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17 Sep 2019, 13:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: SMU Cox MBA Essays for 2019-2020 |
 Are you targeting the SMU Cox School of Business for your MBA? Then get ready to start brainstorming! Here are the SMU Cox MBA essays for the 2019-2020 admissions season. Two-Year Full-Time MBA and J.D./MBA Candidates 1. Please describe your immediate post-MBA career goals, including the target industry, sector, and/or organization. Why are you interested in pursuing a career in this particular area? (250 word limit). 2. Learning from one another’s experiences is a tenet of the MBA experience. As a member of the SMU Cox MBA class, how do you plan to contribute to the development of your classmates, whether personally or professionally? (250 word limit) 3. Growth is often the product of experience. Please discuss a time when you experienced professional failure. How did this event impact your professional outlook or affect your future work? (250 word limit). Masters of Arts dual degree candidates (MA/MBA) 1. How do you plan to make an impact on the arts/non-profit community and how specifically would your graduate education help you do so? (250 word limit) 2. Tell us about a time in the past three years your opinion about an arts/non-profit organization was changed and how. (250 word limit) *** For more information on applying, please visit the SMU Cox admissions site. If you need guidance on your SMU Cox 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 SMU Cox MBA Essays for 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
20 Sep 2019, 08:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Friends Can Help Review Your Application Materials—If They Limit Well-Meaning Advice |
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As Round 1 deadlines near, you’ll probably think about asking a trusted friend or family member to review your application materials. At some point, you’ll have read your responses so many times that errors will no longer jump out at you. In this case, a friend or family member’s assistance may come in handy. Someone new looking at your essays and data forms may more easily spot a typo, missing word or that extra period at the end of a sentence. A fresh set of eyes looking over your work has obvious benefits. But we have to point out a few drawbacks as well. For example, it’s really tough for someone to review your application materials without giving “advice.” Humans are full of opinions, after all. Anyone close to you would just want to help. Herein lies the problem. If you’ve already planned out your application strategy—especially if you’ve worked on that strategy with an admissions consultant—it would be a shame to derail your progress just because a well-meaning friend made you doubt yourself. Well-intended but still, not helpful This also holds true if that someone reviewing your materials has an MBA themselves. They may incorrectly assume that since they went to business school, their approach to certain essay questions will guarantee your path to admission. Or, maybe your parents attended business school decades ago and want to give you advice. That can be problematic on many fronts. The programs themselves—not to mention the qualities adcoms look for in candidates—have changed pretty dramatically over the years. Problems also arise when you enlist someone who’s completely unfamiliar with the business school application process. When they review your application materials, they may get confused if you included personal stories. They may not understand why your personality comes through in your essays. There’s a stereotype that MBAs need to be all business, all the time. This leads to an expectation of essays filled with lists of achievements, not-so-subtle bragging, and loads of buzzwords. That’s why you should consider: 1) limiting the people review your application materials to no more than two. And 2) telling those reviewers up front that they would be helping you most if they could focus solely on spelling, grammar, or other obvious mistakes when they do their read-through. They’ll probably still give you unsolicited advice. And you can always listen politely and share any concerns you may have with your admissions consultant. Just keep in mind that it’s hardly ever a good idea to switch things up at the last minute. Especially if you have already put significant effort into your positioning. Remember:  *** 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. This post originally published in 2016. It has been updated. The post Friends Can Help Review Your Application Materials—If They Limit Well-Meaning Advice appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
23 Sep 2019, 13:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Evaluate MBA Career Services When Selecting Possible B-Schools |
 MBA career services have not generally been considered pivotal to your choice of the right business school for your management studies. However, some career centers cater so well to MBA students’ future vocations that they have become an indispensable asset to MBA programs. Why business schools care about post-MBA careers There are two major reasons for the growth of MBA career services. First, business schools now realize that the career success of their alumni is a major selling point in MBA programs. Ultimately, the return on investment (ROI) and the return in happiness (RIH) determine the value of the overall MBA experience in the short and long-term. Along these lines, the recession of 2008 – 2009 also encouraged business schools to improve their career services. Schools compensated by helping their students land attractive jobs despite the crisis. The MBA’s increased cachet beyond the corporate world is another factor boosting the growth of MBA career services. Nowadays, most sectors and industries see the value of the degree. In particular, entrepreneurship and the start-up industry have turned out to be fertile soil for the growth of MBA talent. This diversity of career paths and industries has led to MBA career services expanding beyond traditional corporate recruitment. How to evaluate MBA career services The MBA is often about change. Contemplating an MBA usually means that you want to make a career change. Maybe you want to move to a new company. Or, take on a managerial role. Perhaps you want to start a career in new country or region. Many applicants want to apply their skills in a new industry, or start their own company. You should approach your MBA application with a specific career goal or at least up to three scenarios for your post-MBA path. Your career goal is essential in selecting the right MBA programs. When choosing business schools, always ask about the scope of MBA career services and evaluate them against your needs. It’s vital to consider the sectors and industries in which the career center specializes. Some centers have dedicated consultants per industry. MBA participants at Oxford Said Business School benefit from insights and pragmatic advice of a select group of sector consultants who have experience of working for leading firms across a broad range of sectors across a range of industries including management consulting, finance, high-tech, new ventures, media and communications, and diversified industry in general. The scope of the services varies greatly. For instance, the MBA Career Development Program at INSEAD (France) spans the whole process – “Know Yourself. Know the Market. Strategise and Execute.” The programs takes MBA students through 5 stages of developing a career plan – self-assessment, career vision, career design, job search, job application, and salary negotiations. B-schools often provide personal and leadership coaching as part of their MBA career development programs. From job placement to career strategy Career services have also shifted strategy greatly. Immediate post-MBA jobs are still an important selling point for MBA programs, but they now look to long-term career success. This is also because current and future professionals are likely to change jobs much more frequently than they did 20 years ago. New professions crop up every day, requiring lifelong learning and acquiring transferable skills, as well as a vision of how to navigate your career. Who is the driver of career success? Business schools have developed comprehensive career services but it is essentially MBA participants themselves who should propel their own success. To achieve in the long-run, you should take time and effort to set clear career goals before applying for an MBA. Based on these you should select the most appropriate business schools considering all that they can offer – curriculum, network, learning environment, business exposure, and career services, among others. Finally, start working with the MBA career center as soon as you begin your studies and always be proactive. Business schools care more and more about your success, but ultimately your career and lifestyle are your own responsibility. This guest post from 2017 was provided by our friends at Prep Adviser. It has been updated. The post Evaluate MBA Career Services When Selecting Possible B-Schools appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
24 Sep 2019, 06:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: UNC MBA Application Tips for 2019-2020 |
 UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School offers a flexible program with multiple ways to earn an MBA. The UNC MBA application essay questions focus on learning more about you. With a world-class university offering resources beyond the MBA program, the UNC MBA touts a strong career focus, with a dedicated team to design a personalized career plan for you. In addition, there is a global focus and several global immersion opportunities with each program at Kenan-Flagler. Also, students love the environment in Chapel Hill, a beautiful college town. Further, they enjoy the friendly and welcoming atmosphere at UNC’s MBA program. For assistance with your UNC MBA application, contact Stacy Blackman Consulting today. And to learn more about the Kenan-Flagler UNC MBA program, visit the school website. QUESTION 1: REQUIRED 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? The main required question of this UNC MBA application asks a basic career goals question and also for a “Plan B.” In the first part of the essay question focus is on the short term. And, asking for a very clear link between your immediate career goals and your MBA. This is because of UNC MBA’s focus on the perspective of recruiters and your career advancement. Therefore, focus on the short term helps the admissions committee understand if you are realistic about your career goals. In addition, this question helps to explain why a UNC MBA will benefit you both personally and professionally. School research will help you to answer this question. Make sure to include specific details about classes, professors and clubs you are interested in. Beyond your own growth, think about the contribution you will make to the UNC MBA community. As you answer this UNC MBA application essay, first think about clubs or activities you will join. Second, how will you enhance the experience of other students? Finally, because everyone’s life takes twists and turns that may not have been planned, this UNC MBA application also asks about Plan B. For instance, if you want to work in consulting, but you aren’t able to land a job at the firm you prefer, you could pursue a role as in-house strategy in your target long-term industry. Above all, make sure that you have career goals that require an MBA and that you can cite specific classes, professors and programs that will help you achieve your goals. Specific examples will enhance your UNC MBA application.  QUESTION 2: REQUIRED 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? Most of the choices in this UNC MBA application essay question are behavioral essay questions. Therefore, the answers will give the admissions committee a sense of how you think and behave. Begin by choosing what you need to tell the admissions committee to round out your UNC MBA application. Then, chose the appropriate essay question to fit your topic. For example, if you have not shown that you can be empathetic and that you value diversity, you may want to use the third essay option. It can show your commitment to putting yourself in others’ shoes and building a diverse team. Consider what you value about diverse experiences and viewpoints and describe that commitment. Or, if you have a standard MBA work background like consulting or finance, you may want to choose option two. Consequently, that would allow you to describe a creative approach you took to a problem or relationship. Finally, consider how you have negotiated office politics or projects, as that could be a great example. The first topic option is entirely open-ended, and allows you to fill any gaps in your UNC MBA application you may have. Whatever option you choose, make sure you are specific about how you felt, what was said, the actions you took and the results of those actions. QUESTION 3: OPTIONAL 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:
For example, if you do not have the requisite coursework listed, you may have gained training through work on the same topics. Finally, if you do not have the preparation through work or courses, it may be worth registering for continuing education classes. In addition, lower-than-average test scores or grades below a C in undergraduate can be explained in a similar way. Therefore, describe what you have done that shows you are prepared for a full-time MBA program. Furthermore, gaps in work can be concerning to many applicants. But, taking time to travel, spending time with family, or changing careers are all good reasons for a gap. And, if you were laid off or your company had challenges, it’s an opportunity to describe how you handle adversity. Recommenders other than a current or former supervisor should be explained as well. Ideally, your recommender can speak to your abilities and achievements. As a result, they might add a different perspective than the other recommenders. The post Tuesday Tips: UNC MBA Application Tips for 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
24 Sep 2019, 07:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: Kelley School of Business Essays, Tips for 2019-2020 |
 The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University is a top-tier business school with an innovative program that cultivates strong recruiting relationships with companies. These Kelley School of Business essays focus on understanding you. From the moment you decide to attend Kelley, you will be focusing on your career and leadership development. For example, even before you start classes, you will be part of an orientation program called Me Inc. to help you refine your career goals. After you start school, you will continue to receive personalized coaching, leadership training, and real-world industry projects. This will help you focus on the right career path and job openings for your internship and full-time job search. Consider these factors as you prepare your answers to these Kelley School of Business essays. Kelley’s program is unique and close-knit, so your fit with the program and your desire to participate fully will be important to the admissions committee. Kelley has an academically strong class of students. A large number come from outside the United States, and the diverse class also includes a significant number of women. To learn more, visit the Kelley School of Business website. Need help with your Kelley School of Business essays? Contact us for a free evaluation. REQUIRED MBA 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) Kelley’s curriculum is tailored to help you reach your career goals. Therefore, entering Kelley with a career vision will help you take full advantage of the program. For example, students can specialize almost immediately by choosing one of the first-year Academies in your industry area of focus. Think about these opportunities at Kelley when you answer this career goals question. And, be specific about how you see yourself using the tools available. When you discuss your career experience in this essay, make sure that you are focusing on the most important moments in your career. That means, not reciting your jobs like a resume. Consider the times when you had to stretch to accomplish the goals set out for you. Such as, when you had to step up to be a leader, or when you learned more about yourself and your aspirations. Those are the stories that will explain how your professional experience will help you achieve your goals.  The second half of this question deals with your flexibility around your career goal and your ability to handle change. Change is constant in most industries, and your ability to recognize opportunity, even outside your anticipated career goals, will be critical to your success. Therefore, think about the core elements that are important to you in forming your career goals and how they can be realized in different career opportunities. For example, perhaps you are passionate about the food industry and want to be involved in updating the world of packaged goods. However, you could imagine pursing either a strategy role or a finance role within consumer packaged goods. Or, you love marketing but could see yourself either marketing a film or a jewelry line. In this case, the most important factor is practicing the craft of marketing. Showing that you can pivot while staying true to your core values and interests will position you well in this set of Kelley School of Business essays. Essay Two: Please respond to one of the following short essay prompts. (300 words) My greatest memory is… I’m most afraid of… My greatest challenge has been… I’m most proud of… While the prior essay focuses on your career path and goals, this essay is about your core personal motivations. Consider, what are the formative moments in your life? The story you choose to tell in this essay will be revealing to the admissions committee, and will show your personality and values. Therefore, think about the moments in your life when you have changed or matured. Was there an experience that led you to learn more about yourself? Or, perhaps you interacted with someone who challenged or inspired you. Another experience might have been travel outside your comfort zone. For example, either literally outside your home country or in a transition like leaving home for college. Option b, “I’m most afraid of…” is the one prompt that does not specifically call on a past experience. However, it’s likely that your fear has its roots in a formative moment in your life. Once you have a story to tell, make sure you are explaining why this moment is important to you. To clarify, you can narrate your thoughts, reactions and opinions as you retell the story. Another idea is to take time at the end of the essay to reflect upon what you learned and why it was important to you.  