GMAT Letdown DOES NOT end your MBA Dream

Recently, I received an email from a reader, asking me what is a satisfactory GMAT score. QS Top MBA published a timely article entitled "The GMAT Letdown" and answered along that same line as I did to my reader. I am sure you too have these question in mind. Read them and perhaps it will give you some comfort in your GMAT preparation.

Look at any business school admission requirements and you will find these components as part of your application package: (1) reasonable or satisfactory GMAT score, (2) undergraduate degree, (3) English language proficiency TOEFL or IELTS, (4) minimum 2 or 3 years working experience and curiculum vitae, (5) admission essays and (6) letters of reference or recommendation. I examine each of them.

Reasonable or satisfactory GMAT score
You will notice that most business schools will start there is no minimum score and yet will not state what is the score they want you to have. While GMAT score is a standardised measure of your quantitative and reasoning abilities (and yes, GMAT can be tough for some of us), many have been able to beat the GMAT. It takes a lot of practices and some right guidance to ace GMAT. While some score above 700 but that does not mean a business school will admit them. This shows that GMAT is one but not the only selection criteria. So then, what GMAT score could be reasonable? The hint is in the current class profile. Take a look at the class profile. It will tell you the average score of the class, and perhaps a range too. You will notice that the business school admits some with lower GMAT score and some with high GMAT score but most of them would fall within the average. This will be a good guide on what GMAT score to aim for. Of course, always safer to aim higher.

Undergraduate degree
The undergraduate degree is usually of little weightage other than to say that you have graduated. Some matured students without undergraduate degree do get admitted. Watch out for this requirement though. Some business schools insist you to have a 3- or 4-year degree depending which country you are from.

English proficiency
Most of not all MBAs are in English. Assignments and discussions are in English. The English proficiency requirement ensures that you are able to articulate your views, both orally and in writing. Those who did their degree in English or from countries where English is the native or first language could be exempted from this requirement. I did my degree in Australia; thus, did not require an English proficiency test.

Working experience
Here, most business schools state 2 or 3 years working experience but again the class profile will tell you the average and range of working experience of their candidates. Some business schools prefer to have students with more working experience especially managerial experience. There is no hard and fast rule. You need to research more about the school and their program. Talk to the admissions officers.

Your CV should cover 3 areas: Education, Experience and Extra-curricular. While the first 2 Es are clear, applicants often undercapitalise the Extra-curricular part. Your activities outside work demonstrate your involvement in other voluntary work as well as leadership and team-work.

Admission essays
Often, applicants do not pay much attention to this area especially when they have scored high on GMAT. I have spoken to some of the admissions officers during the MBA fairs in Kuala Lumpur and all of them told me to focus on admission essays. So, I share with you this advice from them.

Take a look at the admission essay questions. The admission essays is one of the ways the admissions committee get to know you without you being present. How? From your answers and how you answer. The questions focus on YOU, YOU and YOU. It is about you and all about you from different angles. They ask you to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, your leadership in dealing with a problem or stressful situation, your leadership outside work, etc. All these questions are meant to weed out different aspects of yourself and for you to reflect on them. In fact, this part is the toughest of all. I have advised many people to really take a good look at the questions and do some soul-searching. You can't run away. If you succeed in this part, you have projected yourself and ready to embark on the MBA journey. Oh, one more this. If you are selected for a face-to-face interview either with 1 or 2 alumni or the admission committee, the same questions will be asked.

Letters of reference or recommendation
Generally, 2 referees are required - usually from your supervisor or peer. The referees will be sent a list of questions about you - mainly aiming at gettting a third party perspective about yourself. So, do not choose just anyone. Choose someone whom can talk about your, some schools required that one referee should be your immediate supervisor. Do not choose relatives or someone who could not vouch your work or curricular activities.

Bear in mind, referees also carry weight. If you referee is an alumni of the school you want to attend, then you could stand a good chance of admission as business schools like recommendations from one of their own.

So, you can now see that GMAT is only one part of the admission requirements. The lack of GMAT can be compensated by other areas. Nonetheless, I do wish you to do your very best in GMAT. It takes a lot of effort. We in GMAT Malaysia has for the last 4 years shared various tips and guidance to make your GMAT a less painful one. I hope we have succeeded to some extent. The rest is up to you.

Good luck in your GMAT and MBA dream!


Jimmy Low

Choosing MBA Concentration

Sometime last year, I wrote about whether To Specialise or Not to Specialise. My advice, then and still is, is look for an MBA that will bring you to where you want. If there is a concentration that you want, then go for the best school in that area. Of course it would be nice to have the top 10 schools as your choice but if it does not give you what you want or can afford, then using concentration is a good selection criteria.

