The Tuesday Q&A: Euro vs. US B-School Applications

QUESTION: In your experience, is there any distinctive difference between the way a traditional European b-school views the application essays versus a US b-school? In other words, do we use a different approach when writing essays, or do we simply go in, guns blazing, everywhere? ANSWER: So… what you’re asking, essentially, is what is the difference between an app for a European program and a US-based one? And the answer is quite simple: Generally, yes, you will “go guns blazing …
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The Tuesday Q&A: Getting an Early Start on your MBA Applications

QUESTION: Hi. I’m interested in applying to MBA programs that start in 2013. I know it’s early and essay questions aren’t out yet, but I’m wondering if there’s anything I can start working on now? ANSWER: Hello there! Great question and one, quite frankly, we wish we got more around here. Too often people come to us for help in the 11th hour, when their apps are due in less than a week! It’s great that you want to be …
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The Tuesday Q&A: How Do I Get Off the Waitlist at Wharton?

QUESTION: I got waitlisted at Wharton in R1 and I don’t know what to do. I’ve been reading your blogs and I know that you say people can reach out and update their application while they wait to hear back, but you also say that Wharton does not want you to do that. So… is there anything I can do? ANSWER: First things first: congrats on getting waitlisted. Yes, congrats. Because that wasn’t an outright ding, which, as I’ve said …
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Tuesday Q&A: Can I Go To Kellogg for I-Banking?

QUESTION: I am in the process of deciding on my second deadline schools (I know… I’m a bit late on the uptake here). I’ve been reading your blog for awhile and your advice to “go to the best school you can” kind of makes sense, but I have a question. Do you think it holds true irrespective of my goals? For example, say if my goals relate to I-Banking; do you advise me to go to Kellogg instead of Stern or …
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From Our Consultants: Overcoming MBA Application Challenges

You feel that yet? The exhaustion, both mental and physical, that comes with looming application deadlines. You can barely lift yourself out of bed (that is, assuming you even had a chance to get into bed last night), let alone muster up the brainpower to write/revise/re-write another MBA application essay. But you must. power. through. That deadline is what? 3 days away? 7? That’s not a lot of time and you gotta dig deep to tap into the energy it …
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5 Things You Need to Check Before Submitting That App

After weeks and weeks of research, writing, editing and re-writing, your MBA applications are DONE. Your resume is perfect, your essays are compelling, and your recommenders are ready to ship off those LORS. You’re finished! Hooray! Time to sign, seal and deliver that application… then go to sleep for 24 hours. But wait. Before you do your little “I’m DONE!” dance, let’s give that app one final review. After all, you’ve been staring at that thing for days on end; …
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The Tuesday Q&A: Low GPA, Low GMAT… Do I Have A Chance?

QUESTION: I’m a 24-year-old girl from India. I passed out of an engineering grad school with not-so-good academics (57%), but was involved in a bunch of extra curriculars: I was a drummer in a local heavy metal band, played in my college band, was the cultural secretary in college, organized fests, won awards for debates, etc. I have also done a lot of community service, like scribing for blind kids, volunteering at orphanages, etc. As you can see, I’ve done a LOT… …
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Got Dinged? It’s Not Over Yet…

So…you got dinged.  One thing’s for sure—we can feel your disappointment from here.  But all is not lost!  The truth is, despite what it feels like, this is not the end. In fact, the only way it IS the end for you is if you think that it is. Do NOT lose hope and, for the love of God, don’t fall into the following three tempting mental traps. 1) If one school dinged me, the rest will too.  This is flat-out …
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The Tuesday Q&A: What To Do When You’ve Been Waitlisted

QUESTION: I just got Waitlisted at Kellogg. I know it’s better than an outright ding, but is it? Do people really get off the waitlist? And how? ANSWER: Okay gang, tis the season…to be WAITLISTED.  So many new folks have reached out to us, asking what to do if they have been waitlisted.  Now to be sure, there is an ART to waitlist management.  Some schools know this, and they have hired special STAFF to manage this process.  Ha, can …
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For Chinese and Indian MBA Applicants, It’s Time to Step it Up

Fact: The number of MBA applicants coming from China and India is up. Fact: The number of MBA admissions for applicants coming from China and India is down. According to last year’s application and acceptance data, several schools are reporting that although international students make up a large percentage of their total applicants, most of them are getting rejected. …. Not the best news, eh? Let’s take a look at the numbers: 70% of Washington-Olin’s 1,490 applicants were international, yet …
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The Tuesday Q&A: An LOR Conundrum

