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07 Sep 2023, 11:01
| FROM Vantage Point MBA Admissions Blog: Do Business Schools Care if You Visit? Demystifying MBA Networking |
 What is MBA networking and why exactly is it important are questions we’re frequently asked by our MBA admissions consulting clients. In an already subjective and sometimes vague process, “networking” can seem particularly abstract or worse, can simply be another “thing” on your long MBA application to-do list. While there’s no hard deliverable attached to networking, we believe it’s a critical part of the MBA application process and now’s the perfect time to get started if you’re applying in Round 2 – current students are back on campus and you still have time before you need to start working on essays in earnest. So, we’ve broken it all down for you here in order to eliminate some of the mystery and ambiguity that surrounds networking. What Is MBA Networking? Let’s start there. It’s easy to be confused about what “networking” even means. Some folks think it’s very transactional or artificial (i.e., schmoozing), where you reach out to someone to “get something” like a favor, information, or introduction to another person. While that may be true for some people, that’s not the approach or attitude that we recommend. Instead, simply put, networking is building relationships. In the case of your MBA applications, it’s building relationships with a variety of folks who are connected to the application process in some way. It’s a two-way street, where you get to know people and they get to know you. Usually, the relationship is initiated because you have something in common – a friend, an interest, a hobby, an employer, etc. – but the relationship is nurtured because you invest in it and because both parties enjoy it and benefit from it. Oh so “networking” is just a fancy way of saying “meeting new people”, right? Well, yes and no. Yes, because that’s often true but no, because you want to be strategic in your approach. By that I mean that you want to invest your efforts in building relationships with folks who can help guide, mentor, and inform your MBA application process. For instance, a former classmate from undergrad who’s a first-year student at HBS. By connecting with her, you’re sure to gain some valuable insights and advice about the school, its culture, essay tips, etc. And who knows, maybe she’s recruiting at your company for a post-MBA role, and you can share your experience with her in return. Why Is MBA Networking Important? Still skeptical as to why networking for your MBA applications is so important? Here are a few things to consider. If your competition (i.e., other applicants) is networking and leveraging all the resources at their disposal to help inform and strengthen their applications and you’re not, you risk losing out. For an even better reason that doesn’t involve “because everyone else is doing it”, networking can help you put together a more cohesive and compelling application, which in turn increases your chances of admission to your dream MBA program. Let’s dig into how that can be. First and foremost, networking is an opportunity to discover new things about a school that can help solidify your fit and answer to “why X school”. Trust us, a thoughtful and well-researched answer to this question can be the difference that gets you admitted. Most of the time, that kind of information can’t be found on a website. Networking is also a tremendous opportunity to get valuable advice from folks who have been in your shoes. Learn about the unexpected benefits of an MBA from a recent graduate, learn from past MBA students’ mistakes, and get admissions “tips” from folks who have insight into the process. The advice you get along the way can help make the process more efficient, straightforward, or at least slightly less stressful for you. Lastly, the MBA application process can seem like a long, lonely journey and it’s nice to feel supported along the way. My clients are usually blown away (I know I was) by how supportive and helpful current students, alums, colleagues with MBAs, etc. are once they find out you’re pursuing an MBA. MBA’s love to pay-it-forward, so let them! Just be sure to be appreciative and stay in touch with them once you have news about decisions so they can remain invested in your journey. MBA Networking – What Not to Do It should go without saying that all social etiquette rules apply in MBA application networking but just as a quick refresher, here are a few key “DON’Ts”. DON’T wait until the last minute: networking is not an on-off switch and should be approached like a marathon, not a sprint. Building relationships, scheduling coffee chats, etc. takes time. So, start early – like now! Give yourself space to follow-up with your new contacts and keep in touch with them throughout the process. Waiting until two days before the deadline to reach out to a current student with a list of questions whose answers you will plug into your “why school X” essay will not do you any favors. DON’T ask basic or shallow questions: when you’ve finally nailed down that coffee with an alum from your dream school, don’t waste their time asking questions with answers you could easily find on your own. Instead, come with thoughtful questions whose answers will truly further your understanding of how the school fits with your goals and objectives. (Here’s a more comprehensive school selection tool if you’re just getting started.) You want the other person to be impressed with your level of research because who knows, they may end up being an advocate for your candidacy if they also feel like you’re the right fit for their school! DON’T be disrespectful or ungrateful for the other person’s time: MBA students, alums, representatives from admissions, etc. are all very busy and while they’re happy to help, it takes effort on their part. So be sure to express your gratitude for their time and input. If they tell you they can only spare 20 minutes, remain vigilant of the time and wrap up accordingly. Those manners will go a long way in leaving a good impression. How To Get Started Networking With all that said, there’s really isn’t a wrong way to start building your network. In thinking about what the ideal network looks like, it’s comprised of current students and/or alums from your target schools, colleagues/former classmates/mentors, etc. with MBAs, and people in your target post-MBA industry/function. (Note that these three categories are not mutually exclusive – most likely one person will fall into more than one bucket.) An easy place to start is with your existing network – people from work, undergrad, personal circles, etc. who have MBA’s or are somehow connected to an MBA program. Make a list of these individuals and start reaching out to them for a Zoom chat, after-work cocktail, etc. Be present during these conversations and take mental note of what you discussed. If you chatted about a particular current event or recent trend in your industry, for example, send that person an article on the relevant topic a couple of weeks later to show that you give as well as receive. After each meeting, be sure to ask that person to connect you with someone else from his/her network who could be helpful in your application process. Then repeat. Lastly, you can take advantage of third-party platforms and events to further build out your network. LinkedIn, MBA forums (reddit, GMAT Club, Beat the GMAT, etc.), and formal networking events (Poets & Quants’ CentreCourt Festival is October 3rd & 4th; Access MBA has some great in-person events in various cities in the next month or two) are all great places to engage if you feel like your network is a bit sparse. So, Do MBA Programs Care if You Visit? Even if some of the folks above are current students or graduates from your target schools, you should also plan to engage with the schools directly. A great way to do this is through a campus visit, ideally coordinated through the school so you have a chance to sit in on a class and meet current students in addition to sitting through a presentation from admissions. If a school visit isn’t possible, plan to attend at least one virtual information session or webinar. These are great opportunities to hear what the schools believe are their selling points while giving you a chance to ask questions. Current students as well as representatives from admissions typically host these events so it’s a great time to initiate a dialogue with a few of them. Those conversations could even turn into a follow-up meeting or call, depending on how well you connect. Not only will engaging with the schools in as many ways as possible help you determine which programs are the right fit for you and why, but it indicates to the admission committee that you’re serious about their program and have made the effort to get to know it. Some schools make this a critical part of their admissions decisions so it’s worth putting in the time (i.e., more is more!). It’s ultimately up to you to find your own personal style of networking that makes you feel comfortable and authentic, but rest assured that doing this right will only contribute to stronger applications. Interested in personalized, best-in-class coaching for your Round 2 MBA applications? Click here to request an initial consultation. The post Do Business Schools Care if You Visit? Demystifying MBA Networking appeared first on Vantage Point MBA. |
13 Sep 2023, 09:01
| FROM Vantage Point MBA Admissions Blog: What Kellogg’s Adcom Told Us About the Kellogg Video Essays |
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[img]https://vantagepointmba.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Untitled-design-20-1024x536.png[/img] Kellogg’s Round 1 deadline is today! As you are likely aware if you are applying,[url=https://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/programs/full-time-mba/admissions.aspx] the application[/url] includes three video essays that are due within 96 hours of submission. As such, today we’re sharing how best to prepare for and tackle the Kellogg video essays. Although Kellogg is not sharing their questions in advance this year, we recently connected with their admissions team who said applicants should expect the questions to be fairly similar to what they were in previous years. More specifically, they recommended ‘using the following questions as a guide of what to expect: [list] [*]Introduce yourself to the admissions committee. [/*] [*]What path are you interested in pursuing, how will you get there, and why is this program right for you? [/*] [*]This question will be based on a challenge you’ve faced and what you’ve learned from it.’[/*] [/list] This part of the application is not meant to stump you or intimidate you (promise!), but we know it can be nerve-racking for many. To help, here is how we recommend you prepare for the Kellogg video essays. Timing is Key Once the clock starts ticking, you will have 60 seconds to answer each question. Our first word of advice is to focus the bulk of your practice on getting the timing right – a minute is shorter than you think! We’ve practiced live with countless clients over the years and most of them initially get cutoff mid-thought. Once you’ve bulleted out your responses, practice saying them (out loud!) with a timer running. Then do it again. Kellogg’s portal also offers practice questions to help you get the timing right – use this resource! In one client’s words “As awful as I think I did [on the practice questions], they got me comfortable with the idea of the videos, which was good.” Content Should be Complementary, not Repetitive Our next word of advice is on content. The admissions committee will have just read your written essays, so don’t overtly repeat them. The Kellogg video essays are an opportunity to build on what you’ve included in the rest of your application. It is also an opportunity to showcase your personality – as such, have a little fun with these, especially the first question. Perhaps throw in a hobby you love or mention your family, pets, spouse, etc. The second question is fairly cut and dry; this is content you should have down pat at this point. Since you don’t know the exact prompt for the last question, prepare a few (2-3) brief stories that might fit. The key with your answer here is authenticity – truly reflect on what each challenge has taught you and how you have put these learnings into practice since. Delivery is the Icing on the Cake (the Best Part, Right?) Lastly, put thought and practice behind your delivery. This is what separates good video essays from great ones. Look directly at your webcam, speak slowly and clearly (a computer mic can sound muffled!), and – most importantly – smile! In our experience, mindset is everything here. Put on the shirt or dress that makes you feel like a million bucks, imagine there is a warm, receptive face on the computer screen and talk directly to it. As we said earlier, this is likely the admissions committee’s only chance to see you ‘live’, so make the most of it. With a little practice, you’ll do great. Video essays tend to stress applicants out more than they need to. This might be easy for us to say from our seat at the table but view them as an opportunity more than a hurdle! As always, we’re here to help, including with hourly advice on things such as interview skills and waitlist strategy. We are also accepting clients for Round 2! Click [url=https://vantagepointmba.com/free-consultation/]here[/url] to schedule an initial consultation. The post [url=https://vantagepointmba.com/2023/09/13/kellogg-video-essays/]What Kellogg’s Adcom Told Us About the Kellogg Video Essays[/url] appeared first on [url=https://vantagepointmba.com]Vantage Point MBA[/url]. |
14 Sep 2023, 12:01
| FROM Vantage Point MBA Admissions Blog: Common MBA Interview Questions and How to Prepare |
 Relieved that you’ve clicked submit on your Round 1 MBA applications? Congratulations! We know the hard work and late nights that go into crafting those essays and filling in seemingly endless application questions. After you’ve taken a moment to breathe, you may be turning your attention to the next step in the process, the interview. We’ve got you covered. This article will give you the lay of the MBA interview land, so to speak, and share some of the most common MBA interview questions. MBA Interview Formats In general, MBA interviews are not formulaic. The focus can range from specific questions about your job responsibilities to broad discussions of life, or random questions about philosophies or current events. The uncertainty of this can be intimidating! At the end of the day, know that schools are just trying to size you up as a person and future professional on all your dimensions. Try to be your witty, charming, natural self. MBA interviews are conducted by students, admissions personnel, and alumni. Don’t dismiss students as lightweights; they follow a defined protocol and report back to the committee on specific criteria. Their insights and opinions are definitely valued by the admissions committee. Many programs conduct a “blind” interview, which means that your interviewer has not seen your application and will only have reviewed your resume. During those interviews, it’s important that your story and goals align with what you wrote about in your application because inconsistencies will be obvious when the admissions committee reviews your interview feedback. A few programs, like HBS, however, do not have a blind interview and your interviewer will have studied your file and prepared questions accordingly. In those interviews, it’s important to corroborate your written application but also bring new stories into the mix so that you don’t repeat content they already learned about in your essays and short answers. Other programs, like Wharton, venture away from a one-on-one interview format altogether and offer a Team-Based Discussion. Others throw in curve ball questions like LBS’ case study. We recommend reading about each school’s interview format on their respective websites. MBA Interview Preparation Techniques As soon as you can schedule an interview, do so ASAP. Slots can fill up fast—even the first day! It does not matter if you interview early or wait until the end of the window. Select the date / time that works best for your schedule. Ideally, you will have about a week to prepare for your MBA interview. Preparation is the key to feeling comfortable and confident. Here is what to do:
Some common MBA interview questions are listed below. You should have answers to most of these when you go into the interview.
