Jan 3 at 01:00pm
| FROM mbaMission Blog: MBA Admissions Myths Destroyed: Well, I Had My Chance on the GMAT |
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You finally took the GMAT, and though your score was not bad, it was not what you had hoped—not your ideal score, but certainly not so low that you unquestionably need to try again. So, when you have a score that is just below where you think you should be, should you retake the test? The truth is that you risk very little in taking the GMAT a second—or even a third—time in pursuit of a better outcome. Simply put, you do not need to worry if you do worse on your second try. Your target school will not average your score down or consider only your lower score. In fact, no matter how you perform the second or third time you take the exam, your target program will consider only your highest score. This essentially eliminates any risk to you or your candidacy in taking the GMAT more than once. So, if you score a 700 on your first test and a 670 on your second, you are better off than if you had scored a 690 on both. Dartmouth Tuck, for one, tacitly encourages multiple attempts at the GMAT by allowing applicants to report all valid scores from the previous five years. Tuck will consider an applicant’s best performance on each section of the GMAT (Verbal and Quant), even if the individual scores are from different tests, but will not combine scores to consider a new total score. So, relax and take the test again if you have time and—more importantly—feel that you can do better. However, if you do not believe you would improve your score, retaking the test, especially more than twice, is pointless. |
Jan 3 at 01:00pm
| FROM mbaMission Blog: The 2023 MBA Application Season Has Begun! |
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[url=https://i0.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/fireworks-g3ff6dd153_1280.jpg?ssl=1][img]https://i0.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/fireworks-g3ff6dd153_1280.jpg?resize=300%2C188&ssl=1[/img][/url] As we turn the page on 2022, we at mbaMission are thankful to have been able to continue to help many who have been dislocated by the pandemic—as well as many others—to find acceptances and scholarships in what was certainly a competitive MBA application year. We are proud of the company we keep, maintaining our place as the best reviewed admissions consulting firm on GMAT Club and Poets&Quants and the exclusive partner of the world’s leading GMAT prep firm, Manhattan Prep. We never take for granted all of the hard work that has gotten us here. For almost two decades, we have put our clients first—and we will continue to lead in 2023! As we look toward the 2023–2024 admissions season, we remain committed to being the best MBA admissions consulting firm in the world by putting our clients first; providing relevant and insightful guidance through our free guides, webinars, and blog; and continuing to bring dedication, passion, and expertise to every MBA applicant who partners with us. If you have your sights set on business school—and perhaps applying in 2023—we would love the opportunity to share our knowledge with you. Here are a few ways we can help: [list] [url=http://mbamission.com/consult][b]Sign up for a free consultation[/b][/url] to connect with one of our admissions experts and get your initial questions answered![/*] Download our free [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/collections/insider-s-guides]Insider’s Guides[/url][/b] and [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/collections/international-program-guides]International Program Guides[/url][/b] to learn tons of information about your possible target schools.[/*] Stay tuned to our [b][url=https://www.mbamission.com/resources/events/]free webinars[/url][/b] for various monthly offerings on assessing your profile. writing compelling essays, acing interviews, and more! [/*] Check out our [b][url=https://www.mbamission.com/blog/the-ideal-mba-application-timeline/]Well-Prepared MBA Application Timeline[/url][/b] for an in-depth look at how to create your most compelling MBA application in the year 2023. [/*] [/list] We are eager to form productive partnerships and to make the coming year one of significant professional and personal advancement. All of us at mbaMission wish you a happy, prosperous, and (most importantly) healthy new year! |
Jan 4 at 04:00pm
| FROM mbaMission Blog: How to Show Rather Than Tell and Write with Connectivity in Your MBA Application Essays |
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You may have heard the old journalistic maxim “Show, don’t tell,” which demands that writers truly illustrate the actions involved in an event or a story rather than simply stating the results of what happened. Here is an example of “telling” (results oriented): “I arrived at ABC Bank and took on a great deal of responsibility in corporate lending. I managed diverse clients in my first year and earned the recognition of my manager. Because of my hard work, initiative, and leadership, he placed me on the management track, and I knew that I would be a success in this challenging position.” In these three sentences, the reader is told that the applicant “took on a great deal of responsibility,” “managed diverse clients,” and “earned recognition,” though none of these claims are substantiated via the story. Further, we are given no real evidence of the writer’s “hard work, initiative, and leadership.” Here is an example of “showing” (action oriented): “Almost immediately after joining ABC Bank, I took a risk in asking management for the accounts left behind by a recently transferred manager. I soon expanded our lending relationships with a children’s clothing retailer, a metal recycler, and a food distributor, making decisions on loans of up to $1M. Although I had a commercial banking background, I sought the mentorship of our district manager and studied aggressively for the CFA exam (before and after 14-hour days at the office); I was encouraged when the lending officer cited my initiative and desire to learn, placing me on our management track.” In this second example, we see evidence of the writer’s “great deal of responsibility” (client coverage, $1M lending decisions) and “diverse clients” (a children’s clothing retailer, a metal recycler, and a food distributor). Further, the candidate’s “hard work, initiative, and leadership” are clearly illustrated throughout. The second example paragraph is more interesting, rich, and humble—and more likely to captivate the reader. By showing your actions in detail, you ensure that your reader draws the desired conclusions about your skills and accomplishments, because the necessary facts are included to facilitate this. Essentially, facts become your evidence! Similar to showing instead of telling, “connectivity” is another important element of professional writing. Simply put, an adept writer ensures that each sentence is part of a chain—each sentence depends on the previous one and necessitates the next. With this linkage in place, the central idea is constantly moving forward, giving the story a natural flow and making it easy to follow. Although you do not need to write at the same level as a professional journalist, you should still embrace this concept, because it is central to excellent essay writing. With a “connected” MBA application essay, you will grab and hold your reader’s attention. You can test your essay’s connectivity by removing a sentence from one of your paragraphs. If the central idea in the paragraph still makes complete sense after this removal, odds are you have superfluous language, are not advancing the story effectively, and should revise your draft. Try this exercise with a random selection from the New York Times: “For many grocery shoppers, the feeling is familiar: that slight swell of virtue that comes from dropping a seemingly healthful product into a shopping cart. But at one New England grocery chain, choosing some of those products may induce guilt instead. The chain, Hannaford Brothers, developed a system called Guiding Stars that rated the nutritional value of nearly all the food and drinks at its stores from zero to three stars. Of the 27,000 products that were plugged into Hannaford’s formula, 77 percent received no stars, including many, if not most, of the processed foods that advertise themselves as good for you. These included V8 vegetable juice (too much sodium), Campbell’s Healthy Request Tomato soup (ditto), most Lean Cuisine and Healthy Choice frozen dinners (ditto) and nearly all yogurt with fruit (too much sugar).” If you were to delete any of these sentences, you would create confusion for the reader, proving that each sentence is connected and vital. |
