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09 Apr 2021, 06:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Improve Your MBA Candidacy Now for Fall Applications |
 If you plan to apply to business school in the upcoming admissions cycle, you may think it impossible to improve your MBA candidacy in such a short amount of time. Not true! You can take action in three critical areas right now that will pay dividends in the fall. Academic Enhancement Did you major in liberal arts? Is your undergrad GPA 3.2 or below? In both of these scenarios, you may want to consider taking quantitative classes to enhance your academic profile. When in doubt about your test scores’ strength, consult your target schools’ admitted student profile page and compare them to the median reported score. If you took the GMAT once or twice and did not receive the score you think you are capable of, consider taking a prep course to remind you how to solve those high school math logic problems. Retake the GMAT until you get the score you feel good about. Or, prove you have the quantitative chops by acing a college-level statistics, microeconomics, or calculus course at the local community college. For applicants who can’t raise their GMAT score enough, consider taking the GRE and see how the two scores stack up. Fortunately, most MBA admissions teams take a holistic view of an individual’s candidacy. Enthusiastic recommendation letters that also address the applicant’s quantitative skills will carry significant weight with the committee. Extracurricular Involvement A strong focus on work is fantastic. But it’s important to showcase other aspects of your personality, too. This helps prove that you bring a diverse set of skills to an MBA program. Community involvement demonstrates that you have a larger view of the world. Specifically, it shows you see what’s happening outside of your office and that you want to contribute. But what if you have no time for outside interests because of your 80-hour workweek? Many applicants share this dilemma. Nevertheless, you should still try to find ways to subtly up your community engagement in the coming months. It’s not about gaming the process with some newfound volunteering involvement, however. The best way to seamlessly incorporate extracurriculars is to think about longstanding passions and interests and build upon them. This is something you can do even with the lingering effects of the pandemic. (Check out our coronavirus MBA volunteering suggestions.)  Have you volunteered for a particular group before? Check in to see what else you can help them with that’s more high profile. Or ask if any open leadership roles would be a good fit. Don’t get hung up on traditional volunteer work, though. There are many ways to show your diversity that can improve your MBA candidacy. The key is to think hard about what excites you. Get creative and discover how you can leverage those interests for the greater good. Leadership Development Business schools want to see applicants with proven leadership skills that their MBA program can further develop. A promotion between now and the fall would be the ideal scenario. But you don’t have to wait for your supervisor to act to enhance your overall leadership and management potential for business school applications. Letting others know you want to develop your people skills further may uncover new opportunities to go above and beyond. Volunteer for that cross-functional team or project or offer to help your boss with a challenging long-term goal. Consider getting involved with employee groups at work—whether through volunteering in the community or promoting diversity in your company. All of these avenues can provide great material for your resume and essays.  To show leadership without clear career progression, look again to your extracurricular activities and think about taking on a leadership role. Can you find a way to lead with ideas, to show success because of your influence, communication skills, or ability to motivate people? This is your chance to demonstrate that you can run a project and motivate a team. The spring and summer months can be very fruitful for your personal and professional development. More precisely, it’s a great time to improve your MBA candidacy. With a little advanced planning and a commitment of just a few hours a week, applicants can do a great deal to enhance their profile before that final rush of the fall and winter. The post Improve Your MBA Candidacy Now for Fall Applications 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 Apr 2021, 06:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Avatars Can Make Zoom Meetings Bearable |
 “FRESH IDEAS FROM THE BLACKLIGHT” SBC’s Weekly Newsletter for Professionals It’s time to make peace with the fact that virtual meetings are with us for the long haul. Vaccines or no, many companies will continue to allow employees to work from home at least some of the time. Meaning, we’re going to be dealing with “Zoom fatigue” for the foreseeable future. That is, unless virtual reality (VR) technology such as avatars steps in to relieve us from the limitations of video calls. No longer relegated to the gaming industry, VR can help us reimagine how work gets done. “Virtual reality — and the use of avatars in particular — is spreading as an emerging management and communication tool in organizations,” says UV Darden Professor Roshni Raveendhran, who studies the future of work and the integration of novel technologies into the workplace. One reason video calls are so exhausting is that we have to focus more than we do during a face-to-face chat. On Zoom, everyone is staring at you for the entire meeting. We’re not comfortable with these long stretches of mutual gaze because it causes “non-verbal overload.” That’s why VR avatars could make our remote work interactions more bearable.  A handful of tech companies have created lifelike 3D avatars you can use instead of your face in meetings. Interacting with avatars requires less mental processing and thus reduces Zoom fatigue, Raveendhran explains. How Avatars Work Loom.ai, purchased by Roblox in December 2020, launched LoomieLive about a month into the COVID-19 pandemic. It lets you create a personalized, voice-driven avatar to use on any video conferencing service. As Refinery29 explains, While you speak, your avatar lip-syncs in real-time and looks straight into the camera, even when you don’t. You’re free to turn away from your screen, get out of your chair to stretch, or even leave the room — all while your avatar appears engaged in conversation, speaking your exact words. “As companies start thinking about making remote work a longer-term reality,” says Raveendhran, “one key challenge pertains to missing social connection, the feeling of being part of the same group. So, there will be a lot more demand for immersive technologies like VR. That’s why it’s important to understand the psychology that drives people to adopt some of those technologies.”  Raveendhran co-authored a recent study examining when and why leaders might prefer interacting with their subordinates via computer avatars rather than face-to-face. She learned that managers liked avatars because they allowed for more psychological distance than do face-to-face interactions. “We now know,” says Raveendhran, “that people can adopt VR technologies to psychologically buffer themselves from uncomfortable situations. And this distancing aspect can sometimes be as useful in the workplace as the immersive experiences that VR might offer.” VR technology for the office environment is still in its infancy. Yet, its transformation over the next decade will be profound. For now, when Zoom calls, we’ll happily switch over to let our avatars do the talking. *** Did you like this post about VR technology? 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 Avatars Can Make Zoom Meetings Bearable 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 Apr 2021, 07:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: B-Schooled Podcast Episode 51: Who Should Work with an MBA Admissions Consultant? |
