The Berkeley MBA – Online Admissions Chat
October 1, 2008
Chat with Berkeley MBA Admissions Team
Corinne Kang, Associate Director of Admissions
Kara Hayman, Assistant Director of Admissions
Jeff Cowgill, Operations Manager
Lee and Katie, Moderators
Lee_Moderator
Welcome to the Berkeley MBA Admissions chat. My name is Lee, and Katie and I will be moderating the chat today. Joining us will be Corinne Kang, Associate Director of Admissions; Kara Hayman, Assistant Director of Admissions; and Jeff Cowgill, Director of Operations. Please send us your questions!
Kara_Berkeley
Hello everyone. My name is Kara Hayman and I am Assistant Director of Full-Time MBA Admissions. I look forward to answering your questions today.
Corinne_Berkeley
Hello and thank you for joining us today! My name is Corinne Kang and I am the Associate Director of Admissions for the Full-Time MBA program. I look forward to answering your admissions questions today on the chat!
Jeff_Berkeley
Welcome! My name is Jeff and I've been with the Admissions Team for 3 years. It's a bright, sunny day in Berkeley and we're looking forward to hearing your questions!
Rafael
Hi everyone. I'm applying for this first round. Here in Chile there are some problems with the TOEFL dates. I found only one date available, on October 17th. I'm supposed to get the test results before the deadline, but if there is any delay, is it possible for you to wait a couple of days for the results? I have similar problems with the Analytical Writing Assessment.
Kara_Berkeley
You must take the test by the deadline for the round you are applying. With an Oct. 17 test date, your scores are valid for Round 1 (11/4) submission. Please send your test scores once they are available from the testing center but be sure to submit your application online by the round deadline.
Yuval
How do you assess the personal fit of a candidate with the program? How can I know whether I match Haas values or not?
Corinne_Berkeley
Yuval - We assess personal qualities of each candidate through various components of the application, particularly the essays/short answer questions and the interview. I encourage you to learn as much as you can about the program, visit the campus, and connect with current students to get a feel for your "fit" with Haas values.
kaushik
What is the experience you look for prior to the 2-year MBA course?
Our students come from a variety of professional backgrounds, both traditional and non-traditional. The middle 80% range of full-time professional work experience is between 3 and 8 years. Please visit our current student profile for more detail: http://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/community/classprofile.html
Grant
Other than two letters of recommendation from employers, is it a plus or a minus to have another recommendation from an alumni or donor?
Kara_Berkeley
We ask that you refrain from sending additional supplemental material aside from what is asked for as part of the application. The only time we welcome additional letters with the initial applications is from an Alum, current students, or current Berkeley MBA faculty members.
TAM
Good morning and thank you for holding this forum. One of the supplemental questions asks you to list extracurricular activities. How much consideration is given to this activity and if you have a limited list, how strongly will this impact the admission decision?
Corinne_Berkeley
TAM - We look to extracurricular activities as an indicator of how involved a candidate might be during the MBA program. We'll be considering the quality and depth of the involvement, rather than simply the quantity.
Stephane88
I have a general question about undergrad GPA. I transferred to another school after freshman year. Do I combine my GPA's from two schools for my BS degree? Or should I keep them separate?
Jeff_Berkeley
Hi Stephane88. Submit a cumulative GPA combining your undergraduate work. You will also need to submit GPAs and transcripts per institution.
Ying
What makes the Haas MBA unique?
Kara_Berkeley
The Berkeley MBA program is a very student-driven community. The small class size of 240 students in each entering class lends itself to a supportive and collaborative environment. The best way to get a sense for the community is to visit and connect with the community!
Jonathan
How are non-traditional careers (government, not-for-profit) viewed by admissions at Haas?
Corinne_Berkeley
Jonathan - As you can see from our class profile, we have a very diverse class with students who represent a broad range of pre-MBA job industries and functions! Similar to candidates from more "traditional" careers, we will also be evaluating leadership, career progression, level of responsibility, etc. for "non-traditional" careers as well.
Stephane88
In view of the recent financial crisis, will international students have trouble securing bank loans?
