Ask Jennifer@Accepted.com: Application-writing advice for the best global B-schools

[Accepted]

Originally Posted by jeeves sunil

Thank you jennifer,

what i realize that i will need to speak something about my acadmic failure rather than keep mum about it. i am deciding to write the optional essay. i never failed an exam apart from the time of my engineering. i must acknoledge that few things rattled me during engineering.

an honest approach to justifying/acknoledging my failure, reasons for same being -inability to manage emotional and acadmic situation + lack of maturity. and my comeback from it- note that i passed with 3.4 gpa not bad.

also my work environment is very rigourous i work approximately 12-14 hours daily and my ability to do rigourous work on ground is know. demonstrating that could help??

my work does not give me time to take another course or gmat again, a short 1 week course could help?

my seniors who are recomending me, do agree that i have contributed significantly at work could that help.

brief pointers for essay on this topic will go a long way for me.

a seat on the interview table is the opportunity i am trying to built

thanks again for he magnificient work you are doing.

Sunil

Sunil,
If you graduated with a 3.4, then there is no need for an explanation (unless it is 3.4 out of 5). If it is the latter, then only a real reason (not immaturity) is worth writing about. If there's no real reason for low grades, then why just bring them up? Use the optional essay to explain another strength or to bring evidence of your intellect and drive.

Regards,
Jennifer Bloom, CPRW
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[Accepted]

Originally Posted by manishonlin

Madam,
I am a final year engineering student from india.I wish to know about the MBA programme at CARDIFF business school.Kindly help me out with this.
Thank you

Manish M

Manish,
The best ways to find out about MBA programs are
1) visit - yes, it is crazy, but it is so helpful in discovering whether you would fit in to the program and that you are sincerely interested in it

2) contact the admissions office and find out if they can put you in touch (usually via email) with some current student or alumni in the field you are interested in - most are accommodating

3) search the web - I'm not just talking about going to Cardiff's website; I'm talking about googling specific aspects of the programs you are interested in. For example, let's say you see on a program's website that they run an interesting venture competition for students. You can then try to find the students who won in previous years, find contact information for the students who run it, etc. - these contacts are great sources of information!

Good luck with your research!

Regards,
Jennifer Bloom, CPRW
Accepted - helping you write your best!

From pre-application consulting and strategizing to essay and letter of recommendation editing, resumes, mock interviews, and wait-list tactics - we guide you through the application maze.

[Accepted]

Originally Posted by pinkii

Dear Jenifer,

I really appreciate your work and your guidence.
Please evaluate my profile and comment on the schools selected by me.
I am interested in 2 year Full time MBA program for fall 2008.
I am applying in R2.

Profile:

GMAT: 640 ( Q 49, VA 29) AWA- 4.5
TOEFL: yet to be taken
X : 87.29%
XII: 83%
B.Com.: 76%
Diploma in Corporate communication and advertising
Currently pursuing one year course of Finance to make my education 12+4
Academic achievements: exellent, Have been University Topper Twice

Work Ex: 2 years by June 2008( One year in a local Co. and One year in MNC)

Extra curriculars: average

Community services: asscociated with blind girl asscociation and other small activities

I have applied to the following schools at the time of my GMAT.

1) Case Western Reserve University - Weatherland School of Business - MBA 2 year ( As suggested by you)

2) Pepperdine University - The George L. Graziado School of Business and Management - MBA Full Time

3) University of Arizona - The Eller College of Management -MBA Full Time

4) Uni. of Georgia - Terry College of Business - MBA Ful Time

5) Uni. of Iowa - Henry B. Tippie College of Business - MBA Full Time

I intend to apply to the following schools:

1) Brigham Young University - Marriott School of Management

2) University of Minnesota/Twin Cities - Carlson School of Management

3) University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business

4) Georgia Tech College of Management

5) Uni. of California, Davis Graduate School of Management

Please let me know my chances in all the colleges mentioned above. I want to have atleast 2 to 3 secured universities where chances of admission are very high.

