Friday, September 14, 2012
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Moving to Tumblr
I have moved the blog to Tumblr - better, cleaner design. Kindly point your browsers accordingly going forth.
http://unclearadmit.tumblr.com
http://unclearadmit.tumblr.com
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Phase I continues, Phase II beckons
Been a little while since I posted. here's what I have been upto:
1. Writing up my essays. I started with Wharton and have sort of finished two essays. I sent them to a friend for reviews and would say that I got an encouraging feedback. The good thing about my friend is that she's very constructive, knows me well enough, but wants to always push me beyond what I am to what I can be - if you have a peer who can advise you like that at work, during app season or in life - treasure them
2. Started drafting outlines for Stanford essays
3. Finalized my school list. here goes (in order of application round)
ROUND 1
- Stanford
- Wharton
- Kellogg (RA)
- Tuck (RA)
- Cornell
ROUND 2
- HBS
- INSEAD
Last app season I absolutely fell in love with 2 schools - Kellogg and Tuck. I applied, interviewed at Kellogg but didnt make it. This time, I am not taking NO for an answer :)
4. Watched a hell lot of movies. Some I'll review below:
- Margin Call - Kevin Spacey movie about the last night at Wall Street before the collapse started. Very clearly tries to show you what happened at Lehman Brothers. Excellent movie, very good dialogues and being an executive recruiter. I was really intrigued by the management decision making and board room dialogues
- Gangs of Wasseypur - Brilliant Indian cinema. Inspired by Gangs of New York and then rustically transformed into a movie of the Indian hinterlands. Must watch! Anurag Kashyap - a true prodigy - delivers and how
- American Reunion - Found it to be really funny. Call me a sucker for old fashioned comedy, but it was very nostalgic watching the gang that taught me (and most Indians) more about sex than any other visual aid form
- Amazing Spider Man - OK watch. Improvements: better spiderman, better girl, better Aunt Mae, better action, better ... no wait ... first time 3D; Bad - Mundane script, low on humour, boring villain. Given how in superhero movies the hero needs to be impactful, but the villain even more so (Dark Knight anyone?) the movie is OK nothing great
The Phase I i mention above referes to starting the app process. So it obviously continues till Decemeber or so. Phase II is recommendations. My friend Cheetarah1980 wrote a great post about recos (http://cheetarah1980.blogspot.in/2012/07/ask-and-you-may-receive.html) While I enjoyed reading it, I did feel stark differences between foreign managers and Indian managers. You can't ignore the cultural nuances and the way companies operate in different countries. So I'll give my thoughts on the recommendation process:
1. Be diplomatic - this doesnt mean lie. but as most of my Indian peers may be aware, once you announce you are applying for an MBA, some managers have the tendency to write you off as Bench material figuring you will get through. They arent well versed with the process, so will ask how mucch you scored on your GMAT. being an Indian you'll say a number that's >= 700 and Boom! their typical response 'ho hi jayegi' or loosely translated, means you'll definitely get through - no two ways about it. It doesnt matter if its Stanford or San Fernando Valley University. They assume you are going
So measure your manager, AND also your organization, very well.
2. Be honest - If you are applying, be honest and give your manager a heads up. Honesty is always appreciated no matter what, heck it may even become a talking point in your recommendation. i am a reapplicant, my boss already knows I will apply. yet I was promoted - not too many Indian firms that do that works well in consulting, but maybe not IT
3. Time it well - Indian managers need to be pushed hard to meet timelines. I reminded my boss 5 times, set calendar invites, told her secy to remind her - yet she barely managed in time for 2 schools. Plus, she didnt do work beforehand, so in Columbia's case, wrote what I can only fathom to be a bad recommendation. Get this - Columbia had a recommender question - what adjectives would you use to describe the candidate. She told me she wrote 3 words and thats it. I was aghast!
The timing is not only to write well ahead of time, but to write right! This year I will work more closely with her in terms of helping her understand what B schools expect in recos. i dont think writing your own recommendation letters is a good idea at all - and she agreed - but if you are going to end up doing that, best to have someone else (A friend) write what you dictate. then ask that friend to rephrase everything. Else your writing style will match in a heartbeat in the adcom's eyes
4. Dont overask - more than 4 recommendations per recommender is a red zone. Your manager may get irritated. Look for backups always and keep em prepared eg: im thinking of applying .. blah blah... will keep you in the loop ... blah blah ... round 2 deadlines are typically in Jan ... blah blah.
5. Choose the right recommenders - dont go for title, but if you work with someone senior, make sure they only write the reco. Eg: I work directly with the managing partner. Also, for Stanford, you want to choose a peer whom you have actually worked with, not someone who thinks well of you only. Trust me, no matter how well you write it, it will show. Also, use any b school alumni you have access to within your company.
That's pretty much it. Hope the above is useful. long post, but hopefully worthwhile.
until the next blog entry ...
1. Writing up my essays. I started with Wharton and have sort of finished two essays. I sent them to a friend for reviews and would say that I got an encouraging feedback. The good thing about my friend is that she's very constructive, knows me well enough, but wants to always push me beyond what I am to what I can be - if you have a peer who can advise you like that at work, during app season or in life - treasure them
2. Started drafting outlines for Stanford essays
3. Finalized my school list. here goes (in order of application round)
ROUND 1
- Stanford
- Wharton
- Kellogg (RA)
- Tuck (RA)
- Cornell
ROUND 2
- HBS
- INSEAD
Last app season I absolutely fell in love with 2 schools - Kellogg and Tuck. I applied, interviewed at Kellogg but didnt make it. This time, I am not taking NO for an answer :)
4. Watched a hell lot of movies. Some I'll review below:
- Margin Call - Kevin Spacey movie about the last night at Wall Street before the collapse started. Very clearly tries to show you what happened at Lehman Brothers. Excellent movie, very good dialogues and being an executive recruiter. I was really intrigued by the management decision making and board room dialogues
- Gangs of Wasseypur - Brilliant Indian cinema. Inspired by Gangs of New York and then rustically transformed into a movie of the Indian hinterlands. Must watch! Anurag Kashyap - a true prodigy - delivers and how
- American Reunion - Found it to be really funny. Call me a sucker for old fashioned comedy, but it was very nostalgic watching the gang that taught me (and most Indians) more about sex than any other visual aid form
- Amazing Spider Man - OK watch. Improvements: better spiderman, better girl, better Aunt Mae, better action, better ... no wait ... first time 3D; Bad - Mundane script, low on humour, boring villain. Given how in superhero movies the hero needs to be impactful, but the villain even more so (Dark Knight anyone?) the movie is OK nothing great
The Phase I i mention above referes to starting the app process. So it obviously continues till Decemeber or so. Phase II is recommendations. My friend Cheetarah1980 wrote a great post about recos (http://cheetarah1980.blogspot.in/2012/07/ask-and-you-may-receive.html) While I enjoyed reading it, I did feel stark differences between foreign managers and Indian managers. You can't ignore the cultural nuances and the way companies operate in different countries. So I'll give my thoughts on the recommendation process:
1. Be diplomatic - this doesnt mean lie. but as most of my Indian peers may be aware, once you announce you are applying for an MBA, some managers have the tendency to write you off as Bench material figuring you will get through. They arent well versed with the process, so will ask how mucch you scored on your GMAT. being an Indian you'll say a number that's >= 700 and Boom! their typical response 'ho hi jayegi' or loosely translated, means you'll definitely get through - no two ways about it. It doesnt matter if its Stanford or San Fernando Valley University. They assume you are going
So measure your manager, AND also your organization, very well.
