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

chengya

Hi Jon,

I am now in the waiting list of Duke in Round 2 (Health Care Management Program).  Could you please tell me how much hope I still have to be accepted? What I should do now to pursue it? If I still have a little bit hope, I will take whatever it takes to do it.

My background: MD, PhD ( USA degree).  Have two years experience as  cardiologist. Couples years research and management experience in American biotech (startup) and pharmaceutical industries (currently in Covance).

Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you very much.

Chengya

-- by 会员 chengya (2011/3/26 7:00:40)

Hey there!  It is great that you’ve made some good progress—hopefully we can help here.  There are three ways to improve your chances on the waitlist:

1)      Submit an additional letter of recommendation.  (LOR).  Do you have someone whom you haven’t asked yet? Perhaps someone who can speak to a different aspect of your application?  Even someone connected to the program would go a long way.
2)      Visit.  While this is difficult from overseas, this is one way to improve your chances.  It is always great to help adcoms put a face behind the name.  Send em an email, and say that you are headed there to visit, and you’d love to “pop your head in and introduce yourself.”  If you can pull it off, that’s a great plan.
3)      An additional essay/letter.  Is there anything that you haven’t captured yet in your application?  Anything new or cool or interesting that you have done, worth updating them on?  Hope so—write a letter!  Tell them how interested you are in the program, and that you have achieved a great deal SINCE submitting your app.

If you do all these three things, you will maximize your chances of breaking through the waitlist…


           Hope this helps, and good luck to you!


Jon Frank

-- by 会员 JonFrank (2011/3/27 17:55:24)

Thank you for your advice, Jon.  Couple more questions:


Duke provided us an email address (mbawaitlist@fuqua.duke.edu) to submit any additional information to them.   Should I just submit my additional recommendation and  letters to that email address or there is a better way to do it (such as, asking somebody in Duke to hand deliver it)?  


Can I provide more than one additional recommendation ( on the email from Duke, it says you can provide an additional recommendation), so I don't know whether the numbers of additional recommendation matters?


Somebody told me I could ask Duke's MBA student write an recommendation . So, if somebody already in Duke MBA write an recommendation, is that a better choice?


I am actually in DC now and work in a pharmaceutical industry (Covance). So, if I do the campus visiting, should I mention to the admission officer that I am on the round2 waitlist?


I am currently working with couple people in healthcare industry to establish a Linkedin group ( a subgroup of the nationally recognized ProActive HealthCare USA). The vision is to provide a forum for healthcare leaders ( pharma and biotech CEOs) to discuss key issue of healthcare industry. I am the ambassador manager/moderator of this new group. I want to write a letter to Duke regarding this. Do you think it's a good idea? If it is, can you give me some suggestions how I should approach this letter for the best effect?


We do have hope to get in if we are on waitlist, right?


Thank you very much, Jon


Chengya

chengya

Hi Jon,

I am now in the waiting list of Duke in Round 2 (Health Care Management Program).  Could you please tell me how much hope I still have to be accepted? What I should do now to pursue it? If I still have a little bit hope, I will take whatever it takes to do it.

My background: MD, PhD ( USA degree).  Have two years experience as  cardiologist. Couples years research and management experience in American biotech (startup) and pharmaceutical industries (currently in Covance).

Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you very much.

Chengya

-- by 会员 chengya (2011/3/26 7:00:40)

Hey there!  It is great that you’ve made some good progress—hopefully we can help here.  There are three ways to improve your chances on the waitlist:

1)      Submit an additional letter of recommendation.  (LOR).  Do you have someone whom you haven’t asked yet? Perhaps someone who can speak to a different aspect of your application?  Even someone connected to the program would go a long way.
2)      Visit.  While this is difficult from overseas, this is one way to improve your chances.  It is always great to help adcoms put a face behind the name.  Send em an email, and say that you are headed there to visit, and you’d love to “pop your head in and introduce yourself.”  If you can pull it off, that’s a great plan.
3)      An additional essay/letter.  Is there anything that you haven’t captured yet in your application?  Anything new or cool or interesting that you have done, worth updating them on?  Hope so—write a letter!  Tell them how interested you are in the program, and that you have achieved a great deal SINCE submitting your app.

If you do all these three things, you will maximize your chances of breaking through the waitlist…


           Hope this helps, and good luck to you!


