[This question came to us from a friend on Quora.]

Why should I choose HBS over Stanford GSB?

ANSWER:

Great question, eh? First off, anyone who has to choose between these two world class programs… well, that’s a GREAT problem to have. In most respects, you really can’t go wrong.  But let’s say you DID have to choose. Why should you choose one over the other?

[Just a note: I hate to pick sides here (since we send so many folks to BOTH programs each year), but the question was asked and I am going to answer from my personal experience.]

That’s a problem I had to face. I was admitted to both Stanford GSB and HBS. I was enamored by Stanford’s weather, their study method, and their laid-back style.  But I chose HBS.

Why?  BRAND.

Now, call me a sell-out all you want, but here’s the deal: Here at Precision Essay, we do a TON of business in China. I spend a lot of time there, working with clients, holding seminars, etc. And had I gone to the GSB and not HBS, my own personal brand wouldn’t be as strong.  Of course, they know that Stanford is great (everyone knows Stanford is great), but HBS has more cache.  The HBS brand is second to none, and in business, brand is critical.  Maybe, just maybe, the most important thing. Especially as you make your way further and further away from the Bay Area, the US, etc.

At the end of the day, the HBS brand is unbeatable globally. Even GSB’ers will admit that Harvard is better known in many countries. Don’t get me wrong, arguable “reasons to choose the GSB” are aplenty: better education, better lifestyle, stronger alumni bonds, the list goes on.  But from a brand perspective, it is a no-brainer.

I know this is going to ruffle some feathers. I know many of you out there may not agree. But as I see from my personal experiences and from watching clients choose HBS over GSB every year, the HBS brand holds more weight.

And that, my friends, is why someone should choose HBS over GSB.

What would YOU choose?

– Jon Frank

Well, let’s find out.

We asked our team of consultants to share the #1 thing that set their b-school apart from the rest and made their MBA experience invaluable. Read on to get the real story on some of the world’s top MBA programs (and – bonus! – some quality material to incorporate into those “Why our school?” application essays).

RICHARD:

No business school reflects the entrepreneurial spirit and passion of its surrounding city like the Stanford GSB. This connection is what makes the school unique.   From its classes on innovation and entrepreneurship to its collaboration with the rest of “the Farm” to its pioneering contributions to Silicon Valley, the GSB sits at the center of West Coast innovation!

ALEX:

If you’re interested in a program that doesn’t hide behind abstract concepts and fluffy theories, then Wharton is for you.  Math and models lay behind everything!  This is a quantitative centered program that forces you to PROVE your stance with facts and numbers, figures and graphs.  Even our marketing classes put you through the math ringer.  There’s a reason Wharton grads often get asked to fill in for the financial seat of many start-ups.

DAVE:

There are a lot of reasons to pick Sloan over one of its competitors, but above all else is the culture.  A top tier business school (especially a full-time program) should always be a great opportunity to network. At Sloan, it is an opportunity to build friendships.

DAMON:

What sets Stanford apart is the customizable curriculum, the great collaborative spirit, and the beautiful Bay Area weather. But most importantly, Stanford grads can do WHATEVER they choose to do coming out of the program. Anything. And they’re rewarded for it too.

MOAH:

For me, the best thing about Wharton was the huge focus on leadership development as well as tons of opportunities for global immersion.  The MBA program is designed to help students hone their leadership skills by providing numerous avenues for hands-on learning – like going to Quantico for marine corp training to understand how decisions are made in life-or-death situations, or being a board fellow through the Non-Profit Board Leadership Program where I was able to sit on a real board and make strategic decisions that had a direct impact on the organization.  In addition, Wharton is the only school that offers the chance to travel to ALL SEVEN continents in the name of education.  I traveled to a dozen countries during my MBA, including Antarctica where I spent my winter break trekking across glaciers and mingling with chinstrap penguins.  At Wharton, if you weren’t using your passport regularly, you were part of a really, really small minority, which speaks volumes about the type of international mindset the students have!

Jon:

The #1 thing about HBS… is that it’s #1. But really, it’s probably the only business school that everyone has heard of internationally. And that’s solid gold when you get out into the real world.