2. Be honest - If you are applying, be honest and give your manager a heads up. Honesty is always appreciated no matter what, heck it may even become a talking point in your recommendation. i am a reapplicant, my boss already knows I will apply. yet I was promoted - not too many Indian firms that do that works well in consulting, but maybe not IT
3. Time it well - Indian managers need to be pushed hard to meet timelines. I reminded my boss 5 times, set calendar invites, told her secy to remind her - yet she barely managed in time for 2 schools. Plus, she didnt do work beforehand, so in Columbia's case, wrote what I can only fathom to be a bad recommendation. Get this - Columbia had a recommender question - what adjectives would you use to describe the candidate. She told me she wrote 3 words and thats it. I was aghast!
The timing is not only to write well ahead of time, but to write right! This year I will work more closely with her in terms of helping her understand what B schools expect in recos. i dont think writing your own recommendation letters is a good idea at all - and she agreed - but if you are going to end up doing that, best to have someone else (A friend) write what you dictate. then ask that friend to rephrase everything. Else your writing style will match in a heartbeat in the adcom's eyes
4. Dont overask - more than 4 recommendations per recommender is a red zone. Your manager may get irritated. Look for backups always and keep em prepared eg: im thinking of applying .. blah blah... will keep you in the loop ... blah blah ... round 2 deadlines are typically in Jan ... blah blah.
5. Choose the right recommenders - dont go for title, but if you work with someone senior, make sure they only write the reco. Eg: I work directly with the managing partner. Also, for Stanford, you want to choose a peer whom you have actually worked with, not someone who thinks well of you only. Trust me, no matter how well you write it, it will show. Also, use any b school alumni you have access to within your company.
That's pretty much it. Hope the above is useful. long post, but hopefully worthwhile.
until the next blog entry ...
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Working on those essays
So I started working on my first essay for Stanford (what do you REALLY want to do). Am toying between 2 approaches and wrote about 100 odd words before getting distracted by the Portugal Denmark match in the ongoing Euro 2012 competition. I guess building momentum is key for writing essays, and I'm starting with Stanford as I feel it's a very introspective and connected app. Will lead to clarity of thought and faster progress on other apps.
I also registered for the Stanfrd GSB event in Delhi n 13th August. Pls go to their admissions events page to check their Tavel schedule and if they are accepting registrations. Cheers!
I also registered for the Stanfrd GSB event in Delhi n 13th August. Pls go to their admissions events page to check their Tavel schedule and if they are accepting registrations. Cheers!
Monday, June 4, 2012
And we're off!
Seems adcoms are up early this year from hibernation. Harvard has already released its essays along with a post explaining changes about a week ago. Tuck announced application deadlines while Columbia announced both essays and deadlines. And now, Stanford has joined in and declared the essays for the upcoming app season, although not the deadlines.
HBS and Stanford are schools I am definitely applying to and hence to have an early start on essays for these schools is very welcome. Tuck is another school I love and will probably apply to as a reapplicant.
Stanford's essays are unchanged from last year, while HBS has thrown a big surprise by revamping essays completely. I can bet my bottom dollar that the school will definitely see more people 'trying' to get in - basically HBS will end up attracting a lot of aspirers than it otherwise would, due to 'simplification' of the essays. This doesn't necessarily translate into an increase in overall applications, and hence HBS might see applicant pool quality actually go down.
I have a very interesting thought on Stanford's what matters most to you and why, and hence for the next 2 weeks or so I'm gonna write a huge essay, without caring for word limits, and see how it turns out. The topic I intend to write about is very very close to me as an individual and one I strongly believe in, plus I have umpteen examples/impacts to accompany the story. Hopefully my review team (which is composed of my friends at Yale and Wharton Business Schools, and maybe a couple of cousins) will find the first draft worthy enough to consider.
Is it too early to start? I dont think there's a definitive answer to that - to each his own. Let the proverbial juices flow!
HBS and Stanford are schools I am definitely applying to and hence to have an early start on essays for these schools is very welcome. Tuck is another school I love and will probably apply to as a reapplicant.
Stanford's essays are unchanged from last year, while HBS has thrown a big surprise by revamping essays completely. I can bet my bottom dollar that the school will definitely see more people 'trying' to get in - basically HBS will end up attracting a lot of aspirers than it otherwise would, due to 'simplification' of the essays. This doesn't necessarily translate into an increase in overall applications, and hence HBS might see applicant pool quality actually go down.
I have a very interesting thought on Stanford's what matters most to you and why, and hence for the next 2 weeks or so I'm gonna write a huge essay, without caring for word limits, and see how it turns out. The topic I intend to write about is very very close to me as an individual and one I strongly believe in, plus I have umpteen examples/impacts to accompany the story. Hopefully my review team (which is composed of my friends at Yale and Wharton Business Schools, and maybe a couple of cousins) will find the first draft worthy enough to consider.
Is it too early to start? I dont think there's a definitive answer to that - to each his own. Let the proverbial juices flow!
Sunday, May 27, 2012
690 -> 690 -> 730: Finally conquered the GMAT!
Below is posted from my entry at the GMATClub Forum (http://gmatclub.com/forum/690-690-730-finally-conquered-the-gmat-133278.html)
Aaaaaah! Thats my sigh of relief as I sit down to write this post. A journey that started in 2008 (more here: http://gmatclub.com/forum/690-to-a-690-gmat-outdid-me-119104.html) has finally ended today. Just got back from the test center and am delirious to report that I scored a 730 (Q49 and V42; overall 96 percentile).
