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22 Aug 2019, 14:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: NYU Stern to Accept GMAC’s Executive Assessment |
 Candidates applying to the full-time MBA programs at NYU Stern School of Business have a new option to fulfill the application’s standardized test requirement. Beginning with the current 2019-2020 admissions cycle, applicants can now choose to take GMAC’s Executive Assessment (EA). The Graduate Management Admissions Council designed the EA to evaluate business school readiness in the context of career experience. Nearly 70 schools worldwide consider GMAC’s Executive Assessment a valid predictor of academic readiness. The assessment requires a modest time commitment to prepare, is easy to schedule, and short in duration. The 90-minute assessment evaluates candidates in three areas: integrated reasoning, verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning. According to Executive Director of MBA Admissions Rabia Ahmed, “Stern has always been an early adopter. We were among the first programs to accept the GRE a decade ago, and now we are excited to add the EA to our full-time MBA admissions process. As a school on the move, we recognize that business is rapidly evolving, and we’ve responded with new program options as well as innovations in our admissions process, such as the EQ Endorsements, to ensure we are assessing talent for today’s changing workforce.” The standardized test requirement is just one part of Stern’s holistic admissions process. There is no minimum amount of work experience required for EA eligibility. Stern’s Admissions Committee has no preference for the GMAT, GRE or EA; the choice of test is entirely up to the candidate. For more information, visit Stern’s MBA Admissions page. Image by Flickr user Peter Skim (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) The post NYU Stern to Accept GMAC’s Executive Assessment appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
26 Aug 2019, 13:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Yale SOM Adds Behavioral Assessment to 2019-2020 Application |
 To better identify high potential candidates, the Yale School of Management has added a behavioral assessment to this season’s MBA application. For the past five years, ETS research scientists have worked closely with the SOM on developing a non-cognitive online assessment to better determine how applicants will perform once they arrive on campus. “We’re always seeking new and innovative ways to look at our applicants outside of traditional metrics like test scores and academics,” said Laurel Grodman, the school’s Managing Director of Admissions. Grodman called the behavioral assessment an appealing admissions tool because, “unlike an essay or interview question that is open to individual interpretation, it looks at these traits in a way that is fair, consistent, and measurable.” “We wanted more confidence to assess applicants who don’t perform as well on traditional measures while also looking at those who perform very well on the tests and wind up underperforming in school,” Grodman added. What is the behavioral assessment? This online tool measures inter- and intrapersonal skills associated with success in business school. According to ETS, Yale is the first and only school to explore this tool for candidate evaluation. The test takes about 20-25 minutes to complete and uses a forced-choice format. This means applicants will see 120 pairs of statements and must choose the ones that best match their own behaviors. An example would be selecting between, “I work well with other people” and “I work hard.” The test is adaptive, so no two test-takers will receive the exact same set of statements. “There are no right and wrong answers,” said Grodman. “We researched a host of other instruments and they were all gameable.” By “gameable” Grodman means it was obvious what the preferred response should be. The Yale team found that the ETS behavioral assessment was not gameable because there was no obvious preferred response. How does the behavioral assessment factor into admissions decisions? This assessment provides yet another data point to predict who will perform well in the classroom, Grodman explained. “We’ll be looking at it alongside, and sometimes as a counterpoint to, these more traditional metrics.” However, the behavioral assessment results won’t become the deciding factor for an application, Grodman said. Instead, the admissions team will consider the assessment in combination with the rest of the applicant’s materials. Can you prepare for the behavioral assessment? This assessment doesn’t require any specialized knowledge. Therefore, there’s nothing you can do ahead of time to prepare. “I hope this comes as a breath of fresh air to MBA applicants—finally something that requires no preparation!” Grodman said. “I can certainly appreciate how any new application component could create anxiety in an applicant,” Grodman noted. “I hope it will put applicants at ease to know that our use of this assessment is geared towards allowing the committee to take more chances on candidates whose traditional metrics may not be the best predictors of success.” “Just try not to overthink it.” For more information, please visit Yale SOM admissions. The post Yale SOM Adds Behavioral Assessment to 2019-2020 Application appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
26 Aug 2019, 14:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: IU Kelley MBA Deadlines for 2019-2020 |
 Are you interested in the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University? Check out the Kelley MBA deadlines for the 2019-2020 admissions season. Early Round Application due: October 15, 2019 Decision released: December 20, 2019 Priority Round Application due: January 5, 2020 Decision released: March 15, 2020 Third Round Application due: March 1, 2020 Decision released: April 30, 2020 Final Round Application due: April 15, 2020 Decision released: May 31, 2020 Early application is encouraged. The first two Kelley MBA deadlines are priority deadlines for merit-based financial aid consideration. To be considered on time, your online application must be submitted and all supporting materials received by the deadline you choose. For more information on applying, please visit the Kelley School admissions site. If you need guidance on your MBA applications or wish to discuss your MBA plans, reach out for a complimentary analysis of your candidacy. We’re here to help! The post IU Kelley MBA Deadlines for 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
26 Aug 2019, 14:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Kelley School of Business Essays for 2019-2020 |
 Are you targeting IU Kelley School this admissions season? The Kelley School of Business essays for 2019-2020 have been announced! Kelley School of Business Essays Essay One: Discuss your immediate post-MBA professional goals. How will your professional experience, when combined with a Kelley MBA degree, allow you to achieve these goals? Should the short-term goals you have identified not materialize, what alternate career paths might you consider? (500 words) Essay Two: Please respond to one of the following short essay prompts. (300 words)
Share a brief fact about yourself that your classmates would find interesting, surprising, or noteworthy. (25 words) Optional Essay: Is there anything else you think we should know as we evaluation your application? If you believe your essays and credentials represent you fairly, you shouldn’t fell obligated to answer this question. (300 words) For more information on applying, please visit the Kelley School admissions site. If you need guidance on your Kelley School of Business essays, or wish to discuss your MBA plans, reach out for a complimentary analysis of your candidacy. We’re here to help! Image courtesy of IT Communications Office (CC BY 2.0) The post Kelley School of Business Essays for 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
27 Aug 2019, 05:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: 2019-2020 London Business School Essays and Tips |
