Here’s the final installment of the amazing MBA application experience recap that we got from a BSer we worked with last season! Part 1 included the hardest part of the process, and Part 2 went into the approach taken from school research, to prioritizing targets, to which rounds. Today is the grand finale of WHICH SCHOOLS WERE THEY ACCEPTED TO??!?
Making a decision
I was admitted to McDonough ($), Ross, and Tepper, and waitlisted at Fuqua. [WHOO-HOO!!!!!!!!! -ES]
After being admitted, I continued talking to students and alumns (each of the schools had multiple people reach out to me), and completed a final level of due diligence on the schools’ employment stats.
As much as I’d like to say making a choice was a super logical and scientific process, a lot of it came down to my personal interactions and almost intangible notion of “fit” with each school. My thinking on each school was as follows:
Tepper: Fine, felt that overall it would be a good experience. Positive interactions. Main benefit would be not having to move. Not a school that “lit my fire” per se
McDonough: Felt very comfortable on campus. This is specific to me, but since I went to a Jesuit school for undergrad, the overall culture of the school felt very familiar and comforting. Had an intuitive sense that I would fit in and have a great experience.
Ross: Felt challenged, but in a way that would beget growth. Was incredibly impressed by everyone I met (not to say students at other schools weren’t impressive, but this stuck out to me at Ross in particular). Found myself frequently thinking “these are the type of people I want to be surrounded by.”
Fuqua: decided to move forward with one of my current acceptances instead of “waiting out” the waitlist.
Ultimately, I decided that I wanted to go somewhere where I would really be challenged, leading to the personal growth I was seeking. I felt Ross would be the best place to do this. After deciding on Ross, I waited another week or so before paying the deposit to really make sure this is what I wanted to move forward with. I paid my deposit at the end of December (about 5-6 weeks after being accepted).
Final thoughts
I couldn’t be happier or more excited to be heading to Ross in the fall (Go Blue!). Looking back at this entire process, I can confidently say I have never worked harder for anything (although I think the hard work is just beginning 😊).
If there is any advice I would give from my experience it would be:
- Go into the process recognizing that it’s going to be both a significant amount of work, and very challenging work. Going in with your eyes wide open, making a plan, and executing the plan, is the approach that worked for me
- A Ross student gave me this advice early in the process, and I came back to it often: your application needs to tell the following story:
- A (your background and experience) + B (an MBA from the specific school you’re applying to) = C (your goals)
- Leverage Essay Snark services!!! I can’t say enough about how valuable the snark’s input was throughout the process. I’m not sure I’d be in the position I am without Essay Snark.
We say “thank you” right back at ya! AND ONCE AGAIN: CONGRATULATIONS! This FORMER BSer was a pleasure to work with and we just knew they would end up somewhere fabulous! They went into this process with a level head, knowing where they wanted to go and WHY they were choosing the schools that they did. The level of maturity and interest in self-reflection demonstrated by this person really shows us why they were successful, and tells us they will continue to see even greater success. Attitude is everything! We’re honored to have been part of their process, and it was through the hard work and willingness to keep at it, even when it was tough going, that these results happened for them. Thanks again, former BSer, for this great contribution, and good luck as you go off to your bschool adventure!!
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