimes personal, potential. Situated within Columbia University, and in Manhattan, a Columbia Business School student is offered a multitude of resources regardless of what industry or function she chooses to pursue. Helping a candidate find a path to best fit her MBA education needs is extremely fulfilling. For candidates looking to make a larger career transition, we have the traditional 20 month August entry. For candidates working in Family Business, entrepreneurship, those who are sponsored, or looking to make a smaller career transition post MBA, our 16 month January entry program might be the right fit. For candidates who are a little further along in their careers, we also have a suite of Executive MBA programs, including EMBA-Global, a partnership with University of Hong Kong and London Business School.
Personal MBA Coach: Focusing on CBS, what are you most excited about coming up on campus?
Nicole: In February the Business School received the fantastic news that our program would be formally STEM designated. This designation recognizes the ongoing efforts to emphasize technology, data science, and analytics within the curriculum. The STEM-designated degree also increases the length an international student may work in the U.S. under an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) work permit.
Additionally, in late 2018 the Columbia Business School admissions team launched the first application cycle of our new Deferred Enrollment Program. This program allows seniors in an undergraduate program, or full-time graduate students who entered a master’s program directly after earning a bachelor’s degree, to apply for admission now, but start the MBA after gaining two to five years of work experience. It has been a fantastic experience to visit college campuses and discuss how an MBA can benefit professionals across all industries, with varying academic backgrounds. This program allows undergraduates to have more control of their professional and educational options a few years into their career and allows our team to demonstrate the value of an MBA for those who otherwise may not have considered it.
Personal MBA Coach: To address the elephant in the room, what is changing in the admissions cycle this year due to Covid-19?
Nicole: There have, of course, been a multitude of changes related to the current pandemic. What holds steady is our shared dedication to supporting our students, our community at Columbia Business School and the communities around us. We have seen students, faculty, and staff going above and beyond to put courses online this past spring, to host social hours and speaker events to stay connected, even when we couldn’t be together, and to find creative ways to give back to first responders and communities who have been hardest hit by the pandemic. It has been inspiring.
The admissions team has been working to bring in a diverse and vibrant class, and we hope to meet them on campus soon. Many will be on campus in our new hyflex model this fall, where students will rotate when they will be on campus, in masks, socially distant, with many of our faculty teaching in person keeping safety in mind. The rest of the class will join virtually and have a conversation in real time with enhanced technology in the classroom. It is a different experience than in the past, but the experience of learning leadership in this time of crisis is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
From the admissions perspective, this next year will be similar to past years. We are still looking for a diverse group of candidates, with a variety of strengths, who have done their research and are excited about the opportunities they will find at Columbia. We are looking to bring in teammates who will keep our community strong and will engage with each other to broaden their mindset. The world is always changing, and a CBS MBA will help our students lead in any environment, whether it is in a crisis, or a time of calm and prosperity.
Personal MBA Coach: What is a common misconception about Columbia Business School?
Nicole: I have encountered many candidates who believe that because they don’t have a bachelor’s degree in business or economics, or aren’t working in finance or consulting, there isn’t a place for them in an MBA program, or specifically at Columbia Business School. What makes Columbia Business School such an inspiring learning environment is the diversity of the student body. We have many students with social science, journalism, and arts degrees, and whose work experience in social impact, luxury goods, and theater, brings richness and depth to the classroom conversation. Further, we have a vibrant campus culture and tight-knit community with nearly 100 different student organizations across a wide range of professional and personal areas of interest. So that student with the music interest could help lead a trip to the New York Philharmonic with other members of the Arts Society organization, for example.
Personal MBA Coach: How do you best see students taking advantage of being in NYC while studying for their MBA?
Nicole: Some of Columbia Business School’s most popular electives are our Immersion Seminars which allow students to engage with industry practitioners through downtown site visits to multiple organizations each term. Many students also choose to participate in part-time, in-semester internships because of the school’s proximity to the offices of organizations across all industries. These part-time in-semester internships may be counted for course credit, if students are able to secure a faculty sponsor. Additionally, Columbia Business School has over 16,000 alumni in New York City and 47,000 alumni worldwide. Students can leverage this network for coffee chats, mentorship, and to carve their own paths for in-semester internship opportunities.
Personal MBA Coach: I was recently on campus for a Forte Foundation event and saw the dynamic community in action, even from just a corner of the campus. What is something you think students underutilize / are not aware of?
Nicole: When I have the opportunity to present with current students, the resource they often mention wishing they had better utilized is our Executives in Residence program. The Executives in Residence Program is comprised of twenty-five retired, or semi-retired, senior executives and senior partners who span almost every industry. Those that do take advantage of this opportunity talk about how impressed they were by the amount of thoughtful insight that was given during their interactions, and many of these executives go on to be active members of the student’s network.
Personal MBA Coach: I know we both travel together to many MBA events. I see a lot, but from your perspective, what is one piece of advice you would give to applicants before they arrive to best utilize these fairs?
