Next Stop...... 2010

BOB nomination?

2008-04-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

hmmmmmm..... I guess there weren't enough applicant blogs out there last year.

But I do appreciate the gesture. Thanks Clear Admit!

YEAH BABY!!!!!

2008-03-26T06:34:00.001-07:00

Cambridge Mass.... Here I come!

.... ok so it's just for a visit.... I'll just be in the neighborhood. No luck with getting into HBS though. Oh well. It was expected but still crushing.

Plan B it is. Not gonna postpone my plans another year. I feel like I'm in the current state because I kept postponing what I wanted till the stars were aligned. The whole application process has reminded me that waiting for the stars to align will make the world pass you by.

So.... Plan B it is. Interviewed and ready to start an EMBA this fall. It's not the on-campus experience I craved...... but considering I wasn't willing to compromise the opportunity cost by selecting a safe full-time choice..... I will settle on a work-school hybrid for the next 2 years.

Well this is a spill on the way to 2010. I was really wishing for a couple of years at Cambridge. I felt very much at home when I was there back in October. But I guess I'll have to settle for a few days instead.

I'm not sure how many people actually read my thrills and spills.... But Congrads to those of you who got into your 1st, 2nd or 3rd choice programs.

Ding Ding

2008-03-21T14:05:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhh Tuck!!!! It's a sickly feeling. The last couple of afternoons have sucked. I guess this is the reason why some people don't even bother to try. Maybe why I didn't bother to try before.

What the hell can you do right?

Hmmmm..... guess the HBS decision won't be much of a surprise. Time to go run this feeling off and go full tilt on Plan B!!!!

Ding

2008-03-20T08:43:00.001-07:00

Well.... the wait's over for one. Just wasn't good enough for Yale. Somewhat disappointing because you always think you're able. But in a way this was expected. Out of the 3 full-time programs I applied to, this seemed like the least convincing app.

Well I guess a stopover in New Haven wasn't in my stars. Another week to confirm that I won't be quitting my job this year.

One more thing

2008-02-21T08:12:00.000-08:00

About to submit my Financial Aid application to Tuck. That pretty much wraps up my lengthy full-time application process. Looks like I won't be moving to Mass or Conn anytime soon considering the silence from both HBS and SOM. Not as anxious about Tuck since I've had no expectation on news from them until their decision date. Besides, Tuck was about as much a stretch as the others.

I feel like I've been constantly jumping back and forth between the reality and the dream. Hopefully getting on here and writing this out will help the breakup and let me move on.

Yes HotBabySweet.... Yes SexyO'Muffin.... I know that it's not me.... It's you! It's all you and my ugly stats. I know..... I'm just an aging, workaholic fool whose GMAT just isn't big enough. I don't know what I was thinking getting involved with desirable hotties like you. I should have seen that you needed someone young. Someone you could shape and mold into what you want. I guess I was a fool to think I could be that guy. Oh well, at least I tried.....

Still waiting

2008-02-13T08:27:00.000-08:00

The apps were sent over a month ago. The wait is just painful. So painful that I haven't felt like writing anything on here. I'd just get online, stroll around the blogs, wander off into the world of politics and business and not bother writing anything down. Finally got myself to jot something down as one of my checkpoints is coming up on Feb 16th.

No interview invite from HBS or SOM by Feb 16th pretty much means that what I had to offer didn't match up with what each of those schools were looking for. Tuck on the other hand has everything they need to make a final decision and I don't expect to hear from them till the end of March. The waiting for a 'yay' or 'nay' really sucks. Just blows to be in a holding pattern after being fully engaged for over six months.

But anyway, the more realistic shot for 2010 comes in the form of a part-time program. Being a 30 something applicant with 7+ years experience with my work predominantly based in a few large US cities, I've been looking at Chicago, Columbia, NYU, Emory and GaTech as my target programs. So, trying to stay focused on researching and starting the application process to those.

Tuck interview

2008-01-11T09:58:00.000-08:00

Background -
Tuck, unlike most other schools, does applicant initiated interviews. I did mine in conjunction with a campus tour. I setup my visit such that I did the class visit and information sessions before I did the interview. I figured this would give me a better feel for the culture before I actually started talking about why I wanted to attend there.

Interviewer -
The interviewer was a second year student. The only info he had on me was a copy of my resume that I dropped off earlier in the day. I think Tuck makes an attempt to match the interviewer based on some basic info you provide. I was matched with an older student who had a fair bit of work experience as I did.

