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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: B-Schooled Podcast Episode #62: How to Approach the HBS Essay


The open-ended Harvard Business School essay strikes fear into the hearts of many MBA candidates. As does the fact that it has no word limit! How in the heck should you approach your response? This episode of B-Schooled gives advice and ideas for HBS essay topics, as well as guidelines for length and other critical tips.

If you’re applying to HBS, this is a must-listen, as your essay is truly a “make-it-or-break-it” aspect of your candidacy. Listen to B-Schooled episode #62 here, or on any of the podcast apps listed below.

B-Schooled is available on most major podcast apps, including:

Apple Podcasts

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TuneIn

Please be sure to subscribe to B-Schooled so that you don’t miss a thing. Also, 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!

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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Booth MBA Essays for 2021-2022


Are you planning on applying to the University of Chicago Booth School of Business this upcoming season? Then let the brainstorming begin! Here are the Booth MBA essays for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Chicago Booth MBA Essays
  • How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (250-word minimum)
  • An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are. (250-word minimum)
Response Guidelines:
Length: There is no maximum length, only a 250-word minimum. We trust that you will use your best judgment in determining how long your submission should be, but we recommend that you think strategically about how best to allocate the space.

Acceptable Formats: Submissions must be entered into the text box provided in the application.

Optional Question:
Is there any unclear information in your application that needs further explanation? (300-word maximum)

Reapplicant Question:
Upon reflection, how has your perspective regarding your future, Chicago Booth, and/or getting an MBA changed since the time of your last application? (Maximum 300 words.)

***

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

Image credit: Adam Fagen (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: SBC’s Top Ten Most Popular Blog Posts


Wondering which blog posts this year’s crop of MBA applicants visits the most on the Stacy Blackman Consulting site? We were, too! Thanks to modern technology—AKA Google analytics—you now have the news you need right at your fingertips. Without further ado… SBC’s top ten most-visited blog posts for the first half of 2021.

Application Strategies Worth Noting
CharacterPrevails: Stanford & Harvard Business School MBA Applications

Have you heard of the term “double admits”? That’s what we call those singular applicants who receive admissions offers from both Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business.

We’ve worked with many top applicants this MBA admissions season who achieved this impressive feat—some with scholarships to boot. Here we analyze eight cases—and we have eight specific takeaways to share.

Write a Winning MBA Personal Statement

When it comes to the MBA personal statement, you need to think beyond your obvious achievements. Tell a compelling story if you hope to stand out amid the thousands of essays read by the admissions team each year.



What Makes a Great MBA Recommendation Letter

The recommendation letter forms an integral part of your MBA application package and can make—or break—your chances of admission. Ideally, the MBA recommendation letter provides the admissions committee with a fresh perspective on your skill sets. Above all, your recommenders should enhance your application by offering new and valuable insights into you as a person.

Blog Posts with Program-Specific Intel
Harvard MBA Essay Tips for 2021-2022

Harvard Business School is using the same essay question as last year. According to MBA Admissions Director Chad Losee, “Amidst all the uncertainty globally, we plan to minimize changes in our application process this year.”  The admissions committee understands that the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted plans, employment, and personal lives.

HBS 2+2 Program for College Seniors: How to Get In

At SBC, our team includes the former HBS Associate Director of MBA Admissions who helped launch the 2+2 Program targeting college seniors. She explains that the program is all about getting the word out regarding what a graduate business degree can offer.



Face-Off: Oxford vs. Cambridge 

In SBC’s blog series Face-Off, we tease out the strengths and differences between two similarly ranked, or located, b-schools. Plus, we’ll highlight the unique elements of their admissions processes. Let’s start by looking at the differences between the Oxford MBA application versus that of the University of Cambridge Judge School of Business.

Columbia MBA Essay Tips for 2021-2022

These Columbia MBA essay questions have been updated since last year and include a new optional question. As one of SBC’s former CBS Admissions Officers shared, “With CBS, it really is a holistic approach, but the fit is VERY important.  They want to know why CBS- that is a big part of their culture. They want to know you’re going to fit in.”

MBA News You Can Use
MBA Scholarship Trends at M7 Schools

Business school is an expensive investment, and it’s never too early to start figuring out how you will pay for it. We have witnessed a substantial increase in financial incentives offered to admitted applicants we’ve worked with this past admissions season.



Investment Banking MBA Career Path

Many professionals with their eyes on an investment banking MBA career path know that a degree from an elite business school can help them achieve that goal. Because the investment banking MBA career path is so popular, we’re sharing a Q&A with SBC consultant Puja, whose professional trajectory followed a similar route.

MBA Rankings: Top Programs and More

MBA ranking reports in aggregate can help an applicant to see trends around MBA program brand and prioritize their reach versus reasonable program options. We recently produced our own ranking hierarchy based on aggregate ranking reports and client demand.

Looking ahead…
We hope this roundup of blog posts serves as a helpful jumping-off point as you get started on your Round 1 applications or begin to prepare for your MBA application journey in 2022 and beyond.

Image credit: Eric at Flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0)

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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tepper MBA Deadlines for 2021-2022

Are you interested in applying to the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University? Then get ready to mark your calendar! Here are the Tepper MBA deadlines for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Tepper MBA Deadlines
Round 1
Application deadline: October 3, 2021

Decision notification: December 8, 2021

Round 2
Application deadline: January 5, 2022

Decision notification: March 9, 2022

Round 3
Application deadline: March 6, 2022

Decision notification: May 4, 2022

Round 4 (Part-Time MBA Only)
Application deadline: April 18, 2022

Decision notification: May 18, 2022

All deadlines are 11:59 PM Eastern Time (U.S.). The fall 2022 MBA application will go live in Mid-August.

***

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

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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: Cornell MBA Application Tips for 2021-2022


Are you targeting Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management? The Cornell MBA application is now live, so it’s time to tackle those MBA essays. Cornell Johnson is a flexible MBA program within an Ivy League campus. The school offers multiple full-time options, including a one-year MBA, specialized executive programs, and the Cornell Tech MBA in Ithaca and NYC.

