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29 Nov 2023, 12:00
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: London Business School Essay Tips: 2023-2024 |
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If you are seeking an MBA program with a global community and access to a major city, London Business School may be a great option for you. With acclaimed professors and visiting speakers from around the world, and students representing 63 nationalities in the class of 2025, London Business School is truly a global hub. Information on the class of 2025 also notes that 43% of students identify as female, and students come from a variety of industry backgrounds. If you have decided that the London Business School full-time MBA program is a good fit for you, check out Personal MBA Coach’s tips below for tackling the LBS MBA essay questions. Once again, the London Business School application will ask applicants to answer one required essay question. This year, the school is minimizing changes and keeping the question the same as the previous application cycle. London Business School gives candidates the opportunity to answer an optional essay question as well, which also remains the same this year. London Business School’s MBA Essays for 2023-2024:  Personal MBA Coach’s London Business School Essay Tips: LBS Essay 1: What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School programme contribute towards these? (500 words maximum) This is a standard goals essay. Personal MBA Coach recommends beginning your essay by providing some background context about yourself and detailing your career accomplishments to date. This does not mean that applicants should detail their entire careers or repeat what is on their resume. However, LBS is looking to understand how your past career has prepared you to achieve your goals. Therefore, you should include some discussion of your career in terms of how it relates to your aspirations. After sharing this background information, go on to discuss your MBA goals. If you are having trouble articulating your goals, take a look at Personal MBA Coach’s six key pieces of essay advice. This section should be a good portion of your essay and should include a specific short-term and long-term goal. Finally, the remainder of your essay should specifically discuss how attending London Business School will help you accomplish these goals. Be sure to research everything that London Business School’s MBA program has to offer and detail what you plan to take part in on campus. Is there a class you want to take? A club you hope to join? Mention these here and clearly explain how they relate to your MBA goals. Keep in mind that LBS is an international program, and a strong essay will explain why this is important to you.  LBS Essay 2 (Optional): Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School? (500 words maximum) While Personal MBA Coach normally does not advise most candidates to complete optional essays, you should consider answering this essay. This is the chance to tell London Business School a bit more about who you are and what makes you unique. Possible topics to cover here include extracurricular leadership roles or other work that is not presented in the rest of your application. This could be a personal story, triumph, or a side project you were involved in. Want to learn more about the London Business School full-time MBA program? Visit Personal MBA Coach’s LBS school page for more information on what sets the program apart. Ready to apply? Reach out today to find out how we can help with our Comprehensive Packages! The post London Business School Essay Tips: 2023-2024 appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
29 Nov 2023, 13:00
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: How to Approach the 2023-2024 Consortium Essays |
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Are you interested in applying to business school via The Consortium? The next deadline is just over a month away. Since 1966, The Consortium has offered over $465 million in merit-based fellowships to MBA students across the country. The Consortium was founded under the mission of equipping African American men with the business skills required to land positions in American corporations. In 1970, Consortium membership opened up to women, as well as Hispanic Americans and Native Americans. In 2004, membership opportunities expanded to encompass all U.S. citizens and permanent residents of any race or ethnicity who are committed to The Consortium’s mission of “helping to reduce the serious underrepresentation of African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans in both our member schools’ enrollments and the ranks of management.” Below, please find this year’s deadlines, along with Personal MBA Coach’s tips on how to tackle the Consortium MBA application essays. The 2023-2024 Consortium Deadlines are: Consortium Early Application Deadline: Oct. 15, 2023 Consortium Traditional Application Deadline: Jan. 5, 2024 Consortium Admission Decision and Fellowship Notification: Varies by school Personal MBA Coach’s Consortium Essay Tips Consortium Core Essay 1: Please describe your short- and long-term goals post-MBA. How has your professional experience shaped these goals and influenced your decision to pursue an MBA degree? (2,000 characters max) For this first core Consortium essay, with 300 or so words, you want to mention your specific short- and long-term goals and connect how your work thus far has prepared you for and cemented your belief in those goals. For example, “Working in environmental consulting has strengthened my conviction in the need for XXX and my commitment to make the world a better place.” You can even mention how your goals are suited to you personally: “My appreciation for the beauty of nature continues unabated and feeds my interest in preserving this world for future generations.” To find out more on how to think about and articulate your goals, check out: How to Think About Your MBA Goals. Consortium Core Essay 2: (Optional Essay): Is there any other information you would like to share with us that is not presented elsewhere in your application? (1,000 characters max) We recommend using this optional Consortium essay only for special or extenuating circumstances that you do not have occasion to mention elsewhere: gaps in employment, poor academic performance one year, or a personal crisis that affected your life. For more insights, read this blog.  Consortium Membership Application Essays Our mission, through the strength of our growing alliance and extended network, is to enhance diversity and inclusion in global business education and leadership by striving to reduce the significant underrepresentation of African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans in both our Member Schools’ enrollments and the ranks of global management across the following sectors: for-profit corporations, nonprofit corporations, government agencies and contractors, and entrepreneurial ventures in both for-profit and nonprofit environments. Please address the three essay questions using specific examples pertaining to our target populations and clearly articulate your involvement, action, and results. What have you done pre-MBA in your business, personal, or academic life to demonstrate commitment to this mission? (2,000 characters max) In this short Consortium essay (about 300 words) you want to establish the first part of the continuum of your commitment to diversity and inclusion: what you have done so far. With limited space, get to the specifics quickly. It does not matter if it is in the realm of business or a student or civic organization: the important thing is that you show the leadership skills you employed and the contribution of your ideas in carrying out this important mission. What will you do while enrolled in your MBA program to demonstrate your commitment to the mission? (2,000 characters max) Since you have already established your record on diversity and inclusion in the previous Consortium essay, here, again, with about 300 words at your disposal, you want to go directly into what you plan to do during your MBA to continue in that mission. This is your chance to mention clubs, classes, or other programs where you will put yourself in a position to effect change, to lead, and/or to catalyze dialogue. Show not only how you will apply your experience to something but also what you hope to learn that could enrich your contribution to the mission in the future.  What will you do post-MBA with respect to community service and leadership involvement to demonstrate your continued commitment to The Consortium’s missions of diversity and inclusion? (1,000 characters max) This Consortium essay is even shorter, so in this brief space connect the final piece: In your future role, how will you contribute to diversity and inclusion in your workspace or field? Cite specific ideas. Generalities such as “In my role I will hire more diverse employees” will not suffice. In terms of community service, if you already are very committed to an organization or a type of community service, say how you will strengthen that with your newly gained insight. If not, think about how you will seek a new avenue to contribute to diversity and inclusion. As always, be specific. Looking for guidance during the Consortium MBA application process? Personal MBA Coach is here to help you maximize your chances of admission via our comprehensive packages.  The post How to Approach the 2023-2024 Consortium Essays appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
