MBA MISSION ESSAY ANALYSIS
As schools release their essay questions, we offer tips on how to approach each question. Here's the analysis for Columbia University (Columbia Business School):
Columbia University (Columbia Business School) Essay Analysis, 2009-2010
July 28th, 2009 | Posted in MBA Essay Analysis, Blogroll
CBS has released its essays and. nothing has changed. Our analysis of their essays follows:
What are your short-term and long-term post-MBA goals? How will Columbia Business School help you achieve these goals? (Recommended 750 word limit) : *
Because Personal Statements are similar from one application to the next, we have produced the "MBA Mission Personal Statement Guide." We offer this guide to candidates free of charge, via our online store. Please feel free to download your copy today.
For additional information on the Columbia Business School experience, please consult the MBA Mission Insider's Guide series.
Master Classes are the epitome of bridging the gap between theory and practice at Columbia Business School. View link below. Please provide an example from your own life in which practical experience taught you more than theory alone. (Recommended 500 word limit) :
View with Real Player: http://merlin.gsb.columbia.edu:8080/ramgen/video1/faculty/MasterClass-promo.rm
View via Google: Columbia Business School - Master Class
CBS asks the reader to go online and learn about a facet of the Columbia experience, the Master Class, that is gaining prominence in its curriculum. While the video itself is entertaining and educational, it is only tangentially related to the core question, which requires you to describe a time when practice trumped theory. Candidates should resist the temptation to fawn on CBS and laud the Master Class and should instead focus on providing an example of such a case.An obvious starting point for candidates is to consider times when they have learned something theoretically. However, you need not only think of times when you were in a college classroom or some sort of corporate training event. You should expand your concept of theory to include all times when you were presented with or considered ideas. Indeed, a commentator on TV or the fellow who owns the breakfast shop that you frequent (not to forget your own times of reflection and imagination) can all present valid theories that you have actually put into practice.
You should certainly show that you were/are open to ideas and that you are willing to test them. However, it is the process of testing that you, like CBS, should emphasize. So, if the first part of your essay is an explanation of how you were captivated by an idea, the second part should be the testing and learning. Clearly, we need to understand a contrast between these two phases in order to validate the argument that CBS presents. In this essay question, CBS does not explicitly ask for your key learnings, but it is appropriate for you to offer them nonetheless. By reflecting on your experience, you will emphasize the power of practice, in teaching/learning enduring lessons.
Please provide an example of a team failure of which you've been a part. If given a second chance, what would you do differently? (Recommended 500 word limit) :
The crucial word in this essay question is "team." Indeed, this is not a question about an individual failure. So, you should not attempt to stretch an essay about an individual failure to fit this question. You should, instead, attempt to identify a time when a team did not achieve its desired results (it will be important to "show" this time through a narrative structure) and analyze how and where the breakdown occurred, generally being diplomatic about assessing responsibility and sharing some of the "blame" yourself.
It is important to note that a team failure does not need to be the story of a chaotic breakdown with people throwing chairs at each other. A failure can occur due to a passive approach to a problem - for example, the team does not understand its responsibilities and those senior to the team are not empowering the team to make choices. Regardless of the nature of the failure itself, it will be important for you to show that you have a nuanced understanding of the dynamics and that you are able to reflect and present a compelling theory (yes, theory!) for how you would have otherwise approached this situation.
I can`t tell you How much I`m Thank full to you for your immense Support & guidance on MBA Counseling for thousands of MBA Aspirants. Great Work, Erin. Thank you once again.
Here goes My Query,
I`m in a serious dilemma on applying to MBA for the 2010 Batch. Can you Guide me, Please.
My Profile:
X grade - 90%XII Grade- 96.5%
B.Tech(Mechanical Engineering) from one Top ten College in India (NIT) with GPA 6.6/10
GMAT Score 730
Work Ex - As Asst.Manager In a Reputed MNC for about 2 years. Exposure to International Currency & Metal Markets. Good Exposure to International Exports & Global Sourcing.
Sector - Manufacturing(Automotive)
Extra Curricular activities : Was District Rank Holder during 10th grade; Was School First Rank holder during 10th Grade ; Was School Pupil Leader ; Organized & lead charity Functions & Programs back in college; A Basket Ball player.
Conducting Sessions on attributes on leadership in Leadership development Trainings in my company internal training programs(Not very intense though) but helping myself to get groomed in such sessions.
Very Fond of Management & Leadership. Working on a Completely dedicated Blog on Management & leadership. Interested in Entrepreneurship. Working on it too, focusing on Investment Banking & Management Consultancy.
Now my problem is I`m on a manufacturing sector. I want to run a company in Investment & banking Field/Management Consultancy. So i want to some exposure in those fields.
Since I got only 2 years of work ex. My probability of getting into to Top 10 MBA Programs( Focused more on entrepreneurship & leadership, Say Harvard, Wharton & INSEAD) is quite Nil.
I`m actually planning to Take upon M.Sc ,Finance & Economics (Subjects, I`m fond of) in LSE / Oxford for a year. Work in the Investment Banking/Mgmt. Consultancy Field for another couple of years. Then I shall apply for top MBA programs with a completed work ex of 5 years.
