MBA JOURNAL: B-SCHOOL UPDATE MBA Journal: B-School on a Caffeine High "I'm slowly adjusting to getting less than seven hours of sleep each night, and we hear that we'll get even less sleep later in the program"
College Dorms: The Good, the Bad, and the Hot About 20 years ago, the media began ranking colleges, a tradition we continue today with our ranking of the nation's top undergraduate business programs.
BEST BUSINESS SCHOOLS 2010 Business School, Explained Is business school on your horizion? If so, get answers to all your questions on admissions, careers, and B-school life from the experts
B-SCHOOL FORUMS
Visit BW Online's interactive forums for wide-ranging discussions about management education. Search through over 1,359,000 posts for topics that interest you. Join in today! Here are a few samples of recent messages:
Getting into Business Schools — Please Help: Do I Need MBA?
From: HaveAQuestion To: All
Hello everyone, i need an advice: i applied to 4 of the top 5 MBA and i was fortunate enough to get 4 acceptances.
But now i really wonder : will a MBA help me in any way? Do i need it? To help you understand my situation here is my background, in short: BA in international relations, MA in international economics, PHD in asian studies, BA in law (from a swiss top university, high selectivity). I speak English, French, German and Mandarin. I'm currently doing the CFA.
I've worked for 4 years at a swiss Asset Manager and i've been lucky enough to move recently to a new department, namely a new Hedge Fund structure where i am an investment manager, working in our in-house chinese Hedge Fund. I consider that i have alot of luck as this new structure is considered to be our "prop trading" desk, our "elite".
So here is my problem: i applied to MBAs last year, when for some reason i was dissatisfied here and i also had some issues with my manager. A MBA was an "elegant" way of changing things. Then i got accepted to MBAs, but in the meantime my situation here changed completely following my move and now i'm no more dissatisfied at all as i am exactly where i wanted to be.
Hence, my primary motivation for the MBA disappeard. Nevertheless, I still see many good points in a MBA: new knowledge (as you can see from my education, i had no finance classes), great network, great brand on my CV, global passport (a MBA is a terrific calling card anywhere in the world : as i wanna move geographically during my career, i assume an Ivy League MBA would be a great asset).
On the other hand, people told me that a MBA is pointless for Asset Management because it is way to general and i will learn much better by staying here on my job. Also, i would have better to build my track record : two years of a good track is much better than two years of MBA studies. Moreover, i don't need it as a passport as i don't need to "enter" anywhere so the prestige factor is not even that important anymore.
Can anyone give me his/her advice? Should i do it? Will it have any positive influence on my carreer from this point on? Oh, and one last point which is very important: i'm already 32 years old so i would finish my MBA at 34 (if i was 24, things would be different).
Thank you very much
Cheers
From: FrancescaBW To: HaveAQuestion
Hi,
Well, you have to decide what your future goals are and if you need an MBA to accomplish them. If you don't and you're happy where you and where you're going, then you probably don't need it. I think this requires a lot of self reflection on your part. Ultimately, you have to be the one to make the decision. Ask yourself questions, such as Where do I see myself in five years? In 10 years? How will the MBA play into these goals? Do I need the network that comes with the MBA to make my dreams come true? Do I need the skills?
What are you leaning toward now? Regardless of what you decide, you should be proud of your acceptances.
Good luck, Francesca
From: texasex24 To: HaveAQuestion
You are in a great position. I don't see how an MBA can help you anymore in your career growth. Many people do MBA to get to where you are! If all you want is the network and prestige of a top B school, why don't you do EMBA from Booth, Wharton or Columbia?
From: ryanhughes To: HaveAQuestion
No need to pursue an MBA. It looks like you are where you want to be in life, so there is very little upside. If you really wnted the network, the brand, and the prestige, then it would make sense. Otherwise, keep on rockin'!
From: flashrob01 To: HaveAQuestion
Hi,
I'm currently an MBA2 and former CPA studying finance / strategy at a top-15 school. I've had a blast, but really, I don't think its for everyone.
If you have a great job (and sounds like you do), aren't looking to switch careers, and you're mainly going just for the prestige and connections, I'd say its not worth it. Full-time MBA is great for the engineer looking to transition into marketing, or an accountant going into IB, or a consultant going into Asset Management, but if you're already in the field you want to get into, congrats! In your case, there's a number of students looking to go into AM, and many have to do their own legwork and have trouble breaking in.