15 Dec 2023, 12:00
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Can I Really Finish My Applications in Time? |
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It is hard to believe that December is here and the first round 2 application deadline is just under three weeks away (see deadline summary below). The holiday season is hectic for everyone, but for those of you working on your MBA applications, this can be a particularly challenging time of year.  You may be doubting whether you can get everything done on time. Personal MBA Coach prides itself on offering honest feedback, so here is the good, the bad and the ugly! The Good News: Many of you can still meet early January deadlines! Wondering if you can really work your magic and finish in time? Ask yourself these three questions: 1) Have you already narrowed down your school list? 2) Have you taken (or are prepared to take) the GMAT/GRE?* *You may skip this question if your target school offers test waivers: more on that here. 3) Do you have a large portion of your holiday vacation set aside to work on your applications? If you answered “yes” to most or all of these questions, do not despair! Plus, even if you do not reach your ideal score come submission date, candidates for whom a low score is the admissions committee’s only concern are often waitlisted and given the opportunity to submit a higher score at that time. So if you have not put pencil to paper (so to speak) for your essays, resume and short answer questions, you can still finish on time with the proper dedication. We have successfully guided candidates with a shortened timeline for a limited number of schools (and adding additional schools in future rounds or years as needed). But do not wait much longer! Check out our Comprehensive Packages and schedule a consultation today. The Bad News: If you answered “no” to a few of these questions (most importantly question #3), you have your work cut out for you; honestly, you may not be ready this year. In this case, particularly if you have not finished your testing and do not have recommenders nailed down or schools identified, ask yourself how crucial it is that you apply THIS year. If now is really your time (perhaps you have 4+ years of experience and have plateaued at work or 2024 is an ideal year, personally, for you to start school), you may be able to meet the challenge. However, if you do not feel this level of urgency, we generally advise candidates to apply when they can submit the strongest applications, which might not be now. While you can successfully reapply, each application will remain on record; therefore, we do not advise submitting applications to which you have not given at least 100%. The Ugly News: If you have answered “no” to all of the questions above, January 3 may not be realistic for you (though some schools offer mid/late January deadlines that could still be feasible). This is particularly true if holiday obligations will prevent you from dedicating the majority of your time to your applications. Regardless of which boat you are in this year, there is still plenty that you can do now. Even if you do not end up hitting submit in January, early planning can always work in your favor. Not sure which category you are in? Personal MBA Coach also offers One-Time Gut Check services to help you understand where you stand, reach out today to schedule a consultation! The post Can I Really Finish My Applications in Time? appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
20 Dec 2023, 06:00
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Columbia Business School Deferred MBA Program Essay Analysis |
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The Columbia Business School Deferred Enrollment MBA Program is open to those in their senior year of college or in their final year of a subsequent graduate program. Through CBS’s Deferred MBA program, applicants will then defer admission for two to five years, allowing them to gain pre-MBA work experience. Columbia’s latest Deferred Enrollment MBA Program class profile reports 232 admits with a GMAT range from 570 to 780 and a GPA range from 3.3 to 4.0. Overall, 28 countries are represented in the most recent cohort. Are you interested in applying? Below, Personal MBA Coach shares eligibility information and our analysis of the Columbia Deferred Enrollment MBA Program essay questions. Do not miss these insider tips from Personal MBA Coach’s Nicole Shay – former Columbia Business School Admissions Director. This year, the CBS Deferred MBA deadline is April 15. Looking for help with your deferred MBA applications? Find out more about Personal MBA Coach’s Deferred MBA Comprehensive Packages below or schedule a consultation here.  Columbia Business School Deferred MBA Admission Eligibility The Columbia Deferred Enrollment MBA Program is available to students graduating during the current academic year from a bachelor’s degree program, as well as those completing a graduate degree program. Graduate degree applicants must have started their program directly after graduating from their undergraduate school to be eligible. Students who are enrolled in law school, medical school or Ph.D. programs are not eligible.  Columbia Deferred MBA Essay Questions Essay 1: Applying to a deferred enrollment program suggests that your aspirations in the next 2-5 years will include an MBA. Why do you feel you need an MBA to achieve your long-term career goals and why would you like to pursue your MBA at Columbia Business School? (300 words maximum) This is your chance to tell CBS both WHAT you will do with an MBA and WHY Columbia is the right place for you. Briefly mention what you plan to do before beginning your MBA. Then, discuss both your short-term goals (what job you hope to have immediately after graduating from the MBA) and your long-term plans. These goals should demonstrate what you are hoping to do professionally post-MBA and show knowledge of your future industry. It also would be appropriate, if there is space, to include a sentence on the skills you will gain in the short term to prepare you for the long term. For help on how to shape your career goals, watch this quick tips video with Scott Edinburgh, founder of Personal MBA Coach. Then, discuss specifically what skills you will gain at CBS. For each item, be specific about what you will learn and how you will apply this knowledge. Finally, include at least one sentence on fit and culture. This is the chance to get a bit more personal and explain why you are interested in the school from a personal standpoint. Essay 2: Contributing to the community is an important part of the CBS experience. Discuss one experience or situation in your undergraduate or graduate career where you feel you contributed to your community and what you learned from the experience. (250 words maximum) This short essay is new this year. While community can be a broad term, given the language Personal MBA Coach recommends that most applicants discuss a community they have developed on campus. Ideally you will select a community that you contributed to over time. However, with only 250 words at your disposal, focus this essay on a specific experience within this community. As you tell the story, spell out not only why this community is important to you but also what you did SPECIFICALLY to contribute. Naturally, DEI is top of mind for many admissions directors this year. So, if your example speaks to this, great. But if not, do not worry! Your community could be your dorm, a particular class, students within the same major, a sports team, your theater buddies, etc. Finally, tell CBS what you learned. You want not only to show CBS you are open to developing new skills, but also to highlight your strengths and allude to how you will contribute on campus. This is a great opportunity to show your leadership and collaboration skills.  Remember that, as with full-time MBA programs, deferred MBA applications also require a number of additional elements including letters of recommendation, an MBA resume, short answer questions, and possible video essays. Make sure that you set aside sufficient time for these application extras! If you are ready to begin working on your Deferred MBA applications, Personal MBA Coach is here to guide you through our Deferred MBA Packages! The post Columbia Business School Deferred MBA Program Essay Analysis appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
17 Jan 2024, 08:00
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Yale EMBA Application Deadlines and Essay Tips: 2023-2024 |