 While the team here at Stacy Blackman Consulting is confident that we can help strengthen the materials of absolutely any MBA hopeful who works with us, we honestly don’t believe that all MBA applicants need help. However, over the past two decades, nine types of MBA applicants who would benefit greatly from our services have clearly emerged. This episode focuses on those buckets and how specifically an admissions consultant might be of value. Listen to B-Schooled episode #51 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 Podcast Episode 51: Who Should Work with an MBA Admissions Consultant? 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 Apr 2021, 06:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Know When to Retake the GMAT |
 Occasionally, we hear tales of MBA applicants offered admission in a top business school with a 640 GMAT score. But in truth, accepting students with scores of 700+ is more the norm at the most competitive programs. So, should you automatically retake the GMAT if you don’t hit 700? Before you start to panic and 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. Schools usually list this information within their admitted class profile. Many experts in the test prep industry advise all students to plan on taking the test twice. If you score at or above your goal on the first try, you can always cancel the second sitting. Remember, top schools want to see scores in the 80th percentile in the quantitative section. So if you score 100 percent in verbal and low in quantitative, you would want to retake the GMAT exam. This holds, especially if you don’t have a strong quantitative background outside of the GMAT. What’s a “good enough” score? There is absolutely no reason to retake the GMAT when you score over 700. You’ve already proven you can handle the quantitative component of the curriculum. Now turn your focus toward ensuring all of the other parts of your application are as strong as possible. Keep in mind that this high number is primarily for those targeting a top-tier MBA program. If you scored a 680, the decision to retake should be carefully considered. You may be better off focusing on your essays or coaching recommenders instead. Applicants looking at programs in the top 20 or 50 should check the average scores of admitted students to determine their personal target GMAT score. If illness, nerves, exhaustion, or simply a lack of adequate preparation resulted in a low score, then a second attempt becomes necessary. Repeat test-taking, with additional preparation, typically results in a higher score as students become familiar with the experience, and therefore, less stressed out.  The Graduate Management Admission Council allows you to retake the GMAT as many times as you like. Make sure to check your target schools’ deadlines to allow enough time to send in your final scores. AdCom has no problem if you retake the GMAT Applicants self-report their highest score, and it’s worth noting that the admissions committee has no issue with students taking the exam more than once. In fact, committees may look positively at the dedication you’ve shown to improve upon your prior performance. Lisa, a former MBA Admissions Officer on our SBC team shares, “It shows perseverance, self-awareness, and judgment; schools generally don’t hold it against you that you take a test multiple times and use the score report you indicate in your application.” To be clear, we’re talking about a score report with two or three scores, max—not one that shows you’ve sat for the GMAT seven times. After your first test, it’s time to reflect on your entire GMAT performance. Determine your weaknesses, and double down in those areas as you resume your studies. Don’t completely ignore the sections you did well on, however. You wouldn’t want to improve in one area but do worse in another the next time. If you studied alone or took a class for your initial preparation, consider studying with a GMAT tutor for the second go-round. A test prep expert can work around your schedule and tailor the curriculum to your needs.  Advice for applicants with test-taking anxiety Finally, some people aren’t natural test-takers and have a less-than-optimal performance no matter how well they know the material. One of the primary causes is stress under pressure. If you’re taking the test in person, it may help to watch this video tour of the GMAT Test Center and detailed explanation of all procedures to increase your comfort level about what to expect. If that familiarity still isn’t enough to calm your nerves come test day, consider using relaxation techniques such as meditation and visualization to reduce test anxiety. Also, try to retake the GMAT in the same center will help you feel more comfortable. Business school hopefuls can be incredibly hard on themselves when they make mistakes on the GMAT, but each error is a learning opportunity and a chance to improve. So don’t become discouraged if your first score isn’t where you’d hoped. Relax, and think of it as a dress rehearsal for a stellar performance to come. Image via ink media The post Know When to Retake the GMAT 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 Apr 2021, 05:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Comparing Top EU MBA Programs Vs. Top US Programs |
 INSEAD in France, London Business School, Oxford’s Saïd Business School, and Cambridge’s Judge Business School are among the top EU MBA programs. While INSEAD and LBS rank highest, HEC Paris, Italy’s SDA Bocconi, and Spain’s IESE shine in their home markets. There are several factors to consider while weighing whether an MBA in Europe will help you reach your career goals. From cost to duration to brand reputation and more, keep the following in mind as you make your decision. Cost and ROI for Top EU MBA Programs  First, these programs boast a high return on investment (ROI), as most last just one year. For example, you can complete an MBA program at INSEAD in as little as ten months. Compared to a two-year or US MBA program, lower tuition and opportunity costs look enticing. But even for the longer EU MBA programs, such as London Business School and IESE Business School in Spain, tuition fees are lower. In a survey of SBC’s EU applicant pool, 48% cited reasons such as shorter duration and lower tuition costs. Global Experience Secondly, EU MBA programs are more global in nature, compared to even the most “global” US program. They attract students who want a truly international experience with their education. They also attract professionals planning to work in Europe after their studies. We consider an MBA in Europe an excellent complement to an undergraduate degree earned in the US. It positions students for global careers better than doing both college and an MBA in the same country or continent.  