HBS Interview – Two Real Life Experiences | Vantage Point MBA MBA Interview Questions – Don’t Let These Stump You | Vantage Point MBA MBA Interview Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them | Vantage Point MBA The post Common MBA Interview Questions and How to Prepare appeared first on Vantage Point MBA. |
19 Sep 2023, 13:00
| FROM Vantage Point MBA Admissions Blog: GMAT Waivers – Which Top MBA Programs Offer Them and Should You Request One? |
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[img]https://vantagepointmba.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Untitled-design-23-1024x536.png[/img] As MBA admissions consultants, a question we often receive is which top MBA programs offer GMAT waivers (or GRE waivers) and whether taking one of these tests is really necessary to gain admission. We get it! Taking the time to prepare for and take the GMAT or GRE (often multiple times) is a lot of work. It would be great if you could prove your academic prowess another way. So, can you? Yes, there are MBA programs that grant GMAT waivers, and the policy is more common amongst programs outside of (what are generally considered to be) the top 10 business schools. For top MBA programs, those that offer GMAT waivers generally have specific criteria you must meet and require you to formally request an exception. Top MBA Programs That Offer GMAT Waivers (or GRE Waivers) A small number of top full-time MBA programs allow applicants to request GMAT waivers. They are listed below but be sure to check with each school for their latest requirements. [list] [*][url=https://mitsloan.mit.edu/mba/admissions/how-to-apply]MIT Sloan[/url] says that ‘If your current situation prevents you from being able to submit a test score, you may request a test waiver explaining the situation; the Admissions Committee will take your request under advisement and let you know if the waiver has been approved. If the waiver is approved, and you are admitted, the Admissions Committee reserves the right to offer conditional admission such as, but not limited to, receiving a certain score on the GMAT or GRE or taking a supplemental class.’[/*] [*][url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/mba/admissions/apply/guidelines]UVA Darden[/url] says that ‘waiver applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and our Admissions Committee will consider a number of factors when evaluating these applications. Particular regard will be given for indicators of academic and professional accomplishment.’ [/*] [*][url=https://michiganross.umich.edu/graduate/full-time-mba/admissions/application-requirements]Michigan Ross[/url] says that ‘Some candidates may be able to adequately demonstrate their readiness for the rigor of the program without the need to submit a test score. This may include candidates whose ability to demonstrate their readiness via a test continues to be impacted by the pandemic or other circumstance. These candidates may submit a complete application without a test score. Instead, you must submit an essay that supports your case and alternative evidence of your readiness. We will look closely at your academic and professional accomplishments, including but not limited to: [list] [*]Master’s degree in an analytical or quantitative discipline[/*] [*]CPA, CFA, or international equivalent[/*] [*]Undergraduate or graduate record, especially in analytical or quantitative courses[/*] [*]Post-undergraduate, full-time work experience in an analytical or quantitative function[/*] [*]Performance on an expired GMAT or GRE[/*] [*]Performance on the Executive Assessment’[/*] [/list] [/*] [*][url=https://www.stern.nyu.edu/programs-admissions/mba-programs/admissions/standardized-tests]NYU Stern[/url] says that ‘For most applicants, the standardized test is an essential way to establish academic readiness. If you feel that you are not able to prepare for or take a standardized test and are able to demonstrate academic readiness without a standardized test score, you may request a standardized test waiver for the Full-Time and Fashion & Luxury MBA programs. Those who provide strong examples of academic readiness (eg: strong analytical or quantitative undergraduate or graduate majors, professional work experience, certifications, etc.) may be more likely to receive a standardized test waiver.’[/*] [/list] Even If GMAT Waivers Are an Option, Is It Smart to Request One? Ok, so say you are applying to one or more of the top MBA programs that allow for GMAT waivers. Does it make strategic sense to request one? To be blunt, in the vast majority of cases, we advise against it. In all honesty, these top MBA programs are only apt to seriously consider your request if your other credentials (GPA, early career, etc.) massively impress them. If you are that competitive an applicant, why limit yourself to the small number of programs that allow for a waiver? You might end up with more or better options (even scholarship dollars) if you cast a wider net by applying to a greater number of schools with a test score. On the flip side, there is real risk that you appear uncompetitive (even if you aren’t!) by requesting a GMAT waiver. The admissions committee is apt to think (even if unfairly) that you were either uncommitted to the MBA process or unable to score well, both of which don’t look good, right? What If I Can’t Score Well on the GMAT or GRE? That said, there are some incredibly intelligent, accomplished candidates who are simply poor test takers and worry that submitting their scores will make them uncompetitie. That’s a fair concern and we sympathize with the frustration. However, we would still argue that putting in a few solid attempts and submitting those scores is better positioning. You can use the optional essay to share that, while your scores may be below average, you have a multitude of other data points (list them) to prove that you can succeed in a rigorous MBA environment. Yes, you’ve validated their concern that you can’t score well (they would have assumed this anyway!) but you’ve assuaged the concern that you aren’t committed to the MBA process. See the logic? If you’d like help crafting a compelling MBA application, with or without a test score, reach out to [url=https://vantagepointmba.com/initial-vpa-consultation/]request an initial consultation[/url]. The post [url=https://vantagepointmba.com/2023/09/19/gmat-waivers/]GMAT Waivers – Which Top MBA Programs Offer Them and Should You Request One?[/url] appeared first on [url=https://vantagepointmba.com]Vantage Point MBA[/url]. |
28 Sep 2023, 11:00
| FROM Vantage Point MBA Admissions Blog: The Best MBA Programs for Private Equity and Venture Capital |
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[img]https://vantagepointmba.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Untitled-design-24-1024x536.png[/img] If you peruse the ‘our team’ sections of the top private equity and venture capital firms, you’ll notice a common theme – many of their more senior investment professionals have MBAs from top business schools. Not only does the MBA experience provide the technical and soft skills needed to succeed in PE or VC, it also provides access to successful alums in these industries and sets you up with a network of business leaders from whom you may source deals, fundraise, etc. in your future career. Whether you already work in PE or VC and want to accelerate your career in the industry or have dreams of breaking into these coveted fields, you may be wondering which top MBA programs are most likely to enable these goals. As such, we’ve leveraged client feedback as well as dug into the employment data, curricular and extracurricular offerings of the top business schools and arrived at our ranking of the best MBA programs for private equity and venture capital. Our Ranking of the Best MBA Programs for Private Equity and Venture Capital #1 – Stanford Graduate School of Business By a significant margin, the GSB sends the most graduates into post-MBA PE and VC jobs – 26% of its latest class. It offers a number of relevant electives like ‘Private Equity – An Overview of the Industry’ as well as hands on opportunities to invest in startups through the [url=https://gsbimpactfund.stanford.edu/]GSB Impact Fund[/url]. It has an active PE Club and VC Club, helping students build their networks in these industries and collaborate on career search activities. #2 – Harvard Business School HBS sent 22% of its latest graduating class to jobs in either PE or VC. Like the GSB, it offers a variety of relevant electives such as the overview course, ‘Private Equity and Venture Capital’. HBS has a relatively new Impact Investment Fund and an accompanying field course that allows students to practice assessing investments and presenting ideas to alums in the PE and VC industries. The VC&PE Club hosts a [url=https://www.thevcpeconference.com/]prominent conference[/url] each year, drawing well-known speakers and panelists. #3 – Chicago Booth While you may expect Wharton to round out the top 3 best MBA programs for private equity and venture capital, we would argue that Booth has the edge. In addition to sending 12% of graduates to these fields, it boasts a highly flexible curriculum that allows students to maximize the number of industry-relevant courses they take. Most notably, through the [url=https://polsky.uchicago.edu/]Polsky Center[/url], students have direct access to prominent Investors-In-Residence, the option to partake in various case challenges to simulate investment decisions, and even an opportunity to intern in the industry with funding from the PE/VC lab. #4 – Wharton Wharton’s PE and VC placement statistics support its reputation as a strong finance school, with 17% of the latest class heading to jobs in these industries. It offers a solid array of PE/VC focused courses and a [url=http://www.whartonpevc.com/]Private Equity & Venture Capital Club[/url] that is one of the most active organizations on campus. Wharton’s expansive alumni base, including many in these coveted industries, offers strong networking opportunities for those looking to recruit for PE and VC. #5 – Columbia Business School CBS sends a solid 8% of graduates to post-MBA private equity and venture capital jobs and its NYC location can’t be beat for access to private equity firms, in particular. For those targeting the west coast, the Venture Capital Club hosts an annual West Coast Trek, providing access to networking opportunities with top firms located there. What truly sets CBS apart in terms of its PE/VC prowess are its [url=https://business.columbia.edu/lang/student-and-alumni-programming/invest/columbia-venture-fellows]Columbia Venture Fellows[/url] program, an application-only program that provides VC-relevant academic and experiential learning opportunities, and its [url=https://business.columbia.edu/privateequity]Private Equity Program[/url], the central point of contact at the business school for all things private equity-related. #6 – Kellogg School of Management Like Columbia, Kellogg sends 8% of graduates to PE and VC careers. It offers a [url=https://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/programs/full-time-mba/academics/majors-pathways/venture-capital-and-private-equity-pathway.aspx]‘pathway’ (similar to a major) specifically devoted to private equity and venture capital[/url], a rarity amongst peer schools, as well as the option to spend a quarter in San Francisco immersed in the VC landscape while taking relevant Kellogg courses. #7 – MIT Sloan Sloan reports that 9% of its most recent graduating class found jobs in private equity in venture capital. It offers the option to earn a ‘finance certificate’, which includes an Action Learning Course that can include real world experience with an external private equity or venture capital firm. Sloan has an active [url=https://sloangroups.mit.edu/venturecapitalandprivateequity/home/]Venture Capital and Private Equity Club[/url] that hosts regular educational and networking events. #8 – Yale School of Management Yale sent 4% of its most recent class to the private equity and venture capital industries. It offers a private equity focus area and boasts an impressive array of [url=https://som.yale.edu/elective-core-courses?sessions=202303%2C202401&courseType=elective&courseCategory=Entrepreneurship+%26+Private+Equity]industry-relevant courses[/url]. Last year was Yale SOM’s 20th annual Private Equity & Venture Capital Symposium, indicating the longevity of its focus on these sectors. #9 – University of Texas McCombs It may surprise you to learn that UT McCombs sends more graduates to PE and VC – 3% – than some of its more highly ranked peers (not that rankings are the end-all be-all, they most certainly are not!). However, with its proximity to the startup hotbed of Austin and robust offerings through the [url=https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/centers-and-initiatives/hmtf-center-for-private-equity-finance/]HMTF Center for Private Equity[/url], these career paths are certainly a focus for McCombs. The program also boasts a selective two-semester Venture Fellows Program that allows students to intern with local PE and VC firms alongside their industry-focused curriculum. #10 – UVA Darden While Darden doesn’t specify the number of graduates entering PE and VC post-MBA, it does report that 25% of its latest class took jobs in the finance industry, which is greater than similarly ranked peer schools who did not make our top 10 best MBA programs for private equity and venture capital. Through its [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/venture-capital/programs]Venture Capital Initiative[/url], Darden offers a speaker series, focused course offering, and VC investment competition. Its annual Darden Private Equity Conference boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, many of them actively involved alums of the school. If you’d like bespoke coaching to help you narrow down your list of target MBA programs and craft applications that stand out from the pack, click here to [url=https://vantagepointmba.com/request-consultation/]request an initial consultation[/url]. The post [url=https://vantagepointmba.com/2023/09/28/best-mba-programs-private-equity-venture-capital/]The Best MBA Programs for Private Equity and Venture Capital[/url] appeared first on [url=https://vantagepointmba.com]Vantage Point MBA[/url]. |
03 Oct 2023, 10:01
| FROM Vantage Point MBA Admissions Blog: The Top Deferred Enrollment MBA Programs |