Note that due to COVID-19 and “as we continue to debate the value of a GMAT/GRE score as a predictor of future academic and career success,” Cornell offers GRE/GMAT test waivers. You can find out more on the Cornell MBA application website.

Whatever your goals and background, Cornell has a program that can help you achieve them. Johnson also works to integrate the MBA experience into the larger Cornell community and leverage coursework at the other top-ranked graduate programs to provide more opportunities to Johnson students.

When approaching the Cornell MBA application essay and goal statement, set your strategy before you start working. Then, identify the program at Cornell in which you are most interested. Do some comprehensive school research. That means researching the faculty, coursework, and career opportunities. Also, examine your background and goals to see what is most important to explain as part of your story.

Make sure to inject a layer of personal background and experiences—what makes you truly unique. Finally, make sure you have solid academics, work experience, and extracurriculars.

These can be covered in your Cornell MBA essays, resume, or recommendations. If you identify any holes in your profile or story, take the time to fill them before starting your application. You can explain anything necessary in the optional essay.

Cornell MBA Application Essays and Tips
Goals Statement
Immediately post-MBA, my goal is to work as a(n) ____[Role]____ at ___[Company]___within___[Industry]___.

Targeted Job Role:

Target Job Company:

Industry:

In 5 – 10 years post-MBA, my goal is to work as a(n) ____[Role]____ at ___[Company]___within___[Industry]___.

Targeted Job Role:

Target Job Company:

Industry:

How has your experience prepared and encouraged you to pursue these goals?

This short answer question is a quick way to cover the relevant career goals questions for your Cornell MBA application. Make sure that your answers are clear and are consistent with your recommenders.

Once you have identified your industry, company, and role in both the short- and long-term, you can briefly answer how your past experiences have led you to your goals. Then, think about the pivotal moments in your career and how they have prepared you for the next step or have helped you to realize your passions.

Finally, pick a very brief example to cover here. In addition, you can use your resume and recommendations to showcase any other skills you need to accomplish your goals. You can explain more about your accomplishments and leadership in the Impact Essay.

Impact Essay
At Cornell, our students and alumni share a desire to positively impact the organizations and communities they serve. Taking into consideration your background, how do you intend to make a meaningful impact on an elite MBA community? (350 words maximum)
As the Cornell Johnson admissions committee says, “This essay is designed to explore the intersection of engagement and community culture. Whether during the program or following graduation, our students and alumni share a desire to positively impact the organizations and communities they serve.” When you consider your MBA experience, how do you plan to be an active part of the community?

The first step to answering this question is, once again, to do your research. The admissions team at Johnson suggests connecting with current students using the community search tool. Another way to find a personal connection is to reach out to friends, family, and work colleagues to see if anyone knows a current or future member of the Johnson community.

As you prepare for conversations to learn more about Cornell Johnson, think about programs, extracurricular activities, and the informal ways students might interact. Johnson offers groups for interests ranging from cooking to ice hockey and has professional clubs for every possible career path.

Those formal groups, or connecting in a classroom or party, might be ways you make connections at Johnson. Showing that you know the school well is essential for a successful Cornell MBA application. Once you have identified opportunities to contribute to campus life at Johnson, you should support your story with evidence from your past experiences.

For example, maybe you want to bring new speakers to the Johnson Marketing Association because you have contributed to your young professionals group at work. Explain that you have successfully organized events featuring prominent speakers for a large group of people and can bring that skill to impact your peers at Johnson.



Optional Essay
You may use this essay to call attention to items needing clarification and to add additional details to any aspects of your application that do not accurately reflect your potential for success at Johnson (350 words maximum).
If you are reapplying for admission, please use this essay to indicate how you have strengthened your application and candidacy since the last time you applied for admission. Please also review our Admissions Policy for additional information about re-applying (350 words maximum).
This optional essay allows for either an explanation of any weaknesses in your application or additional information. Your issue could be a poor GPA or GMAT. Or you might have concerns with your undergraduate record. Possibly you were unable to provide a recommendation from a current supervisor. If any of those issues exist, this is the place to give the background.

Briefly describe the situation and what may have contributed to the issue (illness, family difficulties, etc.). Make sure you don’t editorialize—facts only. Focus the balance of your essay on looking forward. What have you done in the recent past to demonstrate your skills and intelligence?

For re-applicants, this is the place to explain what you have done since your last application. Make sure to strengthen your case for admission. If you have a new GMAT score or took classes in calculus or statistics, you have a solid case for improved academics. A promotion could signal career development and leadership.

Even if you don’t have a clear-cut update to describe, you can use this space to explain how you have improved your career goals or fit with Cornell.

***

To talk to Stacy Blackman Consulting about your Cornell MBA essays, don’t hesitate to contact us! Learn more about applying at the Cornell Johnson website.

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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: Booth MBA Essay Tips for 2021-2022


The University of Chicago Booth School of Business ranks as a top choice school for many MBA students. Chicago Booth has a tradition of intellectual inquiry, non-conformity, and innovation. Along with solid academics, Chicago will be looking for leadership and team-building skills and community involvement. Review our Booth MBA essay tips to strengthen your application.

Booth MBA Essay Tips for the 2021-2022 Admissions Season
This set of essays focuses on both your career goals and your personality. The second essay is about your interests. Also, note that Chicago is setting a word minimum for the required essay responses, while most schools list a maximum. Therefore Chicago Booth is asking you to be thoughtful in your responses to these MBA essays and make sure you have enough space to answer the question.

Your first Booth MBA essay tip is to do as much school research as possible on Chicago Booth. First, attend virtual or in-person events if possible. Speak to alumni. Also, read the admissions blog. Visit campus if possible for you. In conclusion, do what you can to experience the community for yourself before starting your application. This research will be invaluable as you set pen to paper for the Booth MBA essays.

The Chicago MBA admissions committee can see your academic skills from your GPA/GMAT, transcripts, and other fixed data points. You should cover your personal qualities, leadership, and career goals in these essays.

Were these Booth MBA essay tips helpful? Contact Stacy Blackman Consulting for more with a free consultation on your MBA plans.

Essay Questions
Essay One: How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (250-word minimum)
This Chicago Booth career goals essay is the ideal way to describe your track record of success. Also, you can show that you have realistic expectations for your Booth MBA. For example, while career goals should be aspirational, they should also be possible.