Jon Frank

-- by 会员 JonFrank (2011/3/27 17:55:24)

One more question, Jon.  If I do some network with Duke MBA program, does that help to get off waitlist?  Because I have friends who may know people who work in the Duke MBA program or other program who are able to connect with Duke MBA program?.  Thank you.


Chengya

JonFrank

Chengya, wow so many questions!  It is my pleasure to go through each and every one and answer them for you.  J  First of all, they gave you that email address to use—so use it!  No need to have anyone hand deliver anything for you.  If you have made contact with other members of the adcom or school, you can CC them on the email as well.  And yes, you can provide more than one LOR.  But remember, one great one is better than two good ones.  At a certain point, you wont gain anything by submitting more.  One way to do it, would be to submit one now, and another in 3-4 weeks.  You don’t wanna be in their face more often than that.  And a LOR from a current student could be one of em—but only if they know you very, very well.
In terms of the letter that you write, I would say that absolutely—you are putting together your linked in group etc.—also, whatever OTHER updates you have.  Hopefully, you have something else, leadership oriented.  Then, say that you wanna come visit again, and youd love to chat with someone while you’re there to discuss your progress since your application.  Nothing to lose in asking.
Yes, you DO have hope of course!  J  When I applied, I was waitlisted at a few places, and I got into ALL of them.  So you have a shot for sure—and any connection you have (especially if these folks are influential at Duke, give lots of money, etc.) will be helpful for sure.

Good luck my friend!  And give my regards to President Obama in DC…

Jon Frank

cammela

haha, my dear Jon, since when you tap into marriage counseling?

-- by 会员 Knockoff (2011/3/28 1:33:55)

柏万菁？

chengya

Chengya, wow so many questions!  It is my pleasure to go through each and every one and answer them for you.  J  First of all, they gave you that email address to use—so use it!  No need to have anyone hand deliver anything for you.  If you have made contact with other members of the adcom or school, you can CC them on the email as well.  And yes, you can provide more than one LOR.  But remember, one great one is better than two good ones.  At a certain point, you wont gain anything by submitting more.  One way to do it, would be to submit one now, and another in 3-4 weeks.  You don’t wanna be in their face more often than that.  And a LOR from a current student could be one of em—but only if they know you very, very well.
In terms of the letter that you write, I would say that absolutely—you are putting together your linked in group etc.—also, whatever OTHER updates you have.  Hopefully, you have something else, leadership oriented.  Then, say that you wanna come visit again, and youd love to chat with someone while you’re there to discuss your progress since your application.  Nothing to lose in asking.
Yes, you DO have hope of course!  J  When I applied, I was waitlisted at a few places, and I got into ALL of them.  So you have a shot for sure—and any connection you have (especially if these folks are influential at Duke, give lots of money, etc.) will be helpful for sure.

Good luck my friend!  And give my regards to President Obama in DC…

Jon Frank

-- by 会员 JonFrank (2011/3/29 5:58:49)

Thank you very much, Jon. Your advice has been extremely helpful and valuable. I appreciate it.


Chengya

LLYYWu

Hi Jon,

Really appreciate your kindness to provide these insightful suggestions to all Chinese applicants. They are so helpful!

I applied 7 school this year, was enrolled by Cornell, waitlisted by wharton, yale and kellogg and chicago. Given the reality that it is quite hard to get off from waiting list, I am now considering about the final decision: should I go to Cornell, or should I wait and reapply next year?

Here is some of my background: top 2 undergraduate university in china (GPA 3.6), management consulting for 3 years until now. GMAT 760, IBT 113.

I remember you always mentioned: go to the best school you can. I do want to retry next year. My only concern is: what if I cannot get into better school next year? And at the same time, the whole year will be wasted...

Look forward to hearing your advise. Thanks a lot!

Wu

JonFrank

Hi Jon,

Really appreciate your kindness to provide these insightful suggestions to all Chinese applicants. They are so helpful!

I applied 7 school this year, was enrolled by Cornell, waitlisted by wharton, yale and kellogg and chicago. Given the reality that it is quite hard to get off from waiting list, I am now considering about the final decision: should I go to Cornell, or should I wait and reapply next year?

Here is some of my background: top 2 undergraduate university in china (GPA 3.6), management consulting for 3 years until now. GMAT 760, IBT 113.

I remember you always mentioned: go to the best school you can. I do want to retry next year. My only concern is: what if I cannot get into better school next year? And at the same time, the whole year will be wasted...