 London Business School values independence and original thought. Other values clearly displayed by these London Business School essays are an international approach to business and culture.This year’s streamlined LBS application has only two essay questions. Showcasing all of your career accomplishments, extracurriculars, and personal attributes will be a challenge. Therefore, you will likely need to maximize other parts of the application, like your resume and recommendations. Talk to your recommenders about the experiences in your background you might want to highlight through their letters. Also, use your resume to describe key moments at work. Start your research brainstorm by learning all you can about the culture at London Business School. This will help you answer these London Business School essay questions. In addition, knowing the culture can help you prepare the rest of your application for admission. One of the best ways to get to know LBS is to visit campus, and/or interact with a London Business School Student Ambassador. Once you have a good sense of the school and how you will take advantage of the opportunity to attend LBS, you will be better prepared to approach the essay questions. Challenged by the London Business School essay questions? Contact us to learn how Stacy Blackman Consulting can help. To learn more about LBS, visit the programme website. Required Essay What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School programme contribute towards these? (500 words) Self-awareness about your strengths and interests will help you refine what you truly want in your career for this London Business School essay. It could be helpful to talk to colleagues and alumni who have MBAs in your field to identify various career paths. Make sure that your career goals are both realistic and aspirational. Think about the short term roles post-MBA that may lead to your most ambitious longer term goals. Your past experiences have likely informed your post-MBA plans. Touching on those most relevant will help you set the background for your current pursuit of an MBA. Don’t make this essay a mere rehash of your resume. Think about explaining the rationale for your decisions throughout the essay. Why did you pursue your past experience and what has been the impetus behind subsequent career choices? At this point, why are you choosing LBS? As you speak with current LBS students and visit campus or other events, learn as much as you can about the programs, professors, and classes that may help you achieve your goals. In addition, consider what you will learn at LBS and in your time in London. What new skills and classes will lead to achievement of your career goals? Also, the network you create during your MBA will open doors for you, and preparing for this essay can help you to make the most of the experience. Optional Essay Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School? (500 words) In describing the LBS vision, continued business impact, the school describes the culture: “We challenge how things are done and we teach our students to constantly question and innovate. We believe in providing our students with the most diverse, world-class and rewarding business education in the world.” This open-ended question is a great opportunity to touch on a personal story and add color to your story to demonstrate how you will be part of this culture. This could be the ideal place to describe a unique background, experience or attribute that did not fit elsewhere in the application. Diversity can mean many things. For example, it can be where you are from, the culture you identify with, or your approach to life. If diversity of experience or attitude doesn’t resonate for you, have you been challenged and innovated? When have you taken a new view or challenged conventional wisdom? Global perspective is invaluable as well. Think about stories that could illustrate how you have demonstrated any of these qualities that are valued by LBS. The post Tuesday Tips: 2019-2020 London Business School Essays and Tips appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
27 Aug 2019, 06:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: UCLA MBA Application Essays and Tips 2019-2020 |
 UCLA Anderson School of Management is located in Los Angeles with an unmatched alumni network throughout the region. Entertainment and real estate are still dominant industries in Los Angeles, and technology and entrepreneurship have grown. As a result, Anderson is an even more desirable business school. Anderson’s faculty, alumni and students are thought leaders in business and promoting collaboration and innovation. Anderson’s MBA class is small and tight knit, making the personal aspects of this UCLA MBA application crucial for admission. To make your case in your UCLA MBA application, be very clear about who you are, fit with the community, and what you will accomplish. We have helped countless applicants achieve their MBA dreams. Contact us to learn how Stacy Blackman Consulting can help with your UCLA MBA application. To learn more about the UCLA MBA program, visit the school website. 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) As you evaluate your career goals, consider your career thus far and how you would like to develop it. When you think about any long-term goals you have for your career, why is an MBA the right next step? And why would Anderson be the right place to gain the education and network you need? Your career goals should be examined through the filter of Anderson’s values and how you plan to use those values in your post-Anderson life. The UCLA Anderson admissions committee suggests that “Essays are more compelling if they include specific courses, programs, groups, opportunities and activities from which you would benefit if admitted to UCLA Anderson. These references are best found through online research, personal discussions and a campus visit (if possible).” When structuring this essay consider telling one or two pivotal stories about your career that will illuminate why you have chosen the career path you are on. UCLA is looking to understand how you are different from other applicants and how you have determined your goals. Consider the turning points or moments that triggered reflection for you. Have you experienced a significant personal setback? What is your family background? Have you lived outside your home country? When did you face a turning point or make a big decision about your career? What were some of your proudest accomplishments? What moments have called upon your need to collaborate, lead or innovate? Another important aspect of this essay is showing that you can plan both realistically and aspirationally. When describing your career goals, briefly explain what you plan to do immediately after graduation, and then what you want to accomplish over the long-term with your career. Your career path should be a logical extension of your past experiences and what you hope to experience at UCLA Anderson. 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) This UCLA MBA application essay focuses on the personal side of your candidacy. Anderson is looking for students that fit the mold of the school: engaged, courageous, humble and open. To answer this question, you will provide an example that shows you have these traits. To answer this essay question effectively, take a brief story with plenty of detail, then explain why you think it is relevant to your UCLA MBA application. Though the essay focus on personal traits, using an example of teamwork or leadership at work would be relevant. Alternatively, using an extracurricular story from an activity you are passionate about would show another angle of your candidacy. Either way, make sure that you are specific and clear in your writing. 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) If you are a re-applicant to Anderson this essay gives you the opportunity to highlight improvements since your last application. This essay focuses on updates to your career progress and any updates to your career goals since your last application. In addition, you have room to add other “ways in which you have enhanced your candidacy.” If you have an improved GMAT score, academic updates or extracurricular activities since your last application it would be useful to update the admissions committee. What if you didn’t start a new job, earn a promotion, or advance in a linear way along your career path since your last application? If your resume remains basically the same, consider any new projects or accomplishments at work you can highlight. Demonstrating significant thought about your career path and increased introspection can also be progress, so updating your career goals thoughtfully is equally important to this application. Optional Question (same for both new applicants and re-applicants) c) Optional: Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions committee should be aware. (250 words maximum) Optional essays are truly optional, and there is no need to write one without extenuating circumstances. Reasons you may write this essay include gaps in work experience, a low grade, or lack of a current recommender. If you would like to write this essay for your UCLA MBA application, clearly and concisely explain the situation. Then, explain why you have changed. When writing the essay, focus on explanations rather than excuses. The best essays will provide evidence that you have improved and moved on from anything difficult in your past. Therefore, making a compelling case for admission in this UCLA MBA application. The post Tuesday Tips: UCLA MBA Application Essays and Tips 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
28 Aug 2019, 06:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: What’s Your Wish with Pam Attinger of Russell Reynolds Associates |
