Last visit was: 06 Oct 2024, 03:06 It is currently 06 Oct 2024, 03:06
Decision Tracker
My Rewards
Unanswered
Active Topics
New posts
New comers' posts
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel

Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog

SORT BY:
Date
Kudos
   1  ...  80   81   82   83   84  ...  139   
User avatar
StacyBlackman
Stacy Blackman Consulting Representative
Joined: 03 Nov 2010
Posts: 2630
Own Kudos [?]: 175 [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Send PM
Tepper MBA Essays for 2019-2020 [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   29 Jul 2019, 11:01
Expert Reply
FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tepper MBA Essays for 2019-2020

Are you interested in the MBA program at Carnegie Mellon University’sTepper School of Business? Then check out these Tepper MBA essays for the 2019-2020 admissions season!

Tepper MBA Essays for 2019-2020
Required Essay
At Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School, we love to tell our story. Below is your chance to tell yours. Please select only ONE of the options below to complete the essay requirement (maximum 300–350 words).
Option #1: Carnegie Mellon University is an institution that never stops looking and moving ahead, pioneering the next way forward with technology, business, and research to answer questions big and small. Personally or professionally, in what way have you been a pioneer?

Option #2: Amidst the ambiguous and unchartered nature of change, Carnegie Mellon University students and alumni rise above to envision and create. Discuss how you have anticipated change in your professional life. In what ways did you effectively collaborate to create your desired outcome?

Option #3: At Carnegie Mellon University, our difference is what we imagine for the world and how we answer its challenges. What impact have you had on the world around you?

Optional Essay
There also is an optional essay for additional information about your candidacy that you may wish to share with the admissions committee.

Use this essay to convey important information that you may not have otherwise been able to convey. This may include unexplained resume gaps, context for recommender selection, etc.

If you are a re-applicant, explain how your candidacy has strengthened since your last application.

***

If you need guidance with your Tepper MBA essays, don’t hesitate to contact us! For more information about applying to CMU Tepper, please visit the Tepper MBA admissions website.

The post Tepper MBA Essays for 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
StacyBlackman
Stacy Blackman Consulting Representative
Joined: 03 Nov 2010
Posts: 2630
Own Kudos [?]: 175 [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Send PM
Georgetown MBA Deadlines for 2019-2020 [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   29 Jul 2019, 18:01
Expert Reply
FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Georgetown MBA Deadlines for 2019-2020

Are you interested in Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business? Then get out your calendar, because the Georgetown MBA deadlines for the 2019-2020 admissions season have been announced!

Georgetown MBA Deadlines 2019-2020
Round 1
Application due: September 30, 2019

Decision released: December 13, 2019

Round 2*
Application due: January 6, 2020

Decision released: March 19, 2020

Round 3
Application due: March 24, 2020

Decision released: May 1, 2020

Round 4
Application due: April 27, 2020

Decision released: May 27, 2020

*Priority scholarship consideration deadline for all applicants. International students are also encouraged to apply by this round to allow sufficient time to secure a student visa.

All applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on the deadline day.

***

The 2019-2020 application is now open. For more information on applying, please visit the Georgetown MBA admissions website. If you need guidance on your Georgetown MBA application, or wish to discuss your MBA plans, reach out for a complimentary analysis of your candidacy. We’re here to help!

The post Georgetown MBA Deadlines for 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
StacyBlackman
Stacy Blackman Consulting Representative
Joined: 03 Nov 2010
Posts: 2630
Own Kudos [?]: 175 [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Send PM
Georgetown MBA Essays for 2019-2020 [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   29 Jul 2019, 18:01
Expert Reply
FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Georgetown MBA Essays for 2019-2020

Is the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University on your short list of target MBA programs? Then get ready, because the Georgetown MBA essays have been confirmed for the 2019-2020 admissions cycle.

Georgetown MBA Essays 2019-2020
Notes from the school:
We want to hear your story. When responding to our required essays, be authentic and take time to reflect on your goals and past experiences. Craft a response that explains how these experiences led you to pursue an MBA.

Our goal at Georgetown McDonough is to craft a diverse class with people who have had varying personal and professional life experiences. As such, we want to give our applicants the opportunity to select one essay (from a list of three) that allows them the ability to best highlight their experiences, characteristics, and values that showcase the value proposition that they can bring to the McDonough community. Please select one of the following three essays to complete in 500 words or less and include the essay prompt and your first/last name at the top of your submission.

Essay Option One
 It can be said that life begins outside your comfort zone. Describe a situation when you were asked to lead outside of your comfort zone. What leadership characteristics did you exemplify in this situation that allowed you to succeed?

Essay Option Two
“Failure is not something to be ashamed of, it’s something to be POWERED by. Failure is the high-octane fuel your life can run on. You’ve got to learn to make failure your fuel.” -Abby Wambach.

Describe a situation when failure has been your fuel. What was your failure (or when did you not succeed to your full potential), and how did you use this as motivation to move forward and be successful in a future situation?

Essay Option Three 
Think of the business leader or role model you admire or aspire to be. What are the defining characteristics of their personal brand that you see in yourself, why would you highlight those qualities, and how will those characteristics enrich the community at McDonough?

Video Essay
We ask that you introduce yourself to your cohort in one minute or less. The Admissions Committee would like for you to appear in person during part of your video, and we strongly encourage you to speak outside of the experiences we can read on your resume. Use this video as an opportunity to bring life to your application. For more instructions, view our Video Essay Guide.

  • You may use your phone, computer, or other means to record the video, but please ensure all audio and visual components are clear. We recommend a well-lit room and minimal noise distraction.
  • Upload your video to an accessible website (such as Youtube, Vimeo, Youku, or Tudou), and submit the direct video URL into your online application.
  • Please note that all videos must remain active and accessible to the admissions committee online for a minimum of five years for record retention purposes.
  • For your privacy: Do not include your name in the title of your video. You may submit “unlisted” videos via Youtube or password protected videos through Vimeo. If using a password, please include immediately after your link in the text box below. [Ex: www.youtube.com/123, password: Hoyas]
Optional Essay
Please provide any information you would like to add to your application that you have not otherwise included. (500 words or fewer)

Re-Applicant Essay
Required for re-applicants. How have you strengthened your candidacy since your last application? We are particularly interested in hearing about how you have grown professionally and personally. (500 words or fewer)

***

The 2019-2020 application is now open. For more information on applying, please visit the Georgetown MBA admissions website. If you need guidance on your Georgetown MBA essays, or wish to discuss your MBA plans, reach out for a complimentary analysis of your candidacy. We’re here to help!

The post Georgetown MBA Essays for 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
StacyBlackman
Stacy Blackman Consulting Representative
Joined: 03 Nov 2010
Posts: 2630
Own Kudos [?]: 175 [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Send PM
UCLA MBA Deadlines for 2019-2020 [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   29 Jul 2019, 19:01
Expert Reply
FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: UCLA MBA Deadlines for 2019-2020

Are you interested in earning an MBA at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management? Then get out your calendar, because the UCLA MBA deadlines for the 2019-2020 admissions season have been announced!

UCLA MBA Deadlines 2019-2020
Round 1
Application due: October 2, 2019

Decision released: December 18, 2019

Round 2
Application due: January 8, 2020

Decision released: March 26, 2020

Round 3
Application due: April 16, 2020

Decision released: May 21, 2020

The 2019-2020 application goes live on August 1. For more information on applying, please visit the UCLA Anderson MBA admissions website. If you need guidance on your UCLA MBA application, or wish to discuss your MBA plans, reach out for a complimentary analysis of your candidacy. We’re here to help!

The post UCLA MBA Deadlines for 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
StacyBlackman
Stacy Blackman Consulting Representative
Joined: 03 Nov 2010
Posts: 2630
Own Kudos [?]: 175 [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Send PM
UCLA MBA Application Essays for 2019-2020 [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   29 Jul 2019, 19:01
Expert Reply
FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: UCLA MBA Application Essays for 2019-2020

If the UCLA Anderson School of Management is on your shortlist of target MBA programs, the wait to apply is almost over. The application goes live on August 1st, but you can check out the UCLA MBA application essays for the 2019-2020 season right now.

For the 2019–2020 application year, first-time applicants must respond to the short answer questions (2) and one essay question. Reapplicants are required to respond to the reapplicant essay question.

UCLA MBA Application Essays for 2019-2020
New Applicants
a) Tell us about your MBA goals AND why you are applying to UCLA Anderson now:

  • Describe your short term and long term goals (150 words maximum)
  • Why is UCLA Anderson a good school for you? (150 words maximum)
b) At Anderson, we believe our students are engaged, courageous, humble, and open. Describe a time when you demonstrated one of these traits in your personal life. (250 words maximum)

c) Optional: Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions committee should be aware. (250 words maximum)

Reapplicants
(For applicants who applied for the MBA program in the previous two application years. If you applied three years or more prior, please answer the “New Applicant” questions.)

a) Please describe your career progress since you last applied and how you have enhanced your candidacy. Include information on short-term and long-term career goals, as well as your continued interest in UCLA Anderson. (500 words maximum)

b) Optional: Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions Committee should be aware? Please use your best judgment. (250 words maximum)

***

For more information on applying, please visit the UCLA Anderson MBA admissions website. If you need guidance on your UCLA MBA application, or wish to discuss your MBA plans, reach out for a complimentary analysis of your candidacy. We’re here to help!

