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05 Oct 2020, 15:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: HBS Round 1 Update |
 For those of you on pins and needles since submitting your application to Harvard Business School a few weeks ago, Chad Losee, director of MBA admissions and financial aid, has some good news regarding interview notifications: it won’t be long now. The official HBS Round 1 update will happen at noon EST on October 6, 2020. When you log into your application status page, you will see one of these three possibilities:
“This is a small group of strong applicants that we ask to wait with us until Round 2, at which point we will review your application again,” Losee explains. So yes, this is good news, because it means you’re still in the running. For applicants who receive an “early release” notice in this HBS Round 1 update, the blow certainly stings. But, it truly is better to know now. That way, you can refocus your energies on your other target schools and perhaps the next round deadlines. Finally, Losee reminds applicants that HBS will conduct all interviews virtually this year, adding, “You can expect the same fun, engaging conversation with a member of the Admissions Board.” Next steps for successful HBS applicants Last season, Losee revealed that HBS interviews about 1 in 5 applicants and admits just over half of those candidates. If you can successfully pass the hurdle that is the Harvard Business School interview, your chances of admission skyrocket. Be sure to read SBC’s interview tips for Harvard Business School here. For personalized guidance with your HBS interview, sign up for our MBA Interview Prep package. Good luck to all R1 applicants awaiting notification! Image credit: Michael A. Herzog (CC BY-ND 2.0) The post HBS Round 1 Update appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
07 Oct 2020, 11:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: MBA Success Story: Diligence and Planning Pay Off with 5 Admits |
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We often like to check in with exceptional former clients whose MBA application journey might inspire current business school hopefuls. Meet Camilla Lucas, who worked with SBC admissions consultant Beth during the 2019-2020 admissions cycle. All told, Camilla received five offers of admission and one substantial MBA scholarship. Camilla shares how devoting ample energy, thought, time, and commitment to the process helped her create the best possible MBA application in this exclusive Q&A.  MBA applicants are usually laser-focused on getting the admits. Was that your sole focus in applying to MBA programs? I focused on getting admits for the sake of preserving my options for as long as possible. I still needed to figure out where I wanted to be geographically, as well as what “thing” I wanted my eventual business school to be particularly good at. For example, I weighed how much I cared about an emphasis on the case method versus choosing a program known for healthcare. I continued to gather information from talking to people and from my work experiences throughout the time it took to apply and get admissions decisions. This bought me a few more months to weigh these factors. What areas did you spend a lot of time thinking through during the application process? I spent a lot of time thinking through cultural fit before—and throughout—the application process. All of the schools that I applied to are much more similar than different. I sought out schools with a collaborative, team-oriented culture that I’d loved so much in undergrad. Talking to alumni about their experiences and hearing how schools described themselves helped me determine where I wanted to apply. Then, I tailored my application to the nuances of that school. Those conversations ultimately informed my decision about where to attend. You received 5 admits—including a big scholarship award. What do you think were the success factors or drivers for your fantastic results? Is there anything you would point to as “the secret to your success”? Time management was an essential component of my process. It’s hard to balance applying to school with working full-time. That’s why creating goals for when I’d finish different components of the application, and then holding myself to those goals, was key. Networking was also so important. Initially, networking helped me learn about the schools to figure out where to apply. But then when it came time to do essays, I could write genuine responses about why I liked a particular school because I’d done so much research. I had collected great anecdotes from the conversations that I was able to weave in. Plus, I had my own perspective on each school that I’d developed via compiling insights from all of my conversations. How did you make the decision of which to accept amongst your five offers? I had a tough time deciding which offer to accept. Each of the schools had characteristics I had grown to love. I knew that I would be happy at any of them, get a great education, and have the resources to pursue whatever career path I was interested in. Based primarily on my geographic preferences, I narrowed things down to my top two schools. I attended both admitted students’ weekends, which, fortunately, I could still do in-person! This helped enormously because it enabled me to picture myself at each place. It really came down to a gut feeling via the sense of community I felt and other students I talked to at the Fuqua weekend. Do you see a difference among your fellow MBA students around preparedness for the program and career recruiting? How does this affect the MBA student experience, recruiting chances, anxiety levels, etc.? Because the experience of starting school is so personal and influenced by many factors, I can only speak for myself. I am so much more prepared and calmer about starting the program and career recruiting because of all of the prep work I did while applying. Several examples illustrate why this is the case. Most importantly, I put a lot of thought into answering the essay questions asking what I wanted to do post business school. So, I already had a good sense of what I wanted to focus on career-wise. While it’s common for students to move away from what they wrote on their applications, I haven’t made any dramatic shifts. I think that’s because I spent so much time thinking about it upfront. More tactically, I spent a long time getting my resume in good shape to apply to school. Therefore, the process of getting it ready now to apply to internships is faster and easier. Also, I already had responses prepared to standard interview questions such as “tell me about yourself.” I feel confident because I’d received great guidance and practiced them when preparing for my interviews. Lastly, I got a lot of practice networking throughout the application process. Now that I’m networking with a career focus, it feels much more natural, and I feel more confident. It’s also great because I have overlapping career interests with some of the alumni I talked to in the process to whom I can now reach back out.  