I had last taken my GMAT in August of 2011 and was terribly disappointed to have scored the exact score I did in 2008 - a 690. I have always been targeting the best programs in the US, so I knew I was at a disadvantage while applying as I come from the Indian applicant pool. I know admission officers say that being an Indian doesn't put you at any disadvantage in terms of high scores, but even if I compare my score to averages at my target schools, I was below the mark. Nonetheless, buoyed by friends and many on this forum, I applied to 4 schools last year - Columbia, Tuck, Kellogg and Duke. I was interviewed at Kellogg, but finally not invited to join the class.
In retrospect, getting the Kellogg interview (in India you are invited to interview by Kellogg unlike in the US) was a major boost, and interviewing with the alum was a major insight into how unprepared I went for it :) However, what I did realize was that I could do much better on my GMAT, and basically improve this one aspect of my candidature that is in my control (work ex, career growth etc. being others).
If I look back at why I didn't improve my score last August, the major reason was overconfidence. I went into the test thinking that the 2.5 years that had passed since I took the test in Dec 08, I had become 'wiser' just based on my life experiences. The GMAT brought me back to the ground - I was down in the dumps. After my app season got over, I could see with much more clarity as to why I needed to improve my GMAT score, not merely because I should being an Indian applicant, but because I wasn't doing justice to my candidature by showing a score that didn't reflect my true academic potential - for example, I have always ranked very high in English/Verbal examinations throughout school, and even at work am lauded for my English speaking/writing skills. I read a lot as well, and hence I thought I wasnt performing up to the mark in Verbal (I scored 35 in Verbal in my last GMAT). I have always been good at Math but a little slow. In both tests, I remained at 48, so my assumption was that I could improve my math to 49 maybe 50, but need to REALLY focus on Verbal - plus what better way of differentiating yourself from the Indian applicant pool than by outdoing most of the demographic in this section :)
My retake strategy was as follows:
1. Take the GMAT before the format changes - I was (un)fortunate to be in the testing window where test takers got a preview of the section. I HATED it and didnt want to take it. However, when it came to choosing dates, I was in a dilemma. i had started thinking about retaking the GMAT in Jan/Feb and thought I'd retake in March. However, better sense prevailed and I thought about delaying the test as much as possible, to allow myself maximum time to practice rather than rushing into it. This proved to be a great decision as 1) I was doing extremely well at work and hence a lot of pressure came about in March-April, thus not allowing me really to practice on the test, and 2) I made a plan to visit my sister in the US in April. I thought I'd go visit some schools and get inspired - I went to Wharton, attended class, loved it, and came back extremely motivated to do well
2. I focused a LOT on Verbal instead of Quant. I read the SC guide by Manhattan. At work where thankfully gmatclub.com is not blocked (but beatthegmat.com is - Hurray for BB!) I practiced a random question in verbal/quant as much as I could. Deliberately started reading more - Fortune, Forbes, NYTimes etc. and analyzing sentence structures. Helped me A LOT!
3. Did practice tests as often as I could. Did MGMAT tests 3 times (yes 3 X 6 = 18 tests!) but not really in the testing sense. I used to look at the question, attempt it, then search online and see if I did right or wrong - basically, I realized that once the test is over I am very lazy to really go into analysis mode. So the only way to keep analyzing was to do a live assessment. Hence, most of my MGMAT scores were >760 but I never took them as an indication of my actual performance. However, analyzing questions immediately helped me tremendously.
4. I saved the GMATPrep for last. Did 2 tests - one I did last week where I got a 770. Some of the questions were known to me as I had done the GMATPrep tests multiple time, so again I didnt let the score dictate my actual performance (do note, I kept my overconfidence in check!) The last test, I took yesterday and simulated the GMAT conditions as much as I could - got a 730
I had made up my mind that come what may, I wouldn't take this test lightly, won't go out saturday night etc. A very (hot) girl, who's a friend of mine, invited me to go out with her last night to a club. She had been under medication for a while and hence hadn't partied for long, and she actually said I want to get hammered tonight - GOD was really testing me. r much control I said No and stay put at home. Slept at 11 PM woke up at 7 AM feeling very refreshed. Btw, an interesting thing happened (Murphy's Law?) When I took my GMAT last year, I contracted viral fever 2 days before. This time something different happened - the electricity in our building went off and the power backup failed - which means I was trying to fall asleep in the arid Delhi hear (35-40 degree celsius yesterday night). However, God was kind - after an hour, the power backup was resuscitated and I slept peacefully around 12 AM.
Had a bath, ate a bar of Snickers and drank Red Bull on my way to the test center. Reached in time, smiled at the invigilator when he was explaining the rules - I had been through them too many times now - and started my test. Analysis of Argument/Issue were fine. Have a very fast typing speed so ended with more than 10 minutes in each case. Took a break, took a deep breath, prayed and started Quant.
Overall level varied from Moderate to Difficult. Overall, there were 5-7 VERY tough questions that ate my time. In fact I had only 3 mins for the last 2 and I got them both wrong. After I ended my exam, I went outside for the break and solved both questions in my head. Both took only a minute to solve mentally, but I succumbed to pressure - could have easily gotten a 50 on my Quant. Of course I didn't know this then, so I thought I may have just screwed up my quant, and hence really really focused my energy on verbal.
Verbal was pretty OK to say the least - 1 RC was tough, no boldface questions but 2-3 complete the argument types. I clicked next after the section ended and next, next next etc. until I came to the screen about reporting test scores. I closed my eyes, prayed for 1 minute to God, saying that if you deem me suitable enough to become what I dream of becoming, please let the score be >720. I first saw Quant at 49 and was aghast - I thought I had blown it. Then I saw verbal at 42 and immediately the total. Pumped my fist in the air, feeling like I had conquered the world, and thanked god for the amazing result.
Came out, went to the loo and released the tremendous pressure built inside, and exited. Called my dad who told me he's proud of me, and this my friends completed my day out with the GMAT. I have a blog (http://unclearadmit.blogspot.com) where I very bravely stated that my target school this year is HBS. I very enthusiastically wrote that I will score above 720 - and I did. One small step for business school, One giant leap for a kick-ass career!
Thanks to everyone on this forum - you all make it what it is. I look forward to now interacting with everyone on my (successful) app cycle.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Review Update
Forgot to add that all school snapshots are absolutely FREE!!!
Also pls excuse spelling errors below. The iPad after all is not as miraculous as we feel it is.
Also pls excuse spelling errors below. The iPad after all is not as miraculous as we feel it is.
Review: Clear Admit School Snapshots
Before I write this review, let me first congratulate the winners of the best of blogging contest. I hope in the coming few months I would be able to offer much better advice for everyone visiting this blog. And also hopefully will have good news to report on my admits.
