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

wowyjs

Okay gang, today we're gonna talk about road trips. We have been working through the weekend for a change, and read a TON of boring MBA apps. J term stuff, European school stuff...and all these folks are soooo focused on work.
Work, work, work. Yaaaawn.
What about something...personal? Something about your personal quest for soul seeking? What about the time that you found yourself, while on a roadtrip harvesting Kiwi Fruits in Guam?
Schools dont accept PROFILES gang, they accept PEOPLE. You need to describe your JOURNEY. You need to describe what you are PASSIONATE about. Stanford is the only school that asks it point blank, but if you arent inserting that piece into ALL of your apps...you're doing it wrong.
So think back to that road trip that you took. Think about the most important moments in your life--even if they took place while bent over rice paddies in your uncle's uncle's farm.
THAT is what makes applicants into PEOPLE, and not just profiles.
Happy Memorial Day my friends.

Jon Frank

-- by 会员 JonFrank (2011/5/30 14:35:54)

Thanks, Jon. As to the example you mentioned above "Think about the most important moments in your life--even if they took place while bent over rice paddies in your uncle's uncle's farm.", is it appropriate to talk about some experience that happend in our childhood but played an important role in shaping us? I heard some schools ask for experiences within the latest 3 years, and is that true?

As to the the latest essay of CBS——"Describe a life experience that has shaped you. ", I was considering writing a family experience that helped develop some of the characteristics I possess now, but I am now worried whether this experience is too trival or too long time ago? Is it better to write some experience that took place in recent years?

Many thanks for your points.

JonFrank

Okay gang, today we're gonna talk about road trips. We have been working through the weekend for a change, and read a TON of boring MBA apps. J term stuff, European school stuff...and all these folks are soooo focused on work.
Work, work, work. Yaaaawn.
What about something...personal? Something about your personal quest for soul seeking? What about the time that you found yourself, while on a roadtrip harvesting Kiwi Fruits in Guam?
Schools dont accept PROFILES gang, they accept PEOPLE. You need to describe your JOURNEY. You need to describe what you are PASSIONATE about. Stanford is the only school that asks it point blank, but if you arent inserting that piece into ALL of your apps...you're doing it wrong.
So think back to that road trip that you took. Think about the most important moments in your life--even if they took place while bent over rice paddies in your uncle's uncle's farm.
THAT is what makes applicants into PEOPLE, and not just profiles.
Happy Memorial Day my friends.

Jon Frank

-- by 会员 JonFrank (2011/5/30 14:35:54)

Thanks, Jon. As to the example you mentioned above "Think about the most important moments in your life--even if they took place while bent over rice paddies in your uncle's uncle's farm.", is it appropriate to talk about some experience that happend in our childhood but played an important role in shaping us? I heard some schools ask for experiences within the latest 3 years, and is that true?

As to the the latest essay of CBS——"Describe a life experience that has shaped you. ", I was considering writing a family experience that helped develop some of the characteristics I possess now, but I am now worried whether this experience is too trival or too long time ago? Is it better to write some experience that took place in recent years?

Many thanks for your points.

-- by 会员 wowyjs (2011/6/4 15:01:09)

Hey there—great questions.  Here is the best way to look at it, and how we guide all our clients.  First of all, yes your WORK experiences should be within the past 3-4 years.  The more recent, the better.  But every application should have at least one PERSONAL experience. And those experiences—the most powerful ones—will often be from your childhood.  So if you are writing about your personal background, your personal experiences, it is okay to go back further than 3-4 years.  In fact, it is ideal to do so.   In terms of your second question, you will be just fine to talk about a personal experience in the question you’ve listed.  But then, once you have done so, you will wanna get into the RAMIFICATIONS of these traits.  How these things have affected you in your work life.  How they translate into shaping you into the BUSINESSMAN you are today.  So yes, by all means, talk about these personal things from your childhood.  But make them relevant to your application…to BUSINESS school.  J  Hope this helps, and GOOD LUCK


Jon Frank

wowyjs

Okay gang, today we're gonna talk about road trips. We have been working through the weekend for a change, and read a TON of boring MBA apps. J term stuff, European school stuff...and all these folks are soooo focused on work.
Work, work, work. Yaaaawn.
What about something...personal? Something about your personal quest for soul seeking? What about the time that you found yourself, while on a roadtrip harvesting Kiwi Fruits in Guam?
Schools dont accept PROFILES gang, they accept PEOPLE. You need to describe your JOURNEY. You need to describe what you are PASSIONATE about. Stanford is the only school that asks it point blank, but if you arent inserting that piece into ALL of your apps...you're doing it wrong.
So think back to that road trip that you took. Think about the most important moments in your life--even if they took place while bent over rice paddies in your uncle's uncle's farm.
THAT is what makes applicants into PEOPLE, and not just profiles.
Happy Memorial Day my friends.

