MBA and Beyond’s Post

When it comes to picking the right business schools, which is a crucial step in the MBA admissions journey, several factors come into play. It’s all about having a deep understanding of what truly matters to you and how each program aligns with your goals and profile. Check out this deep-dive on 10 key criteria to consider, ranging from the percentage of alumni in your target roles to fitment with class profile, program costs (ROI), class size, teaching methodology and more. [Article link]: https://lnkd.in/g3v7gCkq #mba #admissions #careers admitStreet

MBA Applicant: "I have 17 friends at top MBAs, work with 12 alum of #M7, oh, and my dad golfs with the CEO of BigTech who's on the Board of SUPERMEGA #BSchool. Should I have them send notes to #admissions?" There are people (alums especially at MBB, some admissions consultants, applicants who 'know a student' who had several friends send notes) who SWEAR that you must. That it makes a difference, that #adcom will be so impressed by your extra letters that they will of course admit you. As with so many thing in the MBA #application world - it depends. First, will schools even accept such notes? The University of Chicago Booth School of Business has a "Shape The Class" process for alumni & students to recommend an applicant. Duke University - The Fuqua School of Business has the "Fuqua Prospective Student Endorsement." London Business School has a form students & alum can fill out. INSEAD lets applicants attach extra "letters" to their dataform. Columbia Business School's FAQ says that students or alum can email admissions on your behalf. For other schools, it's not so clear, several schools have a stated policy of not accepting extra notes; others say they don't want them, but will accept them because students/alum/prof have the right to share their opinion. (This is a much longer topic for another post). BUT - Just because a school accepts such letters, do you really need them? - Do your odds increase because you have one? or 2? or 8? My opinion - based on +20 years in admissions consulting, talking to lots of adcoms over the years & sharing insights with my +200 AIGAC colleagues is: - no. - maybe. Many applicants are accepted every year without extra notes sent to admissions. You are definitely NOT at a disadvantage if you don't have one. BUT You've heard the term "holistic" when talking about MBA admissions. It means all parts of your app (tests, GPA, work, essays, LORs, interview) are part of the evaluative process. An extra note becomes another point in that review. And MAYBE, if it shares an insight into your personality that has not come thru in the rest of your application, MAYBE, it could help improve your odds of getting the interview. Or even the admit. Or not. I've seen folks rejected after getting notes from current students, MBB partner alum, a VP from one of the biggest recruiters on campus, and even from a Prime Minister. There is just too much that goes on in admissions to be able to truly say that 'this extra note WILL make the difference.' So, we're back where we started, what to do? If you know an alum/student/prof who can share a unique insight about you, then definitely, ask them to send a note. But do not force someone who barely knows you to send a note, that will backfire. And definitely do not enlist many people to send a barrage of notes. More than two notes is just bad EQ (adcom has plenty to evaluate already, don't be a PITA and make their job harder).

"That's a top university... it's very competitive and you'll never make it there!" Have you heard this from a friend, mentor or counsellor when you're trying to figure out which university to apply to? University shortlisting is one of the most important factors that determine your future career path. Most students reach out to their network or 'expert' consultants. How do the experts or your network figure out which universities to apply to? Well, truth be told, no one really knows. Most of the experts or your network may give you a fair idea based on their own anecdotal experience. Some consultants are paid by universities to market courses and should you take their advice, you would be in big trouble. So how do you figure out the best universities to apply to? 1. Start at the top - What are the dream universities you wish to attend to? Shortlist 1 -2 of these schools. 2. Keep a safe set of backup schools - Figure out where your college seniors or work colleagues have gone to. Some of these universities may be lower ranked but these offer a good safety net so that you don't end up without an admit. 3. The middle of the pack - Between the dream and safety schools, figure out 2-3 schools that align with your career and personal goals. I'd normally recommend you apply to 4-5 schools in R1 (1-2 dream + 2-3 achievable + 1-2 safety) before application fatigue sets in. Once you get your R1 results, figure out your R2 strategy. If you've ever got a role and an admit from a university that you were told you had no shot at, let me know in the comments. I'd like to hear what you did differently and how you were successful. #mba #studyabroad #universityshortlisting #masters

Harvard vs. Stanford: The MBA Smackdown You Don’t Want to Miss If you're caught in the Harvard vs. Stanford MBA decision, this expertly crafted article dives deep into what makes these two programs so unique—and similar. From insights shared by former admissions officers to data on evolving class profiles and career outcomes, it's a treasure trove of information for aspiring applicants. Here are some standout takeaways: Salary and bonuses are skyrocketing! Starting salaries now hit $189K (Stanford) and $175K (Harvard), with generous bonuses. Evolving class profiles: Both schools are shifting towards more STEM admits, with humanities/arts dropping from 40% to 16-18%. Career outcomes diverge: Stanford dominates tech placements, while Harvard has a strong foothold in consulting. But the decision often comes down to culture: 💡 Harvard's rigorous, case-based approach attracts those craving structure and challenge. 💡 Stanford’s intimate, heart-centered ethos resonates with innovators and personal growth seekers. Don’t miss the firsthand stories from admits who chose one over the other—and why! Whether you're an applicant or simply fascinated by elite education, this article is a must-read. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gv6cZagZ What resonates more with you: East Coast pragmatism or West Coast innovation? Let me know your thoughts! 👇 #MBA #HarvardBusinessSchool #StanfordGSB #Leadership #CareerGrowth