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[img]https://vantagepointmba.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Untitled-design-25-1024x536.png[/img] If you are currently in your senior year of college or enrolled in a masters’ program that you began right after graduation, this article is for you. While it might be tempting to coast through to your final year, we urge you to consider whether you should apply to one or more of the top deferred enrollment MBA programs. [url=https://vantagepointmba.com/2023/08/03/what-is-a-deferred-mba/]What are these exactly?[/url] Generally, they entail a full-time two-year MBA program that you apply for as a college senior (or graduate student) and attend after having worked for 2-5 years. During the ‘deferral period’ – between college graduation and arriving on campus for your MBA – many business schools offer access to their career services office and/or student programming like industry conferences. As a current student, you are still in ‘study mode’ and likely have more time on your hands than you will while working full time in a demanding job. As such, now can be the perfect time to take the GRE/GMAT and prepare your applications (most of the deadlines are in April). Most schools also waive application fees for deferred enrollment MBA hopefuls – this seems minor, but at ~$200 per school, these can add up! That said, admission into the top deferred enrollment MBA programs is competitive and the class sizes are small. It makes sense to understand what admissions officers are looking for before you decide to devote time and effort to the application process. What follows is a list of the top deferred enrollment MBA programs – in no particular order – and some basic facts about their class profiles, application requirements, and other nuances to consider. [url=https://www.hbs.edu/mba/admissions/application-process/college-students-2-2/Pages/default.aspx]HBS 2+2 Program[/url] [list] [*]Deadline: 4/25/24[/*] [*]Post-College Work Experience Before Matriculation: 2-5 years[/*] [*]Number of Admits in Most Recent Class: 121 (9% acceptance rate)[/*] [*]GMAT: Not reported[/*] [*]Undergraduate GPA: Not reported[/*] [/list] [url=https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/programs/mba/admission/deferred-enrollment]Stanford Deferred Enrollment MBA Program[/url] [list] [*]Deadline: 4/9/24 (may also apply in Round 1 and Round 2 along with candidates for the traditional MBA program)[/*] [*]Post-College Work Experience Before Matriculation: 1-3 years encouraged, 4 years maximum[/*] [*]Number of Committed Admits in Most Recent Class: Not Available[/*] [*]GMAT: Not Available[/*] [*]Undergraduate GPA: Not Available[/*] [/list] [url=https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/deferred-admissions/moelis-advance-access-program/#1568227941148-b146b55f-3a31]Wharton Deferred Admission Moelis Advance Access MBA[/url] [list] [*]Deadline: 4/24/24[/*] [*]Post-College Work Experience Before Matriculation: 2-4 years[/*] [*]Number of Committed Admits in Most Recent Class: 110[/*] [*]GMAT: Not reported[/*] [*]Undergraduate GPA: Not reported[/*] [/list] [url=https://mitsloan.mit.edu/programs/mba-early/overview]MIT Sloan Early Admission MBA[/url] [list] [*]Deadline: 4/19/24[/*] [*]Post-College Work Experience Before Matriculation: 2-5 years[/*] [*]Number of Committed Admits in Most Recent Class: 101[/*] [*]GMAT: 750 (median)[/*] [*]Undergraduate GPA: 3.88 (median)[/*] [/list] [url=https://www.chicagobooth.edu/mba/early-career-programs/chicago-booth-scholars]Deferred MBA Chicago Booth Scholars[/url] [list] [*]Deadline: 4/4/24[/*] [*]Post-College Work Experience Before Matriculation: 2-5 years[/*] [*]Number of Committed Admits in Most Recent Class: Not Available[/*] [*]GMAT: Not reported[/*] [*]Undergraduate GPA: Not reported[/*] [*]Program Nuance: Deferred MBAs can enroll in any of Booth’s programs, including the Evening or Weekend MBA programs[/*] [/list] [url=https://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/programs/full-time-mba/kfl-deferred-enrollment-program.aspx]Kellogg Future Leaders Deferred Enrollment MBA[/url] [list] [*]Deadline not yet updated for the ’23-’24 application cycle; last year’s deadline was 4/26/23[/*] [*]Post-College Work Experience Before Matriculation: 2-5 years[/*] [*]Number of Committed Admits in Most Recent Class: Not Available[/*] [*]GMAT: Not reported[/*] [*]Undergraduate GPA: Not reported[/*] [*]Program Nuance: Deferred MBAs can enroll in any of Kellogg’s programs, including the Part-Time MBA program[/*] [/list] [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/mba/admissions/apply/future-year]Darden Future Year Scholars Deferred Enrollment MBA[/url] [list] [*]Deadlines not yet updated for the ’23-’24 application cycle; last year’s deadlines were 4/11/23 or 8/1/23[/*] [*]Post-College Work Experience Before Matriculation: 2-5 years[/*] [*]Number of Committed Admits in Most Recent Class: Not Available[/*] [*]GMAT: Not reported[/*] [*]Undergraduate GPA: Not reported[/*] [*]Program Nuance: Candidates may also apply using their SAT or ACT score[/*] [/list] [url=https://som.yale.edu/programs/mba/admissions/silver-scholars]Yale Silver Scholars MBA Program[/url] [list] [*]Deadline: Same as Traditional MBA Program Deadlines, with Round 3 occurring on 4/9/24[/*] [*]Post-College Work Experience Before Matriculation: None – students matriculate as Silver Scholars directly after college or another master’s program (see below for more context)[/*] [*]Number of Committed Admits in Most Recent Class: Not Available[/*] [*]GMAT: Not reported[/*] [*]Undergraduate GPA: Not reported[/*] [*]Program Nuance: Silver Scholars is a three-year program – students complete Yale SOM’s Core Curriculum in their first year, complete an extended internship in their second year, and take Yale SOM electives in their third year.[/*] [/list] [url=https://academics.gsb.columbia.edu/mba/admissions/options-deadlines/deferred-enrollment-program]Columbia Business School Deferred Enrollment MBA Program[/url] [list] [*]Deadline: 4/15/24[/*] [*]Post-College Work Experience Before Matriculation: 2-5 years[/*] [*]Number of Committed Admits in Most Recent Class: 235[/*] [*]GMAT: 530-780 (range)[/*] [*]Undergraduate GPA: 3.3-4.2 (range)[/*] [/list] [url=https://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/admissions/accelerated-access]Haas Accelerated Access[/url] [list] [*]Deadline: 4/25/24[/*] [*]Post-College Work Experience Before Matriculation: 2-5 years[/*] [*]Number of Committed Admits in Most Recent Class: Not Available[/*] [*]GMAT: Not reported[/*] [*]Undergraduate GPA: Not reported[/*] [/list] If you are considering applying to one or more of the top deferred MBA programs, [url=https://vantagepointmba.com/request-consultation/]reach out[/url] to request a free 30-minute consultation. Working with applicants like you is one of our specialties. We can help you navigate the various program options, assess your competitiveness for admission, and guide you through the nuances of the application process. The post [url=https://vantagepointmba.com/2023/10/03/top-deferred-enrollment-mba/]The Top Deferred Enrollment MBA Programs[/url] appeared first on [url=https://vantagepointmba.com]Vantage Point MBA[/url]. |
05 Oct 2023, 12:02
| FROM Vantage Point MBA Admissions Blog: The HBS Interview – What to Expect & How to Prepare |
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If you are part of the fortunate group who received an HBS interview invitation this week, congratulations! While there are no firm statistics, we estimate that about 20% of applicants make it to the HBS interview stage and, from here, your chances of admission are roughly 50%. That’s good news and bad, of course. Clearly the adcom really liked your application…but you’re not in the door yet. What stands between you and that coveted acceptance is, of course, the HBS interview (and the required reflection essay that follows). So, what should you expect and how do you prepare? Those are the topics we’re covering today. The HBS Interview – What to Expect Let’s start with the basics. The HBS interview is conducted by members of the admissions board, not current students or alums like some other top MBA programs. It will be 30 minutes in duration, and, in recent rounds, they’ve offered both virtual and in person options with no bias for either format. Interviewers will have read your application in its entirety and prepared a substantial list of targeted questions in advance. While there are exceptions, HBS tends to avoid the more ‘standard’ MBA interview questions like ‘walk me through your resume’, ‘why MBA’, and ‘tell me about a time when [X happened]’. In other words, instead of letting you pull a well-rehearsed and self-selected answer from your arsenal, they identify areas from your application to probe. That said, they are not looking to stump you just to see you squirm, promise! The intent is to determine whether you can think on your feet and communicate clearly under pressure. These are essential skills for success as a business leader as well as in HBS’ case method classroom. The HBS Interview – How to Prepare If you can’t predict the questions you’ll be asked in your HBS interview, how do you prepare? There are certainly things you can and should do. In our experience, the questions tend to fall into general categories, and we recommend letting those categories guide your approach to preparation. Motivation Questions Not only is HBS interested in what you’ve done, they want to hear why you’ve done it. What motivated you to choose your university and your major? Why did you leave a prior job? To prepare, think through each significant choice you’ve made in your life and what drove you to make that decision. For instance, was there a formative experience that piqued your interest in the subject you chose to study in school? Did a particular class turn you on to the industry you targeted for your first job out of college? The most authentic and impactful answers to motivation questions are rooted in an ‘aha’ moment that you can identify as a pivot point. That said, while the ‘why’ is arguably most important, make sure you know the ‘what’ cold too. Read back through your resume, application form, and essays, jogging your memory about the facts of each experience down to the nitty-gritty details. Company / Industry Questions Another subset of questions is focused on the company or industry in which you work or want to work in the future. With these, the adcom wants to see that you grasp the dynamics of your company/industry beyond the specific silo where you spend your day-to-day. Who are your company’s main competitors? What are your [current or target] industry’s largest growth opportunities? Particularly if your job doesn’t require taking the 10,000 ft view, do your research! Read articles about your current and target post-MBA industries. Pull up your company’s latest financial filings and read the footnotes about its business segments, financial trends, risks, and opportunities. Think about how your team and its mission fit within the overall company’s plans. Read up on your competitors too and consider what they do differently, worse, or better than your firm. Relatedly and importantly, as you prepare and in the actual interview itself, don’t shy away from having a perspective. If you think about it, students having a viewpoint and respectfully defending it is exactly what makes the HBS classroom engaging. The adcom wants to see that you would be an active contributor in this regard. So, as you’re considering things like the strategic and competitive dynamics of your current or future industry, for example, think about what you would say if asked “What do you think is the solution to [XYZ problem we’ve been discussing]?” Self-Assessment Questions Your HBS interviewer may also ask you to self-reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, although it’s likely they won’t ask this as straightforwardly as ‘tell me your greatest strength and weakness’. Instead, they may ask ‘what made you successful on [a specific project]’? Or ‘what attributes do you think led to your promotion ahead of your peers?’. The answers can hinge on some of the same things as your standard strengths/weaknesses answer, but without allowing you to rely on the canned answer you’ve practiced over and over. Final Words of Advice for Your HBS Interview And that leads us to our overarching advice. When it comes to preparing for your HBS interview, practicing your answers to the most common MBA interview questions over and over again simply won’t get you very far. Even if you are able to leverage one of these prepared responses, an over-rehearsed answer risks sounding robotic and, dare we say it, uninteresting. That’s not going to wow the adcom. The best way to practice is to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Ask three trusted friends or coworkers (who are ideally familiar with the HBS interview format) to practice with you. Have them read your application, scan [url=https://www.clearadmit.com/category/interview-reports/school/harvard/]ClearAdmit interview reports[/url] for questions HBS has asked in the past and come up with their own unique list. Respond to them live and ask them to jot down the main points they gleaned from your answers. Were they what you meant to communicate? Did you come across as engaged and engaging? Awesome! Now, practice with the next person who may ask an entirely different array of questions. You get where we’re going with this… As we said at the beginning, congrats on getting to this stage! You should be proud and know that HBS likes what they’ve seen from you. Now earn that spot in their class, you’ve got this. We have HBS experts on our team. If you would like help preparing for your HBS interview, don’t hesitate to reach out. You may also be interested in reading the following: [url=https://vantagepointmba.com/2022/10/06/hbs-interview-experiences/]HBS Interview – Two Real Life Experiences | Vantage Point MBA[/url] [url=https://vantagepointmba.com/2022/09/22/mba-interview-prep/]MBA Interview Prep 101 | Vantage Point MBA[/url] [url=https://vantagepointmba.com/2022/10/13/questions-to-ask-mba-admissions-officers/]Questions to Ask MBA Admissions Officers | Vantage Point MBA[/url] The post [url=https://vantagepointmba.com/2023/10/05/the-hbs-interview/]The HBS Interview – What to Expect & How to Prepare [/url] appeared first on [url=https://vantagepointmba.com]Vantage Point MBA[/url]. |
12 Oct 2023, 14:00
| FROM Vantage Point MBA Admissions Blog: Acceptance Rates at Top MBA Programs – Should They Inform Your Application Strategy? |
