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17 May 2017, 11:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: A Sabbatical for Yale SOM Dean Synder |
 Edward A. Snyder, dean of the Yale School of Management, will go on a sabbatical leave beginning August 1, 2017, the school has announced. During that time he’ll continue to work on strategic projects such as the ongoing development of the Global Network for Advanced Management, but he’ll step away from day-to-day management responsibilities for the upcoming school year to pursue a research agenda. Anjani Jain, currently senior associate dean for the MBA program, will serve as acting dean. David Bach, currently senior associate dean for the executive MBA and global programs, has been promoted to deputy dean and will also take on additional responsibilities. The website Poets & Quants named Snyder as the 2015 Dean of the Year, an honor only four other business school deans have received. In the announcement, P&Q’s editor-in-chief John A Byrne, wrote, “On virtually every single metric of quality—from application volume and average class GMAT scores to MBA rankings and starting compensation for graduates—Yale SOM can boast major improvements,” with Synder at the helm. In an email to the Yale community, President Peter Salovey wrote, “I am grateful to Dean Snyder, Dean Jain, SOM’s leadership team, and the school’s faculty, students, and staff for their ongoing commitment to advance SOM’s mission and to foster innovative collaborations with our colleagues across campus. I would also like to thank the school’s large number of supporters for their role in making Yale SOM distinctively global among U.S. schools of business and management.” |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
18 May 2017, 11:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Business Master’s Programs Aren’t Replacing MBAs |
Although interest in specialized business master’s degrees continues to rise, findings from the Graduate Management Admission Council’s (GMAC) newly released 2017 Prospective Students Survey Report show that the MBA remains the predominant program formatconsidered by candidates with both prior business master’s degrees (61 percent) and non-business master’s degrees (86 percent). In fact, three in 4 prospective graduate business school candidates who hold a prior master’s degree are considering enrolling in MBA programs. “These findings demonstrate that a business master’s degree is not necessarily the end of graduates’ business education,” said Sangeet Chowfla, president and CEO of GMAC. “For many, their business master’s degree is a stepping stone to continued professional development that may include an MBA down the road, in either a full-time or part-time format.” The findings of the mba.com Prospective Students Survey Report show that globally 22 percent of prospective business school candidates have a prior master’s degree, with considerable regional variation. While 2 in 5 European candidates have a prior master’s-level credential, the same is true of just 14 percent of U.S. candidates. Growing Demand for Business Master’s Programs Fueled by growing candidate demand, non-MBA business master’s programs continue to proliferate. Globally, the percentage of candidates considering only business master’s degrees — such as Master of Finance, Master of Accounting, and Master in Management — has increased from 15 percent in 2009 to 23 percent in 2016. This rise in interest has been particularly strong among candidates from East and Southeast Asia and Western Europe, where now more than 2 in 5 candidates report considering only these program types. Non-MBA programs and MBA programs attract distinct candidate pools seeking different outcomes. Candidates considering non-MBA business master’s programs skew younger and the majority have little to no prior work experience. Compared with MBA candidates, individuals preferring business master’s programs are more interested in developing their technical skills. MBA candidates are typically older, have more years of work experience, and are more interested in developing their managerial and leadership skills. International Study Demand Remains Strong Nearly 3 in 5 prospective business school students (59 percent) intend to apply to programs outside their country of residence, up from 44 percent in 2009. Most candidates seek study opportunities outside their country of citizenship to receive a higher-quality education (63 percent of respondents), to increase their chance of securing international employment (58 percent), and to expand their international connections (51 percent). One-third (34 percent) of candidates who prefer to study outside their country of citizenship intend to seek employment in the country where they prefer to attend school. U.S. Remains Most Preferred Study Destination Though Candidate Preferences Are Shifting Consistent with past research, more than 9 in 10 U.S. candidates prefer to study domestically (96 percent). Globally, among full-time MBA candidates looking to study outside their country of citizenship, 58 percent prefer to study in the U.S., down from 61 percent in 2009. Since 2009, there has been an increase in MBA candidates preferring to study in Canada (4 percent in 2009 vs. 7 percent in 2016). There has been a similar shift in preferred study destinations among non-U.S. candidates interested in business master’s programs. In 2016, 47 percent of non-U.S. prospective students interested in business master’s programs expressed a preference for study in the U.S., down from 57 percent in 2009. Over time, a greater share of these candidates have shown interest in applying to programs in Western Europe (34 percent in 2016 vs. 30 percent in 2009), Canada (7 percent in 2016 vs. 4 percent (2009), and East and Southeast Asia (7 percent in 2016 vs. 4 percent in 2009). Immigration Policy Changes Impact International Study Choices Recent shifts in immigration policies may impact candidates’ study destination preferences in 2017. Anticipated changes in U.S. immigration policies and last year’s Brexit vote in the United Kingdom may make it more difficult for non-citizens to obtain student visas to study in those countries or to obtain work visas after graduation to seek employment, one of the main reasons for studying in those countries. Since November 2016, a growing share of international candidates say they are now less likely to pursue a graduate business degree in the U.S. due to the U.S. presidential election results. The percentage of non-U.S. citizen mba.com registrants who say they are now less likely to study in the U.S. has grown from 35 percent in November 2016 to 43 percent in April 2017. Early indications are that the British Brexit vote to leave the European Union may negatively impact international candidate demand to apply to U.K. business schools. In December 2016, among nearly 1,300 non-U.K. GMAT test takers