If your professional goal is to live and work in Europe, pursuing an MBA abroad is arguably the best introduction to local business life. Keep this fact in mind: INSEAD, LBS, and HEC Paris place less than 10% of graduates into US-based employment roles. Meanwhile, they place 50-to-66% of grads in Europe. Niche Work Opportunities The new two-year, post-study work visa, which returns to the UK for international students graduating in summer 2021 or later, will make it easier for new MBAs to find jobs—and for employers to hire them. MBA hopefuls may also favor specialized industry recruiting where the EU has the edge over the US. While the US is the technology industry hub (tech is still a nascent market in the EU), Europe dominates the fintech industry. London is considered the fintech capital of the world because of the banking passport legislation that governs Europe and standardizes products across the 27 member countries. Europe has an advantage over the US in the fintech industry because the US must contend with legislation that varies by state and can be an impediment to digital banking. Less Competitive Admissions For some MBA applicants, the relative competitiveness of the schools is another factor. We have seen better admissions odds for top EU programs relative to the M7 top US programs for a typical applicant. We had a recent inquiry who experienced rejection from every top US program to which she applied but got accepted to LBS. Generally, EU schools are more open to having larger percentages of international students, particularly from Commonwealth countries (e.g., India). Meanwhile, US schools are more competitive for those with overrepresented backgrounds in the applicant pool.  Why Choose a top US MBA program over a top EU program? Reputation matters. Top schools such as Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, and others are in demand because top employers source their talent from these student pools. This is especially critical for students wishing to make an industry and/or functional pivot post-MBA. Career potential is the key advantage that US MBA programs have over European (EU) schools. Applicants highly favor top US MBA programs across the career-related attributes of reputation, recruiting, and networking as compared to EU programs. In a survey of the SBC client pool, applicants reported as follows: 75% said reputation is stronger for US MBA programs than non-US MBA programs 62% said US programs will accelerate their career path 54% said US programs have strong professional networks  Access to US employers is a key advantage of top US MBA programs for international applicants. One client shared, “I would like to change markets and go to the States. But it’s difficult coming from a German undergrad.” Industry switchers also favor the US MBA program. As one respondent commented: “Coming from a non-business background, I am looking for two-year MBA programs versus the European one-year MBA.” Many consider the depth of coursework and intellectual rigor better in a two-year, top US program. As one of our clients echoed, “case-based and experiential pedagogies that are popular across US schools is why I’m applying instead of my local EU programs.” And, for many US-based applicants, it’s merely a matter of logistics. A client said, “Travel costs would be prohibitive for an international program; I wouldn’t like to travel overseas away from family for an extended period.” How to decide: US or EU  Differences between US and EU programs also include the composition of the student class and geographical outplacement profiles. Do you want a student class that is US or international dominant? If your preference is fewer US students (10%) and a dominant (90%) international student class, programs in the EU such as INSEAD, LBS and HEC Paris are excellent choices. If you favor a US peer group with around 30% international students, US MBA programs are your best fit. Next, think about where you want to live upon graduation. INSEAD, LBS, and HEC Paris place under 10% into US-based employment roles and many more, at 50-to-66%, into Europe. If you prefer to work in the US, the US MBA programs dominate with 87-to-89% outplacement to the US. Europe or the US? Wherever your career path leads, an MBA will help. The post Comparing Top EU MBA Programs Vs. Top US 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.
20 Apr 2021, 09:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: MBA Reapplication Advice |
 Every year, even highly qualified applicants get rejected from the top-ranked MBA programs. With the pandemic-induced economic downturn, the 2020-21 application season was particularly competitive. If you were not successful in gaining admission this year, it’s important to first spend some time on self-reflection. Then seek feedback from multiple sources, and finally, work to improve your profile before beginning your MBA reapplication process in the fall. Above all else, remember that admissions committees want to see substantial improvement from reapplicants. To be successful next season, it’s important to come up with a strategy before reapplying.  Evaluate your Applications Before seeking feedback from others, it’s important to do your own soul searching. Ask yourself whether you could have improved any aspect of the process: School Selection: How do you feel about the competitiveness of the schools you applied to? Would you consider expanding the list of schools and including a few less competitive programs? Volunteering: Did your volunteer activities lack depth or breadth? Could you seek out a leadership role in your volunteer activities? Academics: Is there room for improvement in your GMAT score? Would you have taken a business-related class before applying if you had more time? Recommendations: Do you suspect that one of your recommenders gave a lukewarm letter of support? Do you think you could have chosen someone to represent a different side of your personality or profile? Time Spent: Do you think your essays represented your best work? Did you have the time to go through multiple iterations of your essays? Did you rush through the process of filling out the online application? Once you have identified a few areas of improvement for next year on your own, it’s important to seek feedback from a variety of sources.  Seeking Feedback Due to the high application volume at top MBA programs, most schools cannot provide comprehensive feedback to rejected applicants. However, if you do have a chance to speak with a member of the admissions committee, take advantage by asking for details about each area of your application and listen with an open mind. Make sure you walk away from any feedback session with action items for next year. If you don’t receive feedback directly from the schools, seek advice from friends and family who have experience with MBA programs. Stacy Blackman Consulting also offers a Ding Analysisservice to evaluate your materials and provide feedback you can use when you reapply. Improving Your Profile is Vital to the MBA Reapplication Process Once you have done some soul-searching, evaluated your previous attempt, and spoken to others about steps you can take now to improve your application in the fall, it’s time to get started. Before essay questions come out in the summer you have time to take a GMAT prep course, take a class at a local community college, ask for a leadership opportunity at work or in a volunteer setting, and cultivate a relationship with a potential recommender. Take advantage of the time available now, and approach the process strategically. Good luck! The post MBA Reapplication Advice 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 Apr 2021, 08:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: B-Schooled Podcast Episode 52: Secrets of Dual HBS/GSB Admits, Part 1 of 2 |
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The MBA admissions process can often be brutal. The competition to get into highly ranked programs is especially cutthroat, which makes it all the more impressive when a candidate gains admission to not one, but two of the top programs in the world: Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business. Stacy Blackman Consulting studied the dual admits we worked with a few years ago, and then again this past year, in order to analyze their secrets to success as well as assess trends over time. This episode focuses on the first four of the eight themes we discovered, and an upcoming episode will cover the final four themes. Listen to B-Schooled episode #52 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 Podcast Episode 52: Secrets of Dual HBS/GSB Admits, 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.