Please reply. I don't have time to retake GMAT. Is it ok if I apply to the above schools with the score of 640?

I know it's a long post but I really need your help

Thnx in adv

Hi, Pinkii.
That is a long list, and many of the schools are programs I do not work with regularly. One way to find out if these choices are appropriate is to check with their own statistics: is your GMAT in their 80%ile range? is 2 years of work experience within the average? If not, then you will need to demonstrate that you have greater intellect than your GMAT seems to state (note I said demonstrate and not claim; simply stating that you are really smart is not enough) and that you have reached much higher levels than other professionals with only 2 years of experience. Also, don't make the mistake of sending generic applications to each of these schools. Really do your research about what makes each special - that will definitely impress them and may just win you a spot.

Regards,
Jennifer Bloom, CPRW
Accepted - helping you write your best!

From pre-application consulting and strategizing to essay and letter of recommendation editing, resumes, mock interviews, and wait-list tactics - we guide you through the application maze.

[Accepted]

Originally Posted by kunalpragati

Hi jenifer,

Please evaluate my profile and comment some good Safe Schools/ Dream schools in Asia/Europe basis my gmat score.

I am interested in 1 year Full time MBA program for fall 2008.

Profile:
Indian
shipping industry
GMAT: 640 ( Q 50, VA 26) AWA- 4.5
TOEFL: yet to be taken
X : 73%
XII: 77%
B.SC.: 82%

Bsc in Nautical Sciences
awards in sports,hobbies,public speaing,drama,story writing

Currently sailing as Chief officer (2nd in command) in italian shipping MNC and possess highest qualification (Captain of a foreign going ship)

Work Ex: 11 years by June 2008( world wide- almost everywhere in the world- special period in shipyards in china/South korea)

Kindly advise on
Also, please guide me if Mba schools will treat me as OPERATIONS/COMMERCIAL/GENERAL MNGMT guy

Please help me on this. Should you require further information let me know.
Thanks in anticipation.
Kunal

Kunal,
You have a few strikes against you:
1) low GMAT (especially for an India)
2) older age - many programs are aiming at the 28-30 year old range of students

But you also have the positive of holding a leadership position in an operations role - many programs are excited by that.

I have a good feeling about IMD - your GMAT score fits their range and they are friendlier to older applicants, and an Asian program like Chinese University of Hong Kong may be interesting - again, your straight statistics seem to fit into their averages. I've also heard good things about the CUHK OneMBA, so you may want to look into that.

With your years of work experience, many of the programs will try to steer you to earn an executive mba, and that actually might be the better option for you. The only way to find out is to do your research

Regards,
Jennifer Bloom, CPRW
Accepted - helping you write your best!

From pre-application consulting and strategizing to essay and letter of recommendation editing, resumes, mock interviews, and wait-list tactics - we guide you through the application maze.

[Accepted]

Originally Posted by sandeephrnayak

Hi Jennifer,
First I would like to thank you for your support.I am a Senior software engineer in a MNC. I need some information on how B-school select candidate who is looking for career shift. Here is my profile.

Years of experience : 50 month.
Current designation : Senior software engineer.
Xth score : 88%
XIIth score : 86%
Graduation : MIT Manipal (Manipal Deemed University) Engineering in
Electronics and communication 75%.

Overseas exposure : Worked in South Korea for one of the leading consumer Electronics giant of the world as a software consultant for about 9 month.

Currently I am working for another leading mobile manufacturer in their site within India and leading a team of 4.

I am planning to take GMAT in the month of Feb 2008. I would like to know my (an IT guy) chances of getting into one of the TOP 20 B-school in finance. Do they expect any prior exposure in the field of finance? Or else are there any chances of getting into finance field(job in I-Bank) after pursuing MBA in a well known General MBA-school. Do I need to look(short listing and preparing essays) for those colleges now itself? Thanking you in advance.

