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Planning your MBA admissions process
This is a transcript of the Expert Chat that TopMBA Scorecard runs at monthly intervals throughout the year and will feature in the TopMBA.com newsletter. Each month, registered users get the chance to ask targeted questions of an MBA expert on a variety of topics.
This expert chat was hosted by Ms. Zoya Zaitseva, who manages the European leg of the QS World MBA Tour, the world's biggest international MBA fairs. Questions were sent in by respondents from all around the world.
Question: What is a real difference between European and US MBA? What are the reasons to choose each of them?
We all have different reasons for choosing the schools. Somebody doesn't want to travel too far and prefers to study in Europe; others need guaranteed loans and apply to top American schools only. I would put it this way: if you want to be able to work in the US, Europe or any other part of the world, American schools would be your choice. It is much more challenging to find a good job in States after a European or Asian business schools (but I am not saying it is impossible).
Most of the American schools offer two-year programs; students are a bit younger than in Europe. At the same time, there are two-year program in Europe and one year programs in States.
Question: Do the top schools have seats for applicants from different counties? If I'm a Filipino and 25 years old, is that diverse enough for the admissions committee from the top 10 schools?
Being just "a Filipino and 25 years old" might not be good enough. Think of yourself as of the candidate who needs to get in, but stand out. You will be competing with hundreds of international candidates from around the world, so your age and nationality is not what you sell.
Before you start working on your application package, write down five-six selling points that make you different from other candidates. While working on your essays or getting ready for the interview always remember these points and prove your uniqueness in all possible ways, not just by the ethnic background.
Question: I wish to know more about the application process. What could I do to successfully enroll in a renowned business school, which offers a specialization in Marketing? Furthermore, it has been my dream to attend Harvard Business School but coming from an African background, I face some financial difficulties. What are my chances for them to offer me a considerable scholarship that could cover at least 3/4 of my tuition fees?
You can read more about the application process in the MBA Admissions sub-section of the http://www.topmba.com/ web site.
There is also a very good article there - Making your application work: http://www.topmba.com/mba_admissions/article/article/making_your_business_school_application_work/ I think it would help you.
As for the business schools, if you think about marketing Harvard wouldn't be the first choice for this major. It is a great brand, but there are other schools that are stronger in this particular specialization. Check http://www.topmba.com/scorecard to see what I mean.
Scholarships are rather limited in the MBA world, but at the same time there are millions of dollars of unclaimed scholarships so please do your homework and study the web for the opportunities. QS World MBA Tour offers over $1M in scholarships, schools do it every year on need-based or merit-based grounds; independent providers are there for you: www.myrichuncle.com, www.fastweb.com, etc. In the US most of the top business schools will be also able to provide you with the loan, which is also a great option for an MBA candidate.
Question: I am a 28 yr old male from India, with not bad GPA, 740 GMAT, a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, 2.5 yrs post-degree experience and 10 yrs experience overall, presently an assistant manager in a BPO (an outsourcing unit in the service industry but have worked in garment exports and earlier in the manufacturing industry), Diplomas in E-Commerce, International Trade and Management and I know elementary German. I have weak extra-curricular activities - passive Greenpeace member, brown belt in martial arts, amateur magician. I need help to formulate strategy for top 15 B-schools.
