Business school is a big investment of both money and resources. If you’ve decided to invest in an MBA degree, do everything possible to maximize your return on investment to ensure that you get the most out of your MBA experience and degree.

A lot has been written recently about the concept of Return on Your MBA Investment. It’s a play on the financial concept, Return on Investment, with which you will become very familiar during business school. The idea is that if you invest in getting your MBA degree, then you should expect to get a strong return in the form of increased financial gains and greater access to leadership and management opportunities.

When candidates consider investing in an MBA, they mainly focus on the financial costs of business school. The most significant investment you will make in business school, however, is not tuition, but rather “sweat equity” or the effort you put in, beyond money, to generate a return. The sweat equity you invest now will position you to foster a robust professional network and access dynamic job opportunities once in business school. Consider a class of 100 MBA students. Regardless of their individual backgrounds, each student had the academic, career, and leadership potential to be admitted to the MBA program. Fast forward to graduation, these 100 alumni now have different career options available to them based on how well they leveraged their MBA experience. Of course, that’s in part due to personal choices, but much of it is tied to the sweat equity that each student invested before and during business school.

Here are three actions to substantially increase the return you generate from attending business school:

1. Build your career knowledge. If I walked into your home today and looked through your books and magazines or through the web browser history on your computer, would I get a strong indication of what your career goals are? If not, then you are likely not investing enough sweat equity into building your industry and career knowledge.

You will be in business school for as little as 21 months; so from the moment you step on campus you will be looking for a job, either an internship or a full-time position. To leverage business school, you must build your industry and functional knowledge now. Build your expertise by voraciously reading about current events and relevant topics. If you are interested in media, for example, stay on top of trends by reading industry publications and following the media thought leaders on social media. Take advantage of every opportunity to have conversations with industry insiders. These professionals can give you real-world perspective on the industry and also help you get even clearer about professional opportunities and how to access them.

2. Strengthen your skills. When you re-enter the workforce after business school, what will your employer expect that you will be able to do? What skills can you develop now? Business school is well-regarded as a channel for changing career fields or industries. Someone can come from an education or military background and in two years be working in a marketing or finance role. The MBA facilitates otherwise difficult career transitions. Companies will hire you in part because of your MBA education, but more importantly because of the skills that you developed before and during business school. Developing these transferable skills will enable you to excel in your interviews and in the actual job.

For the industries that you are considering, research the skills that companies expect and that positions require. Strengthen the skills that you already possess and build new ones. For example, if you are interested in financial services, take a class on financial modeling or teach yourself advanced Microsoft Excel functions. If you want to be a senior executive or entrepreneur, find opportunities to build your management and leadership skills with a local non-profit or a project at work.

3. Build relationships. To whom have you spoken about your professional interests? How many people do you know and know you in the industry you plan to pursue post-MBA? Would any of them invest in you by endorsing you or giving you a job?

Becoming part of a business school community will present incredible networking opportunities, but effective relationship management has nothing to do with actually being in business school. In fact, if you aren’t fully maximizing your professional network now, how likely are you to leverage your MBA network, which will be three to four times bigger?

Build and engage your professional network now. As you are exploring different industries and career paths, request informational interviews with people working in those areas. Right now, you only need information, which professionals are very willing to give. Maintain these contacts so that down the road, you can leverage them for your job search. If you don’t currently have a robust network in your field of interest, utilize industry networking and MBA admissions events to meet new people and follow-up with them for more in-depth conversations.

Next to the GMAT exam, perhaps even more so, the MBA admissions interview is arguably one of the most nerve wracking aspects of applying to business school. Though you may not like to hear it, an admissions interview can sometimes make or break your chances of getting admitted. I’ve read many application files that were nearly perfect on paper, but failed to remain competitive because of the admissions interview. And, the reverse is possible when marginal applicants rise to the top through a stellar interview. Below are five tips to help you put your best foot forward for your admissions interview.

1. Do your research. Knowing the school and admissions committee approach or format for the admissions interview can go a long way in helping you anticipate questions and prepare answers. Do your research on the program and your desired career path. You should be able to tell your story about why you’re interested in an MBA and connect how the specific MBA program will be able to help you reach your career goals.
2. Practice! Most interviews are about 30-45 minutes with some time at the end for questions, so your time is limited. It seems obvious, but the more you practice, the more polished, concise, and organized you will come across in your interview. It is usually clear which candidates haven’t spent much time rehearsing before an interview, as their responses to questions are either long-winded and lack focus or are one to two short sentences that offer little substance or information. Be sure you practice so that your answer to the first “tell me about yourself” question does not take up half of the time you have for the whole interview, but make sure that it gives a good brief overview for the listener. For example, “I’m Joe, I want an MBA” is not a good introduction, but a 20 minute soliloquy about your childhood is not either.
3. Dress to impress. This also seems obvious, but sometimes candidates arrive for their interview dressed too casually. First impressions matter, so treat the admissions interview as you would a job interview. Whether you’re interviewing with an admissions committee member, a current student, or an alumnus, be sure your attire is business professional.
4. Keep it real. Focus on your authentic and honest story. If you don’t know exactly what you want to do, don’t force it. If you say you are going to be an astronaut or the president of the United States, we might not believe you. However, it is important to know what your strengths and gaps are, the type of career you’re seeking, and how you think an MBA will help get you there.
5. Be thoughtful. Interviews almost always end with time for questions. Don’t ask questions that aren’t useful to you or the interviewer. Use this time to showcase your genuine interest in and knowledge of the program by asking specific questions about program experiences and culture. Don’t ask questions that can be easily found online, such as the cost of tuition or credit requirements. Ask questions that will truly help you determine if the program is a good fit for you. Be thoughtful of time. If you have many questions, keep in mind that these can be addressed in a follow-up email. And always follow up with a thank you email within the next day or two.

Getting ready for the GMAT® exam takes time and hard work. It also takes the right approach. Do what strong test-takers do: follow your study plan, know how to get the most out of practice tests, understand how you learn, and approach the process and test with a calm, positive attitude.

I hear over and over “I’m not a good test-taker” from candidates who are studying for the GMAT exam. But strong test-takers are not born that way. Instead, they develop good test-taking skills and habits over time. These test-takers know how to study and prepare for the GMAT exam in a way that enables them to arrive on test day ready to do their best. You, too, can master the test-taking skills and habits to excel on the GMAT exam. Here are a few tips that will have you saying, “I’m a good test-taker.”

1. Have a Plan

Strong GMAT test-takers have a robust study plan. This helps them to stay on track week to week, and that consistency translates into progress as they work through the material. Determine the subjects that you will cover on specific days and the activities that you will complete, such as answering practice questions or taking a full-length practice exam. Studying for the GMAT takes significant time—time that may be difficult to find with your work, family, and other obligations. Just like any other commitment, set aside blocks on your calendar for GMAT preparation. Enlist a friend or family member to check in on your progress and keep you accountable for your GMAT study plan.

2. Practice with Purpose

Practice is one of the most valuable elements of GMAT preparation. Approach each practice test as though you’re sitting down on your actual test day. This will help you get in the habit of focusing for an extended period of time, moving at an appropriate pace, and keeping up your endurance. You should maintain the same type of structure even when you use practice questions to learn a particular topic; for example, when you set aside time to answer 20 data sufficiency questions. Time your responses to individual questions to strengthen your pace. Aim to spend no more than two minutes on each question with a goal of between 1:30-1:40 minute per question to allow you extra time for more challenging questions. Be sure to go back through every question afterwards, not just the ones that you missed, to ensure that you determine the right answer and also the underlying concepts so you can always get those types of questions correct.

3. Know How You Learn

You should know how you learn and how you study best. If not, it’s time for some reflection about your learning style and study habits. Strong test-takers know their strengths and use them to maximize their study time and perform well. There isn’t a single right way to study for the GMAT, only the way that is right for you. You may find that you need to review material before attending a test prep class on that topic to absorb the materials and write down questions on concepts that you don’t quite understand. If that’s the case, then you should never go to class unprepared because it won’t be very useful. Similarly, don’t waste time on study tactics that have failed you in the past. If a method isn’t working, regroup, brainstorm, and try something different. Of course, there are many ways to study for the GMAT, but you are under no obligation to try them all.

4. Have a Positive Mindset

Once you have put in the time and done the work to prepare for the GMAT exam, the best thing you can do is clear away your worries and relax. Test-day stress will only get in your way. Strong GMAT test-takers go into the exam with a positive, can-do attitude—they know they are prepared and have confidence in their abilities. If you’ve studied properly, on test day you should take a deep breath and know that you’re ready. Give yourself a little pep talk, reminding yourself of everything you accomplished during your preparation. Self-doubt has no place when you sit down to take the GMAT exam!

The admissions process is more than the application itself. It is several months of interactions with various members of the organization which include admissions officers, staff, current students, alumni and many others. These interactions can be over the phone, by email, meeting at a fair, attending an information session/open house event, and during the admissions interview. Admissions officers believe in developing relationships with prospective applicants. This is a means by which to understand exactly what you as the applicant are looking for and to ensure fit with the university. These interactions are an important piece of the admissions process that should not be overlooked. That is why it is vitally important to remember that ALL interactions matter.