Q1. Is this strategy gonna help me in achieving my Top MBA program. After this M.Sc program form reputed institutes like LSE/Oxford & additional 2 year of work Ex, is my profile gonna get attractive to admission council?
Q2. Or should I take my chance & apply for these univs for this 2010 Batch with current 2 years of Work Ex. Probability of rejection is very high. Is getting rejected form any univ gonna be a Black Mark on my Profile when I apply for that univ once again.
Q3. Funding the MBA program could be a problem for me too. Does this Scholarship(to an extent)/Educational loans to suffice these tuition fee amounts of about $80-$100K happens in real or what, in recession I mean? Is it better to work for couple more years, at least to self sponsor to a some 50%.
Please advice!!
Hello,
I work for a small company, and I just got a significant promotion in terms of title from being a team lead to that of a senior manager. But because of the bad economic scenario, I wasnt given a hike in pay.
My current salary is significantly lower for the title by industry standards. Should I be concerned and ask for a lower title than the one offered.
Or Should I be addressing this disparity somewhere.
Or Can I ignore and apply.
Thanks.
Hi Jeremy,
First of all, thanks in advance, you are really doing a great job helping out prospective MBA students with thier application related queries.
I am also planning to apply to b-schools this year, my profile is as below:
Education: engineering from IIT, CGPA- 7.1/10
SSC: 93.09% 2nd rank in state board.
HSC: 68.15% (drop b/c of JEE preparation)
WE: 5 years by Aug 2010
GMAT- 720 (41, 48, 6)
Job profile: have been working as consultant in e-gov, IT strategy and process improvement domains in big4 consulting firms
Extra-curricular- not strong however working on a initiative though it is still in early phase. Have been editor of newsletters etc. at my prev. organization.
Post MBA goals: General management, would prefer getting into rotational leadership developmetn programs or corporate strategy group in industry
As of now I am planning to apply to following schools in
1. ISB
2. London Business School
3. Kellogg
4. Tuck
5. Hass
6. Darden
7. Ross
8. Yale
9. Emory
My questions:
A. Is my choice of schools correct, are there any other schools to which I should apply in addition to these. Would appreciate if you can give ur comments schools wise
B. Will I fall in typital IT professional category, my profile may sound like IT professional, though I hardly know much about IT, involved totally on business side.
C. As I don't have significant leadership experience outside work, will it effect my overall application to these schools. If yes, how should I overcome this. Is it okay to show in application that I will be looking at improving my participation in extra-cul and community services during the course of program??
Thanks once again.
Hi -
In terms of your list of schools, I would suggest rethinking it a bit and trimming the number of schools to which you are applying. The application process, essay writing, etc. are quite time consuming and you want to make sure you are doing each application extremely well. We find that candidates really max out at six and tend to recommend a range of 3-6. Our view tends to be that if you aren't getting into your fifth or sixth school, you aren't getting into the remaining. With that said, I would focus your efforts on creating a balanced list of programs with 1-2 stretch schools (i.e. Kellogg, Tuck) with more reasonable options (i.e. Ross, Emory). We suggest thinking about what is important to you in a program - location, type of teaching method, class size, etc. to help in narrowing down your target list.
Regarding your background, it will be up to you to differentiate yourself as a consultant/business strategist rather than an IT specialist/software engineer. This can be done in your essays by selecting stories that highlight your experiences on the business side of the organization as well as in your resume.
Lastly, regarding extracurriculars...schools do want to hear about the types of organizations you might want to become involved in while on campus (even going so far as specifying "Marketing Club, Energy Club, etc.). However, they also want to see your prior extracurricular activity, so saying that you will be looking to "improve" in this area is not something I would recommend. Rather, focus on the extracurriculars you have participated in thus far as well as any personal areas of interest, hobbies, etc. that might be meaningful to you.
I hope this helps.
Erin
Erin Schuhmacher, MBA
Senior Consultant
Our Mission is Your Mission
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Hello Jeremy,
Thanks for taking some time to answer the queries in this forum. May I kindly request you a quick profile evaluation and rate my chances of an admit for Fall 2010 ?
Here is a snapshot of my profile.
1. B.E Computer Sc & Engg from India - Non IIT/Non REC/Non BITS with an aggregate of 75%. Our university topper is around 93%.
2. GMAT - 720.
3. Work Experience - 7 years with THE top IT company in the world as an Enterprise IT Architect. Progressive work experience and stellar career progression. Transferred to the US branch 2 years back to support customers in this geography.
Recommendation letters from a VP and director.
4. Essays - in good shape so far.
5. EC - No social/NGO work - but good record in sports.
I had the following institutions in mind
1. MIT
2. Wharton
3. Haas Berkeley
4. GSB Chicago.
I do not want to go anywhere outside the top 10 list since I consider it a risky investment - given what I have to sacrifice in this economy - a stable job, good career progression and good money.
But on the other side, I am not sure if I stand even a fighting chance at these prestigious institutions - given their penchant for stellar academic record (mine's only above average, not stellar) and young blood from the IIT/NIT/BITS Pilani.
If you would guide me on my chances at these universities, you will help me save about a thousand bucks on the application forms, an emotional saga and lots of time. I would just go fill my application for a Fall admit to a Part time MBA at the nearby Boston University / Boston College (yeah, they are still accepting apps for Fall 09) and everyone lives happily ever after.