Nicole: Event attendees who spend time asking questions that demonstrate a genuine interest in Columbia Business School and wanting to understand how we can meet their needs will get the most out of a conversation with a member of the admissions team. It will be a more beneficial interaction for the candidate if she comes to the event with a basic understanding of our program, rather than needing to use the time to ask for information readily available on our website (such as our average number of years work experience). This is 100% relevant for virtual interactions too. A candidate with smart, thoughtful questions is going to standout regardless of the format.
Personal MBA Coach: What other changes are you looking forward to at Columbia?
Nicole: Columbia Business School has always done a fantastic job of making sure coursework and student opportunities are contemporary, so I am always excited to hear about the new coursework being introduced each semester. Courses like “Introduction to Programming Using Python”, “Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and Digital Tokens Demystified”, and “Virtual Reality & Artificial Intelligence” are a few of our recent additions, and have quickly become favorites among our students. A focus on technology has certainly been underscored with the introduction of our Dean, Costis Maglaras. Dean Maglaras has a demonstrated commitment to data-focused scholarship, and I am sure there will be more to come. And, of course we are excited for the opening of our brand new campus in Manhattanville in 2022.
Personal MBA Coach: What advice do you have for applicants interested in the new deferred admissions option?
Nicole: My advice for anyone interested in the Deferred Enrollment Program is to start preparing early for the GMAT or GRE. This component tends to be the most time consuming aspect of the application. Apart from the standardized test, I would encourage candidates to get to know Columbia Business School through one of our many virtual events. From anywhere in the world candidates can chat with a current student, attend an MBA class, or log in to an information webinar. It is easier now than ever to connect with our team.
Personal MBA Coach: How do you think the admissions process will evolve over time?
Nicole: We continue to strive to find new ways to connect with diverse student populations. Our team does a fantastic job planning events in the fall for diverse groups, but these are still self-selecting. We are continuing to explore ways to show those who might consider themselves “non-traditional”* how a business education can benefit them professionally. I think the Deferred Enrollment Program has been a great launch pad for this, as we are seeing peers bringing their friends to group meetings, encouraging them to learn more, and these are often stellar candidates who may have not otherwise seen how the MBA can benefit their professional plans.
*We’ve had Grammy nominated opera singers, journalists, Broadway actors, social scientists, and almost every other professional background join the class, and we think a “non-traditional” perspective is one of the features that makes Columbia so great!
Personal MBA Coach: What do you wish applicants would do differently when applying?
Nicole: Be yourself when applying! There are no molds to fit or quotas to fill at Columbia Business School. We are looking for talented candidates from every walk of life, with diverse experiences to bring to the table, and who will succeed academically and professionally, while also contributing positively to the Columbia Business School community.
Personal MBA Coach: Do you have any advice for applicants excited about CBS that isn’t easily found on your website?
Nicole: I would encourage anyone interested in applying to Columbia Business School, or even just curious about the benefits of an MBA, to get to know us. Our admissions team does a great job planning a robust slate of events to suit candidates at any point in the admissions process. While the information shared at these events can be found on the website, the insight an applicant will gain from hearing from our team members, current students, alumni, and faculty that participate cannot. An applicant can sign up to receive invitations to relevant events by using our Stay in Touch form.
Are you looking for help with your MBA Applications? Personal MBA Coach is willing to be your guide. Founded by a Wharton and MIT graduate, we regularly help applicants navigate their applications each year. We also conduct mock interviews with former M7 interviewers on our team.
Personal MBA Coach has been guiding candidates through all aspects of the MBA application process for 13 years with a 96% success rate. Call us today at +1 617-645-2424 or email scott@personalmbacoach.com for a free consultation on your profile along with how we can help make your MBA dreams a reality!
Personal MBA Coach Founder
Joined: 11 Sep 2010
Status:Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting from a Wharton graduate - Helping applicants get into top global business schools since 2008
Affiliations: Wharton, MIT
Posts: 3645
Given Kudos: 11
Location: United States (NY)
Overall Client Admit Rate: 96%
Re: Personal MBA Coach Updates
[#permalink]
20 Aug 2020, 10:28
20 Aug 2020, 10:28
Expert Reply
Some of the most frequent questions I get from applicants are: what does a successful candidate profile look like or how did X get accepted into so many schools?
Naturally, there are countless answers to these questions, but in response to applicant demand, I post Candidate Success Stories from time to time.
Below I have shared a deep dive into one recent success including a Q&A with the candidate to shed some light on the process that I take with my clients and share lessons this candidate has graciously offered to pass on.
Find out how this candidate was accepted to 4 top schools and secured $244K in scholarships.
Profile Overview
Schools Admitted To: Harvard Business School, Wharton, Chicago Booth (w/ Scholarship), Yale SOM (w/ Scholarship)
Scholarship: $244K
Gender/Ethnicity: Female/Vietnamese
Years of Experience: 4
GMAT: Mid/High 700’s
Pre-MBA Experience: Financial services
Education: Ivy League
GPA: High 3’s
Candidate Q&A
Personal MBA Coach: Why did you decide to pursue an MBA?