Jan 6 at 04:00pm
| FROM mbaMission Blog: What to Do When You Do Not Have Much Time to Prepare for the GMAT |
 With regard to the GMAT, raw intellectual horsepower helps, but it is not everything. Manhattan Prep’s Stacey Koprince teaches you how to perform at your best on test day by using some common sense. Some time ago, I flew over to London to give an all-day workshop at London Business School. The audience comprised about 35 students who had already been admitted to a weekend master’s program, but that admission was contingent upon taking the GMAT and getting a “good enough” score (as defined by the school). The students had only about a month or two to fulfill this requirement. What can you do in a six-hour crash course? Not much more than an introduction and orientation—but even that is incredibly valuable in helping people get started and know what to expect. So what should someone do who is in the position of taking the test in four to eight weeks and has not studied a ton yet? First, take a practice test under 100% official conditions. I always recommend this first step for anyone, but this is especially crucial for someone with limited time. You are going to have to prioritize heavily, and you have no effective way to do that without good practice test data. Next, identify the practice materials you want to use. You are going to need at least one source for official practice questions (perhaps the Official Guide 2018 Edition). You are also going to need some materials that help you get better in your areas of greatest weakness—for example, if you are struggling with word problems and sentence correction, then you are going to need some test prep materials that teach those specific areas. When determining which question types and content areas to prioritize, remember two important things: (1) All areas are not created equal. Struggling with Combinatorics? Great. Those are infrequently tested, so you can get away with just dropping that topic entirely. Struggling with exponents and roots? Those are much more common, so you are going to need to dig in there. Frequently versus infrequently tested areas can change over time, so ask an expert on an online forum at whatever point you need to figure this out. (2) Timing is an enormous factor on this exam. Everyone has timing problems, ranging from mild to severe. I cannot tell you how many students I have spoken with who study for months but do not get much better on their practice tests because they have not been practicing timing. Everyone needs to deal with timing right from the start—and this is especially true for someone who has only four to eight weeks to take the test. Last step: Start working! Tons of resources are available on the Manhattan Prep blog to help you in your studies, but I will point you toward two particular article compilations that should be the most helpful. Both articles were written as comprehensive articles for people who have months to study, so you will once again have to prioritize and cut out things for which you just do not have time—but these will provide you with the best starting point from which to make those decisions. |
Jan 7 at 09:00am
| FROM mbaMission Blog: Global Perspective MBAs at Georgetown University and George Washington University |
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Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business features a global emphasis in its curriculum. During the fall semester, first-year students are required to take “Structure of Global Industries,” an immersive core course that provides a foundation in international business. The global emphasis continues in the second year, when students take the core course “Business and Policy in a Global Economy,” and culminates with the school’s signature Global Business Experience. In this program, students take on consulting roles working for actual international organizations or Fortune 500 companies. In the spring, student teams travel to their respective client’s country—in 2022, these included Morocco, Spain, Chile, and Germany—to gain firsthand experience working in a global consulting and management setting. After the participating students return to campus, they present the stories and takeaways from their experiences to their classmates at the school’s Global Business Conference. Just four miles away from Georgetown, the George Washington University School of Business offers a similarly international MBA experience—in fact, the program is titled “Global MBA.” During the first year of the program, students take such core courses as “Microeconomics for the World Economy” and “Competition in the Global Economy” before taking part in the Consulting Abroad Program, during which all Global MBA students spend seven weeks preparing on campus in Washington, DC, and then two weeks abroad in the partner company’s country. In 2022, destinations include Turkey, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates. Finally, Global MBA students have the option of enrolling in one of the school’s graduate and professional certificate programs—such certificates as “Global Management” and “Culture Heritage Tourism” may be of interest to those hoping to focus on international experiences. |
Jan 11 at 01:00pm
| FROM mbaMission Blog: Should I Consider an EMBA Program? |
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A point might come in your career when you ask yourself how you can “level up” or accelerate your professional trajectory. We at mbaMission have advised many candidates over the years on whether an EMBA (Executive MBA) program might be right for them. These programs are becoming increasingly popular, so we have compiled a list of reasons you might want to consider pursuing the EMBA option. An EMBA program might be a good choice for you if… You are on the executive track with managerial experience. The top EMBA programs are looking for “executives” first and foremost. This means that in addition to having a minimum of ten years of work experience, you should have people-management experience or at least be on the executive, or junior executive, track (for example, you oversee projects or teams even if they do not report directly to you). You prefer to remain at your job while getting your degree. EMBA programs are usually offered on a part-time basis on weekends over an 18- to 24-month time frame. For example, Columbia Business School offers two EMBA options: (1) Friday and Saturdays, and (2) Saturdays only. UPenn Wharton’s EMBA classes are held on Friday and Saturday of alternate weekends, plus several extended sessions. This format allows students to remain at their jobs and immediately apply the lessons they learn in the classroom to their work environment and responsibilities. The opportunity cost of this kind of program is therefore lower, given that students are not required to pause their careers while they pursue their degree. If you like your job and wish to stay in it while you earn your MBA, an EMBA program would be a good choice for you. You prefer to network with classmates who are more mature or more tenured in their career. While many students in two-year MBA programs are seeking to explore their career options, most EMBA students already have clearly defined goals and a set career path. If