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In our interview series What’s Your Wish, we bring you career and life insights from inspiring business leaders. Find out how they landed where they are today. What makes them tick. How they have overcome obstacles. Advice they would offer to recent graduates. And always, what is their wish for young professionals. Meet Pam Attinger, Managing Director and Head of Global Fintech and Global Digital Practice at Russell Reynolds Associates.  What’s the highlight of your career so far? Working on a daily basis with amazing team members, clients, candidates for a company that is changing the face of global leadership. Is there anything you wish people knew about your company or your role? Companies of all shapes/sizes – from Fortune 50 to private equity and venture capital backed – place a tremendous amount of trust in our ability to identify, assess, and recruit diverse, transformational leaders into their organizations. From Board Members to CEOs to C-suite executives. What surprised you most about your current role? It’s both a privilege and an enormous responsibility to ‘get it right’ for both the candidate and the company. And no two executive searches are the same, even for the same role within the same industry at similar companies—understanding the business context (where is the company in its journey? current opportunities/challenges? competitive landscape?) and company culture are paramount to fit and ultimately success. How do you increase motivation when you are just not feeling it? I remember a mentor once told me that there’s only one way to build trust: Do what you say you’re going to do. I will often remember that when it’s late in the evening, I’m fading, and I have promised someone, something. Helps me deliver. What have you found helps you in terms of organization or productivity? Exercise—starting the day with 30 minutes on the treadmill at 5:15am clears my mind and gets me going. And, daily stand-ups (in all transparency, they’re usually sit downs..!) with the team bring focus to priorities, potential issues. What obstacles or stumbles have you faced in your career and what have you learned? We all make mistakes. Honesty, humility, partnership, human-ness, resilience will get you through most anything. How do you turn off when you leave the office? Family dinner – every night – when I’m in town. And homework review – trying to remember middle school math is a great and humbling way to unplug. Oh, and c’mon, reality TV with a glass of wine….that works too. Do you have any recs for free time? (apps, books, podcasts, movies, music) Do what you love and brings you energy – for me, that’s coaching competitive baseball. Find it, make time for it.  Best advice you have been given? Care. Care about your work, your team, your end result. When you do – all the rest lines up. What should a recent grad be looking for in a new career opportunity? Fit, Growth, Impact, Mentorship. Find a career that fits your interests in environment where you can learn/grow/thrive and drive impact. Seek out mentors who can develop you. Share your goals and tell them where you want to be in one year, five years, 10 years. Communicate your goals, and you’ll be amazed how people will invest to help you achieve them. What’s your wish for young professionals? Remember to focus not only on the end but also the means. I have been doing executive recruiting for a decade now, and the most successful and happiest leaders focus not just on the what but the how. With this, they engender followership which drives their career and a strong community around them. *** Thanks so much to Pam Attinger for sharing her career advice with SBC. Now, check out some of our previous What’s Your Wish interviews! Read Money, Meaning, and the MBA, with UCLA Anderson Marketing Professor Dr Cassie Mogilner Holmes, and get to know Suzanne Ginestro, Chief Marketing Officer at Quest Nutrition. The post What’s Your Wish with Pam Attinger of Russell Reynolds Associates appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
29 Aug 2019, 07:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: How to Choose the Best MBA Delivery Option for You |
 Many prospective applicants are seriously considering whether this is the year to apply for an MBA. Business schools have become increasingly innovative in their approaches to management education. There’s traditional two-year programs, one-year accelerated MBAs, part-time MBAs, executive MBAs, online programs, and global MBAs. But which MBA delivery option is right for you? There’s something out there for every interest type and schedule. If you’re having doubts about whether an MBA is feasible, don’t rule it out. Do some research first. A one-year MBA may be right for you if: Long the norm in Europe, Find MBA says that accelerated MBA programs have grown in popularity stateside over the past several years. This format is best suited for those who want to continue working in the same industry but would like to deepen their knowledge and skills in specific areas in order to move into a higher position. Recruiters show no real preference for the two-year over the one-year program. Therefore, the decision often boils down to whether candidates are career accelerators or career changers. This degree is time consuming and requires intense focus. Therefore, applicants must come onto the scene with a strong background in business fundamentals. Many programs show a definite preference for those with an undergraduate business degree. This MBA delivery option is both a time and money saver. It often provides a faster return on investment as participants endure only one year of lost income. While the accelerated MBA option doesn’t allow for internships, students return to the workforce after 12 months. An executive MBA may be right for you if: This iteration of the MBA is tailored specifically for mid-career professionals who want to continue working while pursuing their degree. Executive MBA students also immediately apply the lessons of the classroom in the boardroom. They may be looking to switch industries, or to transition from manager to entrepreneur. A demanding family life may also make it impossible to take advantage of the extracurricular activities available to traditional full-time MBA students, which may make an EMBA more desirable. Students in an EMBA program must have the support of their employers. This format requires some time out of the office for week-long residencies or classes held on alternate Fridays. Historically, companies sponsored 100 percent of their employees’ studies. However these days, only about a quarter of students receive full tuition reimbursement. Many schools won’t state an actual number of required years of work experience. However, the expectation hovers around 10 years. Participants are typically in their late 30s. Executive MBA applicants must show prior management responsibility and a record of significant achievements. This wealth of professional experience is what ultimately enriches the learning environment in the classroom. An online MBA may be right for you if: Some MBA aspirants are either unwilling or unable to leave their job and family to pursue a full-time, two-year degree. In that case, a program that can completed from the comfort of one’s own home could be the ideal solution. The online MBA delivery option is even more appealing given that the caliber of such programs has improved dramatically in the past five years. IU Kelley School of Business and University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School tied for 1st place in US News’s 2019 ranking of online MBA programs. Meanwhile, CMU Tepper School of Business, University of Florida Hough Graduate School of Business, and USC Marshall School of Business round out the top five. In today’s global business environment, much of the day-to-day interaction takes place remotely, via E-mail, text, or video conference. An online MBA format maximizes these technologies and perhaps even better prepares tomorrow’s business leaders for navigating within the dominant communication methods. This format requires a high degree of self motivation and excellent time management. Like the accelerated MBA, online programs work best for candidates intent on sticking to the same career path or moving ahead within their current company. Or, is a traditional MBA right for you? The classic MBA experience is still the gold standard for many applicants, we’ve found. The full-immersion experience is invaluable for the networking opportunities and alumni connections it provides. It also provides a unique time for MBA students to reflect on and reconsider their career paths. In reality, every candidate has his or her own unique needs that must be aligned with the format that makes the most sense. Whichever MBA delivery option you choose for your b-school journey, a great fit with your goals and lifestyle will ensure the best results from application to graduation. The post How to Choose the Best MBA Delivery Option for You appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
30 Aug 2019, 06:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: SBC Ranked Best MBA Admissions Consultants by Crush the GRE |
