And The Fight Goes On...

So I got the rejection from Duke few days back. The rejection really had me thinking about my chances in any of my top choice programs. The decision also made to reconsider my list of round 2 schools. I was really enthusiastic about the NYU program, but now after evaluating NYU’s inclination towards higher GMAT score (mine is 700 - Q50, V34) and considering my position from a very competitive Indian IT applicant pool, I’m thinking of passing on NYU application.

Though the rejection did hurt my confidence level, but I’m not going to give up in the fight. I am evaluating my options carefully for round 2. Michigan Ross and Johnson Cornell are still on my priority list; however, I’m considering now some safer schools too. Not sure about my chances with UNC Kenan Flagler, Texas McCombs or Carnegie Tepper, but I’m really considering these schools because of lower median/mean GMAT score and their less competitive applicant pool. I've to shortlist 2 out of those 3 schools. The B - school journey is really tough and long with many ups and down. I've seen some down in the journey for now, but now eagerly waiting for a good up from my round 1 application. Let’s see what the future holds for me.

My Duke(Fuqua) Early Action Round Story

About a week ago, I received the status of my early action round application for Duke, Fuqua – The Daytime MBA Program and the news was not jovial. The notification said, that “you’re not invited for interview; however, this is not a final decision on your application”; my heart skipped a beat. I’m bit disappointed in myself. My top priority schools are Fuqua and Tuck. I was really looking forward to getting into one of these programs as I just fall in love with their culture and philosophy. Though there is still a little hope as I’m yet to receive the final status (probably by October 29, 2014).

I enjoyed extensively while preparing my application for Duke. Both the essay questions did provide the sense of feeling that the Adcom really wants to know about each and every individual beyond his/her academic and professional excellence. The humbleness and the involvement of Duke alumni with the prospective applicant can only be matched with only one other school, Tuck. I was amazed seeing that each alumnus is so ready to help out in the process even before one becomes a part of the fabulous Duke community. Also,in my research, Duke is the only other school, besides Tuck, whose school website has so much of the information about the program and the activities that people like me, who can’t visit schools in the U.S., can learn so much about the program from the school website.

I’m just hoping that the final decision comes in my favor. I loved the whole “Team-Fuqua” philosophy and really want to be the part of this great team. Fingers crossed, prayers start.

Duke (Fuqua) Daytime MBA Program - Research Part 2

Well, posting the second part of my research about Fuqua took me some time. Writing an application process is a rigorous and time consuming job. Even after going through so many round of modifications and checks, one feels anxious to hit the submit button. I've submitted my application for early action round on 16th Sep'14. So here is rest of the part of my research.

Things I liked most about Fuqua -

1. Fuqua's Alumni - The word "wow" fall short in describing the culture of this great institute. I'm just amazed seeing the support Fuqua Alumni provide to prospective students. I had pleasure to talk to one of the most kind people. Every single alumni is ready to take time out of your busy schedule and guide you in the process.

2. Team Fuqua Philosophy - Collaboration is in the gene of Fuqua teaching philosophy. If you want to grow in a team setting then this is the right school for you. You will be able to develop relationship for life. Only other school, which I know,shows this kind of  development is TUCK.

3. International student body - Fuqua has the highest international student ratio ( approx 40%), higher than any other b-school. One will have various opportunity to learn about different culture, perspective and ideas from such a big international student body.

Fuqua is an amazing school for people like me, who  is seeking a vivid international experience and eclectic culture. I just fall in love with this school and the philosophy it runs on. Every time I open it YouTube channel, Dean  Boulding's video "Be Consequential" make me lust for the opportunity to be part of this great culture.

You can have a look into the first part of my research here.

If you want to know anything specific of my application progress or want to learn about my research, do drop me a message.

Duke (Fuqua) Daytime MBA Program - Research Part 1

Duke, Fuqua is one the top B-school around the world but is it right fit for me? I still don't have a solid answer but the program seems to be very enchanting and attractive. In my research I identified few points that gave me positive vibes about the program but there are few points on which I've to do more research  to come to the ultimate conclusion - is it right fit for me? Here is the excerpt of my first draft of Research.

Things I liked about Fuqua -

1. Interdisciplinary Structure - Courses on different domains/fields/disciplines. This would be great for me, as post-MBA I'm tempted about 2 fields  - Media and Entertainment and Core Finance.

2. Fuqua's Media, Entertainment & Sports (MES) Club - Fuqua is one of the very few B-schools that have centre for M&E. I information about it M&E club is quiet handful.

3. Professor Lopomo's simulation program - I really love the whole concept of this program. In my graduation school one of my professor also uses the same method in his teaching and I quite enjoyed his classes for the same reason.

 Things I need to do more research -

1. Bigger Class size - Fuqua has a typical class size of  437 and the whole class is divided into section of some 70ish student. In my earlier firm, Intel Security - formally known as McAfee, we had a big working force and because of such a big strength I was able to make acquaintance with not many of the team, however, I feel that class strength is actually beneficial in Fuqua as they have much diversity. This is actually not ice-breaker but I would like to know how current students feel about the strength.

2. Centres - I touch superficially on Fuqua's various program centres. In part -2 of my research I'll update about how program centres at Fuqua's stand against those of other college.

That is all from my initial draft. If you like me to consider any specific detail about college do comment below.

Greetings,
Hemant