Cindy_Berkeley
This is so recent that we haven't had any indication of this as of yet. There are a number of scholarship opportunities for international and domestic students outlined on our website, along with private loans available.
Emily
The application has an emphasis on quantitative experience. While I have some experience and I'd like to hone my skills in this area, numbers are not my primary strength. Would Berkeley still be a good fit?
Kara_Berkeley
The academic aptitude assessment of your application is only one category by which your application is evaluated. Within academic aptitude, we are assessing your ability to succeed within the core curriculum so it's important to demonstrate that you have quant skills. The core curriculum does have quantitative focus but not all of our students come from a quant background. There are many additional aspects of the program that may make Berkeley the right fit for you!
Angela
Hello, thank you for answering our questions. I was wondering if you have any preference for the recommendations - since there are only two, is it best to ask for two workplace recommendations, or would you be interested in one professional and one extracurricular if we have been heavily involved in community service work outside of our job?
Jeff_Berkeley
Hi Angela. Good question. We do prefer 2 professional recommendations. In particular, we prefer one to be from a current or recent supervisor. However, if you feel that another, non-academic recommendation can speak directly to leadership and other experience that you want reflected in your application, that can be good as well. In the end use your best judgment to showcase your professional experience and skills.
disa
Hi Kara. If you are looking at an application and the numbers and basic profile are in the ballpark for a Haas student, what distinguishes an application that is accepted from one that is rejected?
Corinne_Berkeley
disa - Each applicant is truly unique, but a well-crafted application that conveys a cohesive story will likely stand out from others! Personal qualities and the interview can also play a role in distinguishing one applicant from another.
Angela
Hi, I know you value candidates who visit the campus. If I visited over a year ago, but then decided to wait until applying until now, is that ok, or should I attempt to visit again this fall before applying?
Cindy_Berkeley
We only encourage prospective students to visit because that is the best way to really see what it is like to be a student at Haas. If you visited previously, that is great. Although we encourage a visit, we also understand the amount of time and money it takes to visit, so it certainly is not a requirement.
Danny
Hello, I am just curious what will happen if my essay length is above the word limit. Is that essay automatically disqualified?
Kara_Berkeley
We strongly encourage you to stick closely to the word limits for the essay questions. While we aren't counting the words, we can tell when an essay has greatly exceeded the word limit.
techgal
If our application is almost complete, is there any difference between sending it in today versus the day before the deadline? Or are they all read at the same time?
Jeff_Berkeley
Techgal, there is no difference. We will not begin setting up the files for review until about a week before the deadline and will continue to be set up and reviewed for 4-6 weeks after the deadline. It also does not matter when within a round that a file is read; they are all considered on equal ground.
Chris
What do expect to be the effect on applications and admissions from the current economic turmoil?
Corinne_Berkeley
Chris - it's still early to tell, but early indicators lead us to anticipate a slight increase in application volume this year. However, an increase in applications will not change our process for reviewing and evaluating candidates - we are still looking to build a strong, diverse class!
hrishika
Hi.. Could you elaborate more on the MOT certificate courses that Haas offers? I am keen to move into a technology consulting company after my MBA and am very interested in understanding this specialty of Haas'.
Cindy_Berkeley
There is a ton of info about the MOT program on our website. Basically, these are elective courses that are open to 1/2 MBA students and 1/2 grad students in the School of Engineering & School of Information. More information is here: http://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/academics/certificate.html
Cristina
Hi guys, nice to meet y'all. I noticed that a majority of the student profiles for this session came from a business background. Can you give insight into the types of things you would expect to be highlighted or explained in further detail on an application coming from a technical background? For example, spending more time in essays focusing on the business aspects of my job and less on technical detail. Thanks!
Cindy_Berkeley
Yes, I would encourage you to talk about the breadth of your experience and exposure to business fundamentals. We encourage applications from all different industries and functions. Whether you are from a finance, marketing, or tech background, we're looking for senior management potential and team skills.
Inga
For the MBA/MPH program, do you take classes from both schools concurrently or do you alternate semesters between schools?