Look forward to hearing your advise. Thanks a lot!

Wu

-- by 会员 LLYYWu (2011/4/4 11:48:16)

Wu, this is a tough one.  Honestly tho, I do believe that you will get into at least ONE of the waitlists where you are on right now.  Are you doing all you can to get off the waitlists?  Sending additional info, visiting, etc.?  Lord knows you don’t need to retake the GMAT, but you could send additional LORs etc.
Now, provided that you’ve done all that, I would go to Cornell!  Who knows what the world will bring next year—maybe you don’t have the time to write great apps.  Maybe there is something in your family that keeps you from going to school.  You have planned to go this year—and Cornell (especially for Chinese applicants looking for “Ivy League credibility” is a GREAT program.  Id go there for sure—it is a GREAT school.
And in the meanwhile, PUSH TO GET IN OFF THOSE WAITLISTS!  Hope this helps, and good luck!


Jon Frank

lakerfan123

Hi Jon, I am admitted to Emory MBA program with 75% tuition free. However, I'm not sure whether to go to Emory or reapply. My career goal is investment bank, but I guess Emory can not give me too much help to realize my goal. Actually, I tried some top schools including Wharton, CBS and Tuck this year, but failed to get admission. I hope to hear your advice. Thank you!

My brief backgroud:

G 760, T 104, 3.5 years working exp. in big 4.  

Looking forward to your reply

-- by 会员 lakerfan123 (2011/2/27 12:29:25)

Hi Jon, this is lakerfan, I got a problem here and hope you can help me. I was waitlisted by NYU Stern in Feb and sent an Email as well as some additional documents to update. Last week I received an interview invitation. My problem is, in my updating email I said I would take the TOEFL on Apr 23.But now I have to prepare the Visa and the campus interview. I feel it's difficult for me to handle so many things simultaneously and to increase my TOEFL score from current 104 to 110+. I asked the adcom whether I could withdraw or postpone my retake of TOEFL and the adcom replied that it was up to me, just tell them my decision.

Actually I've cancelled my toefl already, I haven't told the adcom my choice. What should I do now?

1) I'm not sure the retake of toefl plays an how important role in my application.
Some friend said: don't worry, they're not giving you the interview just because you make the promise that you would retake the TOEFL. I think they're pretty right.
But another thing is: Stern has a website containing the checklist of missing documents of each applicants, and the Apr 23 TOEFL is listed as my missing item with a status 'pending'.

2) How to tell the adcom my decision? I mean, tell them I decide to withdraw and I don't wanna give them an impression that I don't keep my promise.

3) I'm a little uncomfortable with my TOEFL score (104), although I have seen some admitted students with a score of 106 or 107. Could I cover up this point with my performance during the face-to-face interview?

4) Could you give me some interview tips, especially some specifically tips for Stern? I heard that the Stern have 2 focus: commitment & backup plan. Per your knowledge about Stern, is that true? Also, could you tell some about your understanding about Stern. For example, some values they emphasize, some unique point they have. For you information, my career goal is investment banking and NGO in the long-term. I know my goal sounds a little illogical, I'm writing another post to further clarify and will post here soon, hope you could give me some comment then.

Jon, sorry for bringing so many questions in one time, thank you so much for your help. Look forward to your reply.

Best,

JonFrank

Hi Jon, I am admitted to Emory MBA program with 75% tuition free. However, I'm not sure whether to go to Emory or reapply. My career goal is investment bank, but I guess Emory can not give me too much help to realize my goal. Actually, I tried some top schools including Wharton, CBS and Tuck this year, but failed to get admission. I hope to hear your advice. Thank you!

My brief backgroud:

G 760, T 104, 3.5 years working exp. in big 4.  

Looking forward to your reply

-- by 会员 lakerfan123 (2011/2/27 12:29:25)

Hi Jon, this is lakerfan, I got a problem here and hope you can help me. I was waitlisted by NYU Stern in Feb and sent an Email as well as some additional documents to update. Last week I received an interview invitation. My problem is, in my updating email I said I would take the TOEFL on Apr 23.But now I have to prepare the Visa and the campus interview. I feel it's difficult for me to handle so many things simultaneously and to increase my TOEFL score from current 104 to 110+. I asked the adcom whether I could withdraw or postpone my retake of TOEFL and the adcom replied that it was up to me, just tell them my decision.

