Admissions Workshop July 19, 2011

1. Admissions Workshop July 19, 2011

2. MBA Application Workshop • Overview of the Application • Application Essays • Admission Interview • Recommendations • Prior Academic Record • GMAT/GRE • You are the Admissions Committee!

3. MBA Application

4. Essays • One of the components that provide the most comprehensive view • Part of the application over which you have the most control • Your vehicle to tell us -- in your own words -- who you are today and why you would be an asset to the program and to your post-MBA firm

5. Essay Tips • Heed the word limit • Address the topic • Proofread carefully • Have a friend read your essay and try to guess the question • Give examples that will offer insight into you, in your voice

6. The Role of the Interview • A face-to-face opportunity to confirm your fit with the school • An additional data point to differentiate candidates • A chance for you to ask questions and receive advice about the school, program and interviewer’s experiences • An additional opportunity for the interviewer to sell the school / program to the interviewee Each MBA program has a different policy about interviews. Some require interviews for all applicants, some are optional, some are only completed on campus, so be sure to visit each school’s website to research their policy.

7. Interview Tips • Avoid the "smart-aleck" reply or the clever-flip demeanor • Discuss special interests and ask how the school may help you to pursue them • Review your work background with representatives, highlighting the benefits you received from the experiences • Describe who you are to the representatives -- your strengths, assets, traits needing development • Be frank about problems, if asked — real or perceived — without rationalizing, apologizing, blaming, or excusing

8. Sample Interview Questions • What contributions would you make to your classmates? • Name three words or phrases to describe yourself to others • How would co-workers describe you? • Describe a typical work day • Have you worked in a team environment? What were your contributions to the effort? • Discuss any experience you have had abroad • How did you choose your job after college? • What do you do to relieve stress? • Describe a situation where you brought an idea forward, and it failed • How do you define success? • What would you do if a team member wasn't pulling his own weight?

9. Recommendations • Provides perspective from a third party • Should corroborate your accomplishments • Should be a strategic decision • Does my recommender know my work well? • Higher title is not always better • Will he/she take the time to provide details and examples that support my candidacy? • Does my recommender know what a good recommendation looks like?

10. Recommendations

11. Recommendations • Work supervisors provide the most useful recommendations • If you cannot inform your employer of your school plans, then ask: • Former supervisor (former employer) • Vendor or client in a higher level than yours • Outside of work individual

12. Recommendations Tips • Should be concise and avoid generic platitudes and comments • Any positive aspects should be followed up with relevant examples • If there is a grid/rating scale, be sure that the recommender checks the rating scale and does not indicate the reverse scores • It is important for us to know the connection or relationship to the candidate • Help your recommenders write a GREAT evaluation for you!  Prepare them well.

13. Recommendations – Example 1 Look at this example of an excellent recommendation, on the following page – Three full pages of details and examples

15. Recommendations – Example 2 Here’s another example of an excellent recommendation – A single page, but superlative statements

16. “Her performance has been spectacular…She is intelligent, articulate, resourceful, and hardworking – but these qualities are possessed by many of your applicants…Her superiors , peers and subordinates alike are enthusiastic in their acclaim of her leadership…But what makes Debra exceptional is her maturity and a combination of superb organizational and leadership skills, and the ability to rapidly and accurately work through highly complex and sensitive political and cultural dynamics.” “A very selfless leader, Debra is the consummate team player and always places the needs of the organization above her own. In my 22+ years of service, I have found very few officers as talented as Debra. She's everything an officer should be or want to be. She loves working and talking with people and she loves to learn. She gets along exceptionally well with subordinates, peers, and superiors. I would trust Debra with my life and if my son or daughter were to join the Military, I would want Debra to be their leader or commander. I do not think I can find any stronger words to show how much I trust and respect this young woman. It is inspiring just to be in the same room with Debra - she is that good.” “In addition to being a great leader, Debra is also a loving wife and a consistent contributor to the local community.”

17. Recommendations – Example 3 Here’s a lackluster recommendation – Family friend – Few examples – Hand-written

19. Prior Academic Record/GPA • Not just a number • Courses taken and grades earned • Reputation of academic institution • GPA progression • Extenuating circumstances • Quantitative courses taken • Consider additional courses, if necessary

20. GMAT • Highest total score (from a single testing) • Analytic Writing score matters, too • GMAT score will be considered individually and in context • GMAT score influences fellowship awards • Earlier deadline is not better if GMAT could be improved by a later deadline • We also will accept GRE