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5 Places to Earn Your MBA on the Beach!

By vivian kerr posted April 2, 2012

If you’re a dedicated MBA student AND love soaking up those Vitamin D rays, there are several great MBA programs that happen to be situated near some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Before you finish up those MBA applications, take a minute to consider a few of these Best Business Schools by the Beach! J

Need expert advice on a 30, 60, or 90 day study plan for the GMAT to help get you to one of these sunny destinations? Ask one of Grockit’s expert tutors!

1. UCLA – The Anderson School of Management is located in Westwood, just a short drive from Malibu, some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. This school is just north of Santa Monica and the famous Santa Monica pier. Learn how to surf while earning your MBA in sunny California.

2. AGSM in Sydney – Ready to take your surfing skills to an entirely new level? Located in Sydney, Australia, the Australian Graduate School of Management is #1 in Australia has received both AACSB and EQUIS accreditation. You can earn a degree in a foreign country without having to learn a new language and avoiding culture shock.

3. University of Miami – Not quite ready to leave the US? On the East Coast, Miami is a beach lover’s paradise, and the University of Miami’s MBA program faculty is rated by The Financial Times as among the top 35 business school faculties in the U.S. and among the top 40 faculties in the world.

4. IAE – Aix-en-Provence – One school located just a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean is IAE Aix-en-Provence – Graduate School of Management, which is a one-hour drive from Cassis, one of the most beautiful towns with sandy beaches on the French Riviera. Founded in 1955, IAE Aix-en-Provence has been awarded EQUIS and AMBA accreditations.

5. USC – Marshall School of Business – Although not quite as close to the beach as UCLA, USC’s program still boasts an impressive reputation, and many students apply to both programs, especially if they are looking into a West Coast business career. Twenty minutes from Santa Monica and Marina Del Rey, and less than two hours from San Diego, there’s plenty nearby to whet the beach-lovers appetite!

Need a little more work on your GMAT score before you can hit the waves? Take a quick look at your customized Study Plan on Grockit. Grockit will tell you what your current strengths and weaknesses are and suggest Targeted Practice to get your GMAT score 700+!

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Your MBA: The Pros & Cons of Choosing a “Big School”

By vivian kerr posted March 29, 2012

As you begin your MBA research, and start studying for the GMAT, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is where you want to apply. There’s a huge range of business schools out there, and one way to help you narrow down the list is to consider what size school you want to attend. The Best Business Schools are typically a bit larger, but there are cons to even the most reputable program. What will be the best business school for you depends a lot on your individual personality and post-academic goals. Here’s a few things to consider before choosing a “Big School”!

PROS

1 Name Value. There’s no denying that larger schools tend to have more name recognition. This doesn’t guarantee job security, but if you’re planning to work in New York or Washington DC, a world-famous program such as Oxford, Stanford, Wharton, etc. can be a big plus.

2. Traditional MBA Industries. If you’re looking to study traditional business sectors (i.e. finance/consulting) then a bigger school with more prestige could help you stand out in your field.

3. More alumni. Bigger schools mean more alumni working around the world, which could potentially lead to job opportunities later on. Want to meet other MBA applicants? Grockit’s GMAT group games allow students to study together – connect with MBA applicants from all over the world!

CONS

1. Less individual attention. If you’re the type of person who thrives with a bit more attention, the cutthroat world of a larger business program may not be beneficial for you. Smaller schools typically have greater access to the faculty and you’ll likely develop a closer relationship with your advisors.

2. The Cost. The “bigger” schools (both in size and prestige) tend to be more expensive. Many students opt for a “B+” level school and get a great education for a reduced fee. Remember that expensive is not always better.

3. Tough Entry Requirements. Schools that appear regularly on the “ten best” or “world’s best” lists published annually by magazines such as BusinessWeek or U.S. News and World Report are incredibly competitive to get into. If you have a limited amount of time to devote to application and GMAT study, you may want to look at a few less-competitive options. Is spending another six months getting your GMAT score 80 points higher worth it for you?

GMAT score not quite where it should be? Set up a 1-hour session with a Grockit tutor via Skype. Tutoring lessons are only $50/hr and involve one-on-one analysis of your study plan, pacing guidelines, and a discussion of effective strategies to quickly improve YOUR GMAT score!