Actually I've cancelled my toefl already, I haven't told the adcom my choice. What should I do now?

1) I'm not sure the retake of toefl plays an how important role in my application.
Some friend said: don't worry, they're not giving you the interview just because you make the promise that you would retake the TOEFL. I think they're pretty right.
But another thing is: Stern has a website containing the checklist of missing documents of each applicants, and the Apr 23 TOEFL is listed as my missing item with a status 'pending'.

2) How to tell the adcom my decision? I mean, tell them I decide to withdraw and I don't wanna give them an impression that I don't keep my promise.

3) I'm a little uncomfortable with my TOEFL score (104), although I have seen some admitted students with a score of 106 or 107. Could I cover up this point with my performance during the face-to-face interview?

4) Could you give me some interview tips, especially some specifically tips for Stern? I heard that the Stern have 2 focus: commitment & backup plan. Per your knowledge about Stern, is that true? Also, could you tell some about your understanding about Stern. For example, some values they emphasize, some unique point they have. For you information, my career goal is investment banking and NGO in the long-term. I know my goal sounds a little illogical, I'm writing another post to further clarify and will post here soon, hope you could give me some comment then.

Jon, sorry for bringing so many questions in one time, thank you so much for your help. Look forward to your reply.

Best,

-- by 会员 lakerfan123 (2011/4/17 10:32:07)

Hey there!  Well it sounds like since you’ve canceled the TOEFL already, you don’t have much of a choice there.  You will have to live with your score. So from here, you will need to employ just a bit of gamesmanship.  You should NOT tell them that youre not gonna retake the test.  Just take the interview and do your best.  Hopefully, they will admit you.  Your score is on the borderline of course—but it may be good enough.  Maybe.  So sit tight—ideally you would have taken the test as you promise, but it is too late for that now.  No need to bring it up—wait for them to do it, and when they do, just say that you have been accepted at other programs and had to focus on other issues (Visa etc.)  The interviews for Stern tend to be a bit more formal than is typical—lots of questions are asked.  And yes, one is typically “what is your backup plan,” not just for your career but also for you summer internship. Check out THIS website—these folks do a great job amassing info online.
http://www.clearadmit.com/wiki/index.php?title=
SternInterview

Jon Frank

lakerfan123

Hey there!  Well it sounds like since you’ve canceled the TOEFL already, you don’t have much of a choice there.  You will have to live with your score. So from here, you will need to employ just a bit of gamesmanship.  You should NOT tell them that youre not gonna retake the test.  Just take the interview and do your best.  Hopefully, they will admit you.  Your score is on the borderline of course—but it may be good enough.  Maybe.  So sit tight—ideally you would have taken the test as you promise, but it is too late for that now.  No need to bring it up—wait for them to do it, and when they do, just say that you have been accepted at other programs and had to focus on other issues (Visa etc.)  The interviews for Stern tend to be a bit more formal than is typical—lots of questions are asked.  And yes, one is typically “what is your backup plan,” not just for your career but also for you summer internship. Check out THIS website—these folks do a great job amassing info online.
http://www.clearadmit.com/wiki/index.php?title=
SternInterview

Jon Frank

-- by 会员 JonFrank (2011/4/19 2:36:28)

Hi Jon, thanks a million for your advice and the information provided. I would like to hear more from you regarding my TOEFL problem. The Email from the adcom is as follows:

Thank you for your email and for taking the time to keep us updated.  It is entirely up to you whether to retake the TOEFL.  If you decide to retake the TOEFL, the Admissions Committee may delay full review of your application for your updated TOEFL score.  Because it typically takes 2 - 3 weeks for NYU Stern to receive official score reports, we suggest you submit an unofficial score report after you retake the exam.  
Once you take the exam, you may fax your unofficial score report to 212-995-4231 or email this address to unofficially report your scores.  With an unofficial score report, your application can move forward for review by the Admissions Committee. Please ensure that you arrange for an official score report to be sent directly to NYU Stern from ETS.
Please consider your options and let us know if and when you plan to retake the exam.

According to the Email,  I'm afraid if I don't tell them of my cancellation of my TOEFL test, they will wait for my score report and delay the view of my application. Do you think so, Jon? Should I tell them now, or as you advised, just keep silent untill they ask. I need your advice. Thank you so much for your continuous support.