 Stacy Blackman Consulting is pleased to announce that we’re number 1 in Crush the GRE‘s new ranking of the best MBA admissions consultants! Of the five leading companies that appear in this ranking, only SBC receives a five-star rating. Here’s how Crush the GRE describes our services: Over the course of almost two decades, the Stacy Blackman Consulting team has built a successful track record using time-tested techniques and best practices. They offer deep experience with every top-tier school and a variety of industries. Their All-In package is one of the best truly all-inclusive packages available, with access to your consultant day and night. We love their team approach with individual partnerships as well as the meticulous nature of their consultant matching and application review. Overall, we rank Stacy Blackman Consulting as our number one MBA Admissions Consultant. In order to determine the ranking, Crush the GRE evaluated each firm on the following criteria:
Thank you to Crush the GRE for this acknowledgement. If you’d like to learn more about working with us, get in touch today for a free analysis of your MBA candidacy! The post SBC Ranked Best MBA Admissions Consultants by Crush the GRE appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
03 Sep 2019, 07:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: Tepper MBA Essays and Tips 2019-2020 |
 Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business has published the MBA application for this admissions cycle. Your resume, transcripts, recommendations and other application data will tell the story of your career achievements and academic accomplishments. Therefore, your Tepper MBA essays should describe your character and personality.Tepper considers the program to be interdisciplinary and embraces unique centers like Sustainability & Architecture, Technology, and a startup incubator. CMU Tepper has a new building called the Tepper Quad, which delivers a campus with several interconnected parts. And, as part of the new Tepper Quad space, CMU will look to increase the size of the Tepper School. As you prepare your Tepper MBA essays, keep in mind that Tepper is not looking for one particular profile. The best candidates are willing to engage with a tight-knit community and are interested in a highly analytical course structure. Questions about your Tepper MBA essays? Contact us for a free analysis of your candidacy. To learn more about the CMU Tepper MBA program, visit the program website. Required Essay At Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School, we value our community and it is important for each person to contribute to its success. What difference will you make as a member of the MBA class at the Tepper School? (Maximum 350-500 words.) CMU Tepper has a small and close-knit community. Because the community is so important, the only required question in this set of Tepper MBA essays focuses on this area. There are several different ways you could contribute to Tepper. There is the personal, the academic and the professional. Describing your personality and background will be of interest to the admissions committee. Think about what your future classmates and professors would want to know about you. Will you contribute to the community through service in a club or activity? In addition, CMU values analytical skills. Make an effort to highlight these. Perhaps you have a story that shows how you applied your decision-making skills to a tough problem. Also, consider how your academic skills will contribute to the community of the classroom. Another way you can contribute to Tepper would be professionally. Describe the career experiences you have had thus far in your life. Will you be able to bring those experiences to the classroom? Or, perhaps you will be able to set up industry lectures, visits to companies you have worked for, or provide guidance on your career to your classmates. This essay gives you an opportunity to describe your past experiences and show how they will all contribute to Tepper. In addition, thorough school research will show that you are strongly interested in the program. Some ways you can research Tepper include visiting the school, networking with alumni, and contacting one of the many student ambassadors. Show you have done your research by citing specific clubs, activities, classes, and programs in your Tepper MBA essay examples. Optional Essay 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. This optional essay provides a space to add important context to potential issues in your application. As outlined, explain any resume gaps, a recommendation that is from someone other than a current or former supervisor, etc. Other possible areas you might want to explain include academic issues , such as low grades in quantitative classes, or academic probation. Also, a low GMAT score or other profile issue may be worth addressing if necessary. Re-applicants should always use this space to showcase a strengthened candidacy. If you have improved your profile with a stronger GMAT score or new grades from quantitative classes, that is great information to highlight. If you have increased your responsibilities at work, refined career goals, or added new extracurricular activities, those are also valid updates to communicate. Note this is not an open-ended essay. CMU Tepper is not asking for you to explain anything you want in this essay. Therefore, it is wisest to stick with the two categories of information specifically outlined. The required essay is open-ended enough to give you the space for other information you want to convey. The post Tuesday Tips: Tepper MBA Essays and Tips 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
04 Sep 2019, 06:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Character Prevails for Stanford & Harvard Double Admits |
 Have you ever heard of the term double admits? That’s what we in the MBA admissions consulting industry call those singular applicants who receive admissions offers from both Harvard Business School (HBS) and Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB). We’ve worked with many top applicants this MBA admissions season who achieved this impressive feat—some with scholarships to boot. Here we analyze eight cases—and we have eight specific takeaways to share. Okay, maybe they’re not as rare as actual unicorns. But these exceptional candidates and their unique admissions stories can offer some very clear lessons for prospective MBA applicants. Especially those feeling daunted by the sterling reputations and competitive stats of these two elite business schools. Lesson 1: You don’t need an undergraduate degree from an elite college, or come from a typical MBA-oriented firm or industry. None of the double admits we worked with graduated from an elite or Ivy League university. In fact, all of the U.S. students in this group came from schools ranked between 20-50. Only one of the admits came from a firm known as a heavy feeder and recruiter for elite MBA programs. None of the others even had MBA graduates as supervisors. Their backgrounds included education, family business, military, energy, and Fortune 500. Lesson 2: GPA, test scores and demographics are not predictive of success. Our gang of eight included four U.S. citizens and four international applicants. Most were male, and only one is an underrepresented minority. Both GRE and GMAT takers were represented. Their stats generally fell within the 80 percent range but were not ultimately predictive of success. Scores ranged from a low 600 GRE to a 770 GMAT, with a median score of 710. Over the years, we’ve seen numerous double admits offset a low-ish GMAT or GRE score with a proven track record in a quantitative job and compelling leadership activities. Lesson 3: You don’t need to have saved the world. Every double admit had modest extracurriculars, such as professional organization membership, music, sports, one-on-one mentoring, and basic volunteering. Your extracurricular activities should resonate with you. Any meaningful involvement can give you the opportunity to exercise leadership and management skills in a low-risk, high-impact situation. Lesson 4: Age is just a number. We found that age skewed somewhat older in this year’s group of double admits, who had between four and seven years of post-college work experience. One successful candidate was over 30. Five-and-a-half years was the average work tenure upon applying. We regularly assure both older and younger applicants that it’s not about chronological age. It’s more about maturity, readiness, and where you are in your career. Lesson 5: All applicants demonstrated true character and a desire plus a track record of helping others. When discussing their careers, each of these applicants veered away from sharing the typical workplace accomplishment stories and instead wove in anecdotes about helping others—mentoring, giving, or assisting in some way. This focus also informed future career and personal aspirations. Lesson 6: They shared distinctive, personal stories and attainable goals. Sure, their resumes may have said “5 years at Citibank.” But their essays spoke much more personally, bringing their true natures and trajectories to life. They told micro-stories that filled in the blanks. Omitting generic themes like coding or crunching numbers, these applicants showed humanity, showcased what drives them toward future careers, and explained why they made certain decisions. Their stories told