Hi

Increase in the number of applicants is nothing new. As an upward trend is seen year after year for the elite business schools. Infact, things are better off now since the US economy is in a better state as compared to two years ago when layoffs had become the norm and lots of "quality" people had decided to head to b schools to upgrade their skills during the recession.

cheer up.

suhaib

quick question...How gud is Kellstad School of B(DePaul Univ), if 1) U plan to live n work in chicago, 2)U can't afford GSB. I knw face-value is imp, but is Depaul really considered to be in da big league by companies here in da chicagoland?

Hi Cartiergal,

I agree abt the soft skills part. Not much of a partier, but I do make it a point to network well.

Speaking of networking, the Chicago GSB Pakistan Club, which is an alum club, is organizing a presentation this Saturday. Later this month, we have the CEO of Ethan Allen coming over. If you are free this Saturday afternoon and don't mind coming to Gleacher, please join us for this event and the future ones.

I'm posting the link www.chicagogsb.edu

No I don't need any help on valuation formula's. Not quite. Alot of my friend's are GSB'ers and some of my equity partners went to school there. Good school.

Badmash,

I'm a GSBer...what do you need, let me guess you're trying to figure out some valuation formula for a work that's due NOWWWWWWWWWWWW :)

So I posted comments about a week ago and the bloody thing never came up. You figured the number of desis in IT would get something right:))

Anyways, you asked about my experience in UChicago. One phrase, simply amaaaaaaaaaazing!!! Concentration in finance is definitely top notch but aside from that I'm all about balance and while I studied when necessary, I partied my *ss off and met some phenomenal people, of all types, FOBs, whities, Brandwhores, et al..!! At the end of the day, every encounter is met, tackled and reconciled..and in the you end up LEARNING! I think the key takeaway from B-school for me was NOT valuation OR DCF analysis (any schmuck can read Brealey & Myers and figure out), but the soft skills acquired and this shows over time.

Badmash007, don't be a nerd, truly enjoy the two years cause it goes by fast. I know Chicago GSBers fall prey to the "nerdy" stereotype and the truth is they are..BUT...contrary to what one may say, so are the other peers (Columbia and Wharton). Been through the process, met many of them representing these schools and they are all "Type A Nerds"! The only difference is level of degree. Logically think about it, how different is the pool truly going to be?? If one's intention is to major in finance or life's calling is to go into investment banking or management consulting, then the individual typically will apply to the top 5 or 10 and where you get in is a factor of many things, LUCK being a major one as in all things in life. So overall the pool is pretty much the same, the only true exceptions I would say are Harvard and Stanford (very eclectic mix)

Okay I've rambled enough but feel free to gain my opinionated perspective on other schools cause a fair amound of due diligence is necessary to effectively "BS" in your essays :)

One last advise, Sherafgan, aim high! We need to make a concerted effort to increase the number of muslims representing top tier institutions in which hopefully the domino effect will be a stronger and more credible voice socially, politically and economically.

See ya!!!!!

Who is a GSB guy?

I'm loving my time here. If a finance career is what you are after, this is as good as it gets. ;)

Okay, maybe Wharton comes close. LOL

Regards to first and second round, if you are writing your application essays right now, yes, it is probably too late unless you are an exceptionally strong candidate.

Cartier - Yes, i agree 100%. Timing is huge, and 1st + 2nd round is the only way to go.

I am targeting mostly northeast schools. Dont know if there is a clear first choice yet. Looks like you attended U Chig... how did you like it?

Hey another badmash!

Sherafgan, while Badmash007 provides good solid advice, there is one caveat. Time of application (1st, 2nd, or 3rd round) is critical and directly related to higher probability of acceptance. Definitely apply when you are ready but make sure to do so in 1st or 2nd round...it is a numbers game and roughly 75% of the class slot is taken by 2nd round.

So Sherafgan, what schools are you aiming for and what is your first choice?

Well, my advice is to apply, with no regard to timing the year. Get a good score in GMAT, get help on essays, either paid or through some friends, and have a solid story. If you do all that, you will get into a top 10 school.

You apply when you are ready. Don't be afraid to aim high but back it up with hard work.

I'm doing my MBA at university of Chicago so if I can be of help, please don't hesitate.

Mad.. me? Well, yes. at least ive been told that i am by my whole family and especially my sister. She thinks im missing some essential brain cells but then thats another story :P

Actually, i think you might be right but then why are so many people applying. The volume of applications this year is crazy. I think i mentioned before but Tuck's applications are up by 50% in the first three rounds. That surely means that its gonna be a tougher sell. Will have to catch up on BusinessWeek.

I know your not asking me if I'm mad!!!

Are you mad? It's simple economics, supply and demand; In comparison to the past 5 years, this is the best time to apply with highest chance of gaining acceptance. I applied in 2003 to all top 5 schools when the economy was struggling to come out of the recession and either no one had a job or the long term prospects for those who did were so grim that the best escape was B-school. This of course had domino effect, sheer volume rose and competition was FIERCE. Currently, with the market gaining positive traction, everyone wants to take advantage of "money making" opportunity. So trust me, this is one of the best times to apply. Please refer to Business Week that corroborates much of my statements. Good luck!

Cool, nice to hear that you heard from one of the schools. Your guess is probably a good assumption. Even part time applications has seen a rise, as students are getting more smart about juggling full time work and school.

I think - and its just a guess - that everyone from 02/03 who could have applied but didn't want to leave their jobs because the economy was still wobbly is finally applying.

I know that Tuck's applications are def. up by about 50%. On a positive note, i received good news from one of my schools, so there is light at the end of the tunnel.

What do you think the reason is for this increase in applications?

Nomi - That may not be the easiest question to answer but one you'll need an answer for (not the right answer) when applying to b-school.

General Business Management provides all around business skills. I would say if you know you want to go for b school, burn the hours on the GMAT first.

Thanx guys... I did not even think about it that much.. guess am really at the beginning.. been thinking of GMAT so i guess i really need to step it up... have a cd for GMAT, still have to start working on it...

am completely lost of what i really want to go for.. did my bachelors in MIS and marketing and ended up with a job in IT ( what a change).... so i am open for ideas what fields of study are good...