Calling all Haas(Berkeley) EWMBA Applicants(2017 Intake) Class of 2020

Interviewed twice and waitlisted twice . At this point, I think my chances are pretty slim.
I have been accepted at UCLA FEMBA but Haas is my first preference as I am in Tech and post MBA would like to continue in tech only (prod mgmt or tech consulting).

Sorry to hear that...you never know. Were the questions pretty similar both times?? Did you get blindsided at all?

Not really. Both the interviews were kind of informal conversations. The first interview was taken by a person from the Industry. She asked most of the stuff around my resume. We had some technical glitches (frequent call drops) during the interview and she told me that they are having some issues with their internet.

The second one was taken by a person from the Adcom and he asked me standard Haas questions such as fit, Haas principles.

I forgot to mention that both the interviews were skype calls. Not sure if taking interviews over skype has any impact on the admission.

Have you thought about retaking the GMAT? The average score for Haas EWMBA is 700, so upping yours could help. If not, there are still a lot of ways to show interest in the school and strength in your candidacy, so I wouldn't simply assume your chances are slim!

Between my day job and family commitments, retaking GMAT is a remote possibility. I have already submitted 3rd reco.
At this point, rewriting essays or moving to a new role in my day job (with more responsibilities\leadership) are my options. Anything else?

Beyond retaking the GMAT, attending an on-campus admissions event + shadowing a class at Berkeley, and/or having a Berkeley Haas faculty member write a letter of recommendation, it seems like you've done almost everything possible. The UCLA FEMBA program is still one of the best part time programs, so between getting into that and being waitlisted at Haas, you are still in a great position!

Thanks!
I will keep my fingers crossed. All the best to you.

There was a student-led dept. tour and a panel discussion with current students over lunch. Also several current students stopped by to chat and offer insight throughout the day. Best luck!

Beginning to get dispirited with no interview invite.

Anyone know when the last interview invites for round 3 are sent out?

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Rankings matter and Haas is no doubt above UCLA but I would also check few other things such as:
- Electives, UCLA seems to offer more diversity than Haas. (https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/career-pat ... mendations)
- Courses offered only on weekdays.

I would prefer to be local to maximize the experience. I spoke to couple of UCLA alums and they told me that most of the activities are on weekdays. Being local gives you more options for networking.

curtman118 deepayanc skgmatclub2016
How did your interviews go? Any insights you can share with the rest of the Round 3 applicants?
Will appreciate any pointers you may have.

Thanks!

what would you chose between Haas EWMBA and Wharton EMBA?
Regards,

Assuming both will fulfill your goals and fit your schedule, I would pick Wharton.


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With the Haas EWMBA program, you will graduate with an MBA, just as the full-time students do. You will also have a network that includes both part-time and full-time Haas students. Both of those are not the case for the Wharton EMBA program. Additionally, the Wharton EMBA program is $60,000+ more expensive. I may be biased because I will be attending the EWMBA program next year, but this is the logic I used when picking the Berkeley EWMBA program over the Wharton EMBA program.

Sure, Wharton is 60K more expensive, but you will graduate from Wharton's EMBA program with the same MBA degree as full time students. In fact, Wharton markets its EMBA program as an undiluted MBA curriculum catered to working professionals.

I agree that Haas' EWMBA program will provide a bigger network as they accept more students (~240 at EWMBA vs ~100 at Wharton SF), but given the cohort system, your network might be restricted to your cohort as you might not have the opportunity to spend a lot of time at the school outside of class hours.

In my opinion, Haas EWMBA program provides access to same career management resources as they do for full-time students, which could be an advantage for career switchers.

Also, I think Haas' EWMBA program is more relaxed of the 2 programs, especially in years 2 and 3.

I am still torn deciding between these 2 programs as well. Are there any other important pros and cons I am missing?

Let's forget the 60k+ for a moment and let's talk only about the programs.

I think Wharton is better because:
1) higher in rankings than Haas
2) it's and Executive MBA, so reasonably your network will include professionals with a higher profile
3) it's quicker: 2 years vs. 2.5/3 years and starting in may and not in September
4) better international exposure and network

I think Haas is better because:
1) more into entrepreneurships/tech... especially if you want to stay in the bay area
2) less competitive
3) evening time is better than losing Saturdays (my preference)

Overall... I prefer Wharton...

thoughts?

I would echo everything WestCoast7 said in his prior post. I used that post as a guideline for my interview prep and was extremely well prepared for the interview. Interestingly, near the end of the interview, the admissions officer said my background would be a good fit for the EMBA program, and asked if I wanted to convert my application to EMBA. This was surprising, especially since R3 admits have already been sent out for that program. I got the sense that I would be accepted to either program based on how the interview went..

I hadn't considered EMBA before, but after doing some research I realized it's the same degree, professors, etc. as full time and part time. The main difference is it is faster (19 months) and I would only have to travel to Berkeley once every three weeks for three days instead of every single weekend (from out of state). That said, the classmates/network will be quite different (older middle managers instead of young up and comers..). Anyone have an opinion? EMBA vs EWMBA?

I would to EMBA. It's quicker and class has people higher in the career ladder... only drawback is the cost.