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Yale EMBA candidates can now begin working on their essays for the 2023-2024 application cycle. This year, the Yale EMBA application includes three required essays and one optional essay. To better assess whether the Yale EMBA program could be a good match for you, visit the school’s latestclass profile for the class of 2025. On average, the Yale EMBA class of 2025 had 14 years of professional experience and 46% had an advanced degree. The class is made up of 44% women, 28% students born outside the US, and 47% US underrepresented students of color. Below, Personal MBA Coach has noted the 2023-2024 Yale EMBA application deadlines along with our tips for writing this year’s Yale EMBA essays. The 2023-2024 Yale EMBA Application Deadlines Are: Round 1: October 1, 2023 Round 2: January 29, 2024 Round 3: March 20, 2024 2023-2024 Yale EMBA Essays: Yale EMBA Essay 1: At this point in your life and career, why do you wish to pursue an Executive MBA? (250 words maximum) We recommend that you think of essay 1 and essay 2 as two parts of the same essay (in fact, last year there was one essay which combined essays 1 and 2). Essay 1 is a somewhat traditional “goals/why MBA” essay: You want to link where you are today with where you want to go in your future. Start by briefly telling the admissions committee where you are in your career, what you do, and what skills and abilities you have mastered. Then share your goals, both short-term and long-term, as specifically as you can. To find out more about how to effectively articulate your post-MBA goals, check out this blog. With only 250 words, there is no room to talk about “why Yale” in this first essay.  Yale EMBA Essay 2: In what ways is the Yale School of Management uniquely positioned to help you achieve your goals? (250 words maximum) In essay 2, you will want to show HOW a Yale EMBA will help you to achieve the goals you just discussed by stating the skills you want to develop and the new knowledge you are hoping to master through the Yale EMBA program. Then, you want to spend the bulk of the essay telling the Yale Admissions Committee how you will spend your time at Yale SOM. Be sure to share specifics about each class or program to show not only that you have researched the school in detail but also to show what you are interested in and how these experiences will prepare you for your future goals. Yale SOM knows what it offers, so you do not need to tell them: tell them why it matters to you. Your area of focus, classes, initiatives—singularly and together they should show that you have thoughtfully traced a path for yourself at Yale and that awarding you a spot in the EMBA program is justified by your intent, plan, and promise. Yale EMBA Essay 3: The mission of the Yale School of Management is to educate leaders for business and society. What is an issue that you are passionate about, and how would the MBA for Executives program help drive your impact? (350 words maximum) In prior years, Yale asked applicants to cite a shocking statistic. This year, Yale has broadened this essay (while shortening its length), instructing applicants to state an issue they are passionate about. With this essay, you want to show the Yale admissions committee what actually matters to you and HOW you will drive change. The issue selected should fit your story in some way. This can be an issue you are personally passionate about or something in your professional field. As you discuss the issue, the why will matter just as much as the what. So if you are going to state you are passionate about the environment, tell the reader what sparked this passion. Then, the bulk of this essay should focus on what you will DO to drive change. So perhaps you work in the consumer packaged goods industry, and you have a vision to leverage technology to drive packaging sustainability. You would want to detail that here. Give the reader a reason to believe you will be successful by laying out a plan of action. Ideally, it will be clear where a Yale EMBA fits in and how you will use your education to drive your success in this venture.  Optional Information: If any aspect of your candidacy needs further explanation (unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, academic performance, promotions or recognitions, etc.), please provide a brief description here. (200 words maximum) Yale EMBA candidates should choose to respond to the optional essay question only if they have specific extenuating circumstances. Find out more about how and when to answer optional essay prompts here. For those seeking guidance throughout the EMBA application process, Personal MBA Coach is here to help maximize your chances of admission via our Executive MBA admissions consulting packages.  The post Yale EMBA Application Deadlines and Essay Tips: 2023-2024 appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
01 Feb 2024, 09:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: How to Prepare for the Harvard Business School Interview? |
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Round 2 Harvard Business School interview invitations were recently released. If you were fortunate enough to be selected, now comes the challenging part: understanding how to prepare for the HBS interview. The MBA interview is an incredibly important component of the application process, and it is critical that you adequately prepare. Wondering where to begin? Personal MBA Coach is well versed in the intricacies of the MBA interview process. Should you want additional support, our team of former M7 interviewers conduct mock interviews every year for all of the top business schools. Clients who use our MBA interview preparation services see a 70-85% conversion rate! What Should You Expect From The HBS Interview? While many other top programs have “blind” interviews where the interviewer has only your resume, Harvard Business School interviewers read your entire application and come prepared with very specific questions to ask. HBS interviews can often be 2 on 1, which means you may have two interviewers asking you questions at the same time or more likely one interviewer and one observer. Do not be caught off guard by this and be sure to make eye contact with each interviewer equally. While always only 30 minutes long, HBS interviews are challenging. In fact, out of all of the top MBA interviews, the HBS interview is one of the hardest. How Should I Prepare For The HBS Interview? As with any interview, practice is key! You may wonder what they will ask. It depends on your application and unique situation. At Personal MBA Coach, our team of admissions directors and interviewers predicts the most likely questions to be asked. In fact, each interview is pretty unique for us, which is a departure from the normal process of asking common interview questions. This means you will want to know your resume from top to bottom and be ready to clearly explain your goals and why you want an MBA. You also should be prepared to talk about weaknesses in your application and/or any gaps or inconsistencies. For example, if you decided to switch industries mid-career, be sure that you have a logical and well-thought-out explanation. Everything is fair game! [img]https://www.personalmbacoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/WordPress-–-HBS-Interview-Blog-1.png[/img] In Addition To Knowing Your Resume Cold, Prepare Your Stories In Advance. We find that bulleting is most effective here. This way you can note the skills you want to highlight and will be prepared to pivot your stories as needed. You should be able to adapt four to five stories to cover most top questions. For instance, a story about stepping up in the office could be applicable to a question about a time you had an innovative idea OR a question about a time you helped a coworker. Try to assign your stories to possible questions in advance. Avoid spending too much time setting up the scene. Instead, stick to the main steps you took and how you excelled in each example. It can be helpful to break your stories into situations, actions, and results. You Also Should Ensure You Can Articulate Your MBA Goals. Be prepared to explain, clearly and concisely, what you hope to accomplish in your career, why you are interested in this path, and how you will be successful. Prepare specific examples that you can use to back up these plans. If you need help articulating your MBA goals, check out Personal MBA Coach’s blog here. What Is The HBS Post-Interview Reflection And How Should I Approach It? Unique to HBS, applicants are asked to submit a written reflection, due within 24 of completing your interview. This reflection offers candidates to chance to share how they felt the interview went, discuss what they enjoyed about the experience and provide any additional perspective they wish they had shared at the time. Be sure to use this opportunity to reflect on the interview itself! Do not consider this an additional essay or the time to discuss new aspects of your profile. Personal MBA Coach recognizes this is a challenging task and offers all HBS comprehensive clients and HBS interview preparation clients individual support on the HBS post-reflection. As with any interview, practice and planning are key! Personal MBA Coach has former M7 interviewers lined up to do mock interviews with you. Plus, HBS mock interview post-interview reflection support is included with all Personal MBA Coach Comprehensive Packages. Our clients have told us this is one of the most worthwhile steps they have taken to enhance their candidacy, helping them build the confidence they need to excel in the interview.    Find out more about our Harvard Business School interview preparation and post-reflection support here. As part of Personal MBA Coach’s HBS interview prep, we will review your entire application before your HBS interview. Then, your HBS interviewer will ask you very thorough questions, focusing on weak areas of your application or topics that are likely to be covered during your HBS interview. Are you also hoping to secure an interview invite from Wharton? Get a head start by taking a look at Personal MBA Coach’s advice on Wharton’s virtual TBD. The post How to Prepare for the Harvard Business School Interview? appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
