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24 Jan 2018, 09:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Building Your Network For Long-Term Success |
 To give you a head start and keep you on track in the New Year, Personal MBA Coach has launched a 4-part series this January: Kick-Start Your MBA Planning! Check out part four in the series: Building Your Network For Long-Term Success It should come as no surprise that networking should be a key part of every long-term career strategy. It is also something that many struggle with. To get you on the right path this year, Personal MBA Coach has some tips on when and how to start networking. It is never too early to start networking. Whether you are planning to apply to business school later this year or a few years from now, a strong network will position you for success. There are four areas where you should look to build your network: at work, with alumni/students from your target schools, with professionals in your preferred field, and with admissions professionals. While each of these is worthy of its own blog, in the spirit of “Kick Starting Your MBA Planning,” I have included one goal for each of these networks for now. 1) Network at work: Find one mentor at work and begin to establish this relationship. Look for someone who knows you well and is more experienced. This relationship can help you in a few key ways. First, if the relationship progresses, this can be a source of solid career advice from someone who can identify your strengths and weaknesses. Second, in an ideal world, this mentor can serve as a letter of recommendation (LOR) source when the time comes. However, don’t force the relationship. Start slowly with coffee or lunch, ask a lot of questions, and see if there is a good fit. Remember, finding a true mentor is a process, so don’t get discouraged if it takes time to find the right person. January goal: Schedule one lunch or coffee. 2) Network with alums at your target business schools: Speaking to current students or alumni at your schools of choice is an important part of the process. Many candidates ask me how many students they should reach out to. I advise two or three per school. Having a laundry list of students that you have reached out to is not necessary and including it anywhere in your application would be overkill for most schools. Instead, try to have a few meaningful conversations. Alumni directories from your undergraduate university or current/former firm and your personal network are great places to start. January goal: Locate and email two students about their business school experiences. 3) Network with professionals in your target field: Setting up these relationships now is a great way to get a head start for recruiting time. Start small by finding someone who has your dream role and invite her for coffee. Tell her you want to learn more about the job and how she got there. Most people love to talk about themselves and are happy to help aspiring professionals. Avoid being too pushy. Meet at a time and place convenient for her and don’t ask for anything. This is not the time to ask for help getting a job or a recommendation. Instead, learn more about her and the position and let the relationship grow organically. For many, speaking with strangers can be intimidating but don’t let this stop you. Starting with alumni from your alma mater or friends of friends/family can be an easier place to begin. January goal: Reach out to one professional and ask for a meeting. 4) Network with admissions professionals. While there are many ways to connect with your target schools, MBA fairs are a great way to start. You can meet multiple admissions professionals in one place and ask any burning questions. You will also get tips from the presentations and other students. Plus, it is an easy, low risk way to begin the process. For those in the New York area, I will be presenting at the MBA Tour in New York City on February 3rd so come check it out! If you aren’t nearby or can’t make this event, the MBA Tour, Forte Foundation and many other organizations have tours throughout the world. January goal: Locate one event in your area and register/put it on your calendar. Remember, networking is a skill and one you should perfect throughout your career. So, start small and take one step today! Wherever you are in the MBA application process, Personal MBA Coach is here to help. We cover everything from early planning, to GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring to comprehensive packages! We have been guiding candidates through all aspects of the MBA application process for over 10 years with a 96% success rate. Call us today at 617-645-2424 or email at scott@personalmbacoach.com for a free consultation on your profile along with how we can help make your career dreams a reality! |
03 Feb 2018, 15:02
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Acing The MBA Interview |
 Interview invitations are rapidly rolling out. Now is the time to ensure you are ready for this important final stage in the application process. First, if you have already received an interview invitation, congrats! All of your hard work on the applications, essays and GMAT/GRE may have gotten you this far, but do not rest on your laurels. The interview is one of the most important parts of the process and it is crucial that you are adequately prepared. Read some key tips on ensuring you are ready to win them over and then be sure to practice! We have former interviewers from M7 schools on hand to conduct mock interviews if you would like some additional support. 1. Learn more about each school’s interview process. The programs vary considerably in terms of how they treat the interview. While fit will always be key, some schools are known to dig much deeper into specific areas of your application and background that others. Doing your research and knowing what to expect will not only help you prepare accordingly, but it will also put you more at ease during the interview. 2. Consider the school’s culture. Through campus visits, online research and conversations with students and alumni, you can and should get a good sense of the school’s unique culture. During the interview, it will be key to communicate how you will thrive and add value on campus. As you prepare, consider your style and how you can uniquely add value and note stories that you can share to demonstrate this. 3. Be sure you can clearly articulate your goals. It is important that you are prepared to succinctly explain what you want to accomplish in your career (and of course this should tie with your essays), why this path is exciting to you and how you will succeed. Show the interviewer how you plan to make your unique mark. 4. Prepare stories; we find bulleting works best. Research the most common questions and prepare stories in advance. Focus on you. Do not spend too much time setting up the situation. Instead, detail the key steps you took and how you excelled. Always keep in mind the skills you want to highlight and tailor the story accordingly. Generally, 4-5 stories can be easily tailored to cover most top questions. Assign each story to the potential question in advance. Remember: Situations, Action, Result. 5. Know why you want to join the school. This goes without saying but school specific interests and knowledge are key. By now you should have already done your research so make sure you are prepared to discuss the aspects that attracted you to each program. 6. Show enthusiasm, bring questions & be yourself. These does not need much clarification. Be excited, smile and relax. Your background got you this far so be yourself and enjoy the process. Just as with any interview, practice and planning are key! Personal MBA Coach has former M7 interviewers lined up to do mock interviews with you. Our clients have told us this is one of the most valuable steps they have taken to prepare. Email scott@personalmbacoach.com or click here to set up a mock interview today. For HBS, our mock interview includes help with the post-interview reflection and we also offer a limited number of group mock interview sessions for Wharton / Ross. Personal MBA Coach is here to help with everything from early planning, to GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring to comprehensive packages! We have been guiding candidates through all aspects of the MBA application process for over 10 years with a 96% success rate. Call us today at 617-645-2424 or email at scott@personalmbacoach.com for a free consultation on your profile along with how we can help make your career dreams a reality! |
15 Feb 2018, 12:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Candidate Success Spotlight: Columbia, Wharton, Booth and Darden Business School Admit with ~$300,000 in Scholarships |
