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aec
Underclassman
4 Posts |
 Posted - 08/14/2008 : 19:18:08
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Hi David,
Reading your the questions and your posts has been very helpful. I just wanted ask something about extracurriculars. In my freshman year I ran on the men's cross country team (division 1/NCAA), but only did it for that first year. I was having personal problems and stress, so I did not return. Also I have never been an athlete, I litterally just asked permission from the school to train, and I somehow managed to run 15 miles on the first day of practice, despite the fact I had never ran before.
Anyway, my question is the fact I only particpated for the one year. Does it make sense for me to include this on my resume? Would it look funny that I only did an activity for one year. I spent a term doing community service at animal shealtors with a student body organization.
Thanks for your time,
Anthony. |
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aec
Underclassman
4 Posts |
Posted - 08/14/2008 : 19:20:40
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| Sorry for the grammar, my question was about the EAs - if it makes sense to include them on my resume? |
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aec
Underclassman
4 Posts |
Posted - 08/14/2008 : 23:52:21
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Sorry again! I just wanted to clarify the fact that I am invovled with other activies outside of school and for much longer, for example I've been playing soccer at a club since high school. I just feel that since I spent such a short time pursuing EAs at my university, does it make sense to include them on the resume? I am in no rush at all to apply to an MBA school, it is just something I am curious about.
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zedeves2
Underclassman
1 Posts |
Posted - 08/20/2008 : 15:21:04
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Hello David,
THANK YOU for taking the time to give this great advice. This is very generous of AdmissionsConsultants and really shows your knowledge.
I plan to submit b-school applications next fall (2009) which means I still have one year to prepare.
KEY STATS
EDUCATION = 3.8 GPA w/ High Honors from the Milwaukee School of Engineering. Also studied in Germany one year. Majored in International Business.
GMAT = 720 (77% Quant, 96% Verbal, 6.0 AWA)
CAREER = Will have 4 yrs experience when applying. Associate Product Mgr (1.5yrs), Product Mgr (2yrs), Senior Product Mgr (.5 yrs). Worked 2yrs for a mid-size company and then joined a small start-up. Guided the product roadmap of online software programs. Extensive interaction with business customers and technical staff. Led many project teams of 5-10 people.
EXTRACURRICULAR = Recently became a leader of a local Net Impact chapter (sustainable business club). Also active in flag football and hiking league. Didn't have much extracurricular in undergrad or for most of my post-college life.
SCHOOLS
I live in California and am very interested in attending Stanford (dream school), UC Berkeley (target school), and UCLA (target). I would like to position myself as someone who has solid leadership experience and a great balance of business and technical aptitude.
I've always had an interest in continuous improvement and innovation which is what drew me to the business technology field. I've since realized that we have serious issues facing the environment and want to dedicate my desire for innovation to environmental causes. My post-MBA goal is to obtain a management position in a green technology company where we develop products/services that are good for the planet and our bottom line.
QUESTIONS/CONCERNS
1. Would it be weird for me to visit schools this fall instead of next fall? I don't want the adcoms to think I'm wasting time that should be spent on current applicants.
2. I think I need at least one more extra-curricular activity. Should I make it an environmental group as well to show a strong interest in that area or should I do something like Toastmasters to show a diversity of skills?
3. My GMAT quant score was kind of low and I've never won any major awards or prestigious scholarships - do I have a shot at a school like Stanford or Berkeley? If so, what general recommendations do you have?
Thank You,
Darren |
Edited by - zedeves2 on 08/20/2008 15:49:49 |
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AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2124 Posts |
Posted - 08/20/2008 : 16:40:33
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Hi Anthony and thanks for your inquiry.
Hi David,
Reading your the questions and your posts has been very helpful. I just wanted ask something about extracurriculars. In my freshman year I ran on the men's cross country team (division 1/NCAA), but only did it for that first year. I was having personal problems and stress, so I did not return. Also I have never been an athlete, I litterally just asked permission from the school to train, and I somehow managed to run 15 miles on the first day of practice, despite the fact I had never ran before.
Anyway, my question is the fact I only particpated for the one year. Does it make sense for me to include this on my resume? Would it look funny that I only did an activity for one year. I spent a term doing community service at animal shealtors with a student body organization.