Where do you think you fall regarding your level of preparedness and confidence? Outside of the direct application process, I also took “Math for Management” during the fall that I applied. I was advised to do so for two reasons. First, I didn’t have a robust quant background. So, including on my applications that I was taking this course demonstrated awareness. I finished the course around Thanksgiving and submitted my grade as further evidence I could handle the quant rigor of business school. Second, I was nervous about the quant heavy course load in an MBA program. I wanted to feel more prepared and confident going into it. I do think the course helped to strengthen my application. Having that foundation is now alleviating some of the stress involved with core courses. There are so many changes and new things to think about while starting school. It’s great to feel a bit less anxious about my quant classes. We often hear that “What you put in is what you get out” or “Good things come to those who hustle.” Do either of those ideas ring true for your experience, and how? Both of these statements absolutely held true in my application process. I could’ve applied to fewer schools and made my process more efficient. However, taking a bit of a longer path on the application process has paid off well in many different ways. I also think, “Good things come to those who hustle” was very relevant to my process. Coming into it, I knew that my GPA and GMAT were solid but not high enough to be major differentiators. Therefore, I decided to work hard on the other aspects of my application that were still in my control. I focused on my essays, interviews, and on networking as much as possible within the schools. While I’ll never know the decision-making processes that took place, I do think these efforts made a big difference. What advice do you have for others considering an MBA? I got the GMAT done in my first year out of undergrad, which was a huge help. I felt less anxious while studying because I knew it would be a while until I applied to business school. Also, it enabled me to spend more time doing things that weren’t “required” but were immensely helpful (like networking). If I’d been trying to study for the GMAT simultaneously, there’s no way that I would’ve been able to complete everything else while continuing to do well in my job. Making this decision several years ago set me up well for the rest of my process. *** Thank you, Camilla, for sharing your story of how hard work and strategic planning paid off handsomely in your MBA application process. Best of luck at Duke University Fuqua School of Business! The post MBA Success Story: Diligence and Planning Pay Off with 5 Admits appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
08 Oct 2020, 05:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: B-Schooled Episode #24: COVID Updates and First Dings |
 The last several days have brought us Wall Street Journal articles about rising application numbers at the top b-schools, as well as news for all Round 1 HBS hopefuls. That’s why this week’s episode of the B-Schooled podcast covers: • What candidates should make of recent reports of “soaring” MBA application numbers due to COVID, and • Important context about dings, after HBS’s Round 1 interview invites, Round 2 deferral and release notifications went out on Tuesday. Listen to B-Schooled episode #24 here, or on any of the podcast apps listed below. B-Schooled is available on most major podcast apps, including: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher TuneIn Please be sure to subscribe to B-Schooled so that you don’t miss a thing. If there’s something you’d like for us to cover in a future episode, please email podcast@stacyblackman.com. We’d love to hear from you! The post B-Schooled Episode #24: COVID Updates and First Dings appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
09 Oct 2020, 08:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Considering an MBA? Our Advice for Career Switchers |
 Are you looking to gain the skills and network to launch your career in a new direction? These days, few people stay with one company or even on one job track throughout their professional lives. So-called career switchers can use the MBA degree to develop connections for future employment. It can also expand international job opportunities. And then there’s the potential for long-term income and financial stability. Career Switchers from Non-Traditional Backgrounds Does your undergraduate degree or work experience fall into the non-traditional category? Then make sure you clearly convey your long-term career goals within your application and essays. Explain in detail how you have concluded that an MBA would help you further your professional aspirations. Business school demands a huge investment of your time, energy, and finances. Make an airtight case to the admissions committee for why you want to go into this new field. Show that you know what the industry requires, the challenges you expect to face, and convey all previous experiences that demonstrate you have the transferable skills to make this switch. Emphasize aspects of your work experience related more closely to the new career path you wish to follow. If necessary, take additional college-level math courses to demonstrate your quant proficiency. Or, call attention to extracurricular activities that clearly support your career shift. Maximize Your Time at B-School Once you’re in business school, you have the opportunity to see how you fit in that new industry through coursework, student groups, internships, or networking with alumni. Self-reflection and exploration are key components of the MBA experience. Students have a chance to sample various fields and functions without making any firm commitments. Embarking on a new career path with a freshly minted MBA tucked under your arm isn’t just about new knowledge acquired in the classroom. It’s about leveraging your existing experience with enhanced skills, and even more so, it’s about making the most of personal relationships. All people, classes, activities, etc. in an MBA program will catapult you into a whole new sphere. You may come out with completely new ideas that help facilitate career change in ways you would not have thought of before. *** Career switchers, check out this upcoming webinar hosted by Duke Fuqua on Wednesday, October 21, from noon to 1 p.m. EDT. It has everything you need to know about using an MBA to make a career change. The post Considering an MBA? Our Advice for Career Switchers appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
12 Oct 2020, 11:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Making the Most of the MBA Data Form |
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You’ve finalized your resume and secured your undergrad transcript. Your recommenders are working on their letters, and your essays are well underway. What’s next to tackle in the typical b-school application? The MBA data form. The data form consists of drop-down menus, checklists, informational fields, and short-answer responses that give the adcomm a quick overview of who you are. They’re also likely to be the first thing reviewed in your package. This means they create the reader’s initial impression of you. That’s why it’s important not to complete the data form in a rush right before the program’s submission deadline. MBA Data Form Blunders These two problems commonly arise when you hurry through a data form:
