My girlfriend and I were at the HBS admit weekend last month and we had an absolutely fantastic time. Contrary to what many believe, I did not meet any admit who had his/her head above the clouds, or who spoke in a condescending way - they were all very down to earth, and mostly were thrilled to be part of the HBS community. The weekend spared plenty of time for us to socialize, and it was amazing to see the diversity of the students who were admitted. Boy, am I excited!
Another thing that has impressed me a lot is the HBS premat website. You can find everything from your person "To-Do" items, to moving companies, to new articles published by HBS professors! Coming from a technology background, I was very impressed by their tutorials. The tutorial had tons of informative videos that presented ideas, cute animations that have you cracking up while illustrating the concept, and interactive exercises that ingrained the main points. Clearly, a lot of thought was put into making them!
With less than three months remaining till school starts, I am starting to get more excited (and nervous) to start a new phase of our lives! And for all of you who are applying for round 1 of 2011, many schools have already posted their essay questions, so good luck pouring your heart and soul into those essays as you step towards making your dreams come true.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
HBS it is!
Can't complain...not at all! I got waitlisted at Stanford (which surprised me given that it was my best interview, but oh well). HBS was still my top choice and I'm very very excited about going there and am looking forward to the Admit Weekend.
I'll keep the blog going to make up for my late start. I hope that it is helpful for everyone applying for the Class of 2011. Good luck to those applying this year - you will definitely have your hands full!
I'll keep the blog going to make up for my late start. I hope that it is helpful for everyone applying for the Class of 2011. Good luck to those applying this year - you will definitely have your hands full!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Updates from Kellogg, Wharton, Columbia
I've heard back from these three colleges! Now that I made it to HBS, I only care about Stanford (thought these three are great schools)! I got into Kellogg, which was exciting because it happened soon after the HBS admit. I got a rejection from Wharton, which I expected, given how I absolutely did not connect with the arrogant alumni interviewer who questioned my every sentence and said "I don't buy that!" I successfully withdrew from Columbia the same day. Lots has happened over those couple of days - its amazing how all your hard work culminates into a yes or no - it almost seems like an anti-climax :)
Waiting to hear from Stanford now while I continue actively browsing the HBS premat website!
Waiting to hear from Stanford now while I continue actively browsing the HBS premat website!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
My Stanford Interview
While my acceptance to HBS is still sinking in (!!!), I thought I'll take some time to write about my Stanford interview while that is still fresh in my mind. I know some of you have one coming up (which is awesome!), and will hopefully find my experience helpful.
I had had four interviews before my Stanford one, so in terms of nerves and getting my general 'story' right, I was feeling quite confident. I reread my essays, went through the typical questions from the clearadmit wiki, and prayed sincerely at every opportunity I got. I also dug through every link on the Stanford website to make sure I had a solid "Why Stanford" story, focusing specifically on points that distinguish Stanford from HBS. From what I have heard, Stanford alums are very proud of their school, and they want to make sure you will appreciate Stanford for its unique characteristics.
My actual interview was in a mini conference room of a small VC firm. I had googled my interviewer earlier, and needless to say his achievements were as expected - absolutely stellar! He fit the stereotype Stanford grad - very smart but equally down to earth. We spoke about his new company for some time before I realized that he was supposed to interview me, so I retracted myself from asking more questions. We switched gears and he asked me to walk him through my resume. This part was very conversational and he asked me several questions to understand more about my specific experiences. He then started browsing through the guide that Stanford sends their alumni, and picked up a couple of questions:
* "Tell me about a weakness of yours" - After probably seeing my eyes light up at that question (I was so prepared for it), he interjected - "Actually, tell me about two weaknesses!" Thankfully, I held up!
* "How do you keep yourself intellectually stimulated outside of work?"
* "Anything else you want to add?" - Because I didn't get a chance to discuss my 'fun' side in the Stanford application, I took this opportunity to share some interesting anecdotes. I was surprised (very very pleasantly) when he just burst out laughing and didn't stop for a whole minute (score!).
He then asked me if I had any questions for him. I asked him about his Stanford experience, and he told me that he would never trade those two years for anything. He emphasized on the Stanford network and said that the friendships he made were the highlight of his MBA experience. His work experience was very similar to my career aspirations, and I received some great advice from him. After about 30 minutes of asking him questions, I finally let him go!
Overall, it was a great experience! If I do get into Stanford, I will be lucky enough to have a very hard choice to make. Looking forward to the 3rd of April now! Till then, I'll continue prancing around our house with a printout of my HBS acceptance in each one of my hands!