22 Apr 2021, 06:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Focus on These 5 Areas for MBA Admissions Success |
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[img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/MBA-APPLICATION-JOURNEY-734x413.png[/img] The MBA admissions process is rigorous and time-consuming. Therefore, having a strategy to guide you will go a long way toward helping you manage this experience. Admissions committee members evaluate MBA applicants across a host of components, so your goal is to maximize the impact of each one. Turn your focus to these five specific areas for MBA admissions success in the fall. Remember, each touchpoint is an opportunity to tell the admissions office something new about yourself. As we noted on [url=https://find-mba.com/articles/your-guide-to-the-entire-mba-application]Find MBA[/url], it’s a good thing that the adcom will judge you on your entire package. After all, we’re so much more than just our jobs, our grades, and our volunteer experience. Focus Areas for MBA Admissions Success [b]GPA[/b] Your GPA is a significant element of your MBA application. Besides your admissions test score, it’s a clear signal of your ability to handle the academic rigor of business school. Unfortunately, it is also one of the only components already set in stone. Keep in mind that a 3.5 or better undergraduate GPA is acceptable for most MBA applications. Check the mean standard for admitted students at your target programs to see whether you have a problem to overcome. If you have a [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/blog/3-ways-to-offset-a-low-gpa-when-applying-to-business-school/]below-average GPA[/url] or low grades in quantitative/business classes, consider taking an online course this summer. Earning A’s in college-level quant courses will help convince the admissions committee that you can succeed in a challenging, fast-paced MBA program. Also, taking steps to shore up those weaknesses shows maturity and your ability to balance academics with work. [b]Career Progression[/b] When applying to a top-tier business school, show a clear path of professional growth in your application. The admissions team likes to meet potential students who have the drive to advance their skills and leadership abilities continually. [img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/man-in-black-suit-achieved-an-accomplishment-3779409-734x489.jpg[/img] If this is a trouble spot for you, it’s time to get creative. Think of ways to add value and continue to develop your career. If an official title change is not in the cards in the coming months, find other ways to take on more senior responsibilities at work. Ask to join a high-level project. Take on a leadership role. If you have a new member on the team, volunteer to mentor that person. Even within a flat organization with no title change, you can still [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/blog/focus-on-career-progression-results-for-a-successful-mba-resume/]show career progression[/url] on your resume. Review your accomplishments and see how you can portray them in a way that reveals your professional growth. Each time your responsibilities grew, you can describe it in a bullet point with the date. For example: [list] [*]Directed a staff of three in servicing 45 client relationships of global corporations with more than $25B in assets. (2020) [/*] [*]Contributed to the growth of $34B business through a mix of market research, marketing, and client servicing. (2019-2020)[/*] [/list] The essays also provide ample opportunities to summarize career progress and explain the structure of your organization. [b]Admissions Test[/b] Unlike your GPA, business school aspirants have a great deal of control over this aspect of the application. Try to get the test out of the way as soon as possible. Then you can focus your energy on the essays and recommendation letters during the summer months. Explore your options and take a practice test. Consider taking a free or paid prep course, studying with a friend, or hiring a tutor if possible. These strategies can help you maintain discipline while studying. If English is not your first language, factor this into your plan as well. After all, preparation is essential for most candidates to excel on the test. If you received a below-average score the first time, plan to [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/retake-gmat/]retake the exam[/url]. Reflect on whether you genuinely gave it 100 percent the first time around. Admissions committees often look favorably upon applicants who try to improve their scores. A score boost can help clear the path for MBA admissions success. [b]Recommendation Letters[/b] The admissions committee pays close attention to the content of recommendation letters in support of your MBA candidacy. Therefore, you should only choose recommenders who will champion your business school aspirations. A lukewarm letter of recommendation could do more damage to your chances of admission than a lower GPA or test score. Few applicants realize how much they can influence their recommenders to help them draft powerful, persuasive letters of support. While you should never write the letter yourself, you can guide your recommender to focus on key traits—leadership, communication skills, integrity, innovation mindset—that you wish to highlight. [img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/Highly_Recommended-2-734x309.jpg[/img] Remind them of at least three compelling, work-related anecdotes that show how you contributed to a project, led a team, inspired others, communicated effectively, etc. Your recommenders can help you stand out from thousands of other highly qualified applicants by painting a clear picture of both the personal and professional you. Recommenders need to do a lot of work on your behalf. Start identifying who you want to approach now and have a preliminary chat with them about your MBA plans. Once they are on board, begin assembling materials so you can guide them to write the [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/blog/mba-recommendation-letter/]most effective letter[/url] on your behalf. [b]Essays[/b] While most schools have yet to publish their essays for the 2020-2021 season, you can get a good idea of the types of stories you will need by reading last year’s application. Knowing that you will have to describe a leadership experience may motivate you to take on a new leadership role – in or outside of work. Realizing that you will see questions about your level of community involvement may push you to step up your volunteering efforts. [img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/board-3699939_1920-734x489.jpg[/img] It is also a good idea to [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/blog/3-unconventional-steps-to-writing-great-mba-essays/]begin brainstorming[/url] your answers to two questions that will crop up in either essay questions or the MBA interview. First, what are your career goals? And second, why do you need an MBA now? Reflect on your background and what stories you could share. If you identify gaps, create a plan to fill them. We recommend that candidates allocate two to three hours each time they sit down to work on their essays, especially for the first few drafts. Non-native English speakers may find they need to allow even more time for their applications, particularly writing, revising, editing, proofing, formatting, and inputting essays. That said, applicants should also avoid the “marathon session.” Few people remain sharp or creative during eight hours of writing and editing. Summer is right around the corner. Now is the time to launch into your MBA application journey with an eye toward MBA admissions success. Make this the year you take those vital first steps toward transforming your career. The post [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/mba-admissions-success/]Focus on These 5 Areas for MBA Admissions Success[/url] appeared first on [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com]Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting[/url]. [img]http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/StacyBlackman/~4/M3puvRyXLrw[/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.
