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Ask Stacy Blackman Consulting GMAT Accepting B-Schools

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Hi,
My name is Stacy Blackman. Since 2001 my firm, Stacy Blackman Consulting, has helped clients gain admission to every top business school in the world. I am happy to answer any of your questions on the MBA admissions process and your specific applications.
In addition to consulting, I al...

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07:45 PM, 17 Feb '13

17 Feb

@StacyBlackman said:
Hi everyone,Are there any MBA admissions or GMAT related questions we can answer?Cheers,Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team

Hello,

I am Computer science engineer working in IT industry for last 5.5 years. I wish to make a career change into Technology Venture Capital. Hence I am researching bschools which will enable me to do so.

Can you please help me with your inputs on schools which have a strength in technology startups and venture capital ? I wish to know where I can apply so that I can effectively make this career change.

Thanks

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17 Feb

Hello,I need some advice... My Profile : I have done Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Computer Science and Engineering with GPA of 2.9. I have a work-ex of 5 years in IT industry. I am preparing for GMAT and would be giving the exam in March '13. My target score would be 650 - 700 and am looki...

17 Feb

Hi everyone,
Are there any MBA admissions or GMAT related questions we can answer?
Cheers,
Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team

07 Feb

What To Consider When Choosing An MBA Program
http://www.stacyblackman.com/2013/01/30/what-to-consider-when-choosing-an-mba-program/http://www.stacyblackman.com/2013/01/30/what-to-consider-when-choosing-an-mba-program/
A healthy dose of self-reflection, and knowing the answer when asked why...

02:19 AM, 07 Feb '13

07 Feb

What To Consider When Choosing An MBA Program

http://www.stacyblackman.com/2013/01/30/what-to-consider-when-choosing-an-mba-program/

http://www.stacyblackman.com/2013/01/30/what-to-consider-when-choosing-an-mba-program/

A healthy dose of self-reflection, and knowing the answer when asked why you want to get an MBA, are two key components to deciding which business school programs make the most sense for you. I recently spoke with the Financial Times‘s Charlotte Clarke to offer my thoughts on what to consider when selecting an MBA program, and I’d like to share some of the article’s key points here as well.

For many people, a first major consideration is whether to pursue a general or specialized MBA. Personally, I feel that a general MBA prepares you better to be a business leader, because running a business involves an understanding of all aspects of the business. It also allows networking and an exchange of ideas with all different types of people with different backgrounds and goals.

No degree can make you 100 percent recession-proof, but given the uncertainties of the global economy, having the ability to shift gears and adapt within a variety of fields puts you in a better position to find employment upon graduation.

While some recruiters may wonder whether applicants with a joint degree, such as the JD/MBA or the MD/MBA, have done enough self-reflection regarding their professional goals, I believe that the additional education does not necessarily hurt if you are unsure of your career plans and interests and have the time and money.

When it comes to deciding between one and two-year programs, it really is a matter of deciding what’s important to you. If time and money are tight, a one-year program is a brilliant solution. However, for many career changers, the two-year program is a better option as it allows for the summer internship and more introspection and education in general.
As I say in the Financial Times, an MBA is a great, general degree that can prepare you for many paths. However, it is not right for everyone. One of the biggest mistakes I see is people applying for an MBA when their career goals are not a match for that type of graduate program. There are definitely careers that will benefit from a masters degree, as opposed to an MBA. The trick is honest self-assessment in order to align your goals with the best possible program.

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20 Jan

Thanks Stacy.. One more thing.. I would like to know abt the MPA (master of professional accounting) course.. It's that a gud course to do. Future prospects of that. In India and in abroad..

20 Jan

Hi everyone,
Are there any MBA admissions or GMAT questions we can answer?
Best,
Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team

20 Jan

Hi agiri,
There is a demand for MBAs in Australia. A good step for you though is to speak to the career centers at Australian MBA programs. They will be able to discuss with you the companies that recruit at the program and the opportunities available.
Cheers,
Conrad and the Stacy Blackm...

20 Jan

Hi farazibnrafi ,
I recommend you strongly consider why you are looking to pursue an MBA or a Masters program, as the two programs are very different and the material you will study will also be different. Unfortunately there is no "right" decision. The best step to take is to speak to current...

19 Jan

Hi,
I am working as a assistant manager with nationalized bank, done BE in computer science .I want to settle down in Australia, but confused abt the course to purse there so that i can get the job after that. I heard that, MBA from AUS got no value as there is no demand for MBAs. is it t...

