Question on part-time Admissions consulting

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Question on part-time Admissions consulting

by claures » Fri May 08, 2009 10:08 am
After spending a lot of time evaluating my options, part-time seems to be the best option for me because working would allow me to easily pay for school on my own (assuming my current employer can't pay due to the whole economy thing).

I had some questions as far as consulting goes for part-time applicants:

1.) Do you generally provide services for those applying part-time? Or do part-time applicants generally not need the extra help?

2.) Should I expect any difference in competition when applying to part-time vs. full-time (I am thinking the competition is a driving reason to needing consulting services).

3.) Will I be viewed differently applying to part-time programs that are not local? (I am in a position where my current employer would likely allow me to work remotely while attending a program).

I'm just looking for some general advice/suggestions as far as consulting services go for part-time applicants. I understand you probably won't advise me not to use your services, but maybe you could elaborate on where you feel the services would be most beneficial or not as value added in contrast to a full-time application.

Thanks!
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by Lisa Anderson » Sun May 10, 2009 6:23 pm
Dear claures,

1.) Do you generally provide services for those applying part-time? Or do part-time applicants generally not need the extra help?
Yes, Stacy Blackman Consulting works with applicants to business school, regardless of type of program. We have worked with many part-time and executive MBA applicants in the past. The admissions process is not that different between the programs, so if you feel you need (or want) help with presenting the strongest application possible, then you should research consultants.

2.) Should I expect any difference in competition when applying to part-time vs. full-time (I am thinking the competition is a driving reason to needing consulting services).
The main difference between the applicant pools are that part-time programs have a wider experience range and the average years of work experience for most part-time programs is 5-8 years. Additionally, part-time programs generally have fewer international applicants since the students are working while going to school. Depending on the program, competition for part-time programs can be as fierce as full-time programs, but there is wide variance from to school to school regarding the competitiveness.

3.) Will I be viewed differently applying to part-time programs that are not local? (I am in a position where my current employer would likely allow me to work remotely while attending a program).
It will raise a flag with the admissions committee, so you need to explicitly address your work situation in your application.

I encourage you to talk with different consulting services regarding pricing and services. Depending on what you specifically want from a consultant, you might find paying for service on an hourly basis is better or that a comprehensive package is a better match for you.

Good luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

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