KYN:

Wharton boasts the largest alumni network compared to any other program.  Alumni are incredibly willing to help, and as a result, networking opportunities during and post-graduation can truly open doors.

Mark:

What sets Stanford apart? The student body:
- Their caliber: GSB students are super smart, intellectually curious, hungry to learn and wanna share what they see with others.
- The impact they’ve had on their organizations/communities: And it’s not just what they’ve personally accomplished, but leading others as well.
- What they’re made of: strong sense of ethics, individual responsibility and a desire to contribute to the whole.

Mandy:

Columbia Business School has, hands-down, the best finance program in the world, along with an alumni in every corner (especially strong in NYC), across every single industry.  And you can’t forget CBS’s exceptional network in the venture capital and entrepreneurship sector, and strong presence in media.

I have always liked Kellogg, especially when I went to visit the school a few times. I really want to go there, but I’m not sure if I can get in.

A little about me:

I attended a top undergraduate program in China, where I majored in management. I then got a Master’s in the US from a top-10 university. I have a 3.3 GPA, 750 on my GMAT and a TOEFL waiver. I’ll have two years of full-time working experience, as well as a 6-month internship in private equity.

My question is do I have chance to get in? Will it be less competitive with their one-year program?

ANSWER:

I can see why you like Kellogg; it’s a great program in a great city! And having visited a few times, it’s obvious you know that So, can you get in?

Well, let’s talk about it.

Will you have two years by the time you APPLY? Or by the time you MATRICULATE? Because two years by the time you matriculate is a bit on the low side, and that might negatively affect your chances. Most business schools like people with at least 3 years of work experience. Now, two years is not a deal breaker – there are people who get in with that or less! – but it’s just a bit more challenging. You’re gonna have to make a strong case as to why you need an MBA, and why you need an MBA NOW. It’s gotta be airtight and it’s gotta make logical sense to the adcom. That’s gonna be key for you.

Beyond that, though, your profile seems very good (strong GPA, strong GMAT, great international experience); Kellogg is totally within reach! So I say…apply. If it’s your dream, you should go for it. And with a strong application, I can see some good things happening for ya.

As for which program to target at Kellogg, based on what you’re telling me, it seems to me that the two-year program makes more sense for you. You’re young and the two years will be good for you. The one-year program might be a better option for older applicants or those who don’t want to take a full 2 years away from work, but you’re young and you’ve got time. Plus, that summer internship will be good for you and your post-MBA career.

And, again, you’ve got a chance… so go for the gold, my friend.

Perhaps I’ll see you in Chicago next year?

Best,

Jon Frank

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Exciting News! Next month, ‘Precision Essay’ will become ‘Admissionado.’ Along with our new name, we’ll be launching a new, cutting edge website, and adding countless state-of-the-art resources. The one thing that’ll never change is our premiere boutique service. Stay tuned… we can’t wait to share it with you!

Per Columbia’s website:

Columbia EMBA-Americas is designed for highly accomplished and motivated professionals who are looking to enhance their career with a top executive MBA degree, but whose location or schedule precludes them from attending the traditional alternating weekend format of Columbia’s EMBA New York Program…

EMBA-Americas offers an opportunity for students to take advantage of Columbia Business School’s unparalleled access to the global business hub of New York City and connects them with industry practitioners, key decision makers, and business opportunities.

So, what’s different about this EMBA program? To start, the program is more accessible to students from across the US, Canada and Latin America. And they’ve done that by creating a curriculum that has classes about once a month in New York City (vs. alternating weekends) and the school will even provide accommodations for students for 3 of the 5 semesters. Not too shabby, eh?  There will also be weeklong meetings in both California and Latin America, providing students with both the New York City experience Columbia is famous for in addition to a little…well, change of scenery.

Sounds like a pretty sound opportunity to us: access to the top-notch curriculum, network and global MBA brand that CBS offers, all delivered in a more convenient and accessible schedule.

Bravo, Columbia.

Very exciting stuff. Especially for all of you who will now be able to take advantage of everything CBS has to offer.

For more information, check out our Columbia Business School cheat sheet.