The post UCLA MBA Application Essays for 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
StacyBlackman
Stacy Blackman Consulting Representative
Joined: 03 Nov 2010
Posts: 2630
Own Kudos [?]: 175 [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Send PM
Tuesday Tips: INSEAD MBA Essays and Tips 2019-2020 [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   30 Jul 2019, 06:01
Expert Reply
FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: INSEAD MBA Essays and Tips 2019-2020

“The business school for the world,” INSEAD MBA, is a top ranked program. INSEAD MBA attracts a diverse and international group of students. The INSEAD MBA program is only 12-months and provides multiple campuses and practical business experience.

Also, INSEAD MBA has an active exchange program with Wharton in the US and campuses in France, Abu Dhabi and Singapore. As a result, INSEAD provides further options for student experiences.

The INSEAD MBA admissions team advises all applications to be original, focus on the details, and be specific about work experience. Visit the INSEAD MBA website for more essay tips. And for more research on INSEAD, see the INSEAD admissions overview for detailed information on INSEAD.

Contact Stacy Blackman Consulting for more help with your INSEAD application, and a free evaluation of your candidacy.

Job Description Essays
The job questions are not essays. Hence, the number of words is not so important. People need to be comfortable writing 3 lines or 20. Some applicants work for companies that are well known and only 3 lines are sufficient to describe them; others work for small companies where it is more important to give the full picture.
All of the job essays are short answer, and INSEAD advises they can be answered in as little as one line. Or, they can be answered in as much as twenty lines. You could think of the entire set of essays as one narrative. First, you start with your current job, then discuss what you would do next in your role. Then, discuss your background. Finally, end with a brief explanation of your goals and where an MBA fits.

Make sure you are efficient with your space and answer the questions directly. INSEAD MBA admissions is not looking for extensive explanation. There is no need for background beyond the questions answered.

Essay 1
Briefly summarise your current (or most recent) job, including the nature of work, major responsibilities, and where relevant, employees under your supervision, size of budget, clients/products and results achieved. (short answer)
This question focuses on your current (or most recent) work situation. Providing relevant context for your current role is appropriate. However, make sure you are devoting most of the space to describing the details of your day-to-day responsibilities. If you have less experience supervising others or managing a budget, use the space for key responsibilities and results.

Essay 2
What would be your next step in terms of position if you were to remain in the same company? (short answer)
If your boss has already talked to you about the next step this is an easy question to answer. If you have not explicitly discussed promotion at work, what would be the next role you would ideally pursue?

Maybe you are pursuing an MBA because you want to make a career change or because the next step at your current company is undesirable for other reasons. If so, this may be a place to describe what that next step would be. Also, consider why you do not wish to pursue that next step.

Essay 3
Please give a full description of your career since graduating from university. Describe your career path with the rationale behind your choices. (short answer)
Even if you have a fairly straightforward career path you can take the opportunity to comment on some of the learnings from each position. Use those learnings to create the story of your past, present and future plans to build your career narrative. This should be a short answer like the others. As a result, you should focus only on the moves you have made in your career and the reasons behind them.

Essay 4
Discuss your short and long term career aspirations with or without an MBA from INSEAD. (short answer)
Typically, a top-tier program like INSEAD is an accelerator for your career. The INSEAD MBA program can introduce you to a broader network than you would otherwise have. INSEAD will expand your skillset into new functional areas, and expose you to people from around the world.

Think about how you plan to use your INSEAD MBA to advance your current career (or change paths entirely). If you did not attend INSEAD, how would you achieve your goals otherwise? Think of this short answer essay as a thought experiment to show that you can plan two routes to one goal.

Optional
If you are currently not working or if you plan to leave your current employer more than 2 months before the programme starts, please explain your activities and occupations between leaving your job and the start of the programme.
If you are not employed at the moment, you will want to answer this question. Use the space to show how you are spending your time without full-time employment. Ideally, you are currently involved in an activity that is going to further your career. If not, you are pursuing personal goals at this time. The best answer shows you are self-motivated and do not need paid work to continue developing yourself.

For example, perhaps you are volunteering in a non-profit that is related to your career goals. Maybe you are working with a friend on a start-up. Or you are consulting and building contacts in your industry.

Maybe you are out of work only briefly, or planning to take just a few months off before school starts. If so, it’s reasonable to pursue travel or other activities. Focus on areas that develop your international awareness and perspective. However, make sure that your activities can tie back to your long-term goals.



Motivation Essays
Essay 1
Give a candid description of yourself (who are you as a person), stressing the personal characteristics you feel to be your strengths and weaknesses and the main factors which have influenced your personal development, giving examples when necessary. (approximately 500 words)
Strengths and weaknesses are a common topic for MBA applications. The purpose of a question about strengths and weaknesses is to evaluate your level of maturity and self-awareness. This is an opportunity to highlight leadership, teamwork or other qualities that will drive your future career success.

Examples aren’t explicitly required, but consider that INSEAD MBA admissions is reading a lot of essays. Concrete examples can help you stand out. When describing weaknesses, focus on those weaknesses that you have taken tangible steps to fix. Or, that have been a route to learning more about yourself. Often strengths and weaknesses are two sides of the same coin. Sometimes you can tie your key weaknesses to your key strengths.

It is difficult to write about weaknesses without sounding either overly self-deprecating, or as if you are humble-bragging. Therefore, this is an important essay to share with others to seek feedback on tone.

Essay 2
Describe the achievement of which you are most proud and explain why. In addition, describe a situation where you failed. How did these experiences impact your relationships with others? Comment on what you learned. (approximately 400 words)
This essay is an opportunity to showcase one of your most important achievements. Impressive achievements that stand on their own are great fuel for this essay. It is equally important to explain why these accomplishments are valuable to you. If you concisely explain the accomplishment, then provide the background for your personal pride.

The flip side of achievement is failure, and INSEAD wants to understand how you view both. When approaching any failure essay it’s important to use a real failure that has emotional resonance for you. An accomplishment framed as a failure will be easy to see through. Use a real failure to demonstrate your maturity and ability to grow. If you can explain how you changed as a result of the failure, that is excellent.

The third part of the essay deals with how these experiences impacted your relationships and what you learned. Whether you were part of a team or the main impact was on a loved one, this part of the essay is about how other people felt.

Most obviously, a success likely led to happiness from a team or a manager, while a failure was disappointing. However, your particular achievement or failure could have led to a learning experience for your team. Or, an opportunity opened up for someone else. Possibly it was a chance for you to be closer to another person through a team challenge. Think creatively about this aspect.

Essay 3
Describe all types of extra-professional activities in which you have been or are still involved for a significant amount of time (clubs, sports, music, arts, politics, etc). How are you enriched by these activities? (approximately 300 words)
Nothing is more personal than what you choose to do outside of school or work. What are the most meaningful pursuits you have spent your time on? You should both describe the main interests you have outside of your professional pursuits and explain why they are meaningful to you and why you spend time on them.

Ideally, you can also explain how you will continue your involvement while at INSEAD and cite some specific clubs or groups where you see your interests contributing to the community.

Optional
Is there anything else that was not covered in your application that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee? (approximately 300 words)
This essay is 300 words you can use for anything you would like to cover. Think of topics that couldn’t work into the rest of your application. Because INSEAD MBA’s questions are thorough you may have covered all aspects of your candidacy. Also, make sure you covered personal qualities also. If you did cover everything, you can feel comfortable skipping this question (it IS optional).

However, this might be a good place to describe an interesting hobby or key accomplishment. If so, it may be appropriate to tell that story in this essay.

It is far better to fully explain any issues in your application. You do not want to leave the INSEAD MBA admissions committee to guess what happened. If you have any issues like a low GPA or a failing grade in college, this is the place to cover it. Explain your issue clearly and focus most of the essay on the correction for the issue.

For example, if you had a disciplinary issue in college. First, spend most of the essay demonstrating that you learned from the experience. Then, show you have been an ideal citizen ever since. Finally, avoid blame, and show that this incident is in your past and will stay there.

The post Tuesday Tips: INSEAD MBA Essays and Tips 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
StacyBlackman
Stacy Blackman Consulting Representative
Joined: 03 Nov 2010
Posts: 2630
Own Kudos [?]: 175 [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Send PM
Tuesday Tips: INSEAD MBA Essays and Tips for 2019-2020 [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   30 Jul 2019, 09:01
Expert Reply
FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: INSEAD MBA Essays and Tips for 2019-2020

INSEAD, “the business school for the world,” is a top ranked program. The INSEAD MBA attracts a diverse and international group of students. The INSEAD MBA program is only 12-months and provides multiple campuses and practical business experience.

Also, INSEAD MBA has an active exchange program with Wharton in the US and campuses in France, Abu Dhabi and Singapore. As a result, INSEAD provides further options for student experiences.