Jon Frank

-- by 会员 JonFrank (2011/5/30 14:35:54)

Thanks, Jon. As to the example you mentioned above "Think about the most important moments in your life--even if they took place while bent over rice paddies in your uncle's uncle's farm.", is it appropriate to talk about some experience that happend in our childhood but played an important role in shaping us? I heard some schools ask for experiences within the latest 3 years, and is that true?

As to the the latest essay of CBS——"Describe a life experience that has shaped you. ", I was considering writing a family experience that helped develop some of the characteristics I possess now, but I am now worried whether this experience is too trival or too long time ago? Is it better to write some experience that took place in recent years?

Many thanks for your points.

-- by 会员 wowyjs (2011/6/4 15:01:09)

Hey there—great questions.  Here is the best way to look at it, and how we guide all our clients.  First of all, yes your WORK experiences should be within the past 3-4 years.  The more recent, the better.  But every application should have at least one PERSONAL experience. And those experiences—the most powerful ones—will often be from your childhood.  So if you are writing about your personal background, your personal experiences, it is okay to go back further than 3-4 years.  In fact, it is ideal to do so.   In terms of your second question, you will be just fine to talk about a personal experience in the question you’ve listed.  But then, once you have done so, you will wanna get into the RAMIFICATIONS of these traits.  How these things have affected you in your work life.  How they translate into shaping you into the BUSINESSMAN you are today.  So yes, by all means, talk about these personal things from your childhood.  But make them relevant to your application…to BUSINESS school.  J  Hope this helps, and GOOD LUCK


Jon Frank

-- by 会员 JonFrank (2011/6/6 3:27:03)

Thaaaanks, Jon. That really helps.

I've also posted a question to you in another thread below about optional essay. Appreciate you can answer it. Many thanks.

http://forum.chasedream.com/North_American_MBA/thread-546339-1-2.html

JonFrank

Okay gang, today we're gonna talk about road trips. We have been working through the weekend for a change, and read a TON of boring MBA apps. J term stuff, European school stuff...and all these folks are soooo focused on work.
Work, work, work. Yaaaawn.
What about something...personal? Something about your personal quest for soul seeking? What about the time that you found yourself, while on a roadtrip harvesting Kiwi Fruits in Guam?
Schools dont accept PROFILES gang, they accept PEOPLE. You need to describe your JOURNEY. You need to describe what you are PASSIONATE about. Stanford is the only school that asks it point blank, but if you arent inserting that piece into ALL of your apps...you're doing it wrong.
So think back to that road trip that you took. Think about the most important moments in your life--even if they took place while bent over rice paddies in your uncle's uncle's farm.
THAT is what makes applicants into PEOPLE, and not just profiles.
Happy Memorial Day my friends.

Jon Frank

-- by 会员 JonFrank (2011/5/30 14:35:54)

Thanks, Jon. As to the example you mentioned above "Think about the most important moments in your life--even if they took place while bent over rice paddies in your uncle's uncle's farm.", is it appropriate to talk about some experience that happend in our childhood but played an important role in shaping us? I heard some schools ask for experiences within the latest 3 years, and is that true?

As to the the latest essay of CBS——"Describe a life experience that has shaped you. ", I was considering writing a family experience that helped develop some of the characteristics I possess now, but I am now worried whether this experience is too trival or too long time ago? Is it better to write some experience that took place in recent years?

Many thanks for your points.