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The Benefits of College Fairs for Business Students

By vivian kerr posted March 27, 2012

College fairs are definitely more popular for undergraduate admissions, but you can still get some valuable info from them if you’re applying for an MBA and planning to go to business school in the next couple of years. Fairs take place on school campuses, in conference centers, or in local convention centers. In the last few years, there has even been some cropping up online, with GMAC hosting its own this past year! Here are some quick tips to get you through!

Do your research. Who is coming? What specific questions do you have about their school? Check out the school’s website thoroughly before you arrive at the fair. You may have to be patient, as the most popular programs will likely have busier booths. Wait around for a good moment to introduce yourself, hand out your business card and collect theirs. Follow-up with your contacts two or three days later.

While you’re prepping for the MBA Admissions process, don’t forget to start your GMAT studying! Find out how you can customize your study plan with a Grockit tutor and rock the GMAT!

Dress professionally. You’re there to make a contact, so present yourself as if you were at a job interview. You may want to bring copies of your resume and other relevant information although it’s not necessary. Coming straight from the gym is not recommended. Conduct yourself as professionally as possible.

The two biggest MBA fairs are http://www.topmba.com/qs-world-mba-tour and http://www.thembatour.com/. Both sites have a plethora of MBA-related research materials.

Bring a notebook and a bag. Jot down your impressions after meeting each person, so you can keep track of what you learned. Take any brochures that look even remotely interesting to you. You can always trash them later. Read more »

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Top 5 Ways to Save Money in Business School

By vivian kerr posted March 23, 2012

Like to splash out on Giorgio Armani suits? Lining up to buy the latest iPad? Got more bling than a Kanye West music video? Business school is expensive, and you may have to curb some of your more profligate spending habits if you plan to earn your MBA without incurring a huge amount of credit card debt. Smart money decisions in your first year will set you up for a future in the business world. Here are the Top 5 Ways to Save in Business School!

One of the best ways to save money is to take the GMAT as few times as possible. Not sure if you’re ready? Take a peek at your customized Study Plan on Grockit. Grockit will work backwards from your GMAT Test Day to suggest Targeted Practice to get your GMAT score at the 700+ level!

1. Be social without spending your dough. Try to spend your time at networking events that don’t revolve around bars and restaurants. A couple hours spent at a local bar off-campus can easily equal a $50 tab. There will be a LOT of events, and you’ll break the bank if you try to eat every meal out, or buy round after round of drinks.

2. Buy groceries with cash. It’s a fact that people generally spend more with plastic than with cash. Before you go to the grocery store, make a list of the items you’ll need. Give yourself $5 extra for something fun, then leave the credit cards at home. If you get to the register and find you’ve gone over, you’ll just have to put some items back. Read more »

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How to Choose the Right Business School

By vivian kerr posted March 21, 2012

We should all just get a 790 on the GMAT and go to Harvard, right? Wrong. The blind wisdom of earning an MBA from a “name school” just to have that on your resume is no longer valid. While there’s no disputing that Harvard is a great program, there are many outstanding schools that you’d be proud to earn an MBA from. Before you put all your eggs in one basket, ask yourself these three important questions before you fill out your MBA applications.

Need some more specific advice, or a quick admissions counseling session? Ask one of Grockit’s expert instructors or leave a comment below!

1. What is your dream job? Be honest with yourself. What field do you see yourself in, and what program is specifically tailored to get you there? This may mean a lesser known school will actually benefit you more long-term if it has a specialized program you can’t get anywhere else. If general management is your thing, it won’t matter as much, but the business world is increasingly diversifying, and you should take some time to consider your role in it.

2. Where do you want to work post-MBA? They say the most important words in real estate are “location, location, location” and it can be true for business schools as well. If you know you want to live in a specific geographical area, such as New York, or in Europe, it makes sense to take a good look at schools that are location in the region, and have strong ties to businesses there. You’ll be hoping for some type of help with career placement post-MBA, and your school will have the strongest ties to the companies in its own backyard. Location can also have an impact on your happiness while you pursue the degree. Would you prefer to be in a big bustling city, or a smaller close-knit community? Every campus has its own “vibe” and you should make it a point to visit the schools that interest you the most. Make sure to take a campus tour and sit in on classes to get a feel for the teaching style. Read more »

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Top 5 Films to Watch About Business

By vivian kerr posted March 19, 2012

Stressed about studying for the GMAT? Nervous about getting your MBA applications in on time? It’s important to take breaks during your business school application process and during your GMAT study plan. Take mini-breaks from that GMAT book, and do something enjoyable to get your mojo back and remember just why you wanted to go to business school for an MBA in the first place. These films are all business-related, and will teach you some valuable lessons that will come in handy once you’re at one of the Best Business Schools and in the professional world! Here are the top five films to watch about life in the business-world:

Test your GMAT skills with this GMAT verbal practice question.

