MBA Requirements

July 5, 2008 | Leave a Comment

There is a LOT of information out there about the MBA application process. When you first start to research it is difficult to get a simple list of what is required.

Here is that simple list. Watch the video below to learn the 7 major elements of an MBA application. Take note of where you are and manage your time appropriately.

MBA Application Checklist

Quick List of Requirements for an MBA Application
1) Application (physical or online)
2) Academic Transcripts
3) Application Fee
4) Resume
5) Recommendations
6) GMAT
7) Essays

Need details? Check out the video.

Posted by Alzay | Filed Under mba applicant 

Get a Head Start on the Competition

July 5, 2008 | Leave a Comment

This post is for all of those professionals that like to get started early. Thinking through the MBA application process early in the year has many advantages. The pressure is extremely low and many of your friends are ending their application process with fresh memories. This is the time to think about your application in big picture terms. Use this time to your advantage while deadlines are few and anxiety is low. Here are three ways to make good use of your time as you prepare early.

  • Think about the GMAT - This is THE standardized test in the world of business school. Many times, your GMAT and GPA are the two measures used to determine your academic aptitude. Think about what you are going to need to perform well on the test. Are you comfortable with self-study? Will you need one-on-one coaching or do you prefer a classroom environment? Consider the fact that you may have to take the test more than once.
  • Think about your target schools - Where would you like to go to school? On the east coast or the west coast? Which school is attracting the best companies? Which school sounds like the most fun? Make a list and don’t be afraid if it gets a little long. Next to each school on your list, write a one word description of why that school is interesting. As the list grows it will show you the things you value in the MBA experience.
  • Think about your career goals - You do not have to make any hard decisions, just think about the careers that sound interesting. Use your creative mind here. Think about those careers you have always wanted to have and how an MBA could be the missing link. If you are having trouble coming up with a specific job, think about your career in terms if industry, function, or lifestyle.

Take your time with the process and let it all unfold.

Posted by Alzay | Filed Under mba applicant 

MBA Interview …by Webcam?

July 4, 2008 | Leave a Comment

The interview is an important part of the MBA application process. For many MBA applicants, this is the first time someone from the admissions committee is going to hear your voice and see your face. This is an opportunity for the interviewer to experience your passion for an MBA in person.

For MBA applicants who are unable to visit in person, a phone interview was the next best thing. Now some MBA programs are encouraging students to interview via webcam. It may not be an in-person interview, but it does give you the opportunity to exhibit your passion in a more personal manner. If you find yourself looking ahead to a webcam interview, here are three things to remember.

  • Everything communicates. The webcam is going to show your face and everything in the background. Choose your location wisely. The simplest background would be a white wall. If you have an office or study you may choose to be interviewed that setting. Still, be careful of any wall paintings, house decorations, or other scenery that could be a distraction.
  • Look into the camera. Remember that the camera serves as the interviewer’s “eyes”. Your “eye contact” will be determined by how you engage the camera. Be careful not to focus too much on your computer screen. When you talk and look at your screen you will appear to be looking down. Keep your head up, back straight, and look into the camera.
  • Practice. It is a different experience trying to interact with someone through a camera and computer screen. You may not get the body language signals you are accustomed to, especially if the feed has a delay. Your best preparation tactic is to treat this interview just like an in-person interview. Wear your suit, take notes in your portfolio, and practice your responses.

Knock ‘em dead!

Posted by Alzay | Filed Under mba applicant 

I’m Tired of This Application Stuff

July 3, 2008 | Leave a Comment

One of the things people rarely talk about is the fatigue involved with the MBA application process. Fatigue is real and it can stop the positive momentum you have built up. Here are a couple of thoughts for you if your inspiration is a little low.

Hang in there and have perspective. Maybe it has been an arduous 8 or 9 month process for you. Maybe it was a 3 month process at 100 miles/hour. In either case, the experience isn’t nearly as exciting as it once was and there are still certain parts of the application you are unsure about. Fatigue is a factor now. This is where the term “application process” begins to take on new meaning. Make a quick list of the things you MUST do to complete your application. Focus on the MUST haves and leave the lesser priority items alone.

Keep your confidence about the work you have done. This is a long process, but make sure you finish strong. You may have to turn your application in without everything being “just right”. Be confident that you gave the process your best effort. Trust your work and know that the admissions committee will appreciate the excellent package you have prepared. All of the hard work you have done is going to show itself shortly.

Posted by Alzay | Filed Under mba applicant 

“No Stress” MBA Recommendation

May 21, 2008 | 1 Comment

A big part of the business school application process is being sure that each MBA recommendation supports your professional story. These are the people you have worked for, worked with, or possibly have worked for you in your career before B-School. Isn’t it a little scary to trust your prized business school application to someone else? What on earth are they going to say about you?

Here are three typical concerns about getting a good MBA recommendation.

  • This person doesn’t really know me. - I worked with this person on a couple of projects, but I’m not 100% confident that he/she really knows and appreciates my professional ability.
  • This person doesn’t have the same level of urgency as I do. - This person has a full-time job and I’m concerned that he/she will not be in a hurry to get my MBA recommendation back to me.
  • They person may “turn” on me. - I’m afraid that asking for a MBA recommendation is the same as turning in my “two week notice”. All of a sudden, I will be given the professional cold shoulder and lose valuable support from my office.

Get Started! - Here is a suggestion on how to take control of your recommendation letters.

  • Prepare a cover letter. - Don’t walk up to your boss and say, “I’m thinking about going back to school. Will you recommend me?” Instead, prepare a one-page document that explains the schools you are intersted in, why you are interested, and how this person’s insight can help improve your application. Use specific professional examples that prove your point. Think of this page as a cover letter for your MBA recommendation form. For a special touch, deliver the letter and recommendation form with a small gift. Thank them in advance for their genorosity.

Posted by Alzay | Filed Under mba applicant 

Great MBA Essays

May 19, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Let’s talk strategy to create great MBA essays. Each year, many people make the decision to apply to business school and find themselves consumed by the application process. Without a doubt, the most time consuming and nerve wrecking part of the MBA application is creating great essays. It is true that the essays are a big part of the application. Your essays explain your pursuit of the degree and the special skills you offer to the institution. Still, one could always make the argument that your essays are “not quite finished” yet.

How do you know when your MBA essays are finished? Here are three ways to tell:

  • You have a consistent message. If you are an “innovator”, “process guru”, “expert marketer”, or whatever…make sure that each essay expresses and supports that single message.
  • You have nothing else to say. When you read your MBA essays, you honestly feel like there isn’t any more left for you to say. You have made your point and expressed its value.
  • You read the essays and smile. “You” have come out in the MBA essays. When you read them you say to yourself…”Yea, that’s me!” You haven’t tried to sound like someone else. You have a unique message and it makes you smile to read it.

Get Started! - If you need help, here is a suggestion to get you back on the right track.

  • Write your message at the top of each of your MBA essays. For example, write “I am the most passionate marketer I know” or “My culture plus my keen insight make me an excellent business leader”. Whatever it is, keep the thought simple and true. Read the line out loud when you get “stuck” or before you begin your edits. Focus your energy around that message. Get inspired about it. It will reflect in your writing.

Good luck and go write some great essays!

Alzay

Posted by Alzay | Filed Under mba applicant