from: XXX@gmail.com
to: Transcend Admissions Consultants <transcendadmissions@gmail.com>
date: Tue, May 31, 2011 at 3:41 PM
subject: IMC Application follow-up
Dear David,
It has been awhile since we last talked. But I am happy to finally tell you that last Thursday I received the offer of admission from the Northwestern University (Medill) Master in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) program!! Actually, they gave me a deferred admission - which requires me to work for a year, so I'll be joining their class in 2012. Therefore, lately I have been busy looking for a perfect job :p
Anyway I think it is a perfect result. I don't need to worry about reapplying and at the same time can get a full time work experience. You have given me a great deal of help to achieve this. I think your waitlist and interview strategy worked perfectly in this case. Million thanks!!!! I'll definitely recommend Transcend Admissions to my friends and schoolmates.
Anyways, thank you so much for your help and support. We will keep in touch!!!
Sincerely,
H.I.
www.transcendadmissions.com
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Kellogg EMBA Program - GMAT Not Required!
Going forward the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Business Executive MBA program will not require a GMAT score to be submitted as part of the application. The program is geared towards working professionals with little time to prepare for the GMAT exam (the EMBA requires a minimum of 8 years of work experience, and the average student has 12-15 years of work experience), and therefore Kellogg has decided that they will primarily evaluate candidates based on their career progress.
Harvard Professor Becomes Dean at Georgetown McDonough School of Business
David A. Thomas, professor and former associate dean at Harvard Business School will become the new dean of Georgetown University McDonough School of Business as of August 1st, 2011. Thomas is a professor of Business Administration and directs Harvard's Organizational Behavior Unit; he was also a former professor at the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania. Thomas holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Yale and Columbia Universities, respectively.
Thomas is now the third high profile HBS professor to take over the top position at prominent business schools over the last several months, as professor John Quelch became the vice president and dean at China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) in Dec. 2010, and long-time HBS finance professor and social entrepreneur Peter Tufano became the dean at the University of Oxford, Said Business School in Nov. 2010.
Thomas is now the third high profile HBS professor to take over the top position at prominent business schools over the last several months, as professor John Quelch became the vice president and dean at China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) in Dec. 2010, and long-time HBS finance professor and social entrepreneur Peter Tufano became the dean at the University of Oxford, Said Business School in Nov. 2010.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
MBA Internship Hiring Has Increased in 2011
This article reports that many of the top business schools in the United States, including Northwestern (Kellogg), Cornell (Johnson), Carnegie Mellon (Tepper) and the University of Minnesota (Carlson) have showed a significant increase in hiring for MBA students who had internships in the summer of 2010. Employers in the consulting, banking, consumer packaged goods and energy industries are driving this growth as they look to fill their talent needs.
Many MBA career services directors are cautiously optimistic about these positive figures, and note that many employers are waiting longer to extend offers and hiring interns year-round, instead of in the fall as was more common in the past. MBA career services offices have also shifted their focus to instruct candidates how to best leverage their network to aggressively find internships, instead of waiting for employers to recruit on campus.
Many MBA career services directors are cautiously optimistic about these positive figures, and note that many employers are waiting longer to extend offers and hiring interns year-round, instead of in the fall as was more common in the past. MBA career services offices have also shifted their focus to instruct candidates how to best leverage their network to aggressively find internships, instead of waiting for employers to recruit on campus.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Georgetown MBA - Finally!!!!
陳 冠甫 souloriginxxx@yahoo.com.tw
to: Transcend Admissions Consultants <transcendadmissions@gmail.com>
date: Mon, May 23, 2011 at 2:13 PM
Dear David,
I would like to tell you that after a long, long wait I FINALLY received the offer of admission to the Georgetown MBA program!!! Thank you for all the hard work and support you put in on my applications - especially finishing many last minute essay edits and helping me create an effective waitlist strategy that eventually led to this acceptance.
I am very excited to become your Georgetown University 学弟 and for all the possibilities this MBA degree will bring. :)
Lets plan a dinner soon to celebrate, and I would love to hear your insights on living and studying in Washington D.C.!