The INSEAD MBA admissions team advises all applications to be original, focus on the details, and be specific about work experience. Visit the INSEAD MBA website for more essay tips. And for more research on INSEAD, see the INSEAD admissions overview for detailed information on INSEAD.

Contact Stacy Blackman Consulting for more help with your INSEAD application, and a free evaluation of your candidacy.

Job Description Essays
The job questions are not essays. Hence, the number of words is not so important. People need to be comfortable writing 3 lines or 20. Some applicants work for companies that are well known and only 3 lines are sufficient to describe them; others work for small companies where it is more important to give the full picture.
All of the job essays are short answer, and INSEAD advises they can be answered in as little as one line. Or, they can be answered in as much as twenty lines. You could think of the entire set of essays as one narrative. First, you start with your current job, then discuss what you would do next in your role. Then, discuss your background. Finally, end with a brief explanation of your goals and where an MBA fits.

Make sure you are efficient with your space and answer the questions directly. INSEAD MBA admissions is not looking for extensive explanation. There is no need for background beyond the questions answered.

Essay 1
Briefly summarise your current (or most recent) job, including the nature of work, major responsibilities, and where relevant, employees under your supervision, size of budget, clients/products and results achieved. (short answer)
This question focuses on your current (or most recent) work situation. Providing relevant context for your current role is appropriate. However, make sure you are devoting most of the space to describing the details of your day-to-day responsibilities. If you have less experience supervising others or managing a budget, use the space for key responsibilities and results.

Essay 2
What would be your next step in terms of position if you were to remain in the same company? (short answer)
If your boss has already talked to you about the next step this is an easy question to answer. If you have not explicitly discussed promotion at work, what would be the next role you would ideally pursue?

Maybe you are pursuing an MBA because you want to make a career change or because the next step at your current company is undesirable for other reasons. If so, this may be a place to describe what that next step would be. Also, consider why you do not wish to pursue that next step.

Essay 3
Please give a full description of your career since graduating from university. Describe your career path with the rationale behind your choices. (short answer)
Even if you have a fairly straightforward career path you can take the opportunity to comment on some of the learnings from each position. Use those learnings to create the story of your past, present and future plans to build your career narrative. This should be a short answer like the others. As a result, you should focus only on the moves you have made in your career and the reasons behind them.

Essay 4
Discuss your short and long term career aspirations with or without an MBA from INSEAD. (short answer)
Typically, a top-tier program like INSEAD is an accelerator for your career. The INSEAD MBA program can introduce you to a broader network than you would otherwise have. INSEAD will expand your skillset into new functional areas, and expose you to people from around the world.

Think about how you plan to use your INSEAD MBA to advance your current career (or change paths entirely). If you did not attend INSEAD, how would you achieve your goals otherwise? Think of this short answer essay as a thought experiment to show that you can plan two routes to one goal.

Optional
If you are currently not working or if you plan to leave your current employer more than 2 months before the programme starts, please explain your activities and occupations between leaving your job and the start of the programme.
If you are not employed at the moment, you will want to answer this question. Use the space to show how you are spending your time without full-time employment. Ideally, you are currently involved in an activity that is going to further your career. If not, you are pursuing personal goals at this time. The best answer shows you are self-motivated and do not need paid work to continue developing yourself.

For example, perhaps you are volunteering in a non-profit that is related to your career goals. Maybe you are working with a friend on a start-up. Or you are consulting and building contacts in your industry.

Maybe you are out of work only briefly, or planning to take just a few months off before school starts. If so, it’s reasonable to pursue travel or other activities. Focus on areas that develop your international awareness and perspective. However, make sure that your activities can tie back to your long-term goals.



Motivation Essays
Essay 1
Give a candid description of yourself (who are you as a person), stressing the personal characteristics you feel to be your strengths and weaknesses and the main factors which have influenced your personal development, giving examples when necessary. (approximately 500 words)
Strengths and weaknesses are a common topic for MBA applications. The purpose of a question about strengths and weaknesses is to evaluate your level of maturity and self-awareness. This is an opportunity to highlight leadership, teamwork or other qualities that will drive your future career success.

Examples aren’t explicitly required, but consider that INSEAD MBA admissions is reading a lot of essays. Concrete examples can help you stand out. When describing weaknesses, focus on those weaknesses that you have taken tangible steps to fix. Or, that have been a route to learning more about yourself. Often strengths and weaknesses are two sides of the same coin. Sometimes you can tie your key weaknesses to your key strengths.

It is difficult to write about weaknesses without sounding either overly self-deprecating, or as if you are humble-bragging. Therefore, this is an important essay to share with others to seek feedback on tone.

Essay 2
Describe the achievement of which you are most proud and explain why. In addition, describe a situation where you failed. How did these experiences impact your relationships with others? Comment on what you learned. (approximately 400 words)
This essay is an opportunity to showcase one of your most important achievements. Impressive achievements that stand on their own are great fuel for this essay. It is equally important to explain why these accomplishments are valuable to you. If you concisely explain the accomplishment, then provide the background for your personal pride.

The flip side of achievement is failure, and INSEAD wants to understand how you view both. When approaching any failure essay it’s important to use a real failure that has emotional resonance for you. An accomplishment framed as a failure will be easy to see through. Use a real failure to demonstrate your maturity and ability to grow. If you can explain how you changed as a result of the failure, that is excellent.

The third part of the essay deals with how these experiences impacted your relationships and what you learned. Whether you were part of a team or the main impact was on a loved one, this part of the essay is about how other people felt.

Most obviously, a success likely led to happiness from a team or a manager, while a failure was disappointing. However, your particular achievement or failure could have led to a learning experience for your team. Or, an opportunity opened up for someone else. Possibly it was a chance for you to be closer to another person through a team challenge. Think creatively about this aspect.

Essay 3
Describe all types of extra-professional activities in which you have been or are still involved for a significant amount of time (clubs, sports, music, arts, politics, etc). How are you enriched by these activities? (approximately 300 words)
Nothing is more personal than what you choose to do outside of school or work. What are the most meaningful pursuits you have spent your time on? You should both describe the main interests you have outside of your professional pursuits and explain why they are meaningful to you and why you spend time on them.

Ideally, you can also explain how you will continue your involvement while at INSEAD and cite some specific clubs or groups where you see your interests contributing to the community.

Optional
Is there anything else that was not covered in your application that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee? (approximately 300 words)
This essay is 300 words you can use for anything you would like to cover. Think of topics that couldn’t work into the rest of your application. Because INSEAD MBA’s questions are thorough you may have covered all aspects of your candidacy. Also, make sure you covered personal qualities also. If you did cover everything, you can feel comfortable skipping this question (it IS optional).

However, this might be a good place to describe an interesting hobby or key accomplishment. If so, it may be appropriate to tell that story in this essay.

It is far better to fully explain any issues in your application. You do not want to leave the INSEAD MBA admissions committee to guess what happened. If you have any issues like a low GPA or a failing grade in college, this is the place to cover it. Explain your issue clearly and focus most of the essay on the correction for the issue.

For example, if you had a disciplinary issue in college. First, spend most of the essay demonstrating that you learned from the experience. Then, show you have been an ideal citizen ever since. Finally, avoid blame, and show that this incident is in your past and will stay there.

The post Tuesday Tips: INSEAD MBA Essays and Tips for 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
StacyBlackman
Stacy Blackman Consulting Representative
Joined: 03 Nov 2010
Posts: 2630
Own Kudos [?]: 175 [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Send PM
UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA Deadlines for 2019-2020 [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   31 Jul 2019, 11:01
Expert Reply
FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA Deadlines for 2019-2020


The application to Kenan-Flagler Business School at University of North Carolina is now live. Here are the UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA deadlines for the 2019-2020 admissions season.

UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA Deadlines
Early Action
Application due: October 14, 2019

Decision released: December 9, 2019

Round 2
Application due: January 6, 2020

Decision released: March 2, 2020

Round 3*
Application due: March 2, 2020

Decision released: April 14, 2020

Round 4
Application due: April 6, 2020

Decision released: May 18, 2020

*Recommended deadline for International applicants.

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (EST) on the application date.

***

For more information on applying, please visit the UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA admissions website. If you need guidance on your UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA application, or wish to discuss your MBA plans, reach out for a complimentary analysis of your candidacy. We’re here to help!

The post UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA Deadlines for 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
StacyBlackman
Stacy Blackman Consulting Representative
Joined: 03 Nov 2010
Posts: 2630
Own Kudos [?]: 175 [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Send PM
UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA Essays for 2019-2020 [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   31 Jul 2019, 11:01
Expert Reply
FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA Essays for 2019-2020

The application to Kenan-Flagler Business School at University of North Carolina is now live. Here are the UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA essays for the 2019-2020 admissions season.

UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA Essays
Required Essay 1
Please respond to the questions below that will assist us in learning more about you (500 words):

  • Tell us what your immediate career goals are and how you will benefit personally and professionally from earning an MBA at Kenan-Flagler Business School.
  • As the business world continues to evolve, circumstances can change and guide you in a different direction. Should your goals that you provided above not transpire, what other opportunities would you explore?
Required Essay 2
Please select one topic below and respond to the prompt. (250 words)

  • Topic 1: What is one thing that we do not know about you that you want us to know?
  • Topic 2: Provide us an example of a time you were able to be creative with your work. What was exciting or difficult about it? Did you achieve the results you were looking for?
  • Topic 3: Tell us about a time when you felt or witnessed someone being marginalized. How did you feel? What did you take away from the experience and how has it encouraged you to be an inclusive leader?
Optional Essay
Is there any additional information not presented elsewhere in your application that you would like the admissions committee to consider? (Optional, 150 words) Optional areas to address include:

  • If you have not had coursework in the core business subjects (calculus, microeconomics, statistics, financial accounting), how will you prepare yourself?
  • Inconsistent academics, gaps in work, or low standardized test scores
  • Choice of recommenders
Optional Re-Applicant Essay
We appreciate your continued interest in UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. The admissions committee requires a complete application in addition to a brief essay about how your application differentiates from when you applied last time. Please include new information pertaining to your application such as new test scores, recent promotion or other areas that demonstrate how you have strengthened your candidacy. (100 words)

***

For more information on applying, please visit the UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA admissions website. If you need guidance on your UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA essays, or wish to discuss your MBA plans, reach out for a complimentary analysis of your candidacy. We’re here to help!

The post UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA Essays for 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
StacyBlackman
Stacy Blackman Consulting Representative
Joined: 03 Nov 2010
Posts: 2630
Own Kudos [?]: 175 [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Send PM
Targeted Tips for Finance Applicants [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   02 Aug 2019, 06:01
Expert Reply
FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Targeted Tips for Finance Applicants

MBA admissions officers used to heavily favor finance applicants.  Business schools such as Harvard, Wharton and Stanford respect the strong work ethic of investment bankers and money managers. Those qualities indicate readiness for the rigors of the MBA classroom.

These days, finance applicants have to take a more critical approach to MBA application strategy. They now represent the largest pool of incoming students at top business schools. MBA admissions committees do accept applications from oversubscribed populations.

But, they now focus more on diversity of profession, gender and nationality. Those attributes enrich peer-to-peer learning and contributes to their rankings success. Finance is an overwhelmingly male-dominated profession. Therefore, men in particular have a higher bar to reach in the current MBA admissions climate.

So, how can finance applicants rise to the top of a competitive pool as a common commodity? Every element of the MBA application should be optimized if you are to set yourself apart from the financial herd. Here’s how to do it:

Recognize that your resume doesn’t make you special
Finance applicants automatically assume that their strong work ethic, employer brand and high stats will get them into a top school. But that is not the case today. About 50% of our finance inquiries don’t realize the bar is higher for their cohort. Their application must be more compelling to differentiate themselves from the competition. Accepting that truth is the first step to securing a place on a top MBA program.

Top business schools expect holistic interests and achievements
Highlighting personal qualities and triumphs is essential to your MBA application strategy. At SBC, we charted the application journeys of 21 MBA candidates from private equity firms applying to Harvard (HBS), Stanford (GSB) and Wharton.

Our study concluded that neither past academic background nor GMAT scores could reliably predict whether finance applicants were admitted or rejected. Rather, success— defined by either an admit or interview invite—was predicted by how interesting the candidate was to admissions officers.

What does it mean to be “interesting?” Successful finance applicants talked about activities they engaged with outside the classroom as an undergrad or work today. For example, debate leadership, athletic activity and a remarkable thesis were undergraduate experiences that led to admits to GSB and HBS.  Emphasizing earlier life interests that show character and values can differentiate finance candidates vying for top MBA programs.

Display responsible leadership credentials
Admissions committees want you to demonstrate more than financial success. “Show how you have made a positive impact on the communities in which you have operated. This demonstrates leadership and predicts success at HBS,” shared a former HBS Admissions Officer on the SBC consulting team.  It’s important to list your leadership roles and titles held. But also how you interacted with others and worked well in teams.

Many business schools also want to educate people who will lead society, not just business. When reviewing applications, schools also think about employability—a critical factor in MBA rankings—and whether candidates will use the MBA to achieve their career goals.

“Clarity of goals is extremely important to Wharton, especially as they’ve combined MBA admissions, career management, and student life under the same deputy vice dean,” according to Meghan Ellis, a former Wharton Admissions Officer on the SBC team.

“The Wharton admissions committee will look at applications to see:  is this person already on the fast track, are their goals logical and reasonable, do they have a plan for how they will use their time during the program and how they will meet their goals?”

In addition, illustrate how you will contribute to your new community at business school. Convey that you will be active and engaged on campus. For example, how you will take on a leadership role within a club that you are passionate about?

Use recommendations to show how you are at the top of your class
A career at a prestigious firm such as Goldman Sachs may not be enough to get you into business school. But it sure can help. A recommendation from a senior manager at a leading bank or fund can add some stardust to your MBA application.

Use your recommendation letters to convey what made you stand apart from your peers at the firm. This might include project or people management. Or, evidence of high performance, such as receiving promotions more quickly than others. All of this is valued by MBA admissions teams.

While you shouldn’t write the letters yourself, you can guide your recommender by explaining what business schools want to know about you, relative to the strengths and vulnerabilities of your profile.

Being a banker can still be an advantage to gaining an admit to an elite MBA program, if you know how to sell it.

This article originally appeared on the eFinancial Careers website. It has been updated.

The post Targeted Tips for Finance Applicants appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
StacyBlackman
Stacy Blackman Consulting Representative
Joined: 03 Nov 2010
Posts: 2630
Own Kudos [?]: 175 [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Send PM
Maybe it’s Time to “Ghost” your Mentor [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   05 Aug 2019, 06:01
Expert Reply
FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Maybe it’s Time to “Ghost” your Mentor


This post originally appeared on the Blacklight, our new newsletter for professionals.
We all want a mentor who challenges us and acts as a stellar sounding board. If they can open some doors that lead to cool new career opportunities, even better. But, like any relationship, not every mentor-mentee pair is destined for greatness. At some point, you may need to break things off and look elsewhere for career advice. Here are three signs it’s time to call it quits.

Your mentor gives you bad or generic advice.
An effective mentor provides guidance and constructive feedback. They help the mentee cultivate strengths and identify weaknesses. Your mentor should listen and ask questions that show they want to understand your goals, situation, or a problem you need to resolve. They offer specific, timely, and effective input. If their “insights” seem like one-size-fits-all, it’s time to reevaluate the relationship.

InFive Signs That Your Mentor is Giving You Bad Advice, Stanford management professor Bob Sutton stresses that it’s our job to think critically about the advice and feedback we receive. And sometimes, the correct course of action is to ignore it. Sheryl Sandberg can attest to that.

“Although mentors played a key role in her success,” Sutton writes, “mentors had advised her not to take the job as an executive at Google and not to take the job as Facebook COO—the very roles that have made her rich and famous.”

Your Mentor is content with the status quo.
We all have blind spots. A good adviser will encourage you to push beyond your comfort zone and take calculated risks. They should also be willing to do the same for themselves, no matter how long they’ve held a position. Everyone can find ways to improve and grow.

If your mentor has little interest in learning about advancements in their industry, and shows no commitment to continued professional development, it’s okay to look elsewhere for someone who does.

Your mentor is a bit of a deadbeat.
Successful people are constantly in demand. Your mentor is busy running a company or ruling the world. Of course emails, calls or texts will sometimes go unanswered. But the hallmark of a quality relationship is the mentor’s continued interest and investment in the protégée’s success.

If your mentor often cancels meetings, is hard to get hold of, and seems distracted or disinterested in your goals, reconsider the relationship. You may have extracted all its value, and it’s okay to move on.

As Tim Denning pointed out in Medium, “There’s no one Yoda Mentor that will guide you for the rest of your life and career.”

Keep in mind, this type of break up doesn’t mean the entire professional relationship is over. So don’t actually “ghost” your mentor when it’s time to call it quits. After all, your reputation doesn’t just follow you, it often precedes you. How you end the mentoring relationship can have an impact on your career.

If possible, end the relationship in person, with honesty, gratitude, and grace. Then, take time to appreciate what you learned from the experience. Even if that main takeaway is what to avoid in a future mentor.

***

Did you enjoy this post?  Our newsletter the Blacklight aims to illuminate with every dispatch that lands in your inbox. If you’re thirsty for guidance to help you slay it at work or as a student and move your goal posts closer, sign up today.

 

The post Maybe it’s Time to “Ghost” your Mentor appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
StacyBlackman
Stacy Blackman Consulting Representative
Joined: 03 Nov 2010
Posts: 2630
Own Kudos [?]: 175 [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Send PM
Tuesday Tips: Texas McCombs MBA Application Essay Tips for 2019-2020 [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   06 Aug 2019, 06:01
Expert Reply
FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: Texas McCombs MBA Application Essay Tips for 2019-2020

The UT McCombs School of Business is a globally recognized MBA program, located in Austin, Texas, a center of technology and business for the region. When you are getting ready to draft your Texas McCombas MBA application, consider that entrepreneurship is a huge focus.