you value interacting with classmates who are more mature and have more experience in their career, an EMBA program is likely a better fit for you. You feel that having technical expertise alone is not enough as you progress in your career. Many EMBA students do not come from traditional business backgrounds. In fact, a good percentage of them tend to be attorneys, engineers, accountants, and so on. However, as they attain ever more senior levels at work, they are increasingly asked to manage business issues and people. This shift in responsibilities can give a person the sense that their technical expertise might not be sufficient on its own to support them as they advance in their careers. An EMBA can provide you with the knowledge and skills you would need in a top leadership position in many companies and/or industries. You are prepared to juggle work, family, and personal life while in school. Because EMBA programs are part-time, you will have to hold down a demanding full-time job while attending classes, meeting with your study groups, studying for exams, completing course work and projects, and maintaining your family responsibilities and personal life—all at the same time! This is no easy feat. Although an EMBA program might check all the boxes with respect to what you require to accelerate your career, keep in mind the demands it will make on your time and family life. In reality, EMBA students do sometimes drop out before earning their degree, often because of work or family/personal reasons. So, be sure you have the full support of your family and employer before you embark on your EMBA journey. You want to grow your network globally. Top schools recognize the need to expand access to elite business professionals around the world. To do so, they are increasingly offering online and/or blended EMBA programs. For example, Wharton recently announced that it will launch its first-ever international cohort through its Global Executive MBA program starting in May 2023. This 22-month learning format will bring together students from around the globe for a learning experience that is 25% in-person and 75% live online. If you wish to grow your network globally and are open to an online format, a program like Wharton’s could help you do so more easily than before. If you would like to discuss your profile in more detail or receive targeted guidance on your EMBA plans or application, sign up for a free 30-minute consultation with an experienced mbaMission consultant. |
Jan 13 at 06:00pm
| FROM mbaMission Blog: Avoiding Getting Multiple GMAT Questions Wrong in a Row |
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With regard to the GMAT, raw intellectual horsepower helps, but it is not everything. Manhattan Prep’s Stacey Koprince teaches you how to perform at your best on test day by using some common sense. “How do I make sure I don’t get more than two, three, or four questions wrong in a row?” Students ask this all the time—they have heard that GMAT scoring penalizes us for getting a lot of questions wrong in a row. This is true, to some extent. The GMAT test writers prioritize steady performance over the length of the entire test, so they have built safeguards into the algorithm to ensure that if, for example, we spend too much time early on, we will get penalized for running out of time at the end. So… how do I avoid getting multiple questions wrong in a row? People will say something like, “I am pretty sure I got the last two wrong—I just outright guessed on the last one. Now, how do I make sure I get the next one right?” You cannot. You can never “make sure” that you get any particular question right. If you could… well, then you would not need any help, right? Nobody on the planet, not even the best test takers, can guarantee that they are going to answer any particular question correctly. What do I do when I know I have just gotten a couple of questions wrong? You are going to hate my answer: you ignore it. Do not even think about it in the first place. You likely hate that answer because you feel that you have no control—and you are right. We cannot control this at all. That is why we should not waste a single second thinking about it. Try the question in front of you for some reasonable amount of time. If you just cannot do it in the expected time frame, find a way to make a guess and move on. Spending more time (more than the rough average) does not actually increase the chances that you will get something right! But then, how do I get better? Expect that you are not going to be able to answer everything. Know how to make an educated guess wherever possible. Acknowledge when a problem just is not going your way, and, when needed, make a random guess without wasting a single second longer. Change your response to the thought “I have to get this one right.” Have you already read this article: But I studied this – I should know how to do it!? If so, then you will remember that we talk about changing your response to the “but!” feeling. (If not, go read the article right now.) The same thing applies here. When you find yourself thinking, “Oh, I need to get this one right!,” change your reaction. Instead of spending extra time and stressing yourself out, tell yourself, “I cannot guarantee anything. If I can do this one in regular time, great. If not, I will guess without losing time on it and move on.” |
Jan 14 at 09:00am
| FROM mbaMission Blog: MBA Admissions Myths Destroyed: Class Visits Are Not a Deciding Factor |
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Some MBA programs—Harvard Business School, for one—have gone on record stating that class visits are not a factor in their admissions decisions. But this definitely does not mean you have nothing to gain from visiting your target school’s campus. Imagine that you are considering buying a $250–$500K home. Would you not want to visit it before purchasing it? Perhaps you would turn on the taps, open and close the doors and windows, and walk around the yard, making sure your planned investment will be a good one, right? Well, your business school education—when you take into account tuition, living expenses, and the opportunity costs of leaving your current job—will probably cost you somewhere in that dollar range. So, visiting your target school(s) to ensure that your potential “home” for the next two years is right for you is just as important. We feel that visiting the campus of the school(s) to which you plan to apply is a crucial step in the application process. Doing so allows you to gain a firsthand perspective into a program’s environment, pedagogy, facilities, student body, and professors. The dollars you will spend on transportation and lodging are the MBA program equivalent of hiring an inspector when buying a home. To the extent that your budget and available vacation days allow, make the effort to visit your target schools, even though doing so will not have a direct effect on whether or not you ultimately gain a letter of acceptance. It will help ensure that the school you ultimately attend is a good fit and increase your chances of a happy future there. |
Jan 17 at 03:00pm
| FROM mbaMission Blog: How to Boost Your Quant Profile Before Applying to MBA Programs |