Kelsey Sheehy of US News shared 5 tips on choosing MBA concentration. Read further here how you can narrow your choices. Kelsey echoed some of what I have shared earlier.

MBA is an investment - both in terms of foregone income during your study period (12 to 18 month, plus up to 6 months after graduation if you have not landed a job offer by then), MBA tuition and living expenses during that period. Like any investment, you want to make sure the next career will give you a lasting return, not just the fastest. It is possible as some of my classmates have found theirs. I am sure many other MBA graduates have found their pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The search process takes time and talk to those who have gone through the process will give you some heads up as well as comfort what works and what does not. They are the living examples of what decisions that made that led them to where they are today. So, network and seek help.


Jimmy Low

Financial Times 2012 MBA Ranking

The 2012 ranking has been released. This year, the only Asian business school HKUST Business School occupied the Top 10 position. The other Asian business schools within Top 100 were: India Institute of Management Ahmedabad IIMA (11), Indian School of Business (20), Singapore's NUS School 0f Business (23), CEIBS (24), Chinese University of Hong Kong (28), Singapore's Nanyang Business School (34), University of Hong Kong (37), Peking University: Guanghua (54) and South Korea's Sungkyunkwan University: SKK GSB (66). South Korea's Kaist College of Business, positioned 99th in 2011 ranking, was out of this year's list.

Here are the top 10: (2011 ranking in parentheses)
1. Stanford University GSB (5)
2. Harvard Business School (3)
3. University of Pennsylvania: Wharton (1)
4. London School of Business (1)
5. Columbia Business School (7)
6. Insead (4)
7. MIT: Sloan (9)
8. IE Business School (8)
9. IESE Business School (9)
10. Hong Kong UST Business School (10)

The full list of top 100 MBA programs is available here.


Jimmy Low

QS Global 200 Business Schools Report 2012

This year, the QS Global 200 Business Schools Report consists of 82 schools in North America, 67 schools in Europe, 36 schools in Asia-Pacific, 10 schools in Latin America and 5 schools in Africa and the Middle East.
Compiled using the opinions of MBA employers, no other piece of MBA research covers such a geographically diverse set of schools. In 1999, only 15 schools outside of North America and Europe featured in the research, compared to 51 schools this year.

This represents the widening international view that MBA employers are developing, as the globalization of business presents a need for international managers with local talents.

Read more here.

Top Consultancy Firm MBA Door Opener

It is not a surprised that the expected top business schools are also the top choice for major consultancy firms such as BCG, Bain and McKinsey.

But how does the others fare if your choice of business schools are not in the top 10? Read more here.


Jimmy

Postgrad Asia Fair 21-21 May: KL Convention Center

postgradasialive!2011 is the largest education fair focusing solely on postgraduate studies. Whether you are a working adult looking to enhance your skills, or a fresh graduate aiming to gain postgraduate qualifications, the answers you need are all here.

Admission is free by registration. Register online now at fair.postgradasia.com



Jimmy Low

Post Graduate Education Fair 2011 @ Mid Valley Exhibition Centre

Are you looking for more information on a post graduate program or interested to do one? The 14th Post Graduate Education Fair (PGEF) is now back at the Mid-Valley Exhibition Centre on 15-17 April. Please pre-register here for this event.

For more information about the fair, check out the site.


Jimmy Low

Thank You for Coming

Thank you for coming to our Open Day. Although we had a smaller group this year, nonetheless, we shared our experiences in taking GMAT and applying for MBA.

Thank you Lim Yeong Chuan, INSEAD Malaysia Chapter Hon. Secretary for sharing his study experience and enlightening the aspirants on admission process.

For me, I will start my MBA in Berlin in January. Although I will not be as active as before in GMAT Malaysia, I still welcome emails from you. See you all in 2011.



Jimmy Low

Do you really need an MBA?

Usually around this time of the year, individuals around the world sit down and ponder, "What am I going to do next? What career do I want?" and to many, the MBA lightbulb goes off above their head.

So you there, that's reading this blog because you decided to google "MBA Malaysia" or "GMAT Malaysia", do you really need an MBA?

I used to think that getting an MBA would be great. As I've mentioned before, a top MBA gets you a fantastic job and the women just throw themselves at you at the mentioned of "Harvard MBA" (top ten MBAs only, if you're outside the top ten, you've got to work harder - a BMW is another 3-letter acronym that gets the ladies). But that aside, there's as clear distinct line between "want" and "need".