For short-answer responses—meaning fields where you have anywhere from 50 to 2,000 characters for your answer—you should think through what information you’ve provided in the rest of your materials and then try to either complement or expand upon it in the data form. Think of each part of your application package as an opportunity to strengthen your candidacy and tell the admissions committee something new. Applicants often overlook the data form’s possibilities because it seems so straightforward and, well, boring. But we view it as an easy way to make a positive first impression. Looking for more concrete advice? We covered common MBA data form questions (about the employment, salary, awards, and activities fields, as well as various dropdowns) and provided several additional tips for how to make the most of the data form on our B-Schooled podcast’s episode #21, which you can find on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn. Remember:  Until next time, The team at Stacy Blackman Consulting *** If you enjoyed this post, please sign up for the SBC newsletter, where you’ll receive our expert advice on all aspects of the MBA application process delivered straight in your inbox each week. The post Making the Most of the MBA Data Form appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
13 Oct 2020, 05:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tips for Virtual MBA Interviews |
 Round 1 interview season is here! As the pandemic stretches on, business schools have said they will conduct only virtual MBA interviews this round—and potentially for the entire admissions cycle. You may already be an expert at Zoom meetings for work. But are you prepared to handle the stress that a virtual MBA interview will inevitably create? Video interviewing is efficient but takes some time to get used to in order to come across naturally. Many people are distracted by their appearance. Others find themselves talking in a tone that’s altogether different from a face-to-face conversation. Make sure you conduct various practice chats and seek feedback on your performance until you’re satisfied that you’re conversing with ease. Before Your Virtual MBA Interviews
Dress to Impress Have you been living in athleisure wear for the last seven months? Then it’s time to dust off your professional threads. “You might be sitting near your bed, but you shouldn’t look like you just rolled out of it,” says this piece with virtual interview tips from Harvard Business School.  Most applicants have a clear grasp of the meaning of professional dress. Yet several admissions officers report that the standard seems to slide in virtual interviews, particularly when it comes to the apparel below the desk. If you need to stand up for any reason during the interview and have nothing but boxers on, rest assured that is an impression the interviewer won’t soon forget. Finally, there’s this bonus per HBS: studies show that people feel “most authoritative, trustworthy, and competent when wearing formal business attire.” Set the Stage First, you’ll want to do the interview in a quiet room with little echo. Make sure your surroundings look tidy and professional. If you live with others, the Booth Experience blog suggests letting them know your MBA interview time in advance. “Having an entire household on one network could potentially cause a lag,” they warn. Next, think about how you’ll illuminate the space. In this video from Chicago Booth Review, journalist and broadcaster Steven Carroll emphasizes the importance of good lighting. Use natural light if possible, avoid overhead lighting, and shine a light directly at your face. “Your face is a huge tool for communication, and you want the people you’re speaking to to be able to see you,” he says. Also important: positioning the camera at eye level. If necessary, stack books under your laptop so your interviewer isn’t looking up your nose, Carroll suggests. Mind Your Body Language Your body language matters, even in virtual MBA interviews, says the Tuck Career Services team. Make a conscious effort to look straight at the camera lens instead of the computer screen. That’s the only way to appear like you’re maintaining eye contact. “If the app allows you to move a small preview video of your interviewer around your screen, put it right next to your camera,” the Tuck team advises.  Next, try to sit a bit farther back from the screen so that more of your hand gestures and body position are visible. This looks more natural and more like a face-to-face meeting in real life. Avoid This Above all, don’t lose your cool with tech glitches. Dropped audio or a frozen feed are almost par for the course. But admissions staff say how you react to the situation is what counts. Maintaining poise and keeping your frustration in check will leave a positive impression on your interviewer. Swearing at your speakers, on the other hand, will not. SBC Video Prep Service Many applicants require some rehearsal to become comfortable conversing with a computer screen. Stacy Blackman Consulting has an online video platform that grants you unlimited practice doing precisely this. You can answer from a comprehensive menu of questions, record yourself, watch and assess, tweak, and try again. Invest 30 minutes a night and reap the benefits of increased comfort level and more articulate answers when you have your live interview. You can even choose an interview to submit to the SBC team for review and professional written feedback. Set yourself up for success with this small investment and rock your video interviews! Purchase your package here today. The post Tips for Virtual MBA Interviews appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
14 Oct 2020, 07:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: B-Schooled Episode #25: COVID Updates and First Dings |
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In this episode of the B-Schooled podcast, our host Erika welcomes Bill Chionis, one of Stacy Blackman Consulting’s experts on part-time (PT) MBA programs. They have a discussion about: • Whether or not we’ve seen an increase in interest in PT programs since COVID hit • The benefits of PT program vs. a traditional 2-year MBA • Similarities and differences between part-time and full-time MBA programs • How employers look at PT programs • How (and if) PT MBAs can pursue a career switch • Part-time MBA application criteria and guidance Listen to B-Schooled episode #25 here, or on any of the podcast apps listed below. B-Schooled is available on most major podcast apps, including: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher TuneIn Please be sure to subscribe to B-Schooled so that you don’t miss a thing. If there’s something you’d like for us to cover in a future episode, please email podcast@stacyblackman.com. We’d love to hear from you! The post B-Schooled Episode #25: COVID Updates and First Dings appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
14 Oct 2020, 11:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: B-Schooled Episode #25: Part-Time MBA Programs |