Think about what you have done so far in your career. What have you learned? How can you use your experiences to inform your future goals? Then, think about how a Booth MBA can fill in any gaps. What classes will you take? Professors that can help you advance your goals? How will you engage with clubs and peers?

This question asks for both short and long-term goals, so keep your long-term path in mind as you answer. Ideally, your short-term goal job leads directly into your long-term goal position, and an MBA education is necessary for both paths. Examples from your prior roles will support achieving your goals with the required education and experience.

Finally, the essay asks why Booth is the right place for you to pursue your MBA. Make sure to learn all you can about Booth, specifically. Thorough research into your career path and the options at Booth will allow you to answer this question fully and with conviction. With COVID-19 restrictions, it may be tough to get a comprehensive feeling of Booth. But virtual options like blogs and videos and speaking with current students and alumni can help you.



Essay Two: An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are. (250-word minimum)
Chicago Booth is looking for self-aware leaders with a sense of purpose. Therefore, Booth wants to understand your personal life. Are you someone who embraces personal growth? And what is your definition of purpose?

To focus this essay, consider using stories about your life. Have you done something in a volunteer capacity that shows who you are? Or, does your cultural background have an impact on your personality? What experiences have made an impact on you?

For example, one of our clients used a personal story about a crisis in her family to explain how she prioritizes relationships. That aspect of her personality led her to be a particularly effective leader at work and volunteer activities.

Think about a similar story you may have. After you tell the story, reflect on the meaning. How did these experiences help you grow as a person? And, what does that tell you about your capacity for growth at Booth?

This Booth MBA essay should communicate who you are and what motivates you. Overall, your goal with both essays is to give the admissions committee a holistic sense of your potential.



Optional Essay:

Is there any unclear information in your application that needs further explanation? (300-word maximum)
This optional essay is flexible, allowing you to provide as much information as you need. Consider writing this essay if you have any areas in your profile that require further explanation. Have you had academic issues or gaps in work experience? Then this is the ideal place to add more detail.

Because the essay is open-ended, you can also use it to add any additional information. Think about what you wanted to add to your application. Perhaps you have a compelling personal story that didn’t fit in the other essays. If it helps the admissions committee understand you better, it’s worth telling. Also, you might have a strong leadership story or a meaningful extracurricular to add context to your MBA application.

Reapplicant Essay:

Upon reflection, how has your perspective regarding your future, Chicago Booth, and/or getting an MBA changed since the time of your last application? (Maximum 300 words.)
This is an interesting re-applicant question. Because, instead of asking how your candidacy has improved, Booth asks how your perspective has changed. Improvements such as better test scores, a promotion, or a new job would still be helpful information. However, the focus is to reflect on yourself and your goals since you applied to Booth.

When writing this essay, consider what has changed since your last application. For example, have you learned more about your career path, formed new relationships, or changed your career goals? Also, this is an ideal essay to demonstrate self-awareness and leadership qualities. Another essential angle is communicating a realistic sense of how the Booth MBA fits into your future professional plans.

For more information on applying to Booth, visit the Chicago Booth admissions website.

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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: B-Schooled Podcast Episode #63: 5 MBA Applicant Pitfalls


No MBA hopeful approaches the application process with the intention of sabotaging their shot at their dream school. But that’s exactly what many MBA candidates unknowingly do. This B-Schooled episode covers five of those applicant pitfalls — meaning traits, attitudes, or approaches that can end up hurting someone’s chances of success.

You can check out episode #63 here, or on any of the podcast apps listed below.

B-Schooled is available on most major podcast apps, including:

Apple Podcasts

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TuneIn

Please be sure to subscribe to B-Schooled so that you don’t miss a thing. Also, 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!

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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Face Off: Oxford vs. Cambridge

The school selection process for MBA applicants can seem overwhelming. With so many great business schools, how do you decide which one is right for you? In SBC’s blog series Face Off, we tease out the strengths and differences between two similarly ranked, or located, b-schools. Plus, we’ll highlight noteworthy elements of their admissions processes. Let’s kick things off by looking at the differences between the Oxford MBA application versus that of the University of Cambridge Judge School of Business.

We have a former Admissions Officer from Oxford Said on our team. Thanks to him for the thoughtful advice below.

How do the admissions requirements and selectivity compare between the Oxford MBA application and Cambridge Judge? 
  • Both schools have similar admissions requirements.
  • Both require a good undergraduate degree. Cambridge mentions that they prefer candidates to be in the top 25% of their undergraduate graduating class.
  • Both accept the GMAT and GRE, and one is a requirement. The average GMAT at Cambridge is 700, and the median GMAT at Oxford is 680. Neither reports GRE score averages. Neither reports minimum GMAT score requirements. However, the admissions team recommends that applicants aim for a score of 650 or above.
  • Oxford requires a minimum of two years’ experience before the MBA, whereas Cambridge requires three years of pre-MBA experience.
  • Cambridge requires one professional reference. Oxford asks for two references, with at least one being professional.
  • Both have a 110 TOEFL or 7.5 IELTS requirements for those who require an English test.
  • Cambridge has four required essays, whereas Oxford only has one compulsory essay and one optional essay.
  • Before covid, Cambridge strongly preferred selected applicants to interview on campus. However, they did offer regional and Skype interviews and continue to do so. Oxford has no preference for whether applicants attend an in-person interview and offers many regional interview days and Skype interview opportunities.
Oxford enrolls 100 MBA students more each year than Cambridge. However, Oxford does receive considerably more applications. Recent releases show Oxford had 1,586 applications for the Class of 2019, and Cambridge had 1,286. The schools do not release their acceptance rate. However, on a ratio of application to class, Cambridge has a slightly lower acceptance rate than Oxford.



