We had two informative chats last week and one coming up this week.
The transcripts from this weeks events are already up!
torruda(Jan 5, 2009 12:16:04 PM)
Jen: How does the importance of the cover letter compare to that of the essays for the admission decision?
JenniferBurkeBarbaMIT(Jan 5, 2009 12:16:28 PM)
Torruda, we consider the cover letter to be another essay. It's equally important to essays.
londaizy(Jan 5, 2009 12:16:32 PM)
Jen: What are the top qualities you look for in the admission essays? Is it personality, work experience, or a combination? Any tips on how to make our essays more powerful?
JenniferBurkeBarbaMIT(Jan 5, 2009 12:17:33 PM)
Londaizy, there are no specific top qualities we look for. Each applicant is different and hopefully their different personalities, work experiences and academic background will come through. The best thing to do is answer the questions we are specifically asking. We use a method of evaluation that looks at past performance as an indicator of future success. So in the essays, it is best to stay away from hypothetical responses, and talk about the actual events.
ALIGHT(Jan 5, 2009 12:27:03 PM)
Jen, can you share an anecdote about a memorable essay or cover letter from years past? Is there something that you have read which sticks out in your mind as an effective way an applicant told his or her story?
JenniferBurkeBarbaMIT(Jan 5, 2009 12:28:09 PM)
Alight - the best essays /cover letters are those that tell the story of what happened, including information about how the decisions made impacted both the applicant and other people involved, and end with the end result, not lessons learned.
JonasDivine(Jan 5, 2009 12:38:38 PM)
Jen: In Essay 4, is the admissions committee looking for something specific such as clubs, honors etc. or is this meant to be totally open-ended?
JenniferBurkeBarbaMIT(Jan 5, 2009 12:39:38 PM)
Jonas - E4 is meant to be totally open-ended. Use your best judgment, this is a chance to share with the Adcom something about you that you could not share in the other
JenniferBurkeBarbaMIT(Jan 5, 2009 1:04:03 PM)
I'd like to offer some overall advice. Your essays are the piece of the application that you have the most control over at this point -- focus your time on making them great. You want to come alive on paper, and have members of the admissions committee dying to meet you in person!
myildirim(Jan 5, 2009 1:04:41 PM)
Easier said than done Jen :-)
Linda Abraham(Jan 7, 2009 12:02:07 PM)
Janice, How much is the financial crisis affecting full time hiring this year?
JaniceNishiyamaUSC(Jan 7, 2009 12:04:39 PM)
Linda, we are slightly below our percentage from last year for "employed" second year students. We are finding that companies are generally decreasing the number of full-time hires for this year, but are still actively recruiting interns.
vmuth(Jan 7, 2009 12:05:03 PM)
Hi Veronica, with the increase in applicants and as we are entering later rounds, have you noticed any significant difference in the class profiles thus far compared to previous years?
VeronicaHoUSC(Jan 7, 2009 12:06:33 PM)
Vmuth: Well, our largest round is usually Jan. 15 (Round 2) which has not yet ended, so we are still yet to see the majority of our apps. However, so far, the apps are on par with previous years with a slight increase, and they are competitive
Neda(Jan 7, 2009 12:12:34 PM)
Kellee: How open is USC to admitting students who very recently graduated from undergrad?
KelleeScottUSC(Jan 7, 2009 12:13:39 PM)
Neda, we prefer that candidates have at least two years of full-time post undergraduate work experience before they start. Our average is 5 years. However, candidates who demonstrate a strong case for doing the MBA earlier have a chance.
Next week Accepted is hosting its last Consortium chat for this application cycle. During the "Ask Consortium Alumni Q&A" alumni members of the Consortium will be available to answer your questions about researching schools, the advantages of the Consortium’s extensive network, and perpetuating the Consortium’s mission of enhancing diversity in business education and leadership. Don’t miss this great opportunity to obtain tips from those who have experienced first-hand the many benefits of and MBA degree and Consortium membership.The chat will take place in the Accepted chat room on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 5:00 PM PT/8:00 PM ET/1:00 AM GMT. Please feel free to join us.
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