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In this episode of the B-Schooled podcast, our host Erika welcomes Bill Chionis, one of Stacy Blackman Consulting’s experts on part-time (PT) MBA programs. They have a discussion about: • Whether or not we’ve seen an increase in interest in PT programs since COVID hit • The benefits of PT program vs. a traditional 2-year MBA • Similarities and differences between part-time and full-time MBA programs • How employers look at PT programs • How (and if) PT MBAs can pursue a career switch • Part-time MBA application criteria and guidance Listen to B-Schooled episode #25 here, or on any of the podcast apps listed below. B-Schooled is available on most major podcast apps, including: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher TuneIn Please be sure to subscribe to B-Schooled so that you don’t miss a thing. If there’s something you’d like for us to cover in a future episode, please email podcast@stacyblackman.com. We’d love to hear from you! The post B-Schooled Episode #25: Part-Time MBA Programs appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
15 Oct 2020, 05:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: HBS Appoints Srikant Datar as New Dean |
Harvard Business School’s Dean Nitin Nohria had planned to step down in June 2o2o. Then, the COVID-19 crisis exploded. So, Nohria decided to remain at the helm of HBS for the rest of the year. But the search for his replacement has officially come to an end. The school has announced that Srikant Datar will assume the reins effective January 1, 2021. Since joining the HBS faculty in 1996, Datar has held a series of key positions. These include his role as the school’s senior associate dean responsible for faculty recruiting and development. He has also led the school’s efforts in executive education, for research, and currently for University affairs. In addition, Datar has served as faculty chair of the Harvard Innovation Labs, or i-lab, since 2015. He has recently led efforts to implement HBS’s hybrid teaching and learning model adopted in response to the pandemic. Datar said he felt both “humbled and honored” by the appointment. “Harvard Business School is an institution with a remarkable legacy of impact in research, education, and practice,” he said in an official statement. “Yet the events of the past year have hastened our passage to an unforeseen future. I look forward to working with colleagues and friends of the School — including throughout Harvard, in our Boston community, and around the world — to realize our mission in what undoubtedly will be an exciting new era.” Continuity Over Trailblazing Srikant Datar will become the 11th dean in the business school’s 112-year history. Poets & Quants notes that with this designation, HBS passed up the opportunity to appoint its first female dean. “The school missed a great opportunity to address its yawning gap in diversity for a great woman dean and/or an under-represented minority,” one observer told P&Q. “This was seen as a safe choice to maximize continuity rather than to have impact or showcase a model of change.” The post HBS Appoints Srikant Datar as New Dean appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
20 Oct 2020, 05:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: How to Address Career Gaps |
 “Fresh ideas from the Blacklight” SBC’s Weekly Newsletter for Professionals Have you had to hit the pause button on your career due to health issues or care for a child or ailing family member? Absences like these can happen to anyone at any time. But take heart. Long-term resume and career gaps don’t have to spell doom for your future career prospects. When you’re ready to get back into the workforce, review these tips to help smooth the path for your re-entry. Be honest about career gaps First, explain the gap with confidence in both your resume and (fingers crossed!) the interview. Be as transparent as possible, and don’t leave anything open to interpretation. Tell what you did or learned during the unaccounted-for time. That way, you remove any ambiguity that could otherwise lead to adverse inferences. Showing how you adapted to challenging circumstances or forged a new path during a unique period in your life can work to your benefit. Shine a spotlight on skills When you refresh your CV, consider using a skills-based resume format rather than a chronological one. Highlight specific skills and experience that support your qualifications for the position. Employment history still appears at the bottom of this type of resume. But a functional resume format can help camouflage career gaps.  Where possible, highlight new skills gained during the gap period. Remember, growth doesn’t stop when you’re no longer active in a 9-5 capacity. Did you take any professional classes or pursue a certification? What about volunteer work, freelance gigs, or professional organizations? Also, don’t underestimate the importance of soft skills. These include communication and problem-solving skills, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure. Provide clear examples that show how you continued to hone these skills during that time out of the workforce. Maximize the powers of LinkedIn Give plenty of time and attention to networking during your re-entry research phase. “LinkedIn is a gift to relaunchers and transitioners; it helps you find all those long-lost people from the past and provides a low-key way to reconnect,” relaunch expert Carol Fishman Cohen tells Insights for Stanford Business. Reach out to contacts and explain that you’re in “information-gathering mode” right now. This approach, Cohen says, “reassures your contact that you’re not looking to ask for a job.” Wharton professor Adam Grant also talks about the value of “dormant ties” in this piece on networking tips for Inc. Dormant refers to the people you used to know but have lost touch with, likely during your employment gap. This type of contact, says Grant, can be better for networking than weak or strong ties. Strong ties give you “redundant knowledge,” he explains, because it comes from people doing the same things you do. Dormant ties, meanwhile, have a more diverse network. “Research demonstrates that when you need advice on a project, you get better information when you reach out to someone you used to know than someone you currently know,” says Grant. “They’ve been meeting different people and learning different things in the last few years, so they can open up whole worlds you didn’t know existed,” he notes. Prep for the camera Given the pandemic, a potential employer’s first impression of you will likely happen over Skype, Zoom, or HireVue. Have a pre-rehearsed script ready to discuss those career gaps or transition goals, suggests Cohen. (Check out her scripts for how to explain a variety of career break scenarios.)  Most important: practice succinct responses for all the common questions. Record yourself as you answer. Next, have a friend review your responses and give feedback on you how you’re coming across. Then, tweak your style as needed. “When you first start having these conversations, you might not sound that good,” Cohen says. “These are interview rehearsals. The more you have, the better you’ll sound when it counts in the interview itself.” With a little bit of confidence and ample preparation, your responses can make the hiring manager think, “We just have to meet this person!” So, relax and have faith in both your career successes and detours. It’s all in how you paint the picture. main image credit: Álvaro Millán (CC BY-ND 2.0) *** Did you enjoy this post and its career relaunch tips? It originally appeared on the Blacklight, our weekly newsletter for professionals. At the Blacklight, we aim 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 goalposts closer, sign up today! The post How to Address Career Gaps appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