26 Apr 2021, 10:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tips for Applying to B-School After Years in the Workforce |
 The average age of business school applicants has been trending downward for the past decade. With that, work experience expectations have shifted as well. But not everyone is ready or in a position to take the business school plunge at 26 years old. If you want to pursue an MBA in your early-30s and beyond, consider these specific tips as you put together your application package. Show Career Progression When applying to a top-tier business school, you’ll need to show the admissions committee a clear path of professional growth. The admissions team wants to admit students who continually seek to learn and advance their skills and leadership abilities. Even if you have held the same job for several years, you should demonstrate career progression. This can be in the formal sense, with increasingly higher-level job titles. Or by pointing out how you have gradually taken on greater responsibilities. Coach your recommenders to address this upward trajectory in their letters of support specifically. That will help convey your dedication to your professional development. Also, make sure to ask a current or recent manager for that recommendation. A letter from a supervisor who worked with you eight years ago might raise a red flag. If you select a recommender from the more distant past, make sure that you have kept in touch, and they can speak to your professional progression and work habits now.  If you have had several jobs, don’t worry about squeezing all of them onto the MBA resume. Highlight only the most critical positions and find ways to show career progression and results on your MBA resume. Show Strong Leadership Understandably, younger applicants won’t have many examples of leadership one year out of school. But, as time goes on, expectations increase, and the ability to manage and inspire others will become more important. The best MBA programs value outstanding leadership. If you are applying to Harvard Business School in your mid-30s, you better have already developed tremendous leadership skills and have a lot to show for them. For your essays, find professional or personal anecdotes that show how you have galvanized or improved the work of others. Try to paint a vivid picture of your most significant leadership challenge or of a time when you led with integrity or motivated a team to achieve a shared goal. You want to show how you always attempt to do more than a good job and strive to leave your mark on whatever situation you’re in.  As prepared as you are, you need to convince the schools that you still have room for improvement. And that can only come from the education and experiences of an MBA program. Let them know exactly what they offer that will help you further hone your leadership or technical skills. Choose the Right Type of Program If you’re quite advanced in your career, research what type of program best fits your professional goals and personal life. You may find that a part-time MBA program or an executive MBA program will allow you to meet your goals with greater flexibility and less disruption. When we worked with Claudine, she was in her late-30s and held an executive-level position in finance at a large consumer products company. She had reached a career plateau in her firm and thought an MBA would take her to the next level. We considered any of the three format options could help her achieve her goals. While excited by the range of social and extracurricular activities available in a full-time MBA program, Claudine had an extremely demanding family life with two small children. She didn’t think she could take advantage of the many social activities most full-time MBA students participate in.  Ultimately, her desire for a flexible way to expand her skills and tap into the network available from a strong program led Claudine to look most closely at an executive MBA. Claudine ended up having great success at the joint EMBA program between the University of California—Berkeley Haas School of Business and Columbia Business School. Business school admissions committees always seek applicants with diverse interests and backgrounds. Older candidates have numerous attractive qualities going for them. The key is to make sure all those great qualities stand front and center in your MBA application. The post Tips for Applying to B-School After Years in the Workforce 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 Apr 2021, 05:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Social Media Tips for MBA Applicants |
 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. Adcom members may search your name before admitting you to their program. It doesn’t end with the admissions committee, either. Let’s say you are invited to interview with a local alum; that person might try to find out as much information about you as possible before your chat. Once you’re at school, potential internship and full-time employers could perform an even more extensive online background check. Your fellow classmates might do some digging, too! 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 insight into 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:  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. |
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 Apr 2021, 07:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: B-Schooled Podcast Episode 53: Stacy Blackman on Entrepreneurship |
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This episode marks the one-year anniversary of our B-Schooled podcast’s launch, and who better to join us in celebrating this milestone than the head of our team and founder of Stacy Blackman Consulting—Stacy Blackman! Stacy will talk about her entrepreneurial career and how an MBA helped her (and continues to help her) start three companies. She’ll also share advice for MBA hopefuls who are looking to run their own firms at some point after graduation, as well as for those who might be approaching the application process with entrepreneurial experience already under their belt. Listen to B-Schooled episode #53 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 Podcast Episode 53: Stacy Blackman on Entrepreneurship 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.
29 Apr 2021, 06:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Our GMAT Club: Test Talk with Stacy Blackman Consulting’s AdCom |
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[img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/math-study.jpg[/img] The buzz around test requirements for MBA programs has intensified over the last season due to the pandemic and access issues around test-taking. Across our client pool, we field questions about admissions exams daily. With former MBA admissions officers on [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/about/mba-admissions-consulting-team/]our team[/url] for every top US and European program, we have a unique opportunity to share insights that reflect the active dialogue of our own “GMAT Club” community. Here is the first in a series of Q&As offering a sneak peek into the internal conversations we’ve been having. Do I need to take a test for MBA admissions? There are two different camps on this subject. The first includes strong proponents of test-taking. Meanwhile, others genuinely feel that standardized testing isn’t predictive or necessary for higher education admissions. Both camps are accurate. Prospective business school candidates need first to identify which caliber and type of MBA program they aspire to. Those criteria influence whether to take a test and how important that score will be in predicting relative admit chances. [img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/HBS-Harvard-Business-School-Baker_library-cropped-734x430.jpg[/img] There are countless graduate programs, especially outside of the [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/mba-application-advice/]top 15 MBA programs[/url], that are “test lighter” in their expectations. Still, we see that demand for the elite 15 full-time MBA programs has soared. This is because of the sterling value of their reputation, the education provided, and alumni networks. Most of the top executive MBA programs also require a test score. Even during the peak of the pandemic, few waivered on their requirement of an objective test measurement. [b]Bottom line:[/b] Almost all top brand MBA programs still expect and require a test of some type. What value does a test score have in MBA Admissions? A test score is the most objective measure of one’s ability to handle the coursework of business school. A score close to or at the program’s reported average demonstrates that the applicant can manage the analytical