Yours Truly,
Kory Chen
to: Transcend Admissions Consultants <transcendadmissions@gmail.com>
date: Mon, May 23, 2011 at 2:13 PM
Dear David,
I would like to tell you that after a long, long wait I FINALLY received the offer of admission to the Georgetown MBA program!!! Thank you for all the hard work and support you put in on my applications - especially finishing many last minute essay edits and helping me create an effective waitlist strategy that eventually led to this acceptance.
I am very excited to become your Georgetown University 学弟 and for all the possibilities this MBA degree will bring. :)
Lets plan a dinner soon to celebrate, and I would love to hear your insights on living and studying in Washington D.C.!
Yours Truly,
Kory Chen
Friday, May 20, 2011
Positive Hiring Trends for 2011 MBA Graduates
The Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) (the company that brought you the GMAT) has recently reported that the job market for the class of 2011 MBA graduates has significantly improved from 2010.
In a GMAC survey from March 2011, 54% of MBA class of 2011 respondents indicated that they have already received at least one offer of employment, up from 32% just one year ago as many employers seek to expand operations. Average salaries for MBA graduates are also on the rise, as annual salaries for job-seekers in the United States and Europe are now over USD91,000.
This is very positive news for current MBA students and future applicants, and is strong evidence that the global economic situation is steadily improving.
In a GMAC survey from March 2011, 54% of MBA class of 2011 respondents indicated that they have already received at least one offer of employment, up from 32% just one year ago as many employers seek to expand operations. Average salaries for MBA graduates are also on the rise, as annual salaries for job-seekers in the United States and Europe are now over USD91,000.
This is very positive news for current MBA students and future applicants, and is strong evidence that the global economic situation is steadily improving.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
In Many Asian Countries, Women GMAT Testtakers Outnumber Men
This recent Bloomberg/Businessweek article notes that the number of women taking the GMAT exam from China, Taiwan, Vietnam and Thailand is now greater than men. Last year, 57% of all examinees from Taiwan were women. These Asian female applicants to MBA programs are likely the reason female enrollment in many programs has increased in recent years. Ten years ago MBA programs generally had about 25% female enrollment, but now in many programs female enrollment accounts for over 30% of all students.
Should I Take a Break to Prepare for the GMAT?
A common question we receive at Transcend Admissions Consultants is whether applicants should quit their jobs in order to prepare for the GMAT and create their graduate school applications.
There is no doubt that preparing for the GMAT and producing high-quality application materials is very difficult and time-consuming, especially when you have to balance your time with a very demanding job. Because of this, many applicants believe that they must quit their job to effectively complete these tasks. However, before leaving your job you must carefully consider the implications of this decision. For a Fall 2012 graduate school applicant that quits their job in May 2011, there will be a 16 month gap before the programs begins, which is a considerable amount of time. During this period you may be giving up potential promotions or management/leadership experiences that could be keys to your success in graduate school. In addition, if you are not accepted by the schools you apply to you may face a difficult and uncertain job market.
The applicant must also consider the fact that thousands of graduate school applicants have been able to successfully manage studying for the GMAT and preparing their essays while still thriving at work. Those applicants who leave their jobs will certainly be at a disadvantage to applicants with similar credentials who continued to work during the application process. The admissions committee will wonder why the applicant could not balance their job and GMAT preparation at the same time and may decide that they do not have the determination necesary to be a leader. The admissions committee may also assume that the applicant lacks organizational ability - a key skill for graduate school.
If you do decide that you must leave your job in order to prepare for the GMAT and do your applications, you should also find something else to work on in the meantime that will show skill development and enhances your resume, such as community service involvement. In the admissions interview you will definitely be asked about an employment gap, and should be ready to discuss your recent activities, and how these experiences have made you a stronger candidate that can add uniqueness and value to the class.
An alternative to consider is requesting a leave of absence from your employer. This can give you the valuable time you need to prepare for the GMAT, but will allow you to return to work so you can continue to enhance your knowledge and skills. We have found that many employers are open to this type of arrangement.
There is no doubt that preparing for the GMAT and producing high-quality application materials is very difficult and time-consuming, especially when you have to balance your time with a very demanding job. Because of this, many applicants believe that they must quit their job to effectively complete these tasks. However, before leaving your job you must carefully consider the implications of this decision. For a Fall 2012 graduate school applicant that quits their job in May 2011, there will be a 16 month gap before the programs begins, which is a considerable amount of time. During this period you may be giving up potential promotions or management/leadership experiences that could be keys to your success in graduate school. In addition, if you are not accepted by the schools you apply to you may face a difficult and uncertain job market.