Along with Management Consulting, Clean Tech, Innovation Leadership and Supply Chain & Operations Management, Entrepreneurship is a top 5 concentration. Class size at Texas McCombs MBA is small and close knit, and the students’ backgrounds are diverse.

Stacey Kammerdiener, Texas MBA Admissions Officer, advises prospective students: “Be honest. These essays are our way to learn more about you. Our students value authenticity and we look for essays that reflect your authentic self.” More great advice for your Texas McCombs MBA application can be found at the Texas MBA Insider blog.

If you want more assistance, we can help! Contact Stacy Blackman Consulting for a free evaluation and more tips on your Texas McCombs MBA application. For additional information on applying, please visit the McCombs admissions website.

Essay One
We will learn a lot about your professional background through your resume and letter of recommendation. We want to get to know you further. Please introduce yourself using an essays of 250 words, OR a video introduction of one minute.
An open-ended essay with a creative option (the video) can be intimidating. Instead of focusing on whether you want to use an essay or a video, start thinking about what you want to communicate. Your Texas McCombs MBA application is a way to introduce yourself to the admissions committee. Also, of course your new study group.

As the Texas Admissions Blog reminds you, “While your professional life is important, this essay is your opportunity to share who you are outside of the bullet points on your resume.” The best Texas McCombas MBA application essays will dive deep into your motivations and aspirations.

Also, get into your cultural background, formative moments in your life and friends, family and colleagues who have influenced you. To identify key stories you want to tell in your Texas McCombs MBA application, think about those pivotal moments of change.

Life transitions can spark your essay topics
For many people, the transition from high school to college and from college to work led to personal change. Others had formative childhood experiences. Or experiences that led to shifts in perspective, like travel or living outside your home country. Any one of these moments could be a good way to illustrate your values and what motivates you.

Once you have identified the content of your essay you can decide how to present it. A video could give you the opportunity to add elements of emotion, such as humor, that are harder in writing. With a video you can include graphics, photos or other visual elements. Note that you should appear in the video for the bulk of it. If your story works better in writing you should choose the written essay instead.

If you choose a video essay, write a script for your video. Think about the bullet points you want to cover, and any important points. If you decide to talk into the camera, make sure you rehearse. Consider having a friend or family member there so you can talk to a person instead of the camera.

Try to edit the video after you record footage to keep it smooth and on topic. Either way, make sure you take the time to record several takes of the video content so you can choose the best one to submit to McCombs.



Essay Two
Picture yourself at graduation. Describe how you spent your time as a Texas McCombs MBA to achieve your personal and professional goals. (500 words)
This essay is your opportunity to demonstrate your fit with the Texas McCombs MBA program. As part of your homework for the Texas McCombs MBA application you should learn as much as possible about the school. Now you can combine your research with your own aspirations and goals.

Use your imagination and think about how you might describe your Texas McCombs MBA experience at graduation. You’ll likely have had both professional and personal growth. Also, met interesting people who will be part of your lifelong network. The Admissions Blog reminds you “We have also already reviewed your short and long term goals. Essay two is meant to explain to us how you believe McCombs will help get you there.”

To help you get started, research some of the unique opportunities at McCombs like the Venture Labs, if you have entrepreneurial dreams. Another great program is The MBA+ Program, with opportunities to work with influential companies. Being part of the city of Austin also is a unique benefit to the program that you may want to consider.

For example, maybe you were interested in working for a major technology firm to learn product manager skills to use in starting your own business. While at McCombs you might have tested ideas with the Venture Labs. You could have also consulted for major companies like Adobe or HP to learn how large companies worked. These experiences were probably formative as you made career plans.

Don’t forget the personal – McCombs has an active and engaged student culture with student clubs you likely joined. And your classmates and friends you made were definitely an influence!

Optional Statement
Please provide any additional information you believe is important and/or address any areas of concern that will be beneficial to the Admissions Committee in considering your application (e.g. unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, academic performance, or extenuating personal circumstances). (250 words)
This optional essay provides space for you to explain anything that needs context. Some areas that may need explanation for your Texas McCombs MBA application include: lower than average test scores, any grades below a C on your transcript, academic probation or a significant resume gap. Keep your explanation concise and factual. Also, focus on context for the issue instead of excuses.

The post Tuesday Tips: Texas McCombs MBA Application Essay Tips for 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
StacyBlackman
Stacy Blackman Consulting Representative
Joined: 03 Nov 2010
Posts: 2630
Own Kudos [?]: 175 [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Send PM
Readiness Check: 3 Questions for Younger MBA Applicants [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   08 Aug 2019, 08:01
Expert Reply
FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Readiness Check: 3 Questions for Younger MBA Applicants


Prospective business school applicants always want to know when it’s best to pursue an MBA, but there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. In the past, business schools required applicants to have 4-6 years of job experience prior to applying. Now, many programs welcome candidates straight out of college. The trend is definitely moving toward the lower end of the work experience spectrum.

If you have fewer than three years of work experience under your belt after college, you may find yourself questioning whether now is the right time to pursue an MBA. Younger MBA applicants should ask themselves these three questions before applying to business school.

Do I bring enough work and life experiences to the table?
This is perhaps the most critical question from the admissions perspective when weighing admit decisions.

Focus on the quality of your experiences, not quantity. There’s a reason why the 2020 class profiles at schools such as HBS, Stanford, and Wharton include students who are soccer fanatics and Renaissance fair aficionados; track stars and sky divers. You’ll even find an MLB pitcher and professional dancer turned petroleum engineer! Can you imagine the classroom and group discussions among such a diverse and intriguing cohort?

Younger MBA applicants should complete an unflinching assessment of their professional and life experiences. Do you bring enough to the table to enhance a learning environment that will include more experienced and accomplished peers?

Can you step into the MBA classroom with a solid understanding of how businesses and organizations work? Has your professional experience been sufficient to help you crystalize your career goals and understand what you want to do with the rest of your life?

If you can answer yes to all of the above, use your MBA application essays to demonstrate those key lessons you’ve learned. Show how—despite the short time frame—you’ve progressed in both knowledge and management experience.

Will more time on the job benefit me or my MBA candidacy?
 First, you’ll need to decide whether another year or more of work experience will significantly strengthen your profile and make you a more competitive candidate.

Second, determine whether the costs associated with delaying a full-time MBA program create a larger opportunity cost. Think not only about foregone salary. Also consider lost career momentum, especially for those coming from fast-moving high-tech industries.

Maybe you’ve maxed out at your current level and are ready for a career boost that only business school can facilitate. Or, perhaps you could benefit from another year in the workforce—taking on more responsibilities, earning promotions and using the time to further bolster other aspects of your candidacy.

When it comes to impressing MBA admissions committees, younger MBA applicants need to show off their leadership abilities. They should also exhibit their comfort in team-based environments. Finally, they need to demonstrate career progression. Make sure you can compete on solid footing in each of these areas with the rest of the applicant pool.

Can I clearly demonstrate how an MBA will help me reach my career goals?
Younger MBA applicants need to convince the admissions committee on why the timing of entering the MBA program makes sense for one’s career and life plans.

A desire to pivot to a new career is what sets many younger MBA applicants on their b-school journey. However, younger applicants often haven’t yet landed on a firm path.  Those with limited professional experience must clearly articulate their short- and long-term professional goals. Critically, they must convince the admissions committee that an MBA is critical to helping them reach those goals.

Think about what you want to gain from an MBA program and also what you can contribute. You may be 23-years-old but have highly focused career goals and ample insight to share. This would give you an advantage over an unfocused 28-year-old who is pursuing an MBA to pass the time.

Younger MBA applicants may not have the years of formal work experience under their belts. But, many have gained valuable skills through internships, community service, entrepreneurial ventures or extracurricular activities. Early career candidates who are motivated, talented and have a proven track record of leadership have a great chance of admission into a top MBA program.

The bottom line on timing your MBA plans is that you should only go for the degree when the timing feels right for you.

Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash

The post Readiness Check: 3 Questions for Younger MBA Applicants appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
StacyBlackman
Stacy Blackman Consulting Representative
Joined: 03 Nov 2010
Posts: 2630
Own Kudos [?]: 175 [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Send PM
Advice for Older MBA Applicants [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   09 Aug 2019, 07:01
Expert Reply
FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Advice for Older MBA Applicants

The average age of business school applicants has been trending downward for the past decade. But not everyone is ready or in a position to take the business school plunge at 26. Older MBA applicants should consider these specific tips as they put together their application package.

Show career progression
When applying to a top-tier business school as an older MBA applicant, you’ll need to show the admissions committee a clear path of professional growth. Avoid looking stagnant. The admissions team wants to admit students who continually seek to learn and advance their skills and leadership abilities.

Even if you have held the same job for several years, you should demonstrate career progression. This could be either in the formal sense, with increasingly higher-level job titles. Or, by pointing out how you have gradually taken on greater responsibilities. Coach your recommenders  to specifically address this upward trajectory in their letters of support. This will help convey your dedication to your professional development.