the “why” behind their prior actions. Yet they also developed an understanding of career aspirations. Goals made sense and appeared attainable given prior experiences and the track record of consistent actions they had taken. Lesson 7: They painted a “Big Picture” focus beyond just landing a job. None of these admits described their current careers or future aspirations in terms of a specific job. It was much more meaningful than that. They felt driven to make an impact on people and on their industries. They wanted to shift mindsets, behaviors, and ultimately change the world. Think big picture themes like globalizing the reach of an industry, providing life changing assistance to others, or easing political tensions. Lesson 8: They were self-aware and likable, confident but also self-deprecating. No business school wants to admit even the most accomplished jerk. While these applicants struck us as self-assured, they also came off as likable, realistic about their shortcomings, and open about their need to try harder to compensate for various weaknesses. The members of this group were people with whom you would want to work on a group project, organize a conference, or study for exams. In short, they are real people with both flaws and strengths, going to b-school in order to get better and achieve more. While Stanford GSB and Harvard Business School are famously difficult to get into, don’t let fear or low acceptance rates keep you from applying. There is no magic formula that guarantees admissions success. But as these eight “double admits” demonstrate, personality, passion, and a sincere desire to make the world a better place can help tip the odds in your favor. This article was originally published in July 2018. It has been updated. The post Character Prevails for Stanford & Harvard Double Admits appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
05 Sep 2019, 06:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Overwhelmed at Work? Try This |
 It’s become cliché to have too much to do in too little time. When this happens on the job, you can feel anxious, demoralized, and burned out before the day even begins. As your mood tanks, you might “check out” emotionally, disengaging from your tasks, colleagues, and job. Once you feel overwhelmed, your productivity plummets, which can ultimately put your career at risk. Fortunately, you can take proactive steps to keep this grim progression from becoming a reality. While you can’t necessarily control how much work lands on your desk, you can push back that overwhelmed feeling by targeting your efforts toward a few key areas that you can control: Avoid distractions and plug time drains Massive competition for your headspace can lead you to feel overwhelmed. Yet much of what vies for your attention each workday isn’t critical to getting your job done—it’s merely distraction. When you get that sense of pressured thinking from trying to absorb too much information, think about whether you’re letting in some of this noise yourself. Are you spending the day interrupting yourself with constant smartphone checking and social media scrolling? To avoid the data overload that can lead to stress and overwhelm, recognize your own bad habits. Set strong limits on how often you allow such interruptions during work hours. Plug any time drains from your digital “vice of choice” to save more energy for what you have to get done in the office today. Stop snowballing Part of maintaining your equilibrium in the face of constant workplace pressures is about managing your thought process. It can be helpful to become aware of whether you’re making matters worse with a negative thinking style. For example, if you’re working on a project when your boss comes over and adds two more to your list, it’s easy to “snowball” your initial concerns about the first task into a larger worry about juggling the trio of jobs. The next thing you know, you have gotten so caught up in catastrophizing that you’ve stopped working on anything at all.  Instead, take action to manage how you’re seeing things. An alternate approach to collapsing under an avalanche of anxious thinking is to tell yourself that you’re capable of actively addressing your workload. Once you’ve done this, you’re prepared to take charge—for example, by talking with your supervisor. If nothing can be delegated, you might explore options for extending deadlines. Taking a positive strategic approach to dealing with your workload. This is better than letting negative stressful feelings compound and throw you off track. Listen to your mood Another way to combat getting overwhelmed? Use your mood as a barometer. By monitoring your moods throughout the day and noticing mood-related symptoms of stress, you can take action to reverse trends that might otherwise lead to burn out. In addition to a feeling of overwhelm, the Mayo Clinic has identified these common moods that you might feel when you’re stressed:
*** Did you enjoy this post? It originally appeared on the Blacklight, our new newsletter for professionals. 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 Overwhelmed at Work? Try This appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
09 Sep 2019, 14:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Differentiate Yourself for MBA Admissions Success |
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When you’re hard at work on your MBA applications, it’s easy to get caught up in what sounds great to you. Or, what seems impressive to your friends, co-workers or parents. But you really need to consider your materials from the admissions committee’s point of view. Granted, it can be tough to form a truly objective opinion of your own candidacy. For example, some candidates think that if they have a high undergraduate GPA, aced the GMAT, and have been successful in their career so far, their admission to the top programs is all but guaranteed. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Your task: differentiate, differentiate, differentiate The majority of candidates who apply to the leading business schools are bright, personable overachievers. Honestly, they would be an asset to any program. AdComs see literally thousands of deserving profiles come across their desks each year. That’s why you need to think beyond your obvious achievements. Do you come from an over-represented industry, such as banking or consulting? Then this becomes even more critical. The best way to differentiate yourself is through your essays and interviews by highlighting unique, memorable experiences. Focus on what you can share with your classmates that would be valuable to them—experience or knowledge that others can learn and benefit from. Consider your application from the viewpoint of the people charged with putting together a diverse group of students. How will you enlighten your classmates over the next two years? What do you, and only you, bring to the table? The admissions process at elite b-schools is extremely competitive. But don’t count yourself out before the game even begins. Chances are, your humility is a trait the AdCom would appreciate. So start thinking about how to stand out and share your passions throughout your MBA application. Keep this in mind as you brainstorm:  *** Do you want to stay on top of the application process with timely tips like these? Please subscribe to our weekly newsletter and you’ll receive our expert advice straight in your mailbox before it appears on the blog, plus special offers, promotions, discounts, invitations to events, and more. The post Differentiate Yourself for MBA Admissions Success appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
10 Sep 2019, 06:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: Georgetown MBA Application Essays, Tips for 2019-2020 |
 The Georgetown MBA application is published, and we have tips for the new essays. The Georgetown MBA program is in Washington, DC, at the center of government and public policy. Also, Georgetown has the Steers Global Real Estate Center and an entrepreneurship initiative.When working on your Georgetown MBA application, keep in mind the academic and career benefits of the school. For instance, Georgetown’s community is close-knit, intellectually curious, and diverse. Contact us for an evaluation of your Georgetown MBA candidacy and tips for your Georgetown MBA application. For more information about the MBA program, visit the program website. Please select one of the following three essays to complete in 500 words or less. 