Format/Topics -
The interview was fairly relaxed starting with a quick walkthru of the resume. The rest of the interview mostly worked thru Why MBA? Why Now? Why Tuck? Also, there were a few inquiries that led to leadership and teamwork type answers. These were typical questions that are usually seen in job interviews. For example, How would you deal with a situation where the team is at an impasse and something needs to happen to break the deadlock? I just drew on personal experience to walkthrough what I've done in the past in similar situations.

My take -
Even though I hadn't submitted my app, I had already reviewed and drafted most of my essays. This helped me to approach the 'Why' questions effectively. Also having been in town a day and visiting a class and getting to know the campus environment helped me to be relaxed and share my views.

Overall, I felt pretty good about the interview and also felt like those involved in the process really cared. The interview was scheduled for 30 mins but I think it ran a few minutes over.

Before I went up there I had met several Alumni and I was looking to see if their enthusiasm and caring was at least partially due to the institution. After my 2 days in Hanover and attending an event, I wonder if there's some type of brainwashing chamber that makes Tuck grads so loyal and giddy about the school.

Three Down!

2008-01-09T08:24:00.000-08:00

The last Tuck essay finally closed out with a bang. I was so thrilled that I was pumping my fist and jumping around the room.

But it also confirmed my concern from yesterday that I submitted the Yale app too soon. A re-tooled version of the Tuck life experiences essay was what should have gone in my Yale personal statement.

Oh well. What can you do.....

My full-time apps are done! I can feel my blood pressure drop to normal and my aches and pains drift away as I sit here typing this out. This has been an interesting experience regardless of whether I get into any of the three programs that I applied to.

Having submitted my apps, I realize that my work experience, history of extras through college and my international perspective/experience really are strengths. But my crappy GMAT may actually keep me out of each program.

Starting next week I venture into the world of part-time and executive MBA programs. Based on my initial research I'll be starting on the lower end of both age and experience ranges. But, my international perspective/experience should give me the boost necessary to get in.

Ok! Time for an early lunch, short meetings and maybe a 'clear the head' run.

Two Down!

2008-01-08T17:23:00.000-08:00

Ok maybe I hit 'Submit' a little too quick. But regardless, no more control over the fate of the Yale app either.

Tuck to go and it's due tomorrow. The datasheet's been complete for awhile. I've reviewed the content at least a dozen times. But I've got one nasty, pain in the rear essay that I just can't seem to tie up.

How will your unique personal history, values, and/or life experiences contribute to the culture at Tuck?

I've got about 5 different versions, each with different story lines and none that seem to answer the dang question.

hmmmmm...... maybe I'll go watch the New Hampshire primary coverage and see if anything sticks.....

One Down!

2008-01-02T13:48:00.000-08:00

Finally relinquished my control over the HBS application by submitting it earlier today. It actually felt good to get it out the door. No more fretting over what to say and what am I missing. Nothing left for the HBS app as the final outstanding recommendation .

So, one down and two to go!

Greetings to all

2007-12-31T11:45:00.000-08:00

Hope 007 was a decent year and wishing everyone a great '08!

I had no idea if any more than 5 people even visited this blog let alone read it. Then I tracked it a bit and realized it gets hits from around the world. Let me know if you have any questions regarding the MBA process. I'll be happy to do a few posts that may help others who may be applying in the future. I may also do a debrief of sorts in late January after I get done with all my apps.

Chugging Along

2007-12-31T11:33:00.001-08:00

The urgency to get applications completed and submitted has given me some life. So, I'm trying to shut out some personal issues and the GMAT disappointment, and sprint through the last stretch.

Took the last week to review the various iterations of my HBS essays and boy have they evolved. I think I'm on version 15 on a couple of them. It's been a great experience just reflecting on where I've come from, to where I want to go.

The person I am now would make a lousy fighter pilot. But probably be a decent shrink though. Must be those analyst instincts I've developed over the years.

Dealing with it

2007-12-26T20:29:00.000-08:00

Been a long weekend in more ways than one. Finally got over the fact that it's too late to do anything about my lousy GMAT. I am back to reviewing my essays and finalizing the datasheets for the upcoming Round 2 deadlines.

Just a few minor adjustments to the HBS set. Still debating the Tuck diversity essay. Not quite finalized on the SOM optional. Having difficulty narrowing down on both Tuck and SOM topics.