1. Working Girl – The “Legally Blonde” of the business world, Melanie Griffith plays a lowly employee struggling to be noticed and climb the corporate ladder. A great “triumph of the little man” movie, the lesson here is that no matter what your GMAT score is, or your business school credentials, hard work and talent always pays off!

2. Network – A behind the scenes look at a television network, this is a great film for insight into the business of news media. Stunningly directed by Sidney Lumet, it features some great quotes from character Howard Beale: “All I know is that first you’ve got to get mad. You’ve got to say, ‘I’m a HUMAN BEING, God damn it! My life has VALUE!’

3. Wall Street – Michael Douglas’ portrayal of Gordon Gecko is superb, and this quintessential “greed is good” morality tale will definitely make you think twice about what company and who you work for!

You can watch a lot of these movies online via Amazon and Netflix, and you can also study for the GMAT online anytime of the day, from anywhere you have Internet access on Grockit!

4. Glengarry Glen Ross – Interested in real estate? This take on a group of salesman at a Chicago real estate office will force you to question your personal ethics and consider just how far you’d go to make money and keep your job. An all-star cast features Jack Lemmon, Al Pacino, and Alec Baldwin.

5. The Pursuit of Happyness – A heartwarming film about Will Smith struggling to begin his professional career and take care of his son, it has similar themes to Working Girl. After the cutthroat atmosphere of Wall Street and Glengarry Glen Ross, this is a great film to inspire you!

Give yourself one day a week to relax and watch a movie. Ready to get back to studying, or need expert advice on your study plan? Ask one of Grockit’s expert tutors!

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Top Ten Ways to Get a Great Letter of Recommendation for Business School

By vivian kerr posted March 15, 2012

Many of the Best Business Schools in the US take into account your entire graduate school application when considering you during their admissions process and scholarship eligibility period. A good GMAT score is essential, but even if you have a bad GMAT score, some strong recommendations can tip the scales back in your favor. When you prepare for the GMAT Test, remember you’re studying not only to improve your GMAT score, but also to add to your overall admission package. Don’t neglect your recommendations in the midst of all that studying! Here are ten tips to score excellent business school recommendations and get into one of the Best Business Schools!

Look to undergrad first. Contact your old undergrad counselor and see if they are willing to write you a recommendation, or get back in touch with your old professors. Anyone whose class you particularly enjoyed or struggled with?

Don’t feel badly about asking. If you succeed in graduate school, your old teachers, employers, and friends will be thrilled that they were able to help you along the way. Everyone needs recs, so don’t ever feel guilty about asking.

Give your recommenders some tips. Don’t write their letter for them, but do give your recommenders your personal statement, recent resumes/transcripts, and describe for them your “story.” They should know how you want the admissions committee to perceive you, so they can gear their letter towards your strengths.

Explain why them. Make your recommender feel special by explaining why you want them to write your letter more than anyone else. Are they in a unique position to provide insight to the committee on a specific aspect of your personality? Did they witness a growth in your character or a change in your ambitions?

Find alumni. You may not realize that a family friend or distant relative has already attended one of your dream business schools. Alumni connections can definitely play a part in the admissions process. Even if they aren’t the best person to write you a recommendation, perhaps they could give you an email or a phone number of someone in the admissions department, or better yet, write an email or call on your behalf. Read more »

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Fixin’ Your Facebook (and other ways to clean up after yourself online!)

By vivian kerr posted March 12, 2012

You’ve got the great GMAT score, filled in your MBA applications, and have your eye on the Best Business Schools, so what else can you do to improve your chances of acceptance at the business school of your dreams? The answer may surprise you! A study by Kaplan last year reported that 27% of admissions officers admitted to “googling” a candidate, so if the internet is full of unsavory information on you, you may want to consider doing some cyber house-cleaning. Here’s how:

GMAT score not quite where it should be? Set up a 1-hour “triage” session with a Grockit tutor via Skype. Tutoring lessons are only $50/hr and involve one-on-one analysis of your study plan, pacing guidelines, and suggested effective strategies for all aspects of the GMAT.