What are the key differences between Oxford and Cambridge that an MBA applicant must consider? 
One of the biggest challenges faced by applicants considering applying for an MBA at Cambridge Judge and Oxford Said is the number of similarities the schools have on paper:

  • Both schools offer a one-year MBA program starting in September.
  • Both business schools are embedded in very famous and prestigious universities with excellent reputations globally.
  • One of the defining features of the Oxford and Cambridge MBA programs is the collegial systems in place at both universities. Students at both Said and Judge are also members of one of their respective university’s colleges.
  • Colleges are academic communities within the universities. Colleges select which students they admit. Students can live, eat and socialize in their college. Colleges have their own unique identities and traditions. Students are admitted to the MBA program first, and then the business school helps them applying for a college space. Each student studying an MBA at Oxford or Cambridge must be a member of a college.
  • The University of Oxford is made up of 44 colleges and halls. The University of Cambridge has 31 colleges.
  • Both MBA programs offer an internship option in the final summer semester.
Although there are many similarities between the two schools, the MBA programs and student experience are different.

The key differences are:
  • Class size: The Oxford MBA typically enrolls between 315 and 330 students a year. Meanwhile, the Cambridge MBA enrolls between 200 and 210 students a year.
  • Cost: The Oxford MBA has a tuition cost of £65,520 for the next intake, while the Cambridge MBA has a tuition fee of £61,000.
  • Curriculum: Both programs offer compulsory core subjects and give students options to choose electives from a wide portfolio. Cambridge offers the opportunity to have a specialization, whereas Oxford does not offer specializations.
  • Oxford has a strong ethos of responsible business and leadership within the campus and the MBA program. This is seen through themes, co-curricular activities, and subjects in the program.
How do the two schools’ locations compare, and what impact will this have on the student experience and/or job opportunities? 


  • Both Oxford Said and Cambridge Judge are easily accessible from London and are located about an hour from London by train.
  • Cambridge is about 50 minutes by train from central London, from Kings Cross Station. From the train station, it is a 7-minute drive to the Judge Business School campus.
  • The city of Oxford is an hour on the train from central London. Trains to Oxford run from both Marylebone station and Paddington Station. The Said Business School is right next door to the train station.
  • Both Oxford and Cambridge are smaller cities.
  • In terms of the student experience, students from both campuses spend quite a bit of time in their respective cities and networking with the student communities in their business school and the wider university.
  • Both Cambridge and Oxford are busy and historic university towns. The University of Oxford has just under 24,000 students enrolled (as of 2021 data), whereas the University of Cambridge has about 21,656 students enrolled. Oxford also has another university, which adds to the student atmosphere in the city.
How does this impact job opportunities?
  • Both schools have strong brands and reputations and can attract employers based in London and globally to visit campus for networking and recruiting events. The schools’ career teams also do a lot of outreach to companies. The schools work with students to offer career treks to key employers and locations around the globe.
  • A small number of students who launch their own business will remain in Cambridge or Oxford to benefit from the spin-out opportunities in the respective universities. Most students do not remain in Oxford or Cambridge after graduation.
How do the two schools’ MBA cohorts compare in terms of quality and culture?
  • Cambridge and Oxford tend to have a similar applicant pool. Many are attracted by how interconnected the business schools are to the parent university and the college system. The college systems at Oxford and Cambridge are a strong selling point for both schools due to the networking opportunities and diverse experience.
  • Both schools have seen a consistent increase in applications over the last few years. The Oxford class had grown from roughly 220 students to over 300 prior to covid. Cambridge’s class has not grown as much over the last number of years.
  • The larger class at Oxford has led to the opportunities to build wider networks with a more diverse class. They have grown the student support services and career services to meet the demands of a larger cohort. However, Cambridge students do enjoy the smaller and more intimate class size.
  • Class size: Oxford has 311 students this year, and Cambridge has 174 students for the class of 2020-21.
  • At a high level, Oxford does better with female enrollment, at 47% compared to Cambridge’s 37%. Oxford also has a wider representation of nationalities, which may be a natural result of their larger class.
  • In terms of diversity, Oxford takes considerably more students from North America than Cambridge, with 25% of the Oxford MBA hailing from North America, compared to 17% of Cambridge’s class. Oxford does a lot better with African students, at 12% compared to Cambridge’s 4%.
  • Cambridge has 17% of its students from East Asia and South East Asia, whereas Oxford comes in at 29% for these regions.
  • Cambridge attracts 4% of its MBA students from Latin America, compared to Oxford’s 5%.
  • With European students, both schools attract about the same percentages.
Cambridge Judge


Cambridge, England

  • Cambridge’s class of 174 students has 38 different nationalities represented, with an average of 6 years experience; 37% of the class are female, and the average GMAT score is 700.
  • Looking at students’ background, 28% come from finance, 28% from engineering, 24% from social and political sciences/language, and 14% from STEM.
Oxford Said


Oxford, England

  • Oxford’s MBA class of 311 students has 67 different nationalities represented, with an average experience of 5 years; 37% of the class are female, and the median GMAT is 680.
  • Oxford does not offer information on the industry breakdown of their intake.
  • However, they tend to attract about 25% of their class from finance, 20% from consulting, 10% from social impact/NGO, and 45% from industry, with a strong technology representation.
  • Both schools highlight the interactive nature of their classes, the diverse students on the program, opportunities to engage and network with the wider university community, and academic rigor.
  • Both schools have very international and diverse classrooms. This diversity leads to lively discussions, challenging group projects, and more extensive global networks.
  • Neither school has one dominant pre-MBA industry. Students are encouraged and required to work with students from all industries and nationalities through group projects.


