Ask Jon Frank- P69-Q&A:WHY MBA? 7 OVERLOOKED REASONS TO GET AN MBA

JonFrank

Hi Jon! So glad I found your post on ChaseDream. I'm looking to apply for fall 2011, hence I'm just starting the research. One question I have for now is how important do you think extra curricular activities (i.e. volunteering) are? I saw a lot of applicants emphasized their extra curricular experiences in at least one of their essays and it seems to be a positive reinforcement. What are you thoughts on this matter? Thanks in advance!

Best,
sereinsun

-- by 会员 sereinsun (2011/1/14 2:20:14)

Hey there—yes indeed, extra curricular activities ARE important.  They aren’t as critical as work experience (or leadership experience) of course, but they are important.  And you still have pleeeenty of time to put something together.  And by the way, the combination of extra currics and LEADERSHIP is critical.  That’s what you wanna shoot for, if you can piece those two together.  And good luck!  Glad you find out posts helpful.  Stay tuned, we try to post juuust about every day to answer questions.


Jon Frank
Precision Essay

DeeGao

Thanks JON

圈圈1120

顶一个。。

JonFrank

Questions on Application Strategy

Q:I only want to go to HBS or Stanford. I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and people like me. How many schools should I apply to?

A:We love the number seven. That gives you the ability to mix in some stretches and some safeties. We love options—give yourself some.


Q:Hm. But won’t seven schools cost a fortune working with you?


A:Ha, yes it would! That’s why we don’t recommend that you do so. If you’re not careful, you will spend way too much on a consultant. Between GMAT prep and the application fees themselves, you have plenty of money going out. We get it.
Spend smartly. Take advantage of our bulk discounts—70% of our clients do. Then once most of your bases are covered, mix in selections from our A La Carte menu. You don’t need to sign up for 7 Deluxe packages if you are trying (and you should be) to get the most bang for your buck.

tina4319

Hi Jon! I have already admitted to 2011 Kelley. I now work in one small startup owned by my relative for 4 months and my function is more administrative-related. I think that maybe I should find one job more related to my post-MBA career path (marketing in pharma) before I enter in the school. However, since there is only 5 month left, it is pretty hard to find a decent position in a MNC. So, I am wondering whether a position like marketing assitant in a pharma company (ex: Merck) a good choice for me now? Thank you for your great help!

JonFrank

Hi Jon! I have already admitted to 2011 Kelley. I now work in one small startup owned by my relative for 4 months and my function is more administrative-related. I think that maybe I should find one job more related to my post-MBA career path (marketing in pharma) before I enter in the school. However, since there is only 5 month left, it is pretty hard to find a decent position in a MNC. So, I am wondering whether a position like marketing assitant in a pharma company (ex: Merck) a good choice for me now? Thank you for your great help!

-- by 会员 tina4319 (2011/2/13 21:27:28)

Hey there!  Yes, moving onto a company with a big, impressive name (like Merck) would be VERY good for your background.  It would make it much, much easier for you to get a good internship while you are at school.  Honestly, it doesn’t even matter much what the job is.  Given the fact that you work for a start up now, getting that “name brand” experience would be very good for you.  I recommend it for sure—especially given your current background.  I hope this helps, and good luck!



Jon Frank
Precision Essay

tina4319

Thanks Jon!

JonFrank

Q&A sharing

Q:
Jon,
What are your thoughts on leveraging one school's offer ($$) when speaking with another school? I got accepted into two equally good schools, but one is offering me scholarship money.  Should I try to ask the other school if they will reconsider me for a merit scholarship, or is that completely tactless?
Thanks!

A:
Hey there, glad to offer some more guidance your way.Now it sounds like you have a good problem!  So first off...congrats.  : )Lets get into it.  First off, we need to assume that you have two offers that are 100% the same in terms of reputation.  And remember, our key advice is always to GO TO THE BEST SCHOOL YOU CAN GET INTO. But for arguments sake, lets assume youre in at Harvard A, and Harvard B.   The schools are literally, exactly, identically the same. Theyre both Harvard.So at that point, if one school offers more money, then youd of course go there.  As of today, Harvard A offers you $20K, and Harvard B offers you $0.  No brainer--you choose Harvard A.So the question, as I understand it, is "Can I ask Harvard B for money."  And the answer is that yes, you may as well.  After all, since the schools are identical, you stand to lose nothing by asking.  They wont offer it up of their own accord.  But heres the key.  Harvard B will say, "Well screw you--if you think we're the same as the other school, we dont want you here.  No more soup for you."  So here is the way to spin it--"Hey guys, thanks so much for your generous offer.  You are my top choice by far--I LOVE how you have A, B, and C.  erfect fit, I love you.  Now heres the thing--money is very tight for me.  For a number of personal reasons, I cant just take out the loans that others can.  I am very, very cost sensitive.  If there is any way at all that you can help, I would greatly appreciate it.  Otherwise, I will have no choice but to accept a spot with a lesser school, simply because their offer has been so generous."Now, likely they will of course still say no.  : )  After all, if it were that easy, everyone would do it!   But from what Im describing--Harvard A and Harvard B--you certainly have nothing to lose by trying.  Just phrase it the right way, to maximize chances for success.  Give them every possible classy chance to say, "Congratulations, we just found some extra money, youve been awarded blablabla."

Jon Frank
Precision Essay

bigjoe

And remember, our key advice is always to GO TO THE BEST SCHOOL YOU CAN GET INTO.

-- by 会员 JonFrank (2011/2/26 22:09:23)

Hello Jon, I saw you mentioned this sentence many times.


But in reality, many people are facing a dilemma between a better school with high financial risk(given the current economic situation) and slightly poorer school with good scholarship, do you still recommend them to go to the first one? Why? For example, some one in this forum posted that she has to choose between Duke with no money VS Emory with 75% tuition waiver, what is your advice?


Joe

JonFrank

And remember, our key advice is always to GO TO THE BEST SCHOOL YOU CAN GET INTO.

-- by 会员 JonFrank (2011/2/26 22:09:23)

Hello Jon, I saw you mentioned this sentence many times.


But in reality, many people are facing a dilemma between a better school with high financial risk(given the current economic situation) and slightly poorer school with good scholarship, do you still recommend them to go to the first one? Why? For example, some one in this forum posted that she has to choose between Duke with no money VS Emory with 75% tuition waiver, what is your advice?


Joe

-- by 会员 bigjoe (2011/2/26 23:48:53)

Joe, I am so glad that you asked this question.  We do indeed advise all our friends to go to the best school they can get into.  And yes, this is even true if you get a scholarship someplace.  Why?  It’s just a mathematics problem.  Let me explain.  Let’s say you get offered $30K to go to a lesser school.  I’d say turn it down, for sure (provided that the other school is for sure “better.”)  Why?  Because honestly dude, and take it from me (HBS Class of 2005) that $30K means NOTHING in the long run.  You will make up that $30K in two years’ time for sure—maybe less.  But the value of a GREAT name on your resume is worth so much—so much MORE than a mere $30K.  It is a simple case of short term vision versus long term vision.  A better school, no matter how much money they throw at you, is the one to attend.  Don’t think that $30K, $80K etc. is that important—thirty years out, it will be IRRELEVANT.  As we say here in the US, “Keep your eye on the ball,” and go to the best school you can get into.  Hope this helps my friend.


Jon Frank
Precision Essay