Essay Three: Share a brief fact about yourself that your classmates would find interesting, surprising, or noteworthy. (25 words) The admissions committee has read your career goals, read about a pivotal experience, and likely has reviewed your resume and application fact sheet. What you describe in this Kelley School of Business essay is something that didn’t come up in any of those demographic or background data sheets in your application. Also, it’s something short and easy to explain in 25 words. Perhaps you were a competitive swimmer in high school, but didn’t pursue it in college. Or, your grandmother was from Sweden and taught you traditional cooking techniques that no one else in your life knows. Maybe you are heavily involved in a hobby that has impacted your life. If you are struggling to come up with an interesting or surprising fact, this is a great question to poll friends and family about. Because your friends and family likely know the elements of your background and personality, this can be an effective way to come up with a unique story. Those elements are deeper than your resume or application fact sheet. Optional Essay: Is there anything else you think we should know as we evaluate your application? If you believe your essays and credentials represent you fairly, you shouldn’t feel obligated to answer this question. (300 words) The last of the Kelley School of Business essays is open-ended. Such a question allows you to add almost any story or additional background data you would like. However, before you take full advantage of the extra space, make sure you are truly adding to your application. If you have done the work on a comprehensive resume, excellent recommendations and finely-honed essays, you likely don’t need this space. Finally, if there is anything to explain in your Kelley School of Business essays, use this space to do it. It could be a poor grade in a quantitative course in college, academic probation, or the lack of a recommendation from a current supervisor. In any case, make sure you are focused on explanations rather than excuses. Provide solid, recent evidence that you have done better since the event. The post Tuesday Tips: Kelley School of Business Essays, Tips for 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
26 Sep 2019, 13:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Wharton MBA Advance Access Program Expanding for 2020 |
 The Wharton School has announced it will expand its MBA deferred admissions program to students outside the University of Pennsylvania. The Wharton MBA Advance Access Program enables promising undergraduate students to secure an early place in a future MBA class. Accepted students will work for two to four years after graduation before entering into the full-time Wharton MBA program. This alternative pathway is for students whose academic and career interests go beyond the traditional notions of business education. Wharton encourages students to follow their passions during their deferment period. They can seek quality, substantive work experience in a wide range of industries. Undergraduate and graduate students in their final year of studies may apply to the Wharton MBA Advance Access Program. “We are looking for the most talented students across the globe who are innovative, intellectually curious and ready to impact the world during their deferment period,” said Wharton MBA Admissions Director Blair Mannix. “Advance Access students are encouraged to take professional risks such as starting their own company, working for a nonprofit or pursuing global externships while working in traditional business industries. This broad range of experiences will bring valuable perspectives to our future MBA classes and prepare our students to become global leaders in today’s ever-changing business environment.” During their deferment period, Wharton will invite admitted students to join specialized online communities. They will also be able to network with their peers, students, faculty and alumni at Wharton conferences and events. Application process for the Wharton MBA Advance Access Program To apply, students must submit their academic transcripts, resume, GRE/GMAT scores, two letters of recommendation, two essays and a reduced application fee of $100. Like their full-time MBA candidate counterparts, these applicants must also participate in the team-based interviews. Wharton will schedule such interviews only following an initial evaluation of a complete application. Students interested in applying to the Wharton MBA Advance Access Program should apply by the Round 3 deadline of April 1, 2020. Applicants will receive decision notifications by May 8, 2020. Prospective applicants can register to attend a virtual information session on October 15 at 2 p.m. EDT. Here, they will learn more about the unique benefits of the Wharton MBA program and application process. Follow this link for more information about the Wharton MBA Advance Access Program. The post Wharton MBA Advance Access Program Expanding for 2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
27 Sep 2019, 12:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Which MBA Funding Source is Right for You? |
 Getting your MBA acceptance letter is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But submitting your deposit for business school is a thrill of a different kind. After you decide where to attend, you’ll only have a few months to get your finances in order. Before it’s too late, take a look at how to assess which MBA funding source makes the most sense. Scholarships and fellowships: Scholarships are clearly a great source of funding – it’s free money – but it’s easier said than done to get them. Learn how your school makes scholarship offers. For instance, you may need to prepare a separate application to be eligible. You may also have to submit a different application for each fellowship or scholarship. Don’t lose out because of a missed deadline. Look beyond your business school, too, to organizations like the Forte Foundation or Consortium for Graduate Study in Management that offer highly valuable scholarships for MBA students. Company sponsorship: If you’re one of the lucky few with a sponsorship offer, make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into before you accept this MBA funding source. Sponsorship often comes with an obligation to return to the company after you complete your degree. Therefore, you’ll want to take a step back and assess whether you’re absolutely confident you want to return. Breaking such an agreement after your earn the degree can lead to strained relationships with former colleagues. It can also leave you with a mountain of unforeseen debt. If you plan to return to your company but don’t have sponsorship, it never hurts to ask about options. See if you’re eligible for any reimbursement given the new skills you’ll bring to the table. Retirement savings: This less obvious MBA funding source comes with a few extra considerations. First and foremost, you should always think hard before touching money set aside for retirement. However, those who have saved aggressively already and plan to continue doing so may find it worth it to take some money out for the short term. You’re exempt from the 10 percent penalty for early withdrawals when you put the funds toward qualified higher education expenses, of which attending business school is one. You’ll still face income tax on this money. But the tax burden will likely be less when you’re in a graduate student tax bracket. Federal loans: The U.S. government offers at least two loan options for each academic year: the Stafford Loan and the Grad PLUS Loan. To tap into this MBA funding source, you can apply for these loans online via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Also, the Department of Education is a great resource for information on rates, fees, eligibility and more. Private loans: When you’re looking for the right loan, it pays to shop around. Find a lender you trust at an interest rate you like. Private loans can provide customized options to help you save, sometimes at rates even lower than the federal government’s. If you’re looking to augment your other MBA financing, seek a lender with great customer service and ask about what loan options can maximize your savings. Finally, use an online MBA student loan calculator to organize your costs and see how loans with different interest rates can work in your favor. Your MBA is a great investment. Make the best use of the months ahead to make sure you have all the funding you need. The post Which MBA Funding Source is Right for You? appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
30 Sep 2019, 13:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: 4 Ways to Make Envy Your Friend |
