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

[Accepted]

Originally Posted by chandu_v

Hi Jennifer,

Your above suggestion kind of worries me.
In response to "Describe the single event or achievement that has significantly influenced your life." , I was planning to write about a small achievement in my life and a events and intercations related to it. On how that experience has laid the foundation for my ambitions and achievements and has helped in shaping my persionality. It is more about the learnings, realization and experience than about the challenges faced and the methods used.
Please give me your valuable feedback on the same.

Thanks and regards,
Sarat

Sarat,
Don’t let my advice worry you yet. The object of this question is to understand how you perceive yourself and how you ended up with that perception. The key is to share an example that complements your other essays, so there really is a lot of flexibility in this.

Ideally, if you are going to share an example that shaped the foundations of your personality, then I would like you to bring a follow up story of how you acted on that foundation. In other words, if you feel an experience made you more ambitious or confident, then I would like to see an example of you showing leadership and impact as a result of that ambition or confidence. The key really does need to be that we learn more about you in the essay and are excited by your potential as a leader by showing not just your intentions, but also your actions.

Good luck with those essays!
Regards,
Jennifer Bloom, CPRW
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[Accepted]

Originally Posted by eNVious

Hi Jennifer,

I am an Indian Software Engineer working with an Indian top IT services company. My profile is as follows:
WE: 3 years in Sept,2008
Domain :Insurance
GMAt 700(5.5 AWA), TOEFL : 115
Great academics, particpated and won at College level debate competitions, particpated in paper-presentations hwile at college.
Good work-profile. Started mentoring at a very early stage, have handled reponsibilities of a module leader on various occassions, have been awarded for this. Decent community involvement, have not led in such activities, but have participated with enthusiasm.

Last year, I applied to 4 US schools, out of which 2 i.e UIUC and UCI accepted me while 2 others rejected. However, since scholarships offered were not very attractive , i decided to wait another year before applying again.

I would like to know how suitable is my profile for top 20 B-schools in USA.
Your pointers will be greatly helpful.

Thanks.

Hi, Envious. You sound like you have an excellent foundation, but I don't see enough impact yet to believe that the top 20 programs will be ready for you yet. You are a bit younger than what they are looking for and I don't see much leadership yet. The top 20 schools are seeking individuals with vision who use that vision to make an impact on the directions of their companies. You may be able to demonstrate these qualities, but I don't see them in this brief description. I suggest you find a way to step up into a more strategic role in the company and play more of an influential role (Yes, I know this is extremely difficult; that's why this is the criterion by which the top schools gauge the merit of their applicants).

Sincerely,
Jennifer Bloom, CPRW
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[ankitgarg20]

Hi Jennifer,

Thanks a lot for all the advices that you have already given out to fellow puys. Not only it helps the concerned person, it also helps others like me to form an opinion about things around.
I have read many posts of yours and would like to ask certain questions. My profile is as follows:

Xth grade : 89 %
XII grade : 84%
Btech –IT-grad(class of 2007) from a not so well known university in new delhi(IP univ). I don’t know how to convert my academic score(81% for 8 sems) into a GPA. I was ranked in top 5% of my undergrad college.

GMAT: 700(Q50,V34) , haven’t recd my AWA score yet.

Work ex: Starting from june 2007, I have been working with ICICI bank in their treasury. I worked one year as a derivatives trader at Mumbai and currently im working as a forex trader at new delhi.
I would have a total of 2 years of work ex by fall 2009.

Leadership initiatives:
I was selected to set up a new forex desk at New delhi for my organization. My current role involves not only trading forex, but also building this new desk here.
In due course of time, the organization plans to recruit more people on da desk, but I wouldn’t be leading them. The reason being that my organization recruits only MBAs for treasury(I was lucky to get it right after my Btech) and thus no new recruits would report to me.
During college: Lots of leadership initiatives. I was co-founder of a business club in the college. Lead it as chairman during final year of my college. Conducted various events under that banner(all of them business oriented ).
I was a student representative at college’s placement cell. Organized many placement oriented events for fellow students and juniors.
High school: Served my school as Head Boy during 12th and Vice Head Boy during 11th..

Extra curricular activities:
Loads of them. From being a co –editor for college’s annual magazine(twice) to writing and presenting technical papers. Cant really list all here.