So just my two cents- stay where you're at, sounds like you're doing fine without an MBA, and it's great that you have that situation to be in where you don't need it. Also, age is an issue- a lot of younger people go to travel and party for 2 years and if you can live without it, that's great.
From: LauraNash To: HaveAQuestion
Have you considered an EMBA? While students in a full time program are often using the MBA as a platform to switch careers, students in an Executive MBA are generally on the management/leadership track- they are looking for the education/knowledge an MBA can provide, but don't want to take off two years to attend a full-time program. I am an admissions counselor at Wharton's MBA Program for Executives and the average age of our students is around 34, which is a bit older than the full time program's average age of 27. The Wharton EMBA is the exact same curriculum as the full-time program, but offered in a format that makes it easier for executives to attend: classes are held every other Friday and Saturday, with occasional 3 day weekends, over the course of 2 years (May to May). We have 2 campuses to make it even more accessible to Executives: Philadelphia and San Francisco. We have had students travel to these campuses from Europe, Asia and Russia. In addition to the education that you receive while obtaining your MBA, you will gain an amazing network of incredibly accomplished individuals. For more information, please see our website at www.wharton.upenn.edu/mbaexecutive, follow us on Twitter or Facebook, or call us at 215-898-5887.
Best wishes and lots of success in whatever you decide to do!
Laura Nash Admissions Counselor Wharton MBA Program for Executives
From: CarterApplewhite To: HaveAQuestion
Earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, can provide you with management skills and business expertise that open new career opportunities to you. If you are working in business and are looking to move up the ladder or to move from your current area of expertise to a new one, an MBA program can help you achieve your goals. To get more information on MBA you may check this link http://www.thedegreeexperts.com/dg-mba-109.aspx
Getting into Business Schools — Low GPA To Top Programs
From: SincereMBA2010 To: All
Looking for friends out there who can share real-life examples of low GPA getting into good programs, Wharton, Yale, LBS etc. (assume a good career CV, a strong applicant with the exception of low GPA)
I have heard about average GMATs getting admitted but I would like to know if low GPA stands a chance. and if so, can you share your journey to achieving that goal? Building alternate transcripts a must? (I assume high GMAT is a definite must to counter the low GPA, but what about alternate transcripts?)
Thanks
From: JinShil2 To: SincereMBA2010
The longer you have been out of school, the less your Ugrad GPA matters. But it always matters at least somewhat.
Here are some mitigating factors:
1)High GMAT 2)Graduate degree (preferably in quant field) with high GPA. 3)Alternative transcript (taking courses at extension courses etc and getting a good GPA).
From: hoogets25 To: SincereMBA2010
curious what you consider to be a low gpa? are we taking 3.0 or 2.0?
From: SincereMBA2010 To: hoogets25
let's take 2.0 - 2.5
From: FrancescaBW To: SincereMBA2010
Hi,
In interviewing admissions directors on a regular basis, I have found that top business schools look at a person's entire application. No part is weighed more than another. Each applicant has his or her strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes, GPA is a weakness. The schools use GPA, along with GMAT and other test scores, to determine if you could handle the academic rigor of the program. A high GMAT score can help to offset a low GPA. You might also consider explaining (in a brief, efficient, and honest matter) why you might have earned a low GPA during your undergraduate studies. If you decide to do this, keep it short and to the point and explain it in the optional essay. Be prepared to discuss it in an admissions interview, too. Taking quant classes now - and scoring a high grade - can also go a long way in helping you prove yourself to an admissions committee after a low GPA. Of course, you must also make sure that the rest of the application is as strong as it can be. I hope this helps.
Good luck, Francesca
From: MBAApply To: SincereMBA2010
GPAs matter more for those who went to US colleges - and even then, like Jinshil said, the longer you've been out of school, the less it will matter (and the more your GMAT matters). When it comes down to it, regardless of where you went to school, the GMAT is more important.
In other words, it's a bigger handicap to have a lower-than-average GMAT than it is to have a lower-than-average GPA.
Building an alternate transcript can help IF you have the time -- it's really just taking 1-3 "intro" courses in something analytical (calc, algebra, stats, accounting, microecon, etc.). No brownie points for taking some upper level class. Just take a 100-level (or intro/freshman level) class in something math-oriented, and you should be fine.