Ivy League degrees have lost some of their luster with employers, and instead employers have shifted focus, searching for graduates with practical and soft skills. #GreatCollegeAdvice #IvyLeague #StudentOutcomes

Ivy League degrees have lost some of their luster with employers, and instead employers have shifted focus, searching for graduates with practical and soft skills. #GreatCollegeAdvice #IvyLeague #StudentOutcomes

Navigating Standardized Tests: What You Need to Know A question I frequently encounter from prospective students is whether to apply test-optional. The pandemic prompted many schools to adopt this policy, especially for undergraduate admissions, But we've seen a shift back to requiring test scores. Should You Apply Test-Optional? Consider the following factors: 1. Assess Your Academic Profile: If you're a recent college graduate, you have a lower GPA or limited work experience in your desired field or overall, I strongly recommend taking the appropriate entrance exam. For business programs, the GMAT is preferred; for other graduate programs, the GRE is often the standard. Research the specific tests accepted by the programs you're interested in. 2. Understand School Requirements: If you choose to apply test-optional, ensure you fully grasp the school's criteria. Many programs still value standardized tests as part of their holistic review process. If your academic profile falls below their benchmarks, the average student, submitting test scores may enhance your chances of admission. 3. Consider Your Field of Study: Certain Fields, such as engineering, law, or medicine, often place a higher emphasis on test scores. Be sure you understand how your intended program views standardized tests. 4. Scholarship Opportunities: Keep in mind that many colleges award scholarships based on competitive applicants. If you apply with a GPA of 3.5 but no test scores, you may not be competitive enough for funding. 5. Institutional Trends: Research the admissions trends of your chosen schools. If they have a track record of admitting students without test scores, this might work in your favor. Now that we covered that topic, let's discuss a few tips to help you prepare for the standardized tests. 1. Create a Study Schedule: Develop a structured plan and adhere to it for effective preparation. 2. Utilize Practice Tests: take practice exams to identify weak areas and focus your study efforts accordingly. 3. Consider Prep Resources: Explore prep courses, private tutoring, or test prep books like "GMAT for Dummies" or "SAT for Dummies" for additional support. 4. Explore Online Resources: Many testing sites offer valuable preparation tools. For instance, MBA.com provides extensive resources for GMAT prep. 5. Give Yourself Time: Avoid Rushing your preparation; allocate adequate time to study thoroughly. However, remain mindful of application deadlines. In conclusion, carefully weigh your options and prepare diligently for standardized tests. A well-planned approach can significantly enhance your application and open doors to scholarship opportunities. Happy studying! #StandardizedTests #GraduateAdmissions #TestOptional #HigherEducation #CollegeAdmissions #StudentSuccess

As a rule, we do not recommend applying for your MBA in Round Three, but there are a few circumstances when it can be a sound choice for an applicant. - You have a competitive application. The third round is among the most competitive because there are fewer seats available. To gain admission, you must submit a strong application. Confirm that your GPA and test scores compare favorably to the school’s average ranges for admitted students. If you have doubts about your test scores or your work experience, or are concerned about getting strong recommendations in a quick time-frame, we recommend that you hold off until the next admissions season. - You bring a unique value proposition. Admissions committees are looking for applicants who will bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the business school. Applicants who can showcase a unique point of view will stand out even in the competitive third round. Unsure? You might consider holding off on applying while you garner more professional and community experiences. - You face a professional transition. Were you recently laid off? Did you just return from a military deployment or other overseas work experience? Shutter your startup? If you have a personal or professional reason for submitting an application in Round Three, rather than earlier, we recommend that you include this information in the optional essay space. Providing the admissions committee with an understanding of your timing will help you to build a stronger case for admission. - You don’t require merit-based support. If you don’t need financial support in the form of merit-based scholarships, Round Three is fine. Most programs won’t consider applicants for scholarships after the January deadlines.  

QS rankings 2025: How did Ivy League Universities perform on the employability quotient? Full Article Link >>> https://lnkd.in/guqS2JiV Welcome To Latest IND >> Fastest World News Ivy League universities are globally renowned for their academic excellence, historical prestige, and robust institutional frameworks. Regarded as the pinnacle of higher education, they have maintained a reputation of producing world leaders, innovators, and intellectuals who have made significant contributions across various fields. These universities are often […] . . Latest IND . . . . #trendingnews #newstrending #trendingtopicnews #lifestyle #business #news #healthylifestyle #smallbusiness #supportsmallbusiness #lifestyleblogger #luxurylifestyle #businessowner #businesswoman #smallbusinessowner #businessnews

A study by Hult International Business School highlights that companies incur additional costs to train new graduates lacking job-ready skills.