Your other interests in athletic activities, like soccer (provided in your subsequent post), gives your cross country experience a little more credibility. I suspect there is a good way to include on the resume and put it in some context.
Thanks for your time,
Anthony.
Best of luck on your applications!
Sincerely,
David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com
www.admissionsconsultants.com/mba/blog.aspx
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885
Join us on Facebook to receive a 5% discount on all services!
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AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2124 Posts |
Posted - 08/20/2008 : 16:43:50
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Hi Darren thanks for your inquiry.
Hello David,
THANK YOU for taking the time to give this great advice. This is very generous of AdmissionsConsultants and really shows your knowledge.
Thanks! Our pleasure!
I plan to submit b-school applications next fall (2009) which means I still have one year to prepare.
KEY STATS
EDUCATION = 3.8 GPA w/ High Honors from the Milwaukee School of Engineering. Also studied in Germany one year. Majored in International Business.
GMAT = 720 (77% Quant, 96% Verbal, 6.0 AWA)
CAREER = Will have 4.5 yrs experience when applying. Associate Product Mgr (1.5yrs), Product Mgr (2yrs), Senior Product Mgr (.5 yrs). Worked 2yrs for a mid-size company and then joined a small start-up. Guided the product roadmap of online software programs. Extensive interaction with business customers and technical staff. Led many project teams of 5-10 people.
EXTRACURRICULAR = Recently became a leader of a local Net Impact chapter (sustainable business club). Also active in flag football and hiking league. Didn't have much extracurricular in undergrad or for most of my post-college life.
SCHOOLS
I live in California and am very interested in attending Stanford (dream school), UC Berkeley (target school), and UCLA (target). I would like to position myself as someone who has solid leadership experience and a great balance of business and technical aptitude.
I've always had an interest in continuous improvement and innovation which is what drew me to the business technology field. I've since realized that we have serious issues facing the environment and want to dedicate my desire for innovation to environmental causes. My post-MBA goal is to obtain a management position in a green technology company where we develop products/services that are good for the planet and our bottom line.
QUESTIONS/CONCERNS
1. Would it be weird for me to visit schools this fall instead of next fall? I don't want the adcoms to think I'm wasting time that should be spent on current applicants.
I would not be concerned about this. Planning ahead in general is a pretty good thing to do; No one is going to hold this against you.
2. I think I need at least one more extra-curricular activity. Should I make it an environmental group as well to show a strong interest in that area or should I do something like Toastmasters to show a diversity of skills?
I don't recommend adding activities merely for the sake of adding a bullet point to a resume. As you have an interest in environmental causes, I would encourage you to explore this route. It might help you clarify some career goals and it will be something you enjoy (and therefore you'll dedicate yourself to it rather than have it feeling like a grind.)
3. My GMAT quant score was kind of low and I've never won any major awards or prestigious scholarships - do I have a shot at a school like Stanford or Berkeley? If so, what general recommendations do you have?
If you think you can move your score up by 20-30 points, then by all means give it a shot. If not, I think with well-prepared applications, you'll have a decent shot with the credentials you have.
Feel free to peruse our GMAT prep section at www.admissionsconsultants.com/gmat if you want some extra study tips and practice questions and answers to augment your studies.
Thank You,
Darren
Best of luck on your applications!
Sincerely,
David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com
www.admissionsconsultants.com/mba/blog.aspx
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885
Join us on Facebook to receive a 5% discount on all services!
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vjam
Underclassman
1 Posts |
Posted - 08/20/2008 : 23:24:57
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Hi David,
Thanks for all the help you have providing your insights to students on this board. I would appreciate your point of view on my qualifications for an MBA at a top 25 school some schools of interest:
*University of Texas
*UC - Berkeley
*UCLA
*HKUST (hong kong)
*IESE (spain)
*University of Maryland
*NYU
My background:
- Washington University in St. Louis, Marketing/IB Major (3.65)
- GMAT: 620 (quant low: 36; verbal 39; awa 6.0)
- Work: 3 years in Marketing at a Top Multinational Consumer Package Goods Company
-Handful of extracurricular-community service, radio station volunteering etc, international study/travel experience
Right now i think the GMAT is the weak spot. But what is your assessment? I believe I can raise my quant, but want to evaluate the broader application. Think I have a shot at any of these schools with the above info? How would int'l universities perceive my credentials?
