Can alumni help?

Question

Hi everyone,

One of my mentors has their MBA from Kellogg and I wanted to know if there was anything they could do on my behalf, like write to the admissions committee or something along those lines, that would help add to my application? They've been extremely helpful in talking about their experience and how Kellogg has helped them in their career and they said they would be willing to help me in anyway that I can, so I'm just wondering if there was anything else they could do.

Thanks for your help!

vg9 · Answer

Hi,

I would like to mention that this is a great thing that you have an alumnus as your close mentor who is willing to help you get into the B-school. If you have worked with the alum, I would say surely discuss about sending a letter of recommendation from his/her side to Kellogg after you are done with your application. Moreover, do explore the possibility of using him as one of your official recommenders if you have worked closely with him/her. Schools really appreciate if a current student or an alum can vouch for you to be a part of their community.

Hope that helps, Good Luck!

jaja231 · Answer

Hi, thanks for the advice! Unfortunately I haven't worked with them in a professional capacity, so I don't think having them as one of my official recommenders will work, but I will definitely look into having them send a letter after I've applied.

BillyHunting · Answer

Hi,

What if a family member is an alumus? My mother, uncle, and grandpa all did their MBA/Exec MBA at Kellogg, and I figured that a recommendation from them wouldn't carry much merit.

Thanks!

BiOlivier · Answer

Hi Fellow prospective MBA candidate,

This is such interesting thing to have an alumni of your B-School of dream very close to you if that is the case or at least to be interacting with. As far I'm concern, I think he will be a valuable support for letter of recommendation, for career advice, and also for campus visit planning. I mention campus visit because before that trip you should be prepared to mention some detailed information you can't find on websites that make sometimes difference in B-School. I encourage you to prepare carefully each lunch or meeting with this alumni. He can help you save money (To reduce the cost not to eliminate) from hiring expensive admissions experts or buying Admissions guide books. 
I can tell you I'm also interested in Kellog but in the One-year MBA program.

I wish you the best in this interaction,

Olivier

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

jaja231  have this person write a "letter of support"
 https://www.clearadmit.com/mba-admissions-tips/admissions-tip-letters-of-support/

Admissionado · Answer

jaja231 :

Even if you are not particularly close or have worked with this Kellogg alumnus, you can (and probably should) still save him in the event that you are waitlisted. One of the best "new pieces of data" to send the admissions committee for a waitlist candidates, is a supportive note from an alumnus. That actually carries a ton of weight. You are obviously hoping to get in outright, but it's a nice ace-in-the-hole to have in your back pocket!

You should check with the admissions committee if they would welcome a letter after you have applied. They are usually fairly strict about bending the rules for candidates who simply want to send in more information simply because they feel they can or should. You won't get dinged for doing so. It may just not be accepted.

IndyMBA2020 · Answer

Hi,

If you know an alumni, that is a great starting point. I always tell my students to build up connections with target schools - it shows commitment and a great way to differentiate yourself. However, the biggest mistake applicants do is to just name drop. It doesnt help because the adcom will not verify that. What is important is what have you learnt from the alumni.

Ask them about the culture of the school, the support system, who is more likely to succeed, what kind of people benefit the most from the program, what are typical buzzwords, which classes are more popular - none of these will be available on public search/domain. Yet you can align your essays to discuss these points and ensure that you are portraying a story that makes you come across as more genuine, detail oriented, structured - all of which are great skills for your MBA.

Hope that helps,

bb · Answer

Can alumni help?

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