 One of the most frequent questions I get from applicants is: what does a successful candidate profile look like? Naturally, there is no one answer, but in response to applicant demand, I post Candidate Success Stories from time to time. Here is the latest: School: Columbia, Wharton, Booth, Darden Scholarship: ~$300,000 Across 3 Schools Gender/Ethnicity: White Female Years of Experience: 8 GMAT: Low-Mid 700’s Pre-MBA Experience: Media Business Development Education: Top 20 State School GPA: Above Average Post-MBA Goals: Media, Entrepreneur As a candidate with greater than average work experience, it was important that we established a strong and unique career vision. Equally as critical was clearly articulating the need for an MBA and the skills the candidate would develop during the program. A strong undergraduate GPA worked in her favor while an average GMAT score worked as a neutral here. For this candidate, we took a very focused approach. Her past career in Media and the unique roles she held and contributions she made were carefully highlighted. Her future short-term career goal was then a logical progression from her current role. However, she stood out by including two key items. First, she shared a unique perspective and value add to the industry. Second, she had a specific and stretch long-term goal, not only stating that she wanted to launch her own company, but taking it a step further to include what she wanted to accomplish. This specificity was key to success. We also drilled down on the candidate’s strengths and included specific development areas, this clearly establishing the need for an MBA. Finally, one of her essays included some unique passions and leadership experience outside of work. This not only showed that she was a well-rounded candidate but one who can follow her convictions. MBA admissions directors are looking for candidates who will make a unique mark. For a more experienced candidate looking for a full-time spot, this was extremely crucial for success. This success story underscores the importance of a cohesive well thought out story and unique ownable career goals. Not sure how to position yourself for success? Candidate Reflection: Scott is thorough, logical and extremely knowledgeable about crafting applications to best showcase the candidate. For me, scholarships were key and I am confident it was Scott’s process that helped me achieve such incredible results. He turned what could have been a drag into a positive, introspective, and rewarding experience. Thank you, Scott! Personal MBA Coach is here to help! If you would like individual and personal support, please find information about Personal MBA Coach’s comprehensive packages or contact me to learn how I can help! As an MIT Sloan BS graduate and Wharton MBA grad, I have been helping candidates get into the schools of their dreams with a 96% success rate for over 10 years. Email me today at: scott@personalmbacoach.com |
21 Feb 2018, 13:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Rejected? Now What? |
 As interview invitations and decisions roll out, many candidates are not receiving the news they had hoped for. While this is no doubt disappointing, do not give up hope. Personal MBA Coach has some tips on developing a strategy that will help you realize your MBA and career dreams. By starting now to plan for round 1, you have plenty of time to make key changes. We have broken down our advice into 3 categories; find out where you might have gone wrong and what you should change in each. School Selection: Unfortunately, not everyone can earn an MBA from HBS. In some cases, it comes down to a numbers game: perhaps your profile is great but there were simply too many qualified former consultants from your native country in this year’s pool, making it even harder to stand out. This is why my average candidate applies to 5 schools. For some, this means having schools from a range of tiers. For others, this means spreading your eggs across multiple top-tier schools. Of course, for all candidates your target list must match with your candidate profile. Personal MBA Coach prides itself in offering open and honest feedback on your chances of success at any given school. We want our candidates to reach high, but we also won’t sugar coat it for you. Be sure that you not only have a wide enough list, but one that is reasonable based on your GPA, GMAT/GRE and professional experience. Candidate Profile: Every candidate will benefit from strengthening his/her candidate profile. In fact, for many schools, re-applicants are asked to specifically address how they have improved. Now is the time to consider which areas you can beef up before applications are due. For nearly everyone, I suggest focusing on 4 key items: 1) GMAT/GRE Score. Consider re-taking the exam. Remember, depending on your profile and background, you might need a score above the average to be competitive. This is particularly true if you had a lower GPA. Did you get help last time around? If not, consider a tutor. 2) Extracurricular Activities. Step up your involvement outside of work. Seek leadership positions within your existing organizations or consider joining a new activity or group. For more details, check-out our recent blog: Improving Your Extracurricular Profile. 3) Leadership At Work. In any way you can, take on more at the office. A promotion is of course ideal, but even if that is not possible, look for way to stretch yourself within your existing role. Check-out our: Make Your Career Work Harder blog for more specific suggestions. 4) Addressing Skill Gaps. Think about where you are weakest and see what you can do now to close these gaps. Is there a course you could take to improve your analytical skills? Perhaps you got an interview but didn’t get accepted? If so, consider options for improving your presentation and interview skills. Everyone has a weakness. Take the time now to address yours. Application/Interview Preparation: Naturally, re-applicants should also focus on improving all aspects of the application itself this go around. As you develop a new plan, take an honest look at your application (or we offer a ding report service to do this for you) and think about whether your story clearly and consistently came across. Some questions you should consider include: Have you shown your unique value add? Did you share what truly makes you shine? Were you career goals clear? Did you actually answer the question? Did you show passion? If you received an interview invite: How did the conversation go? Were your adequately prepared? By starting early, you can truly take the time to fine tune your story, re-think your LOR strategy and ensure all aspects of your application work together cohesively. Every year we successfully advise re-applicants on what to change (and what not to) to increase their chances of success and ultimately get them accepted. Personal MBA Coach is here to help! Whether you would like a ding report, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring or a comprehensive package, let us help you finally achieve success! We have been guiding candidates through all aspects of the MBA application process for over 10 years with a 96% success rate. Call us today at 617-645-2424 or email at for a free consultation on your profile along with how we can help make your career dreams a reality! Sign up now and lock in rates before they increase this spring! |
01 Mar 2018, 09:02
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Candidate Success Spotlight: Haas, Tuck MBA Admit with $90,000 in Scholarships |
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One of the most frequent questions I get from applicants is: what does a successful candidate profile look like? Naturally, there is no answer but in response to applicant demand, I post Candidate Success Stories from time to time. Here is the latest, including a Q&A session with the candidate. Profile Overview Schools Admitted To: Haas, Tuck Scholarship: $90,000 Total Gender/Ethnicity: Chinese Female Years of Exp.: 4.5 GMAT: Low 700’s Pre-MBA Experience: Hospitality Education: Undergraduate in China, Master’s Degree from top 100 State School GPA: Average Candidate Q&A Personal MBA Coach:What was the hardest part of the application process? Candidate: School Targeting: selecting a portfolio of schools that would maximize my chances of success during the current application cycle. Holistic construction of my application: from essay questions, resume editing, recommender prep and volunteer experience, every piece holds considerable weight. The hardest part was finding a balance and unique highlights to make me stand out as a whole among other applicants. Personal MBA Coach:How did you decide on which schools to apply to? Candidate: I had gotten a master's degree in Hospitality prior to applying to an MBA program. Therefore, for my MBA, I targeted only top 10 schools to achieve the highest ROI. Among the top 10 programs, I was looking for a small close-knit program that emphasizes relationship building among faculty, students, and alumni. Berkeley Haas, and Dartmouth Tuck were on the top of my list. Personal MBA Coach:What was the biggest surprise for you? Candidate:Coming from a non-traditional background (hospitality), I was worried that the admission officers would not favor my profile. But I ended up getting admitted to both Berkeley Haas and Tuck with a significant scholarship from each school. Personal MBA Coach:What key learnings did you take away that you would like to share with others? Candidate: Be genuine: while crafting your essays, make sure you share a unique story that tells about your professional growth, personal growth and struggles and the reason why an MBA is a necessity for your continuous growth. Once invited to interview, it is time to bring what you have written on paper to life. Focus on leadership and growth: whether in your resume or essays, show your growth, what you have done in the past to make yourself better and how you have overcome struggles to be where you are today. Communicate with your recommender so your letters highlight your leadership accomplishments and the extra-curricular activities that have made an impact. Personal MBA Coach:What do you wish you had done differently? Candidate:Honestly, I put in the effort to make sure every part of my application looked as perfect as possible. I would not do anything differently. Personal MBA Coach: How did Personal MBA Coach help you? Candidate: School selection: Personal MBA Coach helped me target the schools that fit my needs and educated me on which aspects each school weighs more and is looking for from candidates.Brainstorm essays: Personal MBA Coach consolidated my personal and professional experience to brainstorm a strategy for each essay. This is the probably the most important part in the entire application. Quality control and endless support: from unlimited editing of my essays and resume to advice on my recommendation letters and online application forms, Personal MBA Coach ensured my work met the highest standards. Even though it is tedious to go back and forth on edits, working with Personal MBA Coach made it effortless and fun. I really had an enjoyable experience throughout my whole application process! Personal MBA Coach:Do you have any final pieces of advice for perspective candidates? Candidate: Applying to top MBA programs is not easy and is highly competitive. Even though it was expensive, I feel that I made the right choice to work with a consultant who guided me through the whole application. It saves you time and helps you tailor your application to the program you are applying to. Meanwhile, be ready to put in a lot effort yourself as well. Personal MBA Coach is here to help! If you would like individual and personal support, please find information about Personal MBA Coach’s comprehensive packages or contact me to learn how I can help! As an MIT Sloan BS graduate and Wharton MBA grad, I have been helping candidates get into the schools of their dreams with a 96% success rate for over 10 years. Email me today at: scott@personalmbacoach.com |