Make sure to ask a current or recent manager for that recommendation. A letter from a supervisor who worked with you eight years ago might raise a red flag. If you do select a recommender from the more distant past, make sure that you have really kept in touch and they can speak to your professional progression and work habits now.

Also, if you have had several jobs, don’t worry about squeezing all of them on to the MBA resume. Highlight only the most important positions and responsibilities. Then, find ways to show career progression and results on your MBA resume.

Older MBA applicants must show strong leadership
It’s understandable that younger applicants won’t have many examples of leadership one year out of school. But as time goes on, expectations increase. The ability to manage and inspire others will become more important.

The best MBA programs value great leadership. Older MBA applicants targeting Harvard Business School better have already developed terrific leadership skills and have a lot to show for them.

For your essays, find professional or personal anecdotes that show how you have galvanized or improved the work of others. Try to paint a vivid picture of your biggest leadership challenge, or of a time when you led with integrity or motivated a team to achieve a shared goal. You want to show how you always attempt to do more than a good job, and strive to leave your mark on whatever situation you’re in.

As prepared as you are, you need to convince the schools that you still have room for improvement that can only come from the education and experiences of an MBA program. Let them know exactly what they offer that will help you further hone your leadership or technical skills.

Choose the right type of program
Are you already far advanced in your career? Then research what type of program is the better fit for your professional goals and personal life. Older MBA applicants may find that a part-time MBA program or an executive MBA program allow them to meet their goals with greater flexibility and less disruption.

When we worked with Claudine, she was in her late-30s and held an executive-level position in finance at a large consumer products company. She had reached a career plateau in her firm and wanted to obtain an MBA to take her to the next level. Honestly, any of the three format options could help her achieve her goals.

While excited by the range of social and extracurricular activities available in a full-time MBA program, Claudine had an extremely demanding family life with two small children and didn’t think she could take advantage of the many social activities most full-time MBA students participate in.

Ultimately, her desire for a flexible way to expand her skills and tap into the network available from a strong program led Claudine to look most closely at an executive MBA.

Business school admissions committees always seek applicants with diverse interests and backgrounds. Obviously, older MBA applicants have numerous attractive qualities going for them. The key is to make sure all of those great qualities stand front and center in your MBA application.

The post Advice for Older MBA Applicants appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
StacyBlackman
Stacy Blackman Consulting Representative
Joined: 03 Nov 2010
Posts: 2630
Own Kudos [?]: 175 [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Send PM
Do’s and Don’ts of Applying to Business School [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   12 Aug 2019, 07:01
Expert Reply
FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Do’s and Don’ts of Applying to Business School


We’re coming up on MBA application season again, with round one deadlines just around the corner. If you’re applying to business school in the fall, now is the time to set your strategy. Here are some of our top tips, a.k.a. the do’s and don’ts of applying to business school, to ease your journey as you navigate this challenging process.

Testing strategies
In a sea of highly qualified candidates, the GMAT is an important screening tool, so take this element of your application seriously, as it’s very much within your control.

DO take a class in order to prepare rigorously. Establish and adhere to a study schedule and practice exams in a realistic environment. One basic key to success is familiarity””both with question type and the computer-adapted format.

DON’T wait until the last minute to sit for your GMAT. Take care of it early in the season, before you have to hone your focus on other aspects of the application.

DO plan to take the exam more than once. Calmer nerves and more experience often lead to a higher score the second time around.

DON’T cancel a score, no matter how badly you think you have done. Schools will evaluate only your highest score. In any case, it will provide valuable information about your testing strengths and weaknesses. And you may be surprised that a score is not as low as you expected.

DO consider sitting for the GRE. Because the GRE isn’t reported in class profiles and isn’t a factor in b-school rankings, if you struggle with the GMAT but have good grades and other strong credentials, submitting a GRE may make it easier for a school to take a chance on you. If you do well on the GMAT, though, submit it.

Narrowing your school list
DO apply to your dream school, even if it’s a stretch. This is your only chance, so don’t leave yourself open for regrets later.

DO apply to at least four schools of varying levels of competitiveness to maximize your chances of success.

DON’T apply to more than six schools. This is an intense and time-consuming process. Applying to too many schools leads to burnout and diminishing returns.

DON’T rely solely on rankings when deciding where to apply. Only you can decide which program is the right fit for your personality and goals, so engage in first-hand research by visiting schools and speaking with current students and alumni.

Recommendation letters
Letters of recommendation are an essential part of the admissions process—some top schools have said they are the most important part—so choose your recommenders carefully!

DO use references from your current and most recent jobs. An academic reference won’t be able to answer the most common recommendation questions. Insights from your supervisors help create a picture of you now. The admissions committee isn’t as concerned with how you behaved eight years ago.

DON’T be tempted to seek a letter of recommendation from the CEO of your company, or another high ranking person, if he or she hardly knows you. The admissions committee always prefers placement over prestige, so make sure your recommender knows you well enough to comment in a thoughtful way, with supportive examples that help flesh out the candidate they see on paper.

DO prepare your recommenders and manage them closely. These references are a small but crucial test of your management abilities. If you can’t ensure that your recommenders submit on time or follow other directions, what does this say about your skills as a manager?

The interview
As with all aspects of this process, it’s important to prep for the interviews. The subject matter of the interview will be you, and you will be expected to be the polished expert.

DO practice out loud, rather than just mentally preparing answers. Conduct mock interviews with a friend, or speak to yourself in the mirror.

DON’T opt to interview on campus if you would perform better off campus. Set yourself up for success by choosing the environment where you’ll feel most relaxed.

DO follow up with a thank you note, via E-mail or regular mail.

Reapplying
Many schools welcome reapplicants; it shows you are seriously interested in the program. If you approach the process correctly as a reapplicant, you can feel cautiously optimistic.

DO be sure to highlight how you have progressed since your previous application. Demonstrate professional and personal advancements. Help the admissions committee understand how you’ve evolved and become a better applicant since your last attempt.

DON’T completely overhaul your application. Some schools ask you to submit an entirely new application, but too much change can signal that you’re not being honest.

DO apply to new schools in addition to the old ones. If you were unsuccessful the first time, it may be because you applied to the wrong set of schools.

***

We hope these do’s and don’ts of applying to business school help you  navigate the many challenges that arise during the process. Remember, if you need guidance with your application strategy, interview prep, or editing services, we’re here to help!

The post Do’s and Don’ts of Applying to Business School appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
StacyBlackman
Stacy Blackman Consulting Representative
Joined: 03 Nov 2010
Posts: 2630
Own Kudos [?]: 175 [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Send PM
Tuesday Tips: Cambridge MBA Essays and Tips for 2019-2020 [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   13 Aug 2019, 06:01
Expert Reply
FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: Cambridge MBA Essays and Tips for 2019-2020

Are you getting ready to prepare an application for Judge Business School at Cambridge? The Cambridge MBA essays are out, and we have the latest tips for you! As part of a world-class campus and a location that is a center for technology and business, Judge Business School offers an excellent MBA program. In fact, our post Getting a European MBA: A Unique Experience explains the many benefits of studying across the pond.

To learn more about the Cambridge MBA program, you can research life at Cambridge through visiting campus, reading student blogs, and attending admissions events. The Judge admissions team seeks ambitious, innovative and confident students with strong interpersonal skills.

Another extremely important attribute for Cambridge MBA applicants is having international experience. Although none of the Cambridge MBA essays specifically ask about it, you can work your global outlook into one or more of the essay responses.

For a free application review or guidance on your Cambridge MBA essays, contact Stacy Blackman Consulting. And to learn more, visit the Cambridge Judge website.

Cambridge MBA Essays for 2019-2020
Required Essay 1
Please provide a personal statement. It should not exceed 500 words and must address the following questions:

• What are your short and long term career objectives and what skills/characteristics do you already have that will help you achieve them?

• What actions will you take before and during the MBA to contribute to your career outcome?

• If you are unsure of your post-MBA career path, how will the MBA equip you for the future?
This personal statement essay asks you to explain why you are pursuing an MBA. If you have a specific long- and short-term career objective in mind, that is one way to structure the essay. And, if not, you will want to explain why an MBA is the right next step for you in your life.

Either way, you will want to explain what skills and characteristics you have developed in your career thus far. An additional factor in this essay is to explain what the Cambridge MBA will do for your life if you are unsure of your path.

This essay gives you the space to talk about the career accomplishments that make you most proud. Also, you will show that you are motivated, ambitious and ready for the challenge of an MBA at Cambridge. Use an equal amount of space to talk about how you are going to enhance your career before and during your MBA in order to accomplish your goals.

What can you learn from your current job before you enroll at Judge? Which classes, professors and projects will you pursue to prepare yourself for your next career step? If you are not exactly sure what you will do next, how will the MBA enhance the skills you already have?

As you formulate your Cambridge MBA essays, keep in mind that Judge is seeking candidates who “are highly motivated and ambitious, thrive under pressure, and have already exhibited clear progression within their career.”

In this essay, show that you have performed well and moved up within your jobs since you began working. Also, demonstrate what you have learned, and how your developing skills can be further honed through an MBA and a future career.

