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10 Dec 2021, 11:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Best Paying Jobs in Finance & the MBA |
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The MBA is an essential stepping stone to a finance career and is often seen as a gatekeeper to the best paying jobs in finance. Business school students look to the MBA experience to acquire and refine the skills to be able to handle the weighty financial and managerial responsibilities associated with finance deals. Across our SBC client pool, we estimate about 30% of MBA candidates aspire to [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/is-finance-a-good-career-path-mba-applications/]finance industry careers[/url] upon graduating from B-school. The former MBA Admissions Officers on [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/about/mba-admissions-consulting-team/]our SBC team[/url] have views on which MBA applicants should include finance in their application essays. A former Wharton Admissions Officer on our team shared, “The investment banking career path is viable in an MBA application, if previous career trajectory makes placement realistic.” A former Columbia (CBS) Admissions Officer on our team cautioned, “Make sure you are an interesting person outside of work – what makes you unique?” Employment reports from the top MBA programs echo that finance is a dominant industry, as you can see from the snapshot below. [b]Placement into Finance Industry Roles*[/b] Harvard 34% Stanford 24% Wharton 36% Columbia 33% Kellogg 15% Booth 30% MIT Sloan 18% Haas 14% Duke 18% Darden 19% *from MBA program Employment Reports [b]What do finance jobs pay? [/b] An investment banking analyst is charged with navigating mergers and acquisitions, a niche that continues to thrive even during the pandemic-induced economic volatility. Analysts in investment banking actively participate in raising capital for and advising entrepreneurial clients across different sectors. “Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is a general term used to describe the consolidation of companies or assets through various types of financial transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, consolidations, tender offers, purchase of assets, and management acquisitions,” shared[url=https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/mergersandacquisitions.asp#:~:text=Merger%20or%20Acquisition%3F-,What%20Are%20Mergers%20and%20Acquisitions%20(M%26A)%3F,of%20assets%2C%20and%20management%20acquisitions.] Investopedia[/url]. We discussed the merits of the investment banking career path in a [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/investment-banking-mba-career-path/]conversation with SBC consultant[/url] Puja, whose professional trajectory followed a similar route. Here are salary ranges for the investment banking path. Investment banker salary* + bonus: [list] Analyst – First Year: $70,000 – $150,000[/*] Analyst – Third Year: $120,000 – $350,000[/*] Associate – First Year: $150,000 – $350,000[/*] Associate – Third Year: $250,000 – $500,000[/*] Vice President: $350,000 – $1,500,000[/*] Managing Director/Partner: $500,000 – $20,000,000+[/*] [/list] Typically an IB analyst bonus is between 30-100% of base salary. *Source: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/salary/investment-banking-compensation Post – MBA Associate position at an investment bank varies according to signing bonus, relocation bonus etc.: [list] Base salary: $125,000-$150,000[/*] Bonus: $80,000-$200,000[/*] Total: $200,000-$500,000 based on tenure and seniority[/*] [/list] [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/contact/]Request a free MBA candidacy analysis[/url] to understand your career profile for MBA admissions [b]Private equity* compensation[/b] A recent client of ours shared about his private equity career aspirations, “It would offer me the excitement of structuring and negotiating transactions, the satisfaction of capital value creation, and the entrepreneurial zeal of ownership.” The path is alluring to many. “A private equity analyst does the behind the scenes work to attract big clients or companies that promise large financial returns by applying a few strategic changes to their current marketing strategy. This is where private equity analysts come into play. This junior entry level position focuses on executing deals, monitoring the portfolio of companies, and screening new deals. They also come up with better financial models for struggling companies to better compete in the industry through collecting data from similar competitors in the marketplace,” shares [url=https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/the-top-10-highest-paid-positions-offered-in-finance-and-how-to-land-them]Ladders.com[/url]. Here are salary ranges for the private equity career path. [list] Analyst/Associate – First Year: $100K – $250K[/*] Analyst/Associate – Second Year: $150K – $300K[/*] Analyst/Associate – Third Year +: $170K – $350K[/*] Vice President: $300K – $800K[/*] Managing Director/Partner: $500K – $10MM+[/*] [/list] *Source: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/salary/private-equity-compensation Other high-paying roles that business school applicants consider include hedge fund analyst and sales and trading. [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/contact/]Request a free MBA candidacy analysis[/url] to understand your career profile for MBA admissions The post [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/best-paying-jobs-in-finance-mba-business-school-careers/]Best Paying Jobs in Finance & the MBA[/url] appeared first on [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com]Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting[/url]. |
14 Dec 2021, 09:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Advice from Former MBA Admissions Officers |
 You probably already know that we have a diverse group of MBAs on the Stacy Blackman Consulting team. We each bring something unique to the table that can benefit the rest of our staff (and our clients). This week we thought the timing was right to highlight consultants who have previous adcom experience. We’re proud to have former MBA admissions officers from all of the top MBA programs on our team! In addition to directly advising applicants, our ex-adcom consultants help with Flight Test reviews for each of our All-In clients. They also contribute their inside knowledge of the admissions process to our internal message boards (so that our entire team can benefit from their experience). Furthermore, they also weigh in on program-specific or client-specific questions when the need arises. We asked these valuable resources to share their insights with those of you gearing up to submit your materials in Round 2. Here’s (some of) what our former MBA admissions officers on the team had to say. We’ll cover the rest in a future post, so stay tuned. Insider Intel from SBC’s Former MBA Admissions Officers
 Ready to get serious about your MBA applications? Take advantage of a free consultation with one of our former MBA admissions officers! ***Do you want to stay on top of the application process with timely tips like these? Please subscribe to our weekly newsletter, and you’ll receive our expert advice straight in your mailbox before it appears on the blog, plus exclusive offers, promotions, discounts, invitations to events, and more. The post Advice from Former MBA Admissions Officers appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
15 Dec 2021, 09:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: B-Schooled Podcast Episode #86: Spotlight on Kellogg School of Management |
