Hi Sushanta,

Thanks for your reply. I was not aware of Prodigy when I last posted here. I have applied to Prodigy as well and am awaiting their reply. I have kept SBI and Credila as backup in case things don't work out with Prodigy.

Has anybody in this forum got a loan approved from Prodigy ? Can you give me an idea what their criteria is ?

Thanks ,

Pratik

Hi Pratik,
Congrats on your admission and the scholarship. But why do you want educational loan from Credilla or SBI. Why not Prodigy from UK that's available for Cranfield MBA students.?
As far as Visa goes , I think Visa can only be applied 3months before the date of course commencement. But CAS from the school has to arrive before you can apply. Cranfield will start providing that probably not before Jun last week or July.

thanks,
Sushanta.

Hi Guys,

Apologies for posting so late on this forum, but I have been visiting this forum regularly and have had all my queries answered without having to post :).

I am glad to inform you that I have got an admit from Cranfield with a 3K scholarship. Thank you for all your help in this. I have already sent my deposit and am working towards securing an education loan from Credilla or SBI.

I think the next steps are securing a loan and then applying for a VISA. Have any of you guys already applied for a VISA ?. If yes, then please let me know the important things I need to keep in mind so that my VISA does not get rejected.

Thanks,

Pratik

Hi !

I was wondering where could I find the people that are applying for this year's intake? is there a group somewhere?

Hi guys,

Congratulations to all those who have got an admit and best wishes to those who are going through the process :-)

Just wanted to highlight something which I am sure you all would be knowing but still thought of making this point - every airline has the students schemes for extra luggage and, if I correctly remember, discount on tickets too. Moreover, if you apply in a group then negotiate with the airlines... they will surely give you a better offer.

All the best.

Hey guys..

I have also got an admit..

Am based in delhi.

Lets get a show of hands from North India and probably we can get in touch and plan things for future.

Sent you a PM. Please check.

Hey guys..

I have also got an admit..

Am based in delhi.

Lets get a show of hands from North India and probably we can get in touch and plan things for future.

HI Puys,

I was planning to get the Air Reservations done. Anybody interested to get the reservations done along with me. I am planning to do the pre-mba course also. So ping me if anyone is interested to fly together with me.

Hello Aimhigh,

rajinder has already guided you to the right destination. Still if you find any difficulty there, do let me know. I can connect you with a current student.

Best regards,

Thanks Makl. I did have the pleasure of speaking to a few current MBA Students at Cranfield. And i must say that all were very positive about their decision to join Cranfield. And this makes me even more confident of joining Cranfield.

Cheers
Aimhigh

HI Puys,

I have been offered a seat for FT MBA class of 2013 at Cranfield.
Even though some results for other colleges are pending I am probably going forward with Cranfield.
Can someone connect me with any current MBA Student at Cranfield MBA?

Cheers
Aimhigh

Hello Aimhigh,

rajinder has already guided you to the right destination. Still if you find any difficulty there, do let me know. I can connect you with a current student.

Best regards,

Hi Aimhigh,
You can ask Cranfield admission services itself to do this.

Also you can see the details of the current batch under (use only Current Course Filter and select FTMBA):
http://www.som.cranfield.ac.uk/som/careers/QuickSearch.aspx

Hope this helps.

thanks,
rajinder

HI Puys,

I have been offered a seat for FT MBA class of 2013 at Cranfield.
Even though some results for other colleges are pending I am probably going forward with Cranfield.
Can someone connect me with any current MBA Student at Cranfield MBA?

Cheers
Aimhigh

yeah, I'm curious too. And for those who got their admits, are you concerned about the changes to PSW visa? I sure am...

Hi Prakash419,

I have got any admit from Cranfield for this year. If I may ask you, could you please let us know why did you decline your admission ?

ummm, i hope u got wht u wanted if tht ws the case or wish life gets u sumthing bettr.. :)
take care..

Signing out soon

Many Congratulations!! Yep, hope to see you there soon!