I keep hearing you say that people should start their applications early. But the essay prompts won’t be out for a few more months still. What can I really do now?

ANSWER:

This is a very good question. Why? Because I know there are so many people reading this right now, just sitting around and waiting for those application essay questions to be released. And let me tell you, you’re wasting precious time, my friends.

It’s true the essays are a very important part of your b-school application. But they are not the only part of your application. And, in all honesty, there are other pieces of the b-school application that will be just as, if not more, important. Those – like your resume, your letters of recommendation and, most importantly, your b-school research – often get put on the backburner and become an afterthought.

And that’s a very, very bad thing.

You’ve got time on your hands right now and you should use every last bit of it.  Our team of MBA consultants has already shared what they think you can (and 100% should) be doing now to get a head start on your business school applications. And their advice is spot-on.

So I’m just gonna piggyback on their two cents to drive the point home

1. Soul Searching: Now’s the time to figure everything out and come up with a plan. What do you want to do post-MBA? Where do you want to be in 20 years? What are your greatest strengths? What are you biggest weaknesses? Why do you need an MBA and why do you need one now? These are the questions that will show up application after application, year after year. Spend some time coming up with answers NOW so you can just work them into your essays later.

2. Figure out your personal application obstacles: Are you a re-applicant? Are you older than the average MBA applicant? Younger? Do you want to get an MBA so you can switch careers? Are you coming from a non-traditional background? These are all big hurdles for b-school applicants and if you’re facing any (or all!) of ‘em, there are specific strategies you’re going to have to use in your applications, and the earlier you recognize that, the more time you’ll have to come up with a bulletproof plan.

If you want some help with that, we’ve got you covered. I’ll be hosting a whole slew of webinars on these very topics in the coming weeks and if you’re looking for something to do NOW (which, since you’re asking this question, I know you are!), this is a great place to start. You can get the full schedule and all the information for registering right here.

Research: Get online and start looking into all the schools you’re interested in. Talk to current students, reach out to alumni, go visit! Get all the information you can so you can a) figure out where you want to apply come Fall and b) have all the information to make a strong case to the adcom as to why that specific program is best for you.

And that’s only the beginning, my friends. For more information on what you should be doing for those apps and when, check out our Round 1 MBA Application Timeline. That should give you a niiiice schedule to live by.

Seriously, folks, use this time wisely. I can’t say that enough. MBA applications are tedious, they take time and they’re not something you want to be rushing. So get to it.

See you at our webinars?

– Jon Frank 

But with new changes announced on Tuesday by the Educational Testing service (the company that created the GRE), that may finally change…

What’s the big news?

Those taking the GRE will no longer have to submit all their scores to schools, and will now have the option to select only the best score.

Yup, that’s…huge.

It’s great news for anyone who’s ever frozen up on test day, or didn’t perform quiiiite as well as they expected. They no longer need to share those ‘oh no, that’s not an indicator of my abilities!’ scores; instead, they can just sit for the GRE again and, when they get the score they’re proud of, submit it to all their target schools.

Why the change? In an article for Inside Higher Ed, David Payne, VP and COO over at ETS said that they wanted “to give test takers more confidence on test day and encourage more people to pursue graduate or business school.”

And removing a bit of the pressure to perform perfectly every time could do just that, making b-school admissions a bit less dauting and a bit more attainable for more people.

So what does this mean for you?

At the end of the day, what matters most is what those business schools admissions committees think. (After all, that’s the end goal here, isn’t it? To get into the best MBA program you can?) Which test do they prefer applicants take? What do they think of the GRE? And would they prefer to get a full report on all your scores, or is one enough?

That’s definitely something you’ll want to find out before you take ETS up on their offer and sit (once, twice, 12 times…) for the GRE.

As with everything else, do your research and then figure out the best approach for YOUR needs.

I am an Indian male working for an IT company. I have about 9 months of job experience. I understand that business schools get a lot of applications from Indian IT males each year and it is very difficult to stand out in such a crowd of applications with almost similar profiles. I am thinking of quitting my current job and working for an NGO. Will that improve my chances at a business school? If yes, then should that NGO be an internationally recognized NGO or any NGO from my native country will do?