14 Jan

Hello StacyBlackman !
I'm a graduate in civil engineering.
Here is my profile
10th- 72% (Karnataka State Board)
12th- 73% (Karnataka State Board)
Engineering- 7.4/10 (Visvesvaraya Technological University)
Work ex: Part time- 8 months as coordinator at a construction company. Fu...

04:18 PM, 14 Jan '13

14 Jan

Hello StacyBlackman !

I'm a graduate in civil engineering.

Here is my profile

10th- 72% (Karnataka State Board)
12th- 73% (Karnataka State Board)
Engineering- 7.4/10 (Visvesvaraya Technological University)
Work ex: Part time- 8 months as coordinator at a construction company. Full time- from August 12' till present at the same place
IELTS: 7.0 (L: 7.5 | R:8 | W:6.5 | S:6)
GMAT: Not attempted
Career Aspirations: The company I'm working for is my dad's company. It is a real estate development company. My dad wants me to takeover the business eventually and I want to join as early as possible. Gaining work ex and then leaving for MBA is practically impossible, I feel. It would be very difficult to get out once I'm into business. Here's what I plan to do.

1. I'm interested in doing MBA from a good uni in UK. But I don't have the work ex. There are a few unis which accept freshers for MBA but I'm told that they are not so prestigious.
Here are the unis which accept freshers:

Cardiff University
West London College (Heriot-Watt)
University of Buckingham
Liverpool John Moore University
Cardiff Metropolitan University
University of Wales, Newport
London School of Business & Finance
Bangor University
Coventry University London
University of Aberdeen
University of Stirling

2. Another option is M.Sc Management. I'm interested in these unis:

Imperial College Business School
London School of Economics and Political Science
City University: Cass
Warwick Business School
Aston Business School
University of Strathclyde Business School
University of Bath School of Management
Bradford University School of Management
Lancaster University Management School
Durham University Business School
University of Edinburgh Business School
Manchester Business School
Leeds University Business School

3. The last option is MBA from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management- Pune, India

What would you suggest? MBA from not so prestigious unis or M.Sc from prestigious unis or MBA from SIBM? Please suggest according to my career aspirations.

I'm not looking for a job. I just want exposure which would help me expand my business and give it a corporate look. Budget is not a problem.

I'd be very grateful for your help

Thank you.

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06 Jan

Hey Stacy, no I don't intend to take up GMAt. As I don't have much time. And these univ take up students for masters without GMAT ryt? Well by the time you answered this, my 5th sem results were announced pushing my graduation avg to 63.15%. But I'm still yet to get my Transcript which the univer...

06 Jan

Hi blueworries, have you taken the GMAT exam yet?
If you'd like, we provide free test tips here: http://www.stacyblackman.com/gmat-files/
Best,
Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team

06 Jan

Hi Sansd,
Thanks for posting. Do you have a preference in location, and what are your goals post-graduation?
Cheers,
Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team

01 Jan

Hey Stacy,
I'm currently in my final year at University of Delhi, pursuing BA(hons)business economics.
Every semester we study modules in economcis and finance, like Micro , macro, Business finance, Investement management etc.
Also, I have a deep understanding of econometrics due to my c...

Hi,I have given my GMAT, now I was looking to apply to b-schools, could you suggest me some b-schools gud enough for my score and good schools as well, and if I can get a scholarship
my profile is as follows;
Working as HVAC Engineer in Kuwait in a building services consultancy.
GMAT - 6...

@StacyBlackman Hi Stacy...again posting my queries :) Hi,I have posted my profile in various forums and have asked similar questions. But every time I post, there has been a change of plan (due to low GMAT score or ignorance abt schools etc etc) Now is the time to finalize. So please excuse...

dare2try

12:36 AM, 01 Jan '13

01 Jan '13

Hi Stacy...again posting my queries :)

Hi,I have posted my profile in various forums and have asked similar questions. But every time I post, there has been a change of plan (due to low GMAT score or ignorance abt schools etc etc) Now is the time to finalize. So please excuse me.
I am thinking of applying for US B Schools for fall 2013 admit. I started late and hence could not gather much info. Before its too late, I need some input so that I can apply before Jan deadline.
Here is my profile..
I am an Indian IT Male J

Acads:
10th – 91.18% (Top 5 in the school)
12th – 96% (Top 10 in the school)
Engineering – 75.4 (First Class with distinction)
GMAT – 690 – Q48 V37