Once again, thanks for your time in advance.
-regards
Anand
Hi Anand,
It is very difficult to quantify chances of acceptance, particularly with limited information as it relates to the depth of your professional and personal experiences and how this might be conveyed in your essays.
For these programs your lack of extracurricular and community involvement will likely be a weaker component of your application - is your sports involvement current or from the past?
One thing to consider is that upon entering a program in the Fall of 2010, you will have 8 years work experience and this tends to be at the cusp of when your candidacy looks more suitable for part-time programs. The average number of years work experience and the schools you listed is 5, which the exception of Wharton which is 6. Of course there are very wide ranges including zero work experience to as many as 20!
I hope this helps.
Erin
Erin Schuhmacher, MBA
Senior Consultant
Our Mission is Your Mission
mbaMission
mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Home
646-485-8844
Skype: MBA Mission
Read the mbaMission Insider's Guides (8 individual school titles)
Visit the mbaMission Blog
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Hi Erin,
I can`t tell you How much I`m Thank full to you for your immense Support & guidance on MBA Counseling for thousands of MBA Aspirants. Great Work, Erin. Thank you once again.
Here goes My Query,
I`m in a serious dilemma on applying to MBA for the 2010 Batch. Can you Guide me, Please.
My Profile:
X grade - 90%XII Grade- 96.5%
B.Tech(Mechanical Engineering) from one Top ten College in India (NIT) with GPA 6.6/10
GMAT Score 730
Work Ex - As Asst.Manager In a Reputed MNC for about 2 years. Exposure to International Currency & Metal Markets. Good Exposure to International Exports & Global Sourcing.
Sector - Manufacturing(Automotive)
Extra Curricular activities : Was District Rank Holder during 10th grade; Was School First Rank holder during 10th Grade ; Was School Pupil Leader ; Organized & lead charity Functions & Programs back in college; A Basket Ball player.
Conducting Sessions on attributes on leadership in Leadership development Trainings in my company internal training programs(Not very intense though) but helping myself to get groomed in such sessions.
Very Fond of Management & Leadership. Working on a Completely dedicated Blog on Management & leadership. Interested in Entrepreneurship. Working on it too, focusing on Investment Banking & Management Consultancy.
Now my problem is I`m on a manufacturing sector. I want to run a company in Investment & banking Field/Management Consultancy. So i want to some exposure in those fields.
Since I got only 2 years of work ex. My probability of getting into to Top 10 MBA Programs( Focused more on entrepreneurship & leadership, Say Harvard, Wharton & INSEAD) is quite Nil.
I`m actually planning to Take upon M.Sc ,Finance & Economics (Subjects, I`m fond of) in LSE / Oxford for a year. Work in the Investment Banking/Mgmt. Consultancy Field for another couple of years. Then I shall apply for top MBA programs with a completed work ex of 5 years.
Q1. Is this strategy gonna help me in achieving my Top MBA program. After this M.Sc program form reputed institutes like LSE/Oxford & additional 2 year of work Ex, is my profile gonna get attractive to admission council?
Q2. Or should I take my chance & apply for these univs for this 2010 Batch with current 2 years of Work Ex. Probability of rejection is very high. Is getting rejected form any univ gonna be a Black Mark on my Profile when I apply for that univ once again.
Q3. Funding the MBA program could be a problem for me too. Does this Scholarship(to an extent)/Educational loans to suffice these tuition fee amounts of about $80-$100K happens in real or what, in recession I mean? Is it better to work for couple more years, at least to self sponsor to a some 50%.
Please advice!!
Hi,
Regarding your question about number of years work experience...there is no magic number to this and average ages for schools vary. HBS, for example, has made efforts to recruit younger applicants with its 2+2 program. Further, it is not the number of years that counts, but the quality of your experience.
Earning a MSc ,Finance & Economics will certainly not hurt your chances of acceptance, but it too is not a guarantee. What is important is that you are taking steps to familiarize yourself with your targeted industry - networking with IB professionals, speaking with friends who have worked in finance, etc. The AdComs want to see that you have taken steps to learn about the industry in which you are interested, particularly in these economic times where making a career switch can be challenging.
Being a reapplicant will not put a black mark on your application; however, reapplicants must communicate what they have done to improve their candidacy since their first application - this might mean taking on additional responsibilities and/or engaging in community service.
Lastly, regarding your question about funding - I am not entirely sure what you are asking. If you are asking about whether students can still access loan programs during the recession, the answer is yes, for the most part. Some schools' student loan programs for international students were cancelled last year by the sponsoring banks as a result of the global credit crisis. However, most schools have worked with their financial partners to reinstate such programs. I would suggest reaching out to each school in which you are interested to ask them about the status of their loan program for international students.
Best,
Erin
Erin Schuhmacher, MBA
Senior Consultant
Our Mission is Your Mission
mbaMission
mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Home
646-485-8844
Skype: MBA Mission
Read the mbaMission Insider's Guides (8 individual school titles)
Visit the mbaMission Blog
Follow mbaMission on Twitter
Hello,
I work for a small company, and I just got a significant promotion in terms of title from being a team lead to that of a senior manager. But because of the bad economic scenario, I wasnt given a hike in pay.
My current salary is significantly lower for the title by industry standards. Should I be concerned and ask for a lower title than the one offered.