 Envy is universally acknowledged as a horrible thing. After all, it’s one of the 7 Deadly Sins and goes against the 10 Commandments. Maybe you felt it when a co-worker received a promotion you thought you deserved. Or when a friend bought their first house, while you’re stuck renting for life. It’s natural to feel envious of someone’s career, lifestyle, or Tesla Model X. But envy does have a silver lining. In fact, it’s harmful only when it makes us feel resentful or inferior. Instead of thinking of it as a destructive force, know that you can use envy constructively. Here’s how: Use envy as a motivator. Imagine you and a friend ran a 10K and once again, you came in two minutes behind her. Don’t begrudge her victory; channel that envy into inspiration that pushes you to reach your own goals. It could be something as simple as adding an extra mile to your daily run to increase your stamina. Remember, you have control over the situation. Humans are lazy by default, and we often fight against doing the very thing we want to accomplish. Even if the object of your envy seems too difficult, or too far out of your reach, try to break it down into manageable steps. As Mark Goulston writes inGet Out of Your Own Way: Overcoming Self-Defeating Behavior, “If you use it to fuel you, envy won’t rule you.” Think of envy as a guide, showing you what you really want in life. There’s nothing inherently wrong with liking what other people have or do. Examine your envy to learn what it reveals about your own personal or career goals. Do you envy your best friend for having a fulfilling career? That offers a clue that you too want to have a job that you love. Do you envy your brother for his incredible vacation in Thailand? That might mean you also have the travel bug and are itching for an adventure somewhere. Envy offers insight about what you really want in life, and gets you closer to living more authentically. Envy can lead to self-improvement. In ablog post for Psychology Today, Dr. Richard Smith makes an important distinction between “benign” and “malicious” envy, arguing that cultivating the benign version is actually a good habit. Let’s say you’ve always envied your super fit friend. He’s at the gym six days a week and bikes to work every day. He eats clean and rarely drinks. Meanwhile, you’ve put on 15 since college and can polish off a sleeve of Pringles in one sitting. Reframe your feelings so that you’re no longer envious of his buff body. Instead, admire his dedication to keeping healthy. Use that envy to inspire your own diet and fitness goals. “When we feel envy, thinking incrementally about things we can do to improve ourselves, may steer us toward benign envy and its constructive effects,” Smith says. Make the envied person your role model. If you admire the person and want to be like them, emulate their path. Study their moves to determine how they have become successful in an area you also wish to dominate. Instead of sulking in the shadows, share your admiration with the person. Compliment them on their hard work. Put forward positivity, ask for advice, and try to engage them as a mentor. We may never know how difficult the journey to success was for the envied person. Once you start seeing them as deserving of their accomplishments, it might inspire you to make changes that get you closer to your goals. Try to turn your envy into gratitude. Don’t get hung up with shame for having those conflicted feelings. Look at your own life and celebrate the big and small victories. Are you healthy? Great! Do you have a solid support network of friends and family? Awesome! In the end, it’s those simple things that enrich our lives and make us #blessed. *** 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 4 Ways to Make Envy Your Friend appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
01 Oct 2019, 06:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: SMU Cox MBA Application Essays and Tips 2019-2020 |
 This year’s SMU Cox MBA application essays focus on getting to know you better. As an applicant to the SMU Cox School of Business, you will be part of a diverse student body. Indeed, many students are looking to expand their choices beyond the top 10 business schools or have a regional interest in Texas. Based in Dallas, SMU Cox has ties to a vibrant business community. Companies that recruit from SMU Cox include the major consulting firms, banks, along with consumer companies like Target and Starbucks and tech companies like Texas Instruments and Amazon. In general, as you prepare these SMU Cox MBA application essays, keep “why MBA” top of mind. In addition, think about your own desires for the program. If you are considering an MBA admissions consultant, contact us to learn more about how Stacy Blackman Consulting can help! To learn more about the SMU Cox School of Business, visit the program website. REQUIRED ESSAY 1 Please describe your immediate post-MBA career goals, including the target industry, sector, and/or organization. Why are you interested in pursuing a career in this particular area? (250 word limit). This SMU Cox MBA application essay focuses on your future goals. Therefore, you will need to carefully explain why you need an MBA and describe your career goals. First, Evaluate your past experiences. Then, what you have learned in your undergraduate education. Finally, describe your future career dreams. If you are unsure what you want to do after your MBA, perhaps research can trigger some ideas. For example, more MBA graduates are pursuing careers in technology and consumer products than did so in the past. If you consider companies and career paths outside of the traditional MBA feeder industries, what areas might you pursue? When you have identified your post-MBA career path, then you will want to describe the role in specifics. What industry are you targeting and why? Describe the companies that are most appealing. And, which department do you see yourself working within? This is a good essay to add some resume highlights. In addition, use details to showcase specific skills that will explain your accomplishments. REQUIRED ESSAY 2 Learning from one another’s experiences is a tenet of the MBA experience. As a member of the SMU Cox MBA class, how do you plan to contribute to the development of your classmates, whether personally or professionally? (250 word limit) Contributing to the community is crucial, and this SMU Cox MBA application essay focuses on that topic. This is a great place to mix personal and professional angles. Because you focused on career in the first essay, this could focus on other aspects. For example, have you been involved with a volunteer activity? If so, this is a great essay to describe what you did. Certainly, one core value for SMU Cox is helping others. For this reason, if you have a particular focus or passion for community service, this is the essay to describe it. Finally, know yourself and know the school. Do school research by visiting campus or talking to students or alumni. As you learn more about the school, you can tailor your contributions to be a fit with the community. REQUIRED ESSAY 3 Growth is often the product of experience. Please discuss a time when you experienced professional failure. How did this event impact your professional outlook or affect your future work? (250 word limit). At Stacy Blackman Consulting we have observed that, above all, character prevails. As a result, part of showing character is persisting through failure. Often, your true nature is revealed by your reaction to difficulty. Think about the moments you can remember with clarity over the past three years. In many cases, failure leads to success. Can you think of a time when failure triggered change? This SMU Cox MBA application essay is focused on professional failure. For example, your failure may have been with a team at work. As a result, you learned more about how to lead or be effective in a team. Ensure you take the time to talk about lessons learned from the failure. In conclusion, as you draft this essay think about micro-stories you can craft to vividly bring your story alive. What did your failure feel like? What did you hear, smell, or say? Those details will help the reader understand your perspective. The post Tuesday Tips: SMU Cox MBA Application Essays and Tips 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
02 Oct 2019, 12:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Chicago Booth launches Boundless Scholarship Initiative |
 In an effort to continue to attract the best and brightest students, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business has launched the Boundless Scholarship Initiative. This campaign aims to raise $75 million in scholarships for promising individuals who will have the greatest impact on business. Increasing access to scholarships is one of Chicago Booth Dean Madhav Rajan’s top priorities. He has set a goal of $75 million to underwrite a substantial increase to the school’s scholarship fund. This initiative formalizes an effort started in 2018 to increase scholarships available to Booth MBA students from a wide variety of backgrounds. So far, the school has raised $23.3 million, or 31 percent of the goal. Thanks to the generosity of Amy Wallman, ’75, and Richard Wallman, ’74; and Roxanne M. Martino, ’88, and her husband, Rocco J. Martino, matching funds for scholarships are currently available, effectively allowing donors to double their impact for students. In addition to the Boundless Scholarship, Rajan has taken other measures to make a Chicago Booth MBA more accessible for students. This includes a zero-percent tuition increase in 2019–20 over the previous year. Also, moving from a per-course fee to a flat-tuition model makes students’ payments predictable and allows for two additional courses. And finally, a four-year price guarantee for incoming Evening MBA and Weekend MBA students offers peace of mind. “In recent years, we have been successful in attracting outstanding students from an increasingly diverse pool of applicants, in terms of backgrounds and career aspirations,” said Dean Rajan. “To continue to get the best students to choose Booth and to maximize their impact on the world, it’s critical that we grow scholarship support.” Click here to learn more about this new scholarship program offered at Chicago Booth. The post Chicago Booth launches Boundless Scholarship Initiative appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