09 Feb 2024, 10:00
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Harvard Business School 2+2 MBA Program Essay Analysis: 2024 |
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Harvard Business School may not be accepting any more full-time applications this cycle. However, the2+2 application remains open. The 2024 Harvard Business School 2+2 MBA deadline is April 25, 2024. The program accepts applications from current college seniors and final year master’s students who enrolled in graduate studies straight from college. This is the first time in recent history that the HBS 2+2 application has NOT used the open-ended essay required for full-time applications. Instead, Harvard Business School asks 2+2 applicants to answer three questions: in the first part, TWO out of three options that are in a more personal vein, and in the second part, a career-focused question. Together the answers, addressing personal story and professional aspirations, should paint a complete picture of you as a candidate. 2024 HBS 2+2 Program Application Essay Questions Are as Follows: HBS 2+2 Essay Instructions: Part 1: Personal Essays (choose two—up to 300 words per prompt) The HBS classroom and community thrive when we bring together people who can share a variety of perspectives. To get to know you better and how you will engage at HBS, please choose two of the three prompts below to tell us more about yourself: With this introduction, HBS makes clear that it wants you to focus on your individuality and singular perspective. So, as you review the options below, Personal MBA Coach recommends that you choose the two that together give you the greatest opportunity to share your uniqueness: for example, something about your background and something about your academic accomplishments, or something about your intellectual accomplishments and about the communities that have shaped you. There is no wrong answer, but the different choices can maximize the singularity of your story differently. Each is only 300 words so you must be direct, concise and to the point.  1. How have your experiences shaped who you are, how you lead, and how you will contribute at HBS? This option is the closest to the open-ended “personal story” essay that HBS is known for. As you answer this essay, think about what makes you different from your peers and uniquely able to contribute. You might consider your background, upbringing or extracurricular experiences here. If you need help thinking through your own personal story, check out this blog from Personal MBA Coach. Given the 300-word limit, applicants will need to get to the point very quickly, focusing in on their uniqueness. Personal MBA Coach recommends that the details provided are specific. Then, quickly transition into the ”so what?” telling HBS not just what these experiences were but how they have shaped your leadership approach. Finally, you want to detail specific contributions you will be able to make at HBS based on this experience. 2. What intellectual experiences have influenced your approach to learning and have led you to pursue an MBA? This second prompt is a great choice for applicants whose strength lies in their educational or research experience or applicants who have had an internship that is particularly intellectual. Perhaps you have completed an interesting independent study on campus or researched an unusual topic. Keep in mind that particularly through the 2+2 program, HBS seeks candidates from STEM fields, who may be less likely to apply for an MBA later in their careers. Use this essay to talk about the work you have done, showing readers how you have exhibited specific intellectual curiosity and persistence, if possible. Next you want to tell HBS how this experience has motivated you to pursue an MBA. While this is not a specific goals essay, if you choose this option there should be some connection between this experience and your goals. 3. What communities have you been engaged with that have defined how you invest in others? With this third essay, HBS is following a recent trend of asking applicants to talk more about communities. This is a great option for applicants who have diverse or unique demographic backgrounds to talk about how they have given back in the past, and to hint at how they will give back in the future. However, even if your community is not unique, you can use this essay to show how you have contributed to helping others. Applicants who have significant volunteer work may find this essay to be a great opportunity to highlight their efforts. While not specifically asked, noting how you will contribute on campus is also recommended here.  Part 2: Career Essay (up to 300 words) How do the career plans you shared in the Career Plans section of the application fit into your current long-term career vision? What skills and/or professional experiences do you hope to obtain in the deferral period that will help build the foundation for your post-MBA career? While HBS historically has not asked applicants to write extensively about their long-term goals, in this essay HBS is looking for applicants to discuss both their long-term goals and their plans for the deferral period. For more on Personal MBA Coach’s tips for writing a goal statement, check out this blog! Once you have detailed your long-term goals, be specific about your plans for the deferral period. If you have already lined up a job, discuss what you will do in this role and, more importantly, how this experience will prepare you to succeed post-MBA. If you have not secured a position, talk about the role you are targeting. As you craft this essay, be sure to go beyond describing the job you hope to have and instead dive into the specific skills you hope to gain. Are you ready to start your application? Reach out to Personal MBA Coach today to find out how we can help you through our Deferred MBA Packages!  The post Harvard Business School 2+2 MBA Program Essay Analysis: 2024 appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
16 Feb 2024, 10:00
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Personal MBA Coach’s Take on the 2024 Financial Times MBA Rankings |
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The Financial Times released its 2024 MBA Rankings this week. For the second year in a row, U.S. schools dominate the top of the list. However, three international MBA programs cracked the top 10 this year, after the Financial Times added SDA Bocconi School of Management to its MBA Rankings list. While the Financial Times more frequently recognizes international MBA programs than competitors such as US News & World Report, this change confirms the increased demand for often lower-cost and shorter international programs. This year, Wharton took the top position, followed by INSEAD, which remained in second place. Columbia Business School and SDA Bocconi School of Management tied for #3, followed by IESE, which dropped two positions from last year to #5. MIT Sloan jumped 5 positions, tying with Kellogg for #6. London Business School ranked much higher this year as well, making it to top ten at #8 (up from #16 last year). Cornell Johnson moved down from #8 to #9 this year, while Chicago Booth jumped up one place to #10. Looking a bit farther down the Financial Times list of top MBA programs, Harvard Business School ranked #11. HEC Paris and Dartmouth Tuck tied for #12. Duke Fuqua moved down two positions to #14, followed by Yale SOM, which was ranked #15. UVA Darden moved up slightly from #17 in 2023 to #16 this year, followed by Esade Business School. UCLA Anderson, Berkeley Haas and IE Business School rounded out the top 20. What drove the change in MBA rankings this year? It is important to note that the Financial Times updated its ranking methodology this year. These rankings now include alumni evaluation of their school’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) teaching to the ESG rank. The school’s carbon footprint is also taken into account this year. Find out more about the Financial Times criteria here. While these rankings provide beneficicial information to MBA hopefuls, they should be taken with a grain of salt. Havard Business School’s drop to #11, for example, is not likely to change HBS’s desirability. However, seeing a broader list of schools move in and out of the top 20, reconfirms that many MBA candidates can be served by looking outside of the traditional M7 as they develop their school lists. See below for more tips from Personal MBA Coach on how to use MBA rankings. Need help determining which programs are right for you? Program selection is included in our Comprehensive Packages!  1) Look at MBA rankings to get an overview of the business school landscape. If you are in the early stages of your MBA application journey, rankings can be useful to get a general lay of the land. Use these rankings to see what schools are out there, where they are located, and how they compare to one another. 2) Review statistics as an initial guide. Statistics including acceptance rate, average undergraduate GPA, and average test scores of enrolled students will give you some strong benchmarking information. That said, these numbers should be used as only an initial guide since the whole applicant package is far more important. Plenty of applicants with GPAs or GMAT/GRE/EA scores below average are accepted every year while others with higher statistics are not. This disparity is why we encourage candidates to apply to a range of programs (ideally 5 to 8 schools). 