I hope the answer was affirmative (hvnt folowed the entire thread incase u've mentioned gettin in)

I truly appreciate your support as this definitely makes things way too clear regarding my interview question.
Thank you.... will keep posted once I hear from them...

Cheers!! :)

My pleasure.

Yes the answer was affirmative. I'm in and already paid my deposit. Hope to see you there also !

I hope the answer was affirmative (hvnt folowed the entire thread incase u've mentioned gettin in)

I truly appreciate your support as this definitely makes things way too clear regarding my interview question.
Thank you.... will keep posted once I hear from them...

Cheers!!

Thank you soo much... :)
Topic: Legislation that I would like to see enactd in my country..

So basically its just as a speech and we dont really have to submit any thing to them before hand? Also, in how much time do they let the results out post the interview...

Thanks again!!
Regards

You're welcome!

Yes it is exactly a speech. Imagine you have to do a presentation with your face to the crowd and your back to a ppt. You can at times look at it but you can't stand reading with your back at the audience :)

Also, there is no right answer so don't research too much. Focus on the presentation rather the the content. Prepare for questions like:

- What if you where the prime minister of the country. What would be your first decision?
- What do you think is the most important driver that slows your countries growth? How would you approach it?

I advice you don't jump straight to the answer. Take your time a moment and then speak...MOST IMPORTANT > KEEP CALM

I had my interview on Monday and got my answer on Thursday...most painful days ever

Thank you soo much... :)
Topic: Legislation that I would like to see enactd in my country..

So basically its just as a speech and we dont really have to submit any thing to them before hand? Also, in how much time do they let the results out post the interview...

Thanks again!!
Regards

BTW, Cranfield managed to launch their loan scheme in partnership with Prodigy Finance. See link bellow:

Prodigy loans

Hi dhruv16!

You have to make a presentation based on the topic provided in the interview invitation. This will have to last between 2 1/2 min and 3 1/2 min. You will have to delover it as a speech (if by any chance you think you can read it somehow forget about it! I was informed by the interviewer that he will pay attention to my eyes)

Still, you are allowed to use bullets to which you might reffer, that's how I did it.

Don't be stressed about it because they have a way to make you feel confortable before starting the presentation. You will also have to discuss afterwards about how you created the presentation, the sorces and influences. Be prepared on the topic and related information also.

Do you need anything else? What is the topic?

Regards,
A

Hey guys,

I guess a lot of you'll are done with the interview and have got the results...

I have my interview on 5th March.
Quick question: For the presentation, do we by any chance have to make a report/ppt and send it across or just have to present it on video by saying it out ... ??? Little tensed about it.

Plss do help!

Regards,
Dhruv

Deleted the duplicate post.

Hi bharatemail !

Did you decide to join? I have already paid my deposit

For benefit of others who are going to take the interview soon. Here is my interview experience

Cranfield interview will not be like other interviews where you are just asked about the stereotype questions. It will be more like a discussion and Mr David Simmons will try to make it very casual. Like for me he was taking the interview from home sitting in his study.
The interview will be divided into 3 parts
1. Presentation and follow up questions on presentation -Questions such as how did you prepare, more discussion on the points I have presented
2. Why mba, why now, why cranfield, he discussed things written in my application, my achievements, my weaknesses, my failures, onsite experience - Again it was not stereotyped- He did a lot of cross questioning just to understand more about me
3. A quick case study (if time permits). For me it was related to selling something to new customers and then any questions to him.

Try to make it casual, ask him questions and be thorough with your application and presentation.

Hi Makl,

My interview was preponed to this tuesday and I thought that It didn't went so well.
But today got an offer mail from admin. Really happy to hear that. I have also got a 8000 gbp scholarship.

Thanks for your support and motivation.

Hi puys!

I haven't been active on the forum till now, but I've been reading it a lot for the last 12 months. A couple of weeks ago I got the much awaited email from the adcom and it started with..."We have the pleasure to..." :)

It took me a whole year to pass the TOEFL, GMAT, and Essay stages but it proved worthwhile. I have accepted the offer and will start one the most important years of my life in September. What I'd like to know is who will I be spending it with? that's why I created a FB Group for those who accepted the offer. Hope to get to know as many of you as I can and maybe also exchange some thoughts

Log In | Facebook

BTW, if I can help with anything regarding the application experience I will gladly do it, please ask!