ANSWER:

You are correct, man, that there is a LOT of competition among Indian IT males applying for business school. And you are also correct that you’re going to have to work hard to stand out among the crowd. You’re a very smart guy .

Now, just HOW you stand out is the question

Applying to work at an NGO may help your chances… and it also may not. Yes, standing out is going to be a VERY important challenge for you, but I’d say it’s even more important to be successful. What do I mean?

You gotta have some important responsibilities at work, good advancement and good achievements. And that’s important no matter where you are. So if you’re on a good track at your current job, you’ve gotten a lot of leadership experience and have the potential to do even more impressive things (bonus of those things happen to be International in nature), leaving may not be the best thing for you. You can use all of those experiences to your advantage and if you frame them correctly, they could absolutely stand out in your application.

If you’re only going to move to an NGO to try and improve your chances for b-school, I wouldn’t recommend it. If, however, you are really passionate about it and have lots of opportunities for leadership there, then yes. Go there. Do great things. Experience new things. But, again, if you are only thinking of doing it to “Be Original,” I’m not sure it’s the best idea.

Hope that gives you a little clarity,

– Jon Frank

The good news is, if you’re targeting Round 1 for 2013, you’ve got the perfect amount of time to tackle everything. And we’re gonna lay out a plan to use that time effectively.

So let’s get to it: your MBA Application Timeline.

May:

Visit Schools: Visiting schools is very important, not only so you can get a feel for the schools and make sure you actually, you know, wanna go there, but also to give you material to later use in your essays. And you are gonna wanna visit when classes are still in session so you can sit in on a few, talk to some people, and really experience the school. That means you gotta get those done by May, before classes end for the summer.

GMAT: Why May? Well, that will give you about a month and a half before the essays are released and, should you have to re-take the test, you’ll still have time to do so before you need to buckle down and write those essays.

Of course, if you can’t take the GMAT by May, it’s not the end of the world. Plenty of people have prepared for the exam while simultaneously working on their application essays, but it’s ideal to separate those two beasts so you can give ‘em both everything you’ve got.

Start Approaching Recommenders: Depending on how many schools you’re targeting, writing LORs can be a very timely task for a recommender. Be considerate and approach your recommenders early so they have some time to work on those letters. And if you’re still not sure what schools you want to target (and can’t actually have anyone start writing just yet), at least approach your recommenders and give them a heads up.

June:

School Research: Between May and June, you should spend time researching your target programs. Just open up a separate Word doc for each school and write down the aspects of each school that you like (specific classes and professors, student groups, companies that recruit there, etc) and how that specific program will help you reach your career goals.

Reach Out to People: This is also an ideal time to contact students/alumni/professors/etc. from each school to get their take on the program to better inform your decision. (Bonus: you can name-drop….erm… mention these contacts in your application later, which will only help ya.)

All of this research will be mega-useful when it comes time for your interview and your “Why our school” essay, but will also help you be more sure about your choice of schools.

Resume: There’s a big difference between the resume you use to apply for a job and the resume you’ll use to apply to b-school. Take advantage of this time before the essays are released to tweak that sucker, and get it ready for the adcoms.

Organize your Thoughts: Sure, you don’t know the essay prompts yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start preparing. Write down your short-term and long-term career goals. Start thinking of your greatest leadership experiences (or, as we call ‘em, your ‘greatest hits’), both inside and outside the office. Ask yourself WHY you need an MBA, and why NOW? Get all those things down on paper. These are the foundation to any and all MBA application essays, and having some clear thoughts and ideas early is going to make for a much easier writing process.

July:

Essays: The questions start rolling out in the middle of June, so now it’s crunch time. Ideally, you will set yourself internal deadlines and get the schools done one by one, all before the first deadlines in September and October. Yes, you have 2 months or more until the deadlines hit, but you’re gonna need all the time you can get to draft, review, edit and edit again. You never know what’s gonna pop up at work or in life that could set you back, so give yourself TIME.

