How to get into a top MBA program - Live chat with ARINGO

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Live Chat with ARINGO MBA Admissions consultancy

Topic: How to get into a top MBA program & the coronavirus impact on MBA applicants

Thursday, Apr 16, 2020 8 AM Pacific (3 PM GMT / 8:30 PM IST)

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ARINGO MBA Admissions Consulting specializes in working with candidates with low GMAT or GPA scores on getting accepted to top MBA programs. In this chat ARINGO's CEO, Ms. Jenifer Turtschanow, will answer questions on any topic including: how to overcome a low GMAT score, coronavirus impact on top MBA programs and applications, ideal timeline to apply to a top MBA program and more. Join us on April 16th at 0800 PST

Details of Presenters:

Jenifer Tutschanow, CEO, ARINGO Admissions consultancy

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Transcript from the live chat with ARINGO on "How to get into a top MBA program? & the coronavirus impact on MBA applicants"

Hi - I’m Jen, CEO here at ARINGO, I’ve been working in admissions for the past 8 years. Excited to answer your questions about the Coronavirus and the shakeup it is creating in the MBA world as it relates to Fall 2020 and January/Fall 2021

Any update on the new deadlines for round 1 admissions?

Hi - no changes have been announced about the Fall 2021 Rounds

Hi, do you believe schools have the best interests of international students in mind right now? Or are they shifting gears to be more domestic student heavy at the cost of internationals?

Top MBA programs WANT international students. They’ve been making a lot of adjustments to make it easier for international candidates can still apply for Fall 2020.

ARINGO, have you seen many clients defer or reject acceptances due to civic 19?

We have seen many clients think of deferral and some of them have asked the schools about deferral. We know at least a 1/3 of international admitted applicants are considering asking for a deferral... But, most of the schools haven’t announced their deferral policy yet

Do you anticipate that the Fall 2021 application cycle will be MORE difficult due to the 2020 COVID situation?

Hi - are schools admitting students now expecting additional deferrals or just adding to their waitlists and taking a "wait and see" approach. If so, when would they wait until / take a call on how to definitively to proceed. Schools are expecting deferrals, most will be making offers of admission. We should see schools start to announce if there are any changes to the Fall start in the next month or so. Some have already announced delayed starts.

There will be some deferred applicants (= fewer places) and after recessions, they are usually more applicants (more competition) = the acceptance might be harder...

How are top schools planning to deal with COVID impact as home testing is not suitable for everyone putting such applicants at disadvantage?

Great question - many schools are changing their requirements - Kellogg just announced that they are waiving exams in Round 3, LBS and INSEAD are reviewing applications without scores and potentially offering interview and admission based on completion of either exam.

How would corona pandemic impact placements of those who are enrolling in MBA in fall this year?

Placements may have a slight decrease, but more than likely the offers will be decrease salary. New markets and companies will emerge from this pandemic - where better to be than at a top MBA that is on the edge of research and shaping the new workforce?

How are top schools planning to deal with covid impact as home testing is not suitable for everyone putting such applicants at disadvantage?

Great question - many schools are changing their requirements - Kellogg just announced that they are waiving exams in Round 3, LBS and INSEAD are reviewing applications without scores and potentially offering interview and admission based on completion of either exam.

ARINGO, do you think there will be increased competition to get into a top tier MBA program next fall? Since many will likely defer their acceptance this year?

yes, we think they will be fewer spaces (due to deferred applicants) and more applications => resulting in a more competitive year for MBA applicants.

what about admitted internationals? For example, what do you think of Kellogg’s recent decision?

I think it is a move to say we are adapting, showing empathy and are looking for qualified candidates and we won’t let the exam stand in the way of reviewing your application.

Top B school cutoff is subjected to increase in fall 21 admissions, what do you think?

As I wrote before. if a lot of international admitted applicants defer their studies to 2021, and more people apply, the fall 21 studies are going to be harder to get admitted to. Still, if you are a good candidate, schools will look out for you. and all you can do is apply with the best possible application.