07 Mar 2018, 10:02
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Personal MBA Coach's 6 Tips For School Selection |
 This time of the year I am repeatedly asked, “Which schools should I apply to?” Picking the right business school is a complicated and personal process and a key component of our services. However, here are 6 tips: 1) Begin with the statistics: Statistics such as average GPA, GMAT/GRE, years of experience, acceptance rate and starting salary will give you some good benchmarking data and a better idea of which schools could be potential options for you. Of course, these statistics are not the only factor and the whole package matters, but these provide a strong initial guide. 2) Go broad: My average candidate applies to at least 5 schools. Make sure that you have some “reach” schools, some “more likely” schools and some “safer” schools, especially if you want to ensure an acceptance this year. All business schools look to fill their classes with diverse candidates and you cannot always predict which school might need someone who fits your profile. Adding a broad range of schools helps to balance this out. 3) Pay attention to culture: Culture is more than a buzzword and it will be key to having a fulfilling MBA experience and developing lasting long-term relationships. Do you want a small close-knit campus where everyone lives and studies nearby? Are learning teams important to you? Do you consider the entire city your campus? As you talk to alums and visit schools, these are just some of the many questions you should ask yourself while narrowing your list. 4) Look carefully at the curriculum and program offerings: Think about your post-MBA goals carefully and pay attention to whose offerings are the best fit. For example, is a flexible curriculum important to you? Do you thrive with more hands-on opportunities? Is the ability to study internationally important? All schools vary in the degree to which they meet these needs so do your research. Not only will this help you determine which programs will be the best fit, but this research will be critical as you target your application. 5) Explore areas of excellence: Similarly, explore emerging areas of research at each campus. This is particularly important if you have a specific focus. Finding a professor who is working on a project in your area of interest could be a key driver of both your experience on campus and your chances of success during the application process. 6) Consider location: Sure, you can live anywhere after graduation and companies from all over the world will travel to recruit. But for obvious reasons, it is much easier to recruit at schools that are closer geographically. This does not mean you should only consider city schools. Look at which schools your target companies visit for recruitment, what local opportunities are available to candidates and which speakers come to campus. Personal MBA Coach is here to help! If you would like individual and personal support, please find information about Personal MBA Coach’s comprehensive packages or contact me to learn how I can help! As an MIT Sloan BS graduate and Wharton MBA grad, I have been helping candidates get into the schools of their dreams with a 96% success rate for over 10 years. Email me today at: scott@personalmbacoach.com |
14 Mar 2018, 08:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: 4 Signs Now Might Be The Time For An MBA |
 Believe it or not, if you are thinking of enrolling in an MBA program for the fall of 2019, now is the time to get the process started. However, many of you may be asking yourselves if it is the right time to apply for you! Here are 4 key signs that it might be the right time to consider an MBA. 1) You already have 3-4 years of post-MBA experience: The average applicant for most schools has approximately 5 years of pre-MBA experience at the time of enrollment. Once you have 6+ years, your chances begin to decrease, ever so slightly each year. Similarly, your odds of acceptance do not increase considerably between 4 and 5 years unless your role significantly changes. You should also consider the possibility that you may not be accepted the first time you apply if you reach too high (for instance only targeting Stanford). The longer you wait now, the more likely it is that you will run out of time to give your dream school one more shot by re-applying. At this stage in your career, now might be the time to pull the trigger. 2) You have reached a plateau at work: Have you stretched yourself as much as possible in your current role? Do you need an MBA or advanced degree to reach the next level? If you are bored at work and feel that you have learned all you can in your current role, this is a good sign that now might be the time to think about an MBA. If you feel you are close to plateauing, now might also be the time to apply. Keep in mind it will still be another 18 months until you are likely to enroll. 3) You are ready to switch careers: Switching careers while writing your business school applications can be tricky. While it works for some to change industries or functions pre-MBA, post-MBA is a great time to switch careers for most. If you know you want to move from banking to consulting or consulting to product management, why wait? In many ways the MBA is the great equalizer and post-MBA students often start at a similar level to each other. If this is you, think about applying today. 4) Your personal situation makes it a good time to become a student. Did you just cash out $1M in bitcoin and want a break from work? Is your partner going back to school and it will be easier to study together? Going back to school full-time is a major lifestyle change and your personal circumstance should be a key factor in your decision on when to apply. If late 2019 is shaping up to be a good time for you to become a student, it’s time to get your applications started. Personal MBA Coach is here to help! If you would like individual and personal support, please find information about Personal MBA Coach’s comprehensive packages or contact me to learn how I can help! As an MIT Sloan BS graduate and Wharton MBA grad, I have been helping candidates get into the schools of their dreams with a 96% success rate for over 10 years. Email me today at: scott@personalmbacoach.com |
20 Mar 2018, 10:02
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Personal MBA Coach’s Thoughts on MBA Rankings |
 With the recent release of the 2019 US News and World Report Best Business School Guide, MBA rankings are top of mind for all MBA hopefuls (and even many graduates). Personal MBA Coach would like to share our thoughts on the latest rankings, along with how we advise our clients to use MBA rankings in general. Before we cover this year’s big changes, we would like to remind everyone of one of the most important things to keep in mind when evaluating ranking guides: Average ranking over time is much more important than year to year fluctuations. So, what is the big news this year? University of Chicago (Booth) has tied with Harvard Business School for the number 1 position this year. Wharton was ranked #3, Stanford #4 and Sloan #5. Other notable changes include University of Michigan’s (Ross) place in the top 10, tied with Hass for the #7 rank this year. Kellogg, Columbia and Tuck, rounded out the top 10. Check out the complete details. Personal MBA Coach has two key thoughts following these updates: First, all schools in the top 20 are strong options and one should not lose sleep over the fact that Wharton is #3 this year, nor do we recommend that every client now apply to Booth just because of their jump. As we opened with, the changes over time are most important and these rankings change from year-to-year and guide-to-guide. Second, seeing schools move in and out of the top 7 or 10 confirms that there are an increasing number of high quality MBA options available. Many applicants are looking more broadly than just Harvard, Stanford and Wharton. My clients on average apply to at least 5 schools and Ross, for example, has been getting a lot more attention in recent years. Amazon (and other leading tech companies) hire a lot from Ross. Lastly, beyond rankings, it is important to look at job placement. You can often land your dream job after graduating from a number of similar schools. Depending on your post-MBA goals, you may also want to pay more attention to some of the specialized rankings that exist. Just because a school is higher ranked overall does not mean that it will do a better job at preparing you for your next job, especially if you are not going for a more standard goal like consulting or banking. Do not overreact to these new ratings but do keep an open mind to expanding your MBA list. This is also a good time to re-visit Personal MBA Coach’s view on how to use ratings guides and some important things to keep in mind! They are just one of many tools and not the