 Beth, a former Kellogg admissions director and current member of the SBC admissions consulting team, returns to the podcast to share magnificent insight into the multiple MBA programs at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. She also covers Kellogg’s unique video interview requirement, as well as Kellogg’s “interview all applicants” approach. Listen to B-Schooled episode #86 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! The post B-Schooled Podcast Episode #86: Spotlight on Kellogg School of Management appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
16 Dec 2021, 08:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Our Ex-Adcom MBA Consultants Have More Advice |
 We recently talked about how Stacy Blackman Consulting has former admissions officers from all of the top programs on our team, and how these ex-adcom MBA consultants help with Flight Test reviews for each of our All-In clients. They also contribute their insider knowledge to our internal message boards and assist with program-specific questions. We asked these valuable team members if they had any advice for our readers getting ready to apply in Round 2.  Here’s Part Two of what our ex-adcom MBA consultants had to say:
Finally, don’t forget that every week we serve up MBA application and admissions insight on our B-Schooled podcast, which you can find on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or TuneIn. Until next time, The team at Stacy Blackman Consulting ***Do you want to stay on top of the application process with timely tips like these? Please subscribe to our weekly newsletter, and you’ll receive our expert advice straight in your mailbox before it appears on the blog, plus exclusive offers, promotions, discounts, invitations to events, and more. The post Our Ex-Adcom MBA Consultants Have More Advice appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
17 Dec 2021, 09:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Find Zen While You Stay on the Waitlist |
 If you were a Round 1 applicant this season, over the last few weeks, you might have received great news, upsetting news, or a mix of both— otherwise known as placement on the waitlist. First of all, the waitlist is encouraging feedback. It means that you are qualified to attend the program. Your application and profile interested the AdCom, but the 2021-22 season is extraordinarily competitive. Unfortunately, they couldn’t immediately offer you a place in the class. No matter the reason, the waitlist is still a tough place to be. So try to stay calm and adopt a zen mindset. This will help you accept what is while making any changes within your power. Will I get in? There is almost no way to know if you will get admitted off the waitlist. It certainly does happen, often, yet you have little information about the waitlist’s ranking, how many people are on the waitlist, or whether the school will reach the yield they are looking for with regular applicants. Therefore, remaining on the waitlist means requires comfort with ambiguity. Hopefully, you were admitted to another school and can decide whether to stay in limbo or not. Should I stay on the waitlist? The decision to stay on the waitlist depends on your interest level in that MBA program. If it is your top choice, you may be willing to remain on the list until school begins, especially if you are willing to move quickly and give up a deposit on a school that has offered you firm admission. If the waitlisting program is not your first choice, or you would like to settle your MBA plans before school starts, you may choose to remove your name from the list. It is a considerate move for another applicant if you do so promptly, allowing someone else a chance at their MBA dream. Can I improve my chances of admission from the waitlist? You may be able to improve your chances. The number one rule of waitlists is to follow directions. The school has provided instructions about how to handle the waitlist process. Follow these directions to avoid negatively impacting your standing with the admissions committee. If the school tells you that no additional materials are required, no supplemental materials are needed, and you should not submit any under any circumstances. If the MBA program does provide the option of submitting additional materials, apply a consistent application strategy to the task. The AdCom may welcome letters of recommendation, improved GMAT scores, or other essays/letters from you.  Carefully consider your strengths and weaknesses and whether the following would be beneficial in your situation: Supplemental Letter Have you recently received a promotion at work, accomplished a personal goal, or completed an academic class with a high grade? If so, it may be worth writing a letter to update the admissions committee with your news. Try to keep your letter factual and do not repeat information already included in your original application. Supplemental Recommendation A supplemental recommendation may add information about you to strengthen your position on the waitlist. If you are involved in an extracurricular activity, know someone associated with the school, or can use a letter to enhance a part of your application, this may be the right direction to proceed in. Make sure your additional recommendation is brief, focused, and adds significant additional information to your overall profile. New GMAT/GRE Score, Transcripts Factual information like improved GMAT/GRE scores or transcripts from successful business-related classes could go a long way towards bolstering your chances. While waitlist standing is frustrating, it is a positive sign about your application. In the end, you may receive final admission from your chosen program. In the meantime, do yoga, meditate, go for a run–whatever you can do to maintain your inner peace as you wait to hear a formal decision. The post Find Zen While You Stay on the Waitlist appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
20 Dec 2021, 15:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Emotion Has a Huge Effect on Decisions |
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Nearly 95% of our decisions in life are rooted in emotion —not logic. If that figure triggered a reaction of stunned disbelief, we’ll let a rockstar Stanford GSB marketing professor/neuroscientist explain. [img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/tengyart-auEPahZjT40-unsplash-734x489.jpg[/img] [b]“FRESH IDEAS FROM THE BLACKLIGHT”[/b] SBC’s Weekly Newsletter for Professionals “The rational brain accounts for only about 5% to 10% of human decisions by all estimates,” says the Sanwa Bank Professor of Marketing [url=https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/faculty/baba-shiv]Baba Shiv[/url]. “I’m not saying you can ignore the rational side, but first and foremost, you need to play into what the emotional brain is looking for.” Shiv teaches a wildly popular GSB course called the [url=https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/class-takeaways-frinky-science-human-mind]Frinky Science of the Human Mind[/url]. Frinky, by the way, sits at the nexus of funky and freaky—a portmanteau coined by Shiv and his son. Here are some fascinating conclusions from his research on the role of emotion in communication, negotiation, and decision-making. The “IKEA Effect” B-school researchers dubbed the cognitive bias where people favor things they create or assemble themselves as the [url=https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/ikea-effect/]IKEA effect[/url]. Shiv