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[img]https://vantagepointmba.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Untitled-design-27-1024x536.png[/img] As an applicant or prospective applicant to top MBA programs, you might be wondering what your chances of acceptance are…and rightly so, applying to business school takes a ton of time and energy, you want to make sure all the effort pays off in the end! To simplify things, we’ve compiled a list of acceptance rates at top MBA programs for the class of 2024. Analyzing this data reveals some interesting and surprising insights about selectivity across schools. Stanford GSB is (Unsurprisingly) the Most Selective MBA Program Many of you will not be surprised by the fact that [url=https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/programs/mba/admission/class-profile]Stanford GSB[/url] has the lowest acceptance rate of any U.S. MBA program. But just how selective it is might cause a few double takes. The latest data shows that Stanford GSB accepts less than 9% of those who apply! That’s right, of the 6,152 who submitted applications, only 528 were accepted. Of note, however, is that last year was Stanford’s LEAST competitive of the last 5+ years, when acceptance rates hovered at 6-7%. For context, [url=https://www.hbs.edu/mba/admissions/class-profile/Pages/default.aspx]Harvard Business School’s[/url] acceptance rate was notably higher than Stanford’s at 14% – of the 8,264 people who applied, 1,187 were admitted. Purely from a numbers standpoint, if you are considering adding a dream program to your list, HBS is statistically easier to get into (not that we’re recommending you decide where to apply solely based on this fact). The Most Selective Program After Harvard and Stanford Is… If you said Wharton (you know, H/S/W as the saying goes), you would be WRONG! There are actually four programs that are slightly less competitive than Harvard and Stanford but more competitive than Wharton – Sloan, Columbia, Haas, and Fuqua. Why are these programs so selective, you may wonder? There are a few factors at play. The most readily apparent is class size – Wharton enrolls a huge class each year (~900 students) and these other programs are smaller (Haas’ class size is typically less than 300 students). There are simply fewer seats to fill, which is something to think about as you craft your list of target schools. The second reason is a little more nuanced. Our experience is that these programs, notably Sloan, Haas and Fuqua, have a heightened focus on fit with their unique cultures. All the top programs care about that nebulous concept, ‘fit’, but these three schools take it to the next level. If you are simply planning to blanket a selection of the top programs with applications to see ‘what sticks’, it is likely you will strike out at Sloan, Haas and Fuqua unless you really take the time to know them and what they look for in applicants. An ancillary factor driving Columbia and Sloan’s selectivity is the number of applications these programs receive (6,000-7,000, significantly more than other top 10 programs aside from H/S/W). With strong global brand recognition and, particularly for Columbia, a highly desirable location for both domestic and international applicants, they simply receive more applications. Sloan is also the only M7 school that has continued to offer a [url=https://vantagepointmba.com/2023/09/19/gmat-waivers/]GMAT waiver[/url] option post-COVID, which could have increased application volume. Two of the Highest Ranked Programs Are Not as Selective as You May Think A bright spot to note from the MBA acceptance rates data is that two of the highest ranked programs, Booth (#1 this year per U.S. News) and Kellogg (#2 this year per U.S. News), have acceptance rates of 30% and 31%, respectively. Yes, the competition is still fierce, but those percentages are roughly 4x Stanford’s acceptance rate and double that of Harvard. While there are multiple reasons for this, the math is simple. Kellogg and Booth have substantial class sizes (500-600 students) but do not attract the same number of applicants as their more selective peers. It’s possible that people overlook Chicago in favor of the east and west coasts or are less familiar with the brand names of Kellogg’s and Booth’s parent universities. Whatever the driver, consider using this knowledge to your advantage when [url=https://vantagepointmba.com/2022/03/09/mba-program-selection/]deciding where to apply[/url]. If you need help narrowing your search or an expert opinion on where you will be competitive, feel free to reach out to request an [url=https://vantagepointmba.com/request-consultation/]initial consultation[/url]. Table of Acceptance Rates at Top MBA Programs 2024 US News Ranking School Acceptance Rate Selectivity Index 2023 US News Ranking Applications Received Acceptances Enrolled Yield 1 Booth 30.1% 14 1 4,352 1,308 634 48.5% 2 Kellogg 31.4% 16 3 4,187 1,316 503 38.2% 3 Wharton 22.8% 7 2 6,319 1,442 894 62.0% 4 Sloan 14.8% 3 5 5,349 792 408 51.5% 5 Harvard 14.4% 2 5 8,264 1,187 1,015 85.5% 6 Stanford 8.6% 1 3 6,152 528 424 80.3% 6 Tuck 33.4% 17 11 2,282 763 287 37.6% 8 Yale 27.6% 11 7 3,237 894 347 38.8% 8 Ross 28.1% 12 10 3,631 1,020 378 37.1% 10 Stern 27.1% 10 12 3,553 962 324 33.7% 11 Columbia 19.7% 5 8 5,643 1,109 629 56.7% 11 Haas 19.6% 4 8 3,183 625 247 39.5% 11 Fuqua 20.5% 6 12 3,539 727 399 54.9% 14 Darden 34.2% 18 14 2,984 1,021 348 34.1% 15 Johnson 31.2% 15 15 2,555 798 303 38.0% 15 Marshall 24.8% 8 19 2,652 658 190 28.9% 17 Emory 37.1% 19 21 1,055 391 113 28.9% 18 Tepper 28.8% 13 16 2,267 654 192 29.4% 19 Anderson 37.6% 20 17 2,473 929 322 34.7% 20 McCombs 25.8% 9 18 2,473 637 220 34.5% The post [url=https://vantagepointmba.com/2023/10/12/acceptance-rates-at-top-mba-programs/]Acceptance Rates at Top MBA Programs – Should They Inform Your Application Strategy?[/url] appeared first on [url=https://vantagepointmba.com]Vantage Point MBA[/url]. |
19 Oct 2023, 11:00
| FROM Vantage Point MBA Admissions Blog: Taking a Stand While Applying to Business School |
 If you’re applying to business school this year, you’ve likely been scanning the internet for MBA admissions advice to help you put your best foot forward. Today we’re going to talk about a topic that hadn’t historically come up much on MBA admissions advice forums but may be top of mind given recent world events where much dialogue has occurred on social media – how your online presence can impact your candidacy. Do adcoms even look at applicants’ social media profiles? Will taking a stand on a social or political issue that may be viewed as divisive reflect negatively on you in the eyes of the adcom? These are valid questions that warrant consideration and reflection. It is quite likely that the MBA admissions committee will at least glance at your LinkedIn profile (most applications even ask for the link these days), if not others that are publicly available. Further, according to Kristen Lindeman, a Vantage Point MBA Senior Consultant and former MIT Sloan adcom, your social media is absolutely fair game and schools don’t shy away from googling candidates. It is also possible that, if you are granted an interview, your admissions interviewer will use your online presence to get a sense of who you are outside of the interview room (unless it is a blind interview and they’ve explicitly been asked not to, of course). Last but not least, once admitted, you will meet boatloads of new faces at admitted students’ weekends and on campus. You know how tempting it is to look up a new peer online, right? Pro Tip #1: Social Media is an Extension of Your Personal Brand If done right, your social media presence can actually be used to your advantage when applying to business school. Remember that personal branding work you (hopefully) did at the beginning of your MBA application process? If you did it right, you should have a strong sense of how you will present yourself in your application materials. Think of your social media presence as another vehicle to showcase the unique skillset you bring to the table and reinforce the career interests you’ve set your sights on for the future. How do you do this exactly? Most importantly is your LinkedIn profile. We recommend including a headline that crystallizes your career experience thus far and may include a nod to your passion areas tangential to or outside of work. For example, your headline could read something like ‘Innovative strategy consultant with experience in the consumer products and technology spaces and a passion for mentorship.’ In addition to your headline, make sure your LinkedIn profile is robustly built out and consistent with what you’ve included on your resume and in the applications themselves. It’s also ok, and can even be strategic, to add a little personality and individuality to your social media profiles. If you talk about a passion in your applications (e.g., running, hiking, travelling, etc.), it can be a nice touch to incorporate it into your profile. Additionally, think about how you can add authenticity to your future career goals by following accounts related to your target industry or posting links to newsworthy articles about the sector. Pro Tip #2: Give Your Social Media the Mother-In-Law Test Next, we’ll talk about ensuring your social media doesn’t negatively impact your MBA applications. This may seem (or should be) obvious, but it can be an easy thing to forget in the chaos of applying to business school. The best way to make sure you are presenting yourself positively on social media is to perform what we call ‘The Mother-in-Law Test’. Imagine you are meeting a new significant other’s family for the first time – it’s likely they’ll want to get a sense for who you are and google you. What will they find? Google yourself and find out. Additionally, review your privacy settings across all your social media accounts and make sure the publicly available information, pictures, etc. are things you would want your future mother-in-law to see. In other words, photos of excessive drinking, scandalous or irresponsible behavior, etc. are not a great look. Scanning what’s out there and adjusting if needed is easy to do and important. Related to ensuring your public profiles are mother-in-law approved, it’s also important to be respectful and cautious with things you post or comment on. It is true that MBA classrooms depend and thrive on respectful discussions of diverse viewpoints. So, indicating you support a certain cause or sharing a carefully considered, well thought out perspective on an issue isn’t off limits. But we recommend you tread carefully – now is not the time to have heated debates with political adversaries in a public forum or post anything that can be read as insensitive or uninformed. When in doubt, always consider asking for a second opinion from someone whose views don’t always align with your own before posting! On the contrary, feel free to post or comment in ways that demonstrate you congratulate others on accomplishments, acknowledge their skills in a particular area, etc. Encouraging others is a key element of leadership, exactly what the adcom wants to see. If you’re looking for more MBA admissions advice, follow our social media presence (see what we did there) on LinkedIn and Instagram! You can also reach out to schedule an initial 30-minute consultation here. The post Taking a Stand While Applying to Business School appeared first on Vantage Point MBA. |
26 Oct 2023, 13:00
| FROM Vantage Point MBA Admissions Blog: Wharton Interview Tips: How to Prepare for the Team Based Discussion |
 You were granted a Wharton interview, congrats! You’re one step closer to being accepted and you might wonder what your odds of acceptance are at this point. Well, roughly half of all applicants are invited for a Wharton interview, but the school only accepts one in five. So, they’re looking to cut the remaining pool by slightly more than half at this juncture. What Does the Wharton Interview Entail? You have probably read about Wharton’s unique interview format – the Team Based Discussion. For 35 minutes, two interviewers will observe you and 4-5 other applicants as you discuss a case study that has been provided to you in advance (see below). Each interviewee gives a one-minute ‘pitch’, the group discusses the best path forward, and then presents its solution to the interviewers/observers (typically two second-year students). After the Team Based Discussion, you will have a fairly straightforward one-on-one interview, roughly 10 minutes in length, with one of the two observers. You’ll be asked to reflect on the Team Based Discussion you just took part in as well as standard questions such as “why Wharton?” and “why MBA?”. For the time being, all sessions are being conducted virtually. What is the Wharton Team Based Discussion Prompt? The Wharton Team Based Discussion prompt for Round 1 is as follows: ‘In 2019, Wharton introduced the Wharton Global Youth Program (WGYP) which offers online and on-campus programs, credit-bearing courses, and business competitions to young people. WGYP introduces business education to high school students around the world with a goal to educate and inspire pre-collegiate students to analyze the world’s complex challenges and take first steps in becoming leaders who will transform the global economy. One of WGYP’s most unique offerings is the Pre-Baccalaureate (Pre-bacc) Program, an academically intensive opportunity for exceptional high school juniors and seniors to enroll in credit-bearing courses that span the breadth of Wharton’s business curriculum. Through a mix of live and independent coursework, engaging real-world activities, and robust university resources, students will experience a world-class education recognized globally for intellectual leadership and innovation. Pre-bacc courses are created and led by Wharton faculty and instructional staff to explore topics driven by Wharton research and teaching. Pre-bacc students may also have the opportunity to interact with Wharton students who serve as Teaching Assistants. For today’s discussion, you and a team of MBA students have been invited to partner with a Wharton faculty member to design a new course on a cutting-edge business topic for WGYP’s pre-baccalaureate program. As a team, decide on the following:
How Do I Prepare for the Wharton Team Based Discussion? Aside from drafting and practicing your one-minute pitch, preparing for the Wharton interview is tough, as you won’t know the group dynamics in advance and will have to adapt as the dialogue progresses. Our clients have shared a range of experiences, from ones that are very collaborative to others that are more competitive and combative. Begin by thinking about what the admissions committee is looking to assess: (1) are your ideas logical, (2) can you communicate them articulately, and (3) do you ‘play well with others’ and move the discussion to a better place than it would have been if you were not part of the group. Three Tips to Help You Stand Out in the Wharton Team Based Discussion With those objectives in mind, consider the following: Practice, practice, practice. Your opening ‘pitch’ is the one element of the Team Based Discussion that you control. Really think through the ideas you’d like to present and practice verbalizing them. Focus on the “why” behind your ideas vs. getting hung up on too many specifics. And, if applicable, draw upon your own experiences to make a compelling argument as to why your proposal is a strong one. Note, however, that one minute is short. Don’t get cut off simply because you didn’t run through your pitch in advance. Practice it, then practice it again – out loud. Think ahead. Think back to meetings or team settings that have been particularly successful, why were they this way and how can you replicate the dynamic? If there is a leader in your workplace that always seems to drive the group to a solution, how does he/she do this? On the contrary, what counter-productive behaviors have you witnessed in these settings? Don’t exhibit them! In addition, take note of how you would like to act and react in various scenarios during the group discussion. What should you do if the group gets too far off topic? Would you like to be the one to bring everyone back to the task at hand? Or how will you react if one participant is taking over the discussion? Remember, the goal is for the group to arrive at a solid (note that I did not say perfect) solution and look good doing it. Be open and adaptable. Unfortunately, you don’t have control over how the discussion plays out. You can demonstrate teamwork and collaboration in a number of ways: draw ideas out of someone who has been quiet, ask thought-provoking questions about a proposed solution, synthesize multiple viewpoints to help the group reach a conclusion. These are tools in your toolbox and the key to success is using them at the right time (and doing so tactfully). This is far more important than having the group choose your idea / pitch. Lastly, as you’re going through the discussion, jot down an observation or two about how the group worked together. Candidates are often asked how they thought it went in the one-on-one portion. You want to share something more insightful than ‘I thought it went well’ and this can be tough to do on the spot. Prepare, be yourself, and relax! Want Help? Participate in Our Mock TBD (The Results Speak for Themselves) We completely understand the challenges inherent in individually preparing for a team-based exercise, so we are once again offering Mock Wharton TBD service. Did you know that based on last year’s data, out of 22 participants in our Mock Wharton TBD sessions, ALL but 1 were accepted or waitlisted? The one-hour group video call will gather 4-6 clients who have received a Wharton interview invite to participate in a practice group interview with a format very similar to the actual interview. Sarah Chandler, our resident Wharton expert (and Wharton alum!), and Melanie Espeland, both Vantage Point MBA Senior Consultants, will facilitate the session, similar to how the Wharton adcom will. Clients will receive instructions on how to prepare beforehand. Once on the video call, the facilitator will share brief instructions, then observe a 35-minute discussion on a specific prompt. The participants will be asked to prepare a 5-minute presentation to the facilitator. There will likely be ~10 minutes at the end of the hour to share self-reflections and ask questions. The facilitator will then provide individualized feedback in an assessment form to each participant within 48 hours. This service is competitively priced at $499. Interested? Simply complete this form. Our team will be in touch shortly with next steps. The post Wharton Interview Tips: How to Prepare for the Team Based Discussion appeared first on Vantage Point MBA. |
02 Nov 2023, 14:00
| FROM Vantage Point MBA Admissions Blog: How Long Do MBA Applications Take and Am I Behind for Round 2? |
 There are many takeaways we could share from our experience advising hundreds of MBA applicants over the last decade or so. However, we think one of the most important is that the vast majority of MBA hopefuls vastly underestimate the amount of time it takes to prepare strong MBA applications. We’re not saying this to scare you or to spur you to hire an MBA admissions consultant like us in a panic, we’re truly not. The message is simply that we’ve been around this block, so to speak, and we’ve seen the difference in application quality when someone scrambles at the last minute versus taking the time to do the process right. So, how long do MBA applications take? Are you already behind the eight ball if you are applying in Round 2? The overarching headline is that, while it’s certainly not too late, if you’re applying to MBA programs in Round 2, now is the time to buckle down and make sure you are adhering to a realistic MBA application timeline. While January may seem far away, there is a lot that goes into strong MBA applications and an MBA application timeline can help ensure you don’t procrastinate. Ideally, you already have a well-developed application strategy and personal brand that you’re leveraging to start thinking about how to approach one of the most critical and time-intensive aspects of the applications: the essays. If you’ve done this upfront work and are hitting the ground running right now, bravo! If you’re sitting here wondering ‘how long do MBA applications take?’ because you’re just starting, below is a suggested MBA application timeline for how to best use the next nine weeks before the first deadlines hit. Your 9-Week MBA Application Timeline For the weeks below, we’ve listed what we would expect our clients to have completed or accomplished by the end of that week, give or take. Please note that by this point we expect that you have a GMAT/GRE score or firm test date already so that you can focus more on the actual application. If not, you can assume that test prep is concurrent to the items below. A few key notes: we recommend at least five drafts of your resume (this small document is critical to your application) and 6-10 drafts of your first essay set. For each draft, we recommend getting feedback from a variety of different people – alumni of that school, co-workers, a consultant, and/or friends and family who know how the process works. You won’t know the background of the person reviewing your application, so it’s best to get multiple perspectives. Many of our clients complete 10+ drafts of each essay set, and we normally do 5-8 rounds of editing on a resume. The number of drafts doesn’t correlate with English skills, time spent or overall intelligence. Iteration makes for a better product, so we view drafting as part of the process of getting to success. Many people think better when they can react to something on paper, so getting pen to paper helps spur the creative process. Below we laid out what this might look like at a minimum, but of course it varies by person. To Dos for the week of November 6th (or ideally before this point):
To Dos for the Week of November 13th:
To Dos for the Week of November 20th:
To Dos for the Week of November 27th:
To Dos for the Week of December 4th:
To Dos for the Week of December 11th:
To Dos for the Week of December 18th:
To Dos for the Week of December 25th:
To Dos for the Week of January 1st:
I know what we’ve laid out seems intense…because it is. And we hope it demonstrates why our answer to ‘how long do MBA applications take?’ is ‘probably longer than you’d expect’. But trust us that this process is not the place to cut corners. Your competition isn’t and it takes a lot of work to stand out. We are still accepting clients for Round 2 and are happy to talk about how we can help. Please request a consultation here. The post How Long Do MBA Applications Take and Am I Behind for Round 2? appeared first on Vantage Point MBA. |
08 Nov 2023, 14:00
| FROM Vantage Point MBA Admissions Blog: What to Do When You’re on the MBA Waitlist – A Step by Step Action Plan |
 So, you’re on the MBA waitlist for your dream school? It wasn’t the decision you were hoping for, but the good news is that you’re still in the running. Being on the MBA waitlist means that the adcom really liked you and thought you would be a great fit for their program but, for any number of reasons, wasn’t able to extend you an offer of admission – yet. The “yet” is what we’re writing about today. We have clients get accepted to top MBA programs after being placed on the waitlist every year. So, what can you do to get out of MBA waitlist limbo? Most importantly, don’t just wait! Read on for our step-by-step advice. What to Do When You’re on the MBA Waitlist
And follow them. This may seem like a given but we’re surprised how often this step is overlooked. The MBA waitlist instructions provide a lot of useful information, including how to opt in (if needed), what kinds of updates the school accepts, contact information for your waitlist manager, etc. This information can differ from school to school so, if you’re on more than one waitlist (we had a client last year who was on three!), it’s important to understand what levers are at your disposal for each. Then you can start planning out your MBA waitlist strategy. [*] Honestly assess your application and identify any opportunities for improvement. [/list] The key to a successful MBA waitlist strategy is ensuring it addresses the reasons the school chose to waitlist versus admit you. In our experience, the most common of these include: a test score or GPA lower than the school’s average, light extracurriculars, too little or too much work experience, unclear or inauthentic career goals, and undifferentiated experience (especially if you come from an overrepresented pool like banking or consulting). Ultimately, the opportunity areas differ for each person so it’s important to take a critical eye to your application (and perhaps get a second opinion) to determine where and how you can improve. [*] Act on your application weaknesses. [/list] We’ll say it again – the key to a successful MBA waitlist strategy is action. If your GMAT or GRE score was on the low side, consider a retake. If your GPA was below average, consider enrolling in an online class (think statistics, accounting, finance, etc.) from an accredited institution to provide further evidence of your academic aptitude. Bulking up your extracurriculars can be challenging given the shorter timeline you’re dealing with, but platforms like Taproot and Catchafire are places to look if you want to add something with impact and do it quickly. [*] Draft a waitlist update (assuming the school accepts them). [/list] Once you’ve done what you can, you need to share it with the adcom. Within the constraints of their waitlist instructions of course, the best way to do this is by submitting an update letter(s). The key to a successful update letter is to provide new information, not repeat material already included in your application. In addition to mentioning the actions in step 3 as applicable, you might share a promotion at work, additional reasons for fit with the program, or how you’ll contribute to the school. Another thing to consider as you draft your waitlist update letter is that the school wants reassurance you will enroll if admitted. Remember that not everyone on the waitlist is as committed to the school as you are. So, don’t hesitate to let the school know that you remain committed to their program and that it is your #1 choice if that’s the case. No need to beat around the bush with this one – just say it directly. [*] Get (appropriately) creative. [/list] So far, we’ve explored the “tried and true” ways to actively manage your waitlist status. However, being on the waitlist is also a great opportunity to get a little creative (so long as it doesn’t violate the school’s waitlist instructions). For instance, more schools are now accepting video letters (i.e., Chicago Booth), so using that medium to provide meaningful updates while showcasing your personality and “putting a face to your name” could be a great option. Another idea is to have a current student or alum who knows you well submit a letter of support that details why you’re a good fit for their school. Lastly, if you happen to be near the school – particularly if you haven’t visited already – it couldn’t hurt to reach out to admissions to let them know. It’s possible they’ll allow you to schedule a meeting or, at the very least, taking the time to visit campus can reaffirm your interest. Final Words of Advice We know this is easier said than done, but now is not the time to despair. Your efforts (and emotions) are better spent on taking constructive action. Stay confident (if you’re on the waitlist, it means that you have what it takes) and try not to compare yourself with others. Put your head down and focus on #1-5 above. That said, as with all things MBA admissions, the waitlist process is not formulaic and there’s no magic bullet. In addition to taking actions that strengthen your profile, it’s smart to have a contingency plan. Perhaps you consider applying to additional programs in Round 2 or, if you don’t want to expand your list of schools, begin strategizing about how you can level up your profile as a reapplicant if it comes to that. But again, don’t lose hope. Remember that client we mentioned at the beginning of this article who was on three different waitlists? He is now in his first year at his top choice program and couldn’t be happier. On the waitlist and want personalized advice on next steps? We’re happy to help! Our ‘Re-Pack’ service includes a review of your application and actionable advice to inform your waitlist strategy. Request an initial consultation here. The post What to Do When You’re on the MBA Waitlist – A Step by Step Action Plan appeared first on Vantage Point MBA. |
16 Nov 2023, 15:00
| FROM Vantage Point MBA Admissions Blog: Should I Get an MBA? Stuff They Tell You and Stuff They Don’t |