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A frequent concern we hear from aspiring MBAs is “Do I have a strong enough quantitative background to make it into a top business school?” The leading business schools do indeed have high academic standards, but we believe that by planning ahead and employing a few key tactics, candidates with less robust quant backgrounds should not have any reason to forgo their dreams of attending a top program. Here we present four steps you can take to boost your quantitative profile before applying to MBA programs. [b]But first, why are quantitative skills so important for MBAs? [/b] Business schools want to ensure that their incoming students are data savvy and will not struggle to keep up with the material (or their classmates) in rigorous quantitative classes. Much of the core MBA curriculum involves understanding and analyzing data. For instance, Columbia Business School’s first-year core curriculum includes courses such as “Business Analytics” and “Corporate Finance,” and the Wharton School’s core includes “Statistics: Regression Analysis for Business.” Applicants often ask us, “What if I am applying to a business school that is not quantitatively rigorous?” But this is never the case—an MBA program that is light on quantitative work simply does not exist! They all entail demanding quantitative subjects. Schools also want applicants who can apply the quantitative skills they learn in the classroom to real-world business problems and who will be marketable to recruiters. For candidates whose post-MBA career goals involve working in a field such as management consulting, finance, or private equity, quantitative skills are particularly a must, but fields such as marketing, product management, and business development are increasingly data driven as well. You would be hard-pressed to find a post-MBA profession that does not require the use of quantitative tools to evaluate problems or forecast behavior. The bottom line, then, is that all MBA applicants must prove their quantitative aptitude. This is easy for applicants who majored in a subject such as mathematics, finance, or engineering or who work in a field such as data science or investment banking—as well as for those who aced the Quantitative section of their standardized test. But if this is not true for you, and topics like Regression send you into a panic, here are four steps you can take to build up your quantitative profile: [b]1. Start early with standardized testing.[/b] This key part of your application is still largely within your control (unlike your GPA), so give yourself plenty of time to study thoroughly and take several practice exams. Getting an early start also gives you time to retake the exam if you do not achieve your target score on the first try (schools will always consider your highest score). You should strive to reach a high overall score—as close to your target program’s average as possible, if not higher—while showing a minimum level of competence in the Quantitative section. To demonstrate the necessary level of quantitative acumen, you should strive for a Quantitative subsection score of at least 46 on the GMAT, 163 on the GRE, or 11 on the Executive Assessment (EA) for top U.S. programs. And if you are unsure about which standardized test best fits you, check out our video “[b][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UvEKCGoF4w]What Is a competitive GMAT, GRE, and EA score?[/url][/b]” [b]2. Supplement your transcript.[/b] Another great way to show competence in quantitative areas is to take pre-MBA coursework in relevant subjects, such as statistics, calculus, accounting, and finance. You should aim to earn an A grade in these classes and complete them before you submit your application, so you can include the transcripts. Check with universities in your area to find out what in-person courses are available (often through a continuing education program such as New York University’s School of Professional Studies), or choose one of the many online courses available (we recommend ones through universities such as those from the University of California Berkeley Extension or the University of California Los Angeles Extension). An even more robust option to consider is the Credential of Readiness (CORe) three-course program from Harvard Business School Online, which states that it is “designed to help you achieve fluency in the language of business.” If you are pressed for time, check out MBA Math, which offers self-paced lessons tailored for pre-MBA preparation. Lastly, some candidates can supplement their transcript by attaining professional certifications such as the CFA, CPA, and Series 7/63, though we recommend pursuing such certifications only if obtaining them also benefits your career plans. [b]3. Choose your recommenders wisely.[/b] In general, you should pick recommenders who know you well, can share several specific examples that illustrate your strengths, and enthusiastically support your decision to earn an MBA. If you think your profile lacks proof of quantitative abilities, be sure to select at least one recommender who can provide examples of your quantitative work or related skills, such as analytical problem-solving, navigating complex situations, and quick learning. Ask them to comment on these areas specifically. Your recommender’s endorsement of your abilities in such areas will help the admissions committee feel more confident about your capacity to handle quantitative work. [b]4. Be strategic about your resume.[/b] Your MBA application resume must be different from the one you would use for job hunting. It should not be an exhaustive list of every project you have ever worked on; instead, it should present your most impressive accomplishments, emphasizing the results or impact you achieved. Include bullet points that reference any quantitative work you have done, such as managing budgets, building financial models, or analyzing survey data. Also, try to quantify the impact of your efforts whenever possible, even if your work was not quantitative in nature, so that you can at least show an ability to translate qualitative achievements into quantitative impact. For more resume tips, download a free copy of the [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/mbamission-resume-guide]mbaMission Resume Guide[/url][/b]. Use these four recommendations to proactively address any concerns you think an admissions committee might have about your quantitative aptitude. And remember, MBA programs want to assemble diverse incoming classes, so never let your limited quantitative background stop you from applying! |
Jan 17 at 03:00pm
| FROM mbaMission Blog: Selecting the Right Stories to Share in Interviews |
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Performing well in interviews is a required skill to land your next job, and we at mbaMission have lots of resources and guidance to help you prepare, including the following career blog posts: [list] [b][url=https://www.mbamission.com/blog/mba-career-news-strategically-answering-behavioral-interview-questions/]Strategically Answering Behavioral Questions[/url][/b][/*] [b][url=https://www.mbamission.com/blog/mba-career-news-ending-the-interview-strong/]Ending the Interview Strong[/url][/b][/*] [b][url=https://www.mbamission.com/blog/fixing-common-interviewing-mistakes-part-3-positioning-yourself-for-success-in-video-interviews/]Positioning Yourself for Success in Video Interviews[/url][/b][/*] [b][url=https://www.mbamission.com/blog/avoiding-interviewing-pitfalls/]Avoiding Interview Pitfalls[/url][/b][/*] [/list] Today, however, we are not talking about how to tell your stories but instead how to identify and develop the right stories to tell. [b]Identify Six to Ten Stories: Resources to Leverage[/b] [list] Review your brainstorming materials and final business school essays. [/*] Examine each bullet on your resume and think about the situation and your actions. [/*] Brainstorm with previous colleagues and managers. Read past performance reviews.[/*] Think about your biggest accomplishments and your proudest moments. [/*] Find stories about both work and extracurricular activities, but focus primarily on professional experiences (roughly 75%). [/*] [/list] [b]Choose Your Best Stories: Questions to Ask Yourself[/b] [list] Can this story be pivoted to speak to more than one competency (or address more than one potential interview question)? You need at least two stories for each competency required for your target role. Tell stories that demonstrate your relevant skills and expertise. [/*] Does the story require a lot of technical or industry-specific knowledge or substantial context? Find ways to help the interviewer quickly understand the situation without using a lot of jargon or background information.