I am alumnus of Cranfield. Usually they do not give much of scholarships for non European students. I got ORS but that was not enough.

Sure buddy. If everything goes good, will meet you there.

I have got a 10000 GBP scholarship.. Hope to see you there..

Good morning guys,

I have got an admit with 8,000 Bursary towards my tution fee. Anybody else got any scholarship this year?
Just wondering whether this decision has been influenced as much by the fact that this year there's not many Indian student due to the visa restriction as mentioned by Makl above as by my scholarship application/individual case. Either way I am very happy to receive it though.

Thanks,
Sushanta.

Hi Makl

Good news !!
I have got an interview invite for 1st March.It will be conducted by Mr David Simmons. I need to make a presentation as well on one topic without the use of visual aids.
Topic is - What should govt. in your country do to help businesses ?
Could you share some thoughts on Cranfield MBA interview experience ? What kind of questions are asked ? How should I prepare for the presentation ?

Hi bharatemail,

Many congratulations! Wish you good luck for the interview.
I was interviewed by David only. You can expect a very friendly and highly insightful interview. Be thorough with your admission application, your previous experience and presentation as most of the questions will be from them only. Also be prepared to receive some unexpected questions / scenario questions. The ideal way to manage such questions is to remain calm and take few second before you answer. The idea is not to test whether you could answer the question well or not but the ability to manage yourself in the unexpected situations.

On presentation, you may like to highlight the current business environment, picking some high priority problems and then suggesting some 3-4 key recommendations to manage those problems. Remember you cannot cover everything in a short time hence, prioritise the points which are important.

Wish you good luck.

Hi Makl,

Could you please let us know in terms of figures if possible? Like how many Indians are there is class and how many of them got jobs..That will be a great help...

Thanks,
Columbusgmat

Hi Columbusgmat,

Last year there were about 50 Indian students out of 165 - however, majority of them joined from other locations like Japan, France, EU, USA, etc. Most of these Indian students had significant international experience. Regarding jobs for them, I don't have a definite figure but most of them are employed, while some have started on their just like me. Very few Indians have returned to India. BTW, in some weeks the School will publish a detailed placement report of the last year's batch, giving you further information on the subject.

However, this year's scene is different as not many Indians are in the class given the visa restrictions in future.

HTH.

Some good news guys....keep your fingures crossed. In my query to Cranfield MBA student loan program Helen Knight replied the following

"We are in the process of finalising our agreement with Prodigy MBA Finance and hope to be able to make an announcement in the next week"

Cheers.:cheers:

Sushanta.

My interview experience was really good. It was very friendly. The questions were insightful mostly, not the typical ones we tend to prepare for interview. A few were typical. For the presentation, it is important to be time bound. Draw a conclusion. Be ready to answer questions related to the topic.

Hi Makl

Good news !!
I have got an interview invite for 1st March.It will be conducted by Mr David Simmons. I need to make a presentation as well on one topic without the use of visual aids.
Topic is - What should govt. in your country do to help businesses ?
Could you share some thoughts on Cranfield MBA interview experience ? What kind of questions are asked ? How should I prepare for the presentation ?

Hi Makl,

Could you please let us know in terms of figures if possible? Like how many Indians are there is class and how many of them got jobs..That will be a great help...

Thanks,
Columbusgmat

Hi Makl

Right now i am located in EU and the first available date for TOEFL here is April 14th, which is like 2 months away. I am really worried now and I have dropped a mail to adcom mentioning the same and requesting them to not wait for my TOEFL score and organise a interview for me asap. Lets hope for a good response from adcom

For Vlerick and Lancaster I have spoken to few alumni from both the schools and they all have mentioned that post MBA career options are limited in both schools. I know program wise Lancaster is better.

could you share your views on post mba career options at Cranfield. Are there any companies visiting school for recruiting students. How easy it is for Indian IT guys to get jobs post mba?