be all end all! Personal MBA Coach is a full-service admissions consulting firm. School selection is a crucial part of the process and we are here to help! How To Use Ratings Guides: · Use them to get the lay of the land. Business ratings provide a great overview of the business school landscape: what schools exist, where they are location and how they generally stack up. · Statistics such as, average GPA, average GMAT, years of experience, acceptance rate and starting salary will give you some good benchmarking data. Use the ratings to get a high level of idea of which schools could be potential options for you. · Do not consider them the be all, end all. Plenty of applicants with a higher than average GPA or GMAT won’t get in each year and vice versa. The whole package matters so use these numbers as an initial guide only. Important Facts To Keep in Mind: · Average rating over time is much more important than year to year fluctuation. When you are courting that investor 10 years from now, she won’t pay attention to what the rating was when you applied but will look at what it is at the time. So, pay closer attention to general ratings trends. · The rating of the overall university, not just the business school, matters. Many potential employers or investors will not be familiar with the business school landscape but will know about the reputations of the universities themselves. Often this university rating can carry almost as much weight. · Nearly every ratings scale will give different results. Of course, certain schools will be in the top 10 in nearly every rating, but the general list varies considerably from source to source. As with historical data, the general trend is most important. · Ratings vary by industry! While all business schools focus to some extent on providing strong general management education, each school has a specific area of expertise. Pay attention to how the schools stack up in the industry specific ratings as well. Personal MBA Coach is here to help! If you would like individual and personal support, please find information about Personal MBA Coach’s comprehensive packages or contact me to learn how I can help! As an MIT Sloan BS graduate and Wharton MBA grad, I have been helping candidates get into the schools of their dreams with a 96% success rate for over 10 years. Email me today at: scott@personalmbacoach.com |
28 Mar 2018, 12:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Choosing The Right MBA Option |
 Getting an MBA does not necessarily require taking two years off from work. For many, the traditional 2-year program might be your best bet. But for others, there are an increasing number of alternative options you can consider based on your personal circumstances and goals. While all programs teach the same general curriculum, often by some of the same faculty, full-time MBA programs tend to have more students who are looking for a career change and interested in a more intense program with a heavy networking and social component in addition to the academics. That said, many part-time MBA graduates go on to seek new employment and/or change industries completely. Additionally, the part-time (and especially the Executive MBA) programs tend to be catered to students with more varied years of experience vs the traditional 3-7 yrs. for most full-time MBA programs. Wondering which program might be right for you? Here are some of the factors tipping the scale towards each program. Executive MBA Executive MBA programs are geared towards higher level executives and members of senior management. Entrepreneurs who run their own business can also fit well into EMBA classes. EMBA students tend to have more leadership experience than part-time MBA students, through the experience required varies greatly by school. We send applicants with as little as 5-6 years of experience to some schools, whereas others are looking for 10-12+ years of work experience. At MIT Sloan, for example, applicants have an average of more than 16 years of experience. Successful candidates also often have international leadership expertise, though this is not required for admission. Students are generally not immediately looking to change roles, though recruiting is certainly possible from the program. Much of the recruiting happens through internal networking (often with fellow EMBA classmates). If you are interested in an EMBA, Personal MBA Coach will be providing free consultations at the Premier Executive MBA Event in New York City on April 4th. This is your chance to meet with admissions representatives from top schools, including MIT Sloan, Yale SOM and many more. Register here for this free event. Part-Time MBA Part-time MBA programs are geared towards professionals in the early/middle part of their careers who want the experience of an MBA without taking time off work. Students usually fall below 37 yrs old and are trending younger, with the largest majority falling between 27-32. By enrolling in a part-time program, students are able to reduce the overall cost of an MBA because two (in most cases) years of salary do not have to be foregone in order to earn the degree. Programs are either at night, over the weekend, or both and are able to be completed in different amounts of time depending on the school and how busy of a schedule the student wants to have / how many courses one decides to enroll in each year. This program can take longer and may offer fewer recruiting opportunities, but recruiting still happens both on campus and through individual networks. One of our first part-time clients went to NYU Stern many years ago and has a leading job at Google today. A part-time MBA can be financially attractive, especially if a short-term career switch is not your key motivator for pursuing an MBA. One Year MBA For those students who want to dedicate themselves full-time to their studies but do not need an internship, this can be an attractive option. If you are not switching industries or even roles, the standard recruiting process may not be necessary. One-year programs provide fewer networking, recruiting and community building opportunities but for those candidates who can’t afford to take two full years out of the workforce, they can be a good choice. Early Admission / Deferral MBA Harvard, Stanford and Yale offer deferral programs where current undergraduate students can apply during their senior year, with the intention to work after school for a couple years and then enroll in an MBA program. This gives students the chance to lock in a top MBA program before entering the work force. HBS calls the program 2+2 and has students work for two years before studying the MBA. Stanford has a similar two-year deferral while Yale SOM has Silver Scholars which allows students to study in an MBA program immediately upon finishing college. After one year, students enter the workforce for a year and then return to SOM for the third year to finish the MBA. With later spring deadlines, candidates finish the undergraduate recruiting process and secure full-time job placement (hopefully) before applying. Successful applicants have already demonstrated considerable leadership through internships and extra-curricular activities, either on or off-campus. They also have a strong sense of their career goals (though this often comes only after working together with a consultant on the applications, and keep in mind that the goals can definitely change over time). While these programs are competitive, they are a good option for high achievers looking to get a jump on the MBA application process. Unsure which is right for you?Personal MBA Coach advises candidates through all types of business school applications and can guide you on which is the best fit for your unique situation. Sometimes, candidates will apply to more than one program time and select the one with the most attractive package. We can talk through whether this may be an ideal strategy for you. If you would like individual and personal support, please find information about Personal MBA Coach’s comprehensive packages or contact me to learn how I can help! As an MIT Sloan BS graduate and Wharton MBA grad, I have been helping candidates get into the schools of their dreams with a 96% success rate for over 10 years. Email me today at: scott@personalmbacoach.com |
04 Apr 2018, 06:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Customizing Your Resume For MBA Applications |
 All MBA applications require a resume. You may be thinking: “No problem, I already have a resume.” Unfortunately, it is not that easy. A business school resume differs from a professional one. These resumes accomplish two different goals. For a professional resume, you want to show potential employers that you have the specific skills and experiences they are looking for. You are selling your ability to do the job. For an MBA resume, on the other hand, you want to show how you have been successful and demonstrated leadership. You are selling your future potential. So, what does that all mean? Here are the key differences and our tips for optimizing your business school resume! Bonus, by focusing on your resume NOW, you will have one less thing to do when essay questions are released this spring and summer. 1. Do not outline your job description Too often I read resume bullets that list a candidate’s tasks and responsibilities. This might be great for proving you can do a specific job, but does nothing to differentiate you from other applicants. Anyone in your role could copy and paste these bullets from the job description. Admissions committee members do not need to know every detail of your job and what specifically it entails. Instead, think about your key accomplishments and highlights. What initiatives did you lead? What projects did you succeed in? How did you go above and beyond in your role? How did you excel, particularly in relation to your peers? Focus on the highlights. It is ok to leave some things you worked on out, especially if they wouldn’t sound impressive to someone outside of your company. 