Networking is a big part of MBA experience but now as social distancing is being maintained is it a good idea to pursue an MBA?

Well, no one knows how long the coronavirus situation will take. BUT, if you were admitted to a 2 year MBA starting in fall 2020, I hope you won't have too much of online experience, and even if the MBA programs do start online, hopefully, it will only be for a short period. yet again, if we are facing a whole year of online.

Aringo. What would be a better option? Either apply to round 3 now that a few schools have extended their deadlines or round 1 next year (where the competition might spike up)

Apply in R3 if you can commit to the Fall. Schools are being more open-minded about what a well-qualified applicant looks like. They will review your academic performance and professional experience to evaluate if you are a good fit. In Fall 2021, schools will likely expect GMAT or GRE or even EA exam scores. And as we mentioned, the competition is going to be though with the deferrals.

This is a great question we are receiving a lot these days. If you are interested in US MBA programs, and you are American (or hold a US visa), then applying now, might be a good idea. schools are worried they will have a lot of deferrals and therefore, for the first time, we feel there are high chances of late-round acceptance rates, at all top schools. If you are an international applicant, without "an easy way" of obtaining a visa, I would wait for next year and apply round 1.

Do you think GMAT will be optional in R1? Will that be good or bad?

I do not think GRE or GMAT will be optional in round 1. No!

Given the pathetic solution offered by GMAC - the online GMAT - do you think schools will waive GMAT for R1?

Sorry! GRE is already online, and GMAT is following. schools will not waive the GRE/GMAT tests next year, no.

do you think that an application with a GRE/GMAT score will be better than with no score at all?

Yes, if it is a competitive score it can add to your profile and if available, scholarships. You can always email me at [email protected] to discuss your schools and scores

What is your take on the fact that they are waiving the exam for Round 3? Beyond accommodating people, I think it was done to attract people who were thinking on applying to school next year to apply now without the score. So, for example, if I was getting everything ready but the exam was a big if for me, I would apply in R3 now and not wait until fall of 2020, what do you think?

I think you exactly understand the situation and the schools. they are worried they won’t have enough students next year and are doing everything they can to attract more. extended deadlines, late reports of scores or even waivers. a very unique and "once in a lifetime situation"

So yes, if you are ready to apply now, and have a good profile, it might be a good idea. yet again, schools will be worried about visas for international applicants

Would you advise international candidates to apply now (possibly even taking the Online classes for the first couple of months?)? There would still be 1.5 years or more to get to know your cohort?

With programs adjusting their admission requirements, it is assumed you are aware of the impact Coronavirus is having on programs, by applying you are demonstrating that you are still interested in Fall 2020 and are open to starting online or a delayed start. An MBA from a top-ranked program can be within reach during Round 3 for Fall 2020, but out of reach in Fall 2021.

How would Kellogg assess applicants in absence of GMAT score?

They will look at academic performance, professional experience, and your potential.

will it not have a domino effect on applications year after year? Will schools not increase the number of seats to accommodate this issue and be fair to those applying this cycle

Not all schools can increase the number of students. usually, the main issue in a university is resources (rooms). We don't anticipate MBA programs to grow in numbers in the next 2 years.

ARINGO, what do you think will be the impact on chances of admission to the Deferred MBA programs?

Most schools have extended deadlines for Deferred MBA programs, some have waived the GMAT/GRE. I think it will not have an impact on their selection.

Should they require a full semester of virtual/online learning, are business schools likely to make any concessions in terms of reduced tuition/fees?

This is the million-dollar question - schools are not announcing any changes to their programs starting in September 2020, so for now, no tuition fee changes either..

I have read advices saying whether to enroll forMBA in fall 2020 or defer it to 2021. What about one year MBA, is it more vulnerable to corona impacts?

It is likely that 1 year MBA’s will be in high demand in 2021 due to changes in the global economy, professionals will want to gain skills to quickly gain career advancement, but take the shortest time out of the workforce.

