EssaySnark was floored – really truly floored – on Friday when we got the email below.
We have never before been approached by a school about anything. In fact, the times that we have approached the schools ourselves, we haven’t exactly been given the warmest of receptions. You think there’s a stigma for you in using an admissions consultant? Try BEING an admissions consultant and see how much the adcoms like you. Our opinions on that shortsighted attitude will be reserved for another post.
Back to our new favoritist bschool in the world. We’re gonna just let this one stand on its own, exactly as it came in to us (and boy we hope that the sender doesn’t mind that we’re doing this – we’re guessing not but we’re not usually in the habit of publishing people’s emails verbatim like this).
Here goes:
On Fri, Jun 8, 2012 at 2:19 PM, some-really-awesome-person-from-UNC wrote:
The only thing that the ‘Snark has to offer here is that the post he’s referring to was from May 6th a year ago (2011) — we haven’t really gathered a lot of new information since then, personally or from our clients, about the online MBA or the specific UNC option, to refute or modify the opinions and concerns that we had in that original post. (We did have a handful of clients accepted to UNC this past season, though they haven’t matriculated yet.)
Regardless, the information that UNC has provided to the ‘Snark is plenty helpful. And, the one big reality that we didn’t acknowledge in last year’s write-up is important to acknowledge now. The very real fact is that more and more of business today is distributed. Workplaces are no longer static, fixed offices where everyone is gathered together in one location. Teams are global, and virtual and that is only going to increase as you continue your careers. So, our complaint that the UNC online program is a disadvantage due to lack of real-time talking to people in 3D experiences… maybe that’s not as big of a drawback as we originally were thinking.
We’re gonna be taking Mr. UNC up on his offer to learn more about the virtual classroom experience and will report back when we do. We make a point of visiting several bschools every year — yes, just like we tell all of you, we go out on campus tours, too. The fact that UNC brings the classroom to you and me is kinda appealing.
ariz says
I would love to hear about your renew perspective on Online MBA. For working professional it makes perfect sense to pursue the MBA via distant learning and not miss a beat at work
Anonymous says
what's your opinion about Indiana Kelley's online MBA program? Like UNC, Indiana offers an online program with a lot of in-person communication and “immersion” week when all online students meet together in person on campus to network and perform group activities.
essaysnark says
@Anonymous, so sorry that we missed your question from before. EssaySnark is not (yet) an expert in the online programs and we don’t know much about Kelley Direct. We’re starting to investigate these different options more since they seem to be gaining a bit of traction. You should be asking questions like is it the same faculty doing the online courses as who teach in the F/T program, what type of career services support do they have, is it realistic to switch careers through these online programs, etc. The in-person/on-campus sections are critical.
UNC tends to be higher-ranked than Kelley however both are good schools. As with all educational opportunities, you should seek out the school that has the best reputation in the area that you want to study.
Remember that bschool is what you make of it – if you’re a slacker then you’re going to likely struggle with an online program since you may find it hard to stay motivated. For many people, the two-year immersive experience is more valuable for a variety of tangible and less-tangible reasons. It’s a very individual choice.
Hope this helps and also if anyone has more insights from personal experience with any of these programs we hope they’ll speak up and contribute to the conversation!