Kara_Berkeley
You are taking classes concurrently in each semester. I encourage you to visit http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/advantage/health/dualdegreecurriculum.html for more detailed information!
Emily
How long should the answers be to the supplemental questions?
Jeff_Berkeley
There is no word limit for the supplemental questions. However, please keep in mind that we are looking at how you write and present yourself. In business as with the MBA program, you will be expected to present ideas succinctly and clearly. Excessively wordy or non-direct statements may not be helpful.
Cindy_Berkeley
You are allowed to take up to 6 units of classes outside of the Haas School of Business. This is for students who want to take classes at any of the top graduate programs at UCB. Applicants interested in more interdisciplinary work might want to investigate the Management of Tech program (MOT) which is our largest interdisciplinary prog on campus. These are classes that merge tech with business. http://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/academics/certificates.html
Steve
I have a question about recommendations. I have worked (since graduation) at a relatively small startup (40 employees) where the CEO is my direct supervisor. There are two other people on my level of the org chart - "directors" - with whom I've worked closely (more so than any client). Is it appropriate to have one of them write a recommendation?
Cindy_Berkeley
It really depends on your relationship with them. Title is not important in selecting recommenders, but it is important that your recommenders aren't considered peers, and that they have overseen your work in some capacity.
cc
I have a question about the TOEFL requirement. If I already have a Masters degree from Michigan State University, am I required to take the TOEFL again?
Kara_Berkeley
The TOEFL is not required if an applicant has completed at least a full year of US university-level coursework with a grade of B or better.
Corinne_Berkeley
Students who are interested in international employment upon graduation have the support and resources to be able to do so. In fact, we have a member of our Career Services Organization who is dedicated to assisting students exploring international employment opportunities. There are also a number of international students who are sponsored by their pre-MBA company and thus return upon graduation.
Kara_Berkeley
Our Career Services office is very involved in helping students obtain both summer internship and full-time employment positions. There are a variety of services offered through the Career Center to assist student along this path. For more information, visit: http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/groups/careercenter/
Rafael
What percentage of applications are accepted to the Haas MBA? What are the main causes of a denied application? Low GMAT score, lack of experience…?
Jeff_Berkeley
Hi Rafael. This last year was pretty exceptional. After a high application volume, we admitted around 12%. I recommend checking out our student profile online, http://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/community/classprofile.html. But the numbers don't tell everything. There is no one reason for denial; we review on a holistic basis. GMAT is important, but we actually ended up denying over 85% of those who scored 750 or above. Professional experience, academic aptitude, leadership skills, and recommendations all factor into the decision.
Adclarissa
In discussing short and long-term career goals in the essays, I've heard that it's important to be as detailed as possible. However, as a potential career-switcher, I know that I am interested in marketing specifically, but also open to exploring more than one industry specialization. What level of specifics are you looking for in strong applicants?
Cindy_Berkeley
I think that we're looking for applicants to present a focused area of specialization. What kinds of jobs will you be pursuing for your summer internship or post-MBA? We also would like to know why you want to make this career switch, and how it relates to your current work experience. A switch to a focus in marketing is a specific goal - and you might want to note some industries that interest you.
James
With regards to the GPA, would a GPA of below 3.0 hinder my chances of getting accepted? My overall GPA for my BA was a 2.94 but my major (operations management) was a 3.34.
Kara_Berkeley
James, we are looking at both your cumulative and last 2 year GPA in our review of your academic records. Your academic aptitude is assessed using your academic records and GMAT scores. Sometimes a higher GMAT could balance out a lower GPA and vice versa. Your application will be given a thorough review regardless of where your GPA falls, but we admit relatively few candidates with GPAs below 3.0
Jeff_Berkeley
Late materials can and will delay the review of any application. If a transcript was sent by an institution on or around our deadline and it is not delayed significantly, it should not push an applicant to a later round, but that has to be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Amar
If we want to visit the campus, when is the best time to do so?
Cindy_Berkeley
We welcome visitors on any day Mon-Fri, but it will be most helpful for you to come when classes are in session. September-November and February-April are the best months.
Fab
I meet the general enrollment requirements but I need to work on the GMAT in order to strengthen my application, as my score is below the median. Do you evaluate the quantitative part and the verbal part separately, especially for foreign students?
