Total Page : 336
Publisher : Sourcebooks Inc
Publication Date : 2008 07 01
>> Read this book if applying to B School
Anyone even thinking about applying to business school should read this book Ms Isiadinso provides first hand knowledge of how application committees view applicants and great advice on putting together a cohesive application
Just as importantly the book helps you define who you are not just for your application but so that you have a clear picture and can learn to project that same picture to others After reading this book without question you ll be more prepared to start a business school application and more likely to get in after crafting a quality application based on the advice in this book but if you complete all of the recommended exercises you ll also be much closer to finding yourself
>> The one
I went to the book store and piled all of the business school books up high I have been through just about all of them and this was clearly the best one It takes a big picture approach to the admissions process and helps you understand that you are creating a brand for yourself Everything must fit within a cohesive story That idea is a simple one Figuring out what that story is who you are is not so simple Chioma does a wonderful job of helping you think through the story of yourself Highly recommended
>> Read two years before applying to MBA programs
This is a very sound book focused on the admissions to the top 8 MBA programs The only regret I have with this book is that I wish I had read it earlier
The author provides deep insights into how each applicant is evaluated MBA admissions in the top business schools is not all about GMAT and GPA
In order to be admitted to the top 5 business schools in particular one needs to show tremendous leadership and other WOW factors One needs to foster good relationships with potential MBA recommenders And don t forget the arduous preparation for GMAT
Unfortunately one can t just build a MBA WOW factor in few months It may take years to build extracurricular credentials and leadership experience that an MBA program would find compelling and credible it is too late to join the Peace Corp 3 months before the application
This would be an ideal book to read for those who just finished their undergraduate program and would like to attend an MBA program in a few years It will provide quite helpful tips on how to prepare for the grueling and challenging MBA admissions process in a top school DO NOT think high GMAT and GPA will guarantee you admission into a top MBA program although they will surely help
To summarize the book one needs to build a compelling personal brand and allow other parts of the application interview and recommendation confirm that brand DO NOT write boring and trite essays that will put admission officers to sleep Make your essays interesting and compelling with a touch of humor The book also outlines a list of things an MBA applicant should never do in the essays interviews and recommendations
Other suggestions from the book
1 Valid reasons why you would want an MBA money and intellectual challenge should not be emphasized
2 Choosing between Fulltime partime executive and accelerated MBA programs They are NOT the same
3 Writing proper and effective Essays Writing boring essays that do not foster strong personal brand is a sin
4 Choosing and prepping the recommenders
5 International student challenges visa obtaining financial aid language barrier etc
6 Financial Aid
7 How to handle interviews open houses and information sessions Note you WILL be evaluated in all 3 so be nice and professional to everyone
My main disappointment with the book is that the author provides deep insights into only top 8 MBA programs Clearly most of the suggestions are focused on the admissions to top 8 programs The school I am targetting which is a top 12 MBA program was not dealt in any level of depth