Hi bharatemail,

Why don't you try IELTS. I don't know which country you are in but I can see 4 IELTS dates in Feb itself (I don't know if they are all occupied in your location). You may also try other optional tests suggested by Cranfield website.

Regarding post-MBA job scenario for Cranfield Non-EU students, I had mentioned in one of my earlier posts that it is not that smooth. Still some of the Indians from my class work recruited by BP, AT Kearney and other companies. There are definitely some companies that visit Cranfield such as Jaguar, IBM, ATK, BP, J&J;, Saint Gobain. Many students were selected by companies like Infosys off-campus too.

Hi Makl

Right now i am located in EU and the first available date for TOEFL here is April 14th, which is like 2 months away. I am really worried now and I have dropped a mail to adcom mentioning the same and requesting them to not wait for my TOEFL score and organise a interview for me asap. Lets hope for a good response from adcom

For Vlerick and Lancaster I have spoken to few alumni from both the schools and they all have mentioned that post MBA career options are limited in both schools. I know program wise Lancaster is better.

could you share your views on post mba career options at Cranfield. Are there any companies visiting school for recruiting students. How easy it is for Indian IT guys to get jobs post mba?

Hi Makl

Right now i am located in EU and the first available date for TOEFL here is April 14th, which is like 2 months away. I am really worried now and I have dropped a mail to adcom mentioning the same and requesting them to not wait for my TOEFL score and organise a interview for me asap. Lets hope for a good response from adcom

For Vlerick and Lancaster I have spoken to few alumni from both the schools and they all have mentioned that post MBA career options are limited in both schools. I know program wise Lancaster is better.

could you share your views on post mba career options at Cranfield. Are there any companies visiting school for recruiting students. How easy it is for Indian IT guys to get jobs post mba?

Hi Makl,

I had my bachelor's degree in English medium and I have been using English as business language for a long time and I told adcom the same thing. This is the response I got.

"Due to changes by the UK Border Agency, international students are now required to take an English language test, regardless of the language used for their undergraduate degree.

Once you have booked your TOEFL/IELTS test, you can submit your application and state the date of the test in the appropriate section. We can then process your application and, once you've taken the test successfully we can proceed to interview stage."

I am ready to give TOEFL but just wanted the adcom to interview me first and later I can submit the scores. This will increase my chances of getting thru as I don't have to wait.

I have also got admits from Lancaster and Vlerick. Would you be able to comment on which one is better (including Cranfield) in terms of post mba jobs, if you know about these schools.

Hi bharatemail,

Sorry, forgot to comment on your query regarding Cranfield, Lancaster and Vlerick. I would encourage you to take insider views of Lancaster and Vlerick from current and past students; you would get Cranfield's information from my and other Cranfieldian's responses on this thread. You can then compare the info of the schools to take a final call. Remember, as per new UKBA rules you cannot stay back in the UK on PSW after you complete your MBA there... hence, your comparison points should mostly be:

1) The strength of alumni network in the market where you want to work post-MBA;
2) Propensity of companies to sponsor employment visa to non-EU candidates. (which means one can work in the UK even without a PSW; and I must say it is not easy at all)

Do let me know if you want me to connect you with a Lancaster student. I don't know anyone at Vlerick though.

Hi Makl,

I had my bachelor's degree in English medium and I have been using English as business language for a long time and I told adcom the same thing. This is the response I got.

"Due to changes by the UK Border Agency, international students are now required to take an English language test, regardless of the language used for their undergraduate degree.

Once you have booked your TOEFL/IELTS test, you can submit your application and state the date of the test in the appropriate section. We can then process your application and, once you've taken the test successfully we can proceed to interview stage."

I am ready to give TOEFL but just wanted the adcom to interview me first and later I can submit the scores. This will increase my chances of getting thru as I don't have to wait.

I have also got admits from Lancaster and Vlerick. Would you be able to comment on which one is better (including Cranfield) in terms of post mba jobs, if you know about these schools.