says we can influence others to buy into our ideas by tapping into this subconscious tendency. Because whose opinion do we usually trust the most? Our own, of course. [img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/pexels-alexander-isreb-1797405-734x489.jpg[/img] “Whenever the brain perceives that it is making an investment in something—it could be mental, it could be physical, it could be monetary—the brain gets invested in it,” Shiv explains. “There’s a famous saying here in Silicon Valley that if you’re a startup founder going to an investor for money, you’re going to get advice. You go for advice, you’re going to get money.” Let your counterpart have ample talk time to share their opinions and suggestions. Inviting the other person into the creative process generates buy-in. Suddenly, Shiv adds, your idea becomes their baby as well. He also suggests presenting a rough prototype—not a polished masterpiece—when trying to get stakeholders on board with your plan. We’re talking back of the napkin vs. a 30-slide deck. If your goal is to persuade someone, they’ll be swayed by the imperfection because it offers room for them to contribute. “When you present a polished prototype, others will only find flaws,” Shiv warns. “When you present a rough prototype, others will see potential.” Time of Day Matters During his conversation with Matt Abrahams of Stanford’s [url=https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/feelings-first-how-emotion-shapes-communication-decisions-experiences]Think Fast, Talk Smart[/url] podcast, Shiv explains why we should schedule important meetings in the morning. After a good night’s sleep—another of Shiv’s must-do’s—serotonin levels are at their peak. That’s when our minds are naturally more open to new ideas. [img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/bruce-mars-wBuPCQiweuA-unsplash-734x580.jpg[/img] As the day goes on, serotonin levels drop, and we enter into a more risk-averse mindset. Since we can’t call it a day at noon, we need to use specific strategies to counteract these biological factors and play into the emotional brain. To be a good communicator, your brain needs to be resilient to stress, says Shiv. “The way to switch the brain in to a more open, risk-tolerant mindset is to first and foremost, bring in a state of comfort to the brain,” he adds. “So, how do you do that? You weave in the familiar.” “It could be trust. Tried and trusted. That brings a lot of comfort to the brain. It could be validation. Testimonials. ‘I’m not the only one saying this. There are other people saying this’,” he notes. “And, of course, [url=https://theblacklight.co/2021/06/03/we-need-more-humor-at-work/]laughter[/url] is one of the fastest ways to alleviate stress and get the person’s brain into a more risk-tolerant type of mindset.” [img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/laughing-man-734x490.jpg[/img] Emotion and Decision-Making Finally, Shiv has sage advice for anyone stressed out over whether a personal or professional decision they make is the right one. “In the real world, there is no such thing as making the right decision. You make the decision and then make the decision right.” That means you need to tap into those feelings of conviction and confidence. “Construct a narrative that showcases total success, that’ll allow you to be confident,” Shiv advises. But the rational brain does have a role to play here, and that’s why he often recommends doing a [url=https://www.riskology.co/pre-mortem-technique/]pre-mortem[/url]. By looking ahead to anticipate any roadblocks that might crop up, you can address and prevent problems before they happen. “So go ahead, make the decision, and invoke all these positive emotions,” Shiv says. “In order to get the best out of life, we have to expect the best out of life.” Huzzah! You made it to the end of the post! This tip sheet on the role of emotion in our lives appeared initially 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/emotion-has-a-huge-effect-on-decisions/]Emotion Has a Huge Effect on Decisions[/url] appeared first on [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com]Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting[/url]. |
22 Dec 2021, 09:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: B-Schooled Podcast Episode #87: Advice for Older MBA Applicants |
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If you’re more than five or six years out of college, or well into your 30s, do you have any hope of being admitted into an MBA program? First, the good news: Yes, there is definitely reason to keep hope alive. But the bad news is your journey won’t be without its unique challenges. This episode of B-Schooled focuses on several things you MUST communicate in your materials if you’re an older-than-average MBA applicant. Episode #87 of B-Schooled is below, or you can stream it any of the podcast apps linked under the player. 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! The post B-Schooled Podcast Episode #87: Advice for Older MBA Applicants appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
23 Dec 2021, 07:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: A Holiday Wish from Stacy Blackman Consulting |
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[img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/sleigh-ride-horses-the-horse-winter-734x489.jpg[/img] To our awesome blog readers, it’s been a wild year, to say the least. As we move toward a new (and, fingers crossed, better) year in 2022, we wish you many more moments of peace amid the uncertainties. We also hope you can safely enjoy celebrations with all of the family and friends so dearly missed last year. Lastly, we want to thank you for logging on each day and following our social media channels for the timely tips and advice you need to plot your successful MBA application journey. SBC celebrated its [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/sbc-20-anniversary-mba-admissions-consulting/]20th anniversary in admissions consulting[/url] this year. As I noted then, my hope is to inspire everyone who engages with us to pursue their wildest dreams—despite any roadblocks they may encounter. Keep your eye on the bigger picture, and don’t ever give up! On behalf of the entire SBC team, I wish you a happy and healthy holiday season and a bright and prosperous new year! My best, [img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/Stacy_sig.png[/img] The post [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com/happy-holidays-sbc/]A Holiday Wish from Stacy Blackman Consulting[/url] appeared first on [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com]Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting[/url]. |
27 Dec 2021, 07:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: The Lure of an MBA in Europe |