How do the two curricula and teaching methods compare?
  • Both schools split the academic year into semesters (three teaching semesters and the summer semester).
  • The schools have a mixture of compulsory core courses, mandatory projects, and a range of elective courses to choose from.
  • Oxford offers between 30 and 40 elective choices, while Cambridge offers between 40 and 50 electives.
  • Oxford does not offer a specialization, whereas the Cambridge MBA allows students to specialize in one of the following areas: Culture, Arts & Media Management, Digital Transformation, Energy & Environment, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Global Business, Healthcare Strategies, Marketing, Social Innovation or Strategy.
  • Although Oxford doesn’t offer specializations, it has several cross-cutting themes in its curriculum: The Global Rules of the Game, Entrepreneurship, and Responsible Business.
  • Cambridge has three required team projects that engage with external companies or organizations: one focused on consulting, one on marketing analysis, and one focused on their concentration.
  • Oxford has two required team projects: one in entrepreneurship and one focused on a global threat or opportunity.
  • Both schools have a variety of teaching and learning methods. This includes lectures, team projects, workshops, seminars, individual projects, and class participation.
  • Both programs offer the option for a summer internship from June-August. Students can also participate in an individual project, and students at Oxford can take extra electives in the Summer term. Meanwhile, Cambridge students can opt for a research paper or dissertation.
  • Oxford offers optional co-curricular courses for MBA students in consulting, finance, and social impact: The Finance Lab, Consulting Development Programme, and Social Impact Lab. These allow students to gain additional exposure and practical experience for students looking to return to or transition into these areas.
How do the career outcomes between the schools stack up? 
  • Both schools have reported strong career outcomes in recent years. For the class graduating in 2021, Cambridge reported that 85% of the graduates had a job offer three months after graduation, with 83% employed. Oxford hasn’t released data yet from the “covid” class of 2020-2021.  In 2018-19, it was reported that 95% of graduates seeking employment have accepted an offer within three months of graduation.
  • At Oxford, 29.4% end up in finance, 21.6% are in consulting, 9.8% in social impact, and 20.6% in technology.
  • At Cambridge, 19% of those employed were in consulting and 25% in finance. Technology is the largest employment sector for the remainder of the graduates.
  • 42% of those employed from the Cambridge class remained in the UK, 11% in Western Europe, and 16% in North America. 11% are in East Asia and 9% in Southeast Asia.
  • Oxford lists 57% in European Free Trade countries, 17% in North America, and 16% in Asia.
  • In terms of salaries for Cambridge graduates, the average package is £92,784. At Oxford, the average in Europe (excluding the UK) is £73,443, and the average in North America is £87,175.
***

We hope this deep-dive comparison between the Oxford MBA application and MBA experience versus Cambridge Judge has given you helpful intel as you make your school selection decisions this season. Finally, please leave any questions you may still have in the comment section below.

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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Reluctant Leaders Need to Hear This Advice
[img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/reluctant-leader-734x734.png[/img]

[b]“FRESH IDEAS FROM THE BLACKLIGHT”[/b]
SBC’s Weekly Newsletter for Professionals
Are you a natural-born leader? In truth, most of us don’t see ourselves that way. But leadership is not solely about job title or position—it’s about the actions you take. We often feel reluctant to lead, even though others believe we would be perfect in such a role. What’s behind the hesitancy? A group of b-school researchers has identified [url=https://hbr.org/2020/12/why-capable-people-are-reluctant-to-lead]three common hang-ups[/url] that prevent reluctant leaders from pursuing management positions. Find out why we do it, and then use these tips to neutralize your concerns.

[b]Reason #1: You’re afraid people won’t like you. [/b]
After surveying more than 100 professionals and 400 MBA students for this project, the researchers landed on one overarching explanation for a reluctance to lead. Namely, people feared stepping up would damage their interpersonal relationships.

“Sometimes you don’t want to risk that friendship and hurt other people’s feelings,” said one respondent. Another worried that people could “start to dislike you and talk about you behind your back.”

We all want people to like us. But we can’t let what others think shape our goals in life. Conflicts will arise. The trick is to make sure disagreements stay focused on the work at hand—not the personalities involved.

[img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/docusign-ujkG7mTs7IM-unsplash-734x489.jpg[/img]

“When people see conflict as a search for the best idea rather than a fight between people, they are less likely to shy away from leading those people,” the researchers explain.

[b]Reason #2: You don’t want to seem aggressive or like a know-it-all. [/b]
Many of us have had the unfortunate experience of working for a [url=https://theblacklight.co/2020/12/03/jerk-at-work/]jerky boss[/url] or [url=https://theblacklight.co/2020/11/19/office-know-it-all/]know-it-all[/url] supervisor. We certainly don’t want anyone to think of us as that guy or gal. Organizations and employees always say they admire leadership. Even so, “People worry that actually engaging in leadership acts might make them look bad in the eyes of their peers,” the researchers found.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Reluctant leaders can adopt the strategy of [url=https://theblacklight.co/2021/02/11/great-leadership-starts-kindness/]leading with kindness[/url]. New research suggests the better way to influence and lead others is through warmth, explains social psychologist Amy Cuddy, a lecturer at Harvard Business School, who considers kindness the key to [url=https://hbr.org/2020/05/leading-through-anxiety]successful leadership[/url].

[b]Reason #3: You’re afraid of getting blamed if things go wrong. [/b]
Many people voiced fears of becoming the scapegoat if their group messed up. “They worried that they would be blamed for the collective failure, and that that could cost them a coveted promotion or future leadership opportunities,” the researchers learned.

[img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/blame-pexels-photo-1608113-1024x683-1-734x490.jpeg[/img]

Reluctant leaders can find low-stakes ways to try out leadership, such as tackling a routine project with less visibility. This also enables people to explore different styles of leading, the researchers say.

They can reflect on what works for them and see how others react to their leadership efforts. Then, they can make adjustments without worrying that their career is on the line, they note.

As we’ve reported here before, Ellen Taaffe of the Kellogg School of Management believes you can [url=https://theblacklight.co/2020/10/29/self-doubt-harm-career/]overcome self-doubts[/url] by seeing how other people at your company have accepted a stretch assignment and succeeded. Sure, there is the potential to fail. But she thinks it’s more likely you’ll see a positive impact on your career advancement by taking that risk.

[b]Pro Tip for Reluctant Leaders[/b]
Ultimately, anyone who’s reluctant to lead can find the motivation to step forward by focusing on a purpose larger than themselves. Thinking about the collective interest—their organization, team, or company mission—rather than their self-interest can make it easier to accept a leadership challenge. In the end, that mindset shift can help make you a passionate and highly effective leader.

***

Huzzah! You made it to the end of the post! This tip sheet for reluctant leaders originally appeared on [url=https://theblacklight.co/newsletter/]the Blacklight[/url], our weekly newsletter for professionals. At the Blacklight, we [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/blacklight-career-hacks-life-inspo/]aim to illuminate[/url] 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, [url=https://theblacklight.co/]sign up[/url] today!