Hi bharatemail,

Hmmmm... So the UKBA is making all these requirements... you can't do much then. I would suggest that take the test asap and then give your interview. If it is required by UKBA then it has to be done. By the way, a 20 days delay in interview will not make much difference to your chances of success. Cranfield is mostly considering Indian candidates around Jan/Feb as after that they normally have candidates from other parts of the world. Hence, no problem even if you get interviewed by 29th Feb. Moreover, if you are the right candidate, Cranfield would not mind increasing their intake by one student... And I am sure you are a good match as Cranfield only invites those for the interview whom they are really serious about. So believe me you stand a good chance.

Wish you good luck.

Hi Makl,

I had my bachelor's degree in English medium and I have been using English as business language for a long time and I told adcom the same thing. This is the response I got.

"Due to changes by the UK Border Agency, international students are now required to take an English language test, regardless of the language used for their undergraduate degree.

Once you have booked your TOEFL/IELTS test, you can submit your application and state the date of the test in the appropriate section. We can then process your application and, once youve taken the test successfully we can proceed to interview stage."

I am ready to give TOEFL but just wanted the adcom to interview me first and later I can submit the scores. This will increase my chances of getting thru as I don't have to wait.

I have also got admits from Lancaster and Vlerick. Would you be able to comment on which one is better (including Cranfield) in terms of post mba jobs, if you know about these schools.

I think this year we have to give TOEFL if english is not our first language. Other criteria won't work. I got the admission in Cranfield last year and got the waiver too for TOEFL. But due to the unavailibity of the student's loan I had to defer my admission by one year. This year the college asked me to take TOEFL.

Hi Makl,

I had my bachelor's degree in English medium and I have been using English as business language for a long time and I told adcom the same thing. This is the response I got.

"Due to changes by the UK Border Agency, international students are now required to take an English language test, regardless of the language used for their undergraduate degree.

Once you have booked your TOEFL/IELTS test, you can submit your application and state the date of the test in the appropriate section. We can then process your application and, once you've taken the test successfully we can proceed to interview stage."

I am ready to give TOEFL but just wanted the adcom to interview me first and later I can submit the scores. This will increase my chances of getting thru as I don't have to wait.

I have also got admits from Lancaster and Vlerick. Would you be able to comment on which one is better (including Cranfield) in terms of post mba jobs, if you know about these schools.

Hi Guys,

I have applied for Cranfield and submitted my application. The only thing left from my side is English Language Test score. I got a mail from adcom that they want to interview me but first I have to submit the test score. I even replied that they should take my interview and in the mean time I will give the test and send them the test score but adcom didn't agree.

I have not given the test yet and will give it in 2 weeks. Have you guys give TOEFL/ILETS test score while submitting the application ? Is there a way to convince the adcom to take the interview without waiting for the test score. Any suggestions ?

Hi bharatemail,

Working/staying in an English speaking country for more than a year is not required to get a waiver from Cranfield for English Proficiency Test. You stand a chance to get waiver if you:

1) had English as medium of instruction at bachelors level.
2) have been using English as your business language for a considerable time; which I am sure you would have been.

Simply mention these points to adcom and I am sure they will understand. Last year I got waiver from not just Cranfield SoM but Said Business School too after mentioning these two points.

Wish you good luck and keep us posted on this development.

It depends on your international experience. If you have stayed and worked in english speaking country for more than a year, you can get an waiver

Hi Guys,

I have applied for Cranfield and submitted my application. The only thing left from my side is English Language Test score. I got a mail from adcom that they want to interview me but first I have to submit the test score. I even replied that they should take my interview and in the mean time I will give the test and send them the test score but adcom didn't agree.