21 Oct 2020, 07:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: B-Schooled Episode #26: MBA Interview Advice (Part 1 of 2) |
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In this episode of the B-Schooled podcast, our host Erika talks with Beth Tidmarsh—one of Stacy Blackman Consulting’s Flight Testers, as well as a former Kellogg admissions director—about MBA interviews. They have a discussion about: • Common types of MBA interview questions • Advice for how to answer typical MBA interview questions • What admissions committees are looking for from candidates in an interview • What to do if something goes awry during the interview • … and more! Then, stay tuned for part 2, which will air in two weeks (November 4). In that episode, Erika and Beth will focus specifically on behavioral interview questions (they’ll actually role-play several questions and answers), general interview do’s and don’ts, and specific advice for questions you may be asked at the end of an MBA interview. Listen to B-Schooled episode #26 here, or on any of the podcast apps listed below. B-Schooled is available on most major podcast apps, including: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher TuneIn Please be sure to subscribe to B-Schooled so that you don’t miss a thing. If there’s something you’d like for us to cover in a future episode, please email podcast@stacyblackman.com. We’d love to hear from you! The post B-Schooled Episode #26: MBA Interview Advice (Part 1 of 2) appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
27 Oct 2020, 05:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Breaking Down 5 MBA Admissions Myths |
Business school hopefuls, particularly those targeting elite programs, often fall prey to certain admissions myths circulating the interwebs. Today, we’re going to do a little myth-busting of five common misconceptions about the MBA application process. By setting the record straight, we hope to calm the nerves of many worried b-school aspirants. Myth #1: Business school prepares students to work in only a few fields. In the past, an MBA degree helped boost the careers of professionals primarily focused on banking and consulting. These days, people heading to b-school are interested in entrepreneurship, healthcare, technology, human resources, real estate, marketing, non-profits, entertainment, and much more. Even if you work in a field that doesn’t traditionally require an MBA degree, you may still benefit from it. This is especially true if your career goals include rising to senior management within your company or starting your own company. Seek out people who are pursuing your target career at any level. It’s a great way to understand what you need to do to accomplish your goals. According to MBA.com, the degree is incredibly valuable right now because it allows graduates to adapt to an ever-changing marketplace. “COVID-19 is impacting many industries and job functions. Having an MBA—not to mention the MBA network that comes along with it—will enhance a graduate’s ability to deftly pivot their career path in a direction that will enable continued professional development.” Myth #2: I won’t be successful because I don’t have a business background. This is one of the most common MBA admissions myths that we’d like to debunk permanently. Admissions teams continue to ramp up efforts to attract non-traditional applicants to their MBA programs, says the Graduate Management Admission Council. These prospective students bring unique experiences and skills to business school and the business world. Applicants with unconventional or less traditional work or academic experience before business school often worry about how admissions committees will assess their records. However, it’s more than okay to be different. No MBA program wants to fill an entire class solely with candidates from investment banking or consulting. In fact, non-traditional applicants often stand out in the MBA admissions process. Such applicants bring different perspectives to classroom discussions, which enhances the learning environment for all. Working in diverse teams is one of the most effective ways to learn essential soft management skills.  Myth #3: High rankings mean the school must be better for me. The majority of applicants fall for admissions myths such as this one. But, you should determine if a school is better in ways that suit your list of priorities. Job placement statistics and average salary post-MBA are the most important criteria for many MBA candidates. You may find that a smaller regional school, while not highly ranked nationally, has an excellent record of placing graduates in the industries of their choice. Ensure you’re looking at the data points necessary to your career path when determining a particular ranking’s value. Don’t worry about whether you’ll get into the best MBA program of all. Figure out which business school is the best one for you. Myth #4: I don’t have a perfect GPA or GMAT. So, good schools won’t accept me. While it’s natural to become hung up on achieving the highest score possible or fixate on the average GMAT score reported by the schools, we urge test-challenged clients to focus instead on aligning their scores within the 80 percent range. Many schools list this information directly within their class profiles. Are you worried that your ho-hum undergrad performance will hamper your chances of getting into a top MBA program? The most important thing is to show exceptional focus and leadership skills in your career and openly acknowledge to the admissions committee the reason for your lackluster college GPA. The admissions process is a complex one. So, do the best you can on the GMAT, but then focus on developing your personal brand. Figure out how to package your goals, passions, work experience, and “why business school, why now” into a compelling case for your admission. In the end, your exceptional accomplishments will likely shine through despite some academic challenges. Myth #5: Business school is too expensive, and I can’t afford it.  Worthy applicants often get scared off of applying to a top school, fearing the expense will be too great to bear. This is one of the most pervasive MBA admissions myths out there. But, the good news is, there are several options available to help you pay for your MBA. Plus, scholarships for MBA students have increased in recent years. Our client pool received $4.8 million in scholarship dollars last season. Scholarship awards for our clients overall have risen by 10 percent annually over the past three years. About 20-25% of SBC clients receive scholarships ranging between $10,000 to full-ride offers valued at $200,000. Finally, cash-strapped applicants should take heart. Many top schools will work with applicants to ensure cost is not a barrier to attending. In fact, in an interview with Bloomberg, Harvard Business School Dean Nitin Nohria said: “What we’re looking for is the brightest people with great leadership potential. And I promise you, if you apply to Harvard Business School you will be able to attend irrespective of your financial needs.” The post Breaking Down 5 MBA Admissions Myths appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
28 Oct 2020, 07:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: B-Schooled Episode #27: What’s On Your Mind—An Admissions Test Q&A |