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? Leadership experts believe that stretch assignments are the best way to develop high potential employees. The definition of a stretch assignment is something outside your comfort zone. In addition, a stretch goal requires learning and development. You may find that you were outside your comfort zone in your best leadership experiences. If so, this is a great essay to show what you learned in that process. One of our clients found herself out of her comfort zone when her boss was on maternity leave and she was asked to cover the work. Suddenly, she was responsible for answering questions and managing clients as the sole representative for the company. This was a change from depending on her boss as a sounding board. She discovered that she really enjoyed making decisions and that she grew as a leader. Specifically, she enjoyed finding her own answers to difficult questions. When her boss returned from leave, our client was in a position to ask for a promotion and more responsibility. You may have faced a similar situation, whether planned or impromptu. Perhaps you also discovered that you had new leadership skills through this stretch assignment. As you write this Georgetown MBA application essay, make sure to include details. Fully describe the situation, what you did, any hiccups in the plan, and what you learned about yourself. 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? If you are the kind of person who thrives in the face of adversity, this is the question for you to answer. Take the time to reflect upon a moment in your life when things did not go smoothly. We all have pivotal moments in our lives, and often they felt like failures as they were occurring. Perhaps you were asked to take on a project in a subject area you knew nothing about and it did not go well. Or, you managed an employee who was more experienced and did not respect your authority. You might have joined a team that did not welcome your input. How did you take those professional challenges and use the failure to fuel you to eventual success? What tools did you use or develop to create success in a future situation? If this question appeals to you, you might have the personality type that thrives in adversity. To describe your personality, use specific examples. First, it will be helpful to demonstrate your specific mindset in this essay and show how you think. Second, describe what is appealing about a challenge and how you overcome it. Finally, make sure you reflect a bit on your own development and what you learned in the process. 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? Through describing a business leader or role model you admire, this Georgetown MBA application question is looking for your personal leadership qualities. This could be a personal or a leadership question, depending on the type of person you choose and what qualities you admire. The second part of the question also gives you an opportunity to write about the Georgetown MBA community. Make sure you have a handful of vivid examples to support what you say about your qualities. For example, say you admire Jeff Bezos and believe that you are similarly entrepreneurial. Therefore, provide an example of a time you started a business or enterprise. Or, on a more personal level, you can explain what personality and leadership traits you share with your subject. 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. The Georgetown MBA application video essay guide specifically asks you to appear in the one-minute video and to address situations outside your resume. You will have unlimited time to record and edit this video (unlike a video interview). You should appear yourself, and can add other elements. For example, interviews with family and friends, photos or graphics, and music. One minute seems like a short amount of time, but consider that television commercials are often only 30 seconds. A lot of information can fit into a one-minute video! Like all interactive MBA admissions essays, the content is the most important aspect of this exercise. The admissions committee wants to get to know you and your dreams, background, and personality. Think about personal stories that you did not describe the rest of your Georgetown MBA application. Perhaps you have a family story to tell or a hobby you are passionate about. This is also the ideal place to demonstrate your fit with Georgetown (unless you focused on option three of the previous required essays). Can you take your hobbies to school and share with your classmates? Will your background add to the diversity of the class? Or can you open doors for your classmates professionally? Always think about your own contributions to McDonough. Make sure to demonstrate enthusiasm as you speak to the camera. You can also add additional elements to the video to make it compelling for the admissions committee to watch. However, keep in mind that content is the most crucial part of this video. Optional Essay Please provide any information you would like to add to your application that you have not otherwise included. (500 words or fewer) This is an entirely open-ended optional essay. Most optional essays ask for an explanation for a gap in employment, the lack of a current supervisor recommendation, or academic issues. If you do want to address any of those elements to your Georgetown MBA application, this is the ideal place. You could also use this space to highlight another aspect of your experience. Options include describing a situation at work or in your extracurricular activities. Perhaps you have an amazing leadership experience you want to discuss. Or, a learning experience that was not covered in essay one. The post Tuesday Tips: Georgetown MBA Application Essays, Tips for 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
11 Sep 2019, 06:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Why Do You Want an MBA? |
 Before you can start targeting business schools or determining your application strategy, you need to make a critical analysis of whether an MBA is the right next step for your life and career. Think about the reasons why you want an MBA, and what your alternatives are. Reasons for an MBA Are you seeking the degree for career advancement, personal development, or a career switch? Your MBA could be a transformational experience, changing everything about your life. But it’s more typically a tool to polish existing skills, build your network, or expose you to new industries. Ask yourself what you plan to accomplish after business school. If you know what your long-term goal is, that’s a great way to start. What do you need to know to accomplish that goal? How does your resume need to look? What skills do you need to build? And who do you need to know? Think about the aspects of that future that will be developed through graduate management education. People without a clear long-term goal should carefully consider what the MBA would do for them. Business school offers clear skill building in teamwork and leadership, as well as practical skills like accounting and finance. There is also a strong professional network you will build with classmates and alumni. If you want to advance in a career that values the degree, it may be an important next step. However, if you are simply looking for a larger salary or a change of pace, make sure that an MBA is the right professional degree for you to pursue. Applying for business school is an expensive and time-consuming activity, and that’s before you even start attending! Dedication and passion for the path you are embarking upon are crucial. For further reading to help you decide, see this HBS article with eight reasons you should pursue an MBA. Plan B For many on the fence, it’s useful to consider a common b-school interview question: “What will you do if you are not admitted this year?” Sometimes the answer to the “plan B” question can be revealing. Would you give up your pursuit of an MBA and either return to a prior career path or pursue a completely different goal? If so, it may not be the right time for you to apply to b-school programs. When you consider plan B and you find yourself answering that you will spend the year preparing to reapply and continuing to develop yourself for your future career, you are likely a dedicated prospective candidate. If you were not admitted, you might find yourself thinking that you would volunteer more, and build your knowledge and skill set in your chosen career path. Once you have decided you need an MBA, the next steps are to consider your school options, develop your strategy, and refine your goals as you plan out your essays over the next few months. If you need guidance for any of those tasks, don’t hesitate to contact us! The post Why Do You Want an MBA? appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
13 Sep 2019, 13:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: MBA Alumni Rank Their Schools |
 In Bloomberg Businesweek‘s latest MBA alumni survey, graduates of business schools across the globe rated their alma mater in several areas. From the power of their school’s alumni network to academic quality to reputation and more, these MBAs had a lot to say. Here are some of the highlights from the survey of 15,050 MBA alumni from 126 different business schools. We’re sharing the top ten schools in each category. Spoiler alert: the Stanford Graduate School of Business, which also ranked as the top b-school in Bloomberg Businessweek’s latest ranking—scored highest in four of the five questions posed to MBA alumni. Statement # 1 “My school’s alumni network has helped my build my career.” Bloomberg says: The quality, range, and responsiveness of an alumni network can be key to whether you get hired, whom you hire, and whom you get introduced to when doing a deal.