Social Work:

I have never been involved with any NGO in my life. But on my personal level have taught two under privileged teenagers learn basic computer skills over 2 years. It helped them find comp related jobs and start earn a decent living for their families. I have also taught some poor children in my locality.



Here are some of my questions and doubts:

1) I started my quest for GMAT with a Fall 2009 Admit as my target. But as my research progressed, I realized that I may not be able to make it to top 10-15 schools. Since, my core area of interest was Finance, I decided to apply for Masters in Finance and allied courses which are offered by many b schools.
Can you advice me anything for admits to following programs:
Haas: Masters in Financial Engg
Tepper: MS in Computational Finance
Princeton: M Fin
LBS: MFin
Said: Msc Fiancial Economics

2) With my kind of profile, can you suggest anything about MBA admits? In case I apply by R2, can I realistically look at some of the progs which are good for finance? In case yes, what would be those univs.

I want to pursue a career in Finance only and I am pretty sure about it. Please if you can advise anything on that.

[urefriendforeve]

Hi Jennifer,

I would like to request you inputs on my profile and your suggestions on some of the schools i can look at.

Age : 27 currently

Work Experience: 6 years on the time of joining an mba program next year

Companies: I really havnt worked for companies that can be called world renowned, but because they were small in nature i got to do stuff which i may not have done in a big firm. I assume that company brand names wont go against me.

Work profile: Embedded systems engineering in services sector, have been involved with Automotive Electronics for the last almost 2 years.

Qualification: Engineer from a well known institute in india

International experience : 8 months in USA and europe

Extra currics: Very recently have gotten involved with the Corporate social responsibility group in my organisation. Have represented my companies on a couple of road shows to market products, also sometimes (though rarely) go out and make presentations to prospective clients on project issues. Plus was a sports captain during university and rest the usual what u will find people from india doing during college days. Also, since now i am a senior member of the engieering team , spend time mentoring junior members as well.

Post MBA: Well, ideally my work profile would be in a place where i can get to do business value analysis of implementing Technology in a company's processes and working on strategic partnerships between technology companies, particularly interested in the high tech space in the Automotive domain, there are predictions about Auto electronics being the next big investment and r&d in Automotive space and hence there are opportunities to work on process improvements between OEM's suppliers and third party. Although i am not sure if an MBA would be a complete fit, but i feel it will provide me with a background and perspectives to be able to consider commercial/business aspects of analysing technologies and companies.
Also, is this the kind of job that people do in a consulting firm or can i look to be employed in a non consulting company (such as an IT company or a technology company) for such a role.

GMAT : 710 (47 Q, 40 V, 5.5 AWA)

Undegrgaduation : 68% (Which is first class in india just below a distinction mark, my ranking would be arond 25th in my class)

Request your feedback on my profile, how high a ranked school i can aim for, my post mba plans and also schools that you can recommend for me both in the US and Europe.

thanks alot.
Nishant Khanna

[Aqua4]

Hi Jennifer, Thanks a lot for guiding so many of us in realizing our dreams.
I would also like you to take a look at my profile and guide me.

I am an Indian male 25yrs with WE 2+ yrs working with an MNC in IT industry and I am targeting a Fall 2009 entry.
GMAT: 660 / 83 %ile (Q: 48, V: 33, AWA: 4) August 2008 • Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from a top engg institute in India with 74.3%(honors)
.Working with an IT MNC since last two yrs, so did not get opportunities for a leadership roles.Though I have been involved with Corporate social responsibility club at my company and help NGO's.

Accomplishments:WasPresident Society Of Mechanical Engineering at the University. Student Secretary for Organization of International Workshop at the University. Undergrad Placement Secretary. General Secretary for National Level Technical Fest and cultural fests at the university.Presented Papers in National Level Technical Symposiums.

Among the top 0.1% candidates at the State Level Engineering Entrance Exam .Among the top 2% candidates in All India Engineering Entrance Exam .

.Consistently among the top 5 %of my class at the university.
Extra currics:
A member of Corporate Social Responsibility club at my company with a regular volunteer to contribute to various NGO’s across Mumbai to deliver any services.
Have organized various national level technical and cultural activities at my university.