2. Include results! Learnings, takeaways and results are the most important items to include in your business school resume. This can and should include both personal growth over time and your impact on business performance. The more specific and measurable your results are, the better. Think of items such as increased performance 30% over previous year or drove $1M in new business through x, y, z. 3. Minimize industry jargon In a professional resume, the reader is much more likely to be familiar with the industry and wants to know the details and specifics about your relevant experience. It matters to them which tools you used and industry buzzwords are key. However, 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! 4. Show multiple aspects of your profile Successful business school students are active outside of work: in their communities, in athletics, with organizations, etc. They have hobbies or specific language skills. They won awards or earned certifications. They got involved on their campuses or at work outside of the scope of their jobs. These details are important to show readers another aspect of your candidacy. However, keep in mind quality over quantity! A laundry list of activities or an organization you volunteered with once won’t help (and including such might even hurt your creditability.) Personal MBA Coach is here to help! If you would like individual and personal support, please find information about Personal MBA Coach’s comprehensive packages or contact me to learn how I can help! As an MIT Sloan BS graduate and Wharton MBA grad, I have been helping candidates get into the schools of their dreams with a 96% success rate for over 10 years. Email me today at: scott@personalmbacoach.com |
11 Apr 2018, 08:02
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Courting Your Target Business Schools |
 MBA admissions representatives want you to get to know and like their schools! This interaction is a step in the MBA application process that is often overlooked. Yet for many schools, it is a critical one. When and how to interact with business school students, staff and in some cases faculty should be top of mind throughout the entire MBA application process and something that you should start planning for, NOW! Check out Personal MBA Coach’s 6 tips for courting your target schools: 1) Attend individual school networking events: Once the 2017-2018 application season wraps up, MBA admissions staff hit the road, scheduling events throughout the world to target perspective candidates. Now is the time to schedule these into your summer travel plans. This does not mean you have to fly halfway across the world to attend, but be on the lookout for opportunities near you and plan accordingly. 2) Look for affinity group events: Similarly, there are many targeted MBA events for students of various affinities and nationalities. If applicable to you, these specialized events will provide you with a more intimate setting to show your interest and ask questions about particular programs. The more your questions show your research, the better. 3) Attend MBA fairs. Throughout the year, a number of organizations, including The MBA Tour, Forte Foundation, Access MBA and PremierEMBA run events that allow candidates to connect with admissions representatives from top schools. These events are generally free and held in multiple locations, globally. Each has a unique format and all provide great opportunities to meet with admissions representatives, ask specific questions and most importantly, express your interest in your target schools. Now is a great time to get these events on your calendar for this coming application season. 4) Seek out professors doing research in an area of interest. While this may not be possible for all candidates (nor is it by any means required), if you have a unique area of interest, reach out to a professor in this area and let her know you would be interested in learning more about her research. Not only is this another great way to show your specific interest in a school, but this can also help you to expand your network on campus. 5) Network with alumni. Naturally, look for alumni from your target schools within your network and ask them for a brief 15 min chat, or in some cases out for coffee or to lunch. They will likely be happy to share their experiences and may connect you with other alumni or have targeted advice for you. It is best to start with your personal and professional networks, but undergraduate alumni databases can be another great source for identifying alumni. 6) Visit campuses. Making the trip to campus and scheduling a class visit can be an easy way to express interest. Visiting the campus before you apply is more important for some schools than others, but if you can make this trip work, it is never a bad idea. Not only will this confirm your interest in the target school, but it will be a good source to gather information to use in your application essays. Keep in mind, it is possible to do too much of a good thing, so be sure to find a balance. In addition, schools vary widely in terms of which communication vehicles they find most effective and the importance they place on such communication. Personal MBA Coachprovides clients with personal advice on when and how often to connect with their target schools. If you would like individual and personal support with any aspect of the MBA Application process, include early planning, school selection, GMAT/GRE tutoring, essay editing or interview preparation, please find information about Personal MBA Coach’s comprehensive packages or contact me to learn how I can help! As an MIT Sloan BS graduate and Wharton MBA grad, I have been helping candidates get into the schools of their dreams with a 96% success rate for over 10 years. Email me today at: scott@personalmbacoach.com |
25 Apr 2018, 12:02
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Harvard Business School Class of 2021 - Essay Questions & Analysis - Fall 2018 - Spring 2019 |
 Harvard Business School has officially kicked off the 2018-2019 application season with an announcement that its application question will remain the same for class of 2021 hopefuls. HBS was the first school this year to confirm both its main question and the deadlines, making this announcement more than a month earlier than it has in the past. Take this opportunity to get a head start on your applications. The 2018-2019 deadlines are as follows: Round 1: September 5, 2018 Round 2: January 3, 2019 Round 3 and 2+2: TBD Below are Personal MBA Coach’s key tips for tackling the HBS essay. Question:“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?” This is an open invitation to tell HBS what is truly interesting about your profile. This question allows you to hone in on what is important and unique, without feeling the need to discuss every aspect of your profile. As everyone is likely well aware, HBS educates and admits leaders. It goes without saying that whatever story or stories you choose should show leadership and demonstrate how you have excelled. 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 you living these traits. I advise applicants to watch this video on the HBS case method to re-enforce how critical leadership and diversity of thought is to HBS. With this in mind, along with Harvard’s other stated values of analytics and community, think about this essay as your chance to let them “meet” the real you. The person behind the resume and application questions. While we recommend that most applicants show their professional accomplishments, make sure to share enough 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. 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. Finally, mention your future ambitions and how HBS will fit. This is NOT a why HBS or career goals essay, but you would be remiss not to at least give the admissions committee a glimpse of where you are headed (which of course should naturally flow from the rest of the essay) and how HBS is uniquely suited to help you on this path. Key Takeaways: Make your essay interesting to read. Each year the admissions team receives ~10,000 applications.You must 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.This essay is designed to be 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 about anything you submit as part of your application in great detail during the interview.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. For instance, say you tutored 20 young immigrants and helped them excel in school. Rather than listing your accomplishment, start off writing about Giacomo and your weekly interaction with an introverted nervous six year old.This essay will be VERY different for everyone. Don’t 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 700-1000 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. I have helped many applicants write successful essays on the shorter side. If you would like individual and personal support with any aspect of the MBA application process, include early planning, school selection, GMAT/GRE tutoring, essay editing or interview preparation with former M7 interviewers and HBS alums, please find information about Personal MBA Coach’s comprehensive packages or contact me to learn how I can help! As a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan BS graduate, I have been helping candidates get into the schools of their dreams with a 96% success rate for over 10 years. Last year we not only got applicants into HBS and all other top programs, but helped them to receive over $4.5M in fellowships. Email me today at: scott@personalmbacoach.com |
02 May 2018, 08:02
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Personal MBA Coach’s 4-Month MBA Application Plan |