surveyed about the Brexit vote, 45 percent indicated that the Brexit vote has made them less likely to study in the U.K. A country-level analysis reveals that Indian candidates are the most negatively influenced by the Brexit vote, with 58 percent reporting that it has made them less likely to study in the U.K. GMAC launched a second survey of non-U.K. GMAT test takers on March 29, the day the U.K. triggered Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon, which allows the U.K. to unilaterally quit the European Union. This survey closed on April 7 and showed the same percentage of candidates would be less likely to study in the U.K. Education Costs Continue to Weigh Heavily on Candidates’ Minds The predominant reservation candidates have about pursuing a graduate business education revolves around costs. Approximately half of surveyed candidates indicate that not having enough money available to pay for their education (52 percent of respondents) and potentially having to take on large debts (47 percent) may prevent them from pursuing a graduate business degree. The two most important financial aspects that candidates evaluate when deciding where to apply are total tuition costs and scholarship availability. Compared with 2009, candidates, on average, expect to cover a greater share of the cost of their education with grants, fellowships, and scholarships and a smaller share with parental support, loans, and employer assistance. Analysis in the 2017 mba.com Prospective Students Survey Report is based on survey responses provided by 11,617 individuals who registered on mba.com between February and December 2016. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
18 May 2017, 12:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Emory’s Goizueta School Announces Fall 2018 MBA Application Deadlines |
 The Goizueta Business School at Emory University has released the following MBA application deadlines for the 2017-2018 admissions season. Round 1 Application due: October 6, 2017 Decision released: December 1, 2017 Round 2* Application due: November 17, 2017 Decision released: January 26, 2018 Round 3** Application due: January 3, 2018 Decision released: March 9, 2018 (domestic and one-year international)/ March 16, 2018 (two-year international) Round 4 Application due: March 9, 2018 Decision released: rolling (one-year)/May 4, 2018 (two-year) * Preferred deadline for One-Year MBA applicants, international applicants, and applicants interested in consideration for top named scholarship. ** Final deadline for general merit-based scholarships. For more information about the Emory MBA program, please visit the Goizueta admissions website. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
19 May 2017, 08:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Darden Adds August Deadline to Future Year Admissions Program |
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The University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business has added a second deadline for its year-old Future Year Admissions Program designed for exceptional college seniors as well as students who have gone directly from college into a fifth-year master’s program. In the video below, Katherine Alford, Senior Associate Director of MBA Admissions at Darden, says that the school added an extra deadline to allow more time to interested students who might not have been able to complete the application during their hectic senior year. “So all of you seniors who thought you were going to be able to apply but got caught up with graduation, exams, finding a job—you now have three more months to study and prepare for the GMAT or GRE and pull your application together,” Alford says. With a future offer in hand, Darden believes candidates may be willing to take even greater risks in their career after college, with the added bonus of not having to tackle the business school application process while working full time. In this program, accepted candidates will complete two, three, or four years of professional work experience prior to enrolling. The final deadline for the Future Year Admissions program for the 2016-17 application cycle is August 1, 2017. Also, the application fee is waived for all eligible future year applicants. For more information, consider starting a conversation with Katherine Alford at alfordk@darden.virginia.edu. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
19 May 2017, 11:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Harvard Business School’s Fall 2018 Deadlines, Essay Question |
 Chad Losee, Harvard Business School’s director of MBA admissions and financial aid, took to his blog this week to preview the following MBA application deadlines and essay question for the 2017-18 admissions season. Round 1 Application due: September 6, 2017 Decision released: TBA Round 2 Application due: January 3, 2018 Decision released: TBA Round 3/2+2 Application due: Early April 2018 Decision released: TBA Harvard Business School strongly encourages international applicants to apply in rounds one or two to allow sufficient time for visa processing, as well as additional time to work on English fluency. All applications are due at 12 noon EST on the day of the deadline. If submitted after 12 noon, applications will be considered in the following round. Essay Question The essay question will remain the same as last year: 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? (no word count limit) In the past, the HBS admissions team has suggested that applicants watch this video about the Case Method before beginning to write. Note that there is no word limit for this question, but as always, the team stresses that the goal is not to overthink, overcraft, and overwrite. Just answer the question in clear language that anyone outside of your industry would understand. Applicants will have to answer a written reflection within 24 hours of their interview with an admissions staffer. The new application will go live in early June. For more information, please visit the HBS admissions website. Image credit: Michael A. Herzog(CC BY-ND 2.0) |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
19 May 2017, 12:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: INSEAD Fall 2018 Application Deadlines |
 The following are the INSEAD MBA application deadlines for the September 2018 intake (Class of July 2019). Round 1 Application due: September 20, 2017 Decision released: November 24, 2017 Round 2 Application due: November 29, 2017 Decision released: February 16, 2018 Round 3 Application due: January 24, 2018 Decision released: April 6, 2018 Round 4 Application due: March 7, 2018 Decision released: May 18, 2018 Competition for each of the rounds is equal, but the earlier you gain admission, the more time you have to secure financing and arrange logistics. The online application form typically opens two months before each application deadline. To be included in a specific round, applications must be complete and submitted by 23:59pm French time on the day of the deadline. For more information, please visit the INSEAD MBA admissions website. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