ClearAdmit School Snapshots
I received an email from Clear Admit offering me a sneak preview of an upcoming product. These are called School Snapshots and are essentially, well, a snapshot of each school you would be considering applying to. I was sent the Wharton snapshot - an excellent and maybe pre medidated choice, given I visited the school during my recent trip to the USA.
What a Snapshot covers
I see these clearadmit products becoming the 'Go To Guide' for each and every applicant at, what I'm hoping, every major business school. Snapshots cover all, and I literally mean ALL basic information you would like to know about an MBA program. Various concentrations a school offers, it's brief history, info on campus, class profile, application numbers, employment information, GMAT scores etc. it's a 3-4 page PDF, which will replace your numerous queries on Google trying to collate this information.
Why does this add value?
- one stop repository
- saves time in researching
- available in clear PDF, save and read on the go, unlike browsing a web page
- I accessed the file and read it on my iPad (writing this from my iPad as well) hence very mobile friendly
- read only relevant information
Why it's not gods gift to applicant-kind?
- I didn't see essay questions covered. Not their explanation etc. but just their mention. Adding those will make these guides essential and even more comprehensive
- data can be represented better - graphs for example don't point out what year the data is for, I assumed its for 2011 and then read it indeed was. Graphical entirety should be re validated
- some more free information can be provided. For example: Bloomberg business week, another free resource, gives not only application numbers, but accepted, yield etc. why not add those?
The obvious answer to your questions - does this I've guidance on essay questions, insider info (best courses, what makes xyz stand out from others etc.), in depth course reviews and other such questions, is a no. For that, Blythe comprehensive school guides.
All in all, I think these snapshots are a very practical and welcome addition to the clear admit repository. I know I'll be downloading all of em this coming fall
ClearAdmit School Snapshots
I received an email from Clear Admit offering me a sneak preview of an upcoming product. These are called School Snapshots and are essentially, well, a snapshot of each school you would be considering applying to. I was sent the Wharton snapshot - an excellent and maybe pre medidated choice, given I visited the school during my recent trip to the USA.
What a Snapshot covers
I see these clearadmit products becoming the 'Go To Guide' for each and every applicant at, what I'm hoping, every major business school. Snapshots cover all, and I literally mean ALL basic information you would like to know about an MBA program. Various concentrations a school offers, it's brief history, info on campus, class profile, application numbers, employment information, GMAT scores etc. it's a 3-4 page PDF, which will replace your numerous queries on Google trying to collate this information.
Why does this add value?
- one stop repository
- saves time in researching
- available in clear PDF, save and read on the go, unlike browsing a web page
- I accessed the file and read it on my iPad (writing this from my iPad as well) hence very mobile friendly
- read only relevant information
Why it's not gods gift to applicant-kind?
- I didn't see essay questions covered. Not their explanation etc. but just their mention. Adding those will make these guides essential and even more comprehensive
- data can be represented better - graphs for example don't point out what year the data is for, I assumed its for 2011 and then read it indeed was. Graphical entirety should be re validated
- some more free information can be provided. For example: Bloomberg business week, another free resource, gives not only application numbers, but accepted, yield etc. why not add those?
The obvious answer to your questions - does this I've guidance on essay questions, insider info (best courses, what makes xyz stand out from others etc.), in depth course reviews and other such questions, is a no. For that, Blythe comprehensive school guides.
All in all, I think these snapshots are a very practical and welcome addition to the clear admit repository. I know I'll be downloading all of em this coming fall
Saturday, April 21, 2012
The Yankee Visit
Let me begin this post by saying that I am absolutely honoured to be nominated for the BoB awards. Never thought I would be. All the best to everyone preparing for applications, gmat etc. and may this season bring success to each and every one do you.
I am currently in the US, have been for 2 Weeks now. Visiting family and seeing the sights. Went around to Los Angeles, went to see the jay Leno show and came on tv, sat next to Jon Voight on the flight to las Vegas, had tons of fun in vegas and spent 6-7 days exploring NYC. During the last 2 days however I went around school visiting and went to Wharton and NYU Stern. Thought I'd share m views
1. Wharton - was a terrific experience. Sat in on a class by Prof. saikat Chaudhary. Excellent class on mergers and I came thoroughly impressed with the students - 2-3 were extremely smart basis the class discussion I observed. Took a campus tour as well. Loved it. All in all, it will definitely be my top choice in app season besides hbs
2. Stern - doesn't have a campus. Nyu is a bnchmf buildings here and there in Greenwich village. I wasn't too impressed with any aspect of the school, especially after Wharton. The main thing that stands out is location. A lot of people lay emphasis on the fact that it's in NYC. I think what you also need to consider is it's location within NYC. It's miles ahead of Columbia as a location, and I would die to live in Greenwich village, probably the liveliest neighbourhood ever. As a school, not my top choice but it may just be my 'NY school' option
I head back to India tonight, post which I have 3 weeks of study time until my GMAT. My purpose of visiting the school was to gain inspiration and Wharton did that for me immensely.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Prep Update
So I took the GMAT Prep tests. I scored a 750 and a 740, but I would admit that I did 'cheat' a bit. I didn't give up my practice of checking for the right answer after attempting, and hence, in some cases (2 or 3 questions) I actually changed my answer before moving on. Hence, wouldn't say that the score above represents my actual score - but was happy with how I was performing.
I did start my SC prep - read through MGMAT, rather glanced through it, but it helped me IMMENSELY. I then picked up the SC section from the Official Guide, and am happy to report that I got 95% right - amazing accuracy for me, up from high 70s/early 80s. The plan is to wrap up MGMAT SC Guide and the official guide questions by end of this week. Devote next week to CR, the next to RC.
After that, I'm actually going to the US for 2 weeks or so. When I return on the 23rd of Apr, I plan on devoting 2 weeks to my Quant prep. I have scheduled my test for 20th May, so I should be able to get a solid 1 week of tests in between, including a proper simulation on the weekends, including the Saturday right before my actual test on Sunday.
I seem to be on target for a 720+, look forward to a 740+ - Now THAT would be awesome!
I did start my SC prep - read through MGMAT, rather glanced through it, but it helped me IMMENSELY. I then picked up the SC section from the Official Guide, and am happy to report that I got 95% right - amazing accuracy for me, up from high 70s/early 80s. The plan is to wrap up MGMAT SC Guide and the official guide questions by end of this week. Devote next week to CR, the next to RC.
After that, I'm actually going to the US for 2 weeks or so. When I return on the 23rd of Apr, I plan on devoting 2 weeks to my Quant prep. I have scheduled my test for 20th May, so I should be able to get a solid 1 week of tests in between, including a proper simulation on the weekends, including the Saturday right before my actual test on Sunday.