Work Ex:
·I have been working with an Indian IT Services company for the past 6 years.
·In my Current role as SME, I am mentoring a team of 15-20 members across different geographies
·I have been a module lead
·Have a couple of awards at my workplace. One of the youngest to get star of the month award.
·Have an international experience of 11 months. Have interacted with people from different cultures throughout
·Have been recommended for client facing role by each of my managers

Extra Curricular:
·Passed the HSK Level 2 Listening and Reading (an internationally recognized Mandarin Language Certification). This is equivalent to A2 in CEFR for languages. Also passed HSK Beginner spoken test
·Have worked with an NGO. Was the Centre Head for a team of 20 volunteers and 25 students
·Was the Vice Captain of Inter Corporate Cricket tournament
·Represented college in zonal level football competitions

Goal: To Switch from IT to Consulting
I have the following questions
1.Please evaluate my profile for UT Austin, Indiana Kelly, Emory, Kenan Flagler, USC Marshall.
2.What are my chances of scholarship at the schools mentioned above?
3.What are the other schools I should try?
4.If I improve my GMAT score in April/May, will these schools consider that for scholarship (after admission offer is made)?
Thanks.

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Hi everyone,
Are there any MBA admissions or GMAT related questions we can answer?
Best,
Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team

Hi Jencilphilip,
Congratulations on your acceptance into the three MBA programs. What I recommend you do is visit each campus, and to speak to current students, alumni, and the career centers at each school. The more data points you gather, the better your decision will be in the end.
In pa...

Hi prash264,
Thanks for posting. Congratulations on your excellent GMAT score. Nothing about your story makes me think there is any reason why you cannot be admitted, but nothing stands out telling me why you should be admitted. All of the reasons why a top program would admit you are in the d...

Hi Stacy, I'm a 30 year old Chartered Accountant from India. I have over 7 years of work experience, 3 years in Ernst & Young India, 4 years in a Multinational Oil & Gas Company in Dubai. Now my dilemma, I got admits to three colleges, not sure which one to choose-
1) Simon Rochester, USA (...

Page 2 of 25

Is this thread still active?? Can anyne please answer my question?

Hi guys ....
Below I am descibing my profile.I am looking to apply for 2014 fall.
And I want a couple of answers from you:
1. Whether I can Aim top 10 US schools / Top 3 European B schools/ Insead
2. My post MBA aim is to get into management consultancy (M.C)at the top 4 firms.Aimi...

prash264

01:57 AM, 15 Dec '12

15 Dec '12

Hi guys ....
Below I am descibing my profile.I am looking to apply for 2014 fall.

And I want a couple of answers from you:
1. Whether I can Aim top 10 US schools / Top 3 European B schools/ Insead
2. My post MBA aim is to get into management consultancy (M.C)at the top 4 firms.Aiming pretty high but even if not ,I just want you guys to look at my profile and tell me whether it will be possible to break into M.C post MBA with my profile.

Profile:

10th: 82%
12th: 88%
Undergrad: B.E(Hons) Civil .BITS PILANI Passout of 2011(Amongst the top institutions in the country). G.P.A- 6.88 (3.2 on a scale of 4)
Work Experience - It will be 16 months this december.
GMAT : 750

Work Experience Details :
1. Campus Job in an analytics firm : 4 months(Full time)
2. Ion Exchange India Ltd. - Working as a project Engineer.Working in its project management department.... 1 year(Full time)(Ongoing)
3. Moonlighting and working part time on weekends for my family buisness. We own a WATERPARK. And I have worked on diverse range of issues here in the past 1 year.Right from its Branding, Marketing , Process automation/forming teams to getting new buisness leads /sponsorship/ tie ups etc.Also started a loyalty scheme here based on my experience at the analytics firm at the start of my career.Its been a year now.Revenues have increased 300% and footfall(No of customers) by 200%.And by the end of next year(Apparently the time when I'll be sending the applications) figures will be much much better.
4. Going to launch a startup in Social media Marketing/Internet Marketing.Ground work has been done.But again ,this work will be part time.

Extra Curriculars:
1. Founder of an NGO on tiger conservation.Some ground breaking achievements to show in this regard.Achievements like successfully pressuring the government to convert Dara Sanctuary at Rajasthan into a National Park,Helping Relocation of villages in the vicinity,spreading awareness campaigns through street plays amongst the mogiya community(tiger hunting community living in the vicinity).