3) Consider average ranking over the years. A school’s average ranking over time is important to consider when looking at MBA rankings. When you are applying to jobs down the road, recruiters likely will not know your school’s ranking when you applied, but they may look at its current standing. Therefore, it is worth evaluating how the schools you are interested in have placed over time. Have they consistently stayed in the top tiers or has their placement fluctuated greatly? 4) Analyze general trends. While the latest Financial Times MBA rankings show Columbia in the top spot this year, other rankings scales are likely to show different results (see the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings and Bloomberg Businessweek rankings for reference). Of course, certain schools will consistently place in the top ten, but the general list will vary from source to source. As mentioned with ranking over time, the general trend across different ranking sources is the most significant. 5) Notice how rankings vary from one industry to the next. While all MBA programs highlight strong general management education, each school has different areas of expertise. Thus it will be helpful to consider how schools perform in industry-specific rankings as well. Think about your MBA goals and check out rankings that pertain to these goals. School selection is part of our Comprehensive Packages. For those planning to apply to business school in September 2024, it is not too early to get started! Personal MBA Coach is already beginning to work with clients on round 1 MBA applications. Reach out today to find out how we can help with our Comprehensive Packages!  The post Personal MBA Coach’s Take on the 2024 Financial Times MBA Rankings appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
27 Feb 2024, 14:00
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Personal MBA Coach’s Take on the US News Best Business Schools 2023-2024 |
The 2023-2024 US News Top Business Schools report has just been released, with some interesting changes in this year’s rankings. For the second year in a row, Chicago Booth occupies the #1 spot after a jump from 3rd place two years ago. Following Chicago Booth, Northwestern Kellogg ranked #2 in the 2023-2024 rankings, up one spot from last year. Meanwhile, Wharton fell slightly to #3 after tying for the top spot with Chicago Booth last year. While MIT Sloan and Harvard Business School were tied for 5th place for two years, MIT Sloan jumped slightly this year to 4th place while Harvard Business School maintained its 5th place ranking. Falling to #6, Stanford GSB tied with Dartmouth Tuck. This 6th-place finish is a notable jump for Dartmouth Tuck, up five spots from #11 last year. This is the highest and lowest score for Dartmouth Tuck and Stanford GSB, respectively, in the past four years. Stanford’s lower rating is due to the school’s employment data: Just over 60% of graduates were employed at graduation and under 85% were employed after three months. By comparison, over 90% of Chicago Booth students were employed at graduation. Despite their 5th and 6th place rankings, Harvard Business School and Stanford GSB remain top choices for Personal MBA Coach clients (which, as we discuss below, is a reminder that these rankings are only ONE piece of the puzzle). Further, Stanford GSB continues to report the highest average GMAT score (737) and lowest acceptance rate (8.6%) in the top ten. However, as discussed below, student selectivity comprised only 25% of the total score.  Yale School of Management tied for #8 this year with Michigan Ross, up two spots from #9 in 2022. Closing out the top ten is NYU Stern, returning to the #10 place it held in the 2021 and 2022 rankings. Columbia Business School and Berkeley Haas, which both made it into the top 10 in the past three years, fell slightly to 11th place, tying with Duke Fuqua. UVA Darden and Cornell Johnson have not seen much fluctuation. UVA Darden remained 14th for a second year in a row, whereas Cornell Johnson has ranked 15th since 2021, tying with USC Marshall only this year. Emory Goizueta, CMU Tepper, UCLA Anderson, Texas McCombs, and Washington Foster rounded out the top 20, in that order. US News Rankings Methodology The changes in this year’s ranking are largely due to changes in the rankings methodology used by US News. Most notably, employment data (referred to as Placement Success) now makes up 50% of a school’s overall score. Previously, the weight of placement was only 35%. Quality Assessment, which includes both peer assessment score and recruiter assessment score, makes up 25% of the score (down from 40%). The other 25% of the score is based on Student Selectivity, which includes both GMAT/GRE score, average GPA and acceptance rate. It is important to note that Median GMAT/GRE score was used for the first time this year, which means outlier scores have less effect on rankings. This may be seen as welcome news for unique applicants with a low test score, as the change in ranking methodology could lead admissions directors to consider applicants they might previously have excluded. These rankings and methodology changes are not without controversy, which is why it is even more important this year to remember that rankings are NOT the be-all, end-all.  How to Use MBA Rankings Personal MBA Coach would like to remind you that changes over time are more significant than year-to-year and guide-to-guide fluctuations. The constant shuffling at the top demonstrates the growing competition among elite business schools. While the M7 business schools receive a lot of attention, Personal MBA Coach urges our clients to consider a broad range of schools. Our average client applies to five to seven programs to maximize their chances of acceptance. For more information on how to use the US News Best Business Schools 2023-2024 report or other MBA rankings, check out our tips in this blog. Beyond MBA rankings, in choosing a business school you should consider factors including a school’s location, culture, academic programming, areas of specialization, and job placement rate. Similarly, culture and teaching style vary across schools. To learn more, we encourage you to review Personal MBA Coach’s new school guides. Finally, available financing also should be a key consideration since you may be able to secure more funding from one school versus another. Last cycle, Personal MBA Coach’s clients earned $10M in scholarships. Depending on your personal circumstances, you might be inclined to select a school with a more favorable financial package regardless of ranking. Some M7 schools are very generous with scholarships while others award them much more sparingly. Looking for help with school selection? Reach out today for a free consultation! About Personal MBA Coach The post Personal MBA Coach’s Take on the US News Best Business Schools 2023-2024 appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
07 Mar 2024, 07:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Is Now The Time to Apply to Business School? |
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Are you considering an MBA but unsure about when to apply? Personal MBA Coach is here to help! Below, we have shared 5 key signs that it is time to consider an MBA. If one or more of the following rings true for you, now may very well be the time to start developing your applications! Believe it or not, even if you are thinking about submitting your applications during fall 2024, this is a great time to get the process started. In fact, Personal MBA Coach has already started working with round 1 2024 clients.  1. You already have 4-5 years of pre-MBA experience: The average applicant for most schools has approximately 5 years of pre-MBA experience. Once you have 6+ years, your chances of acceptance begin to decrease 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. The longer you wait now, the more likely that you could run out of time to give your dream school one more shot by reapplying. At this stage in your career, there are few compelling reasons to wait. 2. You have reached a plateau at work: Have you stretched yourself as much as possible in your current role? Are you bored at work and feel that you have learned all you can in your current role? MBAs open entirely new horizons through coursework, interactions with peers, new experiences and networks. If you feel you are close to plateauing, now might be the time to apply. 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, for most people post-MBA is a better time to switch. But 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. Be sure to check out Personal MBA Coach’s 6 tips for Career Changers. 4. You are worried about your job security: Though total layoffs have slowed in the last year, layoff rates in many industries remain high. If you are worried about your own job security, business school can be a great place to ride out a shaky economy. 5. Your personal situation favors the MBA choice: Do you 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 your circumstances feel right, consider it fortuitous. If some or all of these situations apply to you, now is the perfect time to get started on your MBA application. Ready to dive in? Find out how Personal MBA Coach can guide you on the path to your dream school with our Comprehensive Packages! Want to learn more about our services? Watch this short testimonial to find out how Personal MBA Coach helped this client from a consulting background get into Wharton. The post Is Now The Time to Apply to Business School? appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