Required Essay 2
What did you learn from your most spectacular failure? (200 words)
Failures are challenging to work through, but can lead to development and increased self-awareness. In addition, when you can look past the embarrassment and shame of a failure, what did the experience teach you? Did you take on too much, prepare too little or fail to ask for help when you needed it?

This essay is mostly about what you learned. First, take a few sentences to explain the situation and the failure. Then, dive into what you learned and ideally how you have moderated your approach. Also, write about how you improved yourself, or learned to recognize difficult situations. Any topic can work here as long as you can show that you are self-aware and creative.

Required Essay 3
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)
Cambridge Judge seeks students who are collaborative and innovative with strong interpersonal skills. This essay can show the admissions committee that you know how to work within a team to accomplish a common goal.

As you did in essay 2, take a few sentences to explain the situation, then focus on what you learned. Also, you can describe your style when you work jointly and how you collaborate. In addition, how you help others do their best work, and manage challenges.

For this Cambridge MBA application essay, consider if you have a particular role or skill within a team. If so, whether building consensus or take a devil’s advocate position, explain that approach here.

The post Tuesday Tips: Cambridge MBA Essays and Tips for 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
StacyBlackman
Stacy Blackman Consulting Representative
Joined: 03 Nov 2010
Posts: 2630
Own Kudos [?]: 175 [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Send PM
Tools for Minority MBA Applicants [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   16 Aug 2019, 07:01
Expert Reply
FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tools for Minority MBA Applicants


Diversity is more than just a b-school buzz word. It is an essential ingredient for robust discourse in the classroom and beyond. To obtain the richest mix of perspectives and world views, business schools strive to compose a class with diversity in all possible forms: racial, ethnic, religious, cultural, socio-economic, and sexual orientation. Today, we take a look at some of the resources available to minority MBA applicants to help you gain a seat at the b-school of your dreams.

For many potential applicants of color, the decision to go to business school isn’t an obvious one. They may not have many family members or friends who have pursued graduate management education. Or, perhaps the astronomical expense of elite MBA programs is too off-putting.

To these talented but unsure individuals, we say, take the plunge. There’s an extensive support network waiting to guide you through the rabbit warren that is the b-school application process.

More Efforts Needed to Attract Minority MBA Applicants
As we recently shared with the Financial Times, the main reason top business schools struggle to attract more ethnic minority candidates is that there are not enough of them among the groups who feel able to apply for a place at a top school. In order to meaningfully shape actual student class populations, awareness levels about the program must increase.

Schools that have become more diverse have done so by offering greater flexibility on their admissions criteria, particularly in GMAT scores and GPA. For example, we recently worked with a male in private equity from an under-represented minority. He gained admits to every school he applied—including Harvard Business School. Even with a GMAT below 650. Last season, we worked with a female Hispanic candidate who had a GPA below 3.0. She received admits to Duke and Kellogg—with a scholarship.

Can’t-Miss Resources for Minority MBA Applicants
Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) confronts that crisis by providing the key ingredients—skills, coaching, and door-opening relationships—that unlock the potential in the next generation of minority leaders.

The MBA Prep program offered by MLT guides fellows through the application and interview process. It shows them what it takes to be successful in business school and beyond. Through one-on-one coaching, early exposure to representatives from top schools, a skill development curriculum and lifelong alumni network, MBA Prep provides the tools for high potential applicants to become high-impact business and community leaders.

Another great resource is the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management. The Consortium awards merit-based, full-tuition fellowships to the best and brightest candidates through an annual competition. Minority candidates can also apply to up to six Consortium schools with one application. This perk significantly reduces their application fee costs.

In addition to those resources, check out the support provided by national groups such as the National Black MBA Association and the National Society of Hispanic MBAs. 

Business has become ever more global and interconnected. Minority MBA applicants need to tap into all resources available because the desire for diversity is sincere. MBA programs have to prepare future leaders who can successfully jump into any culture or environment. This could mean Wall Street, consulting, or a BRIC country (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) start-up. Diversity in the b-school classroom is the best preparation for the challenges and rewards of the multicultural marketplace.

Photo by Samantha Sophia on Unsplash

The post Tools for Minority MBA Applicants appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
StacyBlackman
Stacy Blackman Consulting Representative
Joined: 03 Nov 2010
Posts: 2630
Own Kudos [?]: 175 [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Send PM
Tuesday Tips: Emory MBA Essays and Tips 2019-2020 [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   20 Aug 2019, 06:01
Expert Reply
FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: Emory MBA Essays and Tips 2019-2020

Emory MBA deadlines, essay questions and tips are ready for this year’s application. The Emory MBA program at Goizueta Business School in Atlanta offers a variety of programs. Programs include a one-year MBA, a business analytics program and the traditional two-year MBA. Emory also provides joint degree programs.

The Emory MBA program is designed to give students practical experience. This allows Emory MBA students to be “day one ready” for their careers. Admitted students start working with a career coach before school. Also, Emory has high rankings with recruiters.

For more advice and help meeting your Emory MBA deadlines, contact Stacy Blackman Consulting for your free evaluation. The Emory MBA website can give you more detail on the Emory MBA application requirements.

Essay One: Post-MBA Career Goals
Define your short-term post-MBA career goals. How are your professional strengths, past experience, and personal attributes aligned with these goals? (300 word limit)
This Emory MBA career goals essay focuses on your short-term career goals. Also, the essay asks about your strengths, past experiences and personal attributes. Instead of reciting your resume, think about the key moments in your career.

In addition, what has formed your experience, accomplishments and shaped your goals? First identify a few defining career moments. Then you can describe your strengths and experiences that prepared you.

This essay is most effective if you are able to show how your career so far fits with your goals. Show the connection from past experiences to your Emory MBA to your goals.

For example, you have been working in management consulting and want to move to internal strategy. First, talk about how your management consulting experience gives you comfort with presenting to executives.

Second, show how your classes and clubs at Emory will help you gain the relevant industry experience and academic knowledge. Finally, describe how all of this experience together will give you the skills to contribute to your new company.

Essay Two: Leadership in Business
The business school is named for Roberto C. Goizueta, former Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, who led the organization for 16 years, extending its global reach, quadrupling consumption, building brand responsibility, and creating unprecedented shareholder wealth.
Roberto Goizueta’s core values guide us in educating Principled Leaders for Global Enterprise. Provide an example of your leadership in a professional setting and explain what you learned about yourself through the experience. (300 word limit)

This Emory MBA application essay is a behavioral question. Whenever you are asked to provide an example, the question is about how you think, act and behave. The best predictor of your future behavior is your past. Therefore, this question asks you to show how the past has shaped your development as a leader.

Use a specific story as your example and make sure you provide detail. A classic framing is the STAR framework. That means you start with the situation, task in front of your, actions you took and the result. Think about the lessons you learned and the way you were able to grow. A recent example of a time that you used these skills is most convincing.

Because Emory is asking specifically about the school’s namesake, this is a great place to include school research. Especially focus on the school’s leadership and values. To learn more about the Emory MBA program, take advantage of school visits and admissions information sessions. If you can’t make the formal programs, consider informal networking with current and former students.



Video Essay
Please select ONE of the following topics to share with us using the video essay feature. Your comments should last no more than 60 seconds and you have the option to re-record until you are satisfied, before submitting.
• Of Goizueta Business School’s core values (Courage, Integrity, Accountability, Rigor, Diversity, Team, Community), which one resonates the most with you and why?
• What is the best advice you have received and how have you used it in your life or career?
• Outside of family and work, what is something that you are passionate about and why?
Video essays can be intimidating. The best way to tackle this one is to choose a topic, and then practice. This essay is open-ended and provides an opportunity to express yourself. If you are not sure what topic to pick, starting with the topic you want to cover. Then, review the questions to find the best fit.

Think about what examples, stories and ideas you have communicated in the prior questions and fill in the gaps with this response. You have covered your career progress thus far and your goals, and you have described your leadership style.

Your resume and recommendations will provide more insight along both angles. This essay is an opportunity to add something additional to your application. One of the best uses of this essay may be personal. Your personality will ideally come through the video, so choose a topic you are passionate about.

Your passions can be from your personal life, community involvement or career. For example, if you have entrepreneurial plans you might be passionate about building a business. Goizueta’s core values could resonate with your work in the community, or work. The best day of your life might be when you ran a marathon, earned a promotion, or got married. The question about the best piece of advice you have received is similarly open.

Read more in our blog post on prepping for video essays and long distance interviews. Finally, don’t leave this video essay for the last minute, you want to have plenty of time to make your Emory MBA deadlines.

Additional Information
Should you feel there is an important part of your story missing from your application (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, academic probation issues), please use this section to provide a brief explanation. We ask that you limit your response to 100 words; responses in bullet point format are preferred.
This essay is designed for anything about your Emory MBA application you need to explain. An example might be if you have gaps in your resume. Other issues include a low GPA or GMAT, few promotions, or a recommender that is not a current supervisor.