2. Huge amount of Extra Curriculars at college.Many leadership positions held.

Now a few loopholes I feel I have on my profile are as follows:
1. Low undergrad GPA. 6.88/10 . But on a scale of 4 ,based on BITS PILANI indices it will be ~ 3.2.But again I ave sufficient extra curricular experience to back it up.

2. Work experience shows no big brand names.Though the amount of learning and work done has been great but still it leaves the admission panel with some doubts on the credibility.

Please evaluate my profile now.It'll be a huge help.As I have to decide whether going for GMAT will be a good investment or not.What are my chances?

Thanks

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@karthik09, thanks for your question. Regarding your question, I recommend you make the decision that you feel would be best for your career. I do not recommend you make a decision "only because it will look best for an admissions teams". There are many reasons to pursue a Masters degree, and the...

Hi,I have posted my profile in various forums and have asked similar questions. But every time I post, there has been a change of plan (due to low GMAT score or ignorance abt schools etc etc) Now is the time to finalize. So please excuse me.
I am thinking of applying for US B Schools for fall ...

dare2try

09:37 AM, 13 Dec '12

13 Dec '12

Hi,I have posted my profile in various forums and have asked similar questions. But every time I post, there has been a change of plan (due to low GMAT score or ignorance abt schools etc etc) Now is the time to finalize. So please excuse me.
I am thinking of applying for US B Schools for fall 2013 admit. I started late and hence could not gather much info. Before its too late, I need some input so that I can apply before Jan deadline.
Here is my profile..
I am an Indian IT Male J

Acads:
10th – 91.18% (Top 5 in the school)
12th – 96% (Top 10 in the school)
Engineering – 75.4 (First Class with distinction)
GMAT – 690 – Q48 V37

Work Ex:
·I have been working with an Indian IT Services company for the past 6 years.
·In my Current role as SME, I am mentoring a team of 15-20 members across different geographies
·I have been a module lead
·Have a couple of awards at my workplace. One of the youngest to get star of the month award.
·Have an international experience of 11 months. Have interacted with people from different cultures throughout
·Have been recommended for client facing role by each of my managers

Extra Curricular:
·Passed the HSK Level 2 Listening and Reading (an internationally recognized Mandarin Language Certification). This is equivalent to A2 in CEFR for languages. Also passed HSK Beginner spoken test
·Have worked with an NGO. Was the Centre Head for a team of 20 volunteers and 25 students
·Was the Vice Captain of Inter Corporate Cricket tournament
·Represented college in zonal level football competitions

Goal: To Switch from IT to Consulting
I have the following questions
1.Please evaluate my profile for UT Austin, Indiana Kelly, Emory, Kenan Flagler, USC Marshall.
2.What are my chances of scholarship at the schools mentioned above?
3.What are the other schools I should try?
4.If I improve my GMAT score in April/May, will these schools consider that for scholarship (after admission offer is made)?
Thanks.

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Hello
Here's my dilemma
First my profile
1. Acads ( x -93% X11- 94.5% b.tech (EEE)- CGPA 7.14)
2. Work experience of 1.5 years in a leading switch gear manufacturing company
Responsible for marketing and sales team , met deadlines and improved sale of a product by 200%
3....

@StacyBlackmanHi Stacy
A couple of people has already asked this question but didnt find a firm answer yet. I am interested to apply Nanyang Fellows MBA program. This is one year full time MBA program for middle to senior Mangers having more than 8 years of managerial experience. It has also ...

Hi Stacy,
I'm Sudheendra.
Currently I am working with TCS from 18 months. By the time I go in august i would complete 2 years
Acadamics:
10th 83.77%
12th 92%
Btech Mechanical Engg 73% from SASTRA University, A reputed university in Tamil Nadu.
100% in Mathematics in 10th 11th...

Stanford GSB Debunks MBA Interview Myths
http://www.stacyblackman.com/2012/11/20/stanford-gsb-debunks-mba-interview-myths/http://www.stacyblackman.com/2012/11/20/stanford-gsb-debunks-mba-interview-myths/
Allison Davis from the admissions office at Stanford Graduate School of Businessupdated...

05:53 AM, 28 Nov '12

28 Nov '12

Stanford GSB Debunks MBA Interview Myths

http://www.stacyblackman.com/2012/11/20/stanford-gsb-debunks-mba-interview-myths/

http://www.stacyblackman.com/2012/11/20/stanford-gsb-debunks-mba-interview-myths/

Allison Davis from the admissions office at Stanford Graduate School of Businessupdated the MBA admission blogyesterday with this information, designed to sooth the frayed nerves of those suffering from pre-interview angst.
Here, she dispels three persistent myths surrounding this part of the admissions process at the GSB.