QUESTION: It is OK to get two LORs from two different people at the same company? I worked with them both on different projects so they will have different things to say, but does it look bad coming from the same place? And if it’s a problem… who else can I ask? I’ve been at the same company for 5 years… ANSWER: Who knew LORs could be so complicated, eh? When you think about it, how hard is it to get …
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The Do’s and Don’ts of an MBA Resume

What’s the most important component of your MBA application? Some argue it’s the essays; that’s your opportunity to show the adcom who you are, after all. Others say it’s your GMAT score, it being the most universal gauge of your abilities. And then there’s the interview, your one time to have a real interaction with the person who may decide your fate. But what about your resume? You know, the place where you list….uh….everything you’ve ever done? That single piece …
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The 5 Worst Interview Mistakes

So, you’re getting interview invitations… but no acceptance letters. What’s the deal? We can’t say for sure (after all, we weren’t sitting in the interview with you…) but we do know of some pretty common interview faux pas that can keep you from getting that coveted acceptance letter. And now that Round 2 deadlines are coming up – and with them, even more opportunities to interview – you may want to check yourself before you wreck yourself. Are you committing …
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The Tuesday Q&A: Can I Repeat Stories in my MBA Interview?

QUESTION: I’ve been trying to prepare for my upcoming MBA interviews and I’m not sure what’s fair game and what is going to make my look bad… Can you repeat a story from your essay in your interview? ANSWER: First of all, CONGRATS on those MBA interviews, dude. This is a huge step in the right direction, and a very important one at that. This is the adcom’s chance to really get to know you as a living, breathing person, …
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The Tuesday Q&A: Am I Too Old for a Full-Time MBA Program?

QUESTION: I planned on applying for my MBA last year but my GMAT score just wasn’t good enough and I had to re-take it. Now I’m 31 years old and want to start an MBA program in 2012. Am I too old to get into a full-time top 15 program? Is it easier to do part-time? And if so, will that look as good for employers? ANSWER: At age 31 it is late to get in. But it’s not impossible. …
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5 Things to do Before you Start Your MBA Applications

Your MBA applications are due in two months and it’s time to get to work. But… where do you begin? What do you do? How do you…uh…do this? Let us help. There’s a lot of work to do before you sit down at your computer and start tapping away at those essays. Applying to and attending b-school is a huge decision, after all, and it requires a lot of thought, planning, preparing and even more thought. So before you actually …
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The Tuesday Q&A: Rebounding from a Round 1 Rejection

QUESTION: I applied to 3 schools in Round 1 and I didn’t get into any of them. Now I don’t know what to do. I don’t even know why I got rejected. Should I apply for more schools in Round 2, or is that just a waste of my time and money? Should I wait until next year? Is there a way to find out what went wrong? ANSWER: Okay, folks – if you didn’t get in for Round 1, …
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From Our Consultants: Preparing for the MBA Interview

Round one deadlines have come and gone and that means one thing: it’s interview time. Harvard, Wharton, Tuck…every day another MBA program issues interview invitations. Get one? Congratulations! Go ahead and do a little dance. Jump around the room. Pat yourself on the back. That’s a BIG accomplishment. …and then, start preparing. Yes, the MBA interview brings you one step closer to that coveted seat in your target program, but it’s not a guarantee. It’s part of the selection process, …
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The Tuesday Q&A: Getting Over Writer’s Block

QUESTION: I finally decided on the list of schools I’ll be applying to in Round 2 this year and now it’s time to start my essays. I just… don’t really know where to start. Or how. Got any tips for getting over writer’s block and getting words on paper? ANSWER: Hey there, happy to answer this question.  We get it often–it’s “an oldie but goodie” around these parts.  Let’s get into it. If you are stuck in front of a …
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The Tuesday Q&A: Should I Retake the GMAT?

QUESTION: I have a good GMAT score…but not a great one.  I have applied for Round 1, but I will probably apply for R2 also.  Should I retake the GMAT?  Or should I just focus on my essays at this stage? ANSWER: This is a great question, and one that we are asked frequently, especially at the end of the Round 1 cycle. And we all have hopes and dream of raising our scores; I know I’ve never met anyone …
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Four Types of BS That Won’t Work in an MBA Application

Putting the finishing touches on those Round 1 applications? Finally sitting down to get started on your apps for Round 2? Great! Now…stop. Before you send those things off or get too deep into your work, take a moment and make sure you’re not committing one of the 4 cardinal sins of b-school applications. 1)  Writing all your own LORs…in a hurry. Yes, we know, in some cases you will have no choice but to write one of your LORs …
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The Tuesday Q&A: Round 1 or Round 2?