Or Should I be addressing this disparity somewhere.
Or Can I ignore and apply.
Thanks.
Hi -
It sounds as though this is a personal decision and not one will affect your application or chances of admission. What is important is that you received a promotion...the Admissions Committee understands that economic times are tough and further, they will not be judging you on your pay scale.
Best,
Erin
Erin Schuhmacher, MBA
Senior Consultant
Our Mission is Your Mission
mbaMission
mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Home
646-485-8844
Skype: MBA Mission
Read the mbaMission Insider's Guides (8 individual school titles)
Visit the mbaMission Blog
Follow mbaMission on Twitter
Hi,
Regarding your question about number of years work experience...there is no magic number to this and average ages for schools vary. HBS, for example, has made efforts to recruit younger applicants with its 2+2 program. Further, it is not the number of years that counts, but the quality of your experience.
Earning a MSc ,Finance & Economics will certainly not hurt your chances of acceptance, but it too is not a guarantee. What is important is that you are taking steps to familiarize yourself with your targeted industry - networking with IB professionals, speaking with friends who have worked in finance, etc. The AdComs want to see that you have taken steps to learn about the industry in which you are interested, particularly in these economic times where making a career switch can be challenging.
Being a reapplicant will not put a black mark on your application; however, reapplicants must communicate what they have done to improve their candidacy since their first application - this might mean taking on additional responsibilities and/or engaging in community service.
Lastly, regarding your question about funding - I am not entirely sure what you are asking. If you are asking about whether students can still access loan programs during the recession, the answer is yes, for the most part. Some schools' student loan programs for international students were canceled last year by the sponsoring banks as a result of the global credit crisis. However, most schools have worked with their financial partners to reinstate such programs. I would suggest reaching out to each school in which you are interested to ask them about the status of their loan program for international students.
Best,
Erin
Erin Schuhmacher, MBA
Senior Consultant
Our Mission is Your Mission
mbaMission
mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Home
646-485-8844
Skype: MBA Mission
Read the mbaMission Insider's Guides (8 individual school titles)
Visit the mbaMission Blog
Follow mbaMission on Twitter
Hi Erin,
Thanks for your prompt reply.
Can you clarify a little more.
My Query is ...........Looking at my profile & Work Ex, Can you advice on What are my chances over HBS,Wharton & Stanford for the 2010 Batch. I very well know it depends on the quality of work Ex not the Quantity.Lets consider it to be a little more than average.
As you would`ve come across many applicants in you Consulting career,I Just wanted to know your opinion on What are my Chances of getting through these univs for this 2010 Batch with my profile?
Or is it wise to gain a couple of years more for Work Ex?
Note: Forgive me if it appears like I`m raising the same query again. Thanks for your patience.
Another MBAMission Essay Analysis Post - please see our blog for the complete set of Essay Analyses
Cornell University (Johnson) Essay Analysis, 2009-2010
July 30th, 2009 | Posted in MBA Essay Analysis, Blogroll
We have spoken with the Cornell (Johnson) admissions office and their questions will remain the same this year. Without further adieu, our analysis.
1) Describe your greatest professional achievement and how you were able to add value to your organization. (400 word limit)
This question is very straightforward, with only the most minor wrinkle: be sure that you offer an accomplishment that shows that you added value to your organization. Virtually all accomplishments can be said to have added value in some capacity, but nonetheless, you must remain cognizant of the second half of the question. As you consider your response, you should be sure to create a narrative structure that will engage the reader. Many writers will end the mystery quite quickly and state their accomplishment in the first sentence. After that, what point is there to the rest of the essay? Readers of our Monday Morning Essay Tips will know that this is a very easy way to disengage the reader. So, be careful to tell the story of how you achieved what you did in fact achieve, not just that you achieved something special. There is indeed a difference.
2) What career do you plan to pursue upon completion of an MBA degree and why? How will the Johnson School help you achieve this goal? (400 word limit)
Because Personal Statements are similar from one application to the next, we have produced the "MBA Mission Personal Statement Guide." We offer this guide to candidates free of charge, via our online store. Please feel free to download your copy today.
3) You are the author for the book of Your Life Story. Please write the Table of Contents for the book. (400 word limit)
This essay question follows in the unique and creative model of NYU's essay three, UCLA's audio file and Chicago's Powerpoint presentation, but for some reason, candidates seem hung up on what they perceive to be its rigid structure. So, we recommend that before you even put your hands on the keyboard, you head to your local bookstore and leaf through various fiction and nonfiction texts, as well as magazines. There, you may just find some inspiration through which you will arrive at your own unique approach, and you may also find a way to break free of the confines of the rigid table of contents to add crucial information.
We would like to make it clear to candidates that they need not order their chapters chronologically and that they need not deal with their finite lives to date. Candidates may have interesting family histories or strong visions for the future and may incorporate these elements in their tables of contents to give an even greater sense of self. Candidates may organize their tables thematically, break their hypothetical books into parts and more. As the clich goes, the only limit is your imagination.
Hi Erin,
Thanks for your prompt reply.
Can you clarify a little more.
My Query is ...........Looking at my profile & Work Ex, Can you advice on What are my chances over HBS,Wharton & Stanford for the 2010 Batch. I very well know it depends on the quality of work Ex not the Quantity.Lets consider it to be a little more than average.
