How to Benefit Most From This Book
Some Common Reasons for Getting an MBA
The Value of Going to a Top School
The Traditional, Full-Time American MBA
North American One-Year programs
Appendix I: What to Expect at Business School
Know Yourself—and What You Want from an MBA
Determine How Many Schools to Apply To
Avoid the Likely Pitfalls in Choosing a School
Appendix II: Criteria for Assessing MBA Programs
Appendix III: Choosing a Part-Time or an Executive MBA Program
Appendix IV: Asian and Latin American Programs
Appendix V: Visiting Business Schools
Limitations of the Rankings’ Methodologies
“Rolling” versus “Rounds” Admissions
The Student-Involvement Variation
When Should You Apply—Early or Late in an Application Cycle?
How Long Will It Take to Do Your Applications?
Where Are Things Most Likely to Go Astray?
Work Experience: Regular Applicants
Work Experience: Younger and Older Applicants
Extracurricular Activities During College
Community and Other Activities
Determining the Substance of Your Message
Capitalizing on Your Strengths, Minimizing Your Weaknesses
Fashioning Your Message: Positioning
General Positioning Versus Specific Positioning
The Mechanics of Positioning: Using Themes
Appendix VI: Personal Organizer
Taking Full Advantage of the Essays
Mixed Business and Personal Topics
Brief Notes on Additional Essays
General Rules for Approaching Any Essay Question
The Writing Process: Getting Started
Why Are Recommendations Required?
What Do Admissions Committees Learn from Your Recommendations?
Who Should Write Your Recommendations?
Approaching a Potential Recommender
What Do You Want Said About You? And How Can You Increase Its Value?
Appendix VII: Recommendation Briefing Outline
How to Deal with the Incompetent Interviewer
Special Concerns for International Applicants
Appendix VIII: Interview Questions
Responding to Administrative Holds
Should You Ever Appeal a Rejection?
Should You Reapply in the Future or Settle for a Lesser School?
Choose Your Study Group Wisely
Think About Your Career Development
Don’t Forget the Social Experience
Calculating the Cost of Business School
Evaluating Financial Packages—and Trying for More
Strategies for Financing Your Business School Education
Additional Information Sources
Overview of the Applicants and Their Essays