The Application Process

vaibhav0101bhatt wrote:Hey everyone,
/quote]


Hi Vaibhav,

You have a very valid question here. When you look at the primary information availableu, which is essentially through the school website or brochures, it is difficult to make out differences between programs. For a first time applicant this can be really mind boggling.

While the offerings of two b-schools may be quite similar (most b-schools will have specializations in strategy, marketing, finance or entrepreneurship), however the extent to which they offer depth in these offerings may differ. For example, Wharton is quintessentially a Finance program while Stanford is the mecca for entrepreneurship. Columbia is again a financial powerhouse.

Here are a couple of things you can do to scratch beneath the surface:
1. talk to current students and recent alumni - this is by far the best way to dig deeper and form your opinions. B-schools have "connect" programs or you can reach out to position members of clubs that interest you.
2. Register yourself for the MBA info-sessions that all b-schools are currently holding in some metros in India. These fill up fast, so you should visit the tour events of all the b-schools n your list and register yourself there. Some programs don't hold individual sessions but come with MBA Tour. Info sessions are another great way to understand about a b-school over and above what is presented on the website. Moreover, its perfect opportunity to network with alumni. B-schools have also been tracking your contact with them- its not going to get them to make a decision in your favor, but yes, you will get noticed.
3. Online Chat session, webinars held by b-schools periodically.
4. Student blogs are an amazing wealth of information and will help you get to know specific elements of the program quite well as well as become more aware about students and student life in general.

More than anything else, the campus vibe will be different at each b-school and the methods I have mentioned above will be your best ways to do the research.

Now, just to add another note- the top 7-8 programs are difficult to get into. Consider spreading your eggs in more baskets . A few of the other slightly lower ranked, but equally good programs will ensure you have a few admits this year.

Reach out to discuss further.

vaibhav0101bhatt wrote:Hey everyone,

I have scored 730 in gmat and have an entrepreneurial background. I am applying to top 7 business schools in US. I wanna know, how should i answer that "ABC school helps me achieve my goals". I mean i know how an MBA from IVY league college will help me but how a particular school is different from the other.

For example

how kellog is different from wharton?
how stanford is different from columbia?

thanks in advance
Vaibhav Bhatt