Can It Be Done?

Still here!!

2008-09-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

Yes, it has been quite a while! (Sorry)

I'll be honest - I'm [still] struggling with the GMATs. I'm putting in focused solid hours on preparing for the GMAT but something just is not right. I completed the MGMAT class which was great, and I've been taking practice exams as part of my studies. I think I am much better at knowing the material then before, but there is still something that is not lining up for me. On all the practice exams I have taken so far (5 MGMAT, 1 GMATPrep) I still can not break 600! (pathetic and ashamed - yes, I know). I've put in this much effort and am learning to not give up, so I'm still at it! However, realistically speaking, I am leaning towards applying to all my schools in R2, while I postpone my exam for another month or so. I realize it is cutting it close, but to me it does not make sense to apply R1 at this point.

My fellow MBA bloggers, what would you advise?

1.) Keep at it and apply in R2

2.) Hold off till perhaps next year ( I really really do not want to do this unless I have no choice)

3.) Reconsider my plans about MBA school

4.) Other?

Thanks!

Interesting Conversation...

2008-07-08T20:52:00.000-07:00

I had an interesting conversation with someone I know very well. Let's call this person X (I know, how GMAT appropriate).

X is very straightforward and an intelligent person who has done well in life thus far. X knows about my academic background, my GMAT score (remember, below national average). This person also knows I'm gunning for a top 10/20 school. I've always had a very good feeling that X thinks I'm being a bit way too ambitious. Well recently, X made it clear by telling me that, although I am working my butt off, given my academic performance in undergraduate school, and my GMAT score I'm being a bit unrealistic and setting myself up for failure. X suggested that I stop building up such high expectations and unnecessary pressure/stress and try to get admitted into into a local school where I can realistically get into.

On one hand this b-school journey is not only about my career growth, but also about changing for the better and proving myself that I can for once do well - be above average compared to my old self, and work hard to get what I want. On other hand, here's someone who is very intelligent, respected, practical and obviously successful warning me to understand what I can do (or can not do). X has a good track record of being right so this got me seriously thinking. It's really got me questioning whether I'm just being full of it and not being true to myself. Some might see that as a sign of immaturity, but I think it's about stepping back for a minute and assessing the playing field.

At what point do you realistically say, "Hey, this isn't for me" or "I'm probably not cut out for this"

Wolverines Essay Questions for '09

2008-07-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

Ross School of Business has posted their essay questions - Go Blue!

Application Essay Questions

Long Essays (500 word max)

1. Briefly describe your short-term and long-term career goals. Why is an MBA the best choice at this point in your career? What and/or who influenced your decision to apply to Ross?
2. Describe your most significant professional accomplishment. Elaborate on the leadership skills you displayed, the actions you took and the impact you had on your organization.

Short Essays (300 word max)

1. If you were not pursuing the career goals you described in Question 1, what profession would you pursue instead? (For example, teacher, musician athlete, architect, etc.) How will this alternate interest contribute to your effectiveness in solving multidisciplinary problems?
2. Describe your experience during a challenging time in your life. Explain how you grew personally, either despite this challenge or because of it.

Optional Question: Is there anything else you think the Admissions Committee should know about you to evaluate your candidacy?

Source: http://www.bus.umich.edu/Admissions/2008-09_MBA_Essay_Questions.pdf

Essay Alert: Berkeley MBA Fall 2009

2008-06-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

For all you Berkeley MBA applicants - The Cal MBA Bears has posted its essay questions for Fall 2009!

Deadlines for R1 & R2

R1: November 4, 2008

R2: December 9, 2008

Straight from http://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/fall2009.html

Short Answer:

If you could change one thing you've done in your life, what would it be, and how would you do it differently?
Tell us about your most significant accomplishment.
At Haas, we value innovation and creativity. Describe an innovative solution you have created to address a specific challenge.
What steps have you taken to learn about the Berkeley MBA program, and what factors have influenced your decision to apply?

Required Essays:

Give us an example of a situation in which you displayed leadership.
What are your short-term and long-term career goals? How do your professional experiences relate to these goals? Why do you want an MBA from Berkeley at this point in your career?

Optional Essays:

Please feel free to provide a statement concerning any information you would like to add to your application that you haven’t addressed elsewhere.
If you wish to be considered for the Haas Achievement Award (for individuals who have achieved success in spite of significant economic, educational, health-related and/or other obstacles), please use this space to address the obstacles you have overcome.