Candidate: After working in financial services for a few years, I was interested in learning more about opportunities in consulting and social impact and wanted to leverage the MBA to pursue these opportunities.
Personal MBA Coach: How did you learn about Personal MBA Coach?
Candidate: I learned about Personal MBA Coach through their partnership with the Forte program, of which I was a member.
Personal MBA Coach: Why did you decide to turn to Personal MBA Coach for help?
Candidate: Since I was looking to apply to several business schools, I wanted to work with a coach to better understand the nuanced differences between them, and also to help stay organized throughout the long application process!
Personal MBA Coach: What was the hardest part of the application process?
Candidate: The hardest part of the application process for me was the essay-writing. Personal MBA Coach was a great coach throughout this part of the application. They challenged me and kept me accountable, while helping me flesh out parts of my background, work experiences and interests to highlight –– all while keeping everything in my own voice.
Personal MBA Coach: How did you decide on which schools to apply to?
Candidate: I had an initial list of schools in mind and Personal MBA Coach and I discussed which ones on the list would be great fits for my background and aspirations.
Personal MBA Coach: What was the biggest surprise for you throughout the application process?
Candidate: The biggest surprise for me was how much time each component of the application process took! There are a lot of deliverables throughout the application process, and working with Personal MBA Coach definitely helped me manage my time and stay accountable throughout it all.
Personal MBA Coach: How did Personal MBA Coach help you?
Candidate: From early on, Personal MBA Coach helped me develop a personal timeline / strategy for the application cycle. Throughout the process, they were great about pushing me through the mini deadlines to ensure that I was on track.
Are you looking for help with your MBA Applications? Personal MBA Coach is willing to be your guide. Founded by a Wharton and MIT graduate, we regularly help applicants navigate their applications each year. We also conduct mock interviews with former M7 interviewers on our team.
Personal MBA Coach has been guiding candidates through all aspects of the MBA application process for 13 years with a 96% success rate. Call us today at +1 617-645-2424 or email scott@personalmbacoach.com for a free consultation on your profile along with how we can help make your MBA dreams a reality!
Naturally, there are countless answers to these questions, but in response to applicant demand, I post Candidate Success Stories from time to time.
Below I have shared a deep dive into one recent success including a Q&A with the candidate to shed some light on the process that I take with my clients and share lessons this candidate has graciously offered to pass on.
Find out how this candidate was accepted to 4 top schools and secured $244K in scholarships.
Profile Overview
Schools Admitted To: Harvard Business School, Wharton, Chicago Booth (w/ Scholarship), Yale SOM (w/ Scholarship)
Scholarship: $244K
Gender/Ethnicity: Female/Vietnamese
Years of Experience: 4
GMAT: Mid/High 700’s
Pre-MBA Experience: Financial services
Education: Ivy League
GPA: High 3’s
Candidate Q&A
Personal MBA Coach: Why did you decide to pursue an MBA?
Candidate: After working in financial services for a few years, I was interested in learning more about opportunities in consulting and social impact and wanted to leverage the MBA to pursue these opportunities.
Personal MBA Coach: How did you learn about Personal MBA Coach?
Candidate: I learned about Personal MBA Coach through their partnership with the Forte program, of which I was a member.
Personal MBA Coach: Why did you decide to turn to Personal MBA Coach for help?
Candidate: Since I was looking to apply to several business schools, I wanted to work with a coach to better understand the nuanced differences between them, and also to help stay organized throughout the long application process!
Personal MBA Coach: What was the hardest part of the application process?
Candidate: The hardest part of the application process for me was the essay-writing. Personal MBA Coach was a great coach throughout this part of the application. They challenged me and kept me accountable, while helping me flesh out parts of my background, work experiences and interests to highlight –– all while keeping everything in my own voice.
Personal MBA Coach: How did you decide on which schools to apply to?
Candidate: I had an initial list of schools in mind and Personal MBA Coach and I discussed which ones on the list would be great fits for my background and aspirations.
Personal MBA Coach: What was the biggest surprise for you throughout the application process?
Candidate: The biggest surprise for me was how much time each component of the application process took! There are a lot of deliverables throughout the application process, and working with Personal MBA Coach definitely helped me manage my time and stay accountable throughout it all.
Personal MBA Coach: How did Personal MBA Coach help you?
Candidate: From early on, Personal MBA Coach helped me develop a personal timeline / strategy for the application cycle. Throughout the process, they were great about pushing me through the mini deadlines to ensure that I was on track.
Are you looking for help with your MBA Applications? Personal MBA Coach is willing to be your guide. Founded by a Wharton and MIT graduate, we regularly help applicants navigate their applications each year. We also conduct mock interviews with former M7 interviewers on our team.
Personal MBA Coach has been guiding candidates through all aspects of the MBA application process for 13 years with a 96% success rate. Call us today at +1 617-645-2424 or email scott@personalmbacoach.com for a free consultation on your profile along with how we can help make your MBA dreams a reality!