Bloomberg says: The usual suspects didn’t end up in the usual places in this question.
Bloomberg says: Which school has the most powerful alumni network? The list is a who’s who of business schools dominating the Top 10.
Bloomberg says: Palo Alto, Calif.’s most famous B-School beat out Cambridge, Mass.’s most famous. A close No. 3 was Babson, also in Massachusetts, which has always focused intensely on entrepreneurship.
Bloomberg says: Of the leading 10 schools in this list, only three were in the Top 10 of Bloomberg Businessweek’s global rankings. This suggests that, from an alumni perspective, there’s a lot of quality education across the map.
The post MBA Alumni Rank Their Schools appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
16 Sep 2019, 12:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: How to Mute Your Inner Ruminator |
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Socrates proclaimed that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” Yet it’s doubtful he meant the kind of intense overthinking that can lead to anxiety, depression, and generalized stressed-out-ness. The ruminator replays his or her thoughts on an endless loop. They obsessively stew over bothersome events and think they’re “problem-solving.” Unfortunately, this kind of toxic thought cycle just leads to more of the same. Sometimes, the thing we’re angsting over isn’t a real problem at all. We often mistake our interpretation of events as factual conclusions. If your boss didn’t give you the time of day when you said hello in the elevator, it’s probably not because she hates you. It could mean she has a lot on her plate and was lost in thought at that moment. The next time you find yourself rehashing past incidents ad nauseam, try one of these hacks to mute your inner ruminator. Put things in perspective.  Growing up, did your mom ever say to you, “This too shall pass?” Instead of dwelling on the negative, keep calm and remind yourself of everything that is going well in your life right now. Whatever the situation is that’s sending your thoughts into overdrive, ask yourself whether it will still bother you a week from now. What about in five months? If you think it will just be a blip on the radar by then, give yourself permission to grant an early release to those negative thoughts. Use a timer for a short session of sanctioned ruminating.  Quieting the ruminator’s thought train is no easy task. Instead of pretending whatever’s bothering you doesn’t exist, allow it a finite amount of time to occupy your mental bandwidth. Treat it like any other task that requires your attention and set a timer for five to ten minutes to wallow with abandon. You can use that time worrying, analyzing, second-guessing yourself, etc. Write it down if that helps channel your feelings. Then, when the timer goes off, you are done and you need to tune out those toxic thoughts for now. Lace up those kicks and get moving.  Exercise is a proven mood booster. For the ruminator, it’s also an effective technique to ward off overthinking. Any time you push yourself physically, you refocus your brain away from those nagging thoughts. You get into a flow state. You’ll be so busy monitoring your breathing, feeling the stretch of your muscles, maintaining a rhythm. But obsessive thinking?—ain’t nobody got time for that. And if exercise isn’t your jam (no judgements), pick another activity that involves movement, like cleaning your apartment. Clear mind/sparkling toilet bowl= win-win. Practice #gratitude  It feels like we’re living in a 24/7 cycle of insanity these days and the world is going to hell in a hand-basket. But stop for a moment, and try to feel grateful for all of the big and little things life that make each day worth living. Family and friends. Rainbows and puppies. A perfect flat white. Let whatever brings a smile to your face lift you up and out of your overthinking funk. Alas, you may not be able to extinguish your ruminating tendencies permanently. But following these tips can help loosen the death grip these destructive thought cycles have on your life. *** Did you enjoy this post? It originally appeared on the Blacklight, our new newsletter for professionals. 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 How to Mute Your Inner Ruminator appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
17 Sep 2019, 06:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: IESE MBA Essays and Tips for 2019-2020 |
 The IESE MBA program attracts students from over 64 different countries, giving applicants a truly global perspective. The case method and other experience-based learning approaches are used to teach a core general management curriculum. Classes are taught in both English and Spanish. To learn more about international MBA program options, read our consultant advice: Why US Applicants Should Consider MBA Programs Abroad. IESE is looking for MBA applicants with academic ability, personal drive and confidence. Also, your IESE MBA application should include leadership, work experience, and an international outlook. In addition, make sure you show you have good communication skills, a team player mentality and strong values. As you draft your IESE MBA essays, make sure to weave in these MBA attributes for your application. For advice on your IESE MBA application from top-ranked MBA consultants, contact Stacy Blackman Consulting now. To learn more about IESE, visit the school website. Application Essay #1 What do you want to be remembered for? (word limit 300 max) When we researched successful MBA candidates, we noticed that strong stories get attention. You don’t have to be perfect, but you should be genuine and personal. For this IESE MBA essay, make sure the reader understands your true character. This essay is looking for depth and passion. Ask yourself, what will your legacy be? When you consider what you will be remembered for, think about career, personal and volunteering. Perhaps you care about building a business and want to start your own legacy company. On the other hand, you might want to run an existing organization. Another legacy might be a strong family. In addition, you could use your resources to help your relatives with an education. If you care about impact in the community, your legacy might be raising money or volunteering for a cause. To track this essay to the IESE MBA criteria, you could use this space to demonstrate that you have personal drive, international outlook, and strong values. Application Essay #2 Describe your short and medium term post-MBA goals? (word limit 300 max) Essay two focuses specifically on your career goals and why IESE. The admissions committee can see your resume within the application, so this essay should give the background of who you are and why you have made your choices. Think about one or two pivotal career moments you may want to explore. Ideally, your experiences have led to a career goal that you can describe clearly. Be specific. If you want to go into venture capital after graduation, talk about the industry you would like to focus on. Maybe describe the products you like within that industry or any other details. Then, you will want explain why an MBA is