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

JonFrank

I know, we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves here, right? I mean, many of you are still wading through the admissions process, thinking of nothing but what matters most to you and why, or practicing your interview skills in front of the bathroom mirror. And those of you who have already been admitted (congrats!) are busy enjoying the moment… as you well should.

So…who has time to start thinking or preparing for actual b-school classes? And, more importantly, who wants to? Those case studies are safely tucked away somewhere in the future, and that’s fine by you, thankyouverymuch. No need to start thinking about ‘em (and sweating ‘em) now.

Still… we saw this Tuck student’s advice for preparing for case studies (the infamous teaching method at a handful of b-schools) over on Tuck’s admissions blog and we just couldn’t resist sharing it with you. One, because it’s so simple (read: just be prepared) and two, because his map of “seats not to sit in if you don’t want to get cold-called” is pretty spot on, if not at all scientific.

If you’re targeting programs, or heading to programs, that feature the Case Method, this is worth a read. And if you’re not, well, it’s still worth a read (followed by a deep sigh of relief).

Jon Frank

superfans124

Don’t mean to beat a dead horse here [side note: is there a less gruesome way to say that?]

-- by 会员 JonFrank (2012/3/19 18:00:23)

actually, yes, Chinese will say "throw rock at someone who just fell down the well" as in 落井下石，hehe.  But great insights, as always, Jon.

JonFrank

QUESTION:

I was admitted to SMU Cox with a large scholarship for Fall 2012. Looking at my stats, I knew I could apply to other top ranked schools and I really wanted to apply to HBS, Wharton, NYU Stern, INSEAD, and a few other schools. But due to hectic project schedules I could not apply to any of these.

I am now in a dilemma as to what should I do? Should I accept the admission with scholarship without even trying to for my dream schools? 3rd round would be very competitive and so I do not want to apply.

The issue also is that if I wait I will have 7 years of work experience at matriculation, and I do not know if that is a good thing or a bad thing for my chances.

I therefore want your advice on whether I should wait another year to matriculate and try my chances at the top schools, or should I accept the offer?

ANSWER:

Hmm, tough situation.

Well first of all, lemme say that I’m not a life coach, just an admissions one. But I have seen lots of people in your situation, and I maybe can offer you some thoughts that will help you come to your own conclusion.

First, take all possibilities to their end, and think about them. Meaning, what will happen if you DO accept the admission: Will you regret forever not having applied to those other schools? Will you be happier because you started out a year earlier? Will it be better for your family?

And what about if you DON’T accept? What might happen if you don’t get accepted anywhere next year? What if you DO get accepted to Wharton?

Look, I don’t know your entire profile, so it’s hard to say… but with a solid GMAT score (above a 700) and good work experience you can get into a higher ranked school. Is it the better choice? Will you get an offer for a scholarship from somewhere else? Obviously, there are no guarantees.

But ultimately you have to go with your heart. If you really are excited to go to Cox, and you feel it can help you reach your goals, no need to get “greedy”. If, on the other hand, you feel like you will keep this regret in your heart your entire life, maybe you need to reapply.

All I can say is that if you aren’t sure, you gotta ask around. Speak to people who have attended Cox, and visit if possible. Do whatever you can to know as much as possible in relation to what you specifically want. And then it’s up to you to decide if it fulfills your needs.

I hope that helps.


-Jon Frank

JonFrank

QUESTION:
I am an Indian male working for an IT company. I have about 9 months of job experience. I understand that business schools get a lot of applications from Indian IT males each year and it is very difficult to stand out in such a crowd of applications with almost similar profiles. I am thinking of quitting my current job and working for an NGO. Will that improve my chances at a business school? If yes, then should that NGO be an internationally recognized NGO or any NGO from my native country will do?

ANSWER:
You are correct, man, that there is a LOT of competition among Indian IT males applying for business school. And you are also correct that you’re going to have to work hard to stand out among the crowd. You’re a very smart guy .