MYTH 1: The interview has a lot of weight so if I blow the interview, I have blown my chances of being admitted.

THE TRUTH: There is no specific weight assigned to the interview; the interview is one part of a comprehensive process. A positive interview does not guarantee admission, while a less than favorable interview does not, by itself, preclude admission. The written application, including the essays and letters of reference, is a critical part of the evaluation process. The interview is a key source of supplemental information.

MYTH 2: I received my interview invitation early in the round so it must mean I have a better chance of getting admitted.

THE TRUTH: The timing of your interview invitation reflects only the order in which your application was reviewed (and the order in which your application was reviewed doesn’t mean anything, honest!). Interview invitations are extended from about a week or so after the round’s deadline until about a week before the round’s notification date, because it takes the Admissions Committee that entire period to review all applications thoroughly.

MYTH 3: I will be interviewed only if there is an alumni interviewer in my local area.

THE TRUTH: Please rest assured that we will work with you to match you with an interviewer. If there is none in your area, we may ask if you’d like to fly to another location or consider a “virtual” interview.

Remember, if you’re invited to interview at the Stanford GSB, or other b-school of your dreams, prep and practice will help ease any interview performance concerns you may have. Start by reviewing your applications, review typical questions, and write out some bullet points to outline what you would say in response to those questions.

Finally, practice, practice, practice! Enlist the help of family and friends, and ask them to provide constructive feedback. Perhaps most importantly, try to have fun and not to get too stressed out by the process.

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Hi Venkatesh,
For your GMAT test, have you taken any practice tests yet? MBA.com offers 2 official practice GMAT exams for free. I recommend you take the practice test to get a sense of the exam. We also provide free advice here: http://www.stacyblackman.com/gmat-files/
Cheers,
Conrad an...

Hi Dinudk, thanks for posting. For your MBA, most admissions teams like to see at least 2 years of work experience from candidates. Have you considered working for a few years before applying? The reason is you can receive much more out of your MBA experience having had a few years of work experi...

Hi Stacy,
I am Venkatesh.
My Profile :
Std X: 76.83%
Std XII: 89.80%
B.Tech (Computer Science): 67.76%
MBA
Cumulative GPA: 8.31/10
Finance GPA: 8.58/10
Note: Both my B-tech & MBA were from 2-tier colleges based out of India.
Work Experience: 26 Mon...

Hi Stacy,
I'm Dinesh.
I'm a 2012 pass out. I did my Mechanical engineering from a reputed college under Anna university. I'm Planning to do my Mba abroad. I'm really worried about choosing the universities since being a novice at this stage. Moreover i dont have any work experience , so to ...

Hi everyone,
Are there any MBA admissions or GMAT related questions we can answer?
Cheers,
Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team

Hi gudiyapanku,
Thanks for posting. Regarding your candidacy, have you considered taking the GMAT test again? The reason is that your score is below the averages of the schools you are considering. On your application, your highest GMAT score is self-reported on the test, so admissions teams w...

Hi reviliant,
Many of the schools you listed will be taught in English.
We also have a list of school specific advice here: http://www.stacyblackman.com/business-school-hub/
Best,
Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team

Hi, Would need your guidance on the profile. 12th-72.6 B.E from Jadavpur university Currently working with a Big 4 in Business Intelligence Consulting.Leading a 4 member team for the most prestigious client,apparently a Cola Major. Excellent ECs-2 times national gold medallist in Table tennis.C...

Hello Stacy,
I just wanted to know which all languages should I be learning for taking admission to Asian Schools like the below ones.
NUS,NTU - Singapore
AIM - Manilla,Phillipines
CEIBS - China
HKUST,CUHK - Honk Kong
Please let me know as I am trying to learn on...

Are you looking to attend a top MBA program? We provide free 30 minute phone consultations here: http://www.stacyblackman.com/contact
Cheers,
Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team

Hi everyone,
Are there any MBA admissions or GMAT related questions we can answer?
Cheers,
Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team

Hi Aayush Badmash,
Working at a Big 4 firm will help, and I recommend you read this case study of a Big 4 candidate who was accepted into a top MBA program: http://www.stacyblackman.com/2011/09/08/sbc-scoop-big-4-public-accounting-career-goals/
Each school's average number of years will be...