Below are a few things to be mindful of as you proceed through the admissions process:

1. Always be professional. From the initial inquiry to the admitted student reception it is expected that prospective students, applicants and admitted students interact with members of the university in an appropriate and most importantly professional manner. This is Business School after all and practice makes perfect.
2. Communication is key. Your essays are not the only means for Admissions Committees to assess communication skills. Remember to always spell check, proofread and use proper grammar. Yes, this includes emails. Never should you use text speak, “lol”, “thx” or emoticons should not be used. When calling the admissions office have your notes or issues written down. A great technique is to smile while speaking on the phone you so that you will sound happy even if you’re not.
3. Meet a member of the Admissions Committee. If there is an opportunity to meet members of the Admissions Committee you should make every effort to do so. I encourage you to attend one event such as an open house, information session or webinar. Remember, it’s about building relationships and becoming more than the application.

At Robinson we provide many opportunities for prospective students to interact with the Admissions Committee. We host several Open House events, information sessions and webinars throughout the year. We look forward to meeting every prospective student and applicant to our programs.

I wish you all the best!

Submitted by Kate Klepper, Associate Dean of Graduate Programs at the D’Amore-McKim School of Business, Northeastern University

If you are thinking about making a career change and you’re thinking about earning your MBA, there are a few things you should know. The MBA may help direct or launch your career toward your goals, but only if you choose the right program and take full advantage of the opportunities open to you during the program.

Here are some tips to consider:

1. Think about your career change from your future employer’s perspective. What kind of skills and experience will your employer want you to have? And how can the MBA programs you are considering help get you there?
2. Look for internship/residency opportunities. While nearly every MBA program provides a foundation of business knowledge, not every program offers professional work experience as part of the curriculum. As a career changer, showing that you have worked in your field on significant, mission-critical projects is extremely important.
3. Not all internships are created equal. Consider the length and type of work experience you will gain from your internship/residency. A typical 12-week internship involves time to on-board and likely only 6-8 weeks of work on substantive projects. One of the reasons that Northeastern offers a 6-month residency is that it allows more time for our MBA students to become part of the company culture and gain relevant, MBA-level work experience. Another factor to consider is how your internship/residency is integrated into your core MBA coursework. Are there opportunities to reflect on what you have learned during your employment?
4. Don’t underestimate the competition. When you enter the workforce after you complete your MBA, the people you will compete with for jobs will likely be smart, hard-working MBAs who might have more relevant work experience in your industry. As a career changer, you have to work even harder to make sure that you make the connections and gain the kind of experience needed to move to a new field.
5. Networking is king. There is no better time than during your MBA program to build your network. That means more than just attending receptions. It means reaching out to your classmates, the alumni network, faculty, and mentors and taking full advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Attend every event that you can. Listen, learn, and be smart. And don’t assume that you know the breadth and depth of someone else’s network. You never know when a connection that you make may lead you to a new point in your career.

We have seen so many career changers make the move to challenging roles in their desired fields. The ones who are successful in making this transition are those who fully apply themselves. They attend executive luncheons, reach out to their mentors, attend networking events, etc. Remember, you are responsible for building your own network, and you are responsible for putting in the hard work necessary to make your career change.

If you have any questions, or if you would like more information, please contact us.

A common question facing prospective students is how to finance an MBA or Master’s degree.  Fortunately, there are many ways to finance the degree that will lead to a strong “return on investment” – especially if you prepare and plan in advance.  Keep in mind that most students use a combination of several of these funding sources to pay for graduate school.

Merit-based Scholarships – Offered to top enrolling students after considering your application and candidate profile.  This type of funding often requires an early round-application for full consideration.  Essentially money that goes toward the tuition costs of your study.  Scholarships range from smaller partial awards to full-tuition funding.

Outside Scholarships – May be merit and/or need-based and often are offered on a subset of criteria that applicants must meet (i.e. level/type of prior work experience, undergraduate major, gender, ethnicity, or family background).  This type of funding requires an individual application and each foundation or organization has different deadlines.  Be wary of any organization that requires you to pay a fee to be considered – most applications for outside scholarships are free.

Graduate Assistantships – Part-time employment at the university that provides compensation toward your tuition or living expenses.  It may be based upon academic credentials or other skills that you demonstrate that are a fit for the type of work that you would be doing.  GA positions may be offered at the time of admission or you may find something through an online job board once you enroll.

Loans – The US government offers loans to citizens and residents as long as you aren’t in default from prior undergraduate/ graduate loans.  There are also private educational loans available that will be based upon your credit-score and debt/income ratio.  You will want to monitor your credit report prior to B-school to make sure it is accurate.  If your credit score is weaker, then you need to also work on a plan to improve that, or alternatively identify a credit-worthy co-signer if you are seeking private educational loans.

Personal/Family Funds – You need to develop a financial plan to reduce debt and set aside savings toward your B-school investment.   This can reduce your reliance on loans and gives you more flexibility for unbudgeted expenses that may arise during graduate school.

The best place to start your search is on your target business schools’ websites – many programs will list available funding sources in more detail and provide clear timelines on the process.  Here at the University of Rochester, Simon School, more than 80 percent of our incoming students receive partial or full-tuition scholarship support.  Visit our website to learn more.  If you plan carefully, you can make the MBA or MS degree an affordable investment!

What advice do I have for women seeking an MBA in today’s world?

Go for it! Women interested in leading and contributing to business, government or not-for-profit organizations should definitely consider an MBA. Participating in the right MBA program will develop the expertise, work experience, network and career skills necessary to thrive in a changing global economy.

The number of women MBAs is growing and is at its highest point in history. At the same time, organizations of all types are looking for people who can help them innovate and meet their organizational mission. The time is right … and women MBAs are making significant contributions to their organizations.

Here are some important tips to consider:

Choose the Right Program:

• Accreditation: There are many program options in graduate management education. MBA programs accredited by AACSB International are the most versatile. These programs provide the knowledge, strategic perspective, flexibility and professional recognition that will benefit you throughout your career.
•  Go early in your career: Today, the majority of women seeking graduate management education are younger than 25 and early in their career. If you are early in your career, seek an accredited MBA designed for students without significant work experience. Early Career MBA programs, like the one at Willamette University, develop your knowledge, work experience, network and career skills at the same time. With an Early Career MBA, you don’t need to wait until you have professional experience to move forward and you don’t need to settle for a degree that is not an MBA. An Early Career MBA can help you jump-start your career now, without interrupting your family, personal and professional activities later in life.
• Evaluate Program Characteristics: Some factors to consider – courses offered; learning atmosphere; school culture and values; internship, networking, mentoring and leadership opportunities.

Grow Where You Go:

• Invest your energy in your personal and professional growth. Challenge yourself and expand your comfort zone.
• Broaden your perspective of “education.” Work hard to develop new knowledge, real experience, professionalism and a network. Knowledge, alone, is not enough to ensure success.
• Build your professional experience through internships, client projects and professional organizations.
• Participate in your school’s career programs, networking and leadership opportunities.
• Contribute to the learning of others and learn from everyone you meet.
• Learn to accept critical feedback and grow from that feedback.

The growth you experience from an MBA can help you achieve your goals, increase your career satisfaction and provide the flexibility to pursue a variety of opportunities.

Resources and Questions:

A great resource for information and advice is MBA Women International.

Willamette University offers the Early Career MBA for students seeking their first professional position or career change. Contact us with your questions.

You are interested in pursuing an advanced business degree but are not sure which is right for you, an MBA or a specialized masters degree. What factors should be considered when exploring options?

An MBA is a professional degree that focuses on developing functional business skills such as accounting, finance, and statistics, etc. and then applying these skills in business applications. Most MBA programs require some work experience prior to enrollment as classmates often learn from one another’s professional experience. MBA programs also emphasize the other skills needed as a manager such as effective communication, negotiation, and collaboration. Many programs do offer concentration areas within the MBA program such as supply chain, finance, and marketing, however these tend to be a small percentage of the course requirements.

In contrast, specialized degrees contain coursework that is typically isolated to that particular area of study. For example, a Master of Science in finance program will focus primarily on advanced financial skills and tends to be more theoretical in nature. Master of Science degrees often require an undergraduate degree in a similar academic area and/or required prerequisite courses.

How to decide? First, focus on your career objectives. If you are interested in moving up within management ranks in an organization or if you have an undergraduate degree in another discipline and are looking to learn the functional business skills, the MBA would be a good choice. However, if you would like to go deeper into a discipline and become a specialist you should consider a specialized masters degree. For example the Master of Science in Finance might be a better option for a student interested in achieving a Chartered Financial Analyst designation. In addition, a specialized degree might be the right option for those interested in a PhD in that same discipline.

Second, determine your eligibility for the MBA. Do you have the required work experience? If you are just graduating with your undergraduate degree you may want to consider pursuing a specialized program or working for a few years and then enrolling in an MBA program. Many students do both!