22 May 2017, 10:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Ready or Not, Here Comes Round 1! |
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Over the past few weeks, top MBA programs—such as Stanford, Wharton and Stern—have started announcing their Round 1 deadlines for the 2017-2018 application season. While those September and October dates might seem far away right now, we assure you that the next four months are going to go by in a flash. We can also guarantee that many of your fellow applicants are already diving into the MBA process, especially since some schools, such as Columbia and Stanford, have also confirmed their essay questions. You can expect that most programs’ full applications will be available online in the coming month or so. So how can you go about getting your head in the game when the thought of pulling together application materials doesn’t exactly seem urgent just yet? First and foremost, it’s never too early to start a list of potential recommenders. You’ll want to consider managers and co-workers who know you extremely well and can speak to both your professional achievements and personal qualities. You can also start thinking about your essay responses for schools who have released their questions . . . or for some of the more commonly asked queries, such as “What are your future career goals?” and “Why School X?”. Even if you intend to wait a few more months to begin drafting responses, letting ideas brew in the back of your mind in the meantime can only help you come up with more possibilities for compelling themes. Contemplate what makes you tick, what you’re truly passionate about, and what you honestly want to do in the future. Then consider the “whys.” Why does a certain cause speak to you? Why do you know you’d be happiest working in Field X? Why do you care so much about improving the healthcare system in your country? Here in the U.S., we’re preparing for Memorial Day weekend at the end of May, which many consider to be the unofficial start of summer. By the end of summer—Labor Day weekend in early September—you’ll be finalizing your MBA Class of 2020 materials. The best way to keep from becoming a huge ball of stress and anxiety in the process is to pace yourself, and there’s no time like the present to get going. Remember:  Until next time, The team at Stacy Blackman Consulting ***Do you want to stay on top of the application process with timely tips like these? Please subscribe to our weekly newsletter and you’ll receive our expert advice straight in your mailbox before it appears on the blog, plus special offers, promotions, discounts, invitations to events, and more. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
22 May 2017, 11:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Chicago Booth Receives $20M Gift for Social Sector Innovation |
 The University of Chicago Booth School of Business has received a $20 million gift from Tandean Rustandy to support expanded research and programming in social innovation and entrepreneurship at the newly named Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation. Rustandy’s gift comes as the center is developing an increasingly ambitious approach to research that informs best practices in organizations geared toward social impact. It will build upon successful programs such as the John Edwardson, ’72, Social New Venture Challenge, training programs for nonprofit board members, and research that advances social innovation and entrepreneurship. The Rustandy Center will advance social innovation in five areas:
“I don’t believe in companies that just exist to make a profit. A company should also serve and guide people,” says Rustandy, who is a member of the Chicago Booth Council and Booth Global Advisory Board Asia cabinet. Rustandy is the founder of Jakarta, Indonesia-based PT Arwana Citramulia Tbk, one of the best-performing ceramic tile manufacturing companies in world. His belief in a socially beneficial approach to business was the driving force behind Rustandy’s decision to support the University of Chicago and help advance the future of Chicago Booth’s social impact research and programs. Serving as a hub at the Booth School of Business for students, alumni, and faculty tackling complex social and environmental problems, the new center builds on the school’s grounding in business fundamentals, experiential learning and research-based insights. “The Rustandy Center will provide a rigorous setting for students, faculty and colleagues to confront pressing challenges through social enterprise and innovation. The generosity of Tandean Rustandy will help to expand research, training and support in this emerging area for years to come,” President Robert J. Zimmer says. The center will also work with nonprofit, for-profit and government organizations, serving as a resource for the University community as well as nonprofit leaders, social entrepreneurs and others committed to social impact. The center, previously known as Chicago Booth’s Social Enterprise Initiative, has been renamed in recognition of Rustandy’s generosity and its expanded mission. “As one of the most successful alumni of our Executive MBA Program in Asia, Tandean was able to apply his Booth MBA education to expanding his already successful business. This most generous commitment from Tandean will secure the future of Booth’s social enterprise activities,” says Doug Skinner, Chicago Booth interim dean and Eric J. Gleacher Distinguished Service Professor of Accounting. “Our students and alumni are becoming increasingly interested in using their business training to solve social problems, and the Rustandy Center will serve as the venue for all of our efforts in this area.” Because many organizations focused on solving social and environmental problems lack the necessary resources to address these issues, the Rustandy Center will assist nonprofits to recruit and train effective board members; help students and alumni pursue meaningful careers in the social sector; and share lessons from research and experts. “I’ve been blessed by God so what I have I need to give back – and I want to give to an institution that can create so much – not just for the U.S. but for all the world. That is why I want to give this gift to the University of Chicago and to Booth,” Rustandy says. Photo by Heidi Zeiger, courtesy of University of Chicago Booth School of Business |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
23 May 2017, 07:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuck School at Dartmouth Fall 2018 Application Deadlines |