I seem to be on target for a 720+, look forward to a 740+ - Now THAT would be awesome!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Cracking the GMAT
So with a lofty target set in my eyes, I am out on my GMAT prep. having taken the exam in the past, I am finding it tough to study first from the books and then move on to practice tests etc. So I took on a different approach. i took 6 tests from MGMAT and the way I did them was, I solved each question, then googled that question simultaneously to see whether my answer was wrong or right. After reading the explanation right there right then, sometimes pausing my test, and not changing the original answer I posted in the MGMAT CAT, I moved onto the next one. This helped me 1. learn real time 2. make a list of concepts i need to revise and 3. made it more exciting for me to take tests
I scored between 730 and 780 on the tests.
Then I took the 2 official MGMAT prep tests between yesterday and today. I scored a 760 on both (Q51 V41, Q50 V42). My target will now be to
1. take 6 more mgmat tests over the next 2 weeks
2. do them without looking at any answers simultaneously AND in one go with proper simulated timing
3. Cover the official guides and revise areas of weaknesses
3. reset the MGMAT CAT Prep software and retake the 2 official CATs
4. As soon as I feel confident, register for the next available GMAT test and kill it
My target remains 720+ and although I brim with confidence, I hope I dont falter at the last step.
I scored between 730 and 780 on the tests.
Then I took the 2 official MGMAT prep tests between yesterday and today. I scored a 760 on both (Q51 V41, Q50 V42). My target will now be to
1. take 6 more mgmat tests over the next 2 weeks
2. do them without looking at any answers simultaneously AND in one go with proper simulated timing
3. Cover the official guides and revise areas of weaknesses
3. reset the MGMAT CAT Prep software and retake the 2 official CATs
4. As soon as I feel confident, register for the next available GMAT test and kill it
My target remains 720+ and although I brim with confidence, I hope I dont falter at the last step.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Target Set
Its Harvard Business School - Class of 2015.
I have been bruised and battered, but I WILL rise up again, I WILL take this more seriously, and I WILL god damn ensure that the best business school in this world sees the best in me. This is an open proclamation - I'm taking you head on HBS, I am coming to Cambridge, Mass.
I have been bruised and battered, but I WILL rise up again, I WILL take this more seriously, and I WILL god damn ensure that the best business school in this world sees the best in me. This is an open proclamation - I'm taking you head on HBS, I am coming to Cambridge, Mass.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
... And we're back
So I am now getting down to my revised plan towards attacking the B School admissions process. Step 1 for me is to retake the GMAT and score around 740, aim for a 720+ at the minimum.
Have been in prep mode for long - started re picking books around Feb 1st and still haven't been able to concentrate enough to 'study' study. I did take the MasterGMAT trial and must say that I think its a tremendous product. It truly exemplifies adaptive learning and I found the whole content very very useful - atleast whatever I did read/study there.
I am thinking about taking the GMAT in March or in May. In April I am visiting the US, and while I am there will def be visiting a few business schools. Will take the GMAT before June, i.e. before it changes.
Off to the books ...
Have been in prep mode for long - started re picking books around Feb 1st and still haven't been able to concentrate enough to 'study' study. I did take the MasterGMAT trial and must say that I think its a tremendous product. It truly exemplifies adaptive learning and I found the whole content very very useful - atleast whatever I did read/study there.
I am thinking about taking the GMAT in March or in May. In April I am visiting the US, and while I am there will def be visiting a few business schools. Will take the GMAT before June, i.e. before it changes.
Off to the books ...
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Houston ... we have a problem!
So I didn't make it to Kellogg. I put in EVERYTHING I could into the application and it yielded results. I got an interview invite - despite a 690 in my gmat and 3 years WE at matriculation. I am looking at the positives of my experience - an interview invite despite the 'negative' aspects of my application, the whole application experience, the anxiety, the waiting, the speculation etc. and hence, I am in much better shape to face the admissions process next year. I was hoping for an interview invite from Duke but didn't get one. Tuck seems a real DISTANT dream now. So for me, the app season 2011-12 is effectively over.
Here's the plan going forward:
1. Retake the GMAT and score above 740. Take the test before the test switches to its new format
2. Study VERY well this time - don't be over confident
3. Make a list of schools post the GMAT. Start working on essay drafts in June using last year's questions. Even if questions change, the whole process will yield significant value in increasing clarity
4. Apply ED/Round 1 to selected schools. Start working proactively in July
5. Get feedback from friends on essays. Then engage an editing service (essaysnark?) to edit essays for the school I MOST want to get in
6. Wait and hope I don't die of depression by this time next year
Schools I want apply at basis current frame of mind and assuming a 740 on my GMAT
1. Harvard
2. Stanford
3. Wharton
4. Tuck
5. Kellogg
Safety
1. Ross
2. Cornell
So here's until the next post. I didn't really say I was off blogging now did i ;)
Here's the plan going forward:
1. Retake the GMAT and score above 740. Take the test before the test switches to its new format
2. Study VERY well this time - don't be over confident
3. Make a list of schools post the GMAT. Start working on essay drafts in June using last year's questions. Even if questions change, the whole process will yield significant value in increasing clarity
4. Apply ED/Round 1 to selected schools. Start working proactively in July
5. Get feedback from friends on essays. Then engage an editing service (essaysnark?) to edit essays for the school I MOST want to get in
6. Wait and hope I don't die of depression by this time next year
Schools I want apply at basis current frame of mind and assuming a 740 on my GMAT
1. Harvard
2. Stanford
3. Wharton
4. Tuck
5. Kellogg
Safety
1. Ross
2. Cornell
So here's until the next post. I didn't really say I was off blogging now did i ;)
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Kellogg Interview
So today I had my first MBA interview. It was with a Kellogg alumnus in Gurgaon at his office. There was something unsettling about it though, as it was a hospital and seeing critical patients being whizzed in and out while I waited in the lounge hardly made me feel comfortable. Anyways, his office had a great view outside - the office had full length windows. I entered and he was busy with his computer. I said Hi Good Afternoon, he said the same and asked me to sit. He spent the next 2 minutes engrossed in his laptop, then the conversation began. Btw, although I had already emailed him my resume, he asked me for it - glad I took the printouts with me.
He asked me about me - gave him a brief overview of my grad + work ex. He smiled and said thats only about work, not really about you. I thought to myself, you idiot! after all, whenever I interview and ask this question, I too always expect the person sitting across the chair to tell me about themselves holistically, not just about work. So I proceeded to give him some information about me - family, soccer fanaticism and love for skiing. And also about my stand up comedy thingey.