1. You need an MBA when your boss says "no way are you getting promoted unless you've got an MBA". Apparently in certain circles - investment banking, consulting, etc. this happens on a regular basis (I wouldn't know, I'm from manufacturing), however.... you want an MBA when you read about that Goldman Sachs associate earning more in 3 months then you (at CIMB) would earn in 2 years. But that's not because of an MBA, that's because he's at Goldman and you're only at CIMB, or worse yet, the self proclaimed Goldman of South East Asia - OSK Investment Bank. But chances are, you will need an MBA to get into Goldman.

2. You want an MBA because you think you'll be able to make that career change from non-descript typical IT geek consultant into super baller big swinging dick at hedge fund where your first year bonus wouldk be enough to pay for a Ferrari AND a penthouse. However, that's not really true, that's not going to happen either. Career change happens everyday, every where, without having an MBA. The MBA gives you the fundamental knowledge but it doesn't give you the transition - the transition is dependent on YOU. You need the MBA because of the knowledge that it'll give.... but the problem with that is that you can easily go out and buy all the books that are used for the MBA course and learn it on your own..

So in reality, you need the MBA for the brand name...

So that's about it.. you only need an MBA for the brand name and career opportunity, aside from that, you're lying to yourself if you said you needed it for anything else... and even then, for the career opportunity, it's dependent on you to make the opportunity. A loser with a Harvard MBA is still a loser, but a superstar without an MBA will still be a superstar one way or another. Which one are you?

Aunty Agony Is Back ....

My, my .... it's questions season again. I know you all are excited to do your MBA and want to get in and out as soon as possible. But, my child, there's no easy way to success.

I got a couple of questions for you lots. Here are some of them:

Q: Can I take GMAT in 2 months? I want to apply for next intake.
A: Yes, you can if YOU have an excellent study strategy AND study everyday. And, I mean FULL-TIME study. No work, no play, no disturbances.

Realistically, 2 months will be a stretch for many of you. Mind you, this period is Round 2 for many business schools. The closing date is typically around end Dec/early Jan (check with the school(s) you're planning to apply to). You will miss this submission round if you have not started GMAT or ready to take GMAT anytime soon. And, to score well above 650 requires at least 6 months of hardcore, dedicated preparation, I kid you not. So, give yourself ample time to prepare for GMAT as well as good well-rounded essays.

You can't learn to fly a plane in two months, can you?

Q: I like to apply to the top schools, AND only the top schools. What are my chances?
A: Good chance if you have an excellent GMAT score, great story about yourself - both personal as well as professional achievements and leadership qualities that will make the Admissions Committee says, I WANT YOU.

I am not putting you down. You may have a chance but remember, you are competing with the world's bests. So, who are the world's bests? Take a look at the top schools' class profiles. Read some of the current students' and alumnis' achievements and background. Benchmark yourself against them. If you're within an arms length, you could stand a chance.

But, for many of you, always be realistic. I would like to get into top schools but I only got as far as the kitchen top.

If you aim to apply to top schools, go ahead and do your best. But, do try the second tier schools that you feel you will also qualify to enter. These second tier schools should be those that you feel you can learn and contribute to; schools that you will always do well and gain significantly.

Always have options. Not every day is rosy and when this does not meet your expectations, do not be despaired.

Q: How many applications should I send?
A: I never believe in quantity except money (and British Sterling Pound, please). Submit one application to the school that you truly want to get into and you have 80% confidence of getting in. Else, pick max 3. Why 3? Well, 3 represents manageable number. Here are the reasons:

1. 3 applications for different tiers of school - top 10 and next 10. You can have all 3 applications for top 10, 1 for top 10 and 2 for next 10, etc. You decide on the combinations.

2. Each application requires you to submit online application form, 4-6 essays and an interview. Multiply this by 3, you have a lot to do and each process can really drain your energy.

3. Nothing is free. Some schools charges US$200-250 per application before they even consider you; others free application. Then, there is time factor in preparing your applications, resume, essays, and other documentations such as undergraduate transcripts, mock interviews, etc. coupled with GMAT preparation and actual tests. Unless you're cash rich (which I recommend you to buy some of my cookies), manage your resources and energy well.

Okay, that's all for now. Time for baking ......

QS World MBA Tour - 24 November 2009

This is my third year at the QS World MBA Tour in Kuala Lumpur. This year's response is more encouraging than those in my previous two visits, probably due to the location. In the past, the fair was held at Westin Hotel. This is the first time QS holds the fair at KL Convention Centre. Good location choice since KLCC is closer to the Twin Towers where a lot of MNCs are located. A ready pool of potential candidates who are looking to upgrade their career. Furthermore, KLCC is more accessible than Westin.