Kara_Berkeley
Fab, we look at both the verbal and quantitative subscores equally in all applicants. We do ask for you to outline demonstrated quantitative skills beyond the GMAT subscore as well..
Stephane88
What is the percentage of applicants interviewed for R1? And how many will be accepted?
Corinne_Berkeley
Stephane88, that is a difficult number to pinpoint because there could be R1 applicants who are placed on the waitlist and thus interviewed at a later time in the admissions cycle. We do not follow quotas for number of applicants interviewed or admitted out of each round. The number fluctuates year to year, but over the entire admissions cycle, we generally interview approximately 25-30% of our applicant pool.
rahul
Does an international background count as a positive aspect in the Berkeley MBA application?
Corinne_Berkeley
rahul, as a global MBA program, we absolutely value international background and exposure!
Marie
I have a question about the GMAT. My verbal score is much higher than my math score (95% versus 55%). I have studied a lot and have continued to study, but the math section is still lower. Is there a minimum percentile that you look for (ie. 70% in both sections)? I majored in Economics at a top school, have done quantitative college-level coursework and got good grades, including calculus, and worked in Investment banking doing quantitative professional work for 3 years. Will this be able to speak to my quantitative ability, or will the 55% in math still be a major problem?
Cindy_Berkeley
We do not have a minimum cut off score for the GMAT Quantitative section. However, if you score below the 80th percentile, we will be looking for other quant skills in your background to compensate. It sounds like you have several which can help to offset this score. I would list these in your application. You might also want to consider taking a basic calculus or stats class at a local University or community college to demonstrate your recent quant skills.
Ying
If there are no admission events near where I live, are there other ways to learn more about the school and the program?
Kara_Berkeley
Ying, there are many ways to connect with the community beyond local events! You are welcome to contact our Haas Student Ambassador current students at hsa@haas.berkeley.edu . We recommend reading through blogs, listening to podcasts, and contacting our centers of excellence as a way to further connect with the community. We also encourage you to visit campus if that is possible. Visit http://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/admissions/learnmore.html for more information.
Rafael
I have two degrees. The first one is an associate's degree, and the other is a bachelor's degree (Civil Engineer). Is it required to send official transcripts for both?
Lee_Moderator
Rafael, we require the submission of transcripts for all degrees you have earned.
rahul
Can leadership be demonstrated through extracurricular experience? For example, being on the board of a non-profit?
Kara_Berkeley
Rahul - Absolutely! Leadership can come from a variety of experiences beyond your professional experience.
rita
I applied for 2006 fall entry (3 cycles ago). Will I be considered a reapplicant and need to submit a statement outlining how I have improved my candidacy? Will you open my previous essay to compare with the new ones?
Jeff_Berkeley
Hi rita. No, unfortunately, you will not be considered a reapplicant and will need to resubmit a full application. We only keep the last two years on file. Fall 2007 is the current cutoff.
James
Do letters of recommendation need to follow a certain structure?
Jeff_Berkeley
Hi James. You can check out our recommendation online and download it as a PDF for the detail of what specifically we ask the recommenders. We do ask that all of our questions be addressed even if the recommender is providing a letter rather than filling out the online recommendation form.
neetu
What is the best way for me to check out what Haas has to offer for development of entrepreneurial skills?
Corinne_Berkeley
I would encourage you to explore our Lester Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation to learn about the various program offerings in this area: http://entrepreneurship.berkeley.edu/main/index.html
Jessica
I'd like to focus my MBA on nonprofit management. What characteristics of Haas' MBA differentiate it from other NPO MBA's?
Cindy_Berkeley
Jessical, I think we have some great programs which are unique. A couple of examples include the Board Fellows elective course: students sit on the board of local non-profits. Social Sector Solutions is an elective course where select Haas students have the opportunity to work with McKinsey & Co to consult with local non-profit orgs on high-impact, entrepreneurial consulting projects.
Inga
Will fewer than five years of work experience hinder my chances of getting into the MBA/MPH program? What specifics are you looking for to see if I am ready to pursue a graduate degree?