The applicant must also consider the fact that thousands of graduate school applicants have been able to successfully manage studying for the GMAT and preparing their essays while still thriving at work. Those applicants who leave their jobs will certainly be at a disadvantage to applicants with similar credentials who continued to work during the application process. The admissions committee will wonder why the applicant could not balance their job and GMAT preparation at the same time and may decide that they do not have the determination necesary to be a leader. The admissions committee may also assume that the applicant lacks organizational ability - a key skill for graduate school.
If you do decide that you must leave your job in order to prepare for the GMAT and do your applications, you should also find something else to work on in the meantime that will show skill development and enhances your resume, such as community service involvement. In the admissions interview you will definitely be asked about an employment gap, and should be ready to discuss your recent activities, and how these experiences have made you a stronger candidate that can add uniqueness and value to the class.
An alternative to consider is requesting a leave of absence from your employer. This can give you the valuable time you need to prepare for the GMAT, but will allow you to return to work so you can continue to enhance your knowledge and skills. We have found that many employers are open to this type of arrangement.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Paying The Deposit - Then Changing Your Mind
Many graduate school applicants face a dilemma when they are accepted early by a school and asked to quickly pay a deposit before they have time to receive the final decision from the other schools they have applied to. This becomes even more difficult when the school that has accepted them is not their first choice.
First of all there is nothing wrong with politely asking for a payment extension by explaining to the school that you would like to evaluate all of the offers from the schools you have applied to before paying the deposit. Many schools will appreciate your honesty and grant such an extension for a limited period of time.
However eventually you may have to make the decision whether or not to pay the deposit while you are still waiting to hear from your dream school. So what should you do if you eventually receive an offer from your dream school - is it okay to back out and reject the first school? Here are some points to consider when making this decision:
Monetary consideration. The deposit will almost certainly not be returned if you back out so you will need to consider whether you can afford to lose this amount of money.
Inspiration and enthusiasm. Does the first school inspire you to learn and are you extremely enthusiastic about studying there? If the answer to these questions is no, then you probably should not attend the school, whether you paid the deposit or not. Graduate school is a huge investment of time and money - this is a decision you must be 100% certain about. You may regret it for the rest of your life if you go to the wrong school. Also, the school only wants students who really like their program to attend. So if you are not enthusiastic about the program in the end it is also better for the school if you do not enroll.
Ethics. There is an issue about whether accepting the offer of admission from a school and paying the deposit and then backing out is unethical. Some people might persuasively argue that this is unethical behavior. However one can also argue that paying a deposit is simply a monetary issue, not an ethical issue. If you paid a deposit for a hotel and then decided not to stay there most people would certainly not consider this an unethical decision. The school still gets to keep your money, so they have gained something. In addition, many graduate school programs put hundreds of applicants on the wait list for precisely this reason. Rest assured if you back out, the school will be able to find a qualified and eager candidate to take your place.
In the end we advise applicants to follow their instincts and go to the school that they like the most. It is a very personal decision, but foregoing your deposit may be worth it in the end.
First of all there is nothing wrong with politely asking for a payment extension by explaining to the school that you would like to evaluate all of the offers from the schools you have applied to before paying the deposit. Many schools will appreciate your honesty and grant such an extension for a limited period of time.
However eventually you may have to make the decision whether or not to pay the deposit while you are still waiting to hear from your dream school. So what should you do if you eventually receive an offer from your dream school - is it okay to back out and reject the first school? Here are some points to consider when making this decision:
Monetary consideration. The deposit will almost certainly not be returned if you back out so you will need to consider whether you can afford to lose this amount of money.
Inspiration and enthusiasm. Does the first school inspire you to learn and are you extremely enthusiastic about studying there? If the answer to these questions is no, then you probably should not attend the school, whether you paid the deposit or not. Graduate school is a huge investment of time and money - this is a decision you must be 100% certain about. You may regret it for the rest of your life if you go to the wrong school. Also, the school only wants students who really like their program to attend. So if you are not enthusiastic about the program in the end it is also better for the school if you do not enroll.