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In this episode of the B-Schooled podcast, we welcome back Jay Bryant, a former MBA admissions director who is now a liaison between business schools and ETS, the company behind the GRE® General Test. Our host Erika and Jay will answer questions that listeners sent in about: • Differences between the GMAT and the GRE General Test • How MBA programs view the two main admissions tests • Why admissions tests cover specific subjects • When applicants should take their admissions test … and much more! Listen to B-Schooled episode #27 here, or on any of the podcast apps listed below. B-Schooled is available on most major podcast apps, including: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher TuneIn Please be sure to subscribe to B-Schooled so that you don’t miss a thing. If there’s something you’d like for us to cover in a future episode, please email podcast@stacyblackman.com. We’d love to hear from you! The post B-Schooled Episode #27: What’s On Your Mind—An Admissions Test Q&A appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
04 Nov 2020, 11:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: B-Schooled Episode #28: MBA Interview Advice (Part 2 of 2) |
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In this episode of the B-Schooled podcast, our host Erika welcomes back Beth Tidmarsh—one of Stacy Blackman Consulting’s Flight Testers, as well as a former Kellogg admissions director—to discuss behavioral MBA interviews. They even role-play a few questions and responses for listeners. Other topics covered include: • Common types of behavioral MBA interview questions • Advice for how to best prepare for and approach behavioral questions • Interviewing pitfalls to avoid • Whether or not MBA interviews can “make or break” a candidate’s outcome • General interviewing do’s and don’ts … and more! Listen to B-Schooled episode #28 here, or on any of the podcast apps listed below. B-Schooled is available on most major podcast apps, including: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher TuneIn Please be sure to subscribe to B-Schooled so that you don’t miss a thing. If there’s something you’d like for us to cover in a future episode, please email podcast@stacyblackman.com. We’d love to hear from you! The post B-Schooled Episode #28: MBA Interview Advice (Part 2 of 2) appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
06 Nov 2020, 06:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: SBC Increases Support for Minority MBA Applicants Through Broad Partnership with Riordan Programs |
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[img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/Riordan-scholars-734x309.jpg[/img] SBC has expanded its partnership with the Riordan Programs to support underrepresented and minority students interested in attending the world’s top MBA programs. [b]By Stacy Blackman[/b] On June 2, I authored a [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/blog/we-are-all-in-this-together/]blog post[/url] sharing a quote from American author and historian Ibram X. Kendi. It read, in part: “One either allows racial inequities to persevere, as a racist, or confronts racial inequities, as an antiracist. There is no in-between safe place of ‘not racist.’ The claim of a ‘not racist’ neutrality is a mask for racism.” I went on to share that I was focusing on listening, learning, and growing. Since that time, the SBC team has been working to identify ways to be better antiracists. As a step forward, I am excited to announce that Stacy Blackman Consulting will dramatically expand a long-standing relationship with the [url=https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/programs-and-outreach/riordan-programs/riordan-scholars]Riordan Programs[/url]. For nearly 30 years, the Riordan Programs have led the charge to provide a pathway for underrepresented and minority students to excel at the country’s top MBA programs. “We are thrilled to be expanding our relationship with Stacy Blackman Consulting. Our mission has always been to help high school students, college students, and recent college graduates from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds — often the first in their families to go to college — prepare for careers in management through education, mentorship, professional development and leadership training. This partnership has already dramatically expanded the resources we offer to the MBA applicants from across the country that we work with.” —Roxanne Mendez, Executive Director of the Riordan Programs Connecting With Riordan Programs’ Fellows This partnership will include free webinars led by SBC consultants and former admissions officers from the world’s top business schools. We’re also offering free one-on-one consulting sessions with a number of Riordan Programs Fellows. And finally, SBC has made a financial contribution to support the Riordan Programs’ important work. “This partnership with Stacy Blackman Consulting is so beneficial to the young people we work with. Riordan Programs Fellows across the country have already connected with a number of Stacy Blackman Consultants, including graduates from top MBA programs like Harvard and Stanford. These interactions are giving the applicants we work with the tools they need to submit stronger, more thoughtful, and more competitive applications. Just as importantly, our fellows walk away energized and excited—with the confidence they need to present the most authentic and compelling versions of themselves in their applications.” —April Owens, Associate Director of the Riordan Programs We kicked off this expanded partnership on September 19th with a virtual convening focused on helping Riordan Fellows present themselves in authentic, powerful, and compelling ways via their MBA essays. Next, we followed up with a second virtual gathering on October 31st, offering guidance on preparing for MBA interviews. Finally, we look forward to offering an expanded series of webinars throughout next year’s application cycle. All of us at SBC are excited to grow this partnership, which supports a broad range of Riordan Programs initiatives—including their Scholars Program, their MBA Fellows Program, and their MBA Bootcamp program. To learn more about their wonderful work, please click [url=https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/programs-and-outreach/riordan-programs/riordan-mba-fellows]here[/url]. Respectfully yours, [img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/Stacy_sig.png[/img] The post [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/blog/sbc-partnership-riordan-programs/]SBC Increases Support for Minority MBA Applicants Through Broad Partnership with Riordan Programs[/url] appeared first on [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com]Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting[/url]. [img]https://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/StacyBlackman/~4/FsSUXPikQtE[/img] |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
09 Nov 2020, 14:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Interview Advice from MIT Sloan Admissions |