The important thing is to do your homework. Evaluate your career goals and determine the educational path that will best help you achieve these goals. Research the requirements for positions you aspire to reach and talk to those in the field of interest about what program they chose and why. There is no one right answer, however through this process you should be able to narrow down the best option for you.

At the VCU School of Business we offer an MBA with or without concentration and nine specialized masters programs that cover most business disciplines. We also offer dual degrees with the MBA in Master of Science in Information Systems and Sport Leadership. Learn more here.

My undergraduate degree is not in business. Can I be successful in business school and how will an MBA help me?

The MBA degree is considered a professional degree, which intends to prepare an individual for the practical application of skills, rather than teaching theory and conducting research. Because of this, no specific background is required for the degree, which has the ability to “stand alone” as an indication of the level of education one has received.

If you don’t have a business undergraduate degree or background, this will not hinder you in your MBA admissions or success. In fact, many business schools look favorably upon non-business-degree students because it increases the diversity within a class.

Many business schools require pre-requisites, so don’t be surprised if you have to complete a general accounting, statistics, or finance course prior to starting the MBA program. For anyone without the business background, this should help you tremendously to avoid having to teach yourself the basic concepts while you scramble to catch up with your peers.

Some non-business students are concerned that business majors will surpass them in the classroom without a solid business background. Usually this concern is unfounded because of the deeper, more intense levels at which MBA classes are taught in comparison to undergraduate business courses. Also, MBA faculty tend to have higher standards for critical thinking and analysis than they do of their undergraduate students in the same subject field.

How will the MBA help me?

The world is no longer easily divided into specific industries, functions, and skillsets. Employees today are expected to cross-train in multiples areas. This is where the MBA degree comes in – it allows a student merge their background with the business foundation of finance, marketing, leadership, ethics, and other business core functions.

This need for cross-training is one reason why many schools – including Virginia Tech – are encouraging dual or simultaneous degrees with their MBA program. These degrees allow students to blend a medical, law, or engineering degree with their MBA at the same time. This combination of a very specific technical degree and the general MBA provides the student with the ability to conversantly speak the language of business, further enhancing their marketability in the workforce.

In Virginia Tech’s MBA program, we offer a simultaneous degree program allowing students to earn their MBA and a secondary graduate degree in a technical field. Our students are earning their MBA as well as their master’s and doctorate degrees in civil engineering, industrial & systems engineering, building construction, public health, chemistry, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and doctor of osteopathic medicine. Learn more here.

On the second Wednesday of each month we give schools and prospective students an opportunity to connect using our #MBACHAT Twitter Chat. For one hour GMAC (@OfficialGMAT), Jackie Buchy (@MasonMBA) an admissions professional from George Mason University and an admissions representative from Penn State University (@SmealMBA)  took questions from students regarding the admissions process, next generation GMAT Exam and more.

@OfficialGMAT: Hi everyone!  Welcome to the chat.  This is Jackie Buchy from George Mason University.   #mbachat

@MasonMBA: Hello everyone.  We are happy to be here with @officialGMAT & @MasonMBA. #mbachat

Q: Is there a mimimum cut off score you consider while screening the applications?

@MasonMBA: We look for a 550 – 650 range but will consider each piece of your application when making a decision #mbachat

@SmealMBA: We do not have a minimum score when screening, but our average is around a 650. Class Profile http://t.co/grVySVFL #mbachat

Q: #MBAchat please this is my first time. I  would like to know when and where the GMAT exams will be taken place.

@OfficialGMAT: #GMAT exams are held year-round. You can find a test center and schedule the exam here: http://t.co/50eLtKtd  #mbachat

Q: George Mason has recently changed their #MBA and #EMBA programs to a shorter timeline. #MBAchat How will the new shorter timeline benefit students? #mbachat

@MasonMBA: The new Mason MBA will allow students to continue working full time while completing their MBA in two years #mbachat

Q: What do you suggest for improving one’s profile?

@SmealMBA: We recommend you improve those parts you still have control over:  essays, test scores, etc. #mbachat

Q: When is the best time to write GMAT ? keeping in mind the admissions and everything

@MasonMBA: We recommend taking 6-8 weeks to prepare for the test and completing the test within 2 months of the app deadline #mbachat

Q: Tell us about the #Smeal program. What makes your program stand out from other #MBA programs? #MBAchat

@SmealMBA: Our #MBA is a small community that is teamwork focused.   Our small class sizes lead to personalized attention & #career guidance. #MBAchat

Q: Does an excellent GMAT Score (more than 730) make up for a lack of work experience?? #mbachat

@MasonMBA: We weigh all components of your app.  Every app has strong and weak points.  Highlight your strong points. #mbachat

Q: Can someone who took a break from work  (Genuine family reasons)  for close to one year apply in MBA? #mbachat

@SmealMBA: Yes! We understand that family issues arise.  Be prepared to explain any gaps both in our application & #interview #mbachat

Q: What constitutes a best essay? Few examples please. Essay formats please.  #interview #mbachat

@MasonMBA: Well written, proof read, stays on message, and correct grammar and spelling.  Why do you want to come to #Mason? #mbachat

Q: How many times does the admissions happen over the course of a year?

@SmealMBA: We have 3 deadlines:  11/9, 1/11 & 4/12.  We do #admissions on a rolling basis. #mbachat

@MasonMBA: You can find all our admissions dates here http://t.co/dYdrZ42w #mbachat

Q: How does a #GMAT score factor into the #admissions decision? Are you looking for a certain number? #mbachat

@MasonMBA: We look for a competitive score of at least 550 but always looking for well rounded applicants #mbachat

@SmealMBA: Each application is evaluated as a complete package.  One stat won’t make or break someone.  80% score 560-720. #mbachat

Q: Is the GMAT exam taken the same day around the world?

@OfficialGMAT: Not at all! The #GMAT is held year-round, at any time that your local test center is open… #mbachat So you can find a time and date that is convenient for you. #mbachat

Q: What is the weightage given to a GMAT score during the evaluation of an application? #MBAchat

@SmealMBA: We evaluate all application parts equally to get a total picture of each application. #mbachat

Q: Does a student’s GMAT score determine how much scholarship and fellowship he/she can get at your school 

@MasonMBA: We do consider the GMAT score along with GPA for scholarship and assistantship offfers #mbachat

Q: Say you have 2 overall similar candidates, 1 from industry with many students you chose, one from minor. Who gets in?

@SmealMBA: We would look at everything else, the interview, essays, engagement and potential for placement in regards to goals. #mbachat

Q: Once the applications are screened.. where will the interviews b held the native country of the student?

@SmealMBA: We do interviews in person, on campus.  Interviews via webcams and telephone are also offered. #mbachat

Q: Apart from the score/gpa and essay .. what are the other things you look at ?

@SmealMBA: We look at everything:  recommendation letters, essays, quality of work, leadership, teamwork, engagement, etc. #mbachat

Q: How seriously is the IR section score looked upon? Does it add value over somebody who had taken the test before June?#MBAChat

@SmealMBA: Right now, IR is new to everyone.  A score won’t add greater value over someone who doesn’t have a score. #mbachat

Q: When do I get to know the IR and AWA score after taking gmat? Do I get to know the Verbal and Quant score instantly?

@OfficialGMAT: You will see your quant, verbal and total score right away. Your #IR and #AWA will be in your official report #mbachat

Q: What is the minimum experience one should have with 650 to 680 score and average profile for a good school #MBACHAT

@MasonMBA: looks for a minimum of 2 years work experience for the FT program.  The average for the PT is 5 or 6 #MBAchat

Q: What would be your most important advice to potential candidates? #MBAChat

@SmealMBA: IR will be one more piece of the app to help us determine academic ability and potential. #mbachat

Q: Any recommendation on the recommendation letters? Who should I seek to write for me?

@SmealMBA: Most schools prefer letters of rec to be from someone who you have worked with, or for on a professional basis.   #mbachat

Q: What is the one advice u would like to give a student who wants to an MBA with great aspiration?

@MasonMBA: Do your homework, research the right program for you, make your application strong, study for the test #mbachat

Q: A good IR score won’t add much difference – but what about a BAD score?

@SmealMBA: Actually a good score will help your cause, but we will look at other indicators before we hold a bad score against you. #mbachat

Q: Which are the top 5 firms that select maximum students from @SmealMBA  and from @MasonMBA during the campus interviews process?

@MasonMBA: You can view all the #Mason #MBA employers here http://t.co/pUY0qK4c #MBAchat

@SmealMBA: It depends on concentrations and preferred function.  http://t.co/iSuNH3Sv lists our recruiting companies. #mbachat

Q: How long does it take to report the scores after the date of the test? #MBAchat

@OfficialGMAT: Your official #GMAT score report takes up to 20 business days. #mbachat

Q: How long does it take to report the scores to the 5 universities selected during the test? #MBAchat

@OfficialGMAT: It takes up to 20 business days for a #bschool to receive your score report. #mbachat

Q: What is the highest possible score on the GMAT and does the new Integrated Reasoning count towards one’s total score?