 The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth has posted the following MBA application deadlines for the 2017-18 admissions season. Early Action Round Application due: October 4, 2017 Decision released: December 15, 2017 November Round Application due: November 1, 2017 Decision released: February 9, 2018 January Round Application due: January 3, 2018 Decision released: March 9, 2018 April Round Application due: April 4, 2018 Decision released: May 11, 2018 First Round Consortium Application due: October 15, 2017 Decision released: December 15, 2017 Second Round Consortium Application due: January 5, 2018 Decision released: March 9, 2018 All application materials, including letters of recommendation, are due by 5:00 p.m. EST on the day of the deadline. Stay tuned for the announcement regarding Tuck’s essay questions for the upcoming season. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
23 May 2017, 07:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: Harvard Business School Fall 2018 MBA Essay Tips |
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Harvard Business School just announced the deadlines for the class of 2020, and the essay question, which is unchanged from last year. It’s worth trying hard to hit the first round deadline when there is a lower volume of applicants and therefore more time for the admissions committee to evaluate your candidacy. You have just a few months until the September 6th deadline. The most challenging part of the HBS essay is remaining disciplined. With unlimited space to make your case, you may be tempted to compose a laundry list of everything interesting or impressive you have ever done. That urge could backfire, as the essay is used to determine who isn’t a fit for HBS as much as those who deserve the chance to move into the interview round. Maturity, accomplishment, and leadership are highly valued qualities and this essay is your chance to display those qualities through the stories you choose and the voice coming through your writing. Class of 2020 admissions 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? (no word count limit) A note on word count: HBS values brevity in essays. Do not be tempted to go overboard with a 2,000 word essay, rather focus on concise and clear writing and consider keeping this essay in the ~1,000 word range. Our clients have successfully composed essays anywhere from 500-1,300 words, though you should take a pass through your essay to cut any unnecessary words if you find yourself on the upper end of that range. Because there is no stated word count you do have the flexibility to take extra space if you are telling a compelling story that needs it. The goal of this essay is to know yourself, know HBS, and know how to match the two to demonstrate your fit for the school. Your first task should be to evaluate all of the other aspects of your candidacy – what is the story your resume tells? What do you think recommenders will say? How does your transcript communicate your skills, accomplishments and interests? Then you need to evaluate how to fill the gaps with the essay. HBS is devoted to the case method, and published a video a few years ago, which is worth watching now. The video clearly shows that diverse perspectives are valuable to the case method experience. In your essay preparations consider what diverse experience you bring. Check out the incoming class profile for some idea of what a “typical” HBS student is like. We have found that both personal and career oriented topics can work, and most candidates tell more than one story in the essay. In the past we have observed that successful HBS essays also demonstrate a core driving passion. HBS students are ambitious, motivated and never boring. As you consider possible stories to tell in this essay keep in mind that HBS has always been highly focused on leadership and really loves candidates with a track record of leadership impact and a success trajectory that indicates upper management potential and a passion for impact in both business and society. Accomplishments have traditionally been a strong focus of HBS essays, and using at least one accomplishment story in this essay may be a good strategy, particularly if your accomplishments are not obvious when reading your resume or transcripts. A note on what not to do: We see many applicants tempted to include “why HBS” type information in HBS essays. Explaining why the case method specifically is a good fit for you and your learning style is absolutely appropriate, but more detailed “why HBS” content has never been asked for in an HBS application essay question. We believe it’s more effective for you to use the space to provide detailed information about yourself and your candidacy. Looking for guidance on your HBS application? Contact us to learn more about Stacy Blackman Consulting. Image credit: Michael A. Herzog (CC BY-ND 2.0) |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
23 May 2017, 11:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: Columbia Business School Fall 2018 MBA Application Essay Tips |
 Columbia Business School has an updated application out for this year and has changed the essay questions significantly. What we have heard from the admissions committee at CBS is that authenticity is key, and they are looking for candidates who are a great fit for the program and have the academic background to handle the rigor. Columbia is a fast-paced program in a fast-paced city. The “spirit and pace of program is faster than others due to NYC. Something about being in a city that never sleeps,” explained admissions director Michael Robinson in a recent CBS webinar. Fit with Columbia therefore will be different than other MBA programs, and it’s up to you to prepare with thorough research into the school. Columbia is looking for students who have big plans for their lives, MBA or not. As Robinson said, there are “no dream schools just dreams. Live a life where you are doing big things regardless if you get into a business school.” Before you get started with this set of essays it will be helpful to brainstorm your career objectives, strengths and weaknesses, and to think about your overall future dreams. To see how current students are thinking about Columbia and their goals, check out student profiles. Columbia offers several flexible options for admission, from full-time MBA programs starting in the fall, to a January entry session and an excellent executive MBA program. Columbia also offers an early decision option for candidates who are committed to attend the school. The Columbia admissions cycle is rolling, so the earlier you submit your application the earlier you will receive feedback. We recommend you try to submit your application as soon as possible, while maintaining high quality. Stumped by the Columbia essays? Contact Stacy Blackman Consulting to learn how we can help. Goal: What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (50 characters) This is a simple question, but may require you to condense your career goals into one clear career vision statement. Rather than a generic statement like: “Work in finance” the goal is to infuse some specificity. Something like: “Work in real estate finance within a private equity firm” tells the admissions committee far more about your interests and goals. Note that the limited character count is intended to get you to the point quickly, elaboration is for the next essay. 