If you do have unexplained gaps in your resume, how do you handle it? The best explanation is that you were doing something productive. However, that “something productive” could be anything from traveling the world to taking care of a family member.

How you explain your time off is most important. Make sure you can tie your gap in employment to your goals. For instance, taking care of a family member and led to introspection and refining your goals.

On the other hand, you may not have done anything unique because your your job hunt took up your time. Even so, hopefully you volunteered and pursued other hobbies. Maybe you found informational interviews to learn about your career goals during the gap in employment. Think about how you can frame your activities to show that you are motivated and responsible.

The post Tuesday Tips: Emory MBA Essays and Tips 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
StacyBlackman
Stacy Blackman Consulting Representative
Joined: 03 Nov 2010
Posts: 2630
Own Kudos [?]: 175 [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Send PM
Tuesday Tips: Emory MBA Essays and Tips 2019-2020 [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   20 Aug 2019, 09:01
Expert Reply
FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: Emory MBA Essays and Tips 2019-2020

Emory MBA deadlines, essay questions and tips are ready for this year’s application. The Emory MBA program at Goizueta Business School in Atlanta offers a variety of programs. Programs include a one-year MBA, a business analytics program and the traditional two-year MBA. Emory also provides joint degree programs.

The Emory MBA program is designed to give students practical experience. This allows Emory MBA students to be “day one ready” for their careers. Admitted students start working with a career coach before school. Also, Emory has high rankings with recruiters.

For more advice and help meeting your Emory MBA deadlines, contact Stacy Blackman Consulting for your free evaluation. The Emory MBA website can give you more detail on the Emory MBA application requirements.

Essay One: Post-MBA Career Goals
Define your short-term post-MBA career goals. How are your professional strengths, past experience, and personal attributes aligned with these goals? (300 word limit)
This Emory MBA career goals essay focuses on your short-term career goals. Also, the essay asks about your strengths, past experiences and personal attributes. Instead of reciting your resume, think about the key moments in your career.

In addition, what has formed your experience, accomplishments and shaped your goals? First identify a few defining career moments. Then you can describe your strengths and experiences that prepared you.

This essay is most effective if you are able to show how your career so far fits with your goals. Show the connection from past experiences to your Emory MBA to your goals.

For example, you have been working in management consulting and want to move to internal strategy. First, talk about how your management consulting experience gives you comfort with presenting to executives.

Second, show how your classes and clubs at Emory will help you gain the relevant industry experience and academic knowledge. Finally, describe how all of this experience together will give you the skills to contribute to your new company.

Essay Two: Leadership in Business
The business school is named for Roberto C. Goizueta, former Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, who led the organization for 16 years, extending its global reach, quadrupling consumption, building brand responsibility, and creating unprecedented shareholder wealth.
Roberto Goizueta’s core values guide us in educating Principled Leaders for Global Enterprise. Provide an example of your leadership in a professional setting and explain what you learned about yourself through the experience. (300 word limit)

This Emory MBA application essay is a behavioral question. Whenever you are asked to provide an example, the question is about how you think, act and behave. The best predictor of your future behavior is your past. Therefore, this question asks you to show how the past has shaped your development as a leader.

Use a specific story as your example and make sure you provide detail. A classic framing is the STAR framework. That means you start with the situation, task in front of your, actions you took and the result. Think about the lessons you learned and the way you were able to grow. A recent example of a time that you used these skills is most convincing.

Because Emory is asking specifically about the school’s namesake, this is a great place to include school research. Especially focus on the school’s leadership and values. To learn more about the Emory MBA program, take advantage of school visits and admissions information sessions. If you can’t make the formal programs, consider informal networking with current and former students.



Video Essay
Please select ONE of the following topics to share with us using the video essay feature. Your comments should last no more than 60 seconds and you have the option to re-record until you are satisfied, before submitting.
• Of Goizueta Business School’s core values (Courage, Integrity, Accountability, Rigor, Diversity, Team, Community), which one resonates the most with you and why?
• What is the best advice you have received and how have you used it in your life or career?
• Outside of family and work, what is something that you are passionate about and why?
Video essays can be intimidating. The best way to tackle this one is to choose a topic, and then practice. This essay is open-ended and provides an opportunity to express yourself. If you are not sure what topic to pick, starting with the topic you want to cover. Then, review the questions to find the best fit.

Think about what examples, stories and ideas you have communicated in the prior questions and fill in the gaps with this response. You have covered your career progress thus far and your goals, and you have described your leadership style.

Your resume and recommendations will provide more insight along both angles. This essay is an opportunity to add something additional to your application. One of the best uses of this essay may be personal. Your personality will ideally come through the video, so choose a topic you are passionate about.

Your passions can be from your personal life, community involvement or career. For example, if you have entrepreneurial plans you might be passionate about building a business. Goizueta’s core values could resonate with your work in the community, or work. The best day of your life might be when you ran a marathon, earned a promotion, or got married. The question about the best piece of advice you have received is similarly open.

Read more in our blog post on prepping for video essays and long distance interviews. Finally, don’t leave this video essay for the last minute, you want to have plenty of time to make your Emory MBA deadlines.

Additional Information
Should you feel there is an important part of your story missing from your application (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, academic probation issues), please use this section to provide a brief explanation. We ask that you limit your response to 100 words; responses in bullet point format are preferred.
This essay is designed for anything about your Emory MBA application you need to explain. An example might be if you have gaps in your resume. Other issues include a low GPA or GMAT, few promotions, or a recommender that is not a current supervisor.

If you do have unexplained gaps in your resume, how do you handle it? The best explanation is that you were doing something productive. However, that “something productive” could be anything from traveling the world to taking care of a family member.

How you explain your time off is most important. Make sure you can tie your gap in employment to your goals. For instance, taking care of a family member and led to introspection and refining your goals.

On the other hand, you may not have done anything unique because your your job hunt took up your time. Even so, hopefully you volunteered and pursued other hobbies. Maybe you found informational interviews to learn about your career goals during the gap in employment. Think about how you can frame your activities to show that you are motivated and responsible.

The post Tuesday Tips: Emory MBA Essays and Tips 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
StacyBlackman
Stacy Blackman Consulting Representative
Joined: 03 Nov 2010
Posts: 2630
Own Kudos [?]: 175 [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Send PM
Got Any More Room on Your Plate? [#permalink] Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog   21 Aug 2019, 08:01
Expert Reply
FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Got Any More Room on Your Plate?


This post originally appeared on the Blacklight, our new newsletter for professionals.
The scene: your desk, 4 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. You’re cruising along, ticking tasks off your To-Do-List like a boss. Then, your supervisor decides to dump seven more items onto your already-overflowing plate.

Now here’s the $64K question: does that increased workload make you more productive, or less?

We would assume that as people become busier, they become less productive. But a study led by Columbia Business School Professor Keith Wilcox suggests that being extra busy can actually increase your motivation and productivity—up to a point.

Smart people know to turn to busy folks for help. Why? The busy among us usually have an accurate grasp of how long it will take to complete a task. They’ve done the mental math and calculated whether they can manage it all. But, they’re also human—and pride themselves on their productivity prowess.

Your reaction to a missed deadline: Meh, who cares? Or, Aaaarrgghh!!!
In one study, the researchers asked participants to think of a failed task from the last week and how much they had on their plate at the time. Participants also answered questions about how motivated they felt to complete that task now. In some cases, they were told to report back if they managed to cross it off their “To Do” list a week later.

“Busy people believe that they are masters of using their time efficiency,” Wilcox writes. “But missing a deadline is a widely-accepted sign that one has failed to manage his time efficiently, and busy people feel the burden of this failure moreso than people who are not busy, which in turn leads them to complete the missed task quickly.”

As Wilcox explains:

“Employers hope that all workers — whether they feel busy or not — will take immediate action to address missed deadlines. And employers are likely to expect non-busy workers to complete tardy tasks more expeditiously than busy workers, simply on account of the fact that they have more free time.

But our research shows that this is not the case, and that people who feel that they missed a deadline because they were so busy are more likely to complete a task as quickly as possible.”

For those non-busy workers, the same perception of failure exists. But, they probably didn’t feel particularly motivated to finish the task in the first place. As a result, these workers will likely continue to feel less motivated to finish the task promptly.

DO try this at work
Is your workplace plagued by chronic procrastination and task-completion tardiness? Wilcox and his team suggest supervisors use Jedi mind tricks this strategy to increase productivity. Try making workers feel busier by breaking larger tasks into smaller subtasks. This increases an employee’s perceived busyness without giving them extra work to do.

Newton, of course, said it best: a body in motion stays in motion. Even when your plate overfloweth, if you use your time effectively, you’ll stay motivated and productive despite a missed deadline or two.

***

Did you enjoy this post?  Our newsletter the Blacklight aims to illuminate with every dispatch that lands in your inbox. If you’re thirsty for guidance to help you slay it at work or as a student and move your goal posts closer, sign up today.

The post Got Any More Room on Your Plate? appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
GMAT Club Bot
gmatclubot
Got Any More Room on Your Plate? [#permalink]
21 Aug 2019, 08:01
   1  ...  80   81   82   83   84  ...  139