Career goals: Finance/Consulting--short term
Entrepreneurship- Long term
My GMAT score does not reflect my true potential so I will be retaking it by nov end and targeting a score more than 750. I would thus like to know what are my chances of admission at these Univs with the same profile+660 in GMAT and when score is 750 in GMAT - (H/S/W will always be preferred but are they feasible with this profile?) Tuck,Yale, Darden, UCLA, MIT sloan, Haas and IE business school.?

Greatly appreciate your guidance!!
Thanks in advance!!
Aqua4

[Accepted]

Originally Posted by p_jez

Jennifer, Thanks for the pointers! I've got another one for you though, regarding my profile:

# Indian, Male
# 30yrs, 9.5 yrs work-ex next fall
# Acads - avg, though from NIT Nagpur (in US context, ranked just below Ivies)
# Working in IT, on ERP/CRM. Will have been a Project Manager for almost 3.5 yrs by next fall, PMP certification in 2007
# GMAT 740/6.0 (2008 )
# Have managed initiatives that have directly impacted the bottomline of the organization
# Have managed development of dashboard that enables the CEO to assess Sales VPs' performance (interacted with the directorate office for this)
# Have managed sunset of an organization application
# Short-term goal - to be a Program Manager, Medium-term goal - to be a CIO/CTO

Extra Curricular:
# I've been mentoring colleagues & peers towards earning their PMP credential. Just one success so far, but he happened to be my supervisor in the past.
# I've been involved in connecting college alumni (via our unofficial message board), have been global moderator since past 3 years
# I've been supporting our alumni trust fund for past 3 yrs, though only financially. My annual contribution covers about one semester's tuition for a student, the fund has sponsored 14 students so far. This summer I have started working with the fund's admins to have it registered as a charity organization. I'll be designated a "founder member". Not sure when it'll happen, though - lot of factors are in play.
# Early this year I helped a team member obtain a donation of computers from the organization to setup a computer lab in his village's primary school - personal financial contribution + obtained contribution from peers (for lab infrastructure), and counseling on how to tackle the bureaucracy
# I am an avid motorcycler and hiker, have been to about 35 hikes/fort-visits. I try my best to spread awareness and curiosity about my people's history at work - though this is a very sporadic and informal activity.

Considering my aspirations and my profile, which business school(s) in the US would you recommend?

Thanks!!

At 30 years old, P_Jez, you are going to have a tough time convincing the top MBA programs that this is the right program for you. I do think that the second-tier programs will like your project management experience and GMAT, so Iyou stand a chance at programs like Kelley, Purdue, and Owen (and of course lower than that as well). As a stretch you may want to try USC’s IBEAR program; it is aimed at older applicants.

Best of luck with the applications!
Regards,
Jennifer Bloom, CPRW

[Accepted]

Originally Posted by brandmanager

Hi Jen,

Brand Manager, Here again.Thanks for your inputs,am actually in the process of implementing them.Checked out for Kellogs 1 yr MBA, i would be eligible for the Program, as i have done all 7 of the subjects earlier during my studies-only concern is i would need to brush them up.

Am again posting My profile for your review, but with a different objective.

What are three things in my profile which distinguish me from other candidates, which would assist in my admission.

Education-B.E,Electronics ( 64%),Only saving grace was-got 1st Rank in the university for final Degree Project-98%

Worked for a Year after Engineering-for a small Electrical components Org( Opted it over Infosys),never wanted to be a software Engineer and do a coding job.

Additionally have done 2 yrs Retail Management/Merchandising diploma program from National Institute of Fashion Technology,NIFT,Ministry of textiles(6.6CGPA),NIFT is a Premium College for Fashion Designing Course and related Courses which are related to Textile/Apparel Industry. This program is popularly called AMMM and is reckoned as a premium course, in Apparel/Retail Industry.

Work Ex- Vertical-Lifestyle Retail as well As Services Retailing (Operations,Business development,Marketing).

Worked with No 1 Apparel company of India( which has a Joint Venture with V.F Corp,The largest apparel company in the world-having brands like Wrangler, Lee,Nautica..etc) for International Brands and was Heading an entire Zone in 1.5 yrs time frame,Being the youngest Retail manager in the company(not by age,but by experience),handling 6 states for entire retail set up.Have handleded a big team of over 40 people( including front end sales staff),store managers,executives.A good peoples manager.