Ethics. There is an issue about whether accepting the offer of admission from a school and paying the deposit and then backing out is unethical. Some people might persuasively argue that this is unethical behavior. However one can also argue that paying a deposit is simply a monetary issue, not an ethical issue. If you paid a deposit for a hotel and then decided not to stay there most people would certainly not consider this an unethical decision. The school still gets to keep your money, so they have gained something. In addition, many graduate school programs put hundreds of applicants on the wait list for precisely this reason. Rest assured if you back out, the school will be able to find a qualified and eager candidate to take your place.
In the end we advise applicants to follow their instincts and go to the school that they like the most. It is a very personal decision, but foregoing your deposit may be worth it in the end.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Harvard!!!!!!!
from: 李宗諭 <wt2xxx@gmail.com>
to: David Johnston <transcendadmissions@gmail.com>
date: Fri, Apr 29, 2011 at 2:18 PM
subject: Thank you!! David
mailed-by: gmail.com
Dear David,
I never thought I would be saying this but: I'll be going to Harvard next year!!! I was recently admitted to the Harvard University Graduate School of Design for the Master in Urban Planning program. To summarize, I was also accepted into Duke, University of Michigan, Cornell, UPenn and Columbia!
I just wanted to write you a message to thank you for all of your support. I especially appreciate the extra time you spent getting to know my background and revising numerous drafts of my resume and essays. I think this really paid off as you really helped me refine my career goals, clearly display my uniqueness and persuasively explain my future potential. And of course, I submitted many of my essays and recommendation letters for editing at the last minute, thanks for your efficiency and dedication is allowing me to meet all the deadlines.
After being rejected by University of Wisconsin last year I really did not think this was possible. But after a lot of hard work I made it to Harvard. It is really a dream come true! Thanks again for all of your help and support this this stressful application process. I wish you and your business the best of luck in the future.
Best Regards,
李宗諭
Chung Yu (Jonathan), Lee
to: David Johnston <transcendadmissions@gmail.com>
date: Fri, Apr 29, 2011 at 2:18 PM
subject: Thank you!! David
mailed-by: gmail.com
Dear David,
I never thought I would be saying this but: I'll be going to Harvard next year!!! I was recently admitted to the Harvard University Graduate School of Design for the Master in Urban Planning program. To summarize, I was also accepted into Duke, University of Michigan, Cornell, UPenn and Columbia!
I just wanted to write you a message to thank you for all of your support. I especially appreciate the extra time you spent getting to know my background and revising numerous drafts of my resume and essays. I think this really paid off as you really helped me refine my career goals, clearly display my uniqueness and persuasively explain my future potential. And of course, I submitted many of my essays and recommendation letters for editing at the last minute, thanks for your efficiency and dedication is allowing me to meet all the deadlines.
After being rejected by University of Wisconsin last year I really did not think this was possible. But after a lot of hard work I made it to Harvard. It is really a dream come true! Thanks again for all of your help and support this this stressful application process. I wish you and your business the best of luck in the future.
Best Regards,
李宗諭
Chung Yu (Jonathan), Lee
Tulane MS in Finance
from: Kane Chen <kychenxxxx@gmail.com>
to: Transcend Admissions Consultants <transcendadmissions@gmail.com>
date: Fri, Apr 29, 2011 at 1:30 PM
subject: Re: Hi David
mailed-bygmail.com
Hi David!
This is Kane Chen. I wanted update you on my applications. I have been admitted to the Tulane University Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program, the Illinois Institute of Technology MSF program, and have been waitlisted at University of Rochester (Simon) MSF program.
After putting a lot of thought into this I have decided to go to Tulane next year! Many thanks for all of your help with my applications. As you know, in the beginning I was not confident that my GPA and TOEFL would be high enough to be admitted to these prestigious schools. But with your advice and detailed editing, my essays/SOPs and letters of recommendations really highlighted my strenghs and minimized these weaknesses. I know that I could not have accomplished this without you.
Lets go drink some whisky and celebrate before I go to the US! And of course, you are welcome to visit me in New Orleans next year during Mardi Gras... ;)
Sincerely,
Kane
to: Transcend Admissions Consultants <transcendadmissions@gmail.com>
date: Fri, Apr 29, 2011 at 1:30 PM
subject: Re: Hi David
mailed-bygmail.com
Hi David!
This is Kane Chen. I wanted update you on my applications. I have been admitted to the Tulane University Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program, the Illinois Institute of Technology MSF program, and have been waitlisted at University of Rochester (Simon) MSF program.