The post [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/reluctant-leaders-advice/]Reluctant Leaders Need to Hear This Advice[/url] appeared first on [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com]Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting[/url].

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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: MIT Sloan Cover Letter, Application Requirements for 2021-2022
MIT Sloan School of Management has published the application requirements for the  2021-2022 season. Once again, candidates must submit a cover letter rather than a traditional MBA essay.

MIT Sloan Cover Letter and Application Requirements
Here’s how each component is explained on the MIT Sloan admissions site:

Cover Letter
MIT Sloan seeks students whose personal characteristics demonstrate that they will make the most of the incredible opportunities at MIT, both academic and non-academic. We are on a quest to find those whose presence will enhance the experience of other students. We seek thoughtful leaders with exceptional intellectual abilities and the drive and determination to put their stamp on the world. We welcome people who are independent, authentic, and fearlessly creative — true doers. We want people who can redefine solutions to conventional problems, and strive to preempt unconventional dilemmas with cutting-edge ideas. We demand integrity and respect passion.

Taking the above into consideration, please submit a cover letter seeking a place in the MIT Sloan MBA program. Your letter should conform to a standard business correspondence, include one or more professional examples that illustrate why you meet the desired criteria above, and be addressed to the Admissions Committee (300 words or fewer, excluding address and salutation).

Resume
Please submit a one-page resume. This will help us easily track your academic and career path. Try to focus on your work results, not just your title or job description. Here are some pointers on formatting:

  • One page limit
  • Times New Roman font
  • Size 10 font
  • Word or PDF formats only
Provide the following information in reverse chronological order:

  • Education: Please include relevant awards, scholarships and professional societies
  • Work Experience: Please include company name, title, results-oriented bullets that demonstrate your skill set, and dates
  • Additional information: Please include extracurricular activities/community service, technical skills/certifications, and special skills/interests, and languages spoken (if applicable)
Video Statement
Introduce yourself to your future classmates. Here’s your chance to put a face with a name, let your personality shine through, be conversational, be yourself. We can’t wait to meet you! Videos should adhere to the following guidelines:

  • No more than 1 minute (60 second) in length
  • Single take (no editing)
  • Speaking directly to the camera
  • Do not include background music or subtitles

Additional requirements beyond the MIT Sloan Cover Letter and Video
Applicants must submit one letter of recommendation and two additional references. Also, candidates need to upload an organizational chart that outlines the internal structure of their department and company. This will help the adcom better understand your current role and the impact that you have on your team and department.

***

The MIT Sloan MBA application is now open. For more information on applying, please visit the MIT Sloan admissions website. If you need guidance on your MIT Sloan cover letter and application or wish to discuss your business school plans, don’t hesitate to reach out for a complimentary analysis of your candidacy. We’re here to help!

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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: Yale MBA Essay Tips for 2021-2022
The Yale School of Management has published its required MBA essay for the 2021-2022 admissions season. Today, we’re sharing our Yale MBA essay tips to help you create a positive impression through your application materials.  Consider the essay question carefully and research the Yale MBA admissions criteria. One excellent resource is Yale MBA ambassadors. You can find a current Yale MBA student ambassador to help you understand the school on a personal level, which will enhance your essay question responses.

With only one Yale MBA application essay, it should clearly highlight your personal qualities and leadership qualities. In addition, you will need to make sure your resume and recommendations can answer any questions about your career and accomplishments.

Read through our Yale MBA essay tips, and don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about designing the best Yale application possible with Stacy Blackman Consulting.



Yale MBA Essay Tips for 2020-2021
Describe the biggest commitment you have ever made. (500 words maximum)
Behavioral questions like this one (tip-off word: “describe”) require you to describe how you act in specific situations. Choose an example from your past experiences, and think about what a commitment meant to you. Was it a job or an organization that you were involved in? Or, maybe your commitment relates to a value or a person.

Provide detailed specifics about your commitment and why it qualifies as the biggest one you have ever made. What did you think or say? Describe the actions you took. How did you feel about the result? The commitment should be large enough to show the admissions committee at Yale SOM who you are and what motivates you.

Solo commitments might be appropriate since many MBA applicants are individual contributors. However, ideally, you will demonstrate how you work with others as a leader and team member. Leadership and commitment often go hand-in-hand because the best leaders commit to making the team and organization better.

Remember, Yale SOM students focus on making a difference in the world. The topic of this question demonstrates your values. Therefore, those values ideally include actions that impact the greater community. Regardless of whether you choose an individual or team commitment, make sure you show how it made a significant positive impact. Also, keep in mind the Yale SOM’s mission while writing this essay.



As Dean Edward A. Snyder explains: “Yale SOM is persistent and disciplined in our efforts to connect to big issues, to integrate with Yale, to be distinctively global, and to work across all sectors. All of our efforts are guided by a strategy that accounts for how the world has changed over the last several decades and the implications for leadership. The success of our efforts depends entirely on extraordinary alignment and superior teamwork—internally and externally.”

A note on word counts
The 500-word limit can be daunting. Don’t censor yourself on the first draft and limit what you write. Instead, start by describing each step of your accomplishment in detail. Describe what you did, the reaction of others, and your feelings. From there, cut out anything too detailed or too superfluous to the story.

As a result, you can maintain that 500-word maximum. Another great tactic is to use an outside reader because a new reader can see what is most important to the story and streamline your essay.

***

If you still find it challenging after reading these Yale MBA essay tips, then don’t hesitate to contact Stacy Blackman Consulting for guidance through the process.

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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: B-Schooled Podcast Episode #64: European MBA Program FAQs


Today’s B-Schooled is a follow-up to episode 56, which gave a general overview of European MBA programs. Once again Cathy, an INSEAD graduate and one of Stacy Blackman Consulting’s European MBA experts, answers frequently asked questions about MBA programs outside of the US.

Topics include the differences between European and US-based MBA experiences, the visa process, the interview process, recruiting information, and more. You can find B-Schooled episode #64 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. Also, 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!