I had had four interviews before my Stanford one, so in terms of nerves and getting my general 'story' right, I was feeling quite confident. I reread my essays, went through the typical questions from the clearadmit wiki, and prayed sincerely at every opportunity I got. I also dug through every link on the Stanford website to make sure I had a solid "Why Stanford" story, focusing specifically on points that distinguish Stanford from HBS. From what I have heard, Stanford alums are very proud of their school, and they want to make sure you will appreciate Stanford for its unique characteristics.
My actual interview was in a mini conference room of a small VC firm. I had googled my interviewer earlier, and needless to say his achievements were as expected - absolutely stellar! He fit the stereotype Stanford grad - very smart but equally down to earth. We spoke about his new company for some time before I realized that he was supposed to interview me, so I retracted myself from asking more questions. We switched gears and he asked me to walk him through my resume. This part was very conversational and he asked me several questions to understand more about my specific experiences. He then started browsing through the guide that Stanford sends their alumni, and picked up a couple of questions:
* "Tell me about a weakness of yours" - After probably seeing my eyes light up at that question (I was so prepared for it), he interjected - "Actually, tell me about two weaknesses!" Thankfully, I held up!
* "How do you keep yourself intellectually stimulated outside of work?"
* "Anything else you want to add?" - Because I didn't get a chance to discuss my 'fun' side in the Stanford application, I took this opportunity to share some interesting anecdotes. I was surprised (very very pleasantly) when he just burst out laughing and didn't stop for a whole minute (score!).
He then asked me if I had any questions for him. I asked him about his Stanford experience, and he told me that he would never trade those two years for anything. He emphasized on the Stanford network and said that the friendships he made were the highlight of his MBA experience. His work experience was very similar to my career aspirations, and I received some great advice from him. After about 30 minutes of asking him questions, I finally let him go!
Overall, it was a great experience! If I do get into Stanford, I will be lucky enough to have a very hard choice to make. Looking forward to the 3rd of April now! Till then, I'll continue prancing around our house with a printout of my HBS acceptance in each one of my hands!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Does Harvard like me?
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss they doooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!! I need to go celebrate!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Done with all interviews!
I finished my Stanford interview! I think it went off well so I am glad to finish on a high note. Its time to celebrate now, but I'll post my interview experience tomorrow.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Interview Invite from Stanford
I am so excited! I am amazed that I got interviews from all 5 colleges I applied to! Now I have to convert at least one of them! Stanford is at the top of my list - I better do well on this one :)
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
How "the other half" fits in
Hi everyone! I'm the "fiance" and very excited to be sharing my experiences with all of you!
Let me tell you how the whole MBA thing came about, and about the roller-coaster of a ride that it's been...
We got engaged last year, and there was absolutely no mention of any MBA. Quite honestly, it just hadn't crossed our minds. We were especially thrilled about being engaged because it meant that we were living together after being in a long-distance relationship for a few years. When my SO first mentioned the idea of an MBA, and asked me what I thought about it, I didn't even know how to respond. I knew a few people at B-school, and I knew how rigorous the programs were. I also knew how time consuming and engaging the application process was supposed to be. But we decided to give it a shot and attend a few information sessions. What happened from there is nothing short of a 180 degree transformation. All my nervousness and apprehensions began to be replaced by excitement and enthusiasm. I began to think what a great opportunity it would be for my SO, and how wonderful the whole experience sounded!
I became more holistically involved when he started working on the essays. It definitely was demanding, and at times frustrating, but we enjoyed it all for the most part! It really does help the applicant a lot to have somebody else look at the essays. I was able to question him when something he wrote just didn't sound like him, and it all helped clarify his story at the end.
Looking back, it's amazing how I've gone from being apprehensive, to supporting him, to genuinely believing that an MBA is the right move for "us". I guess that's why they say that you never really know how you feel toward something unless you try it!
And now with the end so near, the nervousness is really building up, though I think that everybody should be very proud of making it this far!
Let me tell you how the whole MBA thing came about, and about the roller-coaster of a ride that it's been...
We got engaged last year, and there was absolutely no mention of any MBA. Quite honestly, it just hadn't crossed our minds. We were especially thrilled about being engaged because it meant that we were living together after being in a long-distance relationship for a few years. When my SO first mentioned the idea of an MBA, and asked me what I thought about it, I didn't even know how to respond. I knew a few people at B-school, and I knew how rigorous the programs were. I also knew how time consuming and engaging the application process was supposed to be. But we decided to give it a shot and attend a few information sessions. What happened from there is nothing short of a 180 degree transformation. All my nervousness and apprehensions began to be replaced by excitement and enthusiasm. I began to think what a great opportunity it would be for my SO, and how wonderful the whole experience sounded!