Again, Thanks |
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tcgiroux
Underclassman
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - 08/26/2008 : 12:37:42
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David,
First of all, I appreciate this invaluable service you provide to us MBA hopefuls.
My real question is, in your opinion, what are my chances for getting into Georgetown (McDonough) part-time, evening program?
I got a 670 on the GMAT (99% verbal, much lower on quant, don't remember, 6 AWA), 3.3 GPA, and 3.5 years of work experience in accounting and marketing at a top national law firm. According to their stats, it seems to me like I am at their mean for GMAT and GPA, but I am concerned about my lower quantitative score. I am really putting all my eggs in this one basket since it is the best program in the DC area and the others are ranked much lower. Any advice would be appreciated. |
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AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2124 Posts |
Posted - 08/26/2008 : 17:25:50
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Hi and thanks for your inquiry.
Hi David,
Thanks for all the help you have providing your insights to students on this board.
Our pleasure!
I would appreciate your point of view on my qualifications for an MBA at a top 25 school some schools of interest:
*University of Texas
*UC - Berkeley
*UCLA
*HKUST (hong kong)
*IESE (spain)
*University of Maryland
*NYU
My background:
- Washington University in St. Louis, Marketing/IB Major (3.65)
- GMAT: 620 (quant low: 36; verbal 39; awa 6.0)
- Work: 3 years in Marketing at a Top Multinational Consumer Package Goods Company
-Handful of extracurricular-community service, radio station volunteering etc, international study/travel experience
Right now i think the GMAT is the weak spot. But what is your assessment? I believe I can raise my quant, but want to evaluate the broader application. Think I have a shot at any of these schools with the above info? How would int'l universities perceive my credentials?
I agree that it is in your best interest to retake the GMAT. Your overall score is a bit low, and your quant score particularly so. Feel free to peruse the GMAT prep section of our website (http://www.admissionsconsultants.com/gmat) for test prep tips and practice questions:
You could be competitive with your current GMAT score, but again, if you're confident you can bump it up by at least 30 points, it will make you much more competitive. (At both the US and international schools.) This also assumes you have a decent career progression and we can adequately spin your extracurricular activities.
Again, Thanks
Best of luck on your applications!
Sincerely,
David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com
www.admissionsconsultants.com/mba/blog.aspx
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885
Join us on Facebook to receive a 5% discount on all services!
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AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2124 Posts |
Posted - 08/26/2008 : 18:03:07
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Hi and thanks for your inquiry.
Hey David,
Thanks for the great post. I was wondering if my pool of target schools was too limited given my statistics. I want to attend b-school in the fall of '09 and don't want to get stranded without an acceptance offer.
I have a 3.3 GPA from a top 30 college, and founded a non-profit community center in my junior year. I led the center for 4 years, and it has been very successful. During this time, I built an alternate transcript (calculus, linear algebra, and graduate level mathematical economics) and earned good grades (As in the first two, B+ in math. econ).
I've spent the last year working in international development and consulting in India, and also have very strong community/extra-curricular activities.
Also, I scored a 720 on the GMAT (46/77% quant, 44/97% verbal, 95% overall). I am a little worried about my quant score, but didn't want to invest the time in retaking the exam given the approaching R1 deadline.
I'm applying to HBS, Stanford, Tuck, Wharton, Kellogg, Chicago, Columbia, and Sloan. I know these are all highly competitive programs, but I thought, given the non-profit background and entrepreneurial work while in college, I would be in a less competitive and/or unique pool.
Given these stats, do you think I should apply to some safer schools? Harvard is my choice program, do I even have a shot there? Am I deluding myself about being competitive in these programs?
I'm not sure how much time you put in on the GMAT prep, but you should only retake the test if you are fairly certain of scoring 20-30 points higher. With that said, with well-prepared applications, you should have a decent shot at the schools on your list. With respect to your overall list, it is always a good idea to have a well-rounded list; a back-up is probably a good idea given your desire to start your MBA next fall.