courseload. MBA admissions officers evaluate the test score to assess academic aptitude in conjunction with the [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/3-ways-to-offset-a-low-gpa-when-applying-to-business-school/]college transcript[/url] and work experience. “It becomes a moral question. I don’t want to admit someone who is going to struggle,” shared a college admissions officer in a recent Wall Street Journal [url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/college-admission-season-is-crazier-than-ever-that-could-change-who-gets-in-11615909061]article[/url]. [img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/pexels-tim-gouw-52608-734x490.jpg[/img] The [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/b-schooled-episode-31-tips-trimming-essays-application-responses/]MBA essays[/url] and [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/recommendation-letter-mba/]recommendation letters[/url] help paint the bigger picture of who the applicant is as a person. A strong test score shows the candidate committed to the academic exercise of test prep through hard work and perseverance. Such attributes are proxies for success within and outside the classroom of a graduate program. For example, a former admissions officer on the Stacy Blackman Consulting team shared the following about quant performance for most MBA applicants to [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/mba-application-advice/insead/]INSEAD[/url]: “Anyone who scores below the 70th percentile will be a ‘conversation.’ A committee discussion will ensue to review the academic record to see if there are overall concerns about the prospective student to cope with the rigor of the program. There is always some test score flexibility. But there’s definitely an agreement that quant performance predicts academic success within the INSEAD program.” [img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/INSEAD-734x384.jpg[/img] Should I take the GMAT exam? If you’re aiming for top MBA programs and have access to the test—either version—we recommend taking the test and submitting the score. “Even for some programs such as [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/mba-application-advice/mit-sloan/]MIT Sloan[/url], which temporarily waived the test requirement due to the pandemic, we find that clients who submitted a test score have had more favorable admit outcome results overall,” shared a former MIT admissions officer who is now on the Stacy Blackman Consulting team. Any test is better than no test for applicants focused on the top MBA programs with competitive acceptance rates. There are other tests to consider, such as the Executive Assessment, if the GMAT isn’t ideal for the applicant. Should I submit a test score even if the program doesn’t require one? We almost always encourage minimizing risk by submitting a test score. “Not submitting a standardized test score is only beneficial if all other measures work well, especially the grades,” shared a former [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/mba-application-advice/northwestern-kellogg/]Kellogg School of Management[/url] admissions officer on the Stacy Blackman Consulting team. “So, if you had stellar grades undergrad, the AdCom would probably be okay evaluating you without a test, if the program’s application requirements waive the test score.” But if college grades were low in quant classes specifically, a test score to help counteract those grades is essential. A test score is the most reliable measure of academic aptitude. It’s also weighted more heavily than even if a candidate opted to submit any ancillary course transcripts such as HBx Core or MBAmath. [b]What has changed in test expectations for top MBA programs?[/b] Top programs have deemphasized the GMAT in recent years, so it’s not quite as rigid as it once was. This pivot has helped to diversify the student class. [img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/pexels-william-fortunato-6140676-734x489.jpg[/img] “When I was at Wharton Adcom, we placed less of an emphasis on stats (i.e., average GMAT score) as we realized Wharton had lost candidates to HBS and Stanford who were taking lower test scores,” noted a former member of the [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/mba-application-advice/upenn-wharton/]Wharton School[/url] admissions officer on the Stacy Blackman Consulting team. Programs still evaluate a candidate’s profile holistically based on all aspects. “All the test score shows, which is still vital, is that the applicant can do the work in addition to managing everything else that’s part of MBA experience,” shared a former [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/mba-application-advice/harvard-business-school/]Harvard Business School[/url] admissions officer on our Stacy Blackman Consulting team. *** Stay tuned for our next edition of GMAT Club: Test Talk with Stacy Blackman Consulting, where we will share the insights of the other former MBA Admissions Officers about test guidance. Main image credit: [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/billselak/2417001179/]Bill Selak[/url] (CC BY-ND 2.0) The post [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/our-gmat-club-test-talk-sbc-adcom/]Our GMAT Club: Test Talk with Stacy Blackman Consulting’s AdCom[/url] appeared first on [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com]Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting[/url]. [img]http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/StacyBlackman/~4/hR3z7ubpBgc[/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.
30 Apr 2021, 11:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: How LinkedIn Can Help MBA Applicants |
 A growing number of admissions officers believe it’s “fair game” to scope out applicants’ social media feeds, a 2021 Kaplan survey confirms. Kaplan surveyed 150 business school admissions departments in 2018 to address that same issue. In that poll, 40% said they visited applicants’ social media profiles to learn more about them when making admissions decisions. Among admissions officers who visit applicants’ social media, half said they found something that negatively impacted an applicant’s admissions chances. For that reason, it’s imperative for applicants to review and mitigate any red flags. While we talked about cleaning up your online presence earlier this week, today, we’re sharing a few specific tips you can use to enhance your LinkedIn profile to further support your MBA candidacy. Having a LinkedIn profile that shows your unique personality and presents your professional/life experiences in a compelling way can help sway an on-the-fence adcomm member in your favor.  Tip 1. LinkedIn can help MBA applicants differentiate themselves. Your profile should highlight your leadership and accomplishments, plus present a full picture of your interests, passions and career goals. All that will complement what’s already in your application and provide more insight to the reader. Also, an MBA interviewer may look over your profile to get a better sense of your personality before the meeting. So, this is the place to start the process of winning over your audience. Be specific about your professional role in the headline. Also, think about whether you can provide a broader picture of yourself in this prime piece of real estate. For example, you may work as a staff consultant at Bain & Company or as an analyst at Goldman Sachs. But if you’ve also created some type of non-profit organization—our client Ali co-founded one helping girls in the Middle East obtain educational opportunities—listing that additional position in your headline will set you apart from the typical analyst in the applicant pool. Tip 2. Quantify your achievements. Admissions committees like to see results. So, try to quantify results within the body of your profile just as you would in your MBA resume. It’s much more powerful to write that you “created a marketing plan that resulted in a 30 percent increase in leads,” as opposed to noting that you simply “created a marketing plan.” Managing a staff is interesting. But the fact that you managed 30 employees and improved profitability by 25% is something anyone can understand. By giving the reader a number, you give them the chance to see just what kind of leader you were—and will be. Tip 3. Your LinkedIn “Interests” should match and support your candidacy. If your application touches on your keen interest in renewable energy, micro-investing in India, or Silicon Valley startups, this section should show that you’re following influencers or organizations in those industries. This consistency reinforces the narrative within your application and lends credibility to your stated interests and passions.  