Now, just HOW you stand out is the question

Applying to work at an NGO may help your chances… and it also may not. Yes, standing out is going to be a VERY important challenge for you, but I’d say it’s even more important to be successful. What do I mean?

You gotta have some important responsibilities at work, good advancement and good achievements. And that’s important no matter where you are. So if you’re on a good track at your current job, you’ve gotten a lot of leadership experience and have the potential to do even more impressive things (bonus of those things happen to be International in nature), leaving may not be the best thing for you. You can use all of those experiences to your advantage and if you frame them correctly, they could absolutely stand out in your application.

If you’re only going to move to an NGO to try and improve your chances for b-school, I wouldn’t recommend it. If, however, you are really passionate about it and have lots of opportunities for leadership there, then yes. Go there. Do great things. Experience new things. But, again, if you are only thinking of doing it to “Be Original,” I’m not sure it’s the best idea.

Hope that gives you a little clarity,

– Jon Frank

JonFrank

QUESTION:
I keep hearing you say that people should start their applications early. But the essay prompts won’t be out for a few more months still. What can I really do now?

ANSWER:
This is a very good question. Why? Because I know there are so many people reading this right now, just sitting around and waiting for those application essay questions to be released. And let me tell you, you’re wasting precious time, my friends.

It’s true the essays are a very important part of your b-school application. But they are not the only part of your application. And, in all honesty, there are other pieces of the b-school application that will be just as, if not more, important. Those – like your resume, your letters of recommendation and, most importantly, your b-school research – often get put on the backburner and become an afterthought.

And that’s a very, very bad thing.

You’ve got time on your hands right now and you should use every last bit of it.  Our team of MBA consultants has already shared what they think you can (and 100% should) be doing now to get a head start on your business school applications. And their advice is spot-on.

So I’m just gonna piggyback on their two cents to drive the point home

1. Soul Searching: Now’s the time to figure everything out and come up with a plan. What do you want to do post-MBA? Where do you want to be in 20 years? What are your greatest strengths? What are you biggest weaknesses? Why do you need an MBA and why do you need one now? These are the questions that will show up application after application, year after year. Spend some time coming up with answers NOW so you can just work them into your essays later.

2. Figure out your personal application obstacles: Are you a re-applicant? Are you older than the average MBA applicant? Younger? Do you want to get an MBA so you can switch careers? Are you coming from a non-traditional background? These are all big hurdles for b-school applicants and if you’re facing any (or all!) of ‘em, there are specific strategies you’re going to have to use in your applications, and the earlier you recognize that, the more time you’ll have to come up with a bulletproof plan.

If you want some help with that, we’ve got you covered. I’ll be hosting a whole slew of webinars on these very topics in the coming weeks and if you’re looking for something to do NOW (which, since you’re asking this question, I know you are!), this is a great place to start. You can get the full schedule and all the information for registering right here.

Research: Get online and start looking into all the schools you’re interested in. Talk to current students, reach out to alumni, go visit! Get all the information you can so you can a) figure out where you want to apply come Fall and b) have all the information to make a strong case to the adcom as to why that specific program is best for you.

And that’s only the beginning, my friends. For more information on what you should be doing for those apps and when, check out our Round 1 MBA Application Timeline. That should give you a niiiice schedule to live by.

Seriously, folks, use this time wisely. I can’t say that enough. MBA applications are tedious, they take time and they’re not something you want to be rushing. So get to it.

See you at our webinars?

– Jon Frank

JonFrank

QUESTION:
I have always liked Kellogg, especially when I went to visit the school a few times. I really want to go there, but I’m not sure if I can get in.

A little about me:

I attended a top undergraduate program in China, where I majored in management. I then got a Master’s in the US from a top-10 university. I have a 3.3 GPA, 750 on my GMAT and a TOEFL waiver. I’ll have two years of full-time working experience, as well as a 6-month internship in private equity.

My question is do I have chance to get in? Will it be less competitive with their one-year program?

ANSWER:
I can see why you like Kellogg; it’s a great program in a great city! And having visited a few times, it’s obvious you know that  So, can you get in?