1. Check your Facebook settings. Do you know what information is private, and what is readily available to even non-Facebook users? Drunk pictures of yourself in Cabo San Lucas last spring break? A video of you doing your best Lady Gaga or Katy Perry karaoke? Perhaps that is not the best way to present yourself to an application committee. Make sure that you choose the most stringent privacy settings on Facebook, at least until your application process is complete.

2. Google yourself. It’s awkward, it’s painful, but everyone does it eventually. Hit the keyboard and start digging – jus what is out there on you? Your great aunt Edna may have posted photos without you even knowing on Flickr or Twitter which have become cached and are now readily searchable. Don’t be afraid to contact your family/friends and ask them to remove embarrassing info, at least temporarily. Read more »

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Networking: How to Write Thank-You Letters

By vivian kerr posted March 8, 2012

Snail-mail may be less often used by the students and faculty of the Best Business Schools, but any intelligent MBA applicant knows that a thoughtful thank-you letter can lead to favorably impressions from admission counselors, financial aid advisors, and recommendation-letter writers. Since most MBA students aren’t writing them, it’s all the more reason you should! E-mail is definitely a useful tool, but a well-timed thank-you letter can increase your chances of graduate school success, even if your GMAT score isn’t the best.

Want to get started expanding your business network? Grockit’s GMAT group games allow students to study together – connect with MBA applicants from all over the world and follow each other’s progress as you take the GMAT and apply for business school!

1. Keep it short and sweet. Don’t yammer on – 3-4 sentences are always fine. The people you need to stay in contact with are busy. Just let them know you appreciate their time, and you’d like to keep them posted on your MBA progress and your entry into the business world.

2. Make it personal. Buy stationary and cards that reflect your personality. It doesn’t have to be the fanciest embossed letter-head. A casual, colorful card is fine. “Hello Kitty” might be a little too informal, but calligraphy on paper that looks like polished china isn’t necessary either. Strike a balance, but have fun with your choice!

3. Use them judiciously. There’s etiquette to snail mail. Just as you wouldn’t post on someone’s Facebook wall four times a day, so you shouldn’t send thank-you letters out randomly. Only send a thank-you letter when you legitimately have something to say – after an initial meeting or interview, thanking someone for a referral, a class, a workshop, etc. If you want to make a connection with a faculty member, a fellow student, or a business contact it’s better to send an email or make a telephone call initially, then follow-up with a hand-written note. For periodic updates, once every six weeks is fine, but more often than that and you risk becoming a nuisance.

Not sure where to focus your MBA admissions plan next? Take a quick look at your customized Study Plan on Grockit. Grockit will tell you what your current strengths and weaknesses are and suggest Targeted Practice to get your GMAT score where you need it to be!

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10 Best Ways to Ruin Your MBA Applications, pt 5

By jim jacobson posted March 6, 2012

This installment rounds out the series of articles covering ways I’ve seen people try to ruin their MBA application process (yes, I’ve seen all of these). As I mentioned in the series’ first part, reality obviously plays a role in your process, so it may be that you can’t have the perfect application process; that’s ok. Even though I’ve seen people do all of these things, I’ve also seen people get into their dream schools in spite of these mistakes.

9. Don’t talk to anyone else. To maximize your chance of failure, don’t talk to any of the following:

* Colleagues who have MBAs – what could they possibly know?
* Admissions counselors at schools — they probably don’t want to talk to anyone about their program anyway
* Current students in MBA programs — those current students can’t have anything in common with you, so why bother?
* Faculty and staff, when you visit the schools (you are visiting the schools, aren’t you?) — they’re almost certainly too busy
* GMAT tutors — the real mark of excellence is grinding away at a topic alone until you get it right, no matter how long it takes
* Professional editors for your resume and essays — when you are at the top of your own company, “they” will make sure everything you say has clarity and professionalism, so why bother learning that stuff now?

Need some GMAT advice? Ask one of Grockit’s expert instructors or leave a comment below! Read more »

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