After putting a lot of thought into this I have decided to go to Tulane next year! Many thanks for all of your help with my applications. As you know, in the beginning I was not confident that my GPA and TOEFL would be high enough to be admitted to these prestigious schools. But with your advice and detailed editing, my essays/SOPs and letters of recommendations really highlighted my strenghs and minimized these weaknesses. I know that I could not have accomplished this without you.
Lets go drink some whisky and celebrate before I go to the US! And of course, you are welcome to visit me in New Orleans next year during Mardi Gras... ;)
Sincerely,
Kane
NYU in Shanghai
NYU has opened facilities in Shanghai, on the campus of East China Normal University. Currently the program is limited to current NYU students from New York that want to study abroad in China. Courses are offered in NYU Shanghai by the Stern School of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development. Future plans are to expand NYU Shanghai to 3,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Strong ROI For Part-Time MBA Programs
Bloomberg Businessweek reported recently that although the return on investment (ROI) can be much more difficult to calculate for part-time MBA programs, the value is very real.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Summer Reading
Many 2012 MBA applicants will be focusing a great deal of time preparing for the GMAT this spring and summer, but don't forget to keep expanding your knowledge and perspectives during your down time. This article mentions several great books recommended by professors from top business schools.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Transcend Admmsions Consultants at the 3/27 MBA Information Session
Thanks to everyone who came out on a rainy Saturday evening!
Using Community Service to Enhance Your MBA Credentials
Many MBA applicants believe that an excellent GMAT score and GPA alone will earn them a ticket into a top MBA program. While solid numbers will certainly help, applicants often overlook how community service involvement will enhance their profile and give them an edge. MBA programs are searching for students with intelligence and business acumen, but also well-rounded and passionate people who want to make a difference. Extensive community involvement is a way to show the other side of your personality and character. And practically, if you did not participate in many outside-the-classroom activities in college, now is the time to involved so that you can add another dimension to your application package.
Here are some reasons why community service can enhance your MBA credentials.
Here are some reasons why community service can enhance your MBA credentials.
Displaying leadership skills. MBA programs carefully evaluate candidates’ leadership ability and future management potential. However, because many candidates only have 2-3 years of experience they have not had sufficient time to reach management level at work and often have difficulty showing legitimate leadership examples in their essays. Getting involved in community service is a great opportunity to get real leadership experience that can truly benefit you and your resume. Community service groups always need help with their activities and will likely give you a lot of responsibility if you ask for it. In addition, you may also be able to improve other business and organizational skills if you work directly with the organization’s management on planning programs and events.
You are an engaging and active person. A person that was very active in their community in the past is the person who will likely get involved in the future. MBA programs are not only looking for people with deep business knowledge and experience to add to case discussions, they want people who will get involved outside the classroom in clubs, sports, competitions, recruiting, alumni affairs, etc. Especially for the MBA programs that stress the importance of a close community environment, the admissions committee will be looking for evidence of your past community involvement. And as social responsibility and ethics are becoming more important themes in business, MBA programs are searching for people who care deeply about their communities, and will be more inclined to admit people who have taken leadership roles in community service in the past. MBA programs will also evaluate you on the type of alumni you may become – a person who gives back to their community will probably become an active MBA alumnus that helps the school promote its brand.
You are highly motivated. Employers want people who are highly motivated self-starters. Leaders must have the ability to motivate themselves and others. However, many people say that it is unfair to expect candidates to excel in very demanding and time consuming jobs AND take on substantial community service commitments. While these complaints are somewhat valid, we need to look to the core of what community service means. The type of activities you engage in and the fact that you will not be getting paid says a lot about you. Community involvement shows that you have passion for certain causes and that you are motivated by things other than money which are very attractive qualities.
In addition, being able to thrive in a demanding job and getting involved in your community shows that you truly know how to balance your time and that you are willing to put a little bit more effort forth than everyone else. These are the types of demands that are always present for CEOs and by showing you were able to successfully manage your time in the past indicates that you will probably be able to do so in the future.