Tip 4. Make sure career and education information is consistent with your MBA application. This sounds obvious, but our memories can get fuzzy and small discrepancies are actually pretty common. Cross-check your education, employer names, and dates to ensure all are in the proper order. Consistency between your LinkedIn profile and MBA application is key. If the person reviewing your application spots inconsistencies compared to the data form, you’re inviting additional scrutiny. This could potentially raise a red flag that puts other aspects of your application under the microscope. LinkedIn can help MBA applicants in numerous ways. You can bolster your candidacy while providing a multi-dimensional view of yourself to the admissions committee and future recruiters. Isn’t it time you revisited your profile to make sure it’s MBA-ready? Whether you need to professionalize an existing profile or develop a presence on an entirely new platform, SBC can provide informed direction on which steps to take. For a b-school applicant, proper management of social media channels can also help you expand the scope of your application without infringing on limited essay word counts. Learn more about the SBC Social Media Strategy Review, and you can set yourself up for a lifetime of online social success. The post How LinkedIn Can Help MBA Applicants 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 May 2021, 05:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Overcoming Overconfidence |
 “FRESH IDEAS FROM THE BLACKLIGHT” SBC’s Weekly Newsletter for Professionals Having a healthy level of confidence is a beautiful thing. Overconfidence, on the other hand, can have serious—sometimes life-threatening—consequences. Look no further than the U.S. government’s initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic to understand how disastrous overconfidence can be. Unlike those who suffer from Impostor Syndrome, people with overconfidence bias think too highly of themselves. They make poor decisions across a range of situations. They run roughshod over teammates and their suggestions. Waste time and money pursuing an idea doomed to fail. If any of this sounds uncomfortably familiar, don’t worry. You can take steps right now to put things in proper perspective. UC Berkeley Haas School of Business professor Don Moore specializes in the psychology of decision-making. In his latest book Perfectly Confident: How to Calibrate Your Decisions Wisely, Moore helps readers assess their confidence levels to keep their over-inflated sense of self in line. In an interview on the Knowledge@Wharton podcast, Moore agrees with host Katherine Milkman that confidence feels good. It’s backed by facts and reality and is empowering. On the flip side, “it doesn’t feel good to be overconfident,” he says. “And when you realize you’re overconfident, it feels like a mistake. You feel like a fool.” The students in my class who are most sure they’re going to ace the exam, and therefore don’t study, are not those who get the best grades, says Moore. To achieve what you want in life, Moore says you need to have realistic expectations about the risks and opportunities that lie ahead. Also, he notes, you must understand the actions you need to take to protect yourself from risks or capitalize on opportunities.  Wanna Bet? We can better calibrate our confidence by making “probabilistic forecasts” about what will happen in the future, says Moore. Ask yourself, “Do I believe that prediction enough to be willing to bet on it?” “If another rational, well-informed person is willing to take the other side of the bet, ask yourself what they know that you do not,” Moore advises. Considering the distribution of possible outcomes and then assessing the likelihood of each is useful for helping us question our assumptions, he explains. 4 Steps to Overcome Overconfidence In 1999, social psychologists David Dunning and Justin Kruger identified something now known as the Dunning-Kruger effect, which happens when people with low ability can overestimate their aptitude. As Dunning wrote in an op-ed for Politico, “The knowledge and intelligence that are required to be good at a task are often the same qualities needed to recognize that one is not good at that task — and if one lacks such knowledge and intelligence, one remains ignorant that one is not good at the task. This includes political judgment.” Explains a lot, doesn’t it? Here are Dunning’s quick tips for avoiding the overconfidence trap via this Reddit AMA (“Ask Me Anything”).
In the end, we should aim for the sweet spot Moore calls “the middle way between having too much and having too little” confidence. “The middle way enables you to see the truth and understand all that you are capable of, and how to achieve it,” says Moore. “It helps you steer clear of mistakes that can put you at risk for missed opportunities, embarrassment, and pain.” *** Did you like this post about keeping overconfidence in check? 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 Overcoming Overconfidence 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.
05 May 2021, 09:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: B-Schooled Podcast Episode 54: Secrets of Dual HBS/GSB Admits, Part 2 of 2 |
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Anyone who decides to pursue an MBA typically understands that the odds are against most applicants when it comes to being admitted into the top-ranked programs. This fierce competition makes it all the more impressive when a candidate gets into two of the most respected programs in the world: Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business. Stacy Blackman Consulting studied dual admits we worked with a few years ago, as well as those we worked with who were admitted after the extra-competitive rounds during COVID this past year, in order to analyze their secrets to success as well as assess trends over time. This episode focuses on the last four of the eight themes we discovered, while episode 52 covered the first four themes. Listen to B-Schooled episode #54 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 Podcast Episode 54: Secrets of Dual HBS/GSB Admits, 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 May 2021, 06:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Build your Business School Network as an Applicant |
 As most incoming MBA students know, the network you cultivate during business school is likely the most valuable part of the experience. Through the Internet and social media, you can get a head start and build your business school network as early as the application phase. That network can help you research schools, decide where to apply, and support you throughout your candidacy. In addition to making those two years a whole lot of fun, these relationships will also become a lasting set of connections that have the potential to change the course of your professional life forever. Here are three ways to build your business school network before you even set foot on campus. Be social media savvy. Business schools want to expand their follower base to share news, deadlines, and admissions events with prospective students. Follow your target MBA programs on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. School-sponsored student blogs, such as the Booth Experience blog from the University of Chicago, are another great resource. Use these online vehicles to learn about the school and to connect personally. Friend people who can be your peers. Once admitted, you can take all of this social networking one step further. Don’t attempt to friend any of the admissions folks on Facebook. But do feel free to follow them on Twitter. Engage by asking thoughtful questions about the admissions process, and learn all you can from them. Another way to get on the admissions team’s radar is by keeping them apprised of your progress with a tweet. For example, you could write something like: “Submitted my Round 1 application to @MichiganRoss today. Super excited for a chance to participate in the team-based interview.” If you don’t consider social media to be another way to build your business school network and strengthen your candidacy, you may be missing out on a great opportunity that other MBA applicants will most certainly take advantage of. Ask to be introduced to current students who share your interests. As soon as it’s allowed, visit campus in person and go out of your way to meet specific students in person whenever possible. For example, if you’re interested in finance, ask someone to introduce you to the head of the finance club. Also, find out who is running the women’s association if you’re a female candidate targeting that school.  