The Tuesday Q&A: Should I Try For a Better Program?

QUESTION: I was admitted to SMU Cox with a large scholarship for Fall 2012. Looking at my stats, I knew I could apply to other top ranked schools and I really wanted to apply to HBS, Wharton, NYU Stern, INSEAD, and a few other schools. But due to hectic project schedules I could not apply to any of these. I am now in a dilemma as to what should I do? Should I accept the admission with scholarship without even …
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30% off Precision Essay Packages, Plus a FREE All-Access Pass

Many folks have (wisely) begun the process of applying to b-school. And some unusually determined folks who were unsuccessful this year have knocked on our doors seeking help for how they can re-apply but do it right a second time around. To all forward thinking business school aspirants: let’s rock this joint. We have an unusually privileged vantage point when it comes to observing admission trends. Having worked with thousands of folks, we get to see what works and what …
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Why an MBA is Right for Everyone

In a recent blog post for Business Week’s MBA Admissions Blog, ‘Getting In’, Rose Martinelli, former admissions director at Booth, posed a question we get a lot around here: Do you need an MBA? According to Martinelli, MBA programs aren’t right for everyone, and those considering a graduate program should choose one based on their “undergraduate education, prior work experience, and future career goals.” So who, in Martinelli’s opinion, should pursue an MBA and who should opt for other, more …
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The Tuesday Q&A: Indian Applicants and Top-10 B-schools

QUESTION: They say being an Indian they expect me to score above 740 to get admission into any top-notch B-school. Is that true? Is there a mantra to get a really good score? Also, I am working in IBM as a programmer but have only three years of experience. As I don’t have 5 years of experience, would I be able to get admission into a Top B-School? Will having the brand name of IBM in my resume fetch me some …
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From Our Consultants: Choosing the Right B-School for You

We all know that the REAL key to choosing an MBA program is to go to the best school you can get into. But what happens when you are torn between two schools with similar reputations? Where should you go? How should you choose? What SHOULD or SHOULDN’T you consider when making that choice? If you’re facing that problem, congrats. Around here, we call that a good problem to have. But it’s a problem nonetheless, and you need a solution. …
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The Tuesday Q&A: How Many Times Can I Retake the GMAT?

QUESTION: I have taken my GMAT twice and I’m still not happy with my score. Should I accept this last score and move on, or should I try to re-take it again? Does it look bad to the schools if I’ve taken it 3 times? ANSWER: Oh, GMAT. That test is pretty awful, yes? I applaud you for finding motivation to take it even a 2nd time, let alone considering going for it again. That test totally plays with your …
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Preparing for the Infamous Case Method

I know, we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves here, right? I mean, many of you are still wading through the admissions process, thinking of nothing but what matters most to you and why, or practicing your interview skills in front of the bathroom mirror. And those of you who have already been admitted (congrats!) are busy enjoying the moment… as you well should. So…who has time to start thinking or preparing for actual b-school classes? And, more importantly, who …
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Ranking the US News B-School Rankings

So US News just released their rankings of the best business schools of 2012. Big news, right? And now, HBS and Stanford are TIED for first!  And last year, Stanford had BEATEN HBS in the rankings!  This is HUGE. History in the making! The biggest thing since sliced bread! Or… is it? Let’s give ourselves a moment to come down. And now, let’s take a giiiant step back. Why does US News publish rankings?  TO SELL MAGAZINES.  And that’s…. it. So …
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The Tuesday Q&A: Master’s Before an MBA?

QUESTION: I’m 23 years old with one year of work experience. I really want to get an MBA, but I know that my lack of work experience will be a problem for my applications. Would it help for me to get a Master’s in Finance now and apply for b-school in 2013? Is that going to be appealing to the admissions committee? ANSWER: Thanks for the question, man. And this is one we see quite often around here, so I’m …
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Do Not Pass Go. Do Not Apply in Round 3.

Don’t mean to beat a dead horse here [side note: is there a less gruesome way to say that?], but Round 3 is a tough nut to crack. For many reasons. Which we’ve outlined before. People WILL get in during Round 3, of course, and there are many applicants out there who should apply. But there are also some who should put the breaks on MBA applications right now and come back in Round 1 next year. And who are …
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