Then he asked me a couple of questions regarding the things I had put in the extra curricular part in my resume. Answered those. Then he asked me about an MBA. Told him about my short term and long term goals, why I think I need the MBA, why MBA and not a specialized masters in HR and so on. He didn't look convinced, grilled me a bit on why HR in consumer industries, why international companies etc. Think I answered them fine. Then asked me for plan B, I showed dedication to purpose here and didn't waiver from my answer about finding a job in HR. Also told him that I am aware about the challenges of coming to Kellogg, maybe not finding enough support on campus regarding HR jobs, but linked it to my experience and said I would handle it.
He then asked me about strengths and weaknesses - I didn't answer this well. Weaknesses were actually quite weak themselves and I actually said I hadn't done well in teams although I had worked on it! Not sure how he will take that. We spoke more around why kellogg - i think i answered this really well. He asked me why would he want me sitting next to him in class. Said something about being amiable and pleasant but he said I dont think I'd want to pay $100K only to sit next to someone pleasant. I said the $100K direct relation was a bit stretched but went on to tell him about how I'd contribute to class, the enthusiasm I would bring in and my contributions outside of class in clubs etc.
He then again asked me about career related questions, answered those. Then he asked me if there was something else I would like to say that wasn't already addressed etc. - did that. Then asked him 2 questions - 1 on clubs as I had noted he was a member of the Improv and Net Impact club and I too wanted to join these. He asked me how I knew that he was in those clubs, told him about having read the newsletter. Gave me some thoughts on these. Also asked him about the alumni club in India, linked that to a conversation I had with another Kellogg alumnus. In the end we said our byes and I made a comment which made him laugh. I also made him smile 3-4 times during the interview.
All in all, I am unsure of how it went. Could I have done better - yes! but that would almost always hold true for any interview. Was this my best attempt at an interview - NO, and that is the more important aspect. I could have spoken about my community involvement, but I didn't - felt stupid about that afterwards. Anyways, what's done is done. I'll hope for a positive outcome and the next 3 weeks will furiously speculate on how today went.
How did I prepare for the interview? - well I din't do much. I ordered a seminar for $30 off gmatclub.com which was quite useless for me. I asked for help from a friend I made during the app process, and she was kind to have a mock interview with me on skype. I must point out that Elizabeth (cheetarah1980) has been TREMENDOUSLY helpful! I sincerely wish she and I both make it to Kellogg - would love to have her as my classmate.
So done with the interview and now unsure of what next. My application at Duke and Tuck continues to be under review and I will hear from Duke only by 14th Dec and Tuck - god knows by when! Hoping for the best ....
He asked me about me - gave him a brief overview of my grad + work ex. He smiled and said thats only about work, not really about you. I thought to myself, you idiot! after all, whenever I interview and ask this question, I too always expect the person sitting across the chair to tell me about themselves holistically, not just about work. So I proceeded to give him some information about me - family, soccer fanaticism and love for skiing. And also about my stand up comedy thingey.
Then he asked me a couple of questions regarding the things I had put in the extra curricular part in my resume. Answered those. Then he asked me about an MBA. Told him about my short term and long term goals, why I think I need the MBA, why MBA and not a specialized masters in HR and so on. He didn't look convinced, grilled me a bit on why HR in consumer industries, why international companies etc. Think I answered them fine. Then asked me for plan B, I showed dedication to purpose here and didn't waiver from my answer about finding a job in HR. Also told him that I am aware about the challenges of coming to Kellogg, maybe not finding enough support on campus regarding HR jobs, but linked it to my experience and said I would handle it.
He then asked me about strengths and weaknesses - I didn't answer this well. Weaknesses were actually quite weak themselves and I actually said I hadn't done well in teams although I had worked on it! Not sure how he will take that. We spoke more around why kellogg - i think i answered this really well. He asked me why would he want me sitting next to him in class. Said something about being amiable and pleasant but he said I dont think I'd want to pay $100K only to sit next to someone pleasant. I said the $100K direct relation was a bit stretched but went on to tell him about how I'd contribute to class, the enthusiasm I would bring in and my contributions outside of class in clubs etc.
He then again asked me about career related questions, answered those. Then he asked me if there was something else I would like to say that wasn't already addressed etc. - did that. Then asked him 2 questions - 1 on clubs as I had noted he was a member of the Improv and Net Impact club and I too wanted to join these. He asked me how I knew that he was in those clubs, told him about having read the newsletter. Gave me some thoughts on these. Also asked him about the alumni club in India, linked that to a conversation I had with another Kellogg alumnus. In the end we said our byes and I made a comment which made him laugh. I also made him smile 3-4 times during the interview.
All in all, I am unsure of how it went. Could I have done better - yes! but that would almost always hold true for any interview. Was this my best attempt at an interview - NO, and that is the more important aspect. I could have spoken about my community involvement, but I didn't - felt stupid about that afterwards. Anyways, what's done is done. I'll hope for a positive outcome and the next 3 weeks will furiously speculate on how today went.
How did I prepare for the interview? - well I din't do much. I ordered a seminar for $30 off gmatclub.com which was quite useless for me. I asked for help from a friend I made during the app process, and she was kind to have a mock interview with me on skype. I must point out that Elizabeth (cheetarah1980) has been TREMENDOUSLY helpful! I sincerely wish she and I both make it to Kellogg - would love to have her as my classmate.
So done with the interview and now unsure of what next. My application at Duke and Tuck continues to be under review and I will hear from Duke only by 14th Dec and Tuck - god knows by when! Hoping for the best ....
Sunday, November 13, 2011
An Interview and a Movie
I am absolutely THRILLED about getting an invitation to interview for Kellogg! After having my interview waived earlier, I was fearing a ding at the school. I understand my stats aren't really with me - 690 GMAT, 3 years WE at matriculation, non IIT. But getting this invite is a HUGE morale booster for me - makes me think that the thought process behind my applications was pretty good after all! I emailed my interviewer today, and should hopefully be interviewing with him sometime early next week. I am traveling this week, so will utilize that time to get hold of some resources to better prepare for what may be my only interview this season.
I am still in two minds about applying to Cornell for their MBA/MILR program. Let's see, will work on the essays and ask for the recommendations. Deadline is 30th Nov, so have some time before I need to apply. Will speak with some current students as well.
I saw Rockstar yesterday
The movie started on a very promising note. The music is ABSOLUTELY brilliant. Although you always expect A R Rahman to do really well on his score, this outscores most other soundtracks. The songs "Tum Ho', "Jo bhi Main", "Phir Se Ud Chala", "Saada Haq" and "Katiya Karun" are brilliant. However, the story is OK - nothing you haven't seen before - and the execution is very poor. Ranbir kapoor's acting is solid, and this is probably his best performance ever. Nargis Fakhri is a statue - she can be admired when still, but acting is just not her thing. Dialogue delivery is poor and her face kinds screws up when she talks. Overall, not really a highly recommended watch. Also, this is the second movie where AR Rahman has had injustice done to him - his soundtracks for Rockstar and Delhi 6 are probably the best he has ever come up with. However, in both movies, songs weren't metted out the treatment they should have gotten on screen. Picturization was poor and sometimes even the whole song did not play out on screen.