 With just 4 months until the first of the fall 2018 application deadlines (less if you are planning to apply to Columbia early decision), now is the time to kick your application strategy into full gear (if you have not already)! For many of our clients, we are already well into the process. Unsure where to start? Personal MBA Coach has put together this 4-month plan to keep you on track. Keep in mind, this is only a guide and we develop detailed customized timelines for each client in response to individual circumstances. Month 1 (May): Finalize your school lists: If you have not already finalized your school lists, now is the time to make these decisions. Essay questions will be available shortly, if they aren’t already, and this will allow you to get a jump start on your applications, networking and campus visits. Personal MBA Coach has published multiple articles to guide you through the school selection process, all included in our free: MBA Decision Making Guide. Schedule campus visits: If you have not visited campuses and are in a geographic position to do so, schedule those visits now. Finalize plans to take/re-take GMAT/GRE (if you have not already): By May, most of our candidates have already taken the GMAT/GRE. If you have not yet taken the test or are looking to improve your score, this is time to do so. Develop your MBA resume: All MBA applications require a resume. You may be thinking: “No problem, I already have a resume.” Unfortunately, it is not that easy. A business school resume differs from a professional. Check-out these tips for customizing your business school resume. Month 2 (June): Develop your personal story and articulate your goals: Strong essays will almost always include a clear personal story and well-articulated career goals. Before you begin drafting, do some soul searching around what makes you unique and how exactly an MBA will position you for career success. Nail down your recommenders: It goes without saying that strong letters of recommendation are key. If you have not already finalized your recommender list, now is the time. Unsure about who to select? Check-out our blog on selecting your recommenders. Draft your essays: This one is pretty self-explanatory! As the essay questions are released, start drafting! Month 3 (July): Edit, edit, edit: This is the time to ensure your essays are perfected! Most essays will require multiple drafts so plan accordingly. Network with alumni and current students: Look for alumni and current students in your networks and schedule time for quick chats. The more you know about a school, the easier it will be to target your applications. Of course, there is too much of a good thing so do not go overboard here. Month 4 (August): Fill out your applications: Allow time for the short answer questions. The applications themselves can be quite detailed so do not save these extra questions for the last minute. Proof: We do not recommend doing any major work in the last few weeks before submission. Substantial last-minute changes can often be rushed and lead to mistakes. Instead, take the time to carefully proof all of your application materials. Be sure to enlist a second or third reader as it is difficult to spot errors in something you have read many times. Ensure your LORs are all set: Check-in with your recommenders and make sure they have all of the information they need. Gently remind them of the upcoming dates to avoid any last-minute crunches. Want a more detailed and customized plan? Personal MBA Coach is here to help. If you would like individual and personal support with any aspect of the MBA application process, including early planning, school selection, GMAT/GRE tutoring, essay editing or interview preparation with former M7 interviewers, please find information about Personal MBA Coach’s comprehensive packages or contact me to learn how I can help! As a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan BS graduate, I have been helping candidates get into the schools of their dreams with a 96% success rate for over 10 years. Last year we not only got applicants into all top programs, but also helped them to receive over $4.5M in fellowships. Email me today at: scott@personalmbacoach.com |
09 May 2018, 07:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: 5 Tips For Career Changers |
 Many candidates pursue an MBA in order to change careers. While this is a valid strategy, it is important that the career change fits with the candidate’s overall story. Check out these 5 tips for communicating your desire for a career change without losing cohesion in your application. 1) Do your research. Know the role and industry that you aspire to join and understand the skills required for success. All too often we read vague goals statements that show a candidate does not really know his future industry. Look up companies in the industry who are hiring and read the job descriptions. Talk to friends or former classmates who work in the space. Understand the industry’s career pathing. The more you know about your future industry, the more authentic your essay will sound as you begin to articulate your goals 2) Look for extra-curricular work in your target industry. Volunteering in your future industry or function can be a great way to not only solidify your interest, but also to show the reader that you have truly given this future career some serious thought and consideration. This will help add cohesion to your overall story. It is ok to think broadly as you consider related activities as long as you can draw a clear connection for the reader. 3) Seek out related projects in your current role. In some cases, this is easy to do. For instance, if you are a consultant seeking to transition to the technology space, ask to be staffed on a project in the industry. In other cases, you may have to be more creative. However, even experiences such as working on cross-functional projects or leading internal initiatives can exposure you to related departments, so do not be afraid to think outside of the box. 4) Make a personal tie to your future career. As you begin to explain your career aspirations, think about whether there is a personal connection you have with this career. Remember that the goal of the essays is to explain who you are as a person and what makes you unique, so your career goals can demonstrate a personal fit, even if the professional one is not immediately apparent. This is the type of one-on-one story telling we work on with our clients. 5) Point out similarities between your current role and future goals. It is important to show admissions committee members that you are set up to succeed. So even if you are not able to gain experience in your future industry, there are likely to be past experiences you can draw upon. Think about the most important criteria for success in your future role and point out how you have already demonstrated these skills. We specialize in providing our candidates with tailored advice, helping them to articulate their unique stories. If you would like individual and personal support with any aspect of the MBA application process, include early planning, school selection, GMAT/GRE tutoring, essay editing or interview preparation with former M7 interviewers, please find information about Personal MBA Coach’s comprehensive packages or contact me to learn how I can help! As a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan BS graduate, I have been helping candidates get into the schools of their dreams with a 96% success rate for over 10 years. Last year we not only got applicants into all top programs, but also helped them to receive over $4.5M in fellowships. Email me today at: scott@personalmbacoach.com |
16 May 2018, 08:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Keeping Your MBA Plans A Secret At Work? |
 Every year we have clients who do not feel comfortable telling their employers about their MBA plans. Regardless of the reason for this hesitation, many of you may be wrestling with how to handle the LOR process if your boss is not as supportive as you might like. Should you: (1) keep your B school goal a secret so it does not affect your job, forcing you to ask someone outside of your company to write a recommendation or (2) tell a few choice people at the office because you want them to write your recommendations, and then hope they do not tell others? The right answer depends on how long you have been at your current job, what other options you have outside of work, and who else could write your recommendations within the company. Although admissions committees like recommendations from current managers, they understand that not everyone is comfortable asking their current boss for a recommendation. While it will not work against you to ask someone else, if you do not have someone who can speak to your current successes, your application may be weakened. This is even more pronounced if you have only had one full-time job post undergraduate and do not have anyone else who can write directly about your performance at work. In this case, I would consider your other relationships within the firm. Perhaps there is an indirect supervisor or a more senior manager who might be more supportive? Perhaps your boss might be more open to the idea than you initially thought? Spend some time testing the waters with others at the firm to get some additional insight on potential options. If you are unsure of who to ask because you do not know how your boss would react, then tread carefully. I often help applicants navigate these tricky waters, and when doing so, make sure that time is on your side. You may want to have an initial conversation to explore “your development” and see where the conversation takes you. I have had clients who assumed their bosses would not be supportive only to have them actually suggest an MBA during these “development” discussions. That said, be sure to understand the politics internally so that you protect yourself and your career while doing so. Finally, when thinking about who to ask, think about who will write the best things about you and the best letter. If your former boss loved you and would put you in the top 1-2% while your current boss would rank you high, but perhaps not best in class, it may make sense to go with the older boss even though he has older content to write about. The choice of recommenders is an important one, so make sure to spend enough time thinking about who to ask. Check-out our blog on this topic for more information on selecting the appropriate recommenders. Keep in mind, if you cannot ask someone you work with, then you can write a brief optional essay about why you chose not to get a recommendation from your current employer. If you would like individual and personal support with any aspect of the MBA application process, include early planning, school selection, GMAT/GRE tutoring, essay editing or interview preparation with former M7 interviewers, please find information about Personal MBA Coach’s comprehensive packages or contact me to learn how I can help! As a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan BS graduate, I have been helping candidates get into the schools of their dreams with a 96% success rate for over 10 years. Last year we not only got applicants into all top programs, but also helped them to receive over $4.5M in fellowships. Email me today at: scott@personalmbacoach.com |