 In a recent post, our Co-Founder and President, Melody Jones, shared the following: “On Friday last week, a prospective client asked me why I decided to get an MBA. I’m actually surprised that more people don’t ask me that  In case my story inspires you, I’m going to share why I made the decision over 10 years ago. My big push to consider an MBA was the ’07-’09 financial crisis when I was working for one of the banks that failed. That early experience with such uncertainty and fear forced me to take a step back and re-evaluate my goals and priorities. At first, all I knew was that I didn’t want to stay in finance. And that was a good first step but as I often remind my clients, you should never pursue an MBA to “run away” from a situation or job you don’t like. Instead, you should pursue an MBA as a step towards something bigger and/or better than you want. It took me some time to figure out what I really wanted but I eventually got there (with the help of my MBA admissions consultant) and actually ended up doing exactly what I wrote about in my MBA essays – working in brand management for L’Oreal.” Like Melody was during a shaky job market, are you sitting here wondering ‘Should I get an MBA?’. If so, today’s article is for you. We’ll be the first to tell you that an MBA is not for everyone. In most cases, it’s a significant financial investment, not to mention incredibly challenging both academically and personally. But, in our experience as MBAs and admissions consultants, the rationale that goes into answering ‘Should I get an MBA?’ is often more robust than people initially think. There are the standard benefits you’ll read about if you google ‘Should I get an MBA?’ but there are also a number of more nuanced things to gain from the business school experience. Should I Get an MBA? Stuff They Tell You
Should I Get an MBA? Stuff They Don’t Tell You
Should I Get an MBA? If Yes, What Program Format is Right for Me? If the points we’ve made today hit home and you feel an MBA might be the right step for you, it’s important to also consider what program format best meets your needs – full time, part time or executive. Here is our high-level overview of the differences: Full Time MBA
Part Time MBA
Executive MBA
Should I Get an MBA? If Yes, Where Do I Start? Even if you have an inkling an MBA might be right for you, it makes sense to lay the groundwork for an application. Some of the steps that follow may even help you make that final decision on whether to throw your hat in the ring, so to speak. Here is what you can (and should) do now:
We hope you’ve found these insights and advice helpful as you ponder the question ‘should I get an MBA?’. If you’re solidly in the ‘yes’ camp and would like help with your applications, click here to request an initial consultation. The post Should I Get an MBA? Stuff They Tell You and Stuff They Don’t appeared first on Vantage Point MBA. |
23 Nov 2023, 06:00
| FROM Vantage Point MBA Admissions Blog: Is an MBA Worth It for Me? The Top Three Things to Consider |
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If you’ve begun to consider whether to apply to business school (maybe you even read our last article, ‘Should I Get an MBA? Stuff They Tell You and Stuff They Don’t‘), you likely have a multitude of questions swirling in your mind. Where should I apply? Will I get into a program I’m excited about? And, perhaps most importantly, is an MBA worth it for me? As you undoubtedly know, applying to business school and earning an MBA are a huge investment of time and money. Particularly if you plan to attend a full time program, the uncertainty of stepping away from your current job in pursuit of a post-MBA goal you think sounds appealing can be terrifying. To help put structure around the decision of whether to pursue an MBA, here are the top three things we recommend you consider: #1 – Cost Although pursuing an MBA is an investment with an attractive ROI in most cases, it’s important to consider how much it costs and plan how you will pay for it. When you think about the cost of business school, your head likely first goes to tuition and living expenses. So, how much are we talking, exactly? It depends. A top full time MBA program will run you $250,000+ across the two years you are in school. If you fund it yourself, a part time MBA program will cost roughly $150,000 and an executive MBA program will be in the $200,000 range. Beyond tuition, it’s important to think about some of the ‘extras’ you’ll want to take part in during your business school tenure, like travel. Some travel is purely discretionary, like schoolwide ski trips and summer tours around Europe with new friends. But FOMO is real (and intense in an insular campus environment) so be realistic about whether you’ll want to jump at these opportunities. Other travel, however, is not quite discretionary. Many programs offer (or even require) global coursework that involves immersive travel to the area of the world you are studying. Additionally, executive MBA programs and part time MBA programs that are not in the city where you live require you to travel to campus at regular intervals and may require you to cover your own lodging. Lastly, as referenced earlier, if you will be leaving your current job to attend school, there is the risk involved with that as well as the forgone salary during the two years of your MBA. #2 – Timing When we say timing, we’re actually referring to two different things – first, how much time you’ve spent working when you apply, and second, how much time you have between when you apply and when you would like to enroll. Both will inform which type of MBA program is the best fit for you and, ultimately, whether the degree makes sense for your circumstances. Regarding the first element of timing, your age and/or work experience, it’s important to consider where you fall relative to the class profile of the programs and program format (i.e., full time, part time, or executive) you are targeting. Not only do your chances of admission increase if you roughly fall in line with the published class average, but these statistics land where they do for a reason. Full time programs skew younger because they provide the most value for those who are early-ish on in their careers. There tends to be a lower opportunity cost involved with younger candidates stepping away from the workforce for two years and there’s also generally more salary upside post-MBA for these candidates, who may use the degree to pivot toward a more lucrative career.  The other timing-related consideration has to do with the application cycle for different programs and program formats. For the top full time MBA programs, many applicants start working on application components (like taking the GMAT, visiting campuses, etc.) at least a year before they plan to matriculate. At the latest, applications for these programs should be submitted in January or February of the year an applicant plans to begin classes (which would occur in the fall, so 8-9 months). The lead time between application submission and matriculation can be shorter for part time and executive MBA programs. In other words, it’s important to consider the specifics of your situation when determining what programs to target and even whether an MBA makes sense for you in the first place.  #3 – Goals The final, and perhaps most critical, thing to considering your answer to ‘is an MBA is worth it for me?’ are your career goals. We can’t say this enough, you must clarify your personal and professional goals BEFORE you pursue an MBA, not during or after. The first reason is that having well-defined and realistic, yet ambitious career goals is critical to a compelling application. You simply won’t be admitted to a competitive program without this. And, if you think about it, the adcom’s rationale is aligned with your own. To get the most out of business school, you need to arrive on campus knowing the knowledge you want to acquire, skills you want to build, and types of people you want to network with. Two years (in the case of full time programs) go by in a flash and there simply isn’t time to take every elective or interview for every job. If you step foot on campus without a direction, you may not end up accelerating your career and may end up without a job offer upon graduation – not what the school, or most importantly you, want. If you simply want to take a break to figure out what you really want to do or are seeking an escape from a job you dislike, further reflection is required before you move forward. The same goes with applying because it will satisfy someone else’s expectations of you (i.e., your parents, partner, or boss). Because life is short – investing time, money, and energy into something you’re not passionate about is not ‘worth it’. So, what are some ‘good’ reasons for pursuing an MBA? Oftentimes, applicants want to pivot careers to something more personally meaningful to them. They may also like the path they are on, but want to accelerate their trajectory or move from ‘doing’ to ‘leading’. Some even dream of starting their own business one day. Each of these objectives can lead to an answer of ‘yes’ to the question ‘is an MBA worth it for me?’ and they may also inform the type of program that is best for you (i.e., a part time or executive program may be a better fit for a ‘career accelerator’). If you think your answer is ‘yes’ to the question, ‘is an MBA is worth it for me?’ and are ready to apply, let’s chat! Click here to request an initial consultation. The post Is an MBA Worth It for Me? The Top Three Things to Consider appeared first on Vantage Point MBA. |
30 Nov 2023, 13:00
| FROM Vantage Point MBA Admissions Blog: MYTH: GMAT / GRE scores are correlated with acceptance outcomes at the top MBA programs. |
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Yes, you read that right. Every year our team coaches 125~ management consultants from one of the leading firms. Within this applicant cohort, our data has shown that applicants with a 720 GMAT are just as likely as those with a 780 GMAT to gain acceptance to top MBA programs. Why could this be? Within this impressive bunch of applicants, wouldn’t the admissions teams at HBS and Stanford GSB just pick the highest scoring ones? Not exactly, particularly when their priority is to assemble a highly diverse class. So, in a competitive process where a high test score won’t be sufficient to get you accepted, what will? In a nutshell, differentiation. The next question then becomes, “how do I stand out?” For some MBA applicants, this comes more easily—like the architect our team worked with last year who is now a student at MIT Sloan or the injured Marine Corps veteran who is now a student at Wharton. However, for many of our clients from over-represented industry backgrounds, the answer is far more nuanced. Those nuances, based on our clients’ real life success stories, are what I want to share with you today. My hope is that if you find yourself in a particularly competitive applicant pool for top MBA programs, these tips will give you some fresh inspiration on how to differentiate yourself from the pack.  #1 – Tell your “superhero origin story” This is a fun framing that we often use with our clients to get them thinking about their story in a fresh way. But the result is high impact: a cohesive narrative that sheds light on your experiences, motivations, and ambitions. It shows why you’ve done the things you’ve done and thereby empowers the admissions committee to imagine how you’ll show up as a student, alum, and future business leader. And those are the applicants that get accepted. There are four key pieces of any superhero origin story: 1) their background (family, where they grew up, etc.), 2) the pivot point or the catalyst that led to a change / transformation, 3) challenges they overcame as part of that transition, and 4) what now motivates them to use their powers for good. Now let’s apply this to a successful HBS essay topic:
What is so effective about this approach is that it has nothing to do with work until the very end. In most cases, your personal story is far more powerful than any professional accomplishments. By thinking about yourself as a “superhero”, you’ll realize just how much you have to offer. Plus, you’ll tell a story that nobody else can tell. How’s that for differentiation?  #2 – Own your point-of-view This one can feel more delicate but if done well, is magic. Let me first explain what I mean by this. Applicants often fall into the trap of “reporting” (like a news reporter) on the objective facts and events in a particular story instead of sharing their firsthand, eyewitness account of not only what happened, but what they were thinking and feeling—and how others were thinking and feeling. By writing from the latter point of view, you enable the reader to connect with you as the protagonist of the story and in doing so, are setting yourself apart. But taking it one step further, my advice here is to also take a stand for what you think and believe. After all, students having a viewpoint and respectfully defending it is exactly what makes classrooms at top MBA programs so engaging. Business schools aren’t looking for students and alums who are ensemble cast members—they want change-makers who are stars of the show. Let’s revisit the example from above to bring this to life. A perfectly OK career goal would be the applicant’s desire to become a leader in the hospitality industry focused on driving strategy and growth. However, this applicant distinguished herself by injecting her own point of view. She believes that the hospitality industry is currently missing a huge opportunity to create new models of deeply personalized, end-to-end travel experiences that immerse travelers in local cultures and build connections. And she backed that up with specific examples from both her personal life and consulting case work.  #3 – Leverage your recommenders There’s no doubt just how important your letters of recommendation are in the admissions process for top MBA programs. But they become even more important for applicants from over-represented industries because the competition is your teammates, your peers. The admissions committee will be looking to your recommenders for insight into how you truly compare to your peer group from someone who knows you well. No matter how inspiring your superhero origin story is and no matter how adeptly you convey your point-of-view on your industry or area of passion, if your letters of recommendation are lukewarm, it’s like throwing a wet blanket on a bonfire. Womp womp. What this means is that you should select your recommenders carefully and communicate with them as directly and thoroughly as possible about your application strategy, so they have the full context. It’s also helpful to remind them that letters of recommendation are not performance reviews, where the good needs to be balanced with the bad. That’s not to say that your recommenders should sugar coat the truth (because they shouldn’t), but they should be your enthusiastic fans. And they should directly answer the question about how you compare to your peers. Think of the MBA application process as a game of musical chairs. Top MBA admissions officers say that up to 80% of applicants are qualified for admission to their program yet less than 20% will be accepted. My hope is that the advice I shared above helps you make big strides in setting yourself apart from the pack—and gaining that coveted spot at your dream school. If you’d like help differentiating yourself in your applications to top MBA programs, click here to request an initial consultation. The post MYTH: GMAT / GRE scores are correlated with acceptance outcomes at the top MBA programs. appeared first on Vantage Point MBA. |