Anyways, as mentioned the next week or so would be completely devoted to prepping for my Kellogg interview. Hoping I do the best I can ...
I am still in two minds about applying to Cornell for their MBA/MILR program. Let's see, will work on the essays and ask for the recommendations. Deadline is 30th Nov, so have some time before I need to apply. Will speak with some current students as well.
I saw Rockstar yesterday
The movie started on a very promising note. The music is ABSOLUTELY brilliant. Although you always expect A R Rahman to do really well on his score, this outscores most other soundtracks. The songs "Tum Ho', "Jo bhi Main", "Phir Se Ud Chala", "Saada Haq" and "Katiya Karun" are brilliant. However, the story is OK - nothing you haven't seen before - and the execution is very poor. Ranbir kapoor's acting is solid, and this is probably his best performance ever. Nargis Fakhri is a statue - she can be admired when still, but acting is just not her thing. Dialogue delivery is poor and her face kinds screws up when she talks. Overall, not really a highly recommended watch. Also, this is the second movie where AR Rahman has had injustice done to him - his soundtracks for Rockstar and Delhi 6 are probably the best he has ever come up with. However, in both movies, songs weren't metted out the treatment they should have gotten on screen. Picturization was poor and sometimes even the whole song did not play out on screen.
Anyways, as mentioned the next week or so would be completely devoted to prepping for my Kellogg interview. Hoping I do the best I can ...
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Tuck Submitted
I just submitted the application for Tuck ... well not just, submitted yesterday. It is my absolute favourite school, and I have resolved that even if I don't make it anywhere this year, retaking the GMAT next year will solely be focused on Tuck. Here's why:
1. Human Process - The overall vibes I got from the school were the most 'human' amongst all business school What do I mean by Human - well for starters their alumni and students do not have any airs at all about themselves and where they went to study. Amazing people. I got a response from each and every Tuckie I reached out to, some followed up even though I sometimes forgot to do so. Their comments were amazing - one of the alumnus told me straight up that if I wanted to go to Tuck, my essays needed to have different career goals. The ones I had wont fly. Other schools such as Columbia, their alumni were so stuck on the brand name that they never put up a red flag! They were like 'well everyone's doing something or the other, so I'm sure you'll be able to carve out your own niche here'
2. Beautiful Environs - I haven't been there, but I've seen official and amateur videos+pics of the place. And it is stupendously beautiful. The small class sizes and beautiful setting is idyllic, and something that really draws me to Tuck. Why not a Duke/Cornell then? well they do too, but Tuck's overall repute and strong focus on general mgmt. edge them out
3. Amazing faculty - Tuck has the highest % of full time faculty, and when a school commits to such a high number of faculty, their commitment shows right back. Saw essays via youtube of classes at almost all the b schools I applied at - Prof. Finkelstein clearly stood out.
4. Career services - I am not too well versed with this aspect, but seems Tuck always figures in the top 3, if not the top, schools with the highest % of students in jobs 3 months after graduation. Wow! - talk about consistency and the career services commitment, not to mention the school's amazing brand name
5. Alumni - this is clearly an outlier. I rate their alumni network the strongest, and got a sense of it when I spoke with students. Not one person was there who did NOT exemplify how strong the network is. And the stories were remarkable. Compare that to a Wharton, where even the alumni who lived in Delhi itself, met for the first time at the admissions reception only. You may feel that this can be quite common, and I agree - but that's exactly how tuck stands out!
Anyways, my rant here is just to show how much i absolutely love the school. As I wait with bated breath (read that somewhere, too dramatic) I sincerely hope that even if I get rejected w/o interview everywhere else, I make it to Tuck. Will probably not ever want anything else in life, well atleast for the next 2 years ;)
1. Human Process - The overall vibes I got from the school were the most 'human' amongst all business school What do I mean by Human - well for starters their alumni and students do not have any airs at all about themselves and where they went to study. Amazing people. I got a response from each and every Tuckie I reached out to, some followed up even though I sometimes forgot to do so. Their comments were amazing - one of the alumnus told me straight up that if I wanted to go to Tuck, my essays needed to have different career goals. The ones I had wont fly. Other schools such as Columbia, their alumni were so stuck on the brand name that they never put up a red flag! They were like 'well everyone's doing something or the other, so I'm sure you'll be able to carve out your own niche here'
2. Beautiful Environs - I haven't been there, but I've seen official and amateur videos+pics of the place. And it is stupendously beautiful. The small class sizes and beautiful setting is idyllic, and something that really draws me to Tuck. Why not a Duke/Cornell then? well they do too, but Tuck's overall repute and strong focus on general mgmt. edge them out
3. Amazing faculty - Tuck has the highest % of full time faculty, and when a school commits to such a high number of faculty, their commitment shows right back. Saw essays via youtube of classes at almost all the b schools I applied at - Prof. Finkelstein clearly stood out.
4. Career services - I am not too well versed with this aspect, but seems Tuck always figures in the top 3, if not the top, schools with the highest % of students in jobs 3 months after graduation. Wow! - talk about consistency and the career services commitment, not to mention the school's amazing brand name
5. Alumni - this is clearly an outlier. I rate their alumni network the strongest, and got a sense of it when I spoke with students. Not one person was there who did NOT exemplify how strong the network is. And the stories were remarkable. Compare that to a Wharton, where even the alumni who lived in Delhi itself, met for the first time at the admissions reception only. You may feel that this can be quite common, and I agree - but that's exactly how tuck stands out!
Anyways, my rant here is just to show how much i absolutely love the school. As I wait with bated breath (read that somewhere, too dramatic) I sincerely hope that even if I get rejected w/o interview everywhere else, I make it to Tuck. Will probably not ever want anything else in life, well atleast for the next 2 years ;)
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Consultants ... yet again!
So I exchanged some emails with EssaySnark - awesome guy/girl/persons. Gave me a lot of good gyan on applications and general advice. Felt very 'human' about my application, speaking with them - something like Tuck's admission process.