Well, let’s talk about it.

Will you have two years by the time you APPLY? Or by the time you MATRICULATE? Because two years by the time you matriculate is a bit on the low side, and that might negatively affect your chances. Most business schools like people with at least 3 years of work experience. Now, two years is not a deal breaker – there are people who get in with that or less! – but it’s just a bit more challenging. You’re gonna have to make a strong case as to why you need an MBA, and why you need an MBA NOW. It’s gotta be airtight and it’s gotta make logical sense to the adcom. That’s gonna be key for you.

Beyond that, though, your profile seems very good (strong GPA, strong GMAT, great international experience); Kellogg is totally within reach! So I say…apply. If it’s your dream, you should go for it. And with a strong application, I can see some good things happening for ya.

As for which program to target at Kellogg, based on what you’re telling me, it seems to me that the two-year program makes more sense for you. You’re young and the two years will be good for you. The one-year program might be a better option for older applicants or those who don’t want to take a full 2 years away from work, but you’re young and you’ve got time. Plus, that summer internship will be good for you and your post-MBA career.

And, again, you’ve got a chance… so go for the gold, my friend.

Perhaps I’ll see you in Chicago next year?

Best,

Jon Frank

JonFrank

QUESTION:

[This question came to us from a friend on Quora.]

Why should I choose HBS over Stanford GSB?

ANSWER:

Great question, eh? First off, anyone who has to choose between these two world class programs… well, that’s a GREAT problem to have. In most respects, you really can’t go wrong.  But let’s say you DID have to choose. Why should you choose one over the other?

[Just a note: I hate to pick sides here (since we send so many folks to BOTH programs each year), but the question was asked and I am going to answer from my personal experience.]

That’s a problem I had to face. I was admitted to both Stanford GSB and HBS. I was enamored by Stanford’s weather, their study method, and their laid-back style.  But I chose HBS.

Why?  BRAND.

Now, call me a sell-out all you want, but here’s the deal: Here at , we do a TON of business in China. I spend a lot of time there, working with clients, holding seminars, etc. And had I gone to the GSB and not HBS, my own personal brand wouldn’t be as strong.  Of course, they know that Stanford is great (everyone knows Stanford is great), but HBS has more cache.  The HBS brand is second to none, and in business, brand is critical.  Maybe, just maybe, the most important thing. Especially as you make your way further and further away from the Bay Area, the US, etc.

At the end of the day, the HBS brand is unbeatable globally. Even GSB’ers will admit that Harvard is better known in many countries. Don’t get me wrong, arguable “reasons to choose the GSB” are aplenty: better education, better lifestyle, stronger alumni bonds, the list goes on.  But from a brand perspective, it is a no-brainer.

I know this is going to ruffle some feathers. I know many of you out there may not agree. But as I see from my personal experiences and from watching clients choose HBS over GSB every year, the HBS brand holds more weight.

And that, my friends, is why someone should choose HBS over GSB.

What would YOU choose?

– Jon Frank

JonFrank

QUESTION:
I also have a question about “fit.” When asked about “why this school” in an essay, what is the best way to answer? If I say about the name of the course and the name of the professor who teaches the course I like, would that be enough? How deep should I dig?

ANSWER:
Here’s the thing about explaining your fit at a school: it’s important. And one big mistake LOTS of applicants make is not digging deep enough. So, kudos to you for asking the right questions and being on the right track.

If I had a cookie, I’d give it to you

For the rest of you, I’m gonna say it again: explaining your fit at a school is verrrry important. Applying to business school is like dating. Sorta. (Just stay with me here… I’m going to make this happen.) When you’re trying to woo a partner, you have to make that person believe that you two are right for one another. And you need to show them the specific reasons why you should be together, and not with some other random people walking down the street.

You’re not gonna try to win that person over with “you’re standing there and I’m standing here, therefore we should be together.” That’s not going to work. Where’s the romance in that? And who ever fell for THAT line? Nope, you need a different approach. You need to get specific: talk about your common interests, your common goals… all the reasons you just fit perfectly together.