[/*] Did this situation happen recently? Ideally, you should share stories that happened within the past two to three years because you are likely to have had more significant responsibility and to remember specific details, which will help you tell the story in an authentic and engaging manner.[/*] What was your role in the example? You need to tell the interviewer what you did—not what the team did—to achieve the goal. You must demonstrate your ability to think critically, identify insights, influence others, and improve outcomes.[/*] Does the story demonstrate your ability to navigate unexpected situations? Often, interview questions are not straightforward (e.g., “Tell me your biggest accomplishment”) but seek to uncover how you behaved in a challenging circumstance (e.g., “Tell me about a time when you led a team with conflicting opinions on how to approach a problem”). \[/*] Was the outcome important or impressive? Was a lot at stake if you failed to perform? Use numbers to show the scope or level of complexity of your work as well as the result of your actions.[/*] [/list] [b]Bottom Line:[/b][b] [/b]With these questions in mind, strive to pick interesting and relatable stories in which your actions allowed you to overcome substantial challenges and achieve significant results. |
Jan 21 at 11:00am
| FROM mbaMission Blog: MBA Admissions Myths Destroyed: My High GMAT Score Will Get Me In |
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So, you have taken the GMAT and exceeded even your highest expectations, scoring at the very top of the scale. Congratulations! However, do not assume that earning such a high GMAT score means you can relax with respect to the other components of your application. Every year, applicants who have scored 750 or higher are rejected from their target business schools—even when their GMAT score falls within the top 10% of the schools’ range. Many of these candidates were rejected because of a fatal, but ultimately avoidable, mistake: they became overconfident and assumed their GMAT score alone would get them in. Business schools want to learn a lot more about you than your GMAT score alone can convey. MBA admissions committees are interested in hearing about your ambitions, accomplishments, leadership skills, teamwork experience, perseverance, motivation, integrity, compassion… The list goes on and on. Fundamentally, admissions committees need to determine whether you will be a vital and contributing member of their community, and your GMAT score tells them only that you can do the work. Heed our advice—even (or especially!) those of you with a 780 score—and commit yourself to the rest of your application with the same enthusiasm with which you approached the GMAT. |
Jan 24 at 09:00am
| FROM mbaMission Blog: mbaMission Offers Free In-Person Consultations in Colorado! |
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[url=https://i0.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Copy-of-Copy-of-FREE-EVENT-SERIES-BUILDING-YOUR-BEST-MBA-APPLICATION-1.png?ssl=1][img]https://i0.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Copy-of-Copy-of-FREE-EVENT-SERIES-BUILDING-YOUR-BEST-MBA-APPLICATION-1-e1674159862533.png?resize=800%2C240&ssl=1[/img][/url] Are you a business school applicant in need of some guidance from an admissions advisor? If so, then we want to meet you for a free in-person consultation in Aspen, Colorado! On the following dates, mbaMission Senior Consultant [url=https://www.mbamission.com/who-we-are/team/nisha-trivedi/]Nisha Trivedi[/url] will be holding free in-person, one-on-one consultations in Snowmass Village, Colorado. [list] [b]Tuesday, January 31[/b][/*] [b]Wednesday, February 1 [/b][/*] [b]Thursday, February 2[/b][/*] [b]Monday, February 6[/b][/*] [b]Tuesday, February 7[/b][/*] [/list] During your free in-person consultation, your admissions advisor will answer all your most pressing MBA application questions, including the following: [list] [*]What are my chances of being admitted?[/*] [*]How can I differentiate myself from so many other applicants?[/*] [*]What is the best way to showcase my accomplishments or mitigate my weaknesses?[/*] [/list] If you would like to meet with Nisha to discuss your MBA applications, please provide some basic information about your candidacy via the submission form at [url=https://www.mbamission.com/consult/mba-admissions/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--DmrKJ9RE7e7UWs_CbE7w5pkg2gauHt1ew6TkwWBjue-HylwdgU8901mZZmrajdF69aXWV][b]www.mbamission.com/consult/mba-admissions[/b][/url]. We will reply to you within one business day with a link to schedule your in-person, 30-minute consultation. We look forward to getting to know some of this season’s best and brightest business school applicants! *This offer is valid only for those applicants who have not already had an mbaMission free 30-minute consultation. After booking, if you would like to confirm the local time of your appointment, please contact [email=info@mbamission.com]info@mbamission.com[/email]. |
Jan 27 at 10:00am
| FROM mbaMission Blog: See the World During Your Studies at Michigan Ross and NYU Stern |
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For incoming first-year students at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business who want to get a head start on building friendships within their class or make use of some time off before the academic year begins, the MTrek program may be just the answer. MTreks are small-group, multiday, outdoor adventure trips that take place before classes officially start. Organized in locations around the world, the trips are entirely student led (by second-year students) and are designed to provide a team-based environment similar to that found at Ross and to promote leadership in a team setting. MTreks look to be as inclusive as possible—trips are available to suit a wide variety of interests and thus range from hard-core adventure to relaxing sightseeing excursions. The 2021 MTrek was hosted as a summer camping trip to Pennsylvania because of the novel coronavirus outbreak, but MTreks planned for 2022 include “Can’t Dutch This,” which will take place in the Netherlands; “Party in Hvar-ty,” which will be located in Croatia; and “Alpacalypse Now: So Machu Fun,” which will feature a hike in Peru. So, whether you are interested in hiking and rafting in Iceland or beaching and snorkeling in Mexico, MTreks provide a chance to build friendships and develop leadership skills while having a great time. New York University’s (NYU’s) Stern School of Business also provides its students ample opportunity to spend time abroad during one- or two-week trips, through its “Doing Business in…” (DBi) program. DBi trips take place between the fall and winter semesters, during spring break, and in May (after classes conclude). Each course (trip) is tailored to its specific locale and includes a mix of lectures given by Stern faculty as well as by local business practitioners and/or government representatives. Complementing the classroom learning are hands-on field experiences at corporate headquarters, factories, ports, development sites, and other such locations. DBi destinations in recent years have included Mexico, South Africa, Israel, Costa Rica, Spain, Brazil, Singapore, and Australia, just to name a few. Students who participate in the DBi program gain a new perspective on conducting business in a different culture while making some great memories with fellow “Sternies” along the way. For more information on other defining characteristics of the MBA program at NYU Stern, Michigan Ross, or one of 16 other top business schools, please check out our free mbaMission Insider’s Guides. |
Jan 30 at 01:00pm
| FROM mbaMission Blog: How to Lead with and Contextualize Your Goals in MBA Application Essays |