your next step. What will you learn in the IESE MBA program to complement your work experiences? Will your classmates and the environment benefit your experience? Specific classes and professors are always useful details to add. Optional Essay I wish the admissions committee had asked me… (word limit 300 max) This optional essay is entirely open-ended and gives you an opportunity to explain any of the attributes you have not yet shown. Think about the stories you could tell about your background and questions that would be appropriate. For example, you could say: “I wish the admissions committee had asked me about my most meaningful accomplishment” and describe a time when you achieved a goal. Or, for a more personal response, consider a question that asks you to introduce yourself to your classmates or describe a significant relationship in your life. When you answer your own question make sure to include specific details to strengthen your story. Examples are always welcome. Describing lessons learned is also helpful background. The post Tuesday Tips: IESE MBA Essays and Tips for 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
17 Sep 2019, 07:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: USC Marshall Application Essays, Tips for 2019-2020 |
 The USC Marshall School of Business reflects the diversity and dynamism of the Los Angeles area. These USC Marshall application essays allow you the space to express how you will fit in to the community. According to Assistant Dean and Director Evan Bouffides: “What matters most to us is our learning community and how, through collaboration, we grow and learn together to collectively strengthen the Trojan Family.” Because community is so important to this USC Marshall application, the admissions office wants to know who you are a person. As he continues, “we do not believe in the concept of the ‘perfect’ or ‘ideal’ candidate. In fact, there are more atypical candidates than typical ones, and everyone has a unique story.” Though the USC Marshall School is a community of its own, the larger USC Trojan Family is an important part of the school’s identity and offers additional academic opportunities for MBA students. As you prepare your USC Marshall application, make sure to do your research. For example, talk to current and former students to understand the culture in depth. To learn more details about the program, visit the USC Marshall website. Need help with your USC Marshall application strategy? Contact us to learn more about what SBC can do for you. Essay #1 (Required) What is your specific, immediate short-term career goal upon completion of your MBA? Please include an intended position, function, and industry in your response. (word limit: 100) With only 100 words to use here, stay brief and focused in this USC application essay. Consider your plan when you graduate from USC. And make sure your resume and other application materials support this next step. For example, if you are career switching, highlight any transferable skills in your resume. Another idea is to ask your recommenders to comment on your future plans. Further, as you craft all of these strategies, make sure you highlight how you will use your MBA to reach your goals. What if your next job is a logical step from your prior experience to your MBA? Even if you think it’s obvious, it’s important to be specific about your career goals. Describe the job you plan to pursue with as much detail as possible.  Essay #2 (Required) Please draft a letter that begins with “Dear Admissions Committee” (word limit: 600) This letter is meant to be your personal statement that provides the Admissions Committee with an understanding of your candidacy for Marshall beyond what is evident in other parts of your application. This essay is purposely open-ended. You are free to express yourself in whatever way you see fit. The goal is to have an appreciation for and an understanding of each candidate in ways that are not captured by test scores, grades, and resumes. Showing who you are as a person is important to your USC Marshall application. Ideally, you can demonstrate that you understand the USC culture and values with your answer to this essay question. First, start with your statistics and data. USC Marshall will see your GPA, your test scores, and your transcripts. Second, the admissions committee will see your career progress on your resume. Third, you will add some personal color to your application through the recommendation letters. These elements should show that you have leadership potential, academic promise, and a well-rounded personality. This essay is the place to fill any gaps. Consider what you need to communicate in order to show all sides of your candidacy in this USC application essay. For example, if you are someone who has a standard career background, you might describe something interesting in your background. Perhaps you have an unusual hobby, have made an impact on the community, or have an interesting family heritage. Another aspect of your USC Marshall application that may not be covered in your data is your passion for learning. For instance, if there is a professor you would want to work with, this question is an opportunity to discuss their work. Similarly, you may want to join or lead a club or community effort that isn’t obvious from the other data you submit. Essay #3 (Optional) Please provide any additional information you would like the admissions committee to consider. (word limit: 250) This USC application essay provides an opportunity to add additional information, or to discuss a concern. Therefore, if you have a low GPA, grade below a C in a quantitative subject, an employment gap or any other issue in your background, this is the place to explain it. However, if you want to highlight anything else about your career path, experience, or personal background, this essay allows you the space to do so. And, if you need to explain an area of concern, clearly explain what happened, and what you have done to improve or address the issue. Focus on the future in a positive manner to leave the strongest impression. The post Tuesday Tips: USC Marshall Application Essays, Tips for 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
17 Sep 2019, 13:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: SMU Cox Application Deadlines for 2019-2020 |
 Are you interested in the SMU Cox MBA? These are the SMU Cox application deadlines for the 2019-2020 full-time MBA admissions cycle. SMU Cox Application Deadlines Round 1 Application due: October 14, 2019 Round 2 Application due: December 2, 2019 Round 3 Application due: January 6, 2020 Round 4 Application due: March 2, 2020 (final deadline for international students) Round 5 Application due: April 27, 2020 (rolling admissions after April 27th) *** For more information on applying, please visit the SMU Cox admissions site. If you need guidance on your SMU Cox application, or wish to discuss your MBA plans, reach out for a complimentary analysis of your candidacy. We’re here to help! The post SMU Cox Application Deadlines for 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
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