26 Mar 2024, 12:00
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Executive Assessment 101 |
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In recent years, the Executive Assessment has grown in popularity. While the GMAT and GRE remain the two more widely accepted MBA admissions exams, many top business schools have started to welcome the Executive Assessment test. Wondering if the Executive Assessment is the right option for you? Below, Personal MBA Coach explores how to prepare for the Executive Assessment and what sets it apart. What Is the Executive Assessment Test? The Executive Assessment, also referred to as the EA, was originally designed for experienced professionals interested in pursuing advanced education. Therefore, it is most often used by those applying to Executive MBA programs. In recent years, however, some full-time and part-time programs have started to accept the EA. The 90-minute exam aims to assess the skills and knowledge of experienced professionals and evaluate business school readiness. Test takers receive results for each section of the Executive Assessment: Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning, as well as a total result ranging from 100 to 200, which is determined by the results on the three sections. While all Executive Assessment score percentiles are not released, a score of 150 is about the 64th percentile. The test results are valid for 5 years and available for reporting for up to 10 years.  How Does the Executive Assessment Differ from the GMAT and GRE? Candidates can take the Executive Assessment test up to four times – twice at the test center and twice online. Further, the Graduate Management Admission Council does not permit you to cancel your scores. That said, if you do not want your EA scores sent to your target schools, GMAC suggests that you do not select any schools or programs before your appointment. You can instead add more schools or programs to a score appointment afterwards. There is no limit to the number of programs that you can select. The Executive Assessment is also a shorter test, so if you have limited time, you may want to explore whether the EA could be right for you. What Should Executive Assessment Prep Entail? Personal MBA Coach offers customized one-on-one Executive Assessment prep. In fact, we were one of the first companies to provide Executive Assessment test preparation services. If you are wondering how to prepare for the Executive Assessment, we find one of the best things to do is to write out a study plan so you can stick to a schedule. Be honest with yourself in terms of how much time you can dedicate to studying. We strongly encourage test takers to familiarize themselves with the structure and content of the assessment. With 30 minutes to complete each of the 3 sections of the test, time management is a must. Completing practice tests with a timer can help you get comfortable with the 90-minute timeframe. For more test prep tips, check out this blog. Personal MBA Coach EA tutor Nikhil gives the following advice: When it comes to the EA or GMAT Exam, success is dependent on addressing 3 equally important steps: knowledge gaps, timing/question strategy issues and “careless” mistakes. Many students and tutors fall into the trap of focusing exclusively on the first – knowledge gaps – and feel frustrated when scores don’t improve. Given the competitive nature of the EA exam, all students end up learning the theory but what truly differentiates the best students is that they also focus their preparation on systematically developing tools to pre-empt traps, minimise “careless” mistakes and identify shortcuts to problems. If you are looking for guidance, our dedicated Executive Assessment tutor can provide you with the skills necessary to ace the exam. Our Executive Assessment MBA private tutoring sessions are currently conducted remotely via Zoom, Skype and our whiteboard sharing software. As with all of Personal MBA Coach’s services, satisfaction is guaranteed with our Executive Assessment prep.  What Schools Accept the Executive Assessment? Currently, Berkeley Haas, Chicago Booth, Columbia Business School, Duke Fuqua, INSEAD, London Business School, MIT Sloan, Kellogg, NYU Stern, UCLA Anderson, UVA Darden, Wharton and Yale SOM are among the top programs that accept the Executive Assessment test for EMBA candidates. Columbia Business School, Duke Fuqua, NYU Stern, Georgetown, UVA Darden, UCLA Anderson, CMU Tepper and Texas McCombs also accept EA scores for full-time MBA applicants. Looking for help with the test prep process? Whether you are studying for the GMAT, GRE or EA, Personal MBA Coach is here to help you reach your goals. Visit our tutoring services to begin raising your score today!  The post Executive Assessment 101 appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
28 Mar 2024, 09:01
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Guide to the Executive Assessment Test |
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In recent years, the Executive Assessment has grown in popularity. While the GMAT and GRE remain the two more widely accepted MBA admissions exams, many top business schools have started to welcome the Executive Assessment test. Wondering if the Executive Assessment is the right option for you? Below, Personal MBA Coach explores how to prepare for the Executive Assessment and what sets it apart. What Is the Executive Assessment Test? The Executive Assessment, also referred to as the EA, was originally designed for experienced professionals interested in pursuing advanced education. Therefore, it is most often used by those applying to Executive MBA programs. In recent years, however, some full-time and part-time programs have started to accept the EA. The 90-minute exam aims to assess the skills and knowledge of experienced professionals and evaluate business school readiness. Test takers receive results for each section of the Executive Assessment: Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning, as well as a total result ranging from 100 to 200, which is determined by the results on the three sections. While all Executive Assessment score percentiles are not released, a score of 150 is about the 64th percentile. The test results are valid for 5 years and available for reporting for up to 10 years. How Does the Executive Assessment Differ from the GMAT and GRE? Candidates can take the Executive Assessment test up to four times – twice at the test center and twice online. Further, the Graduate Management Admission Council does not permit you to cancel your scores. That said, if you do not want your EA scores sent to your target schools, GMAC suggests that you do not select any schools or programs before your appointment. You can instead add more schools or programs to a score appointment afterwards. There is no limit to the number of programs that you can select. The Executive Assessment is also a shorter test, so if you have limited time, you may want to explore whether the EA could be right for you. What Should Executive Assessment Prep Entail? Personal MBA Coach offers customized one-on-one Executive Assessment prep. In fact, we were one of the first companies to provide Executive Assessment test preparation services. If you are wondering how to prepare for the Executive Assessment, we find one of the best things to do is to write out a study plan so you can stick to a schedule. Be honest with yourself in terms of how much time you can dedicate to studying. We strongly encourage test takers to familiarize themselves with the structure and content of the assessment. With 30 minutes to complete each of the 3 sections of the test, time management is a must. Completing practice tests with a timer can help you get comfortable with the 90-minute timeframe. For more test prep tips, check out this blog. Personal MBA Coach EA tutor Nikhil gives the following advice: When it comes to the EA or GMAT Exam, success is dependent on addressing 3 equally important steps: knowledge gaps, timing/question strategy issues and “careless” mistakes. Many students and tutors fall into the trap of focusing exclusively on the first – knowledge gaps – and feel frustrated when scores don’t improve. Given the competitive nature of the EA exam, all students end up learning the theory but what truly differentiates the best students is that they also focus their preparation on systematically developing tools to pre-empt traps, minimise “careless” mistakes and identify shortcuts to problems. If you are looking for guidance, our dedicated Executive Assessment tutor can provide you with the skills necessary to ace the exam. Our Executive Assessment MBA private tutoring sessions are currently conducted remotely via Zoom, Skype and our whiteboard sharing software. As with all of Personal MBA Coach’s services, satisfaction is guaranteed with our Executive Assessment prep. What Schools Accept the Executive Assessment? Currently, Berkeley Haas, Chicago Booth, Columbia Business School, Duke Fuqua, INSEAD, London Business School, MIT Sloan, Kellogg, NYU Stern, UCLA Anderson, UVA Darden, Wharton and Yale SOM are among the top programs that accept the Executive Assessment test for EMBA candidates. Columbia Business School, Duke Fuqua, NYU Stern, Georgetown, UVA Darden, UCLA Anderson, CMU Tepper and Texas McCombs also accept EA scores for full-time MBA applicants. Looking for help with the test prep process? Whether you are studying for the GMAT, GRE or EA, Personal MBA Coach is here to help you reach your goals. Visit our tutoring services to begin raising your score today! The post Guide to the Executive Assessment Test appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