Call the admissions office and ask to be connected to a student who is doing something you want to do, such as pursuing your dream entrepreneurial goals or concentrating on green business practices. Admissions should be able to hook you up with like-minded individuals who can help you understand how the school can serve your goals. Once you’ve made contact, these are great people to stay loosely in touch with as you make up your final list of schools. Sometimes, you can even name drop a bit in your essays to show you have really done personal research and gotten to know the program and its student body. Now is also a great time to reach out to alumni and current students that you already know. Reinvest in those relationships and talk to them about their experiences and how an MBA degree has enhanced their careers. Work MBA admissions events to your advantage. Go to as many business school admissions events as you possibly can—even if it’s all virtual for now. This is a great way to decide if a certain program is legitimately the right place for you by hearing students and alumni speak and sizing up the way a school markets itself. As a bonus, attending an event shows your interest and that you have done your homework. It makes a school feel loved. Everyone likes to feel loved, even admissions committee members. It can be hard to stand out at these online events. But sometimes, you will have that meaningful conversation that can make a world of difference. In addition, business schools often recruit alumni to participate and help sell their programs to prospective students. As a result, you may encounter people working in the same industry you hope to after earning an MBA degree.  Try to find two or three people who match up with your experience and goals. Learn how their business school experience transformed them personally or professionally. If the person is willing to speak with you outside of the event, ask for an informational interview. Over the phone or even email, you can learn more about how they successfully transitioned to their current career. It truly is the people, not the brochure bullet points, that bring a school to life. So the more person-to-person contact you have, the more informed you will be when it comes time to apply – and when you finally set foot on campus. The post Build your Business School Network as an Applicant 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 May 2021, 10:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Advice for Applicants from Over-Represented Buckets |
 If there’s one overarching trend we’ve seen in our two decades of admission consulting, it’s the move toward greater diversity at the top MBA programs. For example, applicants from consulting and banking used to dominate at business schools in the past. Plus, most students were white males. However, programs strive for diversity across several buckets: gender, ethnicity, industry, function or role, home country — even sexual orientation. What does that mean for applicants from consulting or financial services? Or white males or Indian male engineers (two of the most over-represented demographic buckets)? It means that you must work hard to stand out. You’ll need to prove you have something valuable to bring to the table. In other words, you’re going to have to clearly demonstrate that what your classmates will learn from your personal and professional experiences outweighs the fact that you aren’t contributing to a more diverse environment in the traditional ways. We often meet with applicants who are shocked to hear that their “stats” won’t be enough. A high GPA and a high GMAT score are never bad things, of course, but they don’t guarantee admission, either. The MBA application process is a self-selecting one in many ways. Meaning, the people pursuing b-school are the ones who’ve done well in school, on tests, and in their careers so far. Stats don’t tell the whole story.  The majority of applicants deserve to get in “on paper.” But your stats only indicate that you can likely handle the rigor of their program. They don’t reveal anything about how you work with others. Nor do they speak to any leadership roles you’ve taken. More importantly, they reveal nothing of what motivates you or what your future goals are. Unlike undergraduate colleges, MBA programs heavily rely on students teaching each other. As a result, schools expect high levels of spirited and interactive discussion in class, with students sharing their past experiences to benefit others. So while everyone who applies to business school should try to communicate the unique aspects of their candidacies that their classmates will learn from, it’s exponentially more critical that those from over-represented buckets do so. You’re going to want to pull from your volunteer, extracurricular, and leadership experiences across all facets of your life.  You might want to talk about places you’ve traveled and what you did or learned there. You might have a defining moment to share that led to your future career goals. You’ll want to highlight anything you are involved with at work that might relate to recent news headlines. The admissions committees love it when students can share first-hand experience with buzzy topics. Applicants from the “traditional” buckets still gain admission to top MBA programs across the country every year. So if you’re in one of those buckets, there’s no reason to lose hope. But you should look objectively and realistically at your candidacy and perhaps widen the net of schools you’re considering. Try to figure out what your classmates would learn from you. Then, focus on incorporating those themes into your materials. You can do it! And if you need help crafting your story, sign up for a free profile analysis from SBC. The post Advice for Applicants from Over-Represented Buckets 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.
10 May 2021, 10:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Harvard MBA Deadlines for the Class of 2024 |
 Are you already planning your application strategy for Harvard Business School? Then get out your calendar, because the Harvard MBA deadlines for the 2021-2022 admissions season have been announced! ROUND 1 Application due: September 8, 2021 Decision released: December 9, 2021 ROUND 2 Application due: January 4, 2022 Decision released: March 30, 2022 All applications are due at 12 noon EST on the day of the deadline. Therefore, Class of 2024 applications received after September 8, 2021, will be considered in Round 2. Consequently, applications received after January 4, 2022, will not be considered. The post Harvard MBA Deadlines for the Class of 2024 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.
10 May 2021, 10:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Harvard MBA Essay for 2021-2022 |
 In addition to the HBS deadlines, the Harvard MBA essay for the 2021-22 admissions season has been confirmed. The essay question remains unchanged from the last admissions cycle. Harvard MBA Essay for 2021-2022: “As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA Program?” (no word limit) The application will open up again in mid-June 2021, Losee added. Meanwhile, he encourages applicants to download the Application Guide to learn more about the requirements. “The essay really is make or break for HBS,” shares one of the former HBS Admissions Officers on the SBC team. “So many applications have acceptable credentials up to that point of the application. It really is the essay that sets the overall application apart and earns it the interview.” Check out our updated tips for the Harvard MBA essay. And don’t hesitate to contact us to learn how Stacy Blackman Consulting can help with your Harvard MBA application. The post Harvard MBA Essay for 2021-2022 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 May 2021, 09:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: B-Schooled Podcast Episode 55: Everything You’d Ever Want to Know About EMBA Programs |
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Have you ever wondered if an executive MBA program (EMBA) might be right for you? Or what the differences are between EMBA, part-time, and full-time MBA programs? Or had you maybe not even ever heard of the term “EMBA” before you just read this post? Well, you can rest assured that this episode of B-Schooled will answer almost any question you might have about EMBAs. We welcome back to the podcast Bill Chinois, our resident SBC expert on EMBAs, to give an overview of EMBAs, discuss what similarities and differences exist between EMBAs and full-time programs, and cover a whole bunch of other EMBA-related questions that our host Erika throws at him. So, be sure to check out B-Schooled episode #55 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 Podcast Episode 55: Everything You’d Ever Want to Know About EMBA 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.
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