Mainly focused on completing the HBS application this week. Then Tuck and SOM in that order during the week that follows.

Considered some other programs including Ross, McCombs, and Goizueta. But decided to take a look at part-time programs after considering the significant opportunity cost and ROI differential. I'll do detailed research and applications for the part-time programs later in Jan because those follow a slightly different admissions schedule.

So yeah, I'm dealing with it! Dealing with the fact that I scored on the bottom end of the 80 percent range for the three full-time programs I'm applying to. Dealing with the fact that I'm applying in spite of my admission chances being nil to none. I suppose I am that stubborn bastard some Admissions Consultants refer to as being unrealistic with no chance in hell. At least I have a slightly better chance than the one who never applied at all.

Done

2007-12-23T20:27:00.000-08:00

Yep done! Any realistic chance I had at my top choice schools got shot down last week. Over 6 months of preparation, research and application were crushed.

Took the GMAT the other day. I felt good going in. I even felt good through the test. The essays were average as anticipated. The Quant felt good. When I hit the Parabola question, I was convinced I was gonna hit my intended 50 score. The Verbal started horribly. But I regrouped and felt like I was headed in the right direction. As the comp started calculating my score, I thought ok maybe not 750 but likely 680-700. Then the score popped on the screen. I couldn't friggin move. I actually scored lower than 550. Yep close to 200 friggin hours wasted for what?

So yeah, I'm done! I am gonna go through and submit my apps. But it's just a formality to test the theory of if they'd even read let alone consider the app of someone who has a crappy GMAT and isn't a gopher for some world leader.

Just been a tough weekend getting over the this test score BS. I'm glad I had finished most of my essays. Cause the motivation rug got yanked the hell off.

I'll still be sending in a donation to HBS, SOM and Tuck. But with no anticipation of even an interview invite from either HBS or SOM. I already did my Tuck interview during my class visit. I will do a debrief of the Tuck interview sometime for anyone else who may find it useful.

This blows in the worst friggin way. But hey, maybe there's a reason why I enjoy managing teams of smart people. Cause I can't do the frigging math myself! Can you tell that I'm ticked off with myself?

Well on the bright side I made a cool 250% profit on my investments in just 3 months sold everything off and on the prowl for my next target! Now I sit back and wait for the market to collapse again. I love those 300 point down days! Hopefully early next year.

Merry Christmas for those celebrating the holiday and a Happy Festivas for the rest of us!

Ready or not.......

2007-12-18T07:59:00.000-08:00

Okay, couple of days more to the last time I'll ever do the GMAT in my life. I'm on edge and nervous as hell cause it feels like there's a lot to lose.

Then again, I have days where I'm back to my normal practical self. The days which remind me that freshman Math and English do not determine my true capabilities. Today's turning out to be one of those days. I think that's a good thing because I don't have adrenaline flowing and I'm definitely not freaking out.

In hind sight, I'm glad I started writing on this site. At least I'm not bottling up my thoughts. Reading some of my own thoughts and surfing through other blogs have kept me motivated and sane.

Counting down

2007-12-05T09:08:00.000-08:00

A couple of different count down clocks got turned on this week.
- Three essays yet to be finalized
- Two weeks to the GMAT
- One month to submit three apps
- Zero sanity

The reco's are on track. The data sheets are pretty much done. Now if only I had done some extra curricular activities since College. Oh yeah! I slaved away at work and laid around my couch watching the world go crazy. Now if only I could articulate that into my App with contact information for someone who would attest to it.

Thought or two on Tuck

2007-11-29T10:20:00.000-08:00

I took a minute to review my Tuck app and reflected on the Tuck visit and interview. The people involved in the admissions process (including students) were extremely friendly and attentive. By far the most friendly, engaged and energetic of all the ones I considered.

But there were a couple of red flags that have stuck with me. I saw people walking-in late to class and also thought some students weren't fully prepared. Couldn't tell if it was because of the early class. I guess it's nice to know you won't be locked out of your class... but.... just an observation.

Also, Hanover is a nice small town. Now I know why Adcom recommends people paying a visit. It's a nice small town. Did I mention that it's a small town?

I am glad that I had small town exposure before. Otherwise, I would have freaked out at what a small place it is. But it does explain the friendly people. If you're a big Survivor or Lost fan (I never watch either one) you'd love Hanover!!!