03 Apr 2024, 09:00
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Personal MBA Coach’s 5-Month MBA Application Timeline |
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Round 1 might seem far off but the first Round 1 deadline is likely just five months away. While the 2024-2025 MBA application deadlines and questions have not yet been announced (stay tuned for more details on this), the first Round 1 application deadline historically falls in early September. This means, whether or not you have been following our MBA Planning Guide, it is time to shift your MBA application efforts into high gear. To help you make the most of your time and avoid last-minute cramming (which is never ideal for anyone), Personal MBA Coach has put together our 5-month MBA application timeline. Months 1 and 2: April and May 1) Look for campus events Whether in person or virtual, campus visits are a great way to get a sense of life on campus. Nearly all schools are open to schedule campus visits, though the slots fill up quickly. If you can, visiting before classes end is a great idea. Here are just a few options to visit campuses over the next months:
Many of you may be hard at work studying, or you have already taken one or two exams. If not, now is a great time to sign up with one of Personal MBA Coach’s tutors. Our tutoring slots often fill up later in the summer. Even if you have a strong score, be sure that you are maximizing your potential! Wondering if you can waive the test requirement? Watch this quick tips video with Personal MBA Coach Founder Scott Edinburgh to decide: [youtube2]p> 5) Narrow your target school lists Your final list may change (particularly if your GMAT/GRE/EA score is not what you expected), but it is best to have an initial idea of your school list no later than May. Given the softer job market and recent layoffs, we expect the 2024-2025 MBA application cycle will be more challenging. Therefore, Personal MBA Coach recommends you develop a well-rounded school list that includes some “reach” schools and some safer schools, particularly if this coming cycle is a make-or-break year for you. 6) Brainstorm essay topics and begin drafting essays For some schools, the MBA essay questions are not likely to change from year to year. For these programs, you can begin brainstorming, outlining and drafting. For other schools, you can look at past questions to get an idea of potential focus areas for each school on your list. By April, we are working on essay editing with many of our clients. 7) Prepare your personal story Think through the choices you have made in your life, what drove those choices and what makes you unique. You want to keep this story in mind as you outline your essays. Need help thinking through your personal story? Check out this blog. 8) Begin to identify potential recommenders Think about who can write the most effective letters of recommendation (not just who is the most impressive on paper). Start putting out feelers now to see who is willing to take the time to write a great MBA letter of recommendation. For more context, watch our Letter of Recommendation Tips video: [youtube2]p> Month 4: July 1) Edit, edit, edit Aim to finish your MBA essays in July. Personal MBA Coach advises our clients to complete their essays at least 3 to 4 weeks before deadlines. Last-minute changes are rarely for the better, and you will need the time in August to focus on other application elements. 2) Revisit school lists as needed Based on your test scores, you may want to critically evaluate and expand your school list. Our average candidate applies to 5 to 7 schools. Month 5: August 1) Ensure LORs are ready to go Follow up with your recommenders and make sure they are on track and know your deadlines. Ask your recommenders if they need any additional information from you. 2) Work on short answer questions and video essays Allocate enough time for short answer questions and other application extras. These sections require a lot of detail and often take longer than you might think. They are crucial components to your application. 3) Proofread, proofread, proofread ALWAYS get someone unfamiliar with your applications to do a thorough review. Keep in mind that while it is optimal to use the full five months (or more) to prepare, we regularly work with clients who start later in the year and craft custom timelines accordingly. Similarly, many of our clients (especially those applying to an early decision program) are working well ahead of these timelines! Looking for comprehensive MBA application assistance? Personal MBA Coach is here to help with all aspects of the MBA application process, including developing your own personal application timeline, early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing, mock interviews and more. Schedule a consultation today and find out why Personal MBA Coach is consistently top-ranked by multiple leading sources. The post Personal MBA Coach’s 5-Month MBA Application Timeline appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
10 Apr 2024, 10:00
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: 6 Tips For Career Changers |
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Many candidates pursue an MBA with the hopes of altering their career paths. However, applicants looking to change careers should put in some extra work now to show that their desired career is both authentic AND attainable. This is even more true for applicants who might have been laid off recently (particularly if you do not plan to apply for a few months or more). There is a fair share of career changers among our Round 1 clients. If one of the above situations applies to you, Personal MBA Coach advises you to spend extra time developing a compelling goals statement that showcases that your career plans are realistic. Here are some actions you can take now to increase your chances of success! 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 candidate do not really know their future industry. Check LinkedIn to see where MBA graduates are going and 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 essays 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 not only to 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. If you cannot find work in your target industry, you can think broadly as you consider related activities, as long as you can draw a clear connection for the reader. [img]https://www.personalmbacoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WordPress-–-Advice-for-career-changers-1.png[/img] 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. Even experiences such as working on cross-functional projects or leading internal initiatives can expose you to related departments, so do not be afraid to think outside of the box. If you are unemployed, consider an unpaid internship to cover any resume gaps or even asking for a project at your friend’s startup. 4) Create a personal tie to your future career As you begin to explain your career aspirations, think about whether you have a personal connection with this career. Remember your applications should explain your story 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 storytelling Personal MBA Coach works 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. Even if you are not able to gain experience in your future industry, there are likely 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 developed and demonstrated these skills. Personal MBA Coach specializes in providing our candidates with tailored advice, helping them to articulate their unique stories. [img]https://www.personalmbacoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WordPress-–-Advice-for-career-changers-2.png[/img] 6) Consider short-term educational opportunities This is particularly important if you are not currently working. It will be crucial to show that you have used time between jobs effectively. Taking additional coursework (particularly quantitative courses or those related to your future field) can be another great way to improve your profile. Ready to get started? Reach out to Personal MBA Coach today to find out how we can help you with our Comprehensive Packages! The post 6 Tips For Career Changers appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
11 Apr 2024, 08:00
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Personal MBA Coach’s Take on the US News Best Business Schools 2024-2025 |