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 asked a similar question last year, but it was open-ended in terms of timeframe of your career goals, and it focused more on how Columbia would help you achieve them. Given the changes in this essay question, this is a question about short- and long-term goals and dreams. Those who seek a top-tier MBA at a school like Columbia have big dreams. You will be exposed to people and opportunities that will expand your horizons. Think about your true passions, and make sure your goals are aspirational. As you talk about your future you may need to refer to your past career and personal experiences. As you consider what to say make sure you are citing only relevant examples from your career. Think about the experiences you can describe that were truly pivotal and can support your future goals. Your goals should have some logical progression from your past, but you can (and should!) show you plan to change and adapt. For example, perhaps you want to be a general manager of a company or division, and right now you have been working primarily in marketing. You might spend your time at Columbia learning about finance and strategy, being part of consulting projects and interning at a start-up to round out your experience and start on your general management path. Most importantly, Columbia wants to know who you are and how you are unique. Don’t try to be anyone else, instead reveal your own motivations, goals, and plans that Columbia will help you achieve. “Be Authentic. Want to admit people not packages. Don’t follow blogs and essay models,” Robinson suggested. Essay #2: The full time MBA experience includes academics, recruiting and networking. What are your personal priorities and how do you anticipate allocating your time at Columbia Business School? (250 Words) Specifics, specifics and specifics help you set yourself apart with this essay. Know yourself and know the school. As you address this question make sure your answer is tailored to your individual goals for learning and career along with your knowledge of Columbia’s academic and professional opportunities. Columbia is centered in its New York City location. The city provides unparalleled networking opportunities and sets a fast pace for the program. Research the programs and the clubs that may help you identify network with professionals and alumni. Your fellow students will be an invaluable resource for you going forward in your career – both network and sometimes support group. How will you build relationships during your school years? Academics at Columbia include an incredible portfolio of adjunct professors from industry. You should consider the industry you plan to enter, and either the important adjunct professors from that industry at Columbia or the access to major companies from that industry in New York City. Recruiting will be a similar story, as a significant number of major companies are headquartered in New York. How will you use that level of day-to-day access to target companies? A mix of personal and professional interests may be covered in this topic, and you may want to emphasize either one of those angles depending on the answers you present to the other core questions. The admissions team will be asking themselves, “Will the person excel in our academics and will they be an important factor in our community?”. Essay #3: Please select and answer one of the following essay questions (250 words): a. Please tell us what you feel most passionate about in life. b. If you were given a free day and could spend it anywhere, in any way you choose, what would you do? Both of these essay questions focus on your personal passions and what matters most to you. Go beyond generic ideas that may be common across all people (e.g., love for friends and family) and get into the parts of your life that differ from those around you. Did you grow up in unique circumstances? Did you cultivate an unusual hobby or interest? Sometimes the people around you know best – ask your best friend and a sibling what is special about you. Once you identify a topic for this essay you need to fit your answer into only 250 words. Option B is fairly contained and the structure can help you focus on just one story, relationship, or event. In Option A, make sure you can offer an illustrative example to support what you are most passionate about. Showing instead of stating your passions will be most effective for the reader. Optional Essay: Is there any further information that you wish to provide the Admissions Committee? If so, please use this space to provide an explanation of any areas of concern in your academic record or your personal history. You may submit bullet points. (500 words) The optional essay in prior years was more open-ended, while this year Columbia is asking only for areas of concern. We recommend keeping this essay brief and only focusing on specific areas such as a low demonstrated quantitative abilities, lack of a recommendation from a current supervisor, gaps in work experience, or particularly low grades. It is best to explain the issue factually and succinctly, then explain how you have addressed the issue and why it should not concern the admissions committee in terms of your aptitude for the program and studies. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
24 May 2017, 10:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Don’t Make These 10 Mistakes if You Need to Reapply Next Season |
 Rejection from business school doesn’t have to mean the end of your MBA aspirations. Every year rejected applicants reapply to MBA programs, and many of them get accepted the second time. Think of the entire MBA application process as a learning experience in and of itself. Applicants should contemplate what they would do differently now based on knowing the process—and themselves—better this time around. If things didn’t work out as you’d hoped last season and you find yourself making another go of it, be sure to avoid these common mistakes when you reapply. 1. Don’t settle for a mediocre GMAT or GRE test score if you have time to improve it. If your test scores didn’t fall within the 80 percent range at your target schools, you need to either bring up your score or think twice about reapplying to those same programs. If it’s a simple case of not preparing enough, then use this time to ramp up your studying, take a class, or hire a tutor who can help maximize your efforts and teach you the best methods for answering the various question types. 