 As business becomes more global, applicants may ask themselves if they should consider heading abroad for an MBA in Europe. In many cases, the answer will be yes. Recruiters overwhelmingly agree that candidates with international experience outperform those without. The best business schools attract international students and faculty of the highest caliber. Plus, in terms of rankings, elite European programs perform as well as many top programs in the United States. There are several factors to consider as you weigh 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. Request a free consultation with a Principal on our SBC team to assess school fit. Why do an MBA in Europe? Most of our clients targeting EU MBA programs cite these compelling reasons. First, the 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 programs, 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 study that SBC conducted across its EU applicant pool, shorter duration and lower tuition costs were reasons endorsed by 48% of respondents. 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. Work Visas The new two-year, post-study work visa, which returns to the UK for international students who graduated in summer 2021 or later, will make it easier for new MBAs to find jobs—and for employers to hire them. This is incredibly valuable at a time when the US’s political climate, and recent H1B Visa restrictions, have deterred some internationals from venturing to the US. An MBA in Europe suddenly seems much more attractive.  Specialized Industry Recruiting 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 27 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. Competition For some MBA applicants, the relative competitiveness of the schools is another factor. We had a client last season who experienced rejection from every US program to which she applied, but got accepted to LBS. The coronavirus and visa issues may have impacted this and forced US schools to change their approach. 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. Current Demand for the MBA Degree MBA demand has skyrocketed over the past two years. Opportunity costs have lowered. MBA applicants typically are debt-free in their twenties and can incur the expense of the education. Some young professionals see the MBA as an escape from unemployment or furlough status. But, at a deeper level, many of the MBA applicants we’ve talked to in recent months tell us that they need the sophisticated knowledge inherent to MBA programs to navigate the dynamic business changes ahead. MBA hopefuls need the degree to gain the tools to thrive in the radically-changing business landscape. Technology, supply chain, and other disciplines will become reimagined within the business school environment. That is a huge lure. It’s an exciting time for young, MBA-aspiring professionals. Many see the MBA classes of 2022 and 2023 as symbolizing new beginnings and hope.  Cathy, an INSEAD MBA graduate on our team, believes the global crisis may jolt young professionals towards more meaningful careers. The MBA experience can enable that purpose-driven path. “Pre-INSEAD, my goal was to enter social impact investing after graduating,” she shares. “At that time, the economic downturn did reinforce the idea of pursuing a meaningful career. My INSEAD experience further encouraged me to do so, with its emphasis on its community being a ‘Force for Good’.” Demand will continue to increase significantly for the top MBA programs. More than that, the caliber of the applicant pool with respect to diversity, leadership, industry, and career visions will skyrocket in the application season that is upon us. Both quality and quantity are about to be re-defined. Request a free consultation with a Principal on our SBC team to assess school fit. Which EU Programs Stand Out? Brand and ranking almost always correlate to applicant demand, strength of recruiting, and ROI. INSEAD, London Business School, Oxford’s Saïd Business School, and Cambridge’s Judge Business School are in higher demand internationally. While INSEAD and LBS are always among the best ranked, programs like HEC Paris, SDA Bocconi in Italy, and IESE shine in each of their respective home markets/countries.  For example, earlier this month, the new Financial Times 2021 rankings crowned HEC the #1 European MBA program & #7 globally, and the #1 EMBA. The FT rankings are considered the most transparent and respected. So, if someone plans to work in France, HEC Paris has a fantastic network and can tap into its ‘premier’ undergraduate network. Imperial College Business School in London is also another one to watch, especially for innovation and science/engineering. They’re very active in the B-school community, organizing the annual EdTech forum and leading in Europe on flexible offerings. Like Oxford and Cambridge, Imperial benefits from the strong foundation and brand of the underlying university. The “pure business school approach” of LBS and INSEAD is enticing to many MBA applicants. But Imperial, Oxford, and Cambridge leverage the cross-university collaboration quite well to help boost their appeal. How Can Candidates Find the Right MBA in Europe? Read, read, and read some more. Pore over the websites of all schools that interest you to learn about the curriculum, teaching methods, professional clubs, extracurricular offerings, and student life. Sign up to receive email announcements with admissions updates and information. As you consider earning an MBA in Europe, think diligently about fit with personal and professional goals. Consider ranking reports and brand reputation, which is by far the most influential reason for selecting an MBA program across the applicant pool. The key factor is career potential. Business schools have developed comprehensive career services, but participants themselves should propel their success. Take time and effort to set clear career goals before applying for a business program. Based on those goals, choose the most appropriate business schools considering all that they can offer: curriculum, network, learning environment, business exposure, and career services, among other aspects. Business schools care deeply about your success, but ultimately, your career and lifestyle are your responsibility.  Next, location and program length will influence your decision. Post-MBA career preferences should drive your location choices. Professionals who want to work in the EU, therefore, should focus on doing their MBA in Europe. Finally, be self-aware. The right program varies by the candidate. Much depends on the student’s professional profile and career aspirations, as well as what they do once at the program. Fit with and performance at the program are essential. For example:
It’s too soon to know what lasting economic changes will occur due to the ongoing pandemic. For now, we’ve seen that MBA grads continue to flock to lucrative and popular consulting. Likewise, tech has continued to see a lot of growth and interest among MBAs, especially in product manager and product marketing manager roles. MBAs look for growth opportunities these days, and tech companies can offer that growth and development. Healthcare also continues to expand with roles in administration and health technology. Fintech will surge as well, because of the need to overhaul into contact-free payment processes. The State of Company Sponsorships Sponsorship from companies has decreased due to budget concerns. We’ve heard that companies such as Deloitte, which has had a robust GSAP sponsorship program for full-time MBA applicants, have heavily curtailed their sponsorship plans as a result of COVID-19. We anticipate far fewer companies will sponsor going forward, as it’s an extension of a trend underway since 2008. Instead of company sponsorship, we expect applicants to value and actively seek an MBA tuition scholarship as a way to lower costs. Another factor that explains decreasing company sponsorship is that applicants often don’t want to return to the same employer post-MBA. Many young professionals are now eager for higher impact roles and hope to change to a new environment after the MBA.  