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When business school candidates read an essay prompt, they often interpret it quite literally. For example, when a school asks applicants a multipart question such as “What will you contribute to our school’s community, and how will being part of it help you extend your professional vision?,” many applicants assume they must answer the subquestions in the exact order in which they are asked. However, this is not true. Such questions are actually quite flexible, and sometimes, you can better engage your reader by pursuing your own structure. We have found that for overrepresented candidates with unique professional goals, one strategy that can be quite helpful is leading with goals instead of professional history. After all, “typical” experience is not as captivating as unusual (but realistic!) ambitions. So, the technologist who plans to open a boutique hotel or the investment banker who aspires to start a competitive windsurfing circuit can use these bold goals to stand out from the start. We must emphasize, however, that such candidates need to have and portray a compelling connection to their goals, and we do not suggest that overrepresented candidates strive to imagine or create “wild” goals just to catch an admissions committee’s attention. However, if you have a profound connection to an uncommon aspiration, then responding to a school’s questions in a different order and ensuring that your goals are front and center could make a difference. Another trend we have noticed is that when tailoring their essays to specific schools, many candidates do not go far enough to demonstrate a clear and understandable connection between themselves and their target programs. Offering school-specific information is good, but you must go beyond merely mentioning the particular resource(s) that appeal to you—you must add context for your claims. What is the difference between a mere mention and providing context? Mention: “With a focus on entrepreneurship, I will participate in the CBS Entrepreneurial Greenhouse process. Further, I am attracted to classes such as ‘Foundations of Innovation,’ ‘Think Bigger,’ and ‘Entrepreneurial Strategy.’ I also plan to join the…” Context: “With clear plans to launch my start-up during my time at Columbia Business School, I look forward to testing my ideas through the Entrepreneurial Greenhouse accelerator; I find this opportunity to meet with seed funders and gain critical feedback and mentoring invaluable as I strive to refine my business plan and learn more about how to source investments…” In the first example, the candidate shows an awareness of the Entrepreneurial Greenhouse but does not provide the context necessary for the reader to fully understand how they will use this resource; therefore, the mention is entirely superficial. As a result, it is unconvincing, impersonal, and easily forgettable. The applicant has seemingly not taken the time to reflect on this resource and how they would use it to progress toward their stated goals. The candidate then goes on to list the classes they plan to take and essentially succeeds in little more than cataloging resources rather than offering a reasoned consideration of how the school’s offerings are necessary. The second example better explains exactly how the candidate will use the resource mentioned; the applicant has clearly done the necessary research on the school and truly grasps how Columbia Business School will satisfy their academic and professional needs. Because the latter example is more informed and serious minded, the admissions reader can be certain that the candidate has a set path and a clear plan to achieve specific goals. |
Jan 31 at 01:00pm
| FROM mbaMission Blog: MBA Programs Offering GMAT/GRE Test Waivers, Spring 2023 |
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If you are planning to apply to business school this spring, with Round 3 deadlines coming up in March and April 2023, you might have heard that some schools are offering a “test waiver” option. What exactly does this mean, and is it something you should consider? Read on for more information about current GMAT/GRE test waiver opportunities. Which business schools are currently offering test waivers? Test waiver offerings are fluid, so the best way to stay up-to-date on current policies and requirements of the MBA programs you are considering is to regularly check their websites and applications. However, as a starting point for candidates interested in this option, we have collected the latest indicated test policies for the top 25 U.S. full-time MBA programs here. As of the writing of this post, 15 of the top 25 business schools are offering test waivers, including MIT Sloan, Northwestern Kellogg, Michigan Ross, UVA Darden, and Cornell Johnson. What types of test waivers are available? Many programs, including UVA Darden, Cornell Johnson, USC Marshall, and UNC Kenan-Flagler, are offering optional test waivers to any candidate who feels they can sufficiently demonstrate their quantitative and analytical abilities through alternative evidence, which could include academic study, qualifications (such as the CFA charter), recent additional coursework, and/or professional examples. Some schools, such as UT McCombs, have a minimum work experience requirement for consideration for the waiver (three years in the case of UT). In past application seasons, many programs required pandemic-related reasons for requesting a test waiver. However, as of the writing of this post, only MIT Sloan continues to indicate a need for a waiver due to an applicant’s “situation preventing them from safely being able to access an exam.” All other top programs offering waivers indicate that the decision to grant a waiver is based solely on the applicant’s profile and evidence of academic ability and readiness. You might have also heard about recently laid-off tech workers being offered specific waivers this winter. As of now, Northwestern Kellogg and Dartmouth Tuck offer test waivers for laid-off employees for Round 3 deadlines. Kellogg’s waiver is for laid-off tech employees, and Tuck’s waiver is described as an option for anyone laid off after August 2022 from any industry, who has at least two years of full-time experience and can showcase alternative evidence of quantitative and analytical ability. The other programs that have been noted for making exceptions for tech workers are either offering fee waivers or extended deadlines, or already offer test waivers to all applicants. Be sure to read each school’s instructions thoroughly and carefully because guidelines and requirements vary across programs and applications. You could potentially be eligible for a waiver at one school but not at another. Who should consider applying for a test waiver? If you meet a school’s eligibility requirements and/or are struggling to take the exam or to sufficiently demonstrate your abilities via the exam, you might want to consider the test waiver option. For a school that is granting waivers only for pandemic or safety reasons, you will need to have a legitimate reason for not having been able to take the exam. For programs that are offering waivers to applicants who can provide alternative evidence of their abilities, if you feel confident in your evidence, and you either cannot take the test or you score below the school’s averages, the option to request a waiver is worth exploring. Who should not consider applying for a test waiver? If you have achieved a score that is higher than your target program’s average for the exam in question—or if you anticipate earning such a score—you would not be an ideal candidate for a waiver. Scoring above a program’s average would be an additional strength of your candidacy, so we would advise you to go ahead and submit your results. In addition, if you have a weak academic record, including a lack of quantitative coursework and/or poor grades either in quantitative subjects or across the board, applying for a test waiver is not a strategic choice. Getting the waiver request approved will be unlikely, and more importantly, you need to show the admissions committee that you can handle the school’s challenging academic program, so you should aim