@OfficialGMAT: The #GMAT total score ranges from 200-800, and does not include #IR or #AWA.   #mbachat

Q: Please what does IR and AWA represent?

@OfficialGMAT: IR is the Integrated Reasoning Section, and AWA is the Analytical Writing Assessment, commonly known as the essay  #mbachat

Q: How are the empolyment opportunities for international students? #MBAchat

@SmealMBA: 80% of our international students were placed this year.  99% of our class had internships this summer. #mbachat

Q: Do you help students find summer internships, or are the students left to themselves to find one? #MBAchat

@MasonMBA: #Mason School of Management career counselors help students find summer internships.  #mbachat

@SmealMBA: Careers services helps with internships and FT placement.  Most students find internships through on-campus interviews. #mbachat

Q: Is that applicable to international students or must one be a citizen of the United States to get those offers? #MBAchat

@MasonMBA: For job offers it depends on the specific company.  We have international students at some of these firms. #mbachat

Q: How many hours am i realistically looking at devoting to the studies should i get admitted to the PT MBA program? #mbachat

@MasonMBA:  It depends on each class and your experience.  On average students spend 2-3 hours for each hour in class #mbachat

Q: Does taking multiple attempts in GMAT give out a bad impression about the quality of  student?

@MasonMBA:  Not necessarily.  We recommend studying as much as possible prior to taking the test to maximize your score. #mbachat

Q: Do you have an MBA program that accomodates recent college graduates or must one have work experience #MBAchat

@SmealMBA: Average amount of full-time post UG work is 4.5 years. We do admit a handful of folks with no work. Very competitive. #mbachat

Q: Do i need to know my gmat score prior to submitting the app or can i supply the score later? I want to meet the R1 date

@SmealMBA: A delay greater than 2 weeks might move you to the next deadline. #mbachat

@SmealMBA: You can submit your app without a score, but can’t make interview decision without it. #mbachat

Q: Students from which program are the most sought after by employers? #MBAchat

@SmealMBA: We have a lot of recruiters coming for supply chain and consulting right now, but markeing and finance are close behind. #mbachat

Q: Do professors at Smeal follow a case study method of teaching? #MBAchat

@SmealMBA: Our faculty split between case studies and lecture.  It is up to the individual faculty to teach their preferred method. #mbachat

Q: What is the focus in your MBA programs? Anyway I could focus in Logistics?

@MasonMBA: We have various concentrations listed here http://t.co/SzYhyUHm #mbachat

Q: What is the difference between an MBA and a Masters in Management

@MasonMBA: The difference at #Mason is the program length, courses taken, application requirements #mbachat

Q: What is the average GMAT score at Mason? #MBAchat

@MasonMBA: The average GMAT score at #Mason is about 610 #mbachat

Q: Do you have a course that focus in Supply Chain/Logistics?

@SmealMBA:  Information about our supply chain/logistics concentration can be found here:  http://t.co/hYNpZSZF #mbachat

@SmealMBA: We do have a supply chain/logistics concentration.

Q: My question is around Reading Comprehension. Do I get  3-4 questions for the same text at the same time, or 1by1?

@OfficialGMAT: You will see the questions one at a time, even if they are for the same passage. #mbachat

Q: Are there exchange programs available? #MBAchat

@SmealMBA: We don’t offer exchange programs because of our structure, but students do a 1 week global immersion. #mbachat

Q: How will you treat IR scores from the early test-takers, compared with those who take the new #GMAT in a year?  #mbachat

@SmealMBA:  In a year we will have a better base to gauge IR scores.Now they are indicators but in a year might be more telling. #mbachat

Q: Do you reccomend any other material other than Official Guide?

@OfficialGMAT: Our GMATPrep tool comes with two practice exams, and it is FREE! #mbachat

Q: How are the employment opportunities for international students? Does the location of the school help? #MBAchat

@MasonMBA: Opportunities depend on the career and position you want.  Dedicated career professionals are available for MBA students #mbachat

Q: What is the approximate fees in USD for 2 yr MBA programme?

@SmealMBA: Our tuition and fees can be found here:  http://t.co/oPrJJV6A #mbachat

Q: How short can any one schedule GMAT exam after taking one?  #mbachat

@OfficialGMAT: You can retake the #GMAT exam once every 31 days #mbachat

Q: Is it true I can re install the GMATPrep Tool and get 2 new, different tests?

@OfficialGMAT: Sadly, that is not true. The #GMATPrep tool will use the same pool of questions even if you reinstall it #mbachat

Q: How can i get the GMAT Prep tool?

@OfficialGMAT: You can download #GMATPrep for free here: http://t.co/msLw2Tny  #mbachat

Q: I like your curricula (both for Supply Chain and Leadership). What do you seek in a student for such programs? #MBAchat

@SmealMBA: We look for candidates who have good experience & academic potential.  Fit is important, as are placement goals. #mbachat

Q: How should we prepare for AWA?

@OfficialGMAT: We have tips for preparing for the #AWA, as well as the list of essay topics, here: http://t.co/zpEZIJgA  #mbachat

@OfficialGMAT: You may want to try our AWA test prep software too: http://t.co/at58tEMG  #mbachat

Q: Are any questions repeated across the two practice exams?

@OfficialGMAT: The two practice exams will not have duplicate questions, but if you retake the exams you may see repeat questions #mbachat

Q: Approximately what is the student crowd from India every year?

@SmealMBA: Approximately 30% of our class are international, but the breakdown by country varies by year. #mbachat

@MasonMBA: In the FT #MBA program 6-8% of the students are from India.  In the PT, 10-12% on a work visa or became U.S. citizens. #MBAchat

Q: What about Technology? #MBAchat

@SmealMBA: Most students interested in Tech pick functional concentrations to work for tech companies.  We do offer some classes. #mbachat

Q: Straight to the point: Good GMAT (how much is good?), good GPA (again, how much?), goals (how do you measure that?) #MBAchat

@SmealMBA: ”Good” varies by year, but here is our class profile http://t.co/grVySVFL.  These are averages so good will be higher. #mbachat

Q: Is it ok to apply to your program before my GMAT scores are out or after I get my scores? #MBAchat

@MasonMBA: Yes, you can apply to #MasonMBA prior to receiving your GMAT score #mbachat

@SmealMBA: You can submit your app without a score, but can’t make interview decision without it. #mbachat

Q: Does #GMATPrep  has version it supported Mac OS?

@OfficialGMAT: Yes, our new GMATPrep tool is Mac compatible #mbachat

Q:  #MBAChat  will there be a GD? or is it apps screeing and then interviews (by the way how many rounds?)

@MasonMBA: At #Mason interviews are by invitation once an application file is complete #mbachat

@SmealMBA: Typically one interview, but sometimes additional interview do follow. #mbachat

@SmealMBA: We do evaluate each application and make a decision to interview or not.  #mbachat

Q: What are your average entry qualifications? (GMAT, GPA, work exp, and anything else that matters) #mbachat

@SmealMBA: Class profile with averages are listed here http://t.co/grVySVFL.  643 GMAT, 4.5 years of work, 3.3 GPA. #mbachat

@SmealMBA: Everyone has different strengths & weaknesses.Highlight your strengths.We evaluate whole applications, not just a # #mbachat

Q: In your experience what is the time required for preparation before giving the exam? for an average student?

@OfficialGMAT: 49% of test takers plan to spend at least 51 hours studying for the #GMAT http://t.co/4L6FTwdb  #mbachat

Q: Are there any application fee waivers available? #MBAchat

@SmealMBA: If you join our Facebook App by 10/22, we will email you a fee waiver. http://t.co/AJxVMFle #mbachat

Q: Is any work ex considered work ex? Example, a Director experience versus a Call Center Rep experience?

@SmealMBA: Must be full-time, post undergraduate work-experience to count. #mbachat

Q: Can interviews be made via internet? Or do they have to be presential? #mbachat

@MasonMBA: We can conduct interviews via phone or Skype as well as in person #mbachat

@SmealMBA: We do phone and webcam interviews, as well as those on campus #mbachat

Q: What is the conversion rate of people who have been interviewed & have actually been selected for the program?

@SmealMBA: We typically interview 300-400 candidates and end up with a class of 80-100.  Great to meet you! #mbachat

Part II in a Two-Part Series

Part II of this blog focuses on your personal preparedness for business school. Do you have a strong support network? Are you ready to deal with the stress of the b-school environment? Do you have the energy it takes to succeed?

Is this the right time for you personally?

The MBA has a tendency to be quite stressful on you and on your loved ones. It is important that you have a strong support network, and that you have the energy and time to handle it all. If you have a significant other, be sure that you involve him or her in this decision. Bring them along to an information session or a campus visit. Ask to talk with current students who balance the MBA with family life, especially if you have children. If you are thinking about moving to an entirely new place for the MBA, and you don’t currently have friends or family there, make sure that the program you are applying to offers the type of environment where you will feel supported and motivated. People pursue the MBA at all stages of life. Be sure that at this stage of your life, you will be able to fit the MBA in and give it the energy required to get what you want out of it.