If you are planning to volunteer, do something that you have a passion for that fits your overall personality and application—you may be surprised by what you learn and how rewarding the experience can be. And in the future when enroll in an MBA program, take advantage of all the community services activities available through the school, this may become the most rewarding part of your MBA experience!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Michigan! Rochester! Purdue!
from: shih hang <phrelXXX@gmail.com>
to: David Johnston <transcendadmissions@gmail.com>
dateMon, Apr 11, 2011 at 3:43 PM
subject: home run
mailed-bygmail.com
signed-bygmail.com
Dear David:
I would like to let you know the great news!
As you know I applied to only three schools - and I already got three admission offers from Michigan (Ross), Rochester (Simon) and Purdue (Krannert)! Home Run!!
Without your professional consultation, I am sure that I would not have the opportunity to get these offers.
Thannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnks & Good Luck!!!
Sincerely.
--
Yen Shih
to: David Johnston <transcendadmissions@gmail.com>
dateMon, Apr 11, 2011 at 3:43 PM
subject: home run
mailed-bygmail.com
signed-bygmail.com
Dear David:
I would like to let you know the great news!
As you know I applied to only three schools - and I already got three admission offers from Michigan (Ross), Rochester (Simon) and Purdue (Krannert)! Home Run!!
Without your professional consultation, I am sure that I would not have the opportunity to get these offers.
Thannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnks & Good Luck!!!
Sincerely.
--
Yen Shih
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Thanks - From Iris Lo
Iris <92306XXX@nccu.edu.tw>
reply-to92306XXX@nccu.edu.tw
totranscendadmissions <transcendadmissions@gmail.com>
date: Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 1:22 PM
subject Re: A2 Student referral
mailed-bynccu.edu.tw
Dear David:
I'm happy to let you know that I was admitted to UC Irvine and UC San Diego and waitlisted by UC Davis.
Can't wait to begin my MBA program and just want to say thanks again for your help.
I really appreciate your excellent editing service and quick response. Your service really helped me save lots of time and create high quality documents during my application. Besides editing, the discussion with you about the essays and the rehearsal for interviews were also quite important for me.
I'm more than willing to share my experience and recommend your service to other applicants!
Best regards,
Iris Lo
reply-to92306XXX@nccu.edu.tw
totranscendadmissions <transcendadmissions@gmail.com>
date: Thu, Apr 7, 2011 at 1:22 PM
subject Re: A2 Student referral
mailed-bynccu.edu.tw
Dear David:
I'm happy to let you know that I was admitted to UC Irvine and UC San Diego and waitlisted by UC Davis.
Can't wait to begin my MBA program and just want to say thanks again for your help.
I really appreciate your excellent editing service and quick response. Your service really helped me save lots of time and create high quality documents during my application. Besides editing, the discussion with you about the essays and the rehearsal for interviews were also quite important for me.
I'm more than willing to share my experience and recommend your service to other applicants!
Best regards,
Iris Lo
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Overcoming a Low GPA
Many applicants believe that a low undergraduate GPA will prohibit them from getting into an MBA or other graduate school program. While having a solid GPA is a positive indicator in proving your academic potential, it is just one of many factors that the admissions committee will evaluate to determine your ability to succeed in an MBA program. Below is a list of steps that you can take to overcome this weakness on your MBA applications.
- Get a high GMAT score. Your GMAT score is the other primary indicator the admissions committee will use to evaluate your intellectual capacity. Therefore, if you have a low GPA the GMAT becomes even more important.
- Evaluate your college transcript. If you earned solid grades on key business subjects, and poor grades on subjects not related to business, be sure to highlight this distinction in your optional essay. If your grades in key business subjects are weak, consider taking supplemental college or online courses to prove your proficiency in these areas - this will show that you do in fact have the ability to succeed in those subjects and are working hard to improve yourself.
- Focus on extracurricular activities. While you may not have been focused on studying in college, you may have had extensive extracurricular involvement. In your essays and resume, be sure to clearly explain the extent of your outside-of-class involvement, specifically highlighting leadership and teamwork experiences.
- Write persuasive essays. Almost every MBA program allows you to write an optional essay which is a great place to address the low GPA issue. This is your opportunity to provide legitimate reasons why you did not achieve as much as you should have due to circumstances such as family issues, illness, transferring schools or switching majors. The optional essay should be direct and brief, must not be full of excuses and it must have a positive tone.