Thanks for your help!
Best of luck on your applications!
Sincerely,
David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com
www.admissionsconsultants.com/mba/blog.aspx
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885
Join us on Facebook to receive a 5% discount on all services!
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kaushalszone
Underclassman
India
1 Posts |
Posted - 08/27/2008 : 06:12:25
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Hi David,
Your answers are really helpful to understand different aspects of MBA application. Many of my questions have been resolved after I went through the thread. However mine is a special case.
I already have an MBA degree. I am an Indian applicant. In india, local universities offer MBA without any work experience and right after under graduation. My under graduation was in mathematics and MBA was in Information System Management with pretty regional focus. I would like to go for a global MBA because I want to go for entrepreneurship and I feel I am lacking knowledge of finance, entrepreneurship and global business environment.
I started my own firm immediately after my MBA as entrepreneurship is in my blood but after 3 years of hard work we failed because of typical problems faced by first generation entrepreneurship. I think my and my partner's knowledge was limited to technology rather than overall business management. After that I joined big software firms to gain further business knowledge and also worked on international projects to gain global perspective. It has been 4 years since I started job but now I feel though job is giving me good experience of project execution, it doesn't help to gain entrepreneurial skills, global economics and financial strategies. I joined one year correspondence course in financial strategy but it has a limited scope and pretty theoretical approach.
I was avoiding second MBA but now I feel it is required if I really want to be successful in my second attempt of entrepreneurship. I have a moderate GPAs (its in percentage form so don’t know how to convert it) and quite a few community work (during and after student life). My GMAT score is 700. My age is also on negative side, I am 31 but as I mentioned I have already spend 2 years after under graduation to obtain MBA.
As far as I know you are unable to provide name of particular schools that suits me but can you please answer 2-3 questions based on the details I mentioned here.
1. Do you think having an MBA degree is a disadvantage (a wild thought – or an advantage) in top 10 bschools with above background?
2. Do you think I should go for another attempt of GMAT to increase my chances? I think I can pull my score above 725.
3. I have read at many places on net that schools discourage to take help of admission consultant as it suppresses the true voice of applicant. I personally feel it is required to take a help of professional to verify we are putting right thing in application process but how true such statements that admission consultants create disadvantage sometimes.
thanks,
KK |
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AdmissionsConsultants
Admissions Expert
USA
2124 Posts |
Posted - 08/27/2008 : 07:22:27
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Hi KK and thanks for your inquiry.
Hi David,
Your answers are really helpful to understand different aspects of MBA application. Many of my questions have been resolved after I went through the thread. However mine is a special case.
I already have an MBA degree. I am an Indian applicant. In india, local universities offer MBA without any work experience and right after under graduation. My under graduation was in mathematics and MBA was in Information System Management with pretty regional focus. I would like to go for a global MBA because I want to go for entrepreneurship and I feel I am lacking knowledge of finance, entrepreneurship and global business environment.
The fact you already have an MBA is going to be a huge detriment to obtaining a second one. We have lots of local "commuter school" universities here in the States that offer the same degrees to pretty much anyone with an undergraduate degree and work experience generally isn't required as these programs have acceptance rates close to 100%.
I started my own firm immediately after my MBA as entrepreneurship is in my blood but after 3 years of hard work we failed because of typical problems faced by first generation entrepreneurship. I think my and my partner's knowledge was limited to technology rather than overall business management. After that I joined big software firms to gain further business knowledge and also worked on international projects to gain global perspective. It has been 4 years since I started job but now I feel though job is giving me good experience of project execution, it doesn't help to gain entrepreneurial skills, global economics and financial strategies. I joined one year correspondence course in financial strategy but it has a limited scope and pretty theoretical approach.
I was avoiding second MBA but now I feel it is required if I really want to be successful in my second attempt of entrepreneurship. I have a moderate GPAs (its in percentage form so don’t know how to convert it) and quite a few community work (during and after student life). My GMAT score is 700. My age is also on negative side, I am 31 but as I mentioned I have already spend 2 years after under graduation to obtain MBA.