If you struggle to answer any of these questions, admissions counselors are a great resource. Nobody can make this decision for you, but sometimes you just need to talk things through with someone. MBA Admissions counselors take great care in helping prospective students assess their “fit” for both a particular program and for the MBA in general. Don’t hesitate to reach out even at the earliest stages of your research, and to ask even the most basic of questions. Ideally by the time you actually begin the application process, you’ll know that this is the right time, and by the time you’re admitted you won’t be able to wait for your program to begin. There is always a certain amount of fear and anxiety involved in big decisions like whether to go to back to school. And sometimes you have to just dive in. But at least you can dive in knowing that you’ve put a ton of thought into this decision. That research will show in your application, and will pay off once you are an MBA student.

@OFFICIALGMAT: Welcome to #MBAChat!  #MBAChat

@OFFICIALGMAT: Today we are talking with @ColumbiaMBA about #mba admissions, #emba programs & #entrepreneurship! #mbachat

@OFFICIALGMAT: They will be taking your questions about @ColumbiaMBA, how an #mba can help #entrepreneurs and more! #mbachat

Q: Tell us about the @ColumbiaMBA program. What makes your program stand out from other MBA programs? #mbachat

@COLUMBIAMBA: 1st all #bschool offer many amazing things but we feel we have a strong community at CBS  #mbachat

@COLUMBIAMBA: We also offer block week formats, if the weekend schedule does not fit in with your schedule. #MBAChat

@COLUMBIAMBA: finally our students have several opps to connect theory to practice in the classroom and in NYC #mbachat

Q: What are the #EMBA programs that you offer @ColumbiaMBA? #mbachat

@COLUMBIAMBA: We offer different formats to accommodate working professionals. Every other Friday/Saturday and every Saturday #mbachat

Q: I am 59 years old. Would Columbia Business School allow admission to me ? #mbachat

@COLUMBIAMBA: We do not have a min/max age for the #MBA we have admitted students who are advanced in their careers in the past #MBAchat

Q: What advantages does @ColumbiaMBA have because of location? Over, let’s say, Harvard in Boston or Wharton in Philadelphia? #mbachat

@COLUMBIAMBA: NYC is an excellent resource for our students students can meet with companies and orgs of any size and any industry #mbachat

@ADMISSIONADO: NYC is itself an awesome advantage. Makes internships easier to find too. #mbachat

@ADMISSIONADO: Lots of Media/TV and journalism in NYC too for those coming from rarer industries. #mbachat

Q: How important is the IR section of the GMAT for Columbia? #mbachat

@COLUMBIAMBA: We will take a look at the entire score report as a whole. we do not have a specific weight to the IR section #mbachat

Q: What are the #MBA programs that you offer at @ColumbiaMBA ? #MBAChat

@COLUMBIAMBA: Full-time MBA format as well as Executive MBA format. Same classes taken in each format, same degree acquired. #MBAChat

Q:  Is MBA better that MS in entrepreneurship, If goal is to become an entrepenure

@COLUMBIAMBA: Our #MBA program offers a diverse set of courses both core and electives which prepares feature entrepreneurs #MBAchat

Q: How can @ColumbiaMBA program help to an enterpreneur who wants to make business abroad?

@COLUMBIAMBA: Our global network, our unique entrepreneurial course offerings and resources, and our vast international network. #MBAChat

@COLUMBIAMBA: Master Classes enable you to take classes in Africa and work with entrepreneurs in other countries. #MBAChat

Q: Is there any special requirement for applicant from south-east asian countries?#MBAChat @ColumbiaMBA

@COLUMBIAMBA: The TOEFL, if English is not your first language or you did not attend an English speaking institution. #MBAChat

Q: So if i attend an English institution, i can get waiver, right? #MBAChat

@COLUMBIAMBA: Correct. #MBAChat

Q: That famous CBS happy hour sounds amazing – does everyone attend? #mbachat

@COLUMBIAMBA: The Thursday night HH in Uris are well attended by our students. They are a CBS tradition! #MBAchat

@COLUMBIAMBA: We also encourage applicants to reach out to our students to hear more http://t.co/HhN4hvU6 #mbachat

Q: @ColumbiaMBA is known for finance – what are some other strengths in particular that the program offers? #mbachat

@COLUMBIAMBA: Good question! Tech? Real estate? 

@ADMISSIONADO: Definitely Real Estate.  #mbachat

@COLUMBIAMBA: We feel that all of our programs are strong! Visit http://t.co/3zp6UNek and http://t.co/nY6ALvKU #mbachat

@ADMISSIONADO: @ColumbiaMBA Actually I think that’s true. They all really ARE! Even the non-business ones Love the campus too.  And UWS bars. #mbachat

Q: Do you provide some scholarships for developing country? @ColumbiaMBA #MBAChat

@COLUMBIAMBA: Not specifically for developing countries, but based on your application, you may or may not receive some money. #MBAChat

Q: Where is the school located and will like to know the minimum GMAT score and implication of not attaining such score..thanks#mbachat

@COLUMBIAMBA: we are located in UWS in NYC! As for the #GMAT we do not have a min score visit http://t.co/hcyXWUmJ #mbachat

Q: What is the probability that a foreign student could get a job in the US after the MBA program of Columbia?, in which industries #mbachat ,

@COLUMBIAMBA: Many of our international students want to switch careers and work in the US this switch happens every year #mbachat

@ADMISSIONADO: I’d  look at employment statistics for that info. don’t think you can calculate chances of u getting a job tho #mbachat

Q: is MBA better that MS in entrepreneurship, If goal is to become an entrepreneur? #MBAChat

@ADMISSIONADO: MBA is probably better. the programs are a bit more exclusive and have stronger networks. #mbachat

Q: What is the particularity of @ColumbiaMBA regarding entrepreneurship ?#mbachat

@COLUMBIAMBA: http://t.co/ghTEej4v #MBAChat

Q: Your Americas #EMBA program allows students to gain experience across Latin America. How does this help them in their career? #mbachat

@COLUMBIAMBA: #EMBA Americas allows students to expand their network in that region and  #mbachat

@COLUMBIAMBA: Also get exposure/immersion into how global business works #mbachat

Q: Where do @ColumbiaMBA grads go after graduation? Typically… how many end up at banks? Hedge funds? Consulting firms? #mbachat

@COLUMBIAMBA: http://t.co/iWJfjDar #MBAChat

Q: How gonna i get admission in this program? #mbachat

@COLUMBIAMBA: The application process is holistic so we consider the entire app for  visit for more http://t.co/zoXKTGk3 #mbachat

Q: do you provide some scholarships for international students?  #MBAChat

@COLUMBIAMBA: International students are eligible for both merit based fellowships and need based scholarships #mbachat

Q: Could you come up with the name of a few famous entrepreneurs who succeeded after @ColumbiaMBA ? #mbachat

@COLUMBIAMBA: http://t.co/8WKExS3x #MBAChat

@COLUMBIAMBA: Also see http://t.co/W3W2xpm4 for stories on our alums #mbachat

Q: what is the average of the full-time students, who were enterpreneurs before enroll the program?  @columbiaMBA

@COLUMBIAMBA: Take a look at the class profile for more http://t.co/VrseRBCH #MBAchat

@COLUMBIAMBA: http://t.co/8WKExS3x #MBAChat

Q: I want to make my career in Government, does you Columbia MBA will help me in it? #MBAChat

@COLUMBIAMBA: Of course! There are plenty of students who end up working at The World Bank, IFC, etc. #MBAChat

@ADMISSIONADO: Well, the UN is in NYC too. Plus got that speedy Amtrak to DC. #mbachat

According to the document that was shared, about 6.7% of 2011 graduates are working in government/nonprofit/education. #mbachat

@ADMISSIONADO: it is GOOD to be in nonprofit at CBS. you really stand out from “finance guys” & have less competition for jobs. #MBAChat

Q: Do I have to submit any additional documents along with app to be considered for merit scholarship? Confused about that.

