The Tuesday Q&A: What B-schools Are More Open to Older Applicants?

QUESTION: I’m 32 years old and I want to attend a full-time MBA program. I know full well that my age could be an issue, but I want that full-time MBA experience, so I’m going to go for it. What schools out there are more open to older applicants? ANSWER: I hear you, dude. There’s nothing quite like the b-school experience, and a lot of that has to do with the culture and experience of just being there, outside the …
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The Tuesday Q&A: Maximizing International Experience in an MBA Application

QUESTION: I’ve heard you say that International experience is very important for International applicants. How can we best highlight that experience without making it appear like laundry a list? Any tips about how to (or whether to) highlight my international travel experiences where I’ve met people from different backgrounds, learned from their wisdom and learned to appreciate diversity? ANSWER: Yup, it’s true. International experience is very important on an MBA application for International applicants. Why? Because the adcom needs to …
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Darden’s Ding Feedback, The Most Popular B-Schools and More

We may still be early in the application season for 2013, but things aren’t slowing down in the world of b-school admissions. Here are just a few of the big things happening right now: Darden’s Ding Feedback: Darden announced that it will be providing feedback to dinged applicants through June 29th, 2012. Pretty great, right? Now you don’t have to wonder anymore why you didn’t make the cut, which is not only good for your peace of mind, but also …
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The Tuesday Q&A: Can I Ask an Old Boss for an LOR?

[The following question came up after our recent webinar: Letters of Recommendation, 101.] QUESTION: I am applying for MBA programs this year and am trying to figure out who to reach out to for a recommendation. Is it OK to ask for a letter of recommendation from my boss with whom I worked 7-8 years back, or do I need a more recent supervisor? ANSWER: Great question. But before I answer it specifically, I want to make one very important point …
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HBS: 5 Things You Need to Know Before You Apply

Applying to HBS this year? Those essays giving you night sweats? Not sure how to stand out from the crowd of impressive applicants? Take a breath. The key to HBS (or any b-school, for that matter) is understanding what the school’s about. So what is HBS all about? We asked HBS MBA and rockstar consultant Eric Weisman for the lowdown. Here are 5 things about Harvard Business School (directly from the source, folks) you should know before you sit down …
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The Tuesday Q&A: Should I Get an MBA or a Different Master’s Degree?

QUESTION: I’m 21-years old and will be graduating from college in 2013 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. I know that one day I want to be a high-level manager in technology field, so I’ve started thinking about getting an MBA. Should I apply to business school, or should I apply to a different Master’s program? ANSWER: Ah, to be 21 again. Those were the days, am I right? But let’s get to your question, man. So, you wanna be …
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5 Things You Should Do Right Now for Your MBA Applications

So, Harvard released their 2013 essays (and we heard the shrieks of horror from around the globe), and that only means one thing. No, it doesn’t mean you now have zero chance of getting in. You’re gonna be just fiiine. What it means is that MBA Application season is upon us, and more and more schools will start releasing their essays and deadlines every week…. Yes, my friends, it’s time to buckle down and get to work. Not because it’s …
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The Tuesday Q&A: Is Round 1 Better Than Round 2?

QUESTION: I am from China and want to apply to business school. I saw that lots of schools are starting their applications now, and HBS has already released their questions. Is it better to apply as early as possible? Round 1 has better chance than Round 2? ANSWER: Yes, you are correct. You always want to apply as early as possible. And this is especially key for International applicants like you. You NEED to apply early in the process. There …
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HBS Changes Essays for 2013 Applications – Holy Crap?

So… looks like HBS threw us all a curveball this year, eh? Two essays? 400 words each?! B-school applicants around the world are reeling at the news. “How am I supposed to say everything I have to say in only 800 words?!?!” Never fear, folks; the rules of the game have NOT changed. All HBS has REALLY done is eliminated one essay, and pushed the other one forward in time a bit. The logistics and strategy for picking your topics …
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