Regards,
Sandeep

Sandeep,
Do you have any idea how many IT guys from India are applying to the top 20 MBA programs to make the shift to finance? Lots. You will have to prove that you are not that typical IT guy by stepping out of straight IT roles, either full or part time. You may want to start doing some investment to build a track record, even better if you can build and manage a relatively sizeable portfolio on the side. Pursue management roles instead of just team lead roles, etc.

While you don't need to do a lot of preparation for the application now, you should certainly be getting your CV/resume in order, making outlines of some of your greatest work and community accomplishments (so you can easily integrate them into essays later), and speak to the recommenders you would like to write on your behalf.

Regards,
Jennifer Bloom, CPRW
Accepted - helping you write your best!

From pre-application consulting and strategizing to essay and letter of recommendation editing, resumes, mock interviews, and wait-list tactics - we guide you through the application maze.

[Accepted]

Originally Posted by whit

Hello Jennifer,

First of all,Thank you very much for answering our queries.Here is one more.Please let me know your frank opinion on the profile given below.I really look forward to you inputs on the same.

Indian Female -

Graduation - B.Tech ,Electrical- 61.88%.
12th - 70 %
Topped my school in 10th Std.81.4%

Extra Currics in college- Reprsented the college nationally in one of the college years,won some prizes.Hostel Rep

GMAT twice- 700(48,3(Earlier 670)

Planning to apply to R2 as plans got derailed by the second attempt.

Colleges selected- Chicago GSB,Yale SOM,Darden,NYU STern.I wish to specialize in Startegy or Consulting.

Work Exp: 7 Months as a Trainer(Soft Skills) for MNC's as an outside vendor.
4 Months as a Facilitator - (Reason of shifting - to learn adult learning dynamics,better presentations from a veteran in the industry)
1.6 years (Still Continiuing) as a Client Partner - Job involves Business dev. for Franklin Covey(behavioural skills and Leadership trainings,Surveys for the org.) on.Depending on the CEO Focus have been dealing with different org across industries and have also made presentations to and interacted with represenatives of org. from other countries such as U.S hqs or others.Achieving targets.

One problem area is ours is relatively flat and young organization (the Indian Counterpart).so even If I stick on for one year my job profile will remain the same. How to show career progression in this case?

Another one is I have one year gap between my graduation and first job.Reasons- I didnot want to do a desk job.2 It was not my calling.3was giving exams for Indian MBA programs.Didnt get what I wanted so didnot join.Above reasons are my true reasons,please let me know how to put it across to the adcom of schools.

3rd Qs- I have to do a program in the year 2008.Please let me know how safe is my current list or should I apply to some other schools(please suggest the schools)I dont wish to go below Top 20 schools.

I have not much community focus to show.

Look forward to your inputs on the same.

Thank you.

Well, Whit, the good news is that you are a woman so right away you are in a smaller applicant pool and have a higher chance of success.

Within what sounds like less than three years of experience, these top programs may just not consider you ready for them. You would need to demonstrate that you are - even in one significant position - by showing your management and leadership: show the admissions committee how much you have grown your division/company/influence and impress them with that to earn a spot in one o the coveted top 20.

Also, go out right now and figure out how you can make an impact in the community. Right now. Log out, this is important. I don't know anyone who has gotten into a top 20 program without showing some community involvement.

Regards,
Jennifer Bloom, CPRW
Accepted - helping you write your best!

From pre-application consulting and strategizing to essay and letter of recommendation editing, resumes, mock interviews, and wait-list tactics - we guide you through the application maze.

[Accepted]

Originally Posted by spran

hi jennifer,


i am not yet decided on where i would like to do my post grad in management from. But what i would like to get from you would be a feeler on my prospects.

Indian male.

23 years.

Average acads all through school and college.
10th 89%
12th 83%
Engg 71%

Engg grad in mechanical engineering having passed out in 2007.

I co-founded a firm with six other students my in while in my fifth semester of graduation(engg) and now into its 25th month of existence we have launched another venture and have been successful in raising funding too(angel investment).

