by admin on March 30, 2013
Getting into the Ivy League schools is being considered to be the most difficult thing to think. The aspirants are always made to think like that. Looking for academic advancement through a formal management degree can’t be a decision which is influenced by people who don’t have a clue why they have done MBA at the first place. But one needs to plan the MBA from an Ivy League school globally. It is very critical to know about your own self on the following parameters:
- Academic Background – The institute and the grades play an important role in the decision making process by the school which is being thought of by the student.
- Professional Background – with emphasis on traits like Teamwork, Leadership, Maturity and Innovation. Also to be looked at is the philanthropy and/or Community Service Experience.
- A Good GMAT Score – Top Schools in US are very much putting emphasis on GMAT score but that doesn’t mean with Low GMAT one can’t get into the top schools. The subjective factors are very important as well. It has been seen that the Low GMATers are not advised to apply for the top schools. I strongly feel that GMAT is just one factor and the MBA decision is holistically taken on the overall profile of the candidate. The schools in Europe are not that stringent on the GMAT score but a good data point is always advisable. A great GMAT score also becomes one great factor in the scholarships.
The admission Committee does keep these factors in mind.
The employability factor of Indian applicants is also gauged during the process of screening by the AdCOM. If AdCOM finds that employability can be a concern, very often the outcome may not be positive even if one offers a great profile.
There are options available for fresh graduates from Top Schools with good GMAT score. Other than the MBA programs the applicants can look at options in HBS 2+2 and YALE Silver Scholar program apart from top Masters in Management programs from top European schools like LBS, LSE, St. Gallen, HEC, CEMS, ESCP, ESSEC, ESADE, IE, Manheim Business School and HLL Leipzig.
Common Mistake: Copying the stuff from one school application to another application and generic content on Why Business School? Doing this may ease your work but would become detrimental in getting the desired results.
by admin on March 30, 2013
The most critical step before one starts MBA application is the school fitment analysis. The school fitment, if done with a purpose, brings value to the overall application because one is able to correlate the expectations with the offerings at the MBA School. A post experience management education plays an important role to be able to fulfill the career goals.
But unfortunately, students don’t take this step seriously and start applying to schools as per the rankings without looking at what MBA School can offer and this is where MBA admission consulting comes into picture. Each MBA program in the top 20 has something different to offer and is unique in it. So before actually picking a MBA program for oneself it is very important to relate it with your career goals. My experience of 10 plus years in the MBA consulting, I have seen students just coming up with a pre-conceived list of MBA programs basis the rankings and wish to apply without knowing whether their profile match. Generally the maximum applications are flawed and applicants don’t get any response from the MBA programs.
So before the application, answer the following questions:
Why MBA?
Why Now?
Why B- School?
On the basis of answers to these questions, short-listing can be done. I do advise to get the maximum engagement on the school fitment viz a viz profile, and for that, one should look at the following attributes:
- Academic Background – College Grades and the projects done (That will help in putting content in perspective while answering the essay prompts)
- Professional Background – The subjective factors on basis of the corporate/ entrepreneurial experience
- Your Score- College grades and GMAT, TOEFL
- Career Goals – Applicants should know what exactly they are looking from an MBA and where they see themselves in the short term post MBA and aligning them with the School Specialization
- Researching on the school – Properly research on the school through primary and secondary research.
- Curriculum - Go through the Entire Core Curriculum of the school, Electives, Clubs and then decide on whether the school offers you the experience which will make you realize your career goals.
Its better if during the GMAT preparation itself, candidate explores about the school fitment and increases his awareness about the schools, as this enables him to take up a more informed decisions when required.