04 Oct 2019, 12:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Largest Gift in Tuck History will Support Global Learning |
 The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth has received the largest gift in its history—$25-million in support of TuckGo, the school’s global learning program. The commitment comes from the Bakala Foundation USA. This is the American family foundation of Michaela and Zdenek Bakala T’89, a Czech-born investor, philanthropist, and member of Tuck’s Board of Advisors. The gift consists of a foundational investment to endow TuckGO—the portfolio of for-credit immersive educational experiences that comprise Tuck’s global learning requirement. Established in 2015, TuckGO—short for “Tuck Global Opportunities”—has become a distinctive part of the Tuck curriculum. It’s also a critical differentiator for Tuck among MBA programs. Tuck MBA students must take one of three immersive experiential courses in a country that is new to them. These options include a qualifying First-Year Project; an OnSite Global Consulting assignment; or a Global Insight Expedition. All of these experiences are designed, taught, and assessed by a Tuck faculty member or faculty adviser. Alternatively, students may participate as an international exchange student with a partner institution. Part of the gift will go to strengthening existing TuckGO offerings and funding new and varied educational experiences abroad. It will also help cover operational costs for the program. This includes funding related to logistics, travel, and preparatory expenses. In addition, it will further the personal scale that is the hallmark of learning at Tuck by allowing for continued small cohort size. The gift also creates the Bakala Global Suite. This will become the future home to the TuckGO offices and a hub of student, faculty, and staff collaboration. Cultivating Critical Cross-Cultural Competencies The Bakalas have a long history of support for Tuck and its students. In 2009, they endowed the Bakala Professor of Strategy, held by current incumbent Richard D’Aveni. Notably, the Bakalas have contributed significantly to Tuck’s global offerings in the past. In fact, Bakala affiliated organizations have sponsored more OnSite Global Consulting projects than any other organization. “This is an incredible moment for Tuck and for the generations of students who will benefit from the Bakalas’ extraordinary generosity,” said Matthew Slaughter, Tuck’s dean. “Their gift ensures that TuckGO, already a vibrant and innovative part of learning at Tuck, will connect students even more to the world’s diversity, dynamism and innovation.” The post Largest Gift in Tuck History will Support Global Learning appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
07 Oct 2019, 06:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: HBS 2+2 Program for College Seniors: How to Get In |
 What comes to mind when you think of business these days? If it’s the stereotype of the grey flannel suit and traditional office environment, then Harvard Business School wants to have a word. To reach college seniors —particularly liberal arts students—HBS launched the 2+2 Program back in 2007. This deferred admissions program targets students who might have otherwise never considered business school. Candidates apply in their senior year of college, and once admitted, work for two years before starting the Harvard MBA program. Graduate students who went directly from undergrad to grad school are also eligible. At SBC, our team includes the former HBS Associate Director of MBA Admissions who helped launch the 2+2 Program targeting college seniors. She explains that the program is all about getting the word out regarding what a graduate business degree can offer. Potential 2+2 candidates may have had few mentors in business. Or, an MBA degree might not be on their radar given their current course of study. “No one ever tells undergrads that business involves areas like nonprofits, government, education and social enterprise,” she says. What should college seniors know about the 2+2 Program? To be considered for admission to the 2+2 Program Class of 2024 (entering fall 2022), you must graduate from your program between October 1, 2019 and September 30, 2020. you must complete the GMAT or GRE between April 2, 2015 and April 1, 2020. College seniors outside the US. are welcome to apply. The 2+2 application is essentially the same as the online application for the MBA program. It has a reduced application fee of $100 vs. the $250 fee for non-2+2 applicants. Notably, 2+2 applications have only one deadline: April 2, 2020. This allows you to submit fall semester grades for consideration. Interviews and decisions happen in May. Although the name implies a two-year work period prior to the MBA, it’s actually more flexible. In fact, the school says in many cases they allow 2+2 admits to defer for three to four years in an HBS-approved professional opportunity. “They always approve a third year of deferral if you are working on something reasonable, i.e. not laying on a beach in Bali,” says our HBS insider.  What is HBS looking for in 2+2 applicants? If you check out the 2+2 Profile for the Class of 2022, the educational background breaks down as follows:
“Traditional applicants were not initially the main target of this program,” our SBC expert shares. “They are looking for all the same qualities and credentials as they do for the regular pool. But then they’re also looking for scientists, engineers, techies, and entrepreneurs, to name a few.” “They really hoped they would find young people who saw the deferred admission as an opportunity to take a risk and do something a little bit off the beaten path.” Therefore, traditional applicants should embrace the “untraditional” side of their personal story. Rest assured, it can be done. As an example, check out our client case study that highlights the successful 2+2 application journey of Anita, an Economics major from Northwestern University. “For the rest, you want the things that 2+2 is looking for to be the focus – science, engineering, entrepreneurship, risk-taking, etc.,” our HBS insider advises. “It’s ok to get dorky in these areas and go deep.” If you are considering the HBS 2+2 Program and need input from an expert sounding board, we’re here to help! Reach out to set up a complimentary assessment of your candidacy today. The post HBS 2+2 Program for College Seniors: How to Get In appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
08 Oct 2019, 05:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: HEC Paris Essays and Tips for 2019-2020 |
 This year’s HEC Paris essays focus on your ethics and values. An amazing location in Paris and a strong leadership education distinguish the HEC MBA. HEC Paris boasts a high number of CEOs in its alumni community. Another distinction is an entrepreneurial spirit. HEC Paris is consistently ranked as one of the top MBA programs in the world. If your life and career are focused in Europe, HEC is worth a strong look. And, even if you are primarily United States-based, think about adding a European MBA program to your list. To learn more about how Stacy Blackman Consulting can help with your HEC Paris essays, don’t hesitate to contact us. For more details on the HEC Paris essays and application requirements, visit the HEC Paris website. HEC Paris Essays for 2019-2020 Essay 1: Why are you applying to the HEC MBA Program now? What is the professional objective that will guide your career choice after your MBA, and how will the HEC MBA contribute to the achievement of this objective? (500 words max.) Describing your career goals is the first task in this HEC Paris essay. Also, why now is the right time for an MBA and why HEC Paris is your choice. Also, you will want to explain past experiences, but avoid reciting your resume. In addition, think about the key moments in your career that can highlight your skills. Focus on some mini-stories to tell. Then, you can explain your career choice with specifics. What industry do you want to work within? What will be your function (marketing or finance, for example)? Do you have any desires for location and aspirations to impact the global economy? Also, note that HEC Paris has successfully assisted students with career changes and entrepreneurial dreams. If you are looking for a new career after your MBA, HEC may be the perfect place. Thorough school research will help you make the case to the admissions committee. In addition you should explain the classes, professors, and student activities that will help you achieve your goals.  