Even though I have been admitted to do my MBA next year, I still attend the fair mainly to get the latest updates from some of the schools to be shared at the next GMAT Malaysia Open Day and also to meet up with some "old" friends whom I only meet during the fair.

The crowd during the first hour of the Fair

No wonder JK choose Cheung Kong GSB *wink*

INSEAD Booth, always the popular booth

University of Michigan Ross Business School,
Global MBA Program Director

For the first time, GMAT Zone conducted a 30-minute workshop on the GMAT. This gives an opportunity for those planning to do MBA to get a glimpse of this "feared" test (GMAT Malaysia is here to support you if you have any queries on GMAT or MBA in general).

A couple of new schools appeared this year - Vlerick Leuven Gent (Belgium), The Open University (UK), Hong Kong University (Hong Kong), ESADE (Spain), Duke University Fuqua (USA). This is a good opportunity for prospective MBA students to learn more about the other schools and enlarge the students' options.

Well, I won't be in Malaysia in 2010. Hopefully, a representative from GMAT Malaysia will be there to give you a coverage.

Good luck in your GMAT and MBA applications!

Jimmy Low

PostGradAsia 2009 Fair - 27 & 28 June 2009

For those who are exploring postgraduate studies in the near future, there is a PostGradAsia 2009 Fair at Hall 5, KL Convention Center on 27th and 28th June 2009. The event starts at 12pm until 6pm on both days.

Register online at http://www.postgradasia.com/index.asp?p=pglive


Rgds
Jimmy Low

Good reasons to do an MBA

1. Because you're a career changer.

You're an aspiring IT engineer who wants to make a billion of two by starting your private equity fund that specializes in investing in companies dealing with used rubber tires. Possible? Hell yeah baby! An MBA turns you from a hero to zero - bonus points if it's in the top ten and people look at you in envy when you say "Haaaarhh - vaaard Ehm Bee Aye baby". Or maybe you'll sell your soul, I don't know, but do an MBA, it adds inches.

Alternatively, you're just another loser commercial banker reckons investment banks would make the exception and hire strong - just for you. With an MBA you're nothing less than Bruce Wayne of finance, the gritty corporate life by day and bottles and models at night... ok, maybe not exactly Batman, but hey, if Wayne wanted bottles and models every night, he would be getting them. Just don't be Bateman...

We all wanna run our own gig, and nothing makes and entrepreneur like an MBA. It doesn't matter whether you're an analyst or you think of new ways to sell placements, empowered with an MBA, you'll be able to soar to new heights when you launch your company. After all, you'll know all about finance, marketing AND strategy and now, you just need a good product - one which you can rip off from your smarter peers at school.

Lastly, for some strange strange reason, you reckon that saving the world is worth while. Let's go do microfinancing and charge low interest rates. Do you need an MBA? Actually you don't, and you'll probably have a greater impact if you went straight into non-profit, but I don't really care, you'll still be sexier with an MBA. Of course, once you graduate from Yale SOM, you be able to hit on girls while sipping your beer of the day (because you're non profit, you can't afford the good stuff).

2. Because you're looking for a partner.

Business schools are the best place to hook-up with somebody who's just as smart as you, or maybe she lied on her application and used an admissions consultant. But that's ok, at least she's got the money to blow.. maybe that's not all though. But... anyway, I heard that the better the school, the better the scene - of course, you've got to make exceptions for MIT (nerds), Chicago (nerds), Harvard (assholes), Stanford (saving the world), Kellogg (drunk sex isn't cool), Wharton (finance assholes), Tuck (all married), uhm... did I miss anybody out? Well, Columbia is pretty cool, of course, I'm not sure whether you would prefer to hook up with somebody at Columbia or actually impress the girls of NYC with the fact that you're at Columbia.

Another way to build your resume is to join the swinging scene. It's well known that if you're swinging in business school, you're swinging with the best and you'll be able to swing with the rest. So draw your lots and swap seats. Who knows, your off-resume skills might just be able to get your that job with Goldman Sachs or a promotion one day... off course, you might have problems looking at yourself in the mirror, but that's ok.

Ever wonder why you've never seen a video titled, Girls of B-school?