@COLUMBIAMBA: No, as long as you apply before January 9th, you will be considered for a merit fellowship. #MBAChat

Q: I am an intl applicant. As per ur FAQ, i also need to select ‘fellowship consideration option’ in the app. Cant find it in app. #MBAChat

@COLUMBIAMBA: There should be a box that says, “Do you want to be considered for a merit fellowship” #MBAChat

Q: How does the admissions deadline process work @ColumbiaMBA? Can you speak to a rolling admissions process? #mbachat

@COLUMBIAMBA: Many schools have rounds our process is rolling which means we review apps in the order in which they are received #mbachat

Q: Would you say then that it is always better to apply earlier?  #mbachat

@COLUMBIAMBA: Yes we always advise applicants to apply as early as possible! #mbachat

Q: What are the @ColumbiaMBA tution fees and average living expenses? #mbachat

@COLUMBIAMBA: For info on the cost of the program visit http://t.co/zC85zmFb #mbachat

Q: Can I take a student loan for studies but am not an American #MBAChat

@COLUMBIAMBA: No, unfortunately we do not have international loans. #MBAChat

Q: Do you do distance learning am in Nigeria #MBAChat

@COLUMBIAMBA: Unfortunately, we do not have distance learning or online classes available. #MBAChat

Q: Do you provide some scholarships for international students? #MBAChat

@COLUMBIAMBA: You may be considered for a merit fellowship through the Admissions office, but there is no guarantee. #MBAChat

Q: How many students are in a typical class @ColumbiaMBA? #mbachat

@COLUMBIAMBA: About 700 per year. In each classroom, the largest are the core classes, which are about 60 students. #MBAChat

Q: What is the score gmat score required for full scholarship #mbachat

@COLUMBIAMBA: There is no min for the GMAT and it is just one part process. When we evaluate fellowships we consider the entire app #mbachat

Q: What is the average salary for the program graduates just after graduation #mbachat

@COLUMBIAMBA: Visit http://t.co/lPQiF9tB for our employment report #mbachat

Q: What Does Columbia have a part-time mba program? I read about eMBA but wasn’t sure if it was only for executives.

@COLUMBIAMBA: We offer the #EMBA but not a PT program. Some of our EMBA students have 5 yrs of WE and are moving up at their co’s #MBAchat

Q: Does @ColumbiaMBA weigh your current salary as part of an application packet? #mbachat

@COLUMBIAMBA: We do not have a weight to any part of the application. we do ask for salary info in the app. #mbachat

Q: What is the probability that a foreign student could get a job in the US after the MBA program of Columbia?, in which industries #mbachat ,

@COLUMBIAMBA: http://t.co/OAA5pblO #MBAChat

@OFFICIALGMAT: Thank you all for joining us at  #mbachat

@OFFICIALGMAT: Join us the 2nd Weds of every month at 1 pm US ET for more #MBAChat  #MBAChat

@COLUMBIAMBA: Thanks everyone! RT @officialgmat: Thank you all for joining us at  #mbachat

Part I in a Two-Part Series

Part I of this blog focuses on preparedness. Have you done your homework?  How well do you know yourself? Are you financially and academically prepared? Next week, we’ll focus on how you can know if this is the right time personally for you to pursue an MBA.

Just like many big steps in life, there is no “perfect” time for the MBA that makes sense for everyone. Regardless of the average age or the average years of work experience represented at the different schools you are considering, the most important thing to consider is your own readiness for the MBA. While you do want to be aware of a school’s profile, and understand their selection criteria, there are a number of factors to consider before you begin diving into the application process. Following are some important questions (in no particular order) that you should ask yourself if you are thinking about an MBA.

How well do you know yourself professionally?

Rather than simply thinking about how many years of work experience you have, and whether that matches up well with the schools that you are interested in, instead think about how well you understand your own professional “personality”. What specific skills do you have? Do you enjoy working with people? Do you like working with numbers? Are you good at giving presentations? Do you like giving presentations? Generally if you have a very limited amount of work experience, it can be difficult to answer some of these questions. Oftentimes two or three years of experience can bring much more clarity to the types of jobs or career paths that might be the best fit for you. The MBA offers a fantastic opportunity to target particular areas of development, become a master at the things you’re currently just “pretty good” at, and fill in some of your knowledge gaps. Unless you have some understanding of your professional personality, it can be difficult to figure out just what you want or need from an MBA.

Have you spent time researching your career goals?

MBA programs often involve a lot of choice, customization and prioritization. It can be difficult to choose between the multitudes of opportunities offered to you throughout the MBA if you don’t at least have some ideas about where you are hoping to take your career in the future. You don’t have to know exactly which job you want, at exactly which company, but the MBA should be looked at as a means to an end rather than the goal itself. The best way to research your career goals is to ask lots and lots of questions. If you’re not sure where to start, begin by asking friends, family members and colleagues about their career paths. See if something resonates with you. Once you have a career path in mind, find out if the MBA would help get you there. Ideally by the time you are actually applying to programs, you know for sure that you do in fact need the degree, and you know what you would like to gain from it.

Are you academically prepared for the MBA?

Try for a moment to forget about whether your undergraduate grades and your GMAT will get you admitted or not, and think instead about whether you are actually prepared to handle the rigorous (often quantitative) coursework. You will have a stronger application and you will have a much more successful MBA experience if you target any academic weaknesses prior to submitting your application. Most MBA programs don’t require you to have taken business classes, and many do not have math prerequisites; however, the MBA curriculum moves very quickly. If you struggle with math, consider taking a class at a community college. If you have never taken accounting before, look into opportunities to learn the basics. Brushing up on a few key areas can be a great way to prepare yourself for school and to assess whether you have what it takes to keep up with the challenging MBA coursework.

Are you financially prepared for the MBA?

There are many loans and scholarships available to students, but make sure that you are comfortable with the financial sacrifices you would have to make in order to pursue an MBA. If you feel strongly that you need to keep working full-time for financial reasons, consider pursuing a part-time MBA program. If you are trying to make a major career change, though, you will likely need to be highly involved and engaged in the MBA program, both inside and outside the classroom. If your career goals would best be served by going back to school full-time, research your financial options and above all make sure that you’re comfortable with them. And definitely talk to current students about how they make it work – you will likely learn a lot more than by simply reading the school’s website. Current students understand how you are feeling because they were in your shoes not too long ago, and they can offer you some great tips and suggestions as you prepare to pay for the MBA.

There have been a number of top business schools announcing major changes to the traditional admissions process this year for a variety of reasons and I wanted to share some insight about why this is happening.  At the University of Toronto, we have also implemented a major change by shortening both the number and length of required essays and introducing a mandatory video essay component within our admissions process this year. 

The combination of an increasing influence and prevalence of admissions consultants, and the volume of blogs/message boards advice on presenting a profile that Schools are looking for have contributed to an environment that has become difficult to get an authentic picture of an applicant.  Schools have been re-thinking the various components of the admissions process, which have traditionally required several long essays followed by an admissions interview, that were initially valuable pieces of the process because they allowed candidates to start to showcase their unique passions, experiences, talents and abilities.

 Showcase Your Talents

That core purpose of essays has been fading as candidates are increasingly submitting responses that all sound very similar and are perhaps what they believe Schools ‘want’ to hear.  So in response, our industry is innovating in an attempt to get back to the core of what makes a candidate unique and is using a variety of different formats and strategies within the application process to do this.

In addition to showcasing an authentic picture of a candidate, different formats (beyond traditional essays) demonstrate and test skills that are far more relevant in today’s classrooms and boardrooms.  The pace of business has changed as we are enter this era of “Big Data” and candidates need to be able to solve complex problems in an innovative manner, and make decisions in real-time. It just isn’t possible to test these kinds of skills in a traditional essay.

I have been in this industry since 2005 and it is exciting to see the creativity and innovation that our top schools teach being applied to the processes we use to find top talent for our programs.  I hope prospective candidates use these new mediums as an opportunity to tell their stories – we are excited to hear them!

Management education aspirants must be focused. Management seems to be made synonymous with business and so obviously one should worry about only those things that make business sense.

What make good business sense? Getting the best marks and the best placement. Quick promotion with the highest salary in the shortest possible time. Being fiercely competitive. A life of consumption and self-adoration. To achieve  all of this, one needs to learn to maximize profit for one’s corporation at all costs.

That means one has to be pragmatic and can’t afford to be idealistic. In such a scenario, words such as “sustainability” and “social responsibility” are bound to sound like utopian and meant to be only for lip service. While this can be a general understanding there can be a much more meaningful perspective for the aspirants.

If one learns that management applies to all aspects of life and not only to business, then as a management student one may not be as much worried about making a business sense out of everything. If one learns that good placement guarantees only the first job and it is how you perform that matters thereafter, then one may not think about the placement as the sole target for having management education. If one learns that it is what we have internalized is what matters then one may not get crazy only about competing for grades. If one learns that short term optimization at the cost of long term well being will not be sustainable then one may not get blinded in only short term perspectives.

If one realizes that one has a larger role to perform – to make a difference to the society - then one may not get concerned with only a self-centred approach. If one learns that one’s life is more meaningful when it also has a balanced aspect of contribution to society then one may not be bothered solely for one’s own consumption.

If one learns that while one can be a business leader, one can also be thought leader and social leader then one may not be restricting oneself only to the ‘personal’ comforts. If all these happen, it will lead the aspirants to think about management education in a different light.

Managing business and getting a job is a very small subset of the scope of management education. Management is not only about business. It applies to all fields of life and the field one should be most concerned about is how would one manage one’s own life.

Management education will help the person to reflect on the meaning of his life and not just waste whole life in running from one provisional goal to another. Management education is about building knowledge skill and attitude. As one grows it is the attitudes that will matter the most.

Jack Welch describes management as about ‘Head, Heart and Guts’. Management education is about building one’s character. It’s about those who have self-confidence and do not get carried away by fads. It’s about those who are reflective and have conviction. It’s about those who have the courage to chart a new path irrespective of the established wisdom. It’s about those who have compassion for other human beings in society.