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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: UVA Launches Darden Part-Time MBA


The Darden School of Business has launched a Part-Time MBA program based in Arlington, Virginia, and designed for working professionals.  The new program will be an attractive option for MBA aspirants based in or near the Washington, D.C., metro area. Darden believes it will attract early-career candidates who are younger than many of the students in the School’s Executive MBA program.

The Part-Time MBA allows students to speed up or slow down their studies as their life and schedule demands. It will have a combination of in-person and virtual classes offered primarily on weekday evenings. That way, learners will have the flexibility to complete the program on the timetable that works best for them.

The first class will begin in late summer 2022. While students can complete the program in as few as 28 months, they may take up to 48 months total. Darden expects that the most common path is likely to take 33 months.

All students will complete a required core curriculum as part of a cohort. After that, they can customize their own experiences via Darden electives — including those offered in other Darden MBA formats.

The core curriculum offers students foundational business expertise in a variety of topics. This includes accounting, ethics, operations, marketing, and strategy, among other subjects. At the same time, a suite of electives enables students to personalize their MBA experience further.

In addition, the Darden Part-Time MBA will include two weeklong residencies and options for global study opportunities. That way, students can expand upon their classroom experiences with an immersive, high-impact trip abroad.



Darden Part-Time MBA Meets Working Students Needs
The Darden Part-Time MBA is the fourth format of the MBA degree, and the degree issued in each format is the same Darden MBA. As with Darden’s Full-Time MBA program, there will be no minimum work experience requirement for the Part-Time MBA.

The school expects that most students will have at least two years of professional experience before enrollment. By contrast, the Executive MBA program has a preferred work experience minimum of five years.

The application to the new Part-Time MBA will launch in August, with the first application deadline in fall 2021. Darden anticipates that test flexibility options for Part-Time MBA program admissions will be in line with existing policies. Those interested may sign-up for additional information.

“The new Part-Time MBA format grew out of a desire to offer another option for students in the D.C. area to pursue the Darden MBA,” says Darden Dean Scott Beardsley.

“This format promises the transformational education experience of one of the world’s top business schools, led by the world’s top faculty, but in a format with maximum flexibility to allow professionals to keep advancing their career and enhance accessibility.”

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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Duke MBA Essays for 2021-2022


Are you targeting the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University? Then let the brainstorming begin! The Duke MBA essays for the 2021-2022 admissions season are here.

Duke MBA Essays
Required Short-Answer Essay Question
Instructions: Answer the following question in 100 words.

  • What are your post-MBA career goals? Share with us your first-choice career plan and your alternate plan.
First Required Essay: 25 Random Things About Yourself
The ‘Team Fuqua’ spirit and community is one of the things that sets the MBA experience apart, and it is a concept that extends beyond the student body to include faculty, staff, and administration. Please share with us “25 Random Things” about you. The Admissions Committee wants to get to know YOU – beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript. Share with us important life experiences, your hobbies, achievements, fun facts, or anything that helps us understand what makes you who you are.

Your list will be limited to 2 pages (750 words maximum). Please present your response in list form, numbered 1 to 25. Some points may be brief, while others may be longer.

Second Required Essay: the Fuqua Community and You
Fuqua prides itself on cultivating a culture of engagement. Our students enjoy a wide range of student-led organizations that provide opportunities for leadership development and personal fulfillment, as well as an outlet for contributing to society. Our student-led government, clubs, centers, and events are an integral part of the student culture and to the development of leaders. Based on your understanding of the Fuqua culture, what are 3 ways you expect to contribute at Fuqua?

Your response will be limited to 1 page (500 words maximum).

Optional Essay: Tell Us More

If you feel there are circumstances of which the admissions committee should be aware, please explain them here (e.g. unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance). Note that you should NOT upload additional essays nor additional recommendations in this area. The Optional Information section is intended to provide the admissions committee with insight into your circumstances only.

Your response will be limited to 1 page (500 words maximum).

***

The application for the Class of 2024 is now open. For more information on applying, please visit the Duke Fuqua MBA admissions website. If you need guidance on your Duke MBA essays and application or wish to discuss your business school plans, reach out for a complimentary analysis of your candidacy. We’re here to help!

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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: SBC Increases Support for First-Generation College Students Interested in Business Careers Via New Partnership with Nonprofit iMentor

Stacy Blackman Consulting recently partnered with iMentor, a leading nonprofit organization that works with high schools in communities in which most students will be first-generation college graduates.

Each year, iMentor recruits thousands of volunteers who commit to mentoring a high school student for at least three years, in many cases supporting these students throughout their undergraduate college experience.

iMentor and SBC will be working together on a number of initiatives supporting iMentor high school students, college students, and alums who are interested in using business to advance their life goals.

“We are thrilled to partner with Stacy Blackman Consulting. Our mission is to build mentoring relationships that empower first-generation students to graduate high school, succeed in college, and achieve their ambitions. We know that many of the young people we work with are interested in business careers, and our partnership with SBC has expanded the resources we offer to both the young people we serve and mentors with whom we work. We are excited to continue to add to our students’ toolkits for pursuing their professional goals.”
—Jana L. Reed, iMentor Interim CEO

SBC and iMentor recently kicked off our partnership with a national webinar for iMentor volunteers as well as iMentor high school and college students, offering each of these groups a range of tools and resources to help them advance their future business goals. We received rave reviews from all three sessions, including the feedback below:

  • “My experience was very good, I learned so much about the differences in business school and the importance of an MBA.”
  • “Amazing experience. I learned that you need about 3-5 years of work experience to get a MBA, but MBA is based on skills and management.”
  • “I got a lot of clarification on what an MBA does and how to obtain it properly. Gained a lot of knowledge on what to do now to prepare for business school.”
  • “Excellent crash course on how to get into business school. Short and sweet but made an impact. Knowledgeable speakers and good content.
  • “The event has brought me one step closer to successfully obtaining my MBA.”
We would like to thank all the SBC team members who have volunteered to make this partnership possible and we look forward to working with iMentor to plan more events later this year.

If you would like to learn more about iMentor’s work or find out what it’s like to mentor a high school student, please visit their website.

This partnership with iMentor complements our existing partnership with the Riordan Programs supporting minority MBA applicants. For more information about our social impact work and partnerships, please click here.