 We’re on the cusp of MBA interview season at MIT Sloan School of Management. Dawna Levenson, assistant dean of admissions, has some tips to help nervous applicants prepare for the MIT Sloan MBA interview. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all Round 1 interviews will take place virtually weekdays during business hours in Eastern Standard Time. These virtual interviews over Zoom or Skype will last approximately 30 minutes. In previous years, Levenson has noted that the MIT Sloan adcomm interviews around 20–25% of the Round 1 applicant pool. This season, those who receive an invitation will need to answer two additional short-answer questions before the interview. MIT Sloan emails interview invitations on a rolling basis up until the decision deadlines. For R1, that is December 16, 2020. In this video, Levenson explains that she thinks of the interview as having three components. In the first portion, your interviewer will clarify any remaining questions about your application. This could mean gaps in employment history, gaps in education, or anything else that needs further explanation. The next part of the interview will focus on behavioral questions. Here, they will ask you to reflect on how you handled particular situations in the past. For example, “Tell me about a time when you were part of a team working on a project, and the project started not to do so well. How did you recognize that, and how did you turn it around?” You can check out our latest B-Schooled podcast episode, which goes in-depth on how to answer behavioral interview questions. Also, applicants should be prepared to answer these questions: “Why an MBA” and “Why MIT Sloan is the best match for you” during their interview. Finally—and Levenson called this perhaps the most important part of the interview—comes the opportunity for you to ask questions of your interviewer. These questions should be personal to you. Levenson stresses that you should avoid asking anything you can easily find answered by browsing the school website. Who conducts the MIT Sloan MBA interview? Many other business schools have a blind interview process. Not MIT Sloan. All interviewers are members of the admissions committee—not alumni or students—and therefore will have reviewed your application before meeting you. Levenson advises candidates to come armed with stories and experiences not already touched upon in the application or essays. Applicants should have a well-rounded suite of examples ready to deliver as answers. They should also have a level of detail and depth for each of their examples that will satisfy a more inquisitive admissions interviewer. Besides focusing on the quality of an applicant’s answers, the admissions committee is also evaluating your potential fit. Here, you need to combine your research and a clear understanding of your profile strengths to deliver nuanced and impactful answers. It should go without saying, but you still need to dress professionally for a virtual interview. Also, be mindful that the adcomm pays attention to every interaction you have with the school. From your application to the day of your interview, to the thank-you note you send afterward, all of it will help Sloan evaluate your fit with the school. This previously published post has been updated for the 2020-2021 admissions season. The post Interview Advice from MIT Sloan Admissions appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
13 Nov 2020, 06:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: B-Schooled Episode #29: Why an MBA? |
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In this episode, we cover why it’s so important to clearly convey the reasons you are pursuing business school. What will an MBA help you achieve that you couldn’t otherwise accomplish? Even though many programs don’t specifically ask this question, that doesn’t mean applicants shouldn’t be prepared with a strong answer. Other topics covered include: • Common reasons for pursuing an MBA • Four candidate types that need to ensure they have clear reasons for wanting the degree • Reasons for wanting an MBA that you should probably not mention in your materials Listen to B-Schooled episode #29 here, or on any of the podcast apps listed below. B-Schooled is available on most major podcast apps, including: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher TuneIn Please be sure to subscribe to B-Schooled so that you don’t miss a thing. If there’s something you’d like for us to cover in a future episode, please email podcast@stacyblackman.com. We’d love to hear from you! The post B-Schooled Episode #29: Why an MBA? appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
16 Nov 2020, 12:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Stanford-Backed Advice for Non-Native Speakers |
 “Fresh Ideas From the Blacklight” SBC’s Weekly Newsletter for Professionals Have you ever felt clueless in a conversation with native English speakers? Maybe they used idioms you haven’t heard before or slang expressions that make no sense whatsoever. Even if you consider yourself fluent in English, you still might feel intimidated in business or classroom settings sometimes—especially when you need to make a presentation. If this sounds familiar, check out these communication tips for non-native speakers from a recent episode of Stanford GSB’s Think Fast Talk Smart podcast. Host and communications professor Matt Abrahams speaks with Kenneth Romeo, associate director for the Stanford Language Center, about ways non-native speakers can boost their confidence levels in English. You can listen to the podcast here, and see some of the key takeaways from their conversation below. Tip 1: Non-native speakers need to forget about “perfection.” We all want to communicate well, especially in a professional or academic setting. But obsessing about every little mistake you make will only hinder your progress. Plus, there is no one right way to communicate—even for native English speakers. “I think the most important thing for a non-native speaker to remember is that they’re not going to be a native speaker, never, ever,” says Romeo. “But they can get pretty close through lots of practice and getting more confident about things.” Tip 2: Improve your English through stuff you actually enjoy. A popular strategy is to cut off TV and media consumption in your native language. Immerse yourself in the English that interests you. Studying from the so-called “best” book, or class, or podcast, etc. will do little to help matters if you don’t find the material engaging. “If you’re not doing something that’s interesting or motivating, it’s not going to improve you,” Romeo says. “The whole thing about language is that it’s about doing, not knowing,” he adds. “So as much as you read, and you look at the rules and things like that, until you actually use that language, you’re never going to internalize it.” Tip 3: Your best language-improving tool is right in your pocket. Some people feel their English reading and writing abilities are much better than their speaking skills. If you want to improve your spontaneous conversations, Romeo recommends using your phone to record yourself speaking. That way, you can objectively examine how you sound when talking in an unrehearsed way. Now, most of us hate the sound of our recorded voices. But don’t let embarrassment prevent you from trying this strategy.  