Besides, i ve held various leadership positions in school and college. General- secretary of the college and so on.

I can get some real good reco from industry guys from India.

Would really appreciate if you could give me some direction or atleast a feel on whether i wait for another two years or so before i do an MBA. Just an honest appraisal of my chances. Would love to do my post grad from amongst the top 5-7 colleges.

regards
spran

Hi, Spran. You are still young, so some schools may just not think you are ready. There are a few things you will need to consider before you apply:
1) do you have 16 years of education? If not you'll have to pursue the 16th year for many (though not all) of the top programs
2) if you stay with the startups for the next couple of years, what level do you think you could help them reach. if it is a significant market presence and influence, then you are probably better off waiting and applying with those under your belt.
3) what has your role been in the startup? if you're the technology writer, then it is less exciting for the MBA programs. Be sure to emphasize the management and leadership aspects of your role.
4) if your role has been predominately in the tech side of the startup, then you should definitely expand into more management, finance, leadership, and marketing and wait a couple of years until you have those under your belt.

Regards,
Jennifer Bloom, CPRW
Accepted - helping you write your best!

From pre-application consulting and strategizing to essay and letter of recommendation editing, resumes, mock interviews, and wait-list tactics - we guide you through the application maze.

[Accepted]

Originally Posted by thetoastedbread

Hi Jennifer,

Any interview advise for Tuck and Darden?

Many thanks.

Kindest,
- TTB

Hi, Toasted. Yes, Accepted has an amazing database of information that applicants have uploaded regarding their interviews. Check it out at http://www.accepted.com/mba/interviews/advancedsearch.aspx. My greatest piece of advice is to know the program and what makes it special. One of the main pieces of information that your interviewer is hoping to glean is the level of your interest in their program.

Regards,
Jennifer Bloom, CPRW
Accepted - helping you write your best!

From pre-application consulting and strategizing to essay and letter of recommendation editing, resumes, mock interviews, and wait-list tactics - we guide you through the application maze.

[john_almighty]

Hi Jennifer,

I am 26 years old
I have an undergrad in engg from India and a masters in comp sc from oxford univ.
2 years work exp as a Business Analyst in an Investment Bank in London
planning to give GMAT this year and apply to only LBS, Harvard, Stanford and Wharton...... I don't intend to study anywhere else as I am quite happy with my work and I want to do an MBA in finance with some strategy management as well so that I can come back to an investment bank with a background in maths and CS and education in finance as well.

if i do get a 720+ in GMAT with very good SOPs and Reccos ...... what are my chances at these BSchools.

Does doing courses like FRM and CFA help your application if you are applying for a Fin course in a B School


Thanks for your time
Regards

John

[spran]

Originally Posted by Accepted

Hi, Spran. You are still young, so some schools may just not think you are ready. There are a few things you will need to consider before you apply:
1) do you have 16 years of education? If not you'll have to pursue the 16th year for many (though not all) of the top programs
2) if you stay with the startups for the next couple of years, what level do you think you could help them reach. if it is a significant market presence and influence, then you are probably better off waiting and applying with those under your belt.
3) what has your role been in the startup? if you're the technology writer, then it is less exciting for the MBA programs. Be sure to emphasize the management and leadership aspects of your role.
4) if your role has been predominately in the tech side of the startup, then you should definitely expand into more management, finance, leadership, and marketing and wait a couple of years until you have those under your belt.

Regards,
Jennifer Bloom, CPRW
Accepted - helping you write your best!

From pre-application consulting and strategizing to essay and letter of recommendation editing, resumes, mock interviews, and wait-list tactics - we guide you through the application maze.

hi jennifer, i am very much into the management and fund raising aspects and not the techie person. we are doing pretty good and are getting better and better by the day.we ae in the boomin wireless industry and we recently got into nasscom list of 100 top innovators etc. my sights are set on harvard, sloan kind of places. we are a 3 million dollar firm now. thanks in advance spran