07 Dec 2023, 12:01
| FROM Vantage Point MBA Admissions Blog: What GPA Do I Need for a Top MBA Program? And What Should I Do If Mine Isn’t Great? |
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As MBA admissions consultants, we’re commonly asked, ‘what GPA do I need for a top MBA program?’ We get it – it’s easy to be concerned that a low GPA (which you have no ability to change at this point) will prevent you from being accepted to the MBA program of your dreams. To begin, let’s define what we mean by ‘low’, and this is dependent on a few things, including the program(s) you’re targeting. For instance, the average GPA of HBS’ last incoming class was 3.7 whereas the average GPA of Georgetown McDonough’s last incoming class was 3.3. While that is not a huge range, the difference is significant. Another factor to consider is the competitiveness of your ‘peer set’ in the application process. Say for instance, you come from the finance industry (i.e. investment banking / private equity). Business schools receive enough applications from those with this background that they could fill their entire class with them…but they won’t. There is a (loosely) defined number of seats in each class for finance applicants. To compel the adcom to offer you one of them, you might need to outperform the class average. Not to mention that the cohort of finance applicants probably has a high average GPA to begin with, as academic success was likely a prerequisite for getting their job in the first place. This is all a long-winded way of saying that the answer to ‘what GPA do I need for a top MBA program?’ is ‘it depends’. But generally, if your GPA is below the class average for your target program(s) – with slight adjustments up or down for the differentiation of your profile – you should pay close attention to the advice we’re about to share. Whether it was because you chose the toughest major at your university, had a little too much fun, or were so involved in extracurriculars that you didn’t have enough time to study, the good news is that, despite being something you can’t change, a low GPA can be one of the easier weaknesses to mitigate in your MBA applications. But First, Why Do MBA Programs Care So Much About My GPA? If you’re like most applicants, college was several years ago and you’ve come a long way since then – you’ve begun your career, earned a promotion or two, and maybe even started managing a team. While these accomplishments help demonstrate your leadership potential and perhaps your analytical skills, they don’t tell the admissions committee whether you can handle a rigorous academic environment. Though MBA programs often emphasize the “programmatic” nature of the degree (the internships, seminars, experiential learning opportunities, conferences, trips, and networking), an MBA is still a master’s level degree with master’s level classes. The coursework demands that you can study, apply theories to cases, write essays, and pass tests. The time-honored way for the admissions committees to assess your skills in this area is by looking at the combination of your GMAT or GRE score and your GPA. So, what can you do if have a low GPA – one that is not at or above the average for your target schools? The key is to focus on two things: 1) explaining and 2) overcoming.  My GPA Isn’t Great, What Should I Do Now? What if your answer to ‘what GPA do I need for a top MBA program?’ is ‘not the one I have on my transcript’? The first thing you should absolutely plan to do is leverage the optional essay to explain the situation. Note that we did not use the word “justify”. Explaining is not making excuses; explaining is simply stating what ‘it’ was and why ‘it’s’ better now (whatever ‘it’ was). Don’t sweep anything under the rug or be cagey. If your low GPA was mainly because of your first two years when you were struggling with over-committing and not managing your time well, then it’s OK to say that it took you awhile to perfect your time management skills and learn to prioritize effectively. In fact, it shows a great deal of maturity and self-reflection. However, you must immediately follow that statement with how you’ve overcome that issue (e.g., earned a top-notch GPA in another master’s program, successfully managed multiple projects at work, etc.). Be brief but specific – you don’t want them to assume that you are being vague because the real reason for your low GPA is that you just partied too much. Beyond Explaining, Offer Proof of Your Ability to Succeed in Their Program In addition to explaining why you had a low GPA in undergrad, you also want to use the optional essay to share what you’ve done to demonstrate your academic ability. A strong GMAT or GRE score is a great counterpoint to a low GPA, so if you’re considering a retake because you think you might have room for improvement, go for it. In an ideal world, your test score overachieves the school average if you are applying with a GPA that underachieves the school average. Other credentials like having passed the CFA exam (even Level 1) can demonstrate your ability to learn large volumes of quantitatively complex material, as you will in business school. The same goes for highlighting elements of your job that are analytically rigorous. Bonus points if your recommenders can reinforce your ability to get up to speed with quantitative or challenging concepts quickly.  Proof Might Involve Taking Supplemental Coursework The best “proof” is having earned a stellar grade in a post-grad class to show the admissions committee that you can handle the academics like a champ. Fortunately, there are great options for every work and life schedule. On the higher end of commitment level are live classes through a local community college or university continuing education department. These work well for people who learn best in a group setting and want to be held to a more concrete schedule. Self-directed online courses offer more flexibility. On the lower end of the commitment and time spectrum, MBAMath.com costs $149 for modules covering topics like statistics, accounting and finance that can be completed in 20-40 hours. On the higher end of commitment and time is Harvard Online’s CORe program, which costs $2,250 and is estimated to take approximately 150 hours to complete. Of note, many estimate that a rather large percentage of HBS admits have taken CORe (this is anecdotal, of course). Other popular options include Wharton’s Coursera courses (target the graded versions) and UC Berkeley’s Extension. Focus on foundational quantitative subjects you didn’t study in college (or performed poorly in) like accounting, statistics and/or calculus. By doing well in one of these courses, you can ask the admissions committee to look at your additional coursework grades as an indication of your ability to succeed in the classroom instead of your undergrad coursework. Typically, this demonstration, paired with a strong GMAT score, will help an admissions director to feel more comfortable with a low GPA. Aside from increasing your chances, taking additional coursework shows your commitment and willingness to prepare for the MBA experience, which signals that you are ready to get as much value out of the program as humanly possible (and the admissions committee likes that!). Interested in a personalized answer to ‘what GPA do I need for a top MBA?’ or help with your applications? Reach out to request an initial consultation. The post What GPA Do I Need for a Top MBA Program? And What Should I Do If Mine Isn’t Great? appeared first on Vantage Point MBA. |
14 Dec 2023, 11:00
| FROM Vantage Point MBA Admissions Blog: Three Mistakes to Avoid in Your MBA Application Essays |
 If you’re applying to business school in Round 2, you’re likely hard at work refining your MBA application essays. As such, we thought it would be a good time to share three mistakes we commonly see people make in this critical application component, but that can be easily remedied even if you’ve already written the bulk of your content. We’ll be the first to say that most ‘mistakes’ aren’t dealbreakers on their own, but the three below can hurt your chances. Use this list to go back through your near-complete applications and make sure these pitfalls do not apply to your MBA application essays – this ‘quick check’ could make a difference. Mistake #1 – Being Negative (Even When You Feel It’s Warranted) Unless you’re a star on Bravo, most people can’t get away with complaining all the time AND come across as likeable or interesting. Maybe your boss is a total nut who drives you insane. Or maybe you work at a company that is imploding and everyone is jumping ship as morale declines. Whatever the situation, be mindful of how much airtime you give to venting about it; that takes precious space within your MBA application essays that you could be using to write about how amazing YOU are! You may think that it’s important to explain the full context, so the reader “gets” you and your experience. It’s true that background is important. So is getting personal (see #3 below). However, what we often see is this: someone will write three paragraphs describing how horrible their company is then quickly gloss over how that relates to them and their actions. Flip that – explain the situation honestly and truthfully…but also concisely. Avoid putting down your boss or your job. People generally react negatively when someone speaks ill of another person. Fair or not, especially when you’re young, people often assume that, in fact, you were the problem or that you’re making excuses. After you briefly present the facts, focus on explaining how you felt, reacted, rose above, or otherwise operated incredibly well despite the situation around you. The reader will get it (and likely be impressed). Mistake #2 – Being a ‘Wanderer’ We really like the quote “not all those who wander are lost”, but it doesn’t relate to MBA application essays. The admissions committees at top MBA programs do not want you to be wishy-washy. It blows us away when we read an application that says something like ‘my long-term goal might be investment banking but could also be non-profit or general management for a CPG company.’ Or even worse yet, ‘I want to use the two years of business school to explore my options’. The person reading this is thinking, so basically, you have no idea, and you made no effort to have an idea. Of course, almost everyone who applies to business school is a little unclear about what life will look like after those two years. Admissions committees know that. However, you must be able to demonstrate that you have a target career that is a logical starting point. Maybe you will change your mind and that’s ok, but at least you can show the admissions committee what you’re excited about, what interests you, and how you will get started with the process. This is also wise from a logistical standpoint. As soon as school starts, the career and internship talk begins. Companies come to campus for presentations and networking, clubs start prepping people for interviews, etc. You can’t do it all, so you need to have an idea of where to focus. That’s how we encourage people to think about the career goals they describe in their MBA application essays. Perhaps you are in banking right now and think you want to go into private equity, but also think you might like consulting if you learned more about it. Great! There are fantastic “whys” for each of those, so do your research on both and put the logic behind their appeal down on paper. For purposes of the application, it’s probably best to focus on one path as your ‘Plan A’ and keep the other in your back pocket as an interesting alternative. Keep in mind that whatever you write is not binding. It’s ok for you to note your starting point and then change your mind once you learn more as a student. Mistake #3 – Coming Across as a Robot Getting personal and sharing more than you would in typical business writing is among the hardest things for many of our clients. It’s tempting, and natural, to default to simply reiterating your resume and then telling a boilerplate story about what you want to do and why you want to go to business school. At work, your colleagues don’t typically ask you to explain what made you who you are, what influenced your choices in life, and what that says about you as a leader. So of course, writing in this style for your MBA application essays is not natural for many people. But it’s necessary, especially for top MBA programs like Harvard Business School and Stanford GSB. Here’s a trick: most people have a few ideas of stories or experiences that were pivotal in their lives. Take each of these and ask yourself: 1) how/why did I get that opportunity or experience; 2) is the way that I handled that situation reflective of one of my central traits; 3) if so, how did I get that trait and how else does it show up in my life; and 4) how did I feel about that experience (surprised, afraid, cautious, elated, anxious, etc.) and why? Questions like this should help you tease out your core values and motivations. Describe these in your MBA application essays to give the admissions committee a better picture of who you are as a person beyond your resume. If you want to discuss how we leverage strategies like these and others to help applicants and reapplicants get into the top MBA programs at a 3x higher rate than average, click to request an initial consultation with our team of top MBA admissions consultants. The post Three Mistakes to Avoid in Your MBA Application Essays appeared first on Vantage Point MBA. |
21 Dec 2023, 14:00
| FROM Vantage Point MBA Admissions Blog: MBA Application Form Best Practices |