Transformation, the MBA, and COVID-19 MBA programs are the epicenter of innovation and adaptability and have effectively pivoted with virtual social and academic-rich programming. In many cases, the virtual method can enhance the experience. It offers more robust access to experts, recruiters, mentors, change-makers, etc., across the world who can easily Zoom to educate the next generation. “MBA experiences themselves are meant to be transformative,” says Cathy, our SBC INSEAD MBA expert. “What better place to be challenged, and to develop professionally and personally, than in an environment conducive to collaboratively resolving issues with sustainable solutions, and with creativity and intelligence?” she adds. For example, “In the INSEAD community, the pandemic has already sparked constructive solutions to tackle the spread and even combat COVID-19. The pandemic is strengthening the MBA community and experience. Regarding issues of racial equality, these are the impetus for the important discussions that take place between cohorts and professors, faculty, and staff, further unifying the networking and connections across the MBA cohort.” There are numerous advantages to seeking an MBA in Europe. You might be motivated by the lower tuition cost, strong ROI, international network, cultural diversity, or even language learning options. A cultural immersion experience of this kind is not without its challenges. But most participants would agree that studying abroad is not just financially rewarding, but personally fulfilling as well. Additional factors to evaluate if the European MBA is for you can be found below. Oxford vs Cambridge, Which MBA? INSEAD vs LBS, Which MBA? Request a free consultation with a Principal on our SBC team to assess school fit. The post The Lure of an MBA in Europe appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
29 Dec 2021, 09:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: B-Schooled Podcast Episode #88: Before You Submit in Round 2 |
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With Round 2 deadlines quickly approaching, make sure you’re not making easy-to-avoid mistakes in your MBA materials at the last minute. This episode of B-Schooled shares the most important things you should be focusing on in the remaining days before you upload your materials. Episode #88 is below, or you can stream it on any of the podcast apps linked under the player. 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! The post B-Schooled Podcast Episode #88: Before You Submit in Round 2 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
30 Dec 2021, 08:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: 6 Ways to Improve Your Motivation in 2022 |
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Do you need a nudge to stay on track to meet your personal and professional goals? These six research-backed tips will provide the motivation boost you need right now. [img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/pexels-markus-winkler-4052198-734x489.jpg[/img] [b]“FRESH IDEAS FROM THE BLACKLIGHT”[/b] SBC’s Weekly Newsletter for Professionals We’re all fighting against inertia these days, trying to forge ahead while the pandemic creates new roadblocks left and right. (We’re looking at you, Omicron.) Fortunately, we can tap into expert strategies from top b-school professors to improve motivation despite the challenges of this moment. Chicago Booth’s [url=https://www.chicagobooth.edu/faculty/directory/f/ayelet-fishbach]Ayelet Fishbach[/url] and the Wharton School’s [url=https://oid.wharton.upenn.edu/profile/kmilkman/]Katy Milkman[/url] sat down to discuss common barriers to behavior change during an episode of [url=https://youtu.be/Pu0C7kDkcuA]Chicago Booth’s The Big Question[/url]. Try any combination of these six suggested tactics to combat your motivation malaise in 2022. The “Fresh-Start” Effect Milkman is a big fan of the “fresh-start” effect to create that initial push toward the desired change. “I’ve done a lot of research on the idea that there are some moments in our lives that stand out from others that feel like new beginnings,” she explains. “Those moments give us a sense that we have closed one chapter and can open another.” While the new year is an obvious choice, your fresh start can be as simple as a Monday or as meaningful as a milestone birthday. She says the idea is to use that moment in time to get the motivation to say, “OK, that was the old me that was overwhelmed and couldn’t achieve these goals, and the new me maybe could do it in this new era.” [img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/StockSnap_3FOSIEZDTW-734x551.jpg[/img] Motivation Via Commitment Device Procrastination is a common barrier to making progress with your goals. Duke University professor Dan Ariely introduced us to the [url=https://theblacklight.co/2020/01/23/2-proven-ways-establish-good-habits/]commitment device[/url] in a previous post about establishing good habits. As he explained, a commitment device makes sure that our future self will behave the way our current self wants us to. Milkman thinks this tactic can help with procrastination because failing to meet your goals comes with a penalty. “A commitment device is a tool where you basically treat yourself the way you would normally think of a government or a manager treating you,” she says. “You give yourself deadlines, maybe with penalties associated with them for failing to achieve a goal. The firmer your commitment, the harder it is to back down and procrastinate.” Balance Urgent vs. Important Goals Do you often find yourself in a situation where it’s 4 o’clock and you still haven’t tackled any of the essential items on your To-Do List? As Fishbach notes, it’s easy to get sidetracked by the “urgent” things clamoring for your attention while the important goals get repeatedly postponed. If that sounds familiar, the [url=https://theblacklight.co/2019/07/04/pomodoro-big-rocks-productivity/]Big Rocks Theory,[/url] coined by Stephen Covey, can help. [img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/pexels-suzy-hazelwood-1226398-734x413.jpg[/img] With this approach, you begin each week by sorting out the essential items on your To-Do List—aka the Big Rocks—to prioritize your goals. Otherwise, our days can quickly fill up with small tasks or distractions that leave those big rocks by the side of the road. Mary Poppins Knows Best “Just a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down,” trilled everyone’s favorite British nanny, Mary Poppins. Milkman has rebranded that notion into something she calls [url=https://theblacklight.co/2021/05/27/temptation-bundling/]temptation bundling[/url]. That’s when you link something you enjoy with something that might be a bit of a drag, as she explained in [url=https://www.inquirer.com/life/upbringing-motivation-tip-temptation-bundling-20210509.html]The Inquirer[/url] earlier this year. [img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/sharon-mccutcheon-oKay0q7Pa30-unsplash-734x489.jpg[/img] In her case, it was watching her favorite TV shows only while working out at the gym. “Suddenly I found myself craving trips to the gym to get my entertainment fix in,” Milkman reveals. “And then I’d come home, motivated and ready to do my work because there were no distractions. I had already gotten to do the thing that would normally be the temptation pulling me away.” Mentor Yourself Both Fishbach and Milkman believe mentoring other people can help motivate you, something they call the “advising effect.” It turns out that when you offer advice, you become persuaded by your own guidance, Fishbach explains. In one study, Fishbach and her fellow researchers asked unemployed people to give advice on how to job search. Not surprising, she says the participants initially balked at the idea. “So, the first response is, ‘Well, I don’t have a job. How can I give you advice on how to get a job?’ But then you say, ‘Well, I think that you actually know something. You’ve been in the situation. What would you say?’ And people give good advice, and they find their own advice much more motivating for them than reading the experts’ advice,” Fishbach notes. [img]https://www.stacyblackman.com/wp-content/uploads/jen-theodore-hbkWMj41Y0I-unsplash-734x489.jpg[/img] “Sometimes when someone is struggling, you can help them most by putting them in the position of a mentor,” says Milkman. Form an Advice Club Our last knowledge nugget to share from their conversation is truly a gem. Milkman recommends forming an advice club of similar-minded people with similar goals. “I initially thought, ‘Wow, this is so great. It’s friendship and free consulting from brilliant people to help me think through my problems’.” “But what I recognized over the years is not only am I getting those huge benefits, but whenever I am pinged and have to think about a problem that a colleague is facing who has similar career goals, I’m preparing for facing that myself,” Milkman explains. Plus, she adds, “the advice I give ends up influencing my own decisions in the long run and building my confidence that I can actually figure out great ways to handle these kinds of challenges.” Need More Motivation? Here’s Your Reading List Katy’s Milkman’s latest book, [url=https://www.katymilkman.com/book]How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be[/url], is a bestseller that helps readers understand what’s standing between you and success and tailor your solution to that roadblock. Ayelet Fishbach’s [url=https://www.amazon.com/Get-Done-Surprising-Lessons-Motivation/dp/0316538345]Get It Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation[/url], presents a new theoretical framework for self-motivated action, explaining how to identify the right goals, attack the “middle problem,” battle temptations, use the help of others around you, and more. Look for it on January 4, 2022. Huzzah! You made it to the end of the post! This tip sheet on how to boost motivation appeared initially 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/6-ways-to-improve-your-motivation-in-2022/]6 Ways to Improve Your Motivation in 2022[/url] appeared first on [url=https://www.stacyblackman.com]Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting[/url]. |
05 Jan 2022, 08:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: B-Schooled Podcast Episode #89: Advice for Younger MBA Applicants |
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While there are deferred-admissions programs for MBA hopefuls who are still in college, is it possible for someone with just one or two years of work experience to get into an MBA program “the normal way”? It’s not impossible, but it’s pretty rare. This B-Schooled episode explains why, and gives advice for MBA applicants who are less than three years out of college. Check out B-Schooled episode #89 here, or on any of the podcast apps linked 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! The post B-Schooled Podcast Episode #89: Advice for Younger MBA Applicants appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
06 Jan 2022, 07:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: What is a Good GRE Score? |
 The burning question on many MBA applicants’ minds: What is a good GRE score? The fact is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. In past application seasons, we would generally encourage a score in the 75th percentile or above, depending on the applicant and target business school. But, MBA programs are more flexible on test scores than ever before—a trend that was accelerated by the pandemic pressures. Depending on the programs you’re targeting, a “good score” could take on various amounts. Here is a sampling of GRE scores from recent HBS admits to demonstrate the range of GRE scores considered acceptable for top MBA programs. GRE scores from recent HBS Admits V159/Q166 V163V, Q161 V161, Q167 V160, Q163 V160, Q159 V168, Q166 V166, Q170 V170, Q170 V169, Q164 V165, Q165 V167, Q162 V165, Q163 What are the GRE score ranges? The GRE allows for a score range between 260 to 340. Perfect GRE scores are 170 in each section or 340 total. The test below shows the Verbal, Quantitative, and combined scores: SCORE RANGE PERFECT SCORES COMPETITIVE SCORES AVERAGE SCORES BELOW AVERAGE SCORES Verbal 130-170 170 157+ 151 145 Quantitative 130-170 170 162+ 154 147 Combined Multiple Choice Scores 260-340 340 NA NA NA AWA 0.0-6.0 6.0 4.5+ 4.0 3.5 Request a free MBA analysis of your candidacy andget feedback on what test score you should aim for.  Is my GRE score good enough? Let’s look at one case study. A client—male/Caucasian/3.6 GPA in Mathematics/ Finance Manager with two promotions—is deciding between sharing his GMAT or GRE scores on his applications. His GMAT score is 730 overall with a high V but low Q. Meanwhile, his GRE is a 700-equivalent with a more solid Q but lower V (see breakdown below). He is not interested in re-taking the exam(s) again. Which set of scores would you recommend sharing? GMAT: 730 (46Q – 58%, 44V – 98%, 6AWA, 8IR) GRE: 700 equivalent (164Q – 84%, 162V – 90%, Analytical Writing TBD) We asked the former HBS Admissions Officers on our SBC team and there were differing views here. As one consultant explained, “In my mind there’s no right answer here. I would not submit both. I would lean GMAT with his grades in math on the transcript only because they prefer to the see GMAT from a more traditional applicant typically.” Does the importance of the GRE score vary by applicant? Yes. For example, for non-traditional and/or liberal arts educated candidates, the standardized tests are even more important. This is because it’s one of the only ways the applicant can demonstrate quant proficiency, especially if they don’t have undergrad quant classes or analytical work experience. We work with clients to also convey other areas of quant strength (work responsibilities, ancillary courses, etc). However, an essay alone explaining quant proficiency for some applicants is usually not enough for top MBA programs. This should be reinforced with a solid test score, as that objectively demonstrates one’s ability to handle the curriculum. Curious to learn more about standardized testing and the MBA application process? Here is additional test-taking advice from SBC: Test retaking, reporting, cancellations and online test options New GRE updates here GMAT vs GRE: What’s the right strategy? Should I take the GMAT or opt for a test waiver? What practice test options are there? What is a good test score? GMAT Score Chart: How to Use It? The post What is a Good GRE Score? appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
12 Jan 2022, 10:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Should You Try to Negotiate a Merit Scholarship? |
 Landing a seat at the MBA program of your dreams is a significant accomplishment. It makes all of those months of application preparation (and worrying) worth it. If you’ve also received a merit scholarship, good on you! When you suddenly find yourself with a financial incentive to attend a particular school, you’ll understandably feel honored and thrilled at your good fortune. However, if you’ve received more than one offer of admission, this unexpected twist can often make your ultimate decision that much more complicated. But here’s something that lucky future business school students often forget: you can try to negotiate merit scholarships. Maybe you received drastically different scholarship amounts for two or more programs. Or, perhaps you received a financial award for one school but nothing for another. Why not contact the AdCom and explain your situation?  This should go without saying, but we wouldn’t recommend naming the competing institution, sharing your offer letter, or making demands. Instead, reach out to the admissions office. Reiterate your deep interest in attending their program, and then ask if they would consider increasing their merit scholarship offer (or any scholarship amount) because you now have another offer of acceptance and financial incentive on the table. The best way to negotiate an MBA merit scholarship  Don’t miss B-Schooled Podcast Episode #44 on MBA scholarships. That episode covers:
The post Should You Try to Negotiate a Merit Scholarship? appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
13 Jan 2022, 07:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: B-Schooled Podcast Episode #90: Do MBA Rankings Matter? Part 1 of 2 |
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It’s hard not to pay attention to MBA rankings when you’re in the midst of applying. But what do these rankings actually signify, and how important are they in the whole scheme of things? How much, if at all, should you base where you apply on how a school is ranked in various publications? Over this and next week’s episodes, we’ll discuss how the Stacy Blackman Consulting team advises clients to consider rankings, what we think the biggest differences are between the M7 and other programs, and what else we believe should go into decisions about which programs to pursue. Check out B-Schooled episode #90 here, or on any of the podcast apps linked 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! The post B-Schooled Podcast Episode #90: Do MBA Rankings Matter? Part 1 of 2 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
14 Jan 2022, 14:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: The Most Important Part of the MBA Application is… |
 Every day, we receive e-mails and phone calls from potential new clients. They often go something like this: “I have a 2.9 GPA, 680 GMAT, and four years of work experience in consulting. I’ve been promoted twice; I have good extracurriculars. What are my chances?” B-school hopefuls then want to find out what is the most important part of the MBA application. Is it the GMAT score, undergraduate transcript, essays, interview, letters of recommendation, or something else entirely? What part of the MBA application is *most* important? Everyone wants to know what to focus on in their application and how their circumstances rate. Top business schools don’t admit you based purely on your statistics, though they count quite a bit. While a 550 GMAT or a 2.5 GPA will raise a red flag at an MBA program like the Stanford Graduate School of Business, a 700 GMAT and a 3.6 GPA make you a strong candidate. But even someone with an 800 GMAT score and a perfect GPA can get rejected at an elite MBA program. Ask most admissions committee members, and they will tell you that it’s the sum of many pieces—there is no one “most important” part of the MBA application. The top schools want to know who you are, and statistics and a résumé don’t tell them that. It’s the essays, interviews, and recommendations that ultimately reveal the person beyond the paper. Compelling essays, recommendations, and interviews can provide context for a low GMAT score or GPA. But the reverse is not true. Strong numbers will never make up for weak essays or a disorganized, negative recommendation. Time to reevaluate your shortcomings Some say the most critical part of the application is your so-called “weakest” part. One weakness could completely change how admissions committee members perceive your application.  Indeed, many admissions officers urge applicants to be upfront about their shortcomings. Everyone has weaknesses. You’re better off acknowledging and incorporating them into your application than hoping the person reading your application will miss them. While we doubt that many business school admissions committees would formally support this statement, we would cast our vote for essays as the most important part of your application. Why MBA essays carry so much weight The essays allow the admissions committee to discover the real you. It’s where you write why an MBA makes sense as the next step of your career path. Also, it’s how you differentiate yourself from everyone else who scored in the 700s on their GMAT. The essays are your opportunity to present your strengths and explain your weaknesses. They also go a long way toward convincing the adcomm that you have a lot to offer the program and that you belong in their class.  The essays are also consistent among all applicants. In that way, they are less difficult to evaluate and compare. All candidates receive the same set of questions. The same group of admissions members reviews those answers. This creates a level playing field that can simplify the review process. Interviews are very different in that they’re all handled by different types of individuals with unique approaches. Recommendations vary as well. While all applicants do their best to find great recommenders, some work with MBAs who understand the process. Others work with people who have no idea what to write. You should know that most applicants to the top schools are qualified because they would be able to handle the curriculum and benefit from the program. The essays are each individual’s opportunity to talk about their true self.  The most important part of the MBA application is…You Finally, you need to demonstrate that you are more than merely qualified to be admitted. It’s the story you put together about your goals, passions, and prior experience—and how business school fits into the mix—that will make all the difference for you. Once you assemble that story, we can better answer the question: “What are my chances?” *** Want to discover the best way to address weaknesses and strengths in the MBA app? Hop over to Stacy’s post in US News & World Report for pro tips. The post The Most Important Part of the MBA Application is… appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
19 Jan 2022, 08:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: B-Schooled Podcast Episode #91: Do MBA Rankings Matter? Part 2 of 2 |
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If you’re using MBA rankings to drive your application decisions, you might want to rethink that strategy. However, we believe some factors that feed into business schools’ reputations are critical to think about before embarking upon your MBA journey. Concluding a two-episode arch on this topic, this week we’ll discuss additional differences to consider between the different MBA tiers in terms of career opportunities, costs, “quality” of the program, and more when deciding where to apply. Listen to B-Schooled episode #91 here or on any of the podcast apps listed. 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! The post B-Schooled Podcast Episode #91: Do MBA Rankings Matter? Part 2 of 2 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
21 Jan 2022, 08:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Waitlisted MBA Applicants are Still in the Game |