The 2024-2025 US News Top Business Schools report has just been released, with some interesting changes in this year’s rankings. After occupying the top spot for several years, Chicago Booth was bumped down slightly to #3, replaced by Wharton and Stanford GSB, which tied for the top spot. This #1 finish is a jump for Stanford GSB, which despite remaining popular with Personal MBA Coach clients, finished #6 last year. US News is the second business school ranking to rank Wharton #1 (Personal MBA Coach’s founder Scott Edinburgh’s alma mater) this year (check out the 2024 Financial Times Ranking blog for more). Kellogg dropped one spot, tying with Chicago Booth for third. MIT Sloan occupied the #5 place, bumping Harvard Business School to #6. Harvard’s lower ranking this year was driven by the school’s employment data: Just over 70.8% of graduates were employed at graduation and 84.2% were employed after three months. By comparison, over 80% of MIT Sloan students were employed at graduation. Despite the rankings drop, HBS remain a popular choice for Personal MBA Coach clients! Next, Yale SOM ranked seventh for the third year in a row, joined by Berkeley Haas and NYU Stern. The #7 ranking represents a climb for these two schools. Despite dropping a few spots from last year, Dartmouth Tuck once again made the top ten list, joined by UVA Darden. Michigan Ross was bumped from the top ten, tying with Columbia Business School and Duke Fuqua for the #12 spot. Cornell Johnson remained at #15 for the third year in a row, followed by CMU Tepper and Texas McCombs, which tied for the #16 spot. In another tie, USC Marshall and Emory Goizueta occupied #18. Finally, four schools tied to close out the top twenty: Indiana Kelley, UNC Kenan-Flagler, UCLA Anderson and Vanderbilt Owen. US News Rankings Methodology This is the second year when US News used methodology centered on employment data (referred to as Placement Success), which makes up 50% of a school’s overall score (two years ago, only 35% of the score was based on employment rate). Quality Assessment, which includes both peer assessment score and recruiter assessment score, makes up 25% of the ranking. The remaining 25% is based on Student Selectivity, which includes both GMAT/GRE score, average GPA and acceptance rate. Using median GMAT/GRE scores means outlier scores have less effect on rankings. This may be welcome news for unique applicants with a low test score, as the change in ranking methodology could lead admissions directors to consider applicants they might previously have excluded. These rankings and methodology changes are not without controversy, which is why it is even more important this year to remember that rankings are NOT the be-all, end-all. How to Use MBA Rankings Personal MBA Coach would like to remind you that changes over time are more significant than year-to-year and guide-to-guide fluctuations. The constant shuffling at the top demonstrates the growing competition among elite business schools. While the M7 business schools receive a lot of attention, Personal MBA Coach urges our clients to consider a broad range of schools. Our average client applies to five to seven programs to maximize their chances of acceptance. For more information on how to use the US News Best Business Schools 2024-2025 report or other MBA rankings, check out our tips in this blog. Beyond MBA rankings, when choosing a business school you should consider factors including a school’s location, culture, academic programming, areas of specialization, and job placement rate. Similarly, culture and teaching style vary across schools. To learn more, we encourage you to review Personal MBA Coach’s new school guides. Finally, available financing also should be a key consideration since you may be able to secure more funding from one school than another. Last cycle, Personal MBA Coach’s clients earned $10M in scholarships. Depending on your personal circumstances, you might be inclined to select a school with a more favorable financial package regardless of ranking. Some M7 schools are very generous with scholarships while others award them much more sparingly. Looking for help with school selection? Reach out today for a consultation! The post Personal MBA Coach’s Take on the US News Best Business Schools 2024-2025 appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
11 Apr 2024, 08:00
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: Evaluating the 2024 US News Best Part Time MBA Programs |
The US News Best Part Time MBA Programs report for 2024 has just been released. Unlike the full time rankings, there was only some minor shuffling among the top 5 part time MBA programs. Top part time MBA programs are ideal for working professionals who want the benefit of an MBA without taking off time from work. Part time MBA programs are also financially and logistically appealing, especially for those who are not looking to change careers immediately post-MBA. Ironically, this year, the top-five distribution looks exactly as it did in 2021 and 2022. Chicago Booth returned to the top spot, bumping Berkeley Haas to the #2 position. For the fourth year in a row, Kellogg, NYU Stern and UCLA Anderson rank third, fourth and fifth respectively. Following them, Indiana Kelley and UT Dallas tied for 13th place. Rice Jones stayed at #15, joined by Minnesota Carlson. Georgia Tech dropped significantly from #11, tying with Utah Eccles for #17. University of South Carolina Moore dropped to 19th place, and Emory Goizueta closed out the top 20 list. US News Ranking Methodology The changes in this year’s rankings are largely due to changes in the methodology used by US News. Most notably, in-person and hybrid learning programs were ranked separately from online only part-time MBA programs, , which now have their own ranking. As you review these new part time MBA rankings, remember that changes over time are more noteworthy than the year-to-year and guide-to-guide fluctuations. Although the top 5 part-time MBA programs have shown little fluctuation over recent years, this shuffling within the top 10 and farther down the list indicates the increasing competition among leading part time MBA programs. For more guidance on how to analyze and understand MBA rankings, review Personal MBA Coach’s tips in this blog. Ready to take the plunge with your part-time business school applications? Personal MBA Coach’s Comprehensive Packages offer holistic support for part time MBA candidates, guiding you step by step on how to maximize your chances of success! The post Evaluating the 2024 US News Best Part Time MBA Programs appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
17 Apr 2024, 07:00
| FROM Personal MBA Coach: A Guide to MBA Rankings |
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If you are following our 5-month MBA Application Plan, it is time to start developing your school list. As you do select your target MBA programs, you might be wondering how much emphasis you should place on business school rankings. These rankings are often a subject of much debate, especially since there are many and they differ widely. US News and World Reports, Financial Times and the Bloomberg Businessweek are just three available. Rankings drive a lot of revenue for publishers because they are such an important tool for business school applicants. However, please keep in mind they are just one of many tools and not the be all end all! Below is Personal MBA Coach’s view on these MBA rankings: why they matter, how to use them and some important things to keep in mind! Why MBA Rankings Matter: By applying to business school, you are making a large investment in your future, with the hopes of improving your job prospects post-MBA. Naturally, many prospective employers and investors will look closely at where you went to school to evaluate your skills and potential. Right or wrong, these rankings can influence a school’s perceived education quality.  How to Use MBA Rankings: Get the lay of the land: MBA rankings provide a great overview of the business school landscape: what schools exist, where they are located and how they generally stack up against each other. Gather statistics: Statistics such as average GPA, GMAT, GRE, years of experience, acceptance rate and starting salary provide good benchmarking data. Use the rankings to get a high-level idea of which schools could be potential options for you. However, keep in mind these statistics are averages across all students. Schools will evaluate your entire profile when deciding whether to accept you. Find out unique areas of expertise: There is more than one “top” school. While you will get a strong general business education from many programs, schools have specific areas of strength. Rankings, particularly specialty rankings, can show you which schools send more students to investment banking or produce successful entrepreneurs, for example. Keep in Mind: Average ranking over time is much more important than year to year fluctuation. When you are courting that investor 10 years from now, she will not know what your school was ranked when you applied; pay closer attention to general trends. While there are some schools that will be at the top of nearly all rankings, every ranking scale will give different results. As with historical data, the general trend is most important.  Rankings are not the only way you should evaluate a school. There are many other factors to consider when selecting your ideal schools including location and which companies recruit on campus. Attending a school near your target firms or one where your dream company recruits on campus could be more important to your career success than the school’s ranking. Watch our quick tips feature on Poets&Quants for more tips on school selection: Personalized school selection advice is included in all of Personal MBA Coach’s Comprehensive Packages! Find out more about how you can craft your success story with Personal MBA Coach’s personalized MBA Admissions Support. Check out our Comprehensive Packages below and reach out today to schedule a consultation. The post A Guide to MBA Rankings appeared first on Personal MBA Coach. |
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