As you would`ve come across many applicants in you Consulting career,I Just wanted to know your opinion on What are my Chances of getting through these univs for this 2010 Batch with my profile?
Or is it wise to gain a couple of years more for Work Ex?
Note: Forgive me if it appears like I`m raising the same query again. Thanks for your patience.
Hi -
It is difficult to quantify one's "chances" for any school; however, based on the information you provided, I would focus on building your extracurriculars/community activities as well as doing some networking and research into Investment Banking as ways to improve your candidacy.
Based on the information provided, it sounds as though most of your community involvement comes from high school and college. While it is good to have such experience(s), you many want to consider becoming involved in activities now that you are a professional, as this is an important part of a candidate's profile for top MBA programs. Again, I would not focus a specific number years of professional experience, but rather the quality of that experience combined with the other dimensions of your profile. In your case, adding community service to your candidacy might be something to consider before applying to the schools you had in mind.
Best,
Erin
Thanks a lot Jeremy for your suggestions.
Well, the list of school, which I mentioned were all the schools which I was considering, now based on my priorities (case method of study, small class size, close community, and general management focus of program and school), I have narrowed down to following schools:
Level 1: Kellogg and Tuck
Level 2: Darden and Ross
Level 3: Emory
What do you think of my chances at Kellogg and Tuck, given my not many leadership incidences in extracurricular and Community services. Are these schools perceived to be more focused on EC and CS?? Can I make up for these areas by my leadership exp at work??
What do you think about my chances at Hass, since I have low quant score in GMAT- 48 only.
thanks a lot
Hi -
In terms of your list of schools, I would suggest rethinking it a bit and trimming the number of schools to which you are applying. The application process, essay writing, etc. are quite time consuming and you want to make sure you are doing each application extremely well. We find that candidates really max out at six and tend to recommend a range of 3-6. Our view tends to be that if you aren't getting into your fifth or sixth school, you aren't getting into the remaining. With that said, I would focus your efforts on creating a balanced list of programs with 1-2 stretch schools (i.e. Kellogg, Tuck) with more reasonable options (i.e. Ross, Emory). We suggest thinking about what is important to you in a program - location, type of teaching method, class size, etc. to help in narrowing down your target list.
Greetings MBAMission Team,
Thanks for your valuable suggestions to the MBA aspirants, have been following this forum since a week now.
Please have a look at my profile and help me bring some clarity to the questions below:
Education:
10th Class : 85%
12th Class: 84%
B.E. Computers from a non-IIT/non REC institute. Graduated with around 6.5/10 (GPA) - basically, average acads.
GMAT: 680/86% (Q49 V34) AWA: 4.5
Work Experience: 4 yrs 8 months as of now in a top 3 Indian IT services organisation.
Work Profile:
I have held team member and module lead positions during my tenure in the organisation. I have exposure to different areas of software systems management. I have spent a year collaborating with a dozen assocaites with different nationalities (mainly European) on getting their payroll system automated...all this time I was working from India.
My current assignment deals with a highly impactful knowledge management system for a Fortune 10 company.
Extra-Curricular Activities:
Most of my activities have been related to music and cultural events during my graduation. While I was working, I had also managed to tour across Western India on weekends for performing in a band as a bass player, close to 15 shows.
After reading many profiles of MBA aspirants, I believe I lack in strong community initiatives, proven leadership skills and not having a certain pattern to link my past with my short and long term goals.
I have to admit that I had given GMAT in March 2009, for an intra company program, but did not get through. I have only thought seriously about doing an MBA since only a month now. Also, though I am inclined towards marketing and workforce management in the internet age, I am still not very clear on my preferred area of expertise.
Now, I have a couple of questions which will help me to decide the direction I need to take further steps
1. Am I too late to seriously consider applying for an MBA program this year? Or, would trying next year along with closing some gaps in my profile and being more clear on the type of MBA be more practical?
2. Does the current recession period make any serious negative/positive impact to apply for a US Business School?
3. I am being considered for a role that would require me to travel to US for a year. This will help me financially and give me some perspective on client management.
Thanks for reading my query,
Vivek A.
Thanks a lot Jeremy for your suggestions.
Well, the list of school, which I mentioned were all the schools which I was considering, now based on my priorities (case method of study, small class size, close community, and general management focus of program and school), I have narrowed down to following schools:
Level 1: Kellogg and Tuck
Level 2: Darden and Ross
Level 3: Emory
What do you think of my chances at Kellogg and Tuck, given my not many leadership incidences in extracurricular and Community services. Are these schools perceived to be more focused on EC and CS?? Can I make up for these areas by my leadership exp at work??
What do you think about my chances at Hass, since I have low quant score in GMAT- 48 only.
thanks a lot
Hi -
Regarding your GMAT score, I believe your overall score was 720, correct? I don't think you provided the percentiles for your verbal/quant but with that score, it is unlikely that your GMAT score would be the reason why you were not accepted to one of your targeted schools. A score of 700 with 80th percentile in verbal/quant is the benchmark for success.