Current Profile-Marketing Manager in one of the companies for BP group,for their Service Retail Start Up which is a single store Franchising Business.Portfolio has over 120 retail stores currently.Additional Responsibilty of handling Customer Experience Profile,along with Brand Management,Sales Promotions,Marketing Campaigns,Website Management,etc etc.Have a Sound Knowledge of the Business side,for Retail Set ups


TOtal work Ex, by april 2009-6 yrs

On international exposure front, Been to the US for a month,Holding 10 yr B1/B2.Guess in Sales & Marketing international Exposure is Limited( apart from Dubai etc)

Have won a couple of awards in Retail Ops and Marketing in the organisations have worked for-Have certificates for them.

Additional Work Ex- Visiting faculty for Fashion Retail Management course at NIFT,Associated with 2 of NIFT centres.

Extra Curriculars- President of College-NIFT, Department captain for a couple of sports, Debating etc etc.Master of ceremony for a coupls of events.Lots of involvement in sports.

Worked for Tsunami relief fund for my earlier org,and continue to teach and sponsor 2 young kids of class 4 employees( my house maids children)

Post MBA-want to venture in Retail Consultancy and eventually be an enterpreneur,I want to continue my Hobby/Extra curricular of working as honourary Visiting Faculty in other B-schools.

Request you to suggest which are three things in my profile which distinguish me from other candidates, which would assist in my admission

Eagerly awaiting your response

Brand Manager

Hi, Brand Manager. It seems clear to me that the aspects that differentiate you are your fashion knowledge-taste-background, your marketing successes, and your sports leadership. The top MBA programs are interested in all of these!

Best of luck,
Jennifer Bloom, CPRW
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[Accepted]

Originally Posted by tank_I

Jennifer, I finally managed to get a good score on GMAT (780). I read ur other recommendations on essays, portraying my work-ex in the right way and leveraging the recommender's profile.

I think I am a little late for Round 1 deadlines this year. I would still want to go ahead with apping (atleast get in 2 gud applications in R1 - I am thinking of 2 among Tuck, HBS and Chicago GSB). Suppose I am able to get in just 1 good application in Round 1, which one of the three should I target for best possible "ROI"(keeping in my mind my profile and overall propensity to accept candidates in R1)?

I think the best approach would be to apply to Tuck and Chicago Round 1 if you can make it. HBS is always such a long shot and cares less about "the sincerity of your interest" that a round 1 application demonstrates; whereas, Tuck and Chicago both would like to see that level of interest.

Regards,
Jennifer Bloom, CPRW
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[Accepted]

Originally Posted by coronet

Hi Jennifer,

I have just one question regarding the Cornell essays which deal with the following -
1. goals (professional)
2. professional achievement (professional again)
3. challenging time and lessons learnt (??)
4. alternate career (personal)

Question -
I have a great story that talks about my community service and also highlights team building and leadership skills. I would love to share it with the adcomm but there is no scope for that in the essays! How do I leverage this story?
Can the above story be used to answer the 3rd (challenge) question coz though it wasnt exactly a challenging time, it did throw up its share of challenges and I did learn a lot from the experience?

Thanks,
Coronet

(PS: two questions actually but pertaining to the same issue so I guess its alright )

Yes, Coronet. I have definitely read some wonderful essays that use Cornell's "challenging time" essay to discuss a specific leadership experience and the challenges it involved. The key is to show the challenges, your thought process in assessing them, and the leadership and teamwork you summoned to overcom them.

Good luck!

Regards,
Jennifer Bloom, CPRW
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[Accepted]

Originally Posted by bc2008

Hi Jennifer,
I am a chartered accountant with around 4.5 years experience in banking. I recently appeared for GMAT and scored a 750 (Q49,V41) but got a 4.5 on AWA (42 percentile). What are the things which you would suggest for me to keep in mind while drafting my application to international B-Schools

Well, the first thing is not to even worry about the AWA score. The schools really don't use that in their consideration of your abilities. What you really need to focus on is overcoming the concept that you are a boring accountant in a safe career. You need to demonstrate that you take risks, have inspiring ideas, and can lead people to bring them to fruition. Otherwise, the admissions committees will assume you are not suitable for their programs.

Best of luck!

Regards,
Jennifer Bloom, CPRW
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