2. Don’t overlook opportunities to receive feedback on your application from the admissions team. Find out the feedback policy of your target schools and get in touch with the admissions office right away to let them know that you plan to use the feedback toreapply next year. If you questioned anything during the application process, use this brief but valuable time to gather any actionable intel you can. That said, don’t spend a lot of time stressing over elements of your application that you can’t change in less than 12 months. Instead, use the feedback from the admissions committee and your own honest self-analysis to determine where you can improve in order to better position your application for the next admissions cycle. 3. Don’t forget to show specific areas of change or improvement, especially if you plan to apply to the same school(s) again. Many business schools welcome re-applicants who demonstrate they’ve made a sincere effort to improve upon their previous application and strengthen their candidacy. Re-applicants need to sit down with their applications and go through each section to determine where they need improvement. You want to show how much you’ve accomplished since your application last crossed the admissions desk. Perhaps you can brush up on your quantitative skills by taking additional classes in financial accounting, statistics and microeconomics; report a stronger GMAT score; gain more leadership experience; or more clearly demonstrate how your target program will help you achieve your specific career goals. 4. Don’t keep applying to the same set of schools if you’ve already been rejected more than once. In my experience, applicants usually know, deep down, what is right for them even if the school provides no feedback. No one should apply more than twice to the same school. It’s time to reassess your strengths and realign your expectations with programs that fit better with your profile. Although you may have your heart set on a top-tier school, in reality, a program in the top 20 or beyond may help you achieve your professional goals just as well. Throwing other schools into the mix is one way to avoid a dead end. 5. Don’t underestimate the importance of interview preparation. You’re only human, and during your initial MBA interviews you may have gotten nervous and you might have somehow messed up. While you’ll never know for sure if you tanked the interview the first time around, the best way to prevail next time is through prep, prep, and more prep. Come ready to discuss things you haven’t shared in your application, and armed with insightful questions that show you’ve thoroughly researched the program and that you really want to be there. The interaction in an MBA interview speaks volumes about what kind of teammate you will be when you’re in the program, so make sure the right message is coming across loud and clear. 6. Don’t forget to connect the dots from your background, to an MBA, to your future professional goals. Applicants often fail to explain clearly to the admissions committee why they need the MBA, thinking that it’s obvious based on their experience or career aspirations. Make sure to clearly detail what you still need to learn and what experience you must gain in order to reach your career goals, and why X business school is the best place to do so. Talk about any unique programs that are related to your area of interest, or how the community will support your plans, and mention how specific clubs or classes will help you reach those career goals. Don’t be afraid to point out what gaps you have and exactly how an MBA can help. 7. Don’t recycle your previous MBA essays. This one seems obvious, but according to numerous admissions officers, it happens every season and more times than they can count. At best, you’re not answering the precise question the school is asking, and at worst, you risk accidentally leaving in the name of another school and receiving an automatic rejection. Even if the essay prompt hasn’t changed, you likely have. Consider trying a new approach to answering the question now that you have another year of life experiences under your belt. Some schools keep your previous application in your file, so whatever you submit should demonstrate a fresh approach and show how you’ve grown academically and/or professionally. 8. Don’t panic and apply to too many schools. It’s tempting to pile on more schools to your target list as a way to hedge your bets and increase your chances of admission the second time around. While adding a few additional schools, or replacing some on your existing list, is wise, overextending yourself by applying to more than six schools seldom pays off. There’s a diminishing return on investment once you spread yourself too thin. Applying yourself to produce the absolute best four or five applications is a smarter strategy. 9. Don’t leave recommenders in the dark about what constitutes an awesome recommendation letter. You shouldn’t assume recommenders are familiar with the application timeline, online submission process, or how to discuss your work. Create a recommender package for them that contains instructions on the process, a reminder list of your strengths with on-the-job examples, as well as a growth area you’re working on, and a summary of your career goals that the recommender can use as a reference. When it comes to your recommenders, think about whether seeking out different or additional people from the last application will re-enforce your more recent accomplishments. Choose people who like you, care about your success, and who think you’re good at what you do. If a past reference seemed less than enthusiastic in any way, don’t use him or her next time. That person’s ambivalence likely came through in the letter they submitted. 10. Don’t try to be “Joe MBA” –playing it safe by doing what “everyone else” does. If you tailor your essays in an attempt to make yourself into the so-called perfect MBA applicant, you’ve totally missed the point of the essay in the first place. The goal is to show what an introspective and interesting candidate you are. While many applicants have similar credentials, the beauty of the MBA application process is that it allows candidates a chance for self-reflection, and to discover that they are more unique than they first imagine. So be yourself, and write in a way that allows the admissions team to genuinely get to know you. Finally, re-applicants should turn in their revised applications no later than the first round, when admissions committees are just beginning to assemble the next incoming class. Applicants have to accept that a small part of the application process has to do with timing and luck. The composition of the class matters, too. The truth is that only the admissions committees know what they’re looking for. Re-applicants often fare better than first-time candidates, but they still might not make the cut. Resilience is key, and reapplying—even if not successful—will still help you grow as a person. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