3. Because you want a well deserved 2 year holiday.

Go partying with daddy's money if you're rich, or at least do it on somebody elses expense when you take that loan. 2 years of hardcore partying AND you might actually get a good job too! Have you seen the summer break itineraries of some students? Travel to some exotic location for "bonding". School trips too... just don't forget to double bag.

4. Because you want to make money... more of it... a lot more..

Then you're in the right place. Please leave your morals at the door and join me at school.

World MBA Tour Back in Town This November

World Top MBA is in town again. This year, the Kuala Lumpur leg will be held at The Westin Hotel off Jalan Bukit Bintang (opposite Pavillion KL) on 21st November (Friday). The event starts from 5pm to 9pm. This is your opportunity to meet the admission representatives, faculty members and alumni.

Participating Business Schools attending the Kuala Lumpur event
AUSTRALIA
Bond University School of Business
Melbourne Business School, The University of Melbourne
Monash University

CANADA
University of Toronto Joseph L. Rotman School of Management

CHINA
Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business, MBA Program

FRANCE
ESSEC Business School - Paris
INSEAD France & Singapore

GERMANY
Europa Institut

HONG KONG
HKUST - The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology
Hong Kong Baptist University, School of Business

INDIA
Indian School of Business

SINGAPORE
Nanyang Business School, Singapore
National University of Singapore - Business School
Universitas 21 Global

SPAIN
ESADE Business School
IE Business School
IESE Business School

UNITED KINGDOM
Cranfield School of Management
Durham Business School
Henley Management College
London School of Business & Finance
Manchester Business School
OU Business School
Oxford Brookes University
TASMAC London School of Business
University of Strathclyde Graduate School of Business
University of Westminster, Westminster Business School

UNITED STATES
Hult International Business School
Thunderbird School of Global Management
Tulane University A.B. Freeman School of Business
University of Michigan Global MBA - East Asia Management Development Center

Register online:
http://www.topmba.com/wmt/index_wmt.php?module=wmt2&page=reg_form&eventid=542&PHPSESSID=gu737agqncljl37v5a1c1t5hn6

World MBA Tour website:
http://www.topmba.com/mba_fairs/

GPS Coord:
N 3 0 53 65
E 101 42 53 65


Jimmy Low

It's Hunting Season, Again!

Guys and gals, are you ready for another hunting season? I hope you got your "hunting license" (GMAT, resume, essays, recommendations) ready 'cos this season's "fowls" are going to be low. Admission Offices (AdComm) worldwide are expecting many applications this year as professionals plan to go back to school.

In my earlier posts, I wrote about choosing b-schools according to ranking and more importantly, according to the specialisation(s) that you want to do. It is now time to narrow down to your last 3 schools - 2 schools which you think you can compete to enter and 1 "safe" school, which you can "easily" (such a thing??) get into. Anyway, whichever schools you want to go to, they (the schools) demand the BEST of you. So, get ready your shotgun, er, I meant pen and give them your best prose.

Good luck.


Jimmy Low

All the Best in Your MBA Study, Ewe Chean!

Finally, one of the founding members of GMAT Malaysia is going to do his MBA at the University of Hull, UK. Ewe Chean has been instrumental in getting a few of us together and started GMAT Malaysia.

I had lunch with him this afternoon and we talked about GMAT and career. I am glad that he is now pursuing his MBA dream and I wish him all the best and enjoy life there. I almost wanted to whack him when he replied that he will try to enjoy life. WHAT you mean "TRY to enjoy life"? So here is a virtual whack for him *DOOSH* :D

As for me, coming soon :D


Jimmy Low

Financial Times 2008 MBA Rankings are Out!

Not only are MBA aspirants nervous about their admission results, the B-schools are too. Annually, Financial Times publishes the global ranking.

And this year's Global Top 10 are (2007 ranking in parentheses):
1. University of Pennsylvania: Wharton (1)
2. London Business School (5)
3. Columbia Business School (2)
4. Stanford University GSB (3)
5. Harvard Business School (3)
6. Insead (7)
7. MIT: Sloan (14)
8. IE Business School (11)
9. University of Chicago GSB (6)
10. University of Cambridge: Judge (15)
more ...

USA Top 10 B-Schools (2007 in parentheses) are:
1. University of Pennsylvania: Wharton (1)
2. Columbia Business School (3)
3. Stanford University GSB (3)
4. Harvard Business School (3)
5. MIT: Sloan (7)
6. University of Chicago GSB (5)
7. New York University: Stern (6)
8. Dartmouth College: Tuck (7)
9. Yale School of Management (9)
10. Northwestern University: Kellogg (11)
more ...

Talking about competition ..... Whao!


Jimmy Low