Essay 2: What do you consider your most significant life achievement? (250 words max.) HEC Paris is looking for leaders. In the second of the HEC Paris essays, describe an experience that demonstrates leadership. Consider that there is no time limit to this essay. For instance, you could explore something formative that happened to you as a teenager, or an achievement from last week. Also, when selecting an example, think about an achievement that demonstrates who you are. And, also shows a moment that changed the course of your life. For example, perhaps you were given an assignment at work that was beyond your capabilities. That experience may have taught you how to leverage the experience of a team. Or, taught you how to research and learn on your own. Think about the achievements that stretched your abilities and taught you the most. A leadership example can also show how you helped a team achieve its best work. Essay 3: Leadership and ethics are inevitably intertwined in the business world. Describe a situation in which you have dealt with these issues and how they have influenced you. (250 words max.) Because ethics are so important, the third in this set of HEC Paris essays is focused on this issue. As a future leader, ethics can determine how well your company performs. When you look at the devastating results of the 2008 financial crisis, or recent security breaches at major tech companies, it is clear that business can be influenced by ethics. In your own career you have likely encountered colleagues or leaders that were not guided by ethical behavior. When you have come across an ethical dilemma, how did you handle it? Explain the situation and how you felt, what you did, and the outcome. Ideally, you have learned a lesson as a result of the experience. Finally, consider your overall approach to leadership and ethics. Essay 4: Imagine a life entirely different from the one you now lead, what would it be? (250 words max.) This HEC Paris essay is a creative way to explore your character and core personality. When you think about the opposite of who you are today, it shows how you view yourself. Where would a person leading an entirely different life live? What career would they pursue? What would be their family responsibilities? Think about asking your friends and family what they think as a thought starter. Describe this alternative life as specifically as possible and use the exercise to clarify your own core values.  Chris KaridisEssay 5: Please choose from one of the following essays, 250 words max.: a) What monument or site would you advise a first-time visitor to your country or city to discover, and why? b) Certain books, movies or plays have had an international success that you believe to be undeserved. Choose an example and analyse it. c) What figure do you most admire and why? You may choose from any field (arts, literature, politics, business, etc) Of all of the HEC Paris essays, this one provides options to share your strong opinions and personality with the admissions committee. For instance, you can choose to describe your country or city, discuss an art piece, or a leader you admire. Honestly, any one of the choices can showcase an aspect of your personality. Overall, the goal is to differentiate yourself. Consider the best option for your unique background. For example, if you live in a small country or city that is rarely visited by tourists, describe a monument or site. In this way, using the essay to describe your city or country can further explain your background. On the other hand, if you choose a public figure you admire, you could explore your ideas of leadership. Or, perhaps you admire persistence, or overcoming obstacles, or helping others. Use those ideas to explore your core values. Finally, whichever option you choose, get personal! Essay 6 (Optional): Is there any additional information you would like to share with us? (900 words max.) This HEC Paris essay gives you space to describe any additional information you would like to provide to the admissions committee. Generally, optional essays are used for any confusing or concerning information in your application. In this case, you may use this essay to provide positive information as well. You may have a story about leadership or another achievement you would like to highlight. If so, this is a place to tell that story. If you have described your core values in any of the above, you may be able to reinforce that story with this essay. Obviously, this is the essay to use if you need to explain an academic issue, low GMAT, recommender issue, or gap in work experience. It is far better to fully explain any issues in your application than to leave the admissions committee to guess what happened. Explain your issue clearly and focus most of the essay on the correction for the issue. For example, if you had a low grade in a quantitative course in college, spend most of the essay describing how you have shown academic promise since then, rather than focusing on the negative. Avoid blaming anyone else for your issue. Instead, describe why this one incident is in your past and will stay there. You may also choose to skip this essay if you do not have another story to tell or an incident in the past to explain. Remember that it is optional. The post Tuesday Tips: HEC Paris Essays and Tips for 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
08 Oct 2019, 06:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: HEC Paris MBA Deadlines for 2019-2020 |
 Interested MBA candidates can apply to HEC Paris throughout the year to begin their MBA course in either January or September. The HEC Paris MBA deadlines for the 2019-2020 admissions cycle are as follows. Upcoming HEC Paris MBA Deadlines for the September 2020 Intake October Deadline Application due: October 15, 2019 Decision released: November 14, 2019 November Deadline Application due: November 15, 2019 Decision released: December 13, 2019 January Deadline Application due: January 2, 2020 Decision released: February 7, 2020 February Deadline Application due: February 3, 2020 Decision released: March 6, 2020 March Deadline Application due: March 2, 2020 Decision released: April 10, 2020 April Deadline Application due: April 1, 2020 Decision released: May 7, 2020 May Deadline Application due: May 4, 2020 Decision released: June 12, 2020 June Deadline Application due: June 8, 2020 Decision released: July 17, 2020 The admissions process at this prestigious European business school operates on on a rolling basis throughout the year and aims to take applicants through the entire process from submission to decision in five weeks. *** For additional information on applying, please visit the HEC Paris MBA admissions website. If you need guidance on your HEC Paris application, or wish to discuss your MBA plans, reach out for a complimentary analysis of your candidacy. We’re here to help! The post HEC Paris MBA Deadlines for 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
09 Oct 2019, 06:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Social Media Tips for MBA Applicants |
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We’re going to tell you something you probably already know. Namely, if you’re applying to an MBA program this year, be careful about what you post online. It’s quite possible that adcom members will do a search of your name before admitting you to their program. You don’t want something written in haste to derail your chances of getting in. That’s why you should review these social media tips for MBA applicants asap. Rest assured, being active on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and other social media platforms isn’t a negative. In fact, savvy candidates actually use these venues to boost their credibility. For example, you can also use social media to solidify the good impressions made through your application materials. Try these social media tips on for size Let’s say that you’re hoping to switch careers after business school. One of your essays talks about your intention to work for a company that develops clean-energy options in third-world countries. You could tweet links to articles or books you’re reading on the subject. Maybe you post about a local conference you attended. Perhaps you give your take on the most promising advancements in the field. Or, maybe your career to date has led you to become somewhat of an expert on microfinance. Reinforce that reputation through your online presence. Let people know when you were quoted in an article or asked to be on a panel. Are you a marketing guru? It would be easy to weigh in on — or share — what some of the biggest brands are doing on social media. The key is to keep things professional and on point. It’s absolutely fine to let your personality shine through, too — just as it should in your essays. And you’re already following the programs you’re applying to, right? Doing so could be a great way to get some insight about a school that you could work into your essays. Remember, if you don’t consider social media to be another way to strengthen your candidacy, you may be missing out on a great opportunity that other MBA applicants will most certainly take advantage of. Think of it this way:  Until next time, The team at Stacy Blackman Consulting ***Do your social media profiles need a makeover? For a b-school applicant, proper management of social media channels can help you expand the scope of your application without infringing on limited essay word counts. Check out the SBC Social Media Strategy Review and let us help set you up for a lifetime of online social success. The post Social Media Tips for MBA Applicants appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
11 Oct 2019, 13:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Recruiters and Schools Value MBA Rankings |