Kara_Berkeley
Inga - It's the richness and depth of your work experience that are more important than the number of years. We encourage you to look at the middle 80% range of 3 - 8 years of full-time professional work experience when comparing yourself to our current student profile. We are looking at increased/expanded responsibility over time, examples of leadership and initiative, career progression, an understanding/exposure to business fundamentals, and general breadth of work experience.
Tatiana
What is a minimum and average score for TOEFL and GMAT?
Jeff_Berkeley
The minimum TOEFL iBT is 68, average this year was 113. There is no minimum GMAT, but our average was 714, with 80% of our students scoring between 670-760.
Danny
I know Berkeley values diversity. Does that mean during the process the admission officers will set a percentage for enrollment from different background?
Corinne_Berkeley
Danny - While you are quite right that we value diversity at Haas, we absolutely do NOT set percentages or quotas for enrollment by background. Additionally we are prohibited by California law from considering race, gender, or national origin in our admissions process.
Rafael
Do Haas staff help international students with accommodations, helping with departments, playschool for kids, etc?
Cindy_Berkeley
Rafael, all admitted students are given information about the various housing options for students and families. One excellent option is the University Village which is for students with families. Many international students live there and not only are the accommodations great, but the community support is a definite plus. We also have a Partners Club and Kids Club which are very active clubs on campus.
Will
What is the timeframe to be notified of an interview invitation if applying in R1?
Kara_Berkeley
Interview invitations can begin 4-6 weeks after the round deadline and can go out up until the notification deadline for each round. As a round 1 applicant, you could be invited to interview as late as the notification date of January 28.
Tatiana
Is it possible to have an interview outside the US?
Jeff_Berkeley
Yes, most of the interviews actually will be handled by our trained alumni interview team. Interviews are by invitation only and are held around the world.
Inga
Is there a non-profit management focus area?
Cindy_Berkeley
Yes, we have a focus area in nonprofit and public leadership. More details are here: http://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/academics/nonprofit.html
Adclarissa
I noticed that in the most recent class profile, 34% of students are minorities. Of these, can you share the percentage of underrepresented minorities (African-American, Hispanic, Native American)? What support networks and communities are there on campus for these groups?
Corinne_Berkeley
Adclarissa - Unfortunately, we do not have that breakdown available to share at the moment. However, I can point you to some of the support networks available to these, and other, communities on our Student Groups website: http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/MBA/student/index.html.
Eric Braune
Good morning! I am really interested in the Haas@work program. What percentage of students take advantage of this opportunity? Do you have to be a second year student?
Cindy_Berkeley
Eric, we are planning to offer one Haas@Work program each semester. There is an application process wherein about 50 students are selected to participate in each program. So, students have several opportunities to apply to participate.
Inga
How is the cost for the MBA/MPH dual degree program determined?
Jeff_Berkeley
Hi Inga, I'm afraid that I don't have a breakdown of the dual degree costs. The MBA breakdown can be found here, http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/mba/finaid/FTCosts.htm. For more information about costs and fees, you can contact our financial aid team at finaid@haas.berkeley.edu who should be able to help you.
Kara_Berkeley
We do understand that some industries/professions do not allow a lot of extra time for involvement beyond work obligations. There may be opportunities to get involved within your organization as a means to demonstrate involvement within the community. Overall, the quality of involvement is what matters.
Christina T
What is the strongest concentration that Haas offers? Online, several focus areas are listed.
Corinne_Berkeley
Christina - The Berkeley MBA is a general management program - we do not require our students to specialize or concentrate in any one area, but we do have a number of top-ranked specialty programs for our students to choose from. It is thus difficult to select only one "strongest" concentration area because we excel in so many! Marketing, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Real Estate, Nonprofit and Public Management, International Business, etc...
techgal
How common are dual degrees with another program at Berkeley, particularly the MPH program?
Jeff_Berkeley
Most students do not do a dual degree, but the MBA/MPH program is our most popular. We have 12-15 each year out of a class of 240.