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Keep in mind, this is an IDEAL timeline. We know it’s not gonna work for everyone, but it’s something to aim for. A basic framework for YOU to make your own. At the end of the day, the key is to give yourself as much time a possible and to set mini-goals for yourself along the way. Good luck!

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[Exciting News! Next month, 'Precision Essay' will become 'Admissionado.' Along with our new name, we'll be launching a new, cutting edge website, and adding countless state-of-the-art resources. The one thing that'll never change is our premiere boutique service. Stay tuned... we can't wait to share it with you!] 

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 trying to for my dream schools? 3rd round would be very competitive and so I do not want to apply.

The issue also is that if I wait I will have 7 years of work experience at matriculation, and I do not know if that is a good thing or a bad thing for my chances.

I therefore want your advice on whether I should wait another year to matriculate and try my chances at the top schools, or should I accept the offer?

ANSWER:

Hmm, tough situation.

Well first of all, lemme say that I’m not a life coach, just an admissions one. But I have seen lots of people in your situation, and I maybe can offer you some thoughts that will help you come to your own conclusion.

First, take all possibilities to their end, and think about them. Meaning, what will happen if you DO accept the admission: Will you regret forever not having applied to those other schools? Will you be happier because you started out a year earlier? Will it be better for your family?

And what about if you DON’T accept? What might happen if you don’t get accepted anywhere next year? What if you DO get accepted to Wharton?

Look, I don’t know your entire profile, so it’s hard to say… but with a solid GMAT score (above a 700) and good work experience you can get into a higher ranked school. Is it the better choice? Will you get an offer for a scholarship from somewhere else? Obviously, there are no guarantees.

But ultimately you have to go with your heart. If you really are excited to go to Cox, and you feel it can help you reach your goals, no need to get “greedy”. If, on the other hand, you feel like you will keep this regret in your heart your entire life, maybe you need to reapply.

All I can say is that if you aren’t sure, you gotta ask around. Speak to people who have attended Cox, and visit if possible. Do whatever you can to know as much as possible in relation to what you specifically want. And then it’s up to you to decide if it fulfills your needs.

I hope that helps.

– Jon Frank

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 doesn’t work on a large scale. The patterns that emerge are therefore meaningful. One of the biggest sticking points of failed applications is this: lack of clarity. Goals that don’t make sense. A career arc that doesn’t quite scan. Reasons for wanting an MBA that aren’t convincing. Getting all these moving parts to work together seamlessly seems easy (and in some cases, is), but for most, it is anything but.

Knowing what stories to tell can be hard. Knowing what aspects to tell from those stories can be even harder. Knowing what aspects of your goals to focus on isn’t always obvious. This can be the most challenging and frustrating part of the process. Be patient, and give it time. The worst thing you can do is force it, especially when the pinch of deadlines is on your heels.

For many ambitious folks, the application itch is already in the air. And frankly, it’s a great time to begin the gear churning. But a word of caution: it takes discipline and patience. It can be seductive to start and then… fade.

You know how we feel about getting an early start around here (and if you don’t, here’s how we feel about getting an early start around here). Whether you’re planning to take your GMAT, or taking a community service activity to the next level, or shoring up a bald spot somewhere on your resume, now is a sensible time to fire up your engines.

To those who are considering rolling up their sleeves and getting to work, we’re offering a little assistance to help kick-start the process.

Through April 30, we’re offering 30% off all packages (including The Deluxe), PLUS free access to all of our upcoming May and June webinars. Also, free access to our Advanced MBA Essay Writing Bootcamp with Precision Essay Founder Jon Frank.

Take advantage. These resources are designed to help give you the tools to set an intelligent path forward for what can be a formless and overwhelming process. We would love to work with you one-on-one, but we embrace the opportunity to help those who only have time for an online class or two.

Promotion ends April 30^th at 11:59pm EST. Email lauren@precisionessay.com for all the sign-up details.

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[Exciting News! Next month, 'Precision Essay' will become 'Admissionado.' Along with our new name, we'll be launching a new, cutting edge website, and adding countless state-of-the-art resources. The one thing that'll never change is our premiere boutique service. Stay tuned... we can't wait to share it with you!]