I have not given the test yet and will give it in 2 weeks. Have you guys give TOEFL/ILETS test score while submitting the application ? Is there a way to convince the adcom to take the interview without waiting for the test score. Any suggestions ?

thanks,
rajinder

Congratulations Columbus!!! How long Cranfield management took to respond to your application and how did you do in the interview.

regards,
Manju

They took couple of hrs.. That is because I completed my application 2 weeks back
but one of my referee was late to submit the reference.. And in fact during interview
itself I was offered a place

Congratulations Columbus!!! How long Cranfield management took to respond to your application and how did you do in the interview.

regards,
Manju

Hi,

I have got an admit in Cranfield (schol decission pending). I also have an offer from Manchester.

I am confused.

Any help?

Thanks,
Columbusgmat

Thank you very much Makl, you answered my question. I completely agree with you and very much appreciate for taking time to clarifying not only my doubts but people like me in the group. As you mentioned I was in the state of dilemma about one of the admission essays.
I will keep talking with different people who are in various positions, which help me in understanding about the roles and their responsibilities.

Many Thanks,
Manju

Hi Makl,

Could you please help in guiding me on Post MBA stuff, I am looking at the product and strategy management roles. Meanwhile I was looking for profiles based on IT/Software and their career progression post MBA. I am kind of stuck in order to come to conclusion. I was also looking at some business magazines and trying to get bigger picture about Post MBA roles. Kindly give me some pointers and help me in coming to some sort of conclusion.

Thanks,
Manju

Hi Manju,

If I correctly understand your query, you want to know the career option that would suit you best after MBA. The options that currently have home in your mind are: Product Management, Strategy Management roles and any other role that people from IT/software background land into post MBA.

First, my humble advice would be not to look at what others are achieving post their MBAs while deciding on your career. That will not be a good starting point although it can give you some peace of mind if your own career choice matches with theirs and if they are doing really well.

Next, my suggestion would be to let the decision of final career choice be taken while you are on MBA. I have come across many people who have changed their career options during/after MBA from the one they mentioned in their MBA applications. I am one of them. Why so? Simply because an year of MBA is not just about learning skills; it is more about discovering oneself and the world around. It is this discovery that shapes the final career choice for any of us. Hence, for now you may create a career choice for the purpose of admission essays (which should of course match your career aspiration today so that you can back your responses during interviews) but sincerely keep thinking between now and until you finish your MBA about your final career.

Moreover, Product Management and Strategy roles are entirely different from each other. As we are focused on career question I would not like to go into the details of these roles but will encourage you to have more clarity on them so that your choice is based on right information. Same goes with other roles. By the way, every role (of course, worth an MBA) is good as long as it satisfies most of your aspirations and needs.

As far as Cranfield MBAs are concerned they come from variety of backgrounds and join, again, variety of roles after their MBAs.

So just don't burn your energies on this question but do keep thinking about what career will utilise your potential in the best possible manner. Keep exploring and more importantly keep talking to people who are in various positions. Many a time a decision on career is complicated as we do not have enough information about different roles. I have gone through this phase myself and believe me it is perfectly alright to have this situation. As a very senior friend of mine rightly said "you are very young, don't limit your potential by limiting your career to few options. You may do one thing for next few years but may find another area to work on afterwards".

I know I have gone little beyond the straight answer to your question. In case I did not meet your expectations do let me know and I will try my hands on the response once again :)

Wish you good luck.

Hi Makl,

Could you please help in guiding me on Post MBA stuff, I am looking at the product and strategy management roles. Meanwhile I was looking for profiles based on IT/Software and their career progression post MBA. I am kind of stuck in order to come to conclusion. I was also looking at some business magazines and trying to get bigger picture about Post MBA roles. Kindly give me some pointers and help me in coming to some sort of conclusion.

Thanks,
Manju

Hi sumv77,

When did you submit your application? I submitted mine today. Just wanted to get an idea of how much wait is expected after submitting application.

thanks,
rajinder

Hello rajinder and others,

Cranfield gives response within 3-4 days of submitting application. However, there is about 20-25 days gap between when you get interview invite and the date of interview. HTH.

Hi sumv77,

When did you submit your application? I submitted mine today. Just wanted to get an idea of how much wait is expected after submitting application.

thanks,
rajinder

Hi,

Has anyone got interview invite for the mba programme till now?