You can also find apps that help with vocabulary, and use your camera to take pictures of signs with unfamiliar words to look up later, Romeo suggests. Take full advantage of all the tools your phone can offer. Tip 4: Outlines are a big help for non-native speakers. When it comes to giving presentations, trying to memorize your material word-for-word only increases your cognitive load and adds more pressure, says Abraham. “I tell my non-native speakers or clients if you need to write things out just to get the flow and the grammar right, that’s okay. But then from that, create an outline and practice from the outline,” he explains. Romeo agrees, noting that the best speakers always have an outline in their minds but can move things around as the situation requires. “It takes a long time to get to that position,” he admits. “But the first step is writing the outline out, working from there.” Tip 5: Enlist the aid of an editor. When the style and substance of your writing or presentation really matters, consider getting outside help. Romeo suggests non-native speakers find someone to edit their work, and then carefully study those polished edits. “Nobody’s going to be perfect,” he says. You need to see what you did wrong and internalize those corrections, so it doesn’t happen again.  Tip 6: When the words escape you, explain again in a different way. For non-native speakers, giving presentations in English can feel especially nerve-wracking. What if you go blank in the middle of it? “Many of my students are so worried about not having the right word,” notes Abrahams. “What I suggest is, do the best you can, and be comfortable repeating yourself in a different way.” Repetition, he adds, gives the audience another chance to take in the information. It also enhances their retention of what you’ve said. One of the best ways to avoid going blank in the first place is to practice, practice, practice. Use that outline we mentioned above and rehearse your presentation out loud until you feel comfortable. Remember, the goal is not memorization. But you do want that outline to become so ingrained that, even if you stumble on a word or phrase, you still have a clear grasp of what you want to say. You may never communicate with native-level fluency, and that’s okay. Romeo and Abrahams say there’s a lot you can do to improve your communication strategies in English and come across as a competent and confident speaker. All you need is a curiosity-based mindset—and to take off some of that pressure to be perfect. *** Did you enjoy this post with tips for non-native English speakers? It originally appeared on the Blacklight, our weekly newsletter for professionals. At the Blacklight, we aim 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 goalposts closer, sign up today! The post Stanford-Backed Advice for Non-Native Speakers appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
17 Nov 2020, 12:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Michigan Ross Offers Test Waiver for 2020-2021 |
 The Michigan Ross School of Business made an important announcement this week regarding its 2020-2021 admissions requirements. While reviewing Round 1 applications, the admissions team encountered several instances of applicants facing hardships caused by COVID-19. Therefore, the school will allow any candidate to request a standardized test waiver this season. Although testing centers remain open (for now), access is not equal to all, the AdCom team noted in a post to its MBA admissions blog. Online testing, meanwhile, presents its own unique challenges. As one applicant shared with Ross, “It’s hard to nail the GMAT when you’re concerned your internet might go out at any minute.” Consequently, for the full-time MBA 2020-21 application cycle, candidates can request a test waiver for the GMAT and GRE as well as English proficiency tests (TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE). Keep in mind, however, that a test waiver option does not mean quant skills are also optional this year. “We want to see students succeed and thrive in our program,” the team explained. “As such, we will continue to look for evidence that an applicant can handle the rigor of our MBA program.” “We will look for candidates to demonstrate their academic proficiency and quantitative ability through other data points,” they added. This would include your undergraduate course load, work experience, any relevant professional certifications, etc. For more information, see the Ross School’s newly revised Applying During COVID FAQs. Test Waiver and Round 1 Applicants As we’ve noted, the admissions team has made this decision in the middle of reviewing applications from the first round. For that reason, Ross will not ding any applicant on the December 4, 2020 decision deadline. All R1 applicants will be admitted or waitlisted, and waitlisted candidates may request a test waiver at that time. “As we continue to navigate these unprecedented times, we promise to continue listening, learning, and responding, while staying true to our values,” the AdCom team pledged. The post Michigan Ross Offers Test Waiver for 2020-2021 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
18 Nov 2020, 06:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Class Size Increase at Harvard Business School |
 Harvard Business School has announced it will temporarily expand its enrollment for the MBA Classes of 2023 and 2024. In late spring, the school offered deferrals to anyone who wanted to postpone their enrollment in 2o20 due to COVID-19. This caused many future applicants to worry about what that would bode for future cycles. The HBS class size increase will bring enrollment to about 1,000 students each year. This should greatly ease the concerns of a fresh crop of applicants. “HBS has always strived, through a thoughtful design of the learning and student experiences, to offer the breadth of opportunity of a large business school and the intimacy of a small section of fellow students,” Admissions Director Chad Losee recently wrote on the Direct from the Director blog. Besides the class size increase, HBS has also announced a new summer internship requirement in the MBA program. Starting with the Class of 2022, students must complete a summer work experience. Losee said that 99% of students usually pursue internships anyway. “We have long considered summer internships an important extension of our curriculum—one that enhances learning and provides important practical experience,” Losee shared. Students may work for an established organization or launch their own entrepreneurial venture, he explained. The internship position can be paid or unpaid, he added. Losee did clarify that students who cannot do a summer internship may apply for a waiver. The school would grant one for circumstances such as the birth of a child or caring for a family member. Finally, the admissions director noted that this new policy would benefit many of HBS’s international students. It offers them U.S. employment eligibility and ensures they can pursue unpaid internships, Losee said. The post Class Size Increase at Harvard Business School appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
Stacy Blackman Consulting is the only MBA admissions firm with a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every M7 program and the elite European MBA programs. If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, we can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Interested in a free 15-minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Contact us to learn more.
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