What is the likely impact on INSEAD admits for Sept 21 / Jan 22 intake? My plan is to apply for either of these 2 intakes. But now the poor global employment scenario is making me rethink my plans. Is leaving my $100k job in an ecommerce startup for an MBA worth a risk at this stage. My goal is to move into consulting.

I am no healthcare expert, you are asking me to predict what will the world look like in 2 years
For now, I think we can all assume the coronavirus will not be around in January 2022... therefore I don’t see an issue with studying in 2022... and usually after economical impacts, employers want to higher top MBAs, so I don’t think you should change your plans

Given the heavy restrictions in place for the online GMAT, would you suggest taking the GRE Online instead (they seem to offer a better online experience, especially with the physical whiteboard) or waiting for the physical GMAT to be available again?

I think you should take the GMAT or GRE according to whatever test is better for you (see this page: https://www.aringo.com/gmat-vs-gre-for-mba/)

If we get rejected for R3, do you think it will impact you for readmission ( I.E rushing the application now because of "more lenient" admissions )

If you apply now, make sure to submit the best possible application (work with us to accomplish this ). If you are dinged, Fall 2021 is not out of the question - you will need to take/retake the GMAT/GRE with an improved score, but there is time to make that happen. We can chat more about what this looks like - email me [email protected]

You mentioned "easy way" of obtaining a Visa, do schools know about this? For instance, are they aware that Canadian students dont require a visa to study in the United States?

Hi, yes, students have a rough idea of how difficult or easy it is for various nationalities to obtain a visa... like you said, Canadian is probably easier than others

How will schools determine if they will allow me to defer my admissions for international students? Right now there is huge uncertainty, and visa appointments are not possible at all. Will schools allow all internationals to defer if they express concern over obtaining a visa?

this is only relevant to currently admitted applicants - if you were already accepted to a top MBA program (or will be accepted in R3) and cannot get a visa in time for September, you should contact the schools. All schools are thinking about this situation, but Stanford is the only one who actually announced that they will grant deferral to int. students who cannot get a visa on time. the other schools are still "thinking about it". Again, this is only relevant to this year....

I am looking for Evening/Weekend MBA program for fall 2020. Should I go ahead and apply for round 3?

yes, if you are looking for a part-time MBA, this year might work. many PT programs accept the EA test, and some will even waive that (for example, Booth just waived GMAT/GRE for their PT/Evening MBA for the June start). The best is if you send me your CV, school wishlist, GMAT if you have one etc. and we can take it from there. I am on [email protected]

Is there a chance the fall semester will end up online, if the coronavirus picks back up again?

who knows... let’s hope the coronavirus fades out int he next month. you are asking me if the schools will open in 5 months. all we can hope for is yes but like I said earlier if you were accepted to a top MBA 2-year program, even if the first few weeks/months are online, there shouldn’t be too much impact to your experience and potential employers post MBA

Can we expect a worse class of 2022 due to deferrals and hopeful, unqualified people getting accepted in round 3?

No, I think it will be quite a strong class. Amidst a global pandemic, your cohort is seeking an MBA. And adcoms are more openminded about what an MBA candidate looks like. The timing allows professors and programs to adjust their curriculum to meet the growing needs of the global economy. You will be in a cohort that is on the cutting edge of the changing landscape.

I have a question. I reached 8 times in my GMAT so I took GRE recently. The score is still very low (311 vs 670 on GMAT). Should I let the school know still that I took the attempt to improve?

First of all, this is a very individual case by case question, and hence, I suggest you send me your CV, GRE and GMAT scores, school wish list and timeline, and I can give you a detailed answer... I am on [email protected]

Generally speaking. if you scored a better score on the GMAT, there is no reason to report a lower score on the GRE!