Updated on: 06 Jun 2018, 09:12
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Columbia Business School - 2018-2019 Application Deadlines and Essay Question Analysis |
Columbia Business School has just released its application deadlines* and essays for this season! Read below for Personal MBA Coach Founder Scott Edinburgh’s tips on tackling this year’s questions. *Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis This year, Columbia again has three essay questions. Essay 1 has remained unchanged from last year while Columbia is reverting to the previous year’s question for essay 2, with just a 250 word count. Essay 3 has changed from previous years, now focused on leadership style vs. personal interests. These three questions together will prompt candidates to cover a wide range of information about goals, plans on campus and personality. Be sure not to repeat yourself across the essays and try to have the three all work together to paint an accurate and consistent picture of your candidacy. Essay #1: Through your resume and recommendations, we have a clear sense of your professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next 3 - 5 years and what, in your imagination, would be your long-term dream job? (500 words) Columbia again specifically asks that candidates not repeat their resumes in this career goals question. While some mention of your 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. These goals should show a logical progression from your current experience. 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 to show not only how you envision your career unfolding but 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 will offer a nice segue into Essay #2. Essay #2: How will you take advantage of being “at the very center of business”? Please watch this short video featuring Dean Glenn Hubbard (250 Words) This question was asked two years ago, but with a longer word limit. With only 250 words and a lot to potentially cover, it is important to be focused and specific. As the video discusses, Columbia prides itself on its ability to offer students unique opportunities stemming from the New York location. This essay is very straightforward, and candidates should cover a few specific opportunities they plan to take advantage of. While a laundry list is not advised, it is important to show that you have done your research on what options are available and which specifically interest you. Naturally, a tie should be made between these opportunities and your career goals. Essay #3: Please provide an example of a team failure of which you have been a part. If given a second chance, what would you do differently? (250 Words) Unlike in past years, essay 3 does not ask about your personal interests. Instead, by asking about a team failure and what you would change, Columbia is probing into both your teamwork and leadership skills. It is important to show how you are and can be a team player while remaining humble and willing to grow. Regardless of the story you tell, the key here is to show what you have learned from this experience and how you have emerged a better leader. Finally, Columbia has an optional essay. As I advise for most schools, do not feel compelled to answer this unless you have something specific to explain in your background (i.e. a career gap, an unusual recommender, extreme personal circumstances, etc.) This is not the time to spend 500 words professing your love for Columbia. If you would like individual and personal support with any aspect of the MBA application process, include early planning, school selection, GMAT/GRE tutoring, essay editing or interview preparation with former M7 interviewers, please find information about Personal MBA Coach’s comprehensive packages or contact me at scott@personalmbacoach.com to learn how I can help! As a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan BS graduate, I have been helping candidates get into the schools of their dreams with a 96% success rate for over 10 years. Last year we not only got applicants into Columbia, but helped them to receive over $800,000 in scholarships ($4.5M+ across all schools). Read how our client became the 2nd CBS admit last year with a 100% scholarship! Unsure how to tailor your MBA Resume? |
Updated on: 06 Jun 2018, 09:10
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: 4 Guiding Principles As You Write Your MBA Applications |
 As the questions begin to roll out for 2018-2019 applicants, many of you may be putting pencil to paper on your application essays. Naturally, there are numerous factors to consider as you draft essays, but this week we are going back to the basics with 4 guiding principles to keep top of mind, regardless of the question. 1) Avoid over the top praise. Many candidates are tempted to fill their essays with over the top praise for their target schools. But this is a mistake. Applicants have limited space to convey their unique points of difference and potential to add value on campus. Using words to praise the school does nothing to support your candidacy and could call your authenticity into question. However, your essays should still often articulate why you are interested in each specific school. This is a key component of many essay questions, and if relevant for your school, it can be accomplished by focusing on specific aspects of the program that you plan to take advantage of. 2) Limit flowery prose. Similarly, I often read flowery complex prose. You are not submitting your essays for a Pulitzer prize or applying to become a professional writer. Instead, you are telling 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. 3) Go with quality over quantity. 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 roles you have held and all 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) Be authentic. Do not write what you think admissions committee members want to read. There is no one perfect candidate profile. Instead, your uniqueness will be some 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 in the mold that seemingly makes up the “ideal” candidate. If you have no desire to run a non-profit, that is ok. 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 crafting your unique story? As a boutique MBA admissions consulting and tutoring firm, Personal MBA Coach helps each candidate portray what makes him unique. If you would like individual and personal support with any aspct of the MBA application process, include early planning, school selection, GMAT/GRE tutoring, essay editing or interview preparation with former M7 interviewers, please find information about Personal MBA Coach’s comprehensive packages or contact me to learn how we can help! Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan BS graduate, we have been helping candidates get into the schools of their dreams with a 96% success rate for over 10 years. Last year we not only got applicants into all top programs, but also helped them to receive over $4.5M in fellowships. Email me today at: scott@personalmbacoach.com |
Updated on: 06 Jun 2018, 09:09
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: MBA Applications – How to Stand Out |