As far as I know you are unable to provide name of particular schools that suits me but can you please answer 2-3 questions based on the details I mentioned here.
We do indeed help our clients select their best-fit schools. However, it is beyond the scope of this thread for reasons outlined in red text on page 104.
1. Do you think having an MBA degree is a disadvantage (a wild thought – or an advantage) in top 10 bschools with above background?
As mentioned above, it is a huge detriment.
2. Do you think I should go for another attempt of GMAT to increase my chances? I think I can pull my score above 725.
3. I have read at many places on net that schools discourage to take help of admission consultant as it suppresses the true voice of applicant. I personally feel it is required to take a help of professional to verify we are putting right thing in application process but how true such statements that admission consultants create disadvantage sometimes.
Since 1996, we have been offering our strategic and comprehensive services. We only employ consultants who have worked on an MBA admissions committee to ensure our clients truly do receive expert advice.
We know many people at many of the top schools and they are aware that we ensure our clients really do need an MBA and that we don't fabricate stories or ghostwrite essays.
Our success rate and testimonials, we believe, speak for themselves.
thanks,
KK
Best of luck on your applications!
Sincerely,
David Petersam
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com
www.admissionsconsultants.com/mba/blog.aspx
AdmissionsConsultants
703.242.5885
Join us on Facebook to receive a 5% discount on all services!
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tcgiroux
Underclassman
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - 08/27/2008 : 13:50:33
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David,
I am reposting the same question I asked yesterday because I think it was accidentally skipped 
My real question is, in your opinion, what are my chances for getting into Georgetown (McDonough) part-time, evening program?
I got a 670 on the GMAT (99% verbal, much lower on quant, don't remember, 6 AWA), 3.3 GPA, and 3.5 years of work experience in accounting and marketing at a top national law firm. According to their stats, it seems to me like I am at their mean for GMAT and GPA, but I am concerned about my lower quantitative score. I am really putting all my eggs in this one basket since it is the best program in the DC area and the others are ranked much lower. Any advice would be appreciated. |
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manishpiy
Underclassman
India
1 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2008 : 02:47:47
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Hi David,
Greetings to you!
I am Manish Tiwari,presently working as a Lead Engineer for a Global Telecom Client Teleglobe Canada Inc. since one year in Canada . I have a total work experience of 4+ years in handling Telecom projects for various Global Clients across the Globe.
I therefore wish to raise my Career in persuing a regular MBA programs in either Indian School of Business, Hyderabad in India or any other top B-schools overseas in either USA or in Canada.
My GMAT score is 710 But, my Undergraduate score is 61% aggregate marks.
Am I eligible to get an admission in top B-schools with my profile as mentioned above.
Can u list some of B-schools in either USA or in Canada which can accept my application for admissions to their MBA programmes based upon my above profile.
Your reply would be very valuable and encouraging to my ambitions.
Thanks and warm regards,
Manish Tiwari
quote:
Originally posted by AdmissionsConsultants
On behalf of AdmissionsConsultants, I will be available to answer questions and offer insight into the MBA admissions process.
Best of luck with your b-school applications,
David Petersam, University of Chicago MBA ‘96
President
AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.
DPetersam@admissionsconsultants.com
Admissions Consultants
AdmissionsConsultants: Admissions committee experience from the top business schools
AdmissionsConsultants is a comprehensive admissions consultancy that has been helping its clients gain admission into their top-choice business schools for over 7 years. All of our consultants have reviewed applications, conducted admissions interviews, and made accept/reject/waitlist decisions for the top business schools. We have a thorough understanding of the admissions process and know exactly what you need to do to maximize your chances. We work one on one with our clients to provide them with the highest possible level of service. In addition to essay editing services, we also consult our clients on admissions assessments, business school selection, admissions strategies, essay topic selection, interview preparation, letters of reference, pre admissions action plans, and more.
www.admissionsconsultants.com
Manish Tiwari
Lead Engineer-Mobile Roamin applications
Global Client Services
Montreal,Canada |
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aec
Underclassman
4 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2008 : 14:18:23
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David,
I notice you have said in a few posts that your grades and academics are 40% of the weight on your application. How did you come up with these numbers? |
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