26 May 2017, 10:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Michigan Ross Retools Fall 2018 MBA Essay Questions |
 The University of Michigan Ross School of Business has introduced a new MBA essay format for the 2017-18 admissions season. The reason for the update? As admissions director Soojin Kwon explains, “We want to get to know more about you than we would in a traditional essay where you’d talk at length about one topic. You’ll get to share different sides of yourself that will be relevant to your experience during business school.” Part 1: Short Answer Questions Select one prompt from each group. Respond to your selected prompts using 100 words or fewer (<100 words each; 300 words total). Group 1
Part 2: Essay Please share your short-term and long-term career goals. What skills/strengths do you have that will be relevant to your career goals? How will Ross prepare you for your goals? (300 words) Kwon says: In previous years, some applicants wrote about their long-term career goals. Others wrote about their immediate plans after B-school. We want to learn about both. So, we thought we’d ask you to spell it out. In the second part of the career goal essay (re: skills/strengths) you don’t have to show that you have the experience needed to pursue a particular career goal. We want to know that you understand the skills that are important for your desired career. Recruiters assess whether you’re able to bring relevant skills/strengths to the table, so we do the same. Some of the skills and knowledge you’ll need will be developed during your time in the MBA program, but students are more successful in their career search if they understand the skills required to succeed in their chosen field. The final part of the question allows you to demonstrate your research on Ross and the experiences, knowledge, and skills you’ll develop here. We want to know how you see Ross helping you achieve your goals. Optional Statement This section should only be used to convey information not addressed elsewhere in your application, for example, completion of supplemental coursework, employment gaps, academic issues, etc. Feel free to use bullet points where appropriate. For more information about the Ross MBA program, please visit the admissions website. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
26 May 2017, 10:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Michigan Ross Fall 2018 MBA Application Deadlines |
 The Ross School of Business at University of Michigan has posted the following MBA application deadlines for the 2017-18 admissions season. Round 1 Application due: October 2, 2017 Decision released: December 15, 2017 Round 2 Application due: January 2, 2018 Decision released: March 15, 2018 Round 3 Application due: March 19, 2018 Decision released: May 11, 2018 All applications are due by 11:59 EST on the day of the deadline in order to be considered within that round. Michigan Ross also encourages international students apply in Round 1 or Round 2 because of visa requirements and to ensure consideration for scholarships. For more information, please visit the Ross MBA admissions website. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
29 May 2017, 11:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Light on Extracurriculars? Take Action Now |
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If you’re applying to business schools in Round 1, the process of pulling your materials together will consume much of your life in the coming months. Of particular focus will be planning how to best position yourself. If you’ve taken on leadership roles in volunteer organizations or have actively engaged with a nonprofit you’re passionate about, you’ll want to be sure you play up that angle in your materials. But what if you’ve done nothing on that front? No volunteering, no extracurricular involvement—nada. Is your candidacy doomed? No. Admissions committees understand that it’s extremely hard for some people to have meaningful involvement in an organization outside of work. This is often the case for those whose jobs constantly keep them on the road, or whose typical workday doesn’t even afford them the opportunity for a full night’s sleep. So the good news is that we have certainly seen compelling candidates be accepted to top programs even though they lack post-college extracurriculars. However, if you weren’t involved in anything outside of class when you were an undergraduate, either, that might be a red flag. The MBA experience is about leveraging all facets of your life—not just what you’ve achieved on the job—to help your classmates learn. So if you have no volunteer work or extracurricular activities to talk about, brainstorm what other relevant things you could share with fellow students in class. Think along the lines of travel or cultural experiences, or even a family situation. What else are you passionate about besides your job, and how has that passion manifested itself? While it could look disingenuous to join a bunch of volunteer organizations in the months leading up to Round 1 deadlines, you could always see if your employer has any community-focused committees or sponsors any local events that you could get involved with in the near future. Admissions committees are looking for well-rounded people. Remember:  Until next time, The team at Stacy Blackman Consulting ***Do you want to stay on top of the application process with timely tips like these? Please subscribe to our weekly newsletter and you’ll receive our expert advice straight in your mailbox before it appears on the blog, plus special offers, promotions, discounts, invitations to events, and more. Did you know SBC is on Instagram? Follow @StacyBlackmanConsulting for tips and inspirational quotes that will motivate you during the application process. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
29 May 2017, 12:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Cambridge Judge Fall 2018 Application Deadlines |
 The Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge has announced the following MBA application deadlines for the 2017-18 admissions cycle. Round 1 Deadline: September 8, 2017 Round 2 Deadline: October 27, 2017 Round 3 Deadline: January 5, 2018 Round 4 Deadline: March 9, 2018 Round 5 Deadline: May 4, 2018 At the moment the Cambridge MBA admissions team has yet to post decision dates for the upcoming application season. We’ll update with more information as it becomes available. Meanwhile, please visit the Judge Business School admissions website for more details. The application for Fall 2018 entry will open on July 1. Candidates should submit their application by 17:00 GMT on the day of their chosen deadline. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