Ramkumar
I am from India. I have had two business trips to US and one to Canada. I work in an MNC. I communicate with US people almost every day through calls and e-mails. My medium of instruction throughout my education was English. Hence I don't understand the need to take the TOEFL. Is there any chance of getting a waiver for the TOEFL?
Kara_Berkeley
The Graduate Division requires that all applicants who received their degrees from countries in which the official language is not English submit official evidence of English language proficiency. This requirement applies to applicants from Bangladesh, Burma, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Latin America, the Middle East, North Africa, the People's Republic of China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and most European countries. Only applicants who have completed a full year of US university-level coursework with a grade of B or better are exempt from this requirement.
rahul
I am the median application age (around 27), but may have less experience than my peers because I have a master's. Can less work experience be compensated for by a graduate degree?
Cindy_Berkeley
We are really looking at the quality of work experience not the quantity. We are evaluating senior leadership potential and increased career - by reviewing your resume and letters of recommendation. Please note that the middle 80% range of post-university work experience for those admitted has been between 3 - 8 years, so there is quite a range in the years of experience. It really is about the quality.
Tatiana
Do you provide information sessions in Russia, so we can better learn about Haas and talk to students face to face?
Jeff_Berkeley
I'm afraid that we do not have any information sessions planned for Russia this year. Our staff will be traveling in Europe in October and November, but due to limited resources we unfortunately can't travel everywhere we would like. http://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/admissions/events.html. Uspekh!
Marie
What is the best way for me to learn more about what Haas has to offer for someone interested in pursuing a career in Education reform and management? Can I take classes at the graduate school of Education as electives?
Corinne_Berkeley
Marie - I encourage you to explore our Education Leadership Club - they've done some very exciting work in spearheading the Education Leadership Case Competition! http://groups.haas.berkeley.edu/education/ And yes, MBA students have the opportunity to take 2-3 electives outside of the business school and still have those credits count towards fulfilling their MBA degree. Any additional courses beyond those 2-3 would require approval from the program directors.
Jessica
In a previous answer, an applicant was encouraged to take additional quant courses at a local university or community college. If we plan to apply for Fall 2009, does Haas expect the quant coursework to be done prior to submitting an application or can it be completed after the application is submitted and any additional transcripts send to Haas after completion?
Kara_Berkeley
It is more effective to submit the academic record with the final grade so that performance within the quantitative course can be assessed. If you do not have the result at time of application, you should arrange to send the transcript as soon as it is available.
Siegi
My university uses a system different from US GPA. How can I convert my grades to GPA?
Lee_Moderator
Siegi, please do not attempt to translate your non-GPA grades to a 4.0 system. Please see the application instructions for more detail.
Marie
Would you say that the coursework at Haas is more quantitative than at other MBA programs?
Cindy_Berkeley
I wouldn't say it is more quant heavy than other business schools. In the application, we do ask applicants specifically about their quantitative experience in order to be sure that all admitted students are prepared for business school.
Siegi
I have a master's degree but not in a business related area. Is this an advantage or not?
Kara_Berkeley
Our students have many different undergraduate and graduate majors. You do not need to have business school experience to be competitive in the pool. A graduate transcript could help us assess your ability to succeed in graduate level coursework.
evgen
I am from Greece and I graduated from the American College of Greece with a 2.98 GPA. Do I still need to take the TOEFL?
Lee_Moderator
Evgen, a TOEFL is required for all educated in Greece.
Steve
A question about deadlines: the website says not to call the admissions office to confirm that my scores and transcripts arrived, and that I'll get an email 3-6 weeks after the deadline if something is missing. If that is the case, would I still be considered within the same round, or would I be bumped back?
Jeff_Berkeley
Hi Steve. We will contact you when your file is set up letting you know if something is missing. If so, we will work with you to receive that information. We try not to have people bumped to later rounds if we can avoid it.
Patrick123
If, as a result of asking my supervisor for a recommendation, I end up being asked to leave my current employment, how will that reflect in my applications and should I include that information in my application?
