[MBAMission - ES]

MBA MISSION ESSAY ANALYSIS
As schools release their essay questions, we offer tips on how to approach each question. Here's the analysis for University of Virginia (Darden):

University of Virginia (Darden) Essay Analysis, 2009–2010
July 29th, 2009 | Posted in MBA Essay Analysis, Blogroll

For the 2009–2010 application season, Darden has reduced the number of essay questions on its MBA application from three to just two, though the total word count remains the same at 1,000. The small number of questions means that applicants will need to exercise tighter focus to ensure that all the relevant points are included.

How have the changes in the global economy over the last 18 months affected you and your plan for the future? (400 words)

Darden’s Admissions Committee undoubtedly recognizes that a higher than usual proportion of applicants this year will most likely have grappled with the issue—or at least the specter—of layoffs, unemployment or underemployment, and is responding with this head-on question. Getting the topic out into the open this way allows such applicants to address this element of their candidacies right off the bat. Most MBA admissions personnel with whom mbaMission has spoken recently have stated that what they are most curious about learning about unemployed or laid-off candidates is what the applicant has been doing to further his/her personal or professional growth in the meantime, so this is certainly a topic that should not be overlooked.

Of course, this question is not only relevant for candidates who have had to face losing their jobs, but is also a key topic for aspiring MBAs who are considering careers in the finance industry. Those applicants should explain how and why the changes in this industry have influenced their short- and/or long-term goals and their interest in or passion for the field. Those applicants who have been fortunate enough to avoid an interruption in their career thus far and do not plan to pursue a finance-related track should still have significant things to say about how their perception of the business world may have altered over the past year and a half.

All candidates may want to consider addressing the ethics angle, given that unethical behavior (e.g., predatory lending) has received much of the blame for the economic downturn. This in turn should lead in to how what one has seen and learned will play a part in what kind of leader the applicant will be in his/her career going forward. This point is particularly relevant with respect to Darden, because of the school’s long-held and intense focus on ethics in business. Ultimately, applicants should take care not to focus too exclusively on the lessons learned and gloss over the “plans for the future” aspect of the question. The school wants to know how you will put your takeaways to good use going forward, which to some degree will also reveal how you will likely apply and benefit from the skills you will learn at Business School.

What will you contribute to an MBA program and what are your personal and professional expectations of the program you attend? (600 words)

At first glance, this question sounds rather overarching and general, and indeed, the Admissions Committee seems to be asking for candidates’ broad ideas on these points by using the phrases “an MBA program” and “the program you attend” rather than referring to Darden’s program in particular. However, the veiled follow-up question is surely “how did these lead you to choose Darden?” This is an obvious opportunity for candidates to highlight their unique qualities, experiences and abilities and to do so within the context of what makes Darden unique as well, so applicants should take the time to research—if they have not already done so—the standout characteristics of the school’s MBA program, such as the case method, the focus on general management, Learning Teams, etc.

For the second part of the question, applicants should consider their short- and long-term goals and why they need, in light of their past personal and professional experiences, from an MBA education and school that will enable them to attain these goals. Again, these needs should ideally connect to specific aspects and resources of the Darden program for this essay response to be most effective. In essence, this question is a kind of Personal Statement, so applicants may find consulting our “mbaMission Personal Statement Guide” helpful in brainstorming. We offer this guide to candidates free of charge, via our online store. Please feel free to download your copy today.

[Andy_Cool123]

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

[MBAMission - ES]

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/...Class-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.

[ramdeep06]

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!!

[humblewinner]

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.

[MBAMission - ES]

Originally Posted by tanPG2009

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

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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[MBAMission - ES]

Originally Posted by Andy_Cool123

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
Follow mbaMission on Twitter

[MBAMission - ES]

Originally Posted by ramdeep06

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

[MBAMission - ES]

Originally Posted by humblewinner

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

[ramdeep06]

Originally Posted by MBAMission - ES

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.