29 May 2017, 12:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Judge Business School Fall 2018 MBA Essays |
 The University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School has previewed the following MBA essay questions for the 2017-18 application for admission. Career Objectives Please provide a personal statement. It should not exceed 500 words and must include the following:
What did you learn from your most spectacular failure? (200 words max.) Required Essay Two Describe a situation where you had to work jointly with others to achieve a common goal. What did you learn from the experience? (up to 200 words) The application for Fall 2018 entry will open on July. Please visit the Judge Business School admissions website for more details. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
30 May 2017, 04:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: The Bigger Picture: Beginnings Are Hard |
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Last week my husband and I took a tennis lesson together. The teacher watched me hit a few balls (with a racket borrowed from him) and then informed me that I needed to completely adjust my form. Tilt the racket up, grip the racket low, pivot back on my left foot, point ahead with my left arm, watch the ball and follow all the way through. As I awkwardly and mechanically flubbed swing after swing, I decided that this tennis thing wasn’t as fun as I had expected. The clumsy reality of the lesson did not match my vision of the two of us successfully rallying on a beautiful sunny day, working up a light sweat and then breaking for lunch. However, I couldn’t quit mid-lesson, so I reluctantly persevered through the hour. By the end, I had made some progress and we scheduled a second lesson. This experience reminded me of what many of us know but often find hard to truly understand. Beginnings are hard. When it comes to tennis, I know that if I practice over and over, I will improve. After enough lessons, I will one day enjoy a recreational game. With tennis, it’s a clear path: Sign up for lessons, hit ball over and over and over and over (or in my case, miss ball) gradually improve and sustain a rally. I doubt that I will need to come up with a new strategy for this endeavor. And yet even with tennis, in the middle of that lesson, as the teacher corrected my form swing after swing, I thought to myself that I would never get the hang of it. I just wanted to sit down on the court and have some sort of tantrum, like this, (compliments of the film The Royal Tenenbaums):  Starting a company is a whole different endeavor. The way forward is unclear, and it varies for every business. The challenge is not just doing it; it’s knowing what to do. In the early days of SBC, my husband gave me a little annex room in his office… I sat there all day and worked in silence, alone and…nothing. Nobody called. Nobody emailed. I was overwhelmed by feelings of self-doubt and self-pity. I remember telling (more like whimpering to) my husband, “I sat there all week, working day in and day out, researching schools, creating materials, trying to get the word out…and nothing happened! Not one single person wanted to talk to me. What am I doing? Will anyone ever call? In the huge Internet world, how will anyone learn about me?” I’m still not sure what made me keep going, as I experimented with different approaches and hit many dead ends. I suppose it came down to truly believing in the service and I knowing I could help people achieve their goals. So, I persevered despite many lonely days and many stumbles. Ultimately, SBC is here today, 16 years after my very first client because I made it through the beginning. It was ugly and messy and very un-glamorous, but I kept going. Most people don’t make it through the beginning. 95% of bloggers just abandon their blogs. They stop because the reality does not match the fantasy, and it’s no longer fun. It’s harder than they expected and they are not quite sure how to proceed. Make sure you keep going through the murky, confusing beginning. Beginnings are hard, but if you can be one of the very few that perseveres, you have a chance at something great. *** Are there times that you have struggled at the beginning? Are you launching something now that feels especially challenging? I’d love to hear what types of projects you are taking on and if the beginning has been tough. How have you gotten through? |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
30 May 2017, 10:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: UCLA Anderson Fall 2018 Application Deadlines |
 The UCLA Anderson School of Management has posted the following MBA application deadlines for the 2017-18 admissions cycle. Round 1 Application due: October 6, 2017 Decision released: December 15, 2017 Round 2 Application due: January 5, 2018 Decision released: March 29, 2018 Round 3 Application due: April 12, 2018 Decision released: May 24, 2018 Applicants must submit their application by 11:59 PM Pacific Time on the day of the deadline in order to be considered for that round. The online application will be available starting August 1, 2017. For more information, check out the Anderson MBA admissions website. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
30 May 2017, 10:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: UCLA Anderson Fall 2018 MBA Essay |
 The UCLA Anderson School of Management has posted the required essay question—unchanged from last season—for the 2017-18 admissions cycle. First-Time Applicants (Required Essay): We believe that the best results are achieved when you share success, think fearlessly and drive change. With this in mind, what are your goals at UCLA Anderson and in your short-term and long-term career? (750 words maximum) Optional Essay: The following essay is optional. No preference is given in the evaluation process to applicants who submit an optional essay. Please note that we only accept written essays. Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions Committee should be aware? Please use your best judgment. (250 words maximum) Re-Applicant Essay: Re-applicants who applied for the MBA program starting in 2016 or 2017 are required to complete the following essay: Please describe your career progress since you last applied and ways in which you have enhanced your candidacy. Include updates on short-term and long-term career goals, as well as your continued interest in UCLA Anderson. (750 words maximum) Please note: Your essays are the primary way for you to share your perspectives and plans with the admissions committee. The best essays are introspective, genuine and succinct in directly answering our questions and responding to our topics. **** The online application will be available starting August 1, 2017. For more information about applying, please visit the UCLA Anderson MBA admissions website. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
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