Regarding Sloan’s "conditional GMAT offer" .... I wrote the GMAT back in December 2019 and intended to retake the GMAT. Would it be advisable to just submit my original score and say that I intended to rewrite it? Will Sloan still give me a conditional offer?

it all depends what was your original GMAT score, what will your (unknown) future GMAT score be, and when you will apply
and also, what is your background, how strong your application is etc.
(you can send me your GMAT, timeline, school wishlist, and CV to [email protected]) for deeper analysis...

Kellogg 1 year MBA starts June 2020 and ends June 21, probably a few months will be online, will international students be able to obtain OPT after graduation?

That is a great question best answered by individual programs. They will be able to let you know what adjustments they are making to ensure OPT.

HI Aringo - I was wondering if you are able to speculate at all if other schools will be willing to look at past r1 and r2 applicants?

Hi, I hate speculating. I don't think many MBA programs will look at past dinged applicants. I am surprised some advertised they will do this. and if I were a round 1 or round 2 dinged applicants, I would not put my hopes high for a call saying I have now been admitted. sorry to disappoint you...

Hi Aringo: How do you think will this impact on the placements because that is what essentially defines how will it impact the applicants

If you start in Sep2020 an MBA and graduate in 2022, I think the job market for MBAs will be stronger than today

Back to your Kellogg point - how is it empathetic to not allow currently admitted internationals to defer, and instead offer them a waiver on the following R1’s app fees? Isn’t this less empathetic if anything? Domestic students will be on campus recruiting while internationals will lose out on that experience by being online.

I agree that it would not be fair, however, I also think programs in this position that have international students taking online courses will work harder to help these candidates with recruitment and networking while at home and when they get to campus.

I am an international student yet to update my test scores with my new test scores due to Coronavirus.. do you think more schools will cancel GRE test scores for round 3.

most schools have announced the option to report test scores later... but most schools are not canceling the GRE or GMAT requirement. you can take the GRE from home, and the schools know this... you can check out our blog www.aringo.com/blog for updates on specific schools, extended deadlines, and coronavirus impact analysis

I am an international student yet to update my test scores with my new test scores due to Coronavirus.. do you think more schools will cancel GRE test scores for round 3.

It is a bit uncertain, new updates are coming out daily from top programs. There may be a chance that schools will follow suit with Kellogg, but no guarantee. I’ve seen smaller programs keep a strict policy and scores required at the deadline.

Do you also think Darden, for instance, will cancel GRE for round 3 applicants?

Currently, Darden is accepting additional entrance exams, including SAT or ACT scores.

Is it true that CBS has 100 seats to fill still?

All schools have seats to fill, like in every round 3. the problem is, they are worried, that some of the seats they have already filled, will ask for a deferral

for example, Columbia has 750 seats every year. 100 is exactly what I would expect them to have in R3, but think of the situation that 100 from Round 2 ask for a deferral...

I am Indian make engineer and haven't taken the GMAT yet. I have 2.2 years of experience and want to study my MBA ta a to 10 MBA program. Should I try and apply now (to the extended deadlines?) or should I wait, take the GMAT and apply next year?

In your specific case, I think you should wait. You come from a super-competitive background, and although most of the MBA programs have extended their application deadlines, and some (Kellogg, USC, Mccombs) are accepting new applicants without a GMAT at all, I think you have a higher chance next year, with a bit more experience, and hopefully a high GMAT score

As always, feel free to contact us at www.ARINGO.com

But they can always deny a deferral right?

correct, most schools are still thinking of their deferral policy and are denying deferrals... naturally, this may change int he upcoming months

For international students currently in the US, do you think its wise to travel back to our home countries for a visa? Can deferral requests be denied if we do?

I am not a visa expert. you will have to decide if you want to travel back to India or work on the visa from the us...

How do you think the application volume will shape up for Jan intake schools? Insead, Columbia j term?

I think the volume of applications for January programs will raise! people who wanted to apply now, will wait and apply for later programs... plus, they might have some deferred students (fewer seats)

Hi, I am an Engineering Professional, with 12.6 years of experience in EPC Companies with Steel & Power background! Now I’m planning to take 1 year MBA in ISB, Hyderabad! Is that fine or am I late in my career to take an MBA?