QUESTION: My Round 1 deadline is in two days but there is NO way I’d be putting my best foot forward by submitting. I know I can do better, but I also wanna hit this deadline. What do I do? ANSWER: Now, we all know that Round 1 is better than Round 2, no matter what adcoms tell ya. And along those lines, Early Decision is better than Round 1, no matter what admissions people say. BUT. This is NEVER …
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From Our Consultants: The Most Important Thing MBA Applicants Should Know

From application essays to LORs to the infamous MBA interview, there’s a LOT that goes into getting into b-school. And that means there are a lot of application Do’s and Don’ts. DO write a compelling essay. DO NOT use industry jargon. DO choose the recommender that knows you best. DO NOT write your own LOR. DO prepare questions for your interviewer. DO NOT spend 15 minutes summarizing your resume for your interviewer…. Yeah, it can get pretty overwhelming. So what is …
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Fewer Applicants: A Blessing or a Curse?

If you’ve been stressing out over your quickly-approaching application deadlines, today is your lucky day. You can finally take a moment to put down your red editing pen, close your GMAT prep book, and take a nice, deep breath (or a nap) because this year, you’ve got a lot less competition to get in to the b-school of your choice. According to a survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), 2/3 of the full-time MBA programs saw a major …
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The Tuesday Q&A: Extracurriculars and the MBA Application

Got a question about those MBA applications? Stuck on an essay? Need a little clarity? Chances are, you’re not the only one. Thankfully, Precision Essay founder and Harvard MBA Jon Frank has an answer… for everything admissions-related. And he’s going to share all of his answers with you, right here, every Tuesday. Today, we’re talking extracurriculars… QUESTION: I have a question about extracurricular activities – how important do you think they’re in application? Is the volunteer work or community work the only …
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The Tuesday Q&A: Who Should Write My LOR?

Got a question about those MBA applications? Stuck on an essay? Need a little clarity? Chances are, you’re not the only one. Thankfully, Precision Essay founder and Harvard MBA Jon Frank has an answer… for everything admissions-related. And he’s going to share all of his answers with you, right here, every Tuesday. What are we chatting about today? Why, the infamous LOR, of course! Who should you ask to write that sucker for you? Find out… QUESTION: Who is the best …
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The Tuesday Q&A: Can a High GMAT Score Save an Application?

Got a question about those MBA applications? Stuck on an essay? Need a little clarity? Chances are, you’re not the only one. Thankfully, Precision Essay founder and Harvard MBA Jon Frank has an answer… for everything admissions-related. And he’s going to share all of his answers with you, right here, every Tuesday. Today, let’s talk about the GMAT. Can that score overcome other shortcomings in your application? See what Jon has to say below…. QUESTION: I dream to study abroad for …
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The Tuesday Q&A: Management Experience and the MBA Application

Got a question about those MBA applications? Stuck on an essay? Need a little clarity? Chances are, you’re not the only one. Thankfully, Precision Essay founder and Harvard MBA Jon Frank has an answer… for everything admissions-related. And he’s going to share all of his answers with you, right here, every Tuesday. This week, we’re talking management. How much management experience do you really need to get into an MBA program? Well, we’re about to find out…. QUESTION: Naturally, management …
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How to Deal With Unemployment and Work Gaps

Maybe it’s because of the economy. Maybe it’s because you wanted to stop working 90-hour weeks and focus on your GMAT studies. Maybe it’s because you were stuck in a dead-end job and couldn’t handle waking up, getting dressed and spending one more minute in that god forsaken office. Either way, you’ve got a work gap. And now you’ve got to deal with it in your MBA applications. We all know at this point that work gaps are a challenge …
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The Tuesday Q&A: Am I Too Old to get an MBA?