Regarding your extracurriculars, you can and should focus on your professional leadership experience, however, this does not entirely "make up" for lack of community involvement. While there is no one formula for admission, schools like Kellogg and Tuck look for candidates who can show leadership both in and out of the workplace. For example, from Tuck's website:
"Demonstrated Leadership: Tuck looks for applicants who have been leaders in a variety of settings: extracurricular activities at college or university, the workplace, or the community. We assess leadership potential by looking at experiences, accomplishments, and letters of recommendation"
and from Kellogg's:
"The committee evaluates an applicants potential through careful review and professional accomplishments and leadership experience, including military service, and extracurricular activities. "
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Erin
hi,
I am an engineering graduate with around 10 years of experience. I want to pursue MBA in general management with concentration on strategy. My GMAT score is 750.
Which schools should I target?
Hello ma'am,
Kudos for great work...
I'll post my profile first and then my questions:
Profile:
10th- 82%
12th-80.6
B.Tech- 77.2%
GMAT- 750(qa-50, va-40) ; AWA - 5
Work ex- will complete 2 years in november '09. 1 year in a top software firm of India(as a software engineer) and 1 year in one of the top coaching institute of India for MBA having almost 130 branches(profile: Center Head).
Achievements/Positive points about my profile:
1) Meritorious student throughout schooling
2) Senior Diploma in Hawaiian guitar.
3) Was part of managing committee of my annual function in college.
4) My college has a rural internship. It's aim is to explore how can we bring change at grass root level using IT(was a life-changing event for me)
5) Won IEEE organized state level paper presentation contest.
6) Was knowledge manager of my team in s/w firm. Responsibilities included organizing knowledge transfer so that all learn from each other and realized role of communication in a firm.(can properly elaborate in essay)
7) Center head of coaching. Responsibilities include marketing, handling the faculty,workers,students. Learnt a lot. Meeting new people, saw education system first time from top rather than bottom as a student.what are flaws,good points of same..meeting people..arranging for seminars...have to make strategies like which colleges to target for which exam/courses..when to target...again can elaborate properly in essay..used few innovative ways of marketing the product..
8 ) started a free batch for physically challenged and poor students who have the potential to be the best but have limited opportunites as training instis don't provide special facilities for them...
can elaborate on the above points in essays...
My queries:
Given my sort of weak profile, do i stand a realistic chance of making the cut for top 5(or top 10 b-schools)? I'm planning to apply to all ambitious univs for me..even if I don't make it this year..it would be fine..but if I have no realistic chances of converting(say less than 10%chance) these univs, then would drop the plan.
i) what are my chances of converting top 5 b-schools (a rough idea)
ii) Chances for ISB,NUS and NTU
iii) would my work-ex in education sector help me differentiate myself from IT junta...as my education and half of work ex is in IT sector? How to go about achieving this?
iv) Can you please suggest me few good colleges that can give me a good scholarship/waiver? Will think of apping to these after some research.
Thanks for your kind help.
Regards,
Abhishek
Hi MBAMission Team,
I am looking for information on schools that have good programs for Strategy/Consulting stream. I tried searching the threads to check if this has already been discussed, but couldnt find much relevant info.
A list of top tier schools that have good programs suited for a career in strategy consulting would be really helpful!
Once have a preliminary list of schools, I will consult you again with my profile details.
Thanks,
Binny
Hi Erin, Jeremy and everyone else on the MBAMission team,
Let me first congratulate and thank you for the stellar job you are doing by advising people on the most important decisions of their lives. I have visited your website and found it to be extremely helpful and informative, perhaps the best such free resource on the Internet. I found the analyses of application essays to be especially useful and am trying to incorporate your suggestions in my applications.
Like many others on this thread, I too seek your valuable advice regarding my profile.
Academics: Good ( X - 92.4%, XII - 91.5%, B.E. - 8.23 CGPA)
Have been selcted as one of five best all-round students in the state the year I passed out of high school.
Work-ex: Decent (5.5 years in Cap Gemini and Citigroup, but NO international experience ) 
Extra-curricular: Quite good, in my opinion.
Have worked as a journalist for India's biggest online business magazine with many of my articles available on the Net - a google search will throw them up. Have interviewed doyens of Indian auto industry at the last Auto Expo in New Delhi. My car reviews have also been picked up by several other websites, one of which had even offered me a job.
Have written content for several websites as a freelance writer.
Quite a good quizzer and debater. Have won several prizes at school, college and corporate levels.
Sports: Played cricket for school team.
Level III in Israeli martial art Krav Maga. Also a competent bodybuilder with a bench press of 400 pounds.
Social work: I do sponsor education of 5 girls and have intermittently worked for an NGO (can get supporting documentation).
Leadership roles: Was elected president of student body in undergraduate school. Have led delegations to the state Chief Minister (akin to a US Governor) and Cabinet Ministers to discuss infrastructure and affiliation matters.
Have organized and compered events at workplace. Have been appreciated by senior managemt for such initiatives.
And finally, I took the GMAT for the first time in July 2009, and scored 750 with 50 in QA and 42 in VA, and 5.5 in AWA.
I am targeting the following schools:
1. Harvard
2. Wharton
3. Kellogg
4. INSEAD
5. London Business School
6. Nanyang Business School
7. Indian School of Business
My queries are:
1. Do you think my profile is good enough for the above or am I taking a big risk by aiming only for the top, especially considering that:
> I am an Indian software engineer, perhaps the most common applicant profile, and
> I have no international experience, though an extensive knowledge of American culture considering my business interactions and content writing experience?