I also got a review done by Precision Essay and all I can say is Wow! - amazing stuff! Their high quality of edits was phenomenal - especially as they gave me a high level suggestion on how to improve my essays instead of just pointing out what the shortcomings were. Recommend folks get a free review done by these guys - would be very helfpul
I also got a review done by Precision Essay and all I can say is Wow! - amazing stuff! Their high quality of edits was phenomenal - especially as they gave me a high level suggestion on how to improve my essays instead of just pointing out what the shortcomings were. Recommend folks get a free review done by these guys - would be very helfpul
Moving along
After Duke, my (hoepfully) last application is at Tuck. I had actually intended the Tuck app to be my first. Wanted to apply EA but my recommender had some issues at his end and absolutely said NO to submitting within the timelimit. To be fair, he was extremely apologetic but I empathize with him as he was facing a personal issue within his family. Knowing that he would be able to provide the best reference, I waited to submit in Round 1 instead of EA.
I have realized that as we move along the application process, the quality of essays substantially increases. If I compare what I submitted at Columbia and what I will be submitting now at Tuck, there is a WORLD of difference. Does this mean applicants should save their most important apps for last? not quite. I think in this respect, admissions consultants add the maximum value as they cut to the chase and take an essay from mediocre to wow immediately. For someone like me who cannot afford the consulting service the price we pay is late realization around actual quality an individual can produce.
However, there are upsides as well. I used beatthegmat and gmatclub forums, and had many users there give me their opinions on my essays. I believe they helped me tremendously. I then used a cheaper proofreading service to check my essays for errors etc. I sent them 2 essays first, and once I got the results, I sent them the others. Was very happy with what they had done. I recommend www.proofreadingpals.com Great rates, good turnaround time and very good edits. Coming back to the upsides, I was able to make new friends, had a holistic quai consulting experience with them and now know what to compare my consultant with, if I ever hire one. Further, I did a LOT of research which I am sure I wouldn't have done if I hired an admissions consultant, as he would have all that data ready with him.
That said, all school have now released some interview invites and it is quite disheartening to read the messages on gmatclub etc. announcing interview invites. Some of the posts made by those invited to interview (how do I log in? What kind of username makes sense? When should I interview - later or sooner, what time?) are so ridiculous, it makes me clench my teeth in annoyance as to how such individuals could be interviewing at schools like Harvard! I can't speak about other demographics, but seeing Indian students pose such questions really pisses me off! I have always been someone who concentrates a lot on the softer skills (presentation, diction, dressing sense, sensibility of conversation) and hence my displeasure.
One thing I advise anyone who reads this blog and wants to get as much of 'free' stuff that they can, is to use the free editing services some companies provide. be selective here though, because everyone will give you different views and given that you feel these are credible authorities, they may end up confusing you real bad. I highly recommend essaysnark (www.essaysnark.blogspot.com) for his (or her?) humourous undertone to the GMAT and MBA admissions. I submitted an essay to them a week or two ago, and they reviewed it yesterday. (http://essaysnark.blogspot.com/2011/11/essay-critique-kellogg-career-goals_07.html)
I was very happy to get a good review from them, and the parts they have mentioned are lacking are actually present in my essay, albeit the structural issue they mentioned is very valid. I am rooting for an interview invite from Kellogg. EssaySnark too felt my essay 4 was really good, and I felt the same. But an application is an overall package so cannot really base my hopes on just one review.
I got comments on my Tuck essays from two current students. One of them gave a glowing review, another felt the content was good, but some things needed to be added/deleted and the structure modified. Will work on these before submitting on the 9th.
Here's to much more waiting ahead!
I have realized that as we move along the application process, the quality of essays substantially increases. If I compare what I submitted at Columbia and what I will be submitting now at Tuck, there is a WORLD of difference. Does this mean applicants should save their most important apps for last? not quite. I think in this respect, admissions consultants add the maximum value as they cut to the chase and take an essay from mediocre to wow immediately. For someone like me who cannot afford the consulting service the price we pay is late realization around actual quality an individual can produce.
However, there are upsides as well. I used beatthegmat and gmatclub forums, and had many users there give me their opinions on my essays. I believe they helped me tremendously. I then used a cheaper proofreading service to check my essays for errors etc. I sent them 2 essays first, and once I got the results, I sent them the others. Was very happy with what they had done. I recommend www.proofreadingpals.com Great rates, good turnaround time and very good edits. Coming back to the upsides, I was able to make new friends, had a holistic quai consulting experience with them and now know what to compare my consultant with, if I ever hire one. Further, I did a LOT of research which I am sure I wouldn't have done if I hired an admissions consultant, as he would have all that data ready with him.
That said, all school have now released some interview invites and it is quite disheartening to read the messages on gmatclub etc. announcing interview invites. Some of the posts made by those invited to interview (how do I log in? What kind of username makes sense? When should I interview - later or sooner, what time?) are so ridiculous, it makes me clench my teeth in annoyance as to how such individuals could be interviewing at schools like Harvard! I can't speak about other demographics, but seeing Indian students pose such questions really pisses me off! I have always been someone who concentrates a lot on the softer skills (presentation, diction, dressing sense, sensibility of conversation) and hence my displeasure.
One thing I advise anyone who reads this blog and wants to get as much of 'free' stuff that they can, is to use the free editing services some companies provide. be selective here though, because everyone will give you different views and given that you feel these are credible authorities, they may end up confusing you real bad. I highly recommend essaysnark (www.essaysnark.blogspot.com) for his (or her?) humourous undertone to the GMAT and MBA admissions. I submitted an essay to them a week or two ago, and they reviewed it yesterday. (http://essaysnark.blogspot.com/2011/11/essay-critique-kellogg-career-goals_07.html)
I was very happy to get a good review from them, and the parts they have mentioned are lacking are actually present in my essay, albeit the structural issue they mentioned is very valid. I am rooting for an interview invite from Kellogg. EssaySnark too felt my essay 4 was really good, and I felt the same. But an application is an overall package so cannot really base my hopes on just one review.
I got comments on my Tuck essays from two current students. One of them gave a glowing review, another felt the content was good, but some things needed to be added/deleted and the structure modified. Will work on these before submitting on the 9th.
Here's to much more waiting ahead!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Duke Application
Just hit submit. I am unsure of how this will go - application went in but I felt I didn't really push it that much. lets see.
I am REALLY pepped about my application to Tuck but my low GMAT score is sure to play spoilsport. If I apply next year, it will only be Stanford, Harvard, Kellogg and Tuck. Hopefully, it won't reach that stage.
Reading about others getting that interview invite, while you are yet to see such an email, is really depressing. God! hope that changes soon,
I am REALLY pepped about my application to Tuck but my low GMAT score is sure to play spoilsport. If I apply next year, it will only be Stanford, Harvard, Kellogg and Tuck. Hopefully, it won't reach that stage.
Reading about others getting that interview invite, while you are yet to see such an email, is really depressing. God! hope that changes soon,
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