Such people like to be players rather than spectators. They would rather be on the stage rather than in the audience. They make social contributions rather than just talk about them. It is because of such people that humanity advances.

Management education can only sharpen these aspects of life provided a spark exists. Only if concern about sustainability and social responsibility exists in the aspirant can it be polished and strengthened by education to create a true leader.

Whether you are just beginning the process of researching MBA programs or are in the final stages of deciding which school is right for you, there are certain questions you should use to evaluate MBA programs.

1) What kind of support network is available?
A quality MBA degree program will enhance your ability to think strategically, manage efficiently and lead confidently, increasing your expertise in a comprehensive array of business topics including finance, accounting, marketing, and more. Support from your university community is essential to the quality of your MBA experience. It should come from your peers, faculty, staff, career counselors, alumni, and campus services. Look to see if the MBA programs are offered in a cohort structure providing the opportunity to collaborate, solve problems, create solutions, and support fellow students throughout the learning experience.

2) Is the University strategically located to enhance my future career opportunities?
You will make connections during the program both professionally and personally so consider if the location of the school is a place where you would want to reside following the completion of your degree. Consider if you want to be in close proximity to a major metropolitan area such as Washington, D.C., or New York City? Find out if the location of the school provides greater access to jobs or internships.

3) Does the program I am considering offer opportunities for applied learning experiences?
High-impact activities outside the traditional classroom can be just as valuable as the classroom experience, allowing MBA students to integrate theory with practice to advance their leadership and management abilities. These opportunities could include meeting major players in your field, internship placements, and permanent positions with companies relevant to your interests. Look for these opportunities within a MBA program to apply the knowledge you are gaining in the classroom to your everyday experiences.

4) Does the program I am considering offer a global perspective?
No matter how strong the classroom curriculum is, there is nothing like visiting a different country and encountering new cultural and business perspectives. There are multiple benefits of engaging in an international experience during your time in a MBA program. You will learn about new business practices and cultures that will enable you to provide valuable insight to your employer. Some universities and business schools provide centers focused on international business and development. These centers often strive to advance research, curriculum, and outreach activities focused on global business. They may foster relationships with academic institutions and private and public organizations around the globe to generate mutually beneficial research, teaching, and learning opportunities. Find out if the schools you are researching have opportunities for you to become involved.

5) What will be the return on my investment?
You will want to make sure the money you are investing will be returned with significant growth and the time committed is worth it. In addition to the financial return on your investment, what will the personal return be? Know that you are not investing in a MBA program only for the knowledge you will gain within the classroom. Know that investing in a MBA is investing in your future. This is an opportunity to create a lifelong network of trusted colleagues and friends. A good place to start in your research is to ask yourself why you want to pursue a MBA and what do you hope to gain from earning your MBA?

For more tips, questions, and points to consider as you research MBA programs visit som.gmu.edu/mba and download the free eBook “5 Things You Need in a MBA Program.”

Q: What are some of the unique qualities you look for in an ideal MBA applicant?

EBS Business School: An ideal candidate is strong in all aspects of the admissions criteria, is focused and determined on their career path.

 IE Business School: We look for diverse candidates who are motivated, have an entrepreneurial spirit and will be socially responsible leaders.

Q: What are the application deadlines for your programmes?

EBS Business School: We have a rolling admission process up until end of June for our September intake. 

IE Business School: IE has a rolling admission process, however we recommend applying in advance.  Go to http://t.co/vf5fp5mh for more information.

Q: what are your GMAT score requirements?

EBS Business School: We expect a GMAT score of at least 600. 

IE Business School: Our average GMAT is 670 but we take a holistic approach to admissions evaluating experience, motivation and fit for the programme.

Q: What 3 things would you recommend to a student applying to your programme?

EBS Business School: Have a strong desire to work in a global environment, possess cross-cultural awareness and be entrepreneurially minded.

IE Business School: 1) Research our programmes and school and see if IE is the right fit for you
2) Come and meet us, we have +25 offices worldwide, come to our campus, meet our alumni or students
3) Differentiate yourself, competition is strong so submit the best application possible.

Q: How would you describe your school culture? What differentiates your School?

EBS Business School: High-level learning in small groups, individual one-to-one coaching sessions, and a very strong corporate network. 

IE Business School: Our school culture is collaborative and entrepreneurial. For more info about our programmes and events check: http://t.co/MQhQiYZ0 and http://t.co/kUM2ism9

Q: what are some of the advantages of studying in Germany? 

EBS Business School: Germany is in a very good economic driving position in Europe with strong employment opportunities.  All of courses are taught in English. 

Q: What types of financial aid or support do you offer candidates wanting to join your MBA?

EBS Business School: We offer a range of scholarships to strong candidates on a review basis. Apply early for the best opportunity. 

IE Business School: IE offers scholarships, fellowships and loans. IE has over 100 merit-based scholarships.

Q:  I’m interested in studying in Sweden. On what basis am I to choose the best university?

EBS Business School: Choose the university that offers you the best career platform. 

IE Business School: Research the school culture and values to see if they´re aligned to your personal and career goals.

Q:  what is the best way to differentiate myself from others?

EBS Business School: Be innovative; demonstrate how you can best contribute to the programme. 

IE Business School: Think outside the box and highlight personal and professional achievements that are aligned to the School’s values and culture.

Q: I’m a consultant preparing for the GMAT and looking to move into a leadership position. Which stream/school do you suggest?

EBS Business School: We offer tracks that set you up for success in a global environment that give you a strategic edge in your career.

IE Business School: Look at different school curriculums and career services. At IE we offer a career consulting track and leadership programme.

Q: Is the #GMAT score required? 

EBS Business School: Yes, as a leading business school GMAT is a key requirement.

Q: How does your school quantify work experience? Is a job with a brand name company better than an unknown company? 

IE Business School: We look for post-undergrad experience. Whatever the company – career progression and varied exposure is key.

Q: Do students from non-typical backgrounds such as journalism need to have higher quant scores to balance their #MBA applications? 

EBS Business School:  Provided your academic background and professional goals meet our requirements, we would welcome your application. 

Q:  What are the least scores accepted by you?

EBS Business School: Minimum GMAT score is 600, but we do address the entire application.  

IE Business School: We take a holistic approach to admission so every piece of the application counts.

Q: In this current weak European economy, is it worth applying to a European business school?
 
EBS Business School: Germany’s strong economic position combined with our active corporate network offers an unparalleled platform for success. For an example of our corporate network opportunities visit the following: http://t.co/vkgYUod8

IE Business School: It is an interesting time to study in the EU especially from the perspective of understanding and studying economics and finance.

Q: How much weight on Integrated Reasoning are Business Schools giving in its 2013 Admissions?

EBS Business School: IR is a key skill that we test in our admissions process beginning at the BSc level. 

IE Business School: We take everything into consideration and the IR section gives us an additional data point.

We hear the following question often: I would like to continue working while pursuing my MBA and I am focused on programs with significant face-to-face classroom time. As I have been searching potential options, I have come across programs that describe themselves in various ways – Part-Time MBA, Flexible MBA, Fast Track MBA, Executive MBA and Professional MBA programs, among others. What are the differences among these options available to working professionals?

My response is as follows: The various labels can be confusing. The main differences can be found in the manner in which programs respond to a few key questions outlined below. Be careful not to omit any particular category of programs in the earliest stages of your search as hybrid programs are emerging in many places. Also, labels do not always accurately convey the orientation of the program.

Here are questions that might be helpful to explore with potential programs targeting professionals in your area:

• First, when do classes occur? Executive MBA programs, Fast-Track and Flexible MBA programs often offer classes on Fridays and Saturdays. Part-Time and Professional MBA programs generally hold classes on weeknights, though some are beginning to experiment with Saturday options.
• Second, what is the profile of the student body? The lines are beginning to blur on this question but generally Executive MBA programs are intended for senior professionals with 10-15 years of work experience. Most Part-Time and Professional MBA programs require a minimum of two or three years of work experience and their student bodies often average five or six years of experience beyond the bachelor’s degree. Flexible and Fast-Track programs sometimes cater to early career professionals and the student body might include a few students who moved straight from an undergraduate program into the MBA program.
• Third, does the program include “residencies,” required international experiences, or capstone projects? Many of these concepts originated in Executive MBA programs and have been adopted by Part-Time and Professional MBA programs. In some cases, especially in Fast-Track MBA programs, the international experiences are optional.
• Fourth, how broad and deep is the curriculum? How long does it take to complete the degree? Naturally, Fast Track programs are among the fastest (think 15-24 months) but the curriculum is often smaller than you might find in other degree programs. Executive MBA programs are often 18 – 20 months from beginning to end. Part-Time and Professional MBA programs can be 30-36 months in duration and usually allow you a bit more room for elective courses. They are more likely to offer tracks or concentrations. Flexible MBA programs often allow students to stretch the degree to 4 or 5 years.