2. Do you have any general advice on my profile, such as what to highlight in the essays?
Thank you for all your help and time.
Sourya Biswas,
Manager,
Citigroup.
Hi Erin, Jeremy and the rest of MBAMission team,
Few things.
Firstly, kudos and bravo! This thread is the best I have come across thus far in many websites on MBA discussion. This, in itself, is a community service. 😁 Many many thanks for your patience and interest.
Secondly, I have read as many questions as possible and have got answers/more clarity to many of questions/doubts. As much as I have got answers to my questions, I also understood that each candidate is unique and that what he/she requires to do in the way forward also differs which is why I put forward my case to you.
About me:
Xth class: 80.4%
Xth class: 94.4% (stood first in the school in commerce and could easily be amongst the top 20 in India cos my score was 472/500)
Post schooling went to a well known reputed college for B Com but discontinued after 20 days as I wanted to focus on my Chartered Accountancy course (CA). Pursued B Com through distance education and scored 58% overall.
Performance in CA was good with all the 3 levels cleared in the first attempt with good scores. In the first and the second level called PE-I and PE-II got scores close to all India 30th rank and all India 50th rank resp. In the final secured All-India 38th rank. Here I can probably justify my low score in B Com which really does not carry much value and also given the fact that I wanted to focus on B Com and did so quite effectively. Your thoughts pls...
I also did my 3 year internship during CA with PricewaterhouseCoopers. The first two have been learning while the third year has been further learning plus managing and leading small teams of 2/3 and small assignments. This meant planning the audit, allocating work to other team members, reviewing and guiding the junior members and liaising with client personnel. Can this be a case for my leadership/managerial skills? You may disagree cos this was merely an internship and was for a short period where I did not build on it.
Hi Erin, Jeremy and the rest of MBAMission team,
2 things before I start talking my specific case.
Firstly, kudos and bravo! This thread is the best I have come across thus far in many websites on MBA discussion. This, in itself, is a community service. 😁 Many many thanks for your patience and interest.
Secondly, I have read as many questions as possible and have got answers/more clarity to many of questions/doubts. As much as I have got answers to my questions, I also understood that each candidate is unique and that what he/she requires to do in the way forward also differs which is why I put forward my case to you.
About me:
- Xth class: 80.4%
- Xth class: 94.4% (stood first in the school in commerce and could easily be amongst the top 20 in India cos my score was 472/500)
- Post schooling went to a well known reputed college for B Com but discontinued after 20 days as I wanted to focus on my Chartered Accountancy course (CA). Pursued B Com through distance education and scored 58% overall.
- Performance in CA was good with all the 3 levels cleared in the first attempt with good scores. In the first and the second level called PE-I and PE-II got scores close to all India 30th rank and all India 50th rank resp. In the final secured All-India 38th rank. Here I can probably justify my low score in B Com which really does not carry much value and also given the fact that I wanted to focus on B Com and did so quite effectively. Your thoughts pls...
- I also did my 3 year internship during CA with PricewaterhouseCoopers. The first two have been learning while the third year has been further learning plus managing and leading small teams of 2/3 and small assignments. This meant planning the audit, allocating work to other team members, reviewing and guiding the junior members and liaising with client personnel. Can this be a case for my leadership/managerial skills? You may disagree cos this was merely an internship and was for a short period where I did not build on it and take it forward.
So academically I think I am quite well positioned. Please let me know your thoughts. My only concern is that adcoms might raise eyebrows over my dismal B Com scores which I hope justify through my much better scores in a professional exam, CA. Am I right?
- Post qualification, I have been working with Morgan Stanley for the past 21 months in the investment banking division. However, this is the back office of Morgan Stanley. In terms of the exposure I have got and my acquaintance with the banking world, the work that we do here is exactly the same as any of the front office analyst. Working on live deals, pitches, etc. The one thing that is lacking is client interaction.
- On my professional experience (and I would like to talk about this cos I am looking at a similar career post MBA and thought would make sense to talk about this) I have had a very good exposure when it comes to investment banking and have good transaction experience. Have been a part of and played the role of the primary analyst in 3 IPOs, 3 M&A; transactions (2 of them high profile cross border) and several projects. To this end, I have been exposed to all of what an analyst is expected to do but for client interaction (however have had that experience in PwC). And my performance has been acknowledged by my seniors (associates, VP and above) and can get that on my recos as well.
- I have also been selected for a rotation with the front office for a 3 month period amongst 10 candidates who were interviewed. This would now give me the one thing that was lacking ie client interaction. This probably closely resembles promotion and would be exactly that if I can convert that rotation/internship to a permanent role. However I consider this an achievement all the other candidates were quite senior to me (even those who have spent 12 months more than me) and also the fact that I am the youngest to be selected for a rotation in the present market condition. Just to clarify, interviews were not the only selection criteria as feedback from colleagues also counted immensely and the 10 candidates for the interviews were shortlisted based on their work experience and credentials.
- So guess, professionally it has been pretty good and enriching. However the one thing that is nagging me is, despite my work experience and exposure being comparable and close to a real investment banking analyst, I fear that on paper since I have been a with a back office and not the front office might work against me. This has been my biggest concern when I think of MBA as I understand that the quality of workex matters a lot to the adcoms.