to take an exam, whether GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment (if your program accepts it), and score well to offset poor academics as much as possible. When should I apply for a test waiver? Some schools request that you apply for a waiver before you submit your application, and if your waiver is not granted, you will then need to take the exam before finalizing your application. Other programs include the waiver request within the application, which means you can submit your application in full before determining whether you still need to take the test. As always, read the instructions fully for your chosen schools, and do your research well in advance because some waiver requests must be submitted weeks ahead of the application deadline. Will submitting a waiver request hurt my chances of acceptance to the program? No. Every school that offers waivers is very clear in stating that applying for a test waiver does not have any negative impact on an applicant’s admissions chances. And being granted a waiver likewise does not affect one’s chances of acceptance. Schools make their admissions decisions holistically, taking into account all aspects of a candidate’s profile and application. What else I should consider when deciding whether to apply for a test waiver? Consider your ability to take an exam before your target school’s deadline as well as what alternative evidence you might be able to provide that would sufficiently demonstrate your quantitative and analytical skills. In addition, if you have taken an exam in the past but were not happy with the result, think about whether taking a different exam that might better showcase your abilities would be worthwhile. For example, you could take the GRE if you have already taken the GMAT, or perhaps the Executive Assessment, if your chosen program accepts it. Finally, keep in mind that some schools—including UW Foster, Texas McCombs, UVA Darden, and Carnegie Mellon Tepper—state that a strong test score will increase your chances of success in pursuing scholarship and fellowship opportunities. So the waiver option would not be ideal in giving you the best possible chance of financial rewards at those programs. Other schools, such as USC Marshall, indicate that waivers do not influence an applicant’s scholarship chances. Ultimately, to make the best decision for your personal situation, you must determine whether you feel an exam score would appropriately showcase your abilities and demonstrate your potential to excel in an MBA program, and if not, whether a waiver might be a fitting option, given the policies of the programs that interest you. |
Feb 3 at 01:00pm
| FROM mbaMission Blog: Which Round 3 Schools Should I Target? |
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If you are considering applying to business school for fall 2023 admission, this Round 3 season is shaping up to be the friendliest one in years. Except for spring 2020, this is the first time in over a decade that schools are making meaningful in-season admissions changes, from extended deadlines to test waivers. As a result, now could be a great time to apply! We compiled this handy table to help you decide where to focus your efforts: [url=https://i0.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Chart-1.png?ssl=1][img]https://i0.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Chart-1.png?resize=1366%2C768&ssl=1[/img][/url] Indiana Kelley, Vanderbilt Owen, and Georgia Tech Scheller have also adjusted their admissions processes. Many of these programs require that you apply for these terms, so please look closely at each one’s website for more details, or reach out to an mbaMission consultant for a free consultation call. |
Feb 7 at 06:00pm
| FROM mbaMission Blog: Eight Tips for Writing a Great HBS Post-Interview Reflection |
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[url=https://i0.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/HBS-campus.jpg?ssl=1][img]https://i0.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/HBS-campus.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1[/img][/url] Harvard Business School You walk out of your Harvard Business School (HBS) interview, and you are either floating on cloud nine, feeling amazing, or your mind is racing with “could’ve, should’ve, would’ve.” You wish you could run back to the interviewer to clarify your answers or add details. With the HBS Post-Interview Reflection, you can! Not literally, of course, but you nonetheless have the opportunity to follow up on anything you think was left incomplete, unclear, or unsaid. The HBS Post-Interview Reflection, a 300- to 450-word submission that is due within 24 hours of completing your interview, is a chance for you to make your final case to the admissions committee. Here are eight tips for achieving an insightful reflection that could help get you accepted at HBS. [b]1. Pay attention to the guidance given by HBS.[/b] One message that stands out in the guidance HBS provides is that the essay is not intended to be a formal one. The admissions committee advises that you think of the submission as though you are writing a reflection after a meeting. To me, this guidance suggests that your writing style can be more casual than you would use in a typical “professional” write-up and therefore less rigid. Think of the exercise as though you are composing an email to a colleague. In fact, I always like to read the reflection essay aloud to ensure that it is clear and sounds like a letter addressed to an actual person. For example, dispense with long sentences, and avoid using a lot of multisyllabic words. Ultimately, ask yourself, Does this read like how I talk? [b]2. Jot down your thoughts immediately after the interview.[/b] Right after your interview, go someplace quiet where you can think about the meeting and discussion you just had. Write down your thoughts about the questions you were asked and how you answered them. Note the questions for which you feel your responses were not as clear as you would have liked, or were incomplete. Perhaps you now remember additional information you could have provided. Importantly, also note the questions to which you gave great answers. Were you organized and articulate in your response? Remember, this reflection is not simply a self-critique. It should ideally be balanced. [b]3. Take a breather to decompress.[/b] I always recommend taking a short break after you jot down your initial round of notes. Whether you grab a bite, take a walk, or go to the gym, having a change in scenery and focus is important in two ways. Firstly, it helps your mind relax. With this comes clearer thinking, which is needed for good writing. Secondly, inspiration seldom comes from staring at a computer screen. A shift in your environment can spur different memories of and perspectives on your interview. If you can, carry a notebook with you so you can record any new thoughts that come to you during this time. [b]4. Come back recharged and focused—then start writing.[/b] When you return from your breather—hopefully reenergized—it is time to start writing! Review your notes and organize them. Develop a structure for your reflection, and choose the main points you want to focus on in your essay. What message do you want to deliver to the admissions committee? Because of the brevity of the reflection essay, you will not be able to (nor should you) touch on every single question in the interview. However, key points you might want to include are as follows (in no particular order): [list] [*]A brief thank you[/*] [*]Anything you were thrilled to discuss (this could include what you think went well)[/*] [*]Anything you missed or want to clarify or add to[/*] [*]Why you are excited about HBS (or how you could contribute to the class)[/*] [/list] [b]5. Share your thoughts and feelings; do not just summarize what happened.