I became more holistically involved when he started working on the essays. It definitely was demanding, and at times frustrating, but we enjoyed it all for the most part! It really does help the applicant a lot to have somebody else look at the essays. I was able to question him when something he wrote just didn't sound like him, and it all helped clarify his story at the end.
Looking back, it's amazing how I've gone from being apprehensive, to supporting him, to genuinely believing that an MBA is the right move for "us". I guess that's why they say that you never really know how you feel toward something unless you try it!
And now with the end so near, the nervousness is really building up, though I think that everybody should be very proud of making it this far!
About Me
One-liner: Male/Mid-20s/720+/3.5+ at top non-Ivy private US school/3 yrs in Software/Good EC
I am currently working in a top software firm as a half-engineer half-project manager in the US, having a great time creating cool new products that will bring information to your fingertips! Over the past couple of years, I have worked on some very interesting projects, met some very intelligent people, and learned a lot about the challenges of working in the corporate world.
I have been lucky enough to go to a great private US school where I had some of the best years of my life (and met my fiance!). On the academic front, I think I am quite strong because I did very well in college - a mandate from my parents who sent me abroad - and the least I could do is live up to that expectation. I took the GMAT once and was overjoyed to receive a score I was happy with. I won't write much about my GMAT preparation because many others have some great posts on preparing for the exam.
At school I participated in a bunch of EC activities. Nothing spectacular, but I was involved nonetheless. I became more committed to a non-profit organization towards the end of my senior year at college, and since then have increased my involvement and responsibility with the organization. I am also an active member of some other clubs/groups in my city. One advantage that we tech people have over i-bankers and consultants is that we get more time to explore our interests beyond work!
Those are my 'stats,' but definitely not a complete picture of who I am. As I continue to post, I am sure you will learn more about me. I still have a lot of catching up to do, so expect frequent posts from me. And thanks JulyDream for making me feel part of the blogging community!
I am currently working in a top software firm as a half-engineer half-project manager in the US, having a great time creating cool new products that will bring information to your fingertips! Over the past couple of years, I have worked on some very interesting projects, met some very intelligent people, and learned a lot about the challenges of working in the corporate world.
I have been lucky enough to go to a great private US school where I had some of the best years of my life (and met my fiance!). On the academic front, I think I am quite strong because I did very well in college - a mandate from my parents who sent me abroad - and the least I could do is live up to that expectation. I took the GMAT once and was overjoyed to receive a score I was happy with. I won't write much about my GMAT preparation because many others have some great posts on preparing for the exam.
At school I participated in a bunch of EC activities. Nothing spectacular, but I was involved nonetheless. I became more committed to a non-profit organization towards the end of my senior year at college, and since then have increased my involvement and responsibility with the organization. I am also an active member of some other clubs/groups in my city. One advantage that we tech people have over i-bankers and consultants is that we get more time to explore our interests beyond work!
Those are my 'stats,' but definitely not a complete picture of who I am. As I continue to post, I am sure you will learn more about me. I still have a lot of catching up to do, so expect frequent posts from me. And thanks JulyDream for making me feel part of the blogging community!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Entering the Blogging community!
Finally! I've been meaning to do this for a few weeks now, and I've finally got to it (my excuse is that work and MBA-anxiousness have kept me busy!). The blogging community has been a great source of help for me, and now I want to share my experiences through this blog.
The journey so far includes burning tons of midnight oil, unintentional spurts of random quotes from my essays during work conversations, the agony of "wrapping up" an application, and the sheer nervousness of waiting for an interview invitation!
The next series of posts will get you up to date with who I am, why am I applying for an MBA, my general 'stats' and what I have learned. My fiance has been a tremendous help throughout this process, and this move is very important to her as well. I have asked her to post to this blog occasionally, so everyone out there with a partner can understand the challenges and thrills of applying (and hopefully going!) to business school.
The journey so far includes burning tons of midnight oil, unintentional spurts of random quotes from my essays during work conversations, the agony of "wrapping up" an application, and the sheer nervousness of waiting for an interview invitation!
The next series of posts will get you up to date with who I am, why am I applying for an MBA, my general 'stats' and what I have learned. My fiance has been a tremendous help throughout this process, and this move is very important to her as well. I have asked her to post to this blog occasionally, so everyone out there with a partner can understand the challenges and thrills of applying (and hopefully going!) to business school.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)