 The subject of MBA rankings comes up a lot with b-school applicants. We’re always surprised by the extreme interest in rankings, which are, after all, rather fleeting. You may have your sights set on the “No. 1” business school. But a decade from now, that same stellar program might have slipped to number 10. Make sure you’re looking at the data points that are important to your own career path when determining the value of a particular ranking. However, know that if you aspire to a highly competitive position in banking or consulting, a potential employer will likely give an advantage to an applicant from one of the elite schools. That’s the reality of the game. Recruiters’ view of MBA rankings Despite periodic grumblings over the value of the various MBA rankings, a recent article by Seb Murray in BusinessBecause supports the notion that corporate recruiters still consider them a valuable tool. Keith Bevans, global head of consultant recruiting for Bain & Company, tells Murray that they use rankings to determine which business schools to invest resources into, such as on-campus recruiting. “We use rankings at a macro rather than micro level,” Bevans explains. Rankings provide an initial guide, but the rest comes down to the appropriateness of each individual candidate. It’s worth noting that Bain hired over 500 consultants in 2018 and plans to expand on that figure this year. The schools’ view of MBA rankings UV Darden School of Business‘s assistant dean for career services, Jeff McNish, points to another value of MBA rankings. McNish tells BusinessBecause that rankings are among the only ways recruiters can assess the quality of an MBA cohort. This matters because much of the learning at business school happens during case discussions among students. Along those lines, Columbia Business School‘s former dean Glenn Hubbard once noted that it’s human nature to want to experience the best of anything. But Hubbard suggested that applicants take a closer look at the students of the programs they are targeting as they come up with their shortlist of schools. “It’s in the student network that you will find the metrics that matter for assessing any business school: inputs and outputs,” he explained. Employers want the best employees money can buy. Hubbard said students will receive good job offers if the job market believes they have received a valuable education. “Schools that routinely graduate classes at full or near-full employment, with good job satisfaction, have reason to believe they’re receiving a vote of confidence from the market,” he said. SBC’s view of MBA rankings We don’t like to encourage clients to focus too heavily on rankings when they’re making their MBA program selections. In fact, placing a heavy emphasis on rankings can actually become a distraction for some applicants. Applicants would do well to focus more on a program’s culture, size, or the strength of its alumni network. If you’re a prospective MBA, you should decide the factors that will play a role in where you apply. Consider cost, location, program specialties, faculty’s areas of expertise and so on. Keep these factors in mind as you research specific programs. This will help you home in on the ones that are your best fit. Most likely, your list will contain a few under-the-radar programs that aren’t at the top of the rankings—provided, of course, that reputation isn’t the only factor that matters to you. Photo by Rochelle Nicole on Unsplash The post Recruiters and Schools Value MBA Rankings appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
14 Oct 2019, 13:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: How Much of Your Networking Should Be Done Online? |
 The new rules of professional networking have become murky now that much of our connecting happens via electronic devices. Should you channel most of your networking efforts into social media? Are face-to-face meetings still essential for networking success? What’s the right ratio of live networking versus online networking? Unfortunately, no single “formula” guarantees the perfect blend of offline and online networking. But some guidelines can help maximize your efforts. The decision about how much time to spend on the digital side of the networking equation may vary depending on:
However, keep in mind that while you may not reach as many people by attending a networking session, making just one key connection at an event could open the door to a new opportunity much more effectively than countless random reach-outs on social media. Yet time or budget may prevent you from attending conferences and conventions, particularly if you don’t happen to live in the city where they occur. That’s why taking a dual-pronged approach to networking is critical for success. Here are two strategies to help you incorporate actual “meeting and greeting” with virtual forms of networking: Embrace the overlap between online networking and IRL networking Do you always favor a certain networking style, excluding other possibilities? Maybe you’re a Twitter fan and love building your network there, but you shy away from conferences and brown-bag events where you could meet others in your area of expertise. You can cast a wider net of opportunities by being open to multiple options and overlapping them. There’s no need to limit yourself, and you can take advantage of different benefits when you try new strategies. If you primarily leverage in-person networking, mix things up to include online efforts and vice versa. Once you’ve opened yourself up to whichever type of networking that you’re avoiding, the following strategy will help you take it to the next level. Use “circular networking” Regardless of how you’re initially introduced to someone—whether on screen or in the room—you can leverage the multiple options of networking available to keep the conversation going. For example, if someone in your industry connects with you on Facebook, you might suggest meeting for coffee to explore collaboration opportunities in more detail. After the initial meeting, hop back online to continue the dialogue with your new contact. By leveraging this “circular” style of networking, you can devote around half of your networking time to live meet-ups and half to online communication, pivoting between them to stay connected. This hybrid approach to networking is what’s needed today to cover all of your bases. By allotting a reasonable portion of your networking hours to both in-person and digital networking, you’ll be well positioned to reach your career goals. *** 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! Main image credit: Flickr user Rachel.Adams (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) The post How Much of Your Networking Should Be Done Online? appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
15 Oct 2019, 05:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: Oxford MBA Application Tips for 2019-2020 |
 Are you currently working on your Oxford MBA application? The highly ranked one-year Said at Oxford MBA program exposes students to an international, diverse network at a world-class institution. For that reason, Oxford seeks engaged students and mature leaders with extensive work experience. A great way to learn about Oxford is by visiting in person or reading student blogs. You’ll notice that there is a strong culture of improving the world. In fact, this emphasis on making the world a better place comes through clearly in this set of Oxford MBA application essays. Conveying your deeper purpose is a core motivator for a successful applicant. Also, note that you can describe your career goals in a short-answer section within the application. Above all, Oxford states, “the admissions committee will be looking for evidence of the following: good communication skills, leadership potential, analytical skills, fit with the Oxford MBA community.” To learn more about the Oxford MBA application, visit the Oxford Said website. For assistance with your application essays, contact Stacy Blackman Consulting for a complimentary evaluation. Supporting Statement: Tell us something that is not covered in your application which you would like the Admissions Committee to know about you. (Maximum 250 words) This Oxford MBA application essay is open-ended. Therefore, it allows you to cover almost any topic that you think needs more clarification. Perhaps you want to describe something about your personal background. On the other hand, you might want to describe a leadership role in a volunteer role. In addition, it’s possible to use this essay to further emphasize your career goals. Consider sharing information about your international experience if applicable. Oxford is looking for maturity, leadership and diversity in applicants. Accordingly, this essay is an opportunity to show these qualities. Once you have chosen a topic for this Oxford MBA application essay, you will want to explain yourself clearly. With only 250 words, you should make sure to use precise language and examples. Specific examples will help the admissions committee understand you better. For example, you might describe a volunteer accomplishment. To do so, describe who was there, what you accomplished, and how you felt about it. If you are applying under the Oxford 1+1 MBA scheme, you also need to submit the following essay: Explain why you see this as particularly beneficial for you and how it fits with your career and personal development aims. (Maximum 250 words) The Oxford 1+1 MBA provides a unique experience. You can study business for one year, and spend the other year studying topics from African Studies to Water Science, Policy and Management. Successful applicants will show why they have a good reason to study both. Consider your career goals, and how a well-rounded course may help you. In addition, focus on long-term goals and consider how deep knowledge in a master’s topic could provide perspective. This Oxford MBA application essay is asking “why 1+1” and you will need a clear answer. Therefore, extensive program research will help you answer the question thoroughly. To conduct your research, consider contacting current or former students, as well as alumni or faculty. Make sure you have well-researched questions to ask of them, and a focus on your interests and goals. Re-applicants will need to submit an additional essay as below: What improvements have you made in your candidacy since you last applied to the Oxford MBA? (Maximum 250 words) It’s easy to answer questions like this one when you have improved scores. However, even if your improvements are less tangible, this essay allows you to express them. First, consider what you have learned since you last applied. Second, think about any advancements at work. Third, review your outside activities for any leadership experiences. Once you have reviewed the recent developments, describe them briefly in this essay. Finally, make sure to explain why you are a stronger candidate. The post Tuesday Tips: Oxford MBA Application Tips for 2019-2020 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