Good Luck and Happy Writing!

A few words about the GMAT

2008-06-23T13:58:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in my previous post, here are some learnings I'd like to share about my GMAT experience so far:

1.) Do not rush!

a. Do not rush to take the GMAT despite outside pressure. You need to take it when you are ready and can walk in being confident.

b. Do not rush through the problems when you study. I found myself, going through the problem and reading the explanation and simply moving on. You need to be able to fully understand where you went wrong, figure out the pattern and thought process for tackling the problem before you even thinking about moving on the next problem. In doing so, you will learn to recognize patterns and be to quickly hone in on what they are really asking in a question.

2.) Learn from Tiger Woods

a. Two Words: Mental Toughness. I lacked in this area when I sat for the exam. I’m a horrible test taker but GMAT and B-school won’t buy that. You need to be mental tough to handle this exam. In other words, go in with confidence and remain calm and confident at all times not matter how you think you are doing. For me, I looked at the first quant problem and freaked out. By the middle I was so sure that I was doing poorly, that I just started to give in and tried to get the math section over with as fast as possible…do not do this to yourself. If you feel like you are losing it…take a deep breath, re-group, re-focus and move forward.

b. Start this when you are studying. Try your best not to get frustrated, learn to pace yourself, and think positive.

c. Practice, Practice, Practice.

3.) Remember: The GMAT does not own you. You own it!

Update: Don't get desperate and cheat becuase it is never worth it :)

Back Up Again

2008-06-16T17:52:00.000-07:00

OK! So, I think I have had enough time to whine, pout, be upset and I'm done with that. Now it's time to get back up and give it another go!

Thank you to: HappyBunny, Omne, tinydancer, JulyDream for the encouraging words - they defiantly helped!

I'm planning to re-take my GMAT again in late August making sure I leave ample time to do my essays prior to deadlines in Oct/Nov/Dec.

In my next post I'm going to reflect on where I think I made mistakes during my study period and during the exam. I hope that will help others as they prepare for the GMAT

I leave you with these quotes:
"If you fail, get up, and try again"
"Nothing worth having ever comes easy - so if you want it, go get it"

Game Over

2008-06-12T16:24:00.000-07:00

In short - I took the GMATs and I scored below the national average...well below.

I am so mixed up in thoughts/feelings - not sure what else to say at this point.

Dreams of top 20 mba schools just got shattered!

Sure I can take it again, but the changes of scoring 700+ just isn't realistic - not to mention AdCom will look really down on this score.

I need to walk/run this off...

I'm (so) Lost

2008-06-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

I've been reading quite a few forums and blogs by people who are also pursing an MBA. There are some very thought provoking comments and subjects that I have come across.

As for me, just when I thought I had a good idea of what I wanted to do...I'm back where I started. I'm interested in the topic of an ROI for pursing an MBA from a top 20 school where tuition + living expenses can reach anywhere from $110 - $150K + 2 years of lost income. That got me thinking...wow am I sure I'm making the right move? Yes, I understand that post-MBA salaries will make up the cost, but from what I have read/learned so far - that's only for students going into investment banking (IB) or consulting.

I've done some research and soul-searching and decided that IB or consulting is not the route for me (despite salary and bonus). The reason is because I'd like to maintain a work-life balance with minimal travel so that I can spend time with my family. This leads me to the question...well if one is not pursing IB or consulting, then what other areas are graduates getting into that help them pay off the massive loans and is obtaining an MBA from a top 20 MBA program still worth it?

What are your thoughts?

My first post

2008-06-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

As you guessed it, I'm yet another prospective MBA candidate. For the past couple of months, I have been reading many inspirational stories about people's journey to business school. I finally decided, that I would join the club and write about my experience. I am hoping that this blog benefits other prospective MBA candidates and seek help from the wonderful people out there.

Let me beginning by saying: I'm not your typical b-school candidate (but then again, who is?)
The mere fact I'm even considering obtaining a seat at one of the top 20 MBA programs is something I would have never thought I would be doing

I come from a family that are high achievers: cousins graduating from top medical school, law school, and relatives who are executives at leading tech companies. Then there is me. I'm not putting myself down, rather illustrating where I'm coming from. As for me, I went to an average school, got average grades, and pretty much settled on being average ...Till now!