Got a question about those MBA applications? Stuck on an essay? Need a little clarity? Chances are, you’re not the only one. Thankfully, Precision Essay founder and Harvard MBA Jon Frank has an answer… for everything admissions-related. And he’s going to share all of his answers with you, right here, every Tuesday. This week, we’re talking about age. Are you ever too old to get an MBA? Let’s find out… QUESTION: I joined military service after graduating from college and …
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Private Equity and Venture Capital: MBA Application Danger Zones

Okay folks, we have had some requests that we talk about Private Equity and Venture Capital.  But as always, I’m gonna try to keep everyone on their toes. Lots of clients last year (and a few this year) are VERY excited about Private Equity (PE) and Venture Capital (VC).  It is their short term goal, their long term goal…and everything in between.  Well, I am here to tell you that often times, this is a BAD idea.  Let’s avoid PE and VC.  Why?  I’ll tell ya. …
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The Tuesday Q&A: How To Overcome a Low GPA

Got a question about those MBA applications? Stuck on an essay? Need a little clarity? Chances are, you’re not the only one. Thankfully, Precision Essay founder and Harvard MBA Jon Frank has an answer… for everything admissions-related. And he’s going to share all of his answers with you, right here, every Tuesday. This week it’s all about the GPA? Can you overcome undergraduate struggles? How? Let’s see what Jon has to say…. Question: I didn’t apply myself as much in …
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European MBA Programs

Let’s all give two quick woot-woots for Europe. Who doesn’t enjoy chasing a lovely, buttery snail or two with a swig of Chateauneuf du Pape? Spending winter vacations swishing down the Alps, the summers coasting around the rock of Gibraltar after a quick visit to the Alhambra? Say what you will, but Europe gave the world Da Vinci, Pizza, Radiohead, and Sophie Marceau. [Please respect this.] These days, with the struggling American economy and US banks losing favor, Europe is …
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The Tuesday Q&A: Is It Harder to Get in Once You’ve Been Dinged?

Got a question about those MBA applications? Stuck on an essay? Need a little clarity? Chances are, you’re not the only one. Thankfully, Precision Essay founder and Harvard MBA Jon Frank has an answer… for everything admissions-related. And he’s going to share all of his answers with you, right here, every Tuesday. This week’s question is all about taking risks. Is it worth it when your future is on the line? Jon weighs in… Question: I am working for 18 …
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MBA School Selection Strategy

Applying to an MBA is a titanic step in your life. You will meet friends, employers, partners, future wives and husbands… one way or another you will pave the path toward your future. But obtaining an MBA is only the first step in the path. Your dreams and goals (and we each have our own) at some level revolve around bettering your position in your career, bringing financial security to yourself and your family, and quite possibly finding some fame …
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The Tuesday Q&A: Military to MBA

Got a question about those MBA applications? Stuck on an essay? Need a little clarity? Chances are, you’re not the only one. Thankfully, Precision Essay founder and Harvard MBA Jon Frank has an answer… for everything admissions-related. And he’s going to share all of his answers with you, right here, every Tuesday. So let’s do this…. This week’s question, and one Jon gets all the time, comes from one of our nation’s heroes. So how does one go from the …
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INSEAD’s Your First Hundred Days (YFCD)

It’s new and improved. The First hundred Days is not only for presidents, but also for MBA candidates. Although the INSEAD program has one of the most awkward acronym’s we’ve seen in a long time (it reminds us of a three-legged dog with banana peels for legs), the program itself is smooth as silk, and seems like a wonderful idea that is truly part and parcel of INSEAD’s entrepreneurial outlook. You are in the corner office on the 57th floor …
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Haas@Work

Even cooler than the trendy, wired “@” symbol that Haas uses to name the program, is the way it will allow you to integrate your (admittedly sometimes pointless-seeming) theoretical studies and apply them to real-world business challenges that you can really sink your teeth into. Many mega-ultra-huge-name “Oh-how-I-wish-I-worked-for-you” companies (Visa, Panasonic, Wells Fargo, Cisco Systems, The Walt Disney Company, etc.) have already participated in Haas’s innovative Haas@Work program. Students get excited about working @ the companies for the obvious reasons …
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UCLA – Knapp Crackle Pop

Let’s talk about Anderson’s Venture Competition. Run by the Price Center for Entrepreneurial Studies since 1982 (Yes, 1982, the very same year in which sweatbands became a fashion statement, and The Eye of the Tiger was a number one hit) the student-run Knapp Venture Competition is one of those great hands-on learn-while-doing and even-get-some-money-for-it initiatives that as an entrepreneur, you are sure to love. The idea is simple: simulate the process of starting and evaluating an entrepreneurial enterprise so that …
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Reapplicants – Play It Again Sam

It didn’t work out last year. Not what you were hoping for undoubtedly, but all is not lost. Are you determined? Are you motivated? Is an MBA still your dream? Something you need in order to succeed at your goals? Then everything is possible. This early in the season, there is a lot of work to be done. First, look at your application again (and we mean everything – resume, recommendation letters, essays, application form) but don’t fall into the …
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