1 year MBA can be an option, you can also consider Global Executive MBA’s (GEMBA’s) like Foster or INSEAD, really depends on your goals - you can email me [email protected] we have a specific team of consultants for seasoned professionals.

Hello , I have 6 years exp.. 5 in IT and then 1 in Business. What colleges can I apply to without GMAT score now? Please help.

As of right now, Kellogg, Wisconsin School of Business, Smith School of Business and Cox School of Business are waiving GMAT scores... however many schools are reviewing applications and potentially making offers with suitable GMAT/GRE scores pending

I am a recent graduate with 1 year of professional work experience and I am looking to apply in September 2020 to a master in management program in Europe, would it be okay if I emailed you my transcript, cv, goal GMAT score, and list of schools to talk about my chances of getting in?

Absolutely! We love helping MiM candidates! [email protected]

Hello...I am a petroleum engineer with 8.5 years of experience in the oil upstream industry with international experience, now looking to switch into a different industry and I would like to know what options, which colleges I should target and what specialization would suit me ...

Most 2 year MBA programs focus on career changers, providing core courses to help leverage previous experience in a new sector. Olin and Georgetown come to mind for US schools, INSEAD J-term has an internship opportunity, which would be helpful...

this chat has been focused on getting into American business schools, so I was just wondering if there is a better source out there

We work with top business school programs across the globe. We have great success with EU schools - https://www.aringo.com/aringo-mba-admission-statistics/

Will a person having a GMAT score with similar work exp. stand to gain an advantage over the one who has no GMAT score?

If you have a competitive GMAT (at or above the average GMAT score for the program, I would leverage that. The school would know you would add to its profile versus potentially bringing down the average score.

I am finding it quite hard to decide between choosing IE over BU or BC. I was looking for 1 yr program earlier but considering slowdown now I am not so sure?

This will depend on the industry you are in or planning to go in as well as location. If there is likely a downturn in your industry, a 2 year MBA will help you pivot. If your field will remain the same, a 1 year MBA can help you gain skills and a strong network quickly to help with upward mobility.

I have a 2.5 GPA and 750 GMAT and was admitted with a scholarship to a T15 already. I am debating applying to Sloan and CBS in this new extended round. Do you think i would have a reasonable shot? I think under normal circumstances I would have no chance but have things changed. I am applying from Canada if that matters

YES! It is worth the risk... you don’t want to question if you could have graduated from MIT or CBS. We have an amazing MIT alum that would work with you to submit your application and make sure you tailor your application to fit both schools.

I was hoping for a one-year mba....in project management considering in oil and gas have worked on different projects with different clients ....was hoping i could use that experience to move to project management

You should explore Bocconi, IE and IESE - these programs focus on general mgmt and will grow your networks to gain a project management role.

For 2021, it will be highly competitive because of international deferrals in 2020. your work experience is good, the 740 will be a must for top programs.

Hi, I have 6 years of experience and then 3 years of a career break. I am planning to take GMAT. Preferring Indian b schools (executive MBA) And also looking to change stream. Will that be a good idea.

I’m not as familiar with Indian EMBA programs, but US and EU programs are typically looking for 12+ years of work experience. You can explore GEMBA (Global EMBA programs), they usually require 6 years+

Why do top mba programs care so much about the GMAT score? It doesn’t indicate whether anyone would succeed in the program?

They care because it is an indicator or academic success in a rigorous program. GMAT scores also play into rankings.

But what do you mean by international deferrals?

The applicant pool is going to get very tight and more competitive for Fall 2021 for 2 reasons – 1. Up to 1/3 of international students are planning to defer their admission at top programs to the next start – January and Fall 2021 = fewer seats, 2. With a potential recession, more people are going to consider an MBA to get ahead in the workforce.

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