So anyways. I still want in at Tuck!!! I think one can develop deep friendships that will last a lifetime. The academics seem strong and placement even stronger. There seems to be some nice flexibility with course work in the second year. Also, if you're like me and enjoy ethnic food from all over the world. You could end up being a master chef at ethnic food cause that's the only way you'll get any!!! I kidd... I kidd... actually there are a couple of small places... Thai, Indian, Chinese. But if you like Ethiopian or Carribean then pick up a good cook-book on your way to B-School.

Trying to snap-out of a slump

2007-11-26T14:26:00.000-08:00

I was on a nice roll there. Then came the long weekend and slid right off the tracks. With 24 days to go to the GMAT guess I better get back on. At least all the datasheets are done and the essays only need some fine tuning. So that's not a worry. The fact that the pre-submit Tuck interview went so well gives a little bit of hope and increases the damn GMAT anxiety.

With the very small class sizes at Tuck and Yale, the chances for an admit on a low GMAT decreases exponentially. Especially when you haven't spent the leading years saving the world or trying to save the world. Hence the anxiety.

Rambling right along..... having a few extra hours to think can really mess up the stride. I think that's what happened this weekend. All it took were a few what-ifs. What-if I made the MBA decision three years ago. What-if I actually acted on the Non-profit Business Plan last year instead of the draft still being on my desktop. What-if I..... ah.... at least I'm doing now.

To-do thru 12/31/07 -
1. Increase answer speed for Quant-Problem Solving, RC and CR.
2. Score 750.
3. Submit R2 Apps to HBS, Tuck and SOM.
4. Consider Ross and McCombs.

Hopefully jotting down some thoughts can help me snap-out of the slump and get back to focusing on getting the timing down for those practice tests.

Oh the things I knew not

2007-11-13T09:30:00.000-08:00

I don't know what the heck I was thinking when I took the GMAT the last time. I thought I was studying or refreshing my fundamentals by doing practice tests, but there's so much I seem to have forgotten since my high school/college freshman days.

I'm 4 weeks into the process and yet to take a practice test this time around. But reviewing the fundamentals seems to be working to some degree. I seem to be getting it now. But, on average, just taking a little too long to answer groups of questions.

Also, I am so glad that I didn't bite on HBS and Tuck invitations to apply with my five hundred some GMAT. I'm certain that I would have got Ding letters with footnotes like "what kind of moron are you?" or "are you sure you graduated College?".

Off the road and back to books

2007-10-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, maybe it's how we roll. bass akwards! Data sheets nearly completed. Essays virtually done. Visited some of the schools. Recommenders have been prep'd. Now time to start studying for the GMAT... again!

Round 2 here I come!

A week into the new study plan. This time my head's finally in it. This time we're swinging for the fences and not going in with a plastic bat either. 8 weeks to go and counting.

On the road

2007-10-20T20:20:00.000-07:00

"On the road again
Goin' places that I've never been
Seein' things that I may never see again
And I can't wait to get on the road again." WN

The East Coast and New England are great this time of the year. It's always interesting to visit the places you think you want to be. It's equally facinating how a simple thing like weather can change your perception even for just a moment.

Oh yeah baby!!

2007-09-13T20:08:00.000-07:00

HBS essays be done yo!

I mean, I have successfully completed the essays required for my HBS application.

Who da man? yeah yeah!!!

Ok! a few chest pumps and a strained shoulder later.... it's on to the next app and that dang GMAT again. It blows when you have the whole app complete and the biggest hole is a 5 something GMAT.

Oh, high school Math and English....you are the bane of my quest for glory.

One more to go

2007-09-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

The HBS essays are nearly done. 4 of 5 completed and reviewed. 5th is laid out but can't seem to tie the disparate sections together yet. Maybe by the end of the week.

Now the big questions is if I still want to even attempt a R1 app with a miserable GMAT score.

decisions, decisions, decisions

matted down....

2007-08-07T12:55:00.000-07:00

...... so it got me....

I didn't see that coming. When I got done with the GMAT the only numbers that looked worse were the Orioles/Rangers line from a few weeks ago.

But, we soldier on...... back to square 6...... do we still go for Round 1 or not?

And.... we're off

2007-08-01T12:42:00.000-07:00

..... next stop..... 2010.

With a few intermittent disruptions at HBS.... maybe Wharton..... maybe SOM...... maybe.....