-- by 会员 wowyjs (2011/6/4 15:01:09)

Hey there—great questions.  Here is the best way to look at it, and how we guide all our clients.  First of all, yes your WORK experiences should be within the past 3-4 years.  The more recent, the better.  But every application should have at least one PERSONAL experience. And those experiences—the most powerful ones—will often be from your childhood.  So if you are writing about your personal background, your personal experiences, it is okay to go back further than 3-4 years.  In fact, it is ideal to do so.   In terms of your second question, you will be just fine to talk about a personal experience in the question you’ve listed.  But then, once you have done so, you will wanna get into the RAMIFICATIONS of these traits.  How these things have affected you in your work life.  How they translate into shaping you into the BUSINESSMAN you are today.  So yes, by all means, talk about these personal things from your childhood.  But make them relevant to your application…to BUSINESS school.  J  Hope this helps, and GOOD LUCK


Jon Frank

-- by 会员 JonFrank (2011/6/6 3:27:03)

Thaaaanks, Jon. That really helps.

I've also posted a question to you in another thread below about optional essay. Appreciate you can answer it. Many thanks.

http://forum.chasedream.com/North_American_MBA/thread-546339-1-2.html

-- by 会员 wowyjs (2011/6/6 12:10:18)

Yes my friend, we have answered you there as well.  We love to help as many people as we can, even those who aren’t clients.  Good luck!


Jon Frank

yqx73

Hello Jon,

I was admitted to a top 20 program in the US, sent my request for a deferral after only paid the 1st deposit. And I got the reply from the director saying that although they understand my situaction, their policy is not grant deferred admission. Instead, they offered my an expedited process for next year, only a few additional materials needed, the enrollment fees I paid will apply to my account if re-admitted. But I will be considered against the following year’s applicant pool.

I wonder what is the probability that I'd get re-admitted next year. And is there anything I can do to guarantee this seat?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks!

JonFrank

Hello Jon,

I was admitted to a top 20 program in the US, sent my request for a deferral after only paid the 1st deposit. And I got the reply from the director saying that although they understand my situaction, their policy is not grant deferred admission. Instead, they offered my an expedited process for next year, only a few additional materials needed, the enrollment fees I paid will apply to my account if re-admitted. But I will be considered against the following year’s applicant pool.

I wonder what is the probability that I'd get re-admitted next year. And is there anything I can do to guarantee this seat?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks!

-- by 会员 yqx73 (2011/6/9 11:03:13)

Hey there!  Sadly, there is no way to predict what happens next year.  All we know for sure is that your application is at least slightly LESS strong as last year.  Why?  Because they now have one more important piece of information about you: they know that you’ve turned them down once already.  This isn’t ideal.  So you will have to IMPROVE your application and make a very compelling case the second time around.  This time, it will be harder, not easier.  After all, they don’t think you are serious about the program.  Hope this helps my friend, be careful here.  You are playing with fire…


Jon Frank

zzvincent

。。。

JonFrank

Hi Jon,

can you help me to evaluate my profile for 2012 MBA application?

BS of computer science, Top 15 school in China, GPA 3.2-3.3 ( our school is known for low GPA ), class rank 2/71, leadership expericence in some student union department, numerous awards for academic performance and extra curricular activity, excellent graduate of province ( 4%)

MS of computer science, TOP 4 school in China, GPA 3.3, 4 research papers ( 2 of them are top tier international conferences ), some awards for academic excellence, volunteer experince for an internationl conference in shanghai

Master in computer science ( Quitted my phd program in second year ), a well-known campus of university of california ( not Berkeley or UCLA ), GPA 3.97 , one research paper,  teaching assistant, School fellowship,  China earthquake Relief effort volunteer

so far, 2 and 8 months working experience in headquarter of a world leading finanical software company in NYC ( No.1 brand in industry) , software engineer and project manager for critical projects in our department, fast promotion, excellent award certificate for "siginficant contributions" to company (  5% ), CFA level 2 candidate

GMAT: 740+5
GMAT: 1460+4.5 ( expired )
TOEFL: 647+5 ( expired )

since my current salary is higher than average salary of first-year top MBA graduate ( you know IT engineer is overpaid in USA ), I would only try top 10 schools. If I can not get into top schools, I will staty in my current company.

However, I have very obvious weakness:

1) age: almost 30 now ( almost 31 when I start my MBA study )
2) two master degrees ( I need to explain why I quitted my phd program , otherwise I am at risk of being considered as a degree collector )
3) tech background not welcomed by top schools
4) no volunteer experience after I came out of school ( plan to add some volunteer experience this year )
5) working experience ( 2 and 8 months so far ) is not long compared to other applicants

My career goal is to become an executive in an IT comany or return to China to start my own company  in a couple of years. Jon, can you give me some suggestions on my application ? Should I also try harvard/stanford or just focus on other top 10 schools ? Thanks.