Image courtesy of iMentor

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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA Deadlines for 2021-2022


The application to Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina will go live soon. But for now, you can check out the UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA deadlines for the 2021-2022 admissions season.

UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA Deadlines
Round 1
Application due: October 11, 2021

Decision released: December 13, 2021

Round 2
Application due: January 10, 2022

Decision released: March 14, 2022

Round 3*
Application due: February 28, 2022

Decision released: April 25, 2022

Round 4
Application due: April 11, 2022

Decision released: May 23, 2022

*Round 3 is the final deadline for international applicants.

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

***

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

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FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: Berkeley Haas Application Essays, Tips for 2021-2022

The Haas School of Business at the University of California Berkeley is a highly selective school with a small class to fill. Therefore, it’s crucial to stand out from the crowd and show how you will benefit the Haas MBA class. These tips for the Berkeley Haas application essays will help you create that positive impression.

To help you craft your essays, the Berkeley Haas admissions committee has a series of videos and tips posted on the website that can help you prepare. Are you ready? Let’s dive in.

SBC’s Tips for the Berkeley Haas Application Essays
Required Essay #1: What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why? (300 words maximum)
Haas MBA admissions has asked creative and open-ended questions for many years. Essay one exemplifies that style. As a first step, think about activities you find completely fascinating—for example, hobbies, sports, or artistic pursuits. Or, maybe there’s an activity at work that absorbs you. Above all, it should reveal something personal and go deeper than your resume.

After you have identified a meaningful activity, then you need to describe why. The “why” is more important than the “what” because it reveals who you are. For example, maybe you enjoy research projects. You like to solve problems at work and have the freedom to pursue the question wherever it takes you.

In that case, consider whether you enjoy research because it allows you to be creative or solve problems. Delve into your motivations to see what is driving you—being specific about the “why” will help you with all of your essays.

Required Essay #2: The definition of successful leadership has evolved over the last decade and will continue to change. What do you need to develop to become a successful leader? (300 words maximum)
This essay has evolved to be more future-looking than in prior years. Begin by researching how Haas views leadership. Haas has a set of leadership principles. Question the Status Quo, Confidence without Attitude, Students Always, and Beyond Yourself are the fundamental principles. For Haas, leadership is both inclusive and bold. Also, Haas prioritizes innovation, community, and collaboration.

Next, think about your personal definition of leadership. How has that definition evolved? If you had to define your leadership principles, what would they look like? For example, perhaps helping is a core part of your identity. And, for you, leadership means driving the development of your team.

Finally, consider how Haas will help you develop your leadership skills. During this time, you may need to research virtually, or you might have the option to visit the campus. In either case, you can learn about specific classes, professors, clubs, and activities through blogs and class listings. In addition, consider networking with former and current students to discuss personal takes.



Optional Essays
We invite you to help us better understand the context of your opportunities and achievements:

1. What is the highest level of education completed by your parent(s) or guardian(s)?

Did not complete high school

High school diploma or equivalency (GED) Associate’s degree (junior college) or vocational degree/license

Bachelor’s degree (BA, BS)

Master’s degree (MA, MS)

Doctorate or professional degree (MD, JD, DDS)

2. What is the most recent occupation of your parent(s) or guardian(s)?

Unemployed

Homemaker

Laborer

Skilled worker

Professional

3. If you were raised in one of the following household types, please indicate:

Raised by a single parent

Raised by an extended family member (grandparent, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, cousin)

Raised in a multi-generational home

Raised in foster care

4. What was the primary language spoken in your childhood home?

5. If you have you ever been responsible for providing significant and continuing financial or supervisory support for someone else, please indicate:

Child

Spouse

Sibling

Parent

Extended family member (grandparent, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, cousin)

Other

6. Please elaborate on any of your above responses. Alternatively, you may use this opportunity to expand on other hardships or unusual life circumstances that may help us understand the context of your opportunities, achievements, and impact. (300 words maximum)

Berkeley Haas seeks diversity across many dimensions
Berkeley Haas is committed to understanding applicants completely. Therefore, this question provides a chance to go deeper into your family background and your life circumstances. In addition, the admissions committee can understand your accomplishments in context.

Question 6, provides a choice. You can either elaborate on the information described in Questions 1-5 or add new insights. However, it should be relevant information that can help the admissions committee understand your background.

For example, you might have a highly educated family, and your parents are professionals. But, you moved to another country for college or a job. An experience like that is essential to explain how you learned a new culture or language.

Or, maybe your parents are fully employed now. However, there was a period of unemployment in your family that impacted you. Therefore that information shows how you handle challenges at home.

Finally, think about times you changed course because of your circumstances. And, think about the areas of your life that asked the most of your resilience. As a result, how have you used those experiences to continue to achieve?



Optional Information #2: This section should only be used to convey relevant information not addressed elsewhere in your application. This may include an explanation of employment gaps, academic aberrations, supplemental coursework, etc. You are encouraged to use bullet points where appropriate.
Applicants should note there is a specific place to indicate that you won’t have a recommendation from your current supervisor in the supplemental information section. Therefore, you do not need to explain that here in the optional essay.

Haas recommends using this space to address any information you could not adequately cover elsewhere. Specifically, any employment gaps or academic issues.

Otherwise, you can use one or two examples to demonstrate that you have an analytical mind. Use examples to show you take a quantitative approach to problem-solving and evaluating data. Alternatively, explain any supplemental coursework to improve your quantitative profile.

Any unexplained gap of several months between two jobs needs addressing. Therefore, if your resume has significant employment gaps, you should describe what you did between jobs. For instance, you can point to additional education, training, volunteering, or traveling during this gap.

In addition, re-applicants can describe hard improvements to your candidacy. For example, these could be an improved GMAT score, new grades from quantitative classes, or a promotion. Also, other improvements might include refined career goals and additional leadership opportunities.

***

Stacy Blackman Consulting has successfully coached applicants to the Haas MBA each admissions year. Now that you’ve seen these tips for the Berkeley Haas application essays, contact us to learn more about how we can help you set a winning application strategy.

The post Tuesday Tips: Berkeley Haas Application Essays, Tips for 2021-2022 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting.

This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
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