- Support from your recommenders. The letters of recommendation are a key element to overcoming a low GPA. A recommendation from a professor stating that the applicant is very smart and that their GPA does not reflect their true academic potential can be very powerful. Make sure you address this issue with your recommender before they draft the recommendation letter.
Your past does not define your future. Keep in mind that admissions committees are very pragmatic and are looking for people with strong future potential. Subpar past academic performance will not automatically eliminate a candidate from consideration if they can show that they have unique qualities and such future potential. I have seen many candidates that did not have high GPAs follow the steps above and gain acceptance into very good MBA programs, including a candidate with a 1.9 GPA!
- Get a high GMAT score. Your GMAT score is the other primary indicator the admissions committee will use to evaluate your intellectual capacity. Therefore, if you have a low GPA the GMAT becomes even more important.
- Evaluate your college transcript. If you earned solid grades on key business subjects, and poor grades on subjects not related to business, be sure to highlight this distinction in your optional essay. If your grades in key business subjects are weak, consider taking supplemental college or online courses to prove your proficiency in these areas - this will show that you do in fact have the ability to succeed in those subjects and are working hard to improve yourself.
- Focus on extracurricular activities. While you may not have been focused on studying in college, you may have had extensive extracurricular involvement. In your essays and resume, be sure to clearly explain the extent of your outside-of-class involvement, specifically highlighting leadership and teamwork experiences.
- Write persuasive essays. Almost every MBA program allows you to write an optional essay which is a great place to address the low GPA issue. This is your opportunity to provide legitimate reasons why you did not achieve as much as you should have due to circumstances such as family issues, illness, transferring schools or switching majors. The optional essay should be direct and brief, must not be full of excuses and it must have a positive tone.
- Support from your recommenders. The letters of recommendation are a key element to overcoming a low GPA. A recommendation from a professor stating that the applicant is very smart and that their GPA does not reflect their true academic potential can be very powerful. Make sure you address this issue with your recommender before they draft the recommendation letter.
Your past does not define your future. Keep in mind that admissions committees are very pragmatic and are looking for people with strong future potential. Subpar past academic performance will not automatically eliminate a candidate from consideration if they can show that they have unique qualities and such future potential. I have seen many candidates that did not have high GPAs follow the steps above and gain acceptance into very good MBA programs, including a candidate with a 1.9 GPA!
Friday, April 1, 2011
I'll Be Studying In Paris Next Year!!
annice <annicexxxx@gmail.com>
toDavid Johnston <transcendadmissions@gmail.com>
dateFri, Apr 1, 2011 at 12:27 PM
subjecta thank-you letter
mailed-bygmail.com
Hi David:
I am happy to tell you that after struggling with the GMAT, essays, all the mandatory documents and interviews, I was finally accepted into the Masters in Management program at ESCP, the one that I wanted the most!!!
Offers obtained: ESCP, EMLyon, Audencia Nantes, Skema
I know that without your help, things could have been REAL HARD.
My GMAT is not very impressive (670), not to mention my lower-than-3 GPA.
What's worse, I'm not a confident person.
I don't really know how to...uh...exhibit but not boast my accomplishments.
You really gave me a big hand not only with editing the essays but also on inspiring my ideas.
Also, Steven's interview suggestions are very helpful as well.
Really appreciate your help, patience and support.
Keep in touch and wish you enjoy your life in Taiwan!
Don't forget to contact me if you have chance to visit Paris :)
Annice
toDavid Johnston <transcendadmissions@gmail.com>
dateFri, Apr 1, 2011 at 12:27 PM
subjecta thank-you letter
mailed-bygmail.com
Hi David:
I am happy to tell you that after struggling with the GMAT, essays, all the mandatory documents and interviews, I was finally accepted into the Masters in Management program at ESCP, the one that I wanted the most!!!
Offers obtained: ESCP, EMLyon, Audencia Nantes, Skema
I know that without your help, things could have been REAL HARD.
My GMAT is not very impressive (670), not to mention my lower-than-3 GPA.
What's worse, I'm not a confident person.
I don't really know how to...uh...exhibit but not boast my accomplishments.
You really gave me a big hand not only with editing the essays but also on inspiring my ideas.
Also, Steven's interview suggestions are very helpful as well.
Really appreciate your help, patience and support.
Keep in touch and wish you enjoy your life in Taiwan!
Don't forget to contact me if you have chance to visit Paris :)
Annice
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)