-- by 会员 zzvincent (2011/6/12 0:39:03)

Hello my friend.  To be honest, you don’t seem to need much guidance from us—you know all the answers already!  J  You have identified the challenges in your candidacy: age, IT industry (which is tough from China), limited extra-currics, and the two degrees.  I am not worried about your 3 years of work experience.  And we will address the two degrees in your Optional essay—that will be critical.  But so that leaves the age issue, which we will have to address (carefully, and subtlely) in your essays.  You DO have a chance here—and as you apply, don’t focus exclusively on “top ten” programs.  Why?  Well, did you know that CMU is the second best IT program in the US?  And that UT Austin is also in the top five?  Same with Stern…so as you look at schools, don’t get too stuck if you would on the “top ten” aspect.  The world of IT is unusual, and the best management programs are not always the best programs for IT…


Jon Frank

JonFrank

Greetings and salutations.
Today I was chatting with a former client (and now a close friend) about interviews and interview prep. And there was a topic that he brought up that I thought might be worth discussing: non-verbal communication. Or rather, interview strategies...beyond just "telling the right stories."
Here are three way to make sure that you NAIL your interviews...beyond the answers that you have already prepped eight ways from Tuesday:
1. Smile, and be welcoming. Too often, interviewing applicants are so serious; so intense, so focused on the answers to the questions that they dont consider how they LOOK as they give the answers. How they express themselves, non-verbally. It is important to make your interviewer feel at home. Feel welcomed. Feel like youre a good dude. So smile, and be friendly. You want this guy to like you--to want to HANG OUT with you when you're done chatting. So dont be too serious, to focused on work. You already covered all that in your app. Here, make a personal impression.
2. Be engaging. Dont just read the answers you have prepared gang. Smile. Be engaged. Use your hands as you tell stories. Make sure that your voice modulates up, and down (especially for our ESL applicants out there, struggling with English a bit). Pause after statements for effect--in many ways this is a public speech. Rehearse your answers in front of a mirror--not so you can memorize the words, but so you can monitor how you LOOK as you DELIVER the words. No matter how exciting your stories are, if you dont deliver them in an appealing, EXCITING way, your interviewer may...fall asleep. And that is a bad thing.
3. Listen. Nobody likes a know-it-all. Nobody likes the guy who is too self-important to listen. When your interviewer starts to talk about himself, and alums especially LOVE to talk about themselves (I am no exception), LISTEN. This is important not only because he wants you to hear him and be impressed, but because he is offering you HINTS. He is showing you how he sees the world; so drink it in, listen to his perspective, and for the love of god allow that perspective to color yours. AGREE with him. Take his ideas to the NEXT level. Thank him for being the guy who "gets it," and "understands you," etc.

This will make him feel good. And the interviewer who leaves your interview feeling good, will recommend an admit.
Hope this helps gang, and good luck.

Jon Frank
HBS 2005

JonFrank

Greetings from sunny Beijing my friends.
Jon Frank here, your friendly neighborhood consultant. And the neighborhood to which Im referring, of course, is Chaoyang.
There was a great question one our shanghai seminar yesterday--and I wanted to share it. So my co-founder Raj was presenting a point about how important it is to present your stories cleverly. With "craft." After all, that is Rajs background (screenwriting in Hollywood.)
So one girl asks a great question: which is more important, the facts of your story, or how you tell it? Here is how we responded...
The facts, of course, are more important. That is, without the facts--the cool stuff that youve actually DONE in your career, you are dead in the water. It doesnt matter how great you are at writing--this isnt a writing contest of course. You NEED the facts to make your essays, stories, and work experience sing.
But here's the problem; everyone's got those kinds of stories. Or at least, everyone gunning for the BEST schools in the world has em. THAT is where the writing comes into play. The craft comes into play. Everyone has the great stories, so at THAT point (and not before) THAT is the part where you can make your stories, and your application stand out.
The facts--the experiences themselves are the first part of the equation. The part that you cant LIVE without. Then and only then, do we shift into the craft section of the application prep.
Hope this helps folks, and more from China shortly.

Jon Frank
HBS 2005