- On the community service, been a part of an effort initiated by a group of professional to semi-adopt an under privileged kid studying in a particular school for the last 15 months. This means that I sponsor the education of one kid, follow the progress of the kid, talk to him regularly, motivate him to get higher scores, talk to the school teachers and parents about his progress. In addition, for the group of kids as a whole, we take them out for some special occasions to restaurants/gaming places that they cannot afford and take classes on every weekend. Though we work together we are also individually responsible for ensuring the progress child that we have semi-adopted. Am also a part of the charity committee of our office where we organise various programs/drives.
So been involved in community service only post qualification but guess have done justice.
- Extra curricular has been pretty decent. Been a part of the school football team and was the vice-captain in 11th and then the captain in 12th. No college after 12th and hence limited scope for extra-curricular activities. Have formally learnt chess and have participated in tournaments and won not too many prizes. Have learnt vocal classical music and have participated in many competitions and won a few prizes too. Continued learning vocal music even after 12th for about 2 years when my internship took a toll on my time where I had to discontinue. Keen on keeping my association with classical music cos of my interest, have been learning classical music on an instrument for the last 8 months and hope to continue learning for as long as possible.
So extra curricular to me was football, chess and classical music.
- Finally, GMAT where I am confident of getting a good score that would make the top schools consider me for a moment. 750 is what I am aiming though it is too early for me to talk give a number.
- At the end of the story, and if you have been reading all the way till here a special thanks for that, I would like to know the following:
1. How my profile looks for an MBA finance from the top b-schools?
2. What should I do to improve my chances/compensate for the shortfalls that I cannot do much about like say my B Com score or my back office experience (if at all that really matters)?
3. May sound like a stupid question, yet do u think there is something that I can do which will secure my chances of getting an letter of acceptance? I am willing to take any effort and go the extra mile
4. What do you think is the character/accomplishment/strong point that stands out JUST WITHIN MY PROFILE? Did not mean to brag here. Honestly wanted to know it so that I can leverage on it effectively.
5. Please list the best schools for finance. I am quite passionate about finance and wanna do an MBA in it from a top b school just for the knowledge it provides. Ofcourse I am interested in the money that it brings along with it. :D
Thanks again if you are still reading it and would be very happy if you could answer my questions above. Happy to give you further details if you want. Thanks again!
Greetings MBAMission Team,
Thanks for your valuable suggestions to the MBA aspirants, have been following this forum since a week now.
Please have a look at my profile and help me bring some clarity to the questions below:
Education:
10th Class : 85%
12th Class: 84%
B.E. Computers from a non-IIT/non REC institute. Graduated with around 6.5/10 (GPA) - basically, average acads.
GMAT: 680/86% (Q49 V34) AWA: 4.5
Work Experience: 4 yrs 8 months as of now in a top 3 Indian IT services organisation.
Work Profile:
I have held team member and module lead positions during my tenure in the organisation. I have exposure to different areas of software systems management. I have spent a year collaborating with a dozen assocaites with different nationalities (mainly European) on getting their payroll system automated...all this time I was working from India.
My current assignment deals with a highly impactful knowledge management system for a Fortune 10 company.
Extra-Curricular Activities:
Most of my activities have been related to music and cultural events during my graduation. While I was working, I had also managed to tour across Western India on weekends for performing in a band as a bass player, close to 15 shows.
After reading many profiles of MBA aspirants, I believe I lack in strong community initiatives, proven leadership skills and not having a certain pattern to link my past with my short and long term goals.
I have to admit that I had given GMAT in March 2009, for an intra company program, but did not get through. I have only thought seriously about doing an MBA since only a month now. Also, though I am inclined towards marketing and workforce management in the internet age, I am still not very clear on my preferred area of expertise.
Now, I have a couple of questions which will help me to decide the direction I need to take further steps
1. Am I too late to seriously consider applying for an MBA program this year? Or, would trying next year along with closing some gaps in my profile and being more clear on the type of MBA be more practical?
2. Does the current recession period make any serious negative/positive impact to apply for a US Business School?
3. I am being considered for a role that would require me to travel to US for a year. This will help me financially and give me some perspective on client management.
Thanks for reading my query,
Vivek A.
Hi Vivek,
Thanks for your questions. In terms of the current recession, it has been difficult for some international students to secure loans over the past year, but this problem has been addressed by most of the top MBA programs in the U.S. by forming relationships with new lenders.
Your work experience and grades appear to be pretty standard, so I agree with your assessment that you lack key differentiators, community experience and strong leadership examples. I do think you could benefit from an additional year of work experience. I feel that the role in the U.S. might give you a new perspective as well as an opportunity to make an impact.
I am including two blog posts related to "shaping" your profile for a future application. Best of luck!
- Advance Your Personal Goals - http://www.mbamission.com/blog/2009/04/24/mission-admission-advance-your-personal-goals/
- Do Not Neglect Personal Stories - http://www.mbamission.com/blog/2009/06/22/monday-morning-essay-tip-do-not-neglect-personal-stories-2/
- Enhancing your community profile - http://www.mbamission.com/blog/2007/04/20/long-term-planning-enhancing-your-community-profile/