If you’re serious about business school, then you need to consider registering for a World MBA Tour City Fair. You can save money and enjoy fast-track entry for the event by pre-registering today.
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I began my search for business school last year by identifying those programmes that fit my basic requirements. There are two aspects to this:
You will want to decide if on the content of what you want, what your MBA focus will be and the electives you will be interested in. Moreover, you need to find out if the programme runs where you are or want to be. Do you want to study in Europe or America? (more…)
Technorati Tags: business school, MBA focus
The children’s story of “The Little Red Hen?” is one that comes to mind each time I think of my Business School application process. The Hen found a grain of wheat (opportunity) and decided to make bread (MBA admission in my case). She then proceeded to take the proper steps to plan and prepare for her desired result. She planted the grain, tended, watered, and harvested it. This is nothing but action on display. She took the wheat to the mill to be ground into flour. She made the dough, let it rise, and, finally, put it in the oven to bake.
Some times last year, I thought that I would just sit down behind my computer system, submit my application to some of the top business schools and then with weeks receive my offer letter. I, however, found that there is more to it than just thinking of going to business school. My application process actually helped me to find out that, in reality, no one can the MBA admission on a platter of gold. You have to work for it. You have got to be at the centre of your application even if you are using the help of MBA Admission Consultant . (more…)
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Now that you have made up you mind about applying to business school, I would suggest that you start building your strong application now. Your application can go from good to better to getting an acceptance letter by a little knowledge and some fine-tuning. It starts with a clear action plan—not a check list of things to do, but a strategy to maximize your chances. Meanwhile, you need to ask yourself some questions.
Technorati Tags: business school, MBA
Jeremy Dann’s write up on Improve Your Candidacy is surely a must read for every applicants. The write-up sheds more light on how an average MBA applicant can strengthen his/her application. He believes that May, June, July and August should be the very fruitful months for both your personal development and for improving your business school application—or, more precisely, for improving your business school candidacy. For the rest of this write-up, visit Improve Your Candidacy.
Technorati Tags: applicants, MBA applicant, business school
Whether you are speaking with current students or touring the campus yourself, it is helpful to approach these information-gathering experiences with as clear a sense of what matters to you as possible. Here are a few broad categories to consider:
1) Facilities - Are state of the art classrooms and impressive new architecture a priority for you? Would you prefer a school that is headquarted in a single building to one spread over a larger campus? What about wireless access and use of technology in teaching? If any of these factors are of significant importance and could tip the balance between schools on your list of target programs, you’ll want to do this sort of research up front. If visiting yourself, we’d recommend that you take pictures or write up your thoughts after the fact while your impression is still fresh in your mind.
2) Surroundings - In addition to the campus itself, you’ll want to allow yourself some time to ask about and explore the larger city, town or rural location. Where do students live, eat and socialize? What is the cost of living? How do they get from place to place (parking or public transit may be an issue)? Are you interested in an active night life, or a wholesome place to raise a family? While considerations of academics and post-graduation career prospects generally take priority, you will be spending two years of your live in business school and these more subtle factors can often tip the balance in favor of a certain program when all other elements are more or less equal. (more…)
Looking back at my application process and experience, here is some high level advice for future applicants. I will keep it brief………….
GMAT: Set a test date, set a study schedule, determine where you at in terms of knowledge by taking a practice/diagnosis test, then practice, practice & practice. I used the 11th edition OG GMAT book and Kaplan book. If you have undisciplined studying habits (especially being out of school for a few years), sign up for a class. Unfortunately, my work schedule didnt allow me to sign up with any class but putting a simple study calendar helped me stay focused. I had only 3 weeks to prepare for the exam. This is the most unenjoyable, in fact down right boring, and unstimulating part of the application process.
Goals: It’s essential to know what you want to do with your life after MBA. Understanding what you are passionate about, what interests you have and how a MBA will help you get there will make the essay portion of the application process much much easier and, believe it or not, enjoyable. Before looking at a single application I started thinking about why I wanted a MBA. I had to answer the “why now” question. Can I pursue my professional and business interests without a MBA and how does a MBA help me align myself with my long term goals etc….Think about these things and it will make your life much more simpler when it comes down to tackling the essays.
Picking the schools: Before picking any particular school, think about what you want to get out of school. Do you want a large class or a smaller more intimate community feel; Is your focus/interests offered by the school; what kind of student body are you looking for (international vs. US), case based method vs. lecture vs. a mix of both, big city vs. small city, what student run activities/initiatives that might interest you….These are some of the things I had to think about that helped me narrow down my choices.
So, you’ve been working for a few years and you’re feeling the itch for an MBA. Now what’s next?
Most people like me will definitely find the prospect of returning to school (especially full-time) daunting. You might quail at the thought of undertaking such a drastic change, but I’ve come to realise that the first few steps are the most important, and with proper planning you can not only enhance your chances for success, you can also protect your downside…
Based on my own blinkered opinion of the process, here’re a few things you can start doing now:
1) Register at GMAC.org. Read up on the GMAT exam and take the diagnostic test. Taking the test early will be your first differentiator within the applicant pool. Since schools always look at your highest score, taking the GMAT by July will not only make the fireworks seem so much more cheerful, but also leave you with enough time to take it again… and again… and again, if need be.
2) Start thinking about your budget for the MBA application process. Budget not just your financial resources, but also the amount of time available to you. This is crucial because selecting too many schools can leave you with half-baked applications. It might not seem so bad now, but when you’re looking at deadlines within days of one another, the work will pile up awfully fast. (more…)
Technorati Tags: MBA, success, GMAT, Budget