Here at the Robins School, we have chosen to describe our program simply as “The Richmond MBA.” We cater to working professionals by offering courses on weeknights and require every student to participate in both an Opening Residency and an International Residency.

Welcome to this special edition of #MBAChat! This chat is part of our #GMAT Prep Camp. Today we are talking with @TuckAdmissions #mbachat

Q: Tuck offers an on-campus interview to any prospective #MBA student. Why is that important to the school?
A: Interviews help gauge fit, knowledge of resources and interpersonal skills…essential for small schools #mbachat

Q: How do you guage fit in the interview? What qualities are important? #mbachat
A: A candidate can show fit through energy level, knowledge and understanding of Tuck and career goals #mbachat

Q: I do not have a formal work experience, but I am socially active and have also founded a finance based start-up…
A: We value the startup experience, but some longevity can help you be competitive with other applicants.

Q: Are applicants truly at a disadvantage applying in Round 2 vs. Round 1? Is Round 2 more competitive at Tuck?
A: You are only at an advantage applying round 1 if your application is ready. Otherwise you should wait. #mbachat

Q: I am a college senior. Am I ready for an #MBA?
A: Knowing you are ready is important. Understanding how Tuck values work ex is the other half of the equation. You may be ready for some programs. Tuck students tend to have full time work exp. – avg. 5 years. Entrep. exper may be considered. Depends on quality, quantity and results. 2 yrs post undergrad typical for Tuck.

Q: Is there an added benefit of going on to get your MBA full time, rather than juggling work and school?
A: FT MBA provides additional value of incredible job search resources and a summer between yr 1 and 2 to experiment

Q: would employers think it is odd to begin my masters full time and then resume work once complete?
A: That is a very common trajectory.

Q: I have score 80.13 % in Diploma and 62.30% in Degree (Graduation) will that affect my admission chances?
A: it is all a part of your story and profile. There are no rules or weights, but your passion shines through… #mbachat

Q: Question bc we see it a lot – how do you feel about consulting as a short-term/springboard goal? #mbachat
A: Consulting makes sense for many MBAs. Proving it to admissions and future employers is key. #mbachat

Q: Will a drop in GPA greatly affect my chances of getting in? #mbachat
A: Usually candidates will explain a drop and we are able to put it into context with your overall record #mbachat

Q: How do the best applicants get a strong sense of Tuck values/culture (to leverage in apps)?
A: Visiting campus or attending a Tuck event…reaching out to alums…Tuck Connections #mbachat

Q: What can a #bschool candidate expect during a campus visit that has been arranged by Admissions? #mbachat
A: You interview, meet students, sit in on a class, talk to admissions. http://t.co/DpHjxMWr #mbachat

Q: How can a student who may not have the right GPA or #GMAT scores for Tuck gain an advantage with the interview? how much will that affect ?in Negative or Positive?
A: Hard to quantify, app evals are holistic, part of your story, but it sounds impressive!

Q: Do student interested in entrepreneurship typically pursue traditional summer internships? #mbachat
A: Typically they do, but focus on orgs in their field of interest. Internships are a good way to expand your network, which is esp important for entrepreneurs.

Q: Do applicants ever surprise you in their perceptions of Tuck culture, and has that impacted the Tuck brand?
A: Sometimes…but most often candidates have done their hw #mbachat

Q: does Tuck offer specialization in Entrepreneurship?
A: Not in gen mgmt prog, BUT awesome resources for e’ship focused resources http://t.co/28f12xGK & http://t.co/9xJR3bJu #mbachat

Q: If I am a foreign student and my credits are not equivalent to GPA, that put me in some disadvantage? How Tuck calculate my GPA?
A: No disadvantage. We have an experienced cttee who has seen numerous transcripts

Q: How much weight on IR is Tuck School of Business giving in its 2013 Admissions ?
A: 1st yr for IR data, excited to see how info will inform process. prob a benchmark year

Q: do we need to Postal mail you all the transcripts and GMat offical score or E-mailing you the scanned copy will do?
A: transcript self reported in Tuck app; GMAT score reported to us via GMAC; save your stamps for postcards from hanover!

Q: Can a Caribbean student be offered a place at Tuck?
A: We have a diverse student population with students from over 42 countries and are 30% international #mbachat

Q: I dont have great academic record but 3 yrs of govt job experience. How does that affect my chances of an US Mba.
A: Work experience, strong GMAT/GRE, and interpersonal skills can often tip the scales in your favor

Q: Am i eligible for on Campus job after doing MBA Course in Entrepreneurship
A: Independent Study would be available to you, possible Teach asst or tutor, depends on visa status if int’l

Q: Are there any proposed changes in GMAT format that could be implemented in next 2 years?
A: No plans to any changes in the GMAT exam within the next two years

Q: Once accepted in Tuck or any university, I’ve read about the I-20 document? can you give me more info about this please.
A: I-20 = form that int’l office will help with, tip is apply EARLY to have time for visa approvals

Q: What are your top three tips for a winning #MBA application? #MBAchat
A: Think about your story before you start, be honest and authentic, proofread! #mbachat

Q: Am i eligible for on Campus job after doing MBA Course in Entrepreneurship . Job as in Campus placement
A: oh, yes, of course! all students eligible for on campus recruiting. #mbachat

Thank you all for joining us at #mbachat
This #mbachat is part of our GMAT Prep Camp virtual event. #mbachat
Join us the 2nd Weds of every month at 1 pm US ET for more #MBAChat

The one-year MBA is on a rise. While the traditional two-year MBA has certainly stood the test of time, broader trends do point to a marked shift towards the one-year format. In India, a market that I have witnessed closely, when ISB pioneered the one-year format in 2001 there were many sceptics who felt that it would not take off. But the success of ISB’s programme apart, now almost every top business school in India has added a one-year programme in its offering. There are good reasons for this shift.

Fundamentally, the notion of time and its value is a lot different today from what it was earlier. Across the globe, an ambitious working population is seeking quicker and more efficient progress. The one-year programme is aligned with this trend. Viewed purely from a financial lens, the value is fairly obvious. By doing a one-year MBA, a student not only saves the fees and living expenses for the additional year, but also gains the earning potential of a full year, allowing for a much faster pay-back. This notion tends to get accentuated in a rapidly growing economy like India, where new and exciting career opportunities abound.

Notwithstanding the financial logic, a two year course is better suited to fresh graduates, usually without any professional experience. The longer duration allows for a more comfortable pace, helping the uninitiated to grasp concepts better. But for those with a few years of work experience behind them, a one-year programme is a sound option. It allows them to leverage their experiences from the workplace, and thus improve their understanding of what is being taught. More importantly, it allows the institution to craft a class that is more diverse, enhancing the learning for everybody. For instance, a typical class at ISB would comprise students who have worked in diverse industries across the world, at various levels of management. Compared to a class of graduates without any prior experience, this diversity is meaningful and relevant to management education. It fosters valuable peer- to-peer learning, and helps correlate theoretical concepts with practical, on-ground realities. Any marketing, finance or operations class is vastly more enriching with such an experienced peer group.

Finally, one has to look at how industry views the one-year format. I believe that the initial scepticism on whether the one-year programme hampers learning has largely been put to rest. From our own experience of placements at ISB, companies acknowledge the rigour of a one year programme, and recruit in large numbers from ISB, year after year. It is not surprising therefore, that one year management programmes are gaining popularity at some of the best business schools around the world.

1. There are many advantages to Executive MBA programs, and an EMBA may make sense for some applicants who initially considered only full-time MBA programs. When deciding whether to apply for a full-time or EMBA program, keep in mind the following:

Executive MBA programs are not only for “executives”: EMBA students remain fully employed while completing their MBA. These students are not necessarily seasoned veterans of their industries; they can also be “up and comers” who have been identified as future leaders at their companies. Today, applicants with as few as four to six years of work experience might be appropriate for an EMBA program. While more years of work experience is the norm for most EMBA programs, an increasing number of schools, including Columbia, are beginning to target applicants who are at earlier stages in their careers.

Immediate benefits for you and your employer: By staying in the workforce and going to school at the same time, students are able to bring what they are learning in the classroom directly to their organization. Students also have the advantage of working with and learning from other professionals who are from diverse industries and who are committed to growing at their current companies. This type of learning environment is vital to expanding general business knowledge as well as to building a more robust professional network that will benefits students and their employer. Our students, for example, have immediate access to a worldwide alumni network of over 40,000 professionals.

Same degree, different delivery: In many programs, EMBA students receive the same degree and have access to the same faculty as those students in the fulltime MBA program. These students have the same opportunity to earn the MBA on a schedule that meets their professional needs. At Columbia Business School we offer several delivery methods including the EMBA-Friday/Saturday program, EMBA-Saturday program, and our recently introduced EMBA-Americas program in addition to our EMBA-Global programs. All of these programs offer different schedules (and some, different locations) to meet the needs of professionals who want to excel in at their organization while earning their degree.

While an Executive MBA is not the right choice for everyone, I believe more applicants should consider an EMBA program for their MBA.