 You’ve likely heard the phrase, ‘you’ll never get a second chance to make a first impression.’ Turns out it’s actually a real thing rooted in psychology – a phenomenon called the primacy effect. The initial impression someone gets of you tends to stick. If you’re applying to business school, keep this in mind as you complete your MBA application form (you know, all the questions you have to answer about yourself that you may have left to the last minute?). When the adcom sits down to read your submission, the MBA application form is likely the first thing they’ll see. Therefore, not only do you want to make sure it is accurate and error free (per another one of our favorite quotes, ‘how you do something is how you do everything’), you should also use it to your strategic advantage. While many of the questions are cut and dry, a number of them allow for text-based answers and should be used to reinforce – or even supplement – the other components of your application. MBA application forms vary by school, of course, but here are some best practices that tend to apply to most programs. Personal & Family Background Most MBA application forms provide an opportunity to share additional information about how or where you grew up. Some include a straightforward ‘check the box’ question where you can indicate that you are a first-generation college student, were raised in a single parent home, etc. – of course answer these according to your personal circumstances. Others, however, provide a text box and allow you to share anything you deem relevant. So what is relevant, exactly? In our experience, applicants who had fairly ‘typical’ upbringings with no significant hardships are hesitant to complete this answer. We’d encourage you to dig a little deeper! Everyone has a story to tell and how you were raised can have a significant influence on the person you are today. Maybe you were raised in a military family and moved around a lot or are one of six siblings – these can all be relevant to include. Whatever you choose to include, the ‘best practice’ is to describe the situation but then share how it impacted you and your choices in life. If you moved around a lot, maybe you grew into a person who makes new friends wherever they go and are always bringing people together for fun events. This would be a great contribution on a business school campus! Employer & Role Descriptions An important focus area of any MBA application form is the work history section. This is the area where you share the roles you’ve had, main responsibilities, and even salary information. Sometimes applicants are surprised or even annoyed because they feel like they are being asked to regurgitate their resume here, but that perspective overlooks the strategic opportunity. If you’ve crafted an effective MBA resume, it should be more focused on the accomplishments you’ve achieved than a listing of your day-to-day job responsibilities (although 1-2 bullets covering the latter for each role is fine). The MBA application form allows you space to elaborate on how your role fits into your team and how your team contributes to the overall organization. Answer in a way someone who generally understands business but not your particular function or industry would grasp. Not only does this provide the adcom with important context, it also demonstrates you have strong audience-appropriate communication skills (very important in business school and beyond). Other Work History Questions Another question that is typically asked in the work history section of MBA application forms is your reason for leaving each company you’ve worked for in the past. As we shared last week, you definitely don’t want to badmouth your former employer – it’s just not a good look. The best practice here, however, is to use these answers to demonstrate you are planful and rational with your career choices. Said more directly, tell the adcom why you accepted the next role instead of why you left the role in question. What skillset or experience were you looking to gain that was not available as part of the job you left? And don’t forget about your current role – oftentimes you are asked to share your reason for leaving that too (even though you likely haven’t left yet). We often see people put ‘N/A’ or something along those lines. Accurate? Yes. Strategic? No. Instead, share that you are leaving to attend business school and learn ‘X, Y and Z skills’ or that you are leaving to attend business school to enable a pivot to your target field. Post-MBA Goals (and a Broadly Applicable Note About Character Limits) It’s safe to assume all MBA application forms will ask you about your post-MBA career goals and we’re sure you know this is an important answer to have nailed down. However, your answers to these questions are exponentially more important for applications where the essay question(s) don’t specifically ask you to talk about your goals. For instance, did you know that the HBS adcom has said time and again that they don’t want to you spend the essay talking about ‘why MBA’ and ‘why HBS’? Kellogg is another school where the essays focus way more heavily on past experiences than future goals. So, how do you maximize the impact of your answers? Our first ‘pro tip’ is to utilize the character count you have available to you (which often seems limiting) thoughtfully. Instead of restating the prompt, think of the question as a fill in the blank. For instance, here are two responses to the question, ‘what is your immediate post-MBA career goal?’: Option A: After business school I will obtain a role at a healthcare startup in strategy and business development where I can gain experience to, one day, found a company of my own in the space. Option B: To work in strategy at a healthcare technology startup like Nourish or PatientPoint where I can apply my healthcare background and learn to scale a business, enabling my long-term entrepreneurial goals. Both options are roughly 200 characters, but option B comes across as a lot more thoughtful and informative. Other tips for the career goals questions are to communicate the linkage between the short-term and the long-term to ensure the progression seems logical to the adcom. And, as you can see from the sample responses above, it’s a great touch to add the names of a few companies you might target working for and to be specific about the role and sector (even subsector) you are focused on. One Last Tip for When You Think You Are Done Once you’ve nailed the content for each of your MBA application form responses, please please please proofread everything one more time. We’re all used to relying on spell check and the like in Word, it can be easy to forget that the application fields are not subject to these quality controls. You may even want to copy and paste your text answers into Word and let technology do the work. A careless error can do a lot of damage to an otherwise strong application. We hope the MBA application form best practices we’ve shared today help you ‘wow’ the adcom with your submission. We also hope they demonstrate why you shouldn’t view this important piece of the application as an afterthought. Admissions committees truly want a holistic understanding of who you are and what you would bring to their class – don’t miss any opportunity to tell them! The post MBA Application Form Best Practices appeared first on Vantage Point MBA. |
28 Dec 2023, 12:01
| FROM Vantage Point MBA Admissions Blog: Applying to Business School in Round 3, Worth It or Not? Here’s How to Decide |
 If you’re panicking with less than a week to go until round 2 MBA application deadlines begin, you might be wondering if you should consider applying to business school in round 3 instead. You’ve likely heard that your chances of acceptance are much lower in round 3, but most programs have a third round for a reason, right? Yes, it’s true that applicants are accepted each year in round 3. But – we won’t sugarcoat it – they are the minority. Before you decide whether applying to business school in round 3 is right for you, it’s important to understand how the adcom views this part of the admissions cycle AND consider your own personal situation. How Top Business Schools View Round 3 MBA Applications Unfortunately, by the time round 3 comes around, most of the class at any of the top MBA programs has been filled with prior round applicants. In fact, HBS decided to get rid of its round 3 cycle a few years ago. In round 3, the adcom is also re-evaluating waitlist candidates from prior rounds, so competition is fierce for a finite number of seats. In round 3, the schools are refining, not building their class – we’ve heard this time and again from adcoms at the top MBA programs. It is very likely they’ve already admitted applicants like you. As such, the bar for distinguishing yourself is set that much higher. This is even more challenging for traditionally overrepresented applicant profiles (i.e., consultants, those in IB/PE, engineers from India, tech folks etc.). This is not to pick on these folks, but it is simply unlikely that a top program has a lack of consultants, for example, among its pool of admitted students. Have consultants ever been admitted in round 3? Of course! But it’s an uphill battle. What the Data Tells Us About Applying to Business School in Round 3 Although schools don’t publish acceptance rates by round, our friends at Poets & Quants did some digging and estimated them using self-reported data from GMAT Club. It’s not perfect but can be used directionally. They found that round 3 acceptance rates at Stanford declined by 75% versus round 1 to a mere 2% of applicants – ouch! Round 3 acceptance rates at programs such as HBS, Haas, and Tuck are thought to decline 65-68% versus round 1 to <10%. Some schools have acceptance rates that round to zero for Round 3! Other Things to Consider when Applying to Business School in Round 3 While the process varies from program to program, scholarship money is typically less available in round 3. Some schools consider all applicants – no matter the application round – for merit-based and need-based scholarships/fellowships. There is simply less money left over for round 3 applicants as earlier applicants have received priority. Separately, if you’re an international applicant, waiting until round 3 might complicate visa processing, housing arrangements, etc. It’s not impossible to make the timing work, but it will likely be stressful. A Few Situations When Applying to Business School in Round 3 Makes Sense Although round 3 MBA applications do come with risks, it’s not all doom and gloom. In our experience, applying to business school in round 3 could be right for you if:
When It Might Make Sense to Wait Until Round 1 Next Year While it can be tough to think about waiting a year plus to begin business school, there are many instances where a little extra time to craft a stellar application can pay off. It might make sense to apply in round 1 next year if:
We’re here if you would like to discuss your options! Request an initial consultation today. The post Applying to Business School in Round 3, Worth It or Not? Here’s How to Decide appeared first on Vantage Point MBA. |
29 Dec 2023, 13:00
| FROM Vantage Point MBA Admissions Blog: How to Answer Kellogg’s Video Essay Questions |
 Kellogg’s round 2 application deadline is quickly approaching! If you are applying, you’ve likely seen that the application includes three video essays that are due within 96 hours of the application deadline. As such, today we’re sharing our tips for how to prepare for and answer Kellogg’s video essay questions. Unlike in years past, you won’t know Kellogg’s video essay questions in advance. We get it, this adds another layer of stress to the process. But remember that all applicants face the same uncertainty, and, with a little prep, you’ll be ready to use this part of the application to your advantage. To help you get started, we’re sharing our best tips for tackling Kellogg’s video essay questions as well as a list of sample prompts you can use to practice. Timing is Key Tactically speaking, once you see each question, you will have 20 seconds to think about your answer and 60 seconds to record your response. Our first word of advice is to focus the bulk of your practice on getting the timing right – a minute is shorter than you think! We’ve practiced live with countless clients over the years and most of them initially get cutoff mid-thought. Using the list of potential Kellogg video essay questions at the end of this article, practice answering them (out loud!) with a timer running. Then do it again. This will give you a sense for what talking for 60 seconds feels like. Kellogg’s portal also offers practice questions to help you get the timing right – use this resource! Content Should be Complementary, not Repetitive Our next word of advice is on content. The admissions committee will have just read your written essays, so don’t overtly repeat them. Kellogg’s video essay questions are an opportunity to build on what you’ve included in the rest of your application. It is also an opportunity to showcase your personality – as such, it’s ok to have a little fun with these, especially the first question where you will likely be asked to introduce yourself. Perhaps throw in a hobby you love or mention your family, pets, spouse, etc. For the second and third questions, you won’t know the exact prompts but, if you consider the list at the end of this article, you’ll see that they tend to fall into general categories. With those in mind, prepare a few brief stories and think about how you could make them fit several different questions. These should be some of your best stories that you want the adcom to know but just didn’t fit squarely into an essay. Delivery is the Icing on the Cake (the Best Part, Right?) Lastly, put thought and practice behind your delivery. This is what separates good video essays from great ones. Look directly at your webcam, speak slowly and clearly (a computer mic can sound muffled!), and – most importantly – smile! In our experience, mindset is everything here. Put on the shirt or dress that makes you feel like a million bucks, imagine there is a warm, receptive face on the computer screen and talk directly to it. As we said earlier, this is likely the admissions committee’s only chance to see you ‘live’ (Kellogg’s interviews are done by alums), so make the most of it. Practice Makes Perfect When you sit down to record your video essays, it would be unwise to assume you have a comprehensive list of potential questions from a source you found on the internet so don’t get complacent. While Kellogg isn’t trying to trick you with these, they are looking to see how you think on your feet and whether you can communicate coherently and effectively. This is exactly what you’ll need to do in an MBA classroom and as a future business leader. With that said, after grounding yourself in the stories you might leverage from your arsenal, take a stab at answering the following…in 60 seconds…on camera. Practice will help, even if you end up getting a question that surprises you.
With a little practice, you’ll do great. Video essays tend to stress applicants out more than they need to. This might be easy for us to say from our seat at the table but view them as an opportunity more than a hurdle! As always, we’re here to help, including with hourly advice on things such as interview skills and waitlist strategy. Click here to request an initial consultation. The post How to Answer Kellogg’s Video Essay Questions appeared first on Vantage Point MBA. |
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