[/b] One common mistake I see in reflections is summarizing too much what happened in the interview. Do not simply recount the meeting “blow-by-blow”; this is not a journal entry. Your reflection will be much more interesting if you share your inner thoughts and perspectives. For example, were you surprised by any question or line of discussion? Do not be afraid to be candid—this will help your reflection come across as more authentic and personal. [b]6. Think about what new insight or perspectives you can add.[/b] The reflection is a unique opportunity for you to offer the HBS admissions committee further insights or perspectives. For example, what else can you add on a topic that was discussed during the interview? Perhaps you can provide additional background or context to a project that could be new information. If you have other examples that are relevant to an interview question, you could also share them in your reflection. These examples do not need to be completely “new” to HBS. For instance, if you have a meaningful project listed on your resume but did not describe it in detail in your application essay, writing about it in your reflection might be appropriate. [b]7. Do not overpolish your essay.[/b] As tempted as you might be to keep refining your reflection as much as you can in the time allotted, be careful of overpolishing. I find that oftentimes, an applicant’s early draft will contain a lot of genuine feelings and thoughts, which is precisely what HBS wants to see in the reflection—candor and authenticity! This is why the school gives you just 24 hours in which to respond. Which brings me to my final tip… [b]8. Take another break before final review.[/b] Although the time you have to work with is short, if you can take another brief break before your final review of your reflection, I highly encourage you to do so. Ideally, come back to your essay with fresh eyes and read the final draft out loud before submitting to ensure it embodies the style, voice, and message(s) you want to convey to the admissions committee. I hope these tips can help you plan to draft a strong HBS Post-Interview Reflection. If you would like even more targeted guidance on the HBS interview and on writing this unique essay, check out our [url=https://shop.mbamission.com/collections/services/products/hbs-mock-interview-and-post-interview-reflection-support][b]HBS Mock Interview and Post-Reflection Support[/b][/url] services. |
Feb 12 at 10:00am
| FROM mbaMission Blog: Professor Profiles: Ramon Casadesus-Masanell, Harvard Business School |
 Many MBA applicants feel that they are purchasing a brand when they choose a business school. However, the educational experience you will have is what is crucial to your future, and no one will affect your education more than your professors. Today, we focus on Ramon Casadesus-Masanell from Harvard Business School (HBS). Ramon Casadesus-Masanell has been a member of the Harvard Business School faculty since 2000 and is currently the Herman C. Krannert Professor of Business Administration. His “Competing Through Business Models” course is an elective that, according to a student we interviewed, is typically oversubscribed. They noted that students must rank it among their top five course choices to have a shot at getting in, adding, “People enjoyed him so much they were willing to sign up for his 8:30 a.m. class.” As a part of the course, Casadesus-Masanell teaches cases on many industries, including airlines, consumer packaged goods, and manufacturing. A recent graduate we interviewed mentioned that Casadesus-Masanell keeps cases fresh and has included interesting business models such as Betfair (an online betting website), Greenpeace, and Osho (the spiritual guru). He also teaches the RC “Strategy” course. Students told mbaMission they love Casadesus-Masanell’s teaching style, which they describe as incredibly engaging and high energy—sometimes he even jumps up on tables or runs quickly around the classroom. He pushes students in a good, even-tempered way and leverages technology well, incorporating video and game simulations into case discussions. Casadesus-Masanell also serves as co-editor of the Journal of Economics and Management Strategy, which his faculty profile describes as “the leading academic journal on the economics of strategy.” For more information about HBS and 16 other top-ranked business schools, check out our free mbaMission Insider’s Guides. |
Feb 23 at 10:00am
| FROM mbaMission Blog: Professor Profiles: Adam Brandenburger, NYU Stern School of Business |
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Many MBA applicants feel that they are purchasing a brand when they choose a business school. However, the educational experience you will have is what is crucial to your future, and no one will affect your education more than your professors. Today, we focus on Adam Brandenburger from New York University’s (NYU’s) Leonard N. Stern School of Business. An expert on game theory and its practical application to business strategy, Adam Brandenburger was voted the NYU Stern MBA Professor of the Year in 2006, and in 2008 he received an NYU Excellence in Teaching award in recognition of his teaching and course development work. From 2011–2014, he served as vice dean for innovation at NYU Stern, and he is now the J.P. Valles Professor at the school. His latest book—called The Language of Game Theory: Putting Epistemics into the Mathematics of Games (World Scientific, 2014)—contains eight papers coauthored by Brandenburger and his colleagues over a period of 25 years. Students with whom mbaMission spoke reported being consistently impressed by his capacity to make the complex simple in the classroom, stating that Brandenburger is able to take the “complicated, theoretical and intangible” world of game theory and make it “easy to understand and practical.” Brandenburger holds additional appointments at NYU as global network professor, distinguished professor at the Tandon School of Engineering, and faculty director of the university’s Shanghai Program on Creativity and Innovation. For more information about NYU Stern and 16 other top-ranked business schools, check out our mbaMission Insider’s Guides. |
Feb 26 at 09:00am
| FROM mbaMission Blog: How to Approach Overrepresentation in Your MBA Application Essays |
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Many MBA applicants—such as male investment bankers and Indian software engineers—worry that they are overrepresented in the candidate pool. Applicants cannot change their work histories, of course, but they can change the way they introduce themselves to the admissions committee. Consider the following examples: Example 1: “As an investment banker, I…” Example 2: “Managing a team to code a new software product for ABC Corp., I…” In these brief examples, the candidates blatantly introduce the very overrepresentation they would like to minimize. Many applicants feel they must start their essays by presenting their titles or company names, but this approach can immediately make the reader pause and think, “Here we go again.” Overrepresented business school candidates should therefore consider the opening lines of their essays especially carefully. Rather than stating the obvious, an applicant might instead immerse the reader in a situation or present a special aspect of their position. Example 1 (launching into a story): “At 5:30 p.m., I could rest easy. The deadline for all other offers had passed. At that point, I knew…” Example 2 (stand out): “While managing a multinational team, half in Silicon Valley and half in Pakistan, I…” In the first example here, the banker candidate avoids drab self-introduction and instead plunges the reader into the midst of a mystery that is playing out. In the second example, the software engineer candidate is introduced not as a “coder” but as a multinational manager. Of course, every applicant’s situation is different, but with some effort, your story can be told in a way that avoids the pitfalls of overrepresentation. Watch this video for even more tips for overrepresented MBA applicants: |
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