Alex Chu
From: CarterApplewhite To: SincereMBA2010
You're much better off asking the school than asking us. I got into a very good grad school with a<3.0 GPA, but I'm sure there's lots of other factors that contributed to that: 6 years work experience, good GRE scores, the program's new and not competitive yet and a really good essay about my reasons for wanting to go back to school and change fields. From here http://www.thedegreeexperts.com/online-degree.aspx you may get more information on GPA top programs.
From: SincereMBA2010 To: FrancescaBW
Thanks Everyone.
Couple of questions, 1) so you guys do have experiences or have seen applicants with low GPAs (and I mean <2.5, and assuming he has a good GMAT) get admitted to top programs?
2) the idea of good GMAT, I assume >700 is considered good? what about 680 range?
From: StacyBlackman To: SincereMBA2010
Hi SincereMBA2010,
Here is an example of a client we had who was accepted into Columbia and Chicago with a sub 3.0 GPA.
Our client was fairly solid in many areas â?" he had deep extra-curricular interests, average but interesting work experience and some very interesting personal stories. However, he had a below average GPA that could have derailed his entire application.
In our strategy, we saw that this clientâ?Ts story was a personal one that chronicled how he developed and pursued an intense interest in martial arts. That interest actually took him away from school for two semesters and became a distraction that contributed to a very low GPA. But it also helped him develop certain characteristics and unique abilities that strengthened his character, and made him a much stronger leader and team player. In his essays he discussed his renewed commitment to academics and explained how he had developed qualities that would enable him to excel in business school and in the business world.
I hope this was of help.
Best,
Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team
From: SincereMBA2010 To: StacyBlackman
Thanks for sharing your client's story!
Not sure if you and the other guys reading this post can advise on my situation,
(genuine situation) my college degree was a part time program and I did it whilst working full time. It was the early stage of my career and I naturally devoted more time on my job, thus leading to a sub-par GPA...
I have progressed very well in my career since and I am now the youngest sub-region leader in my organization.
With my above background, do you guys think I have good enough reaons to compensate for a low GPA? and does a part-time degree discount me further from a full-time degree?
From: sasy To: SincereMBA2010
it's tough to answer your question because concrete factors can make a difference:
- undergrad institution (a stronger school can make a big difference vs. a lower ranked one) - degree/major (tougher majors are given more slack) - GPA trend (did you do better in the last 2 years / upper division courses?) - work experience (what company, what industry / role, how much exp, quality of exp?)
also, a low GPA / high GMAT is quite common. you have to remember that schools see A LOT of low GPAs, so what is it about your app. that will cause them to make an exception? also, a low GPA might require them to go the extra mile - get a special exception to admit you. it might have to be approved by sr. leadership - strictly a formality but still an extra step that the admissions dept. will want to use sparingly for a top candidate.
i think you should still apply if you want an MBA, but need to weigh your chances and be realistic about school choice / program.
Business Schools — Executive MBA Programs — Foster EMBA
From: EMBAMD To: All
Hello,
I've considered applying to the University of Washington-Foster School of Business EMBA program in Seattle. I'd be interested in anyone's feedback/comments regarding this program.
Thanks in advance.
From: UWEMBA To: EMBAMD
Have you done a class visit? What questions do you have
From: EMBAMD To: UWEMBA
Not yet. I assume you are affiliated with UW(from your username), so perhaps you can answer a few questions I have about the program.
1. What do you consider the major differences in the curriculum/experience of the EMBA program compared to the Evening MBA program?
2. Does it appear that the MBA Alumni network appears connected regardless of which program you graduate from. From reading forums, there appears to be some bias(whether this is unfounded or not, I don't know) regarding the Full Time MBAs feeling that the EMBA program is not comparable. Have you seen this at Foster?
3. Why are EMBA programs, and in particular your EMBA program more expensive than the regular full time program?
Thank you.