17 Oct 2019, 11:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: HBS Conducts Student Survey on MBA Rankings |
 The fact that Harvard Business School jockeys for the top spot in all major rankings will surprise no one. But how much weight do HBS admits give those rankings when finalizing their target school list? HBS seeks answers to this question in a survey on MBA rankings recently posed to the entire student body. With ten+ popular business school rankings released annually, there’s a lot of overlap and information to consider. In its survey on MBA rankings, HBS wants to find out whether students favored certain rankings outlets over others. Next, HBS asks how influential rankings were in guiding the applicant’s final selection of target schools. Also, the school wants to learn how important a school’s reputation on entrepreneurship was to the applicant when considering programs. This week in The Harbus, the business school’s student-run paper, first-year Raseem Farook shares initial thoughts on the subject gleaned from conversations with the marketing and admissions teams at HBS. Take a look at some of their comments on the subject of business school rankings. The HBS survey of MBA rankings, from the school’s perspective “Participating in these rankings takes a lot of time and effort,” Mark Cautela, Director of Communications at HBS, tells Farook. “We used to participate in over 10 different rankings. But a few years back we made the decision to reduce our participation to just five, and we haven’t noticed a drop in interest.” This prompted the marketing and admissions teams at HBS to investigate whether rankings mattered to incoming students. Also, was it worth the effort to participate in them? Brian Kenny, Chief Marketing Officer at HBS, tells Farook he thinks rankings might help applicants come up with an initial list. But then, the search must get more personal. “Each student’s motivation and reason to attend business school will be unique,” he says. “Some come to pursue entrepreneurial paths, while others may come to switch careers. And it is not possible to create one list that captures the requirements of all these different individuals. So, rankings should just be one data point in the decision-making process and not the sole criterion.” Meanwhile, Chad Losee, managing director of MBA admissions and financial aid at HBS, shares this view about rankings. “We are not solving for rankings as we make our admissions decisions,” Losee says. “Our goal is to admit a class of talented, curious leaders with different perspectives on how to solve important problems in business and society.” What is HBS’ secret formula?  Farook then asked Losee for insight into how HBS keeps a consistently high yield rate despite participating in fewer rankings. Here is Losee’s response: “Many of our admissions outreach efforts aim to help prospective students get to know HBS on a much deeper level—and to imagine themselves here. For example, I just held admissions information sessions in four cities in Africa, and in each one we had inspirational local alumni come and share their experience at HBS and thereafter. “In an event like that, or in the digital outreach we do, prospective students learn a lot more about HBS than they can from a ranking. As a result, our yield has stayed pretty stable over time, thanks to the countless efforts of students and alumni chatting with newly admitted students about the experience they can have at HBS.” Evidently, Farook notes, the magic formula for success is helping prospective students to imagine themselves at HBS. *** Rejected by a round one program? We feel your pain. Take action and get insights on reasons why. The SBC team includes former Admissions Officers from every elite program. Email us at ask@stacyblackman.com to request a free report on rejection reasons. Main image credit: Chris Han (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) The post HBS Conducts Student Survey on MBA Rankings appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
18 Oct 2019, 13:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Interview Advice for Wharton MBA Applicants |
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Every year, top business schools receive thousands of applications for admission, but they only admit an average of 25% of those who apply. The story is no different at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. Here, about half of all applicants are interviewed, but less than one in 10 are ultimately granted admission. What’s more, no student is admitted without an interview. As consultants who help clients earn admission to top MBA programs, we know first-hand the importance of interviews. They’re a key component of how the admissions committee gets a full picture of you as an applicant. Also, it’s how the adcomm evaluates whether you’ll fit into the Wharton community. Our interview advice for Wharton includes three tips that will show your assets and skills off to their best advantage. 1. Prepare for the team-based discussion. Wharton was among the first business schools in the US to implement a team-based discussion component as part of the interview process. In it, five to six applicants discuss a topic while admissions committee members observe. This aspect of the application attempts to get a holistic sense of you, outside of a well-written essay or even a well-rehearsed interview. Wharton looks for team players and people who can be analytical while working well with others. Keep in mind that observers want to see candidates contributing without dominating the discussion. The idea is to see how you might engage in a productive conversation with a group of future classmates. To leave a positive impression, make sure to share your point of view, but also listen thoughtfully. Respect differing points of view and bring others into the conversation. 2. Emphasize your experience as an innovator. Innovation is integral to Wharton’s brand. This doesn’t have to mean you’ve invented the next billion-dollar app or founded a company. But it does denote someone who creates something that has not existed before — whether that’s a new product, process, or way of seeing the world. Think of ways you’ve acted as a “change agent” in your workplace or community. Wharton seeks dynamic, energized students who look to change industries, economies, and even their countries. Find examples of how you’ve seen the potential to make things better — and taken action to create positive change. 3. Show your aptitude for thriving in a global environment. Approximately 40% of Wharton’s students hail from countries outside the US. Having an awareness and appreciation of other cultures is key to an applicant’s ability to survive and thrive at Wharton and in today’s multinational world of business. Showing global awareness isn’t necessarily about the number of stamps on your passport. Rather, it’s about showing that you thrive in new and unfamiliar environments. In addition, it shows you can successfully navigate the challenges of competing in a global marketplace. If your career goals transcend borders, make sure to share your planned career path. Also, if you have experience working with global teams, provide examples of challenges and successes. Above all, an honest curiosity and willingness to learn about other cultures and countries will go a long way. Ultimately, you shouldn’t think of interviews for Wharton or any other top business school as just another hurdle standing in the way of your MBA. Instead, realize this is how the admissions committee tries to get to know you better. The interview allows you to connect the dots of your personal narrative and tell your story in your unique voice. Emphasizing your strengths and experiences as they relate to qualities that are important to each school’s learning community will help show how you’ll fit in and be a contributing member, and indeed an asset, to that school’s learning community. Now that you’ve seen our interview advice for Wharton, it’s time to start practicing! Recruit a friend or family member to conduct mock interviews with you. Or, contact us to learn more about our group interview prep services. If you’re prepared to work well with a team, emphasize innovation in your approach, and share your global perspective, and you could find yourself on the positive side of Wharton’s competitive interview and application process. *** Have you been rejected by a round one program? We feel your pain. Take action and get insights on reasons why. The SBC team includes former Admissions Officers from every elite program. Email us at ask@stacyblackman.com to request a free report on rejection reasons. This post originally published in 2018 and has been updated. The post Interview Advice for Wharton MBA Applicants appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
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