See where I’m going here?

You have to do the same thing with your b-school applications. You need to woo the adcom. You need to make him or her believe that you want this school over every other school. You need to show him or her why.  And you need to be very specific.

So, yes, mentioning a professor you’d like to study with is a great idea. And talking about some specific classes or student groups that you’d like to take advantage of is smart. Commenting on the school’s culture and how it aligns with your own beliefs/feelings/goals is also good. As is bringing up specific companies that recruit heavily at that specific program.

The more specific you get when talking about your fit, the better. At the end of the day, you want that adcom to read your application and KNOW that there is no better school for you than that one.

And sure, your fit may change from school to school. You may tell Wharton why you’ll flourish in a HUGE class, and then tell Tuck why you want the community focus of a smaller program. Doesn’t matter. When that Wharton guy is reading your essay, he needs to believe you’ll excel there. And then that Tuck guy is sitting down and digging into your app, he’ll need to believe the same thing.

So do your research, visit those campuses and find out what aspect of each SPECIFIC program fits you best and the SPECIFIC reasons why.

Hope that helps.

– Jon Frank

JonFrank

QUESTION:
I am from China and want to apply to business school. I saw that lots of schools are starting their applications now, and HBS has already released their questions. Is it better to apply as early as possible? Round 1 has better chance than Round 2?

ANSWER:
Yes, you are correct. You always want to apply as early as possible. And this is especially key for International applicants like you. You NEED to apply early in the process.

There are simply too many International folks out there (Chinese especially) looking to go to good programs.  And there are only so many spots to go around (and not many!) So YES, apply Round 1, apply Early Decision…anything at all that you can do to be considered early.

Not only will your chances be better, but you’ll also give yourself the opportunity to apply to different schools in later rounds should you not get accepted in Round 1. And, of course, if things in your life get busy and you don’t get to all those apps in Round 1, you’ll still have Round 2 to get the rest in.

Bottom line: the earlier the better, that’s for sure.

And now that schools are starting to release the essays, there’s no better time to get started than right now.

JonFrank

QUESTION:
I’m 21-years old and will be graduating from college in 2013 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. I know that one day I want to be a high-level manager in technology field, so I’ve started thinking about getting an MBA. Should I apply to business school, or should I apply to a different Master’s program?

ANSWER:
Ah, to be 21 again. Those were the days, am I right?

But let’s get to your question, man. So, you wanna be a manager one day, eh? Sounds like a good plan. And I think an MBA is a great idea for ya… just not yet. Typically, MBA programs like people with work experience. 4-5 years, is usually a good range. So if you want to increase your chances of getting in, you’re going to want to get out into the workforce for awhile and get some work (and, more importantly, leadership), experience.

Now, there are some programs out there that cater to younger applicants that you may want to look into. For example, HBS 2+2 and Yale Silver Scholars. But if you’re looking to apply for 2013, you’ve got your work cut out for ya. Those deadlines are gonna start hitting in September and October, which means you’re going to have to take the GMAT….erm… now. And CRUSH it. And once that’s done, there’s the actual applications to think about. And those come with their own laundry list of materials and requirements.

Not to mention, those programs are hiiiighly competitive. I don’t know much about ya so I am not saying you can’t compete – it’s just not going to be easy.

As for getting another Master’s first… do you think you need it? Or do you think you can get out there with your current degree and start working? If you ultimately want to go get your MBA one day (and one day soon), I wouldn’t recommend going back to school just yet. Work experience is going to be much more appealing (and important!) on an MBA application, so get out there and get some of that.

Look, you’re young. You’ve got a LOT of time ahead of you. Why rush into an MBA? Why not enjoy your last year of college (trust me, life is never gonna be that free again!), get out into the real world and get some experience under your belt and THEN apply? It won’t keep you from your goal of managing a tech team one day, and it will only help your chances of getting into a stellar MBA program down the road.

Hope that helps. Let us know what you decide!

– Jon Frank