From: UWEMBA To: EMBAMD
I am a UW EMBA student. If you are comparing Eve MBA and EMBA, I will suggest you do class visits for both programs. I did the same when I was comparing the two programs. Eve MBA is 3 year program vs 2 years for EMBA. Eve MBA students tend to be younger. EMBA students tend to be further long on career curve. Take a look at class profile for both programs. EMBA doesn't have option of electives and specialization like Eve MBA. EMBA learning is team based. You are assigned to a team with which you stay for next two years. Also, in my 'biased' observation, EMBA classes tend to be more interactive. Like any other alumni network, EMBA alumni will have strongest connection with other EMBAs, then Eve MBA then FT MBA then other Business alumni then other UW program alumni. EMBA tuition fee includes books, lunch during class days, lodging and food during two resident weeks. FT/Eve programs don't include books etc.
From: EMBAMD To: UWEMBA
Regarding the application process, what was your experience on how long it took them to get back to you for an interview after your application was completed? Did they contact you through email or a telephone call? Did you find it a particularly stressful experience(the interview)? And how soon after the interview did they offer you a spot?
Thanks for your feedback.
From: UWEMBA To: EMBAMD
Foster has multiple MBA programs (EMBA, evening MBA and Technology MBA) with multiple scheduling options for FT working professionals so they really like to guide students to appropriate program instead of wasting applicant's time in submitting applications.
The EMBA admission office is very good and responsive. If you request, one of the directors will sit down with you for 30-45 minutes, go over your resume and discuss any questions you may have even before you apply. You can pretty much gage your fit and chances of acceptance from this discussion.
Application process was straightforward. Couple of weeks after submitting the application, recommendation letters and transcripts, I received the email for interview with a few scheduling options. Within a week after interview, I received the email with invitation to join the program. I am not sure but I think you have the option of specifying whether you want to be contacted by phone or email.
One note of caution, if you don't have a 4-year degree (ex: Bachelor or Doctorate) from a US university and not born in a country with English as first language, you will be required to appear for TOEFL or similar test even if you have done 2 year degree (ex: master) in US or lived in US for long time. It is a UW policy (not Foster-specific requirement).
Class visit is definitely recommended. If you share your background, I will be happy to offer my personal opinion of the fit.
This newsletter is a FREE service provided by BusinessWeek.com.
To sign up for other newsletters, cancel delivery, change delivery options or change your e-mail address, please go to our Newsletter Preferences page.
If you need other assistance, please contact Customer Service or contact:
Wanda Cooper BusinessWeek Customer Rights Communications Data Services 1995 G Avenue Red Oak, IA 51566 Phone: 1-800-635-1200
To learn more about how BusinessWeek.com applies this policy, you can contact our Marketing Department.
Last week, Bloomberg Businessweek published its sixth annual ranking of the nation's top undergraduate business programs, and the beginnings of a dynasty emerged. For the second consecutive year, Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business took the top spot. There's a cornucopia of content on the web site, including stories, a slide show, and an interactive table; I urge you to take a look.
As Geoff Gloeckler reports in the lead story, one thing that virtually all of the top programs had in common was an increased focus on global experiences—academic, work-study, internships, and more—and increased interest among students in those program components. At Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce nearly one out of five junior business students add an international component to the core curriculum. At Emory's Goizueta Business School, students can study abroad in London or Milan, or take a business internship overseas. One school, the University of South Carolina's Moore School of Business, ships business students off to China for two years.
You can't get more global than that.
Louis Lavelle Business Schools Editor Bloomberg Businessweek
UCLA Anderson: Admissions Q&A MBA Admissions Director Mae Jennifer Shores explains what UCLA's Anderson school has to offer and what it takes to get in
MBA Insider Check out this feature-rich area for advice and tools that will help you choose the right B-school -- and develop a strategy for getting accepted
Full-Time MBA Rankings & Profiles BusinessWeek's Top 30 U.S. programs and Top 10 international programs. Plus, scan in-depth profiles of more than 300 full-time programs around the world
The Best Undergraduate B-Schools Undergrad business programs are getting MBA-like respect, and competition to get into them is hotter than ever. Here's how the top schools stack up
B-School Calendar BusinessWeek.com's scheduling tool will give you an idea of upcoming events at B-schools in the U.S. and around the world. You'll find information on admissions receptions, application deadlines, networking events, alumni events, conferences, and much more.
Reader Dorothy Beach Writes:
MBA Insider 
B-School Calendar 
EMBA Rankings & Profiles 
Exec Ed Rankings & Profiles 
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar