Hello Everyone... Last night I attended an MBA event @ the Kaplan center here in NYC. The schools represented were Insead, Cornell, NYU, and Columbia.

I took some notes on some things I had either never heard before, or had forgotten. I wanted to share them with you. I'll preface each statement with the school rep that made the comment:

Well first the moderator graduated from MIT Sloan and now works for Kaplan.

Why get an MBA?
NYU - people want to make a move in their career and need additional coursework. People want to expand their network.

Because of the economic downturn? How do you evaluate your MBA candidates?
Columbia - we look for students who are resilient. Many people come into MBA program thinkign one thing, but the realization is that they have to be prepared to take another route if needbe.

Random comment made - Make sure on your resume you are focusing on "What is the school looking for and how do I fit into their mission?" "How do I compliment their needs?"

When is the right time to go to B-school?
Cornell - When you feel that you're not learning as much as you could be and/or you're not being challenged in your current line of work.
Cornell - When you are able to explain your achievements and accomplishments otherwise you are not ready for B-school.

On the GMAT
Insead - The GMAT is essentially a critical reasoning exam similar to business school. You can have the quantitative skills but if you don't know how to apply it correctly, then the skills can't be helpful. In business you are given a limit amount of information and you have to make assumptions, inferences, and difficult decisions with the limited information. For this reason the exam is essentially Critical Reasoning in nature.

On Short & Long Term goals essay
NYU - Make sure that you SHOW how you've come to the conclusion of what your short term goals are - by function and by industry. Even if you're not sure... come up with something! Then SHOW how a degree from _______ program is the best option for you.
Cornell - Think about what drives you. For the first time in your adult life you're being asked "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

This was my favorite question the moderator asked of the panelists. These buzzwords are definitely words to think about if you're applying to any of these four schools. Communicate these adjectives by SHOWING not TELLING.
The question was - State three words to describe your program.

Columbia - Resilient, Passionate, Articulate
Insead - Globally minded, Passionate, Engaging
Cornell - Enthusiastic, Passion, Focus
NYU - Team Player, Communication, Analytical

Insead - If you have an interview with alumni remember that they're thinking to themselves - "Do I want to call this person a fellow Alum?"

Comments are all welcome!

Enjoy!