 Now that Round 1 applicants have heard from the programs they applied to, and Round 2 applicants will receive decisions back from schools within the next month, it’s time to talk about what it means if you get waitlisted. If you end up waitlisted, your first question might be, “Well, now what?” While few candidates celebrate landing on the waitlist, don’t give up hope. First of all, waitlist status by your target school is a good sign. You’re someone they would like to have in the class, but something is holding up a final decision. Perhaps your profile is near-identical to someone who they did admit. In this case, the admissions team wants to balance the class carefully and needs to see other candidates in subsequent rounds. Or, your application might have a weakness that’s giving the admissions committee pause. If the latter is correct, there may be steps you can take to increase your chances of admission. Should I Stay on the Waitlist? Ultimately, the decision to stay on the waitlist depends on your interest level in that particular MBA program. If it’s your top choice, you may want to remain on the list until school begins. That could mean moving quickly and giving up a deposit on a school that has offered you firm admission.  If the program is not your first choice, or you would like to settle your MBA plans before school starts, you may choose to remove your name from the list. If that’s the case, do so promptly and give someone else a chance at their MBA dream. Take Note of Each School’s Waitlist Policy It is essential to follow the rules, so make sure you understand your school’s waitlist policy. Some schools ask that you refrain from submitting additional materials. But most schools allow and even encourage meaningful updates. “Be patient, and send thoughtful updates of something truly important (e.g., move internationally or major award/achievement),” shared a former HBS Admissions Officer on the SBC team. Find out if your schools publish webinars with advice for waitlisted applicants or offer application feedback. Improve Your Odds While Waitlisted The top three reasons candidates get waitlisted: unclear post-MBA goals, low test scores or GPA, and lack of quantitative preparation. Esther Magna, a principal here at SBC, offers this waitlist advice. She counsels applicants to do some self-reflection to discover any weakness in their application, such as a low GMAT score or ineffective essays, that could make the admissions team hesitant to offer them a place.  The key is to identify and take action on them, she says. When deciding what improvements merit an update to the admissions team, Magna says, “A promotion, raise, or an award is almost always a useful piece of information to share.” She also notes that sometimes, demonstrating a firm commitment to the school can help your odds. One SBC client applying to Duke’s Fuqua School of Business turned a waitlist decision into an admit by sending the admissions team a picture of his child wearing a Fuqua shirt. “Some programs are ‘suckers’ for kids,” Magna says. What Not to Do When On the Waitlist No matter which school’s waitlist you may land on, make sure every interaction you have with the admissions department adds value to your file.  Don’t overwhelm the adcom’s inbox! Exercise restraint in communications. But also convey your enthusiasm whenever possible, as they want to be sure you’ll say yes if admitted. An information overload will negatively impact your candidacy, so use your good judgment here. In episode #38 of our B-Schooled podcast, host Erika and former Admissions Director Lisa (also on the SBC staff) go in-depth on tactics that do and don’t work for waitlisted candidates. Here, you’ll learn why candidates get waitlisted and what information adcoms are looking for if updates are allowed. Finally, to all those waitlisted candidates out there, take heart. If you were not someone they thought could be a great addition to the class, you wouldn’t be on the waitlist. Hang on and stay strong—and positive—as you wait out this last leg of the MBA admissions process. A number of waitlisted candidates are ultimately accepted into top programs each year, so there’s reason to remain positive! The post Waitlisted MBA Applicants are Still in the Game appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
21 Jan 2022, 08:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: STEM Designation Attracts International MBA Students |
 While universal adoption is still far off, a growing percentage of full-time U.S. MBA programs are looking to get STEM certification. A 2021 Kaplan/Manhattan Prep survey of b-school admissions officers found that 22% of programs now have a STEM designation. Back in 2020, a mere 13% identified as such. Meanwhile, another 23% of programs plan to go through the curriculum overhaul and rigorous approval process to secure that designation. The remaining 55% say they are not STEM-designated and have no plans to pursue it. Many employers find the STEM MBA certification desirable because the technology and management skills that students acquire while earning their degrees have become essential in today’s workplace. The designation is particularly important to non-citizen students because it allows them more time to stay in the US after graduation without an H-1B visa. Non-STEM graduates get only 12 months. But through the Optional Practical Training program, STEM graduates get an additional 24 months. This brings their total possible time working in the US post-graduation to up to three years. Who’s Got a STEM Designation? Elite business schools such as Chicago Booth, Michigan Ross, UCLA Anderson, Harvard Business School, and several others, have recently acquired the STEM designation. “Earning a STEM designation is a trend that is catching on quickly, especially among the top ranked MBA programs,” said Brian Carlidge, vice president, Kaplan. On the other hand, a lack of STEM designation could hamper lower-tier MBA programs’ ability to attract international students.  “Non-citizen graduates of top-ranked American MBA programs are almost always going to quickly find a job stateside,” said Carlidge. Furthermore, he notes that the additional time makes prospective employers feel that investing in these graduates could provide a strong ROI. The process for securing STEM designation is not quick and easy. Therefore, some smaller MBA programs may not have the bandwidth to do so, Carlidge said. But, “not being STEM-designated may put them at a distinct recruitment disadvantage,” he observed. “For many applicants outside the United States, it will be the differentiator.” Source: Kaplan/Manhattan Prep survey The post STEM Designation Attracts International MBA Students appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
26 Jan 2022, 08:00
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: B-Schooled Podcast Episode #92: MBA Background Checks |
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There are many things that can freak MBA hopefuls out during their application journey, and one of the biggest comes during what should be a joyful time: post-admission. You’ve found out you got into one of your dream schools, but then fear sets in because you know they’ll soon be running a background check to verify the information you submitted in your materials. You didn’t make anything up… so why are you still so nervous? Let this episode help ease your mind as we discuss exactly what is covered in a background check and what typical types of red flags might be. And remember, no news is good news when it comes to a background check! You might never even know it’s been completed. So if you never hear from the background-check firm, all is well. Check out B-Schooled episode #92 here, or on any of the podcast apps linked 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! The post B-Schooled Podcast Episode #92: MBA Background Checks appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
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