 For MBA applicants, the most important thing to keep in mind is that your application must stand out. Every year, we hear post-mortem from applicants with 750+ GMAT scores, high GPAs and leading employers on their resumes who were rejected from their targets schools on their first attempt. There is generally one reason for this, their applications did not stand out! Nearly every top business school could fill their classes with only former investment bankers and consultants from top undergraduate schools. However, MBA students learn almost as much (if not more) from their classmates as they do from their professors. Therefore, top business schools need well rounded classes filled with candidates across demographics, industries and backgrounds. Applying as a consultant from a top firm with a 780 GMAT alone will not secure an acceptance. Schools can only take so many of these applicants in each class. Depending on your perspective, this is either good or bad news! For those of you with such a profile, you still have your work cut out for you. Your application must show how you have performed better than your peers, how you will add a unique point of view to class discussions and how you plan to make your distinctive mark after graduation. Your application should show what you have done above and beyond expectations in your role. Think about projects where you have gone the extra mile and/or added an innovative point of view. Similarly, your career aspirations should be more explicit than returning to a specific industry or function. Instead, they should depict a particular area of focus or a new perspective you hope to bring to an issue or field. For example, if you plan to return to consulting, add some details on where you hope to focus. If you hope to become a CFO, let the reader in on what your management philosophy might be. Of course, no one will hold you to these goals, but you need to think about how you will stand out. After all, this will be just as important as you begin the post-MBA recruiting process. Conversely, this presents an opportunity for those of you that do not fit the mythical “ideal mold.” For example, if your GPA is less than ideal, be sure that you call out other evidence of your analytical abilities or other academic successes. Perhaps you have been a top performer at work or have taken classes since graduation. These are some options for showing that you have the potential to handle the academic rigor of an MBA program. For applicants coming from less traditional careers, be sure that your essays, resumes and LORs call attention to both unique AND transferable skills. Whether you are a dancer, a coach or a scientist, many of the same skills are essential for success. Be sure to show how you have stood out as a leader and how you have leveraged analytical and/or out of the box thinking in these roles. Finally, regardless of your background, show the reader who you are as a person and be sure to cover multiple aspects of your profile. Unique skills, hobbies, extra-curricular leadership roles, volunteer work and language skills will all work together to paint a picture for admissions committee members of who you are and what unique value you have to add. As a boutique MBA admissions consulting and tutoring company, we help every candidate tell his or her unique story. If you would like individual and personal support with any aspect of the MBA application process, include early planning, school selection, GMAT/GRE tutoring, essay editing or interview preparation with former M7 interviewers, please find information about Personal MBA Coach’s comprehensive packages or contact me to learn how we can help! Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan BS graduate, we have been helping candidates get into the schools of their dreams with a 96% success rate for over 10 years. Last year we not only got applicants into all top programs, but also helped them to receive over $4.5M in fellowships. Email me today at: scott@personalmbacoach.com |
Updated on: 06 Jun 2018, 09:08
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Wharton - 2018-2019 Application Deadlines and Essay Question Analysis |
 The Wharton School has just released its application deadlines and essays for this season! Read below for Personal MBA Coach Founder Scott Edinburgh’s tips on tackling this year’s questions.  For the first time in 3 years, Wharton has changed the second essay question, while the first question remains unchanged. The 2018-2019 application questions: Essay 1: What do you hope to gain professionally from the Wharton MBA? (500 words) Essay 2: Describe an impactful experience or accomplishment that is not reflected elsewhere in your application. How will you use what you learned through that experience to contribute to the Wharton community? (400 words) Additional Question (required for all Reapplicants): Explain how you have reflected on the previous decision about your application, and discuss any updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)* *First-time applicants may also use this section to address any extenuating circumstances. (250 words) As a Wharton Graduate, I am intimately familiar with the MBA program and culture at Wharton and advise candidates to think about each question differently to ensure answers complement each other while showing readers multiple aspects of their candidacy. Essay 1: What do you hope to gain professionally from the Wharton MBA? (500 words) With this first 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. Where do you see yourself in 10, 20 or even 30 years? How will you 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 skills 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. I suggest being very specific in detailing what opportunities you plan to take advantage of on campus, what classes you plan to take, etc. Do not include a laundry list, instead carefully think through how each area will help you fill in the necessary pieces of the puzzle and explain them. Be sure to show an understanding of Wharton’s culture here. Avoid vague statement and copy and pasting from other essays. Essay 2: Describe an impactful experience or accomplishment that is not reflected elsewhere in your application. How will you use what you learned through that experience to contribute to the Wharton community? (400 words) For essay 2, most candidates will be best suited thinking about extra-curricular or personal experiences and accomplishments. While it is not required, sharing about non-professional stories will allow you to shed some light on another area of your candidacy. I like the new question because it gives you a chance to cover three things. I advise that all candidates consider each of these three areas as they draft the essay. First, you can share additional information about yourself that will further illuminate your unique strengths. In case you missed our recent blog – MBA Applications - How To Stand Out, this is a great essay for leveraging those recommendations. Second, by sharing your learnings from this experience, you will be able to show a bit about your character as well as how you are able to adapt to and grow from situations. Finally, it gives you a chance to tell admissions committee members specifically how you will add value on campus. Be sure to do your research on all that Wharton has to offer and to be specific on the value you will add. By sharing this story and your learnings, you want to illustrate how you are uniquely suited to contribute to the Wharton community. If you would like individual and personal support while applying to Wharton, please find information about Personal MBA Coach’s comprehensive packages or to discuss your profile as well as how I can help! As a Wharton graduate, I regularly help many applicants navigate Wharton’s application each year, including conducting group mock interviews with former M7 interviewers. Email me at: or call +1 617-645-2424 today. Curious About Last Year's Essay Questions For Wharton? Unsure How To Craft An MBA Resume? |
06 Jun 2018, 09:02
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Yale School of Management 2018-2019 Application Deadlines and Essay Question Analysis |
 Yale School of Management has released essays for the 2018-2019 application year, leaving the question unchanged for the third year in a row. Yale asks students to: “Describe the biggest commitment you have ever made (500 words)” Bruce DelMonico, Assistant Dean for Admissions gave this advice to candidates in his recent blog post: This year’s application essay question evolved from a conversation with Professor of Organizational Behavior Amy Wrzesniewski about how to get a better sense for what our applicants care about in the world. She notes, “Reading about future plans is helpful, but actions speak louder than words. What big commitments have applicants already made in their lives to date, how did they follow through on them, and what does this tell us about who they are? That is what is at the heart of this question.” Below is Personal MBA Coach’s guidance on how to address this question: As you craft your essay, keep in mind that Yale strives to “educate leaders for business and society.” With a passionate and committed student body, Yale takes pride in the small group learning teams and close-knit community. This question gives candidates a chance to provide admissions committee members with a glimpse of who they are and what matters to them, confirming they can and will live up to the school’s lofty mission. The commitment can be personal or professional, though I prefer to see candidates share personal experiences in this essay. Whatever you choose, be sure that you focus on ONE thing; do not include multiple commitments here. Past examples have included causes, personal development areas, athletic achievements and professional pursuits. The commitment can be something completed in the past or on-going. However, if you select something that is on-going, be sure that you have already made significant steps to deliver against your commitment. A commitment you just recently made and your forward looking plans will not cut it here. Yale SOM wants to see passion, dedication and follow-through. They want to assess how you think and how you plan effectively. Your commitment should be something that genuinely matters to you. Remember, think leader for business AND society here. The most successful answers will show how you have delivered against this mission in the past. However, the commitment does not have to be focused on volunteer work. There are countless ways to make an impact on society. 500 words is fairly short and this is your main shot to show who you are and why you will fit in on campus. Be focused and be genuine! If you would like individual and personal support while applying to Yale SOM, please find information about Personal MBA Coach’s comprehensive packages or contact me to discuss your profile as well as how I can help! As a Wharton graduate, I regularly help many applicants navigate SOM and other applications each year. We also conduct mock interviews with former Yale SOM interviewers and other M7 interviewers on our team. Email me at: scott@personalmbacoach.com or call +1 617-645-2424 today. Unsure How To Craft An MBA Resume? Curious About Wharton’s Question This Year? |
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