Corinne_Berkeley
Patrick - We certainly do not want anyone jeopardizing their jobs! If you feel uncomfortable asking your current supervisor for a recommendation, you could ask a supervisor from a previous job or someone else who does not directly supervise you (and this would not reflect negatively in your application). If you do not end up requesting a recommendation from your current supervisor, there is a question in the application that allows you to provide an explanation.
Inga
What is the Haas@work program?
Cindy_Berkeley
The Haas@Work program is a structured program where a group of students form small teams to help companies and executive teams develop strategies to build their business. Kind of like a real-world case study. More details are here: http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/innovation/innovation16.html
Kris Cuaresma-Primm
When do Haas students typically take advantage of the International Business Development Program? Does time allow for Haas students to participate in multiple trips?
Kara_Berkeley
The IBD program happens in the first part of the summer between your first and second year. Students are assigned to one project. I encourage you to visit http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/HaasGlobal/IBDindex.htm for more detailed information. Most students who participate in IBD also do a regular summer internships.
Danny
Each industry has its own favorite resume format. What should be included in the resume for Haas application?
Corinne_Berkeley
Danny - we do not require that the resume is in a standard format. Please use whatever format you feel is appropriate for a professional situation.
Sagar
Do you consider under-graduate work experience with more than 40 hours a week ?
Kara_Berkeley
Yes, we evaluate work experience during your undergraduate time. Please explain your undergraduate work experience in supplemental essay question #3: "List full-time and part-time jobs held during undergraduate or graduate studies, indicating the employer, job title, employment dates, location, and the number of hours worked per week for each position held prior to the completion of your degree."
Inga
If you are not given an interview in the first round, does your application get considered in the following rounds?
Jeff_Berkeley
Hi Inga. We attempt to give a decision to all applications submitted in a particular round. We will send out all interview invitations for a round before the notification deadline. The exception to this is that on occasion we will waitlist some applicants who have not yet interviewed. Waitlisted applicants all have the opportunity to interview if they have not already done so.
andrewchau
How often do candidates get a conditional acceptance? Do you ever see some candidates as high potential, but ask that they take quant/verbal (based on their weakness) classes prior to starting?
Corinne_Berkeley
Andrew - Given our volume of applications, we do not extend conditional offers of admission such as the examples you have described.
s_junaid
Hi. Can you throw more light on the MOT program at HAAS? Is it a specialization which I need to specifically mention I am interested in through my applications or is it open to all students joining HAAS?
Cindy_Berkeley
All students are open to take MOT classes. You do not need to declare a specialization coming into the program, but I would be sure to mention in your career goal essay about the types of classes you would be interested in taking depending upon your short-term and long-term career goals. Some students want one specialization while others might have a couple. You can pursue an MOT certificate - which is kind of like a major in undergrad. To complete the MOT cert you take a certain number of classes. See the website for more details.
Christina T
Do you interview all those accepted to your program or is it on an as needed basis?
Jeff_Berkeley
All of the applicants who receive an offer of admission will have had an interview.
rahul
I come from a very competitive undergrad from another country, which is well-known over there. Do people in ad-com know about the reputation of some foreign undergrads, or should we emphasize it in the application?
Corinne_Berkeley
Rahul - Yes, the admissions committee is well aware of the varying reputations of international undergraduate institutions.
James
I visited the campus over the summer and I would like to visit the campus again although I am not from the area. Would there be an advisor available for admissions questions and guidance if I would like to bring in all of my copies of transcripts, etc.?
Kara_Berkeley
You are welcome to visit the campus. Please see the details of our visitation program for more information: http://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/admissions/visit.html. You are welcome to speak with an admissions advisor between 9am - 4pm (no appointment necessary). We are happy to discuss the Berkeley MBA program and application process with you but are unable to evaluate transcripts during this session. Transcripts are evaluated only after submission of an application.
wagon
What kind of opportunities exist for aspiring venture capitalists? Is there a venture funding club of some sort?
Cindy_Berkeley
New Venture Fellows is a program that provides MBA students, interested in venture capital or entrepreneurship, with a hands-on opportunity to work with one or more VC affiliates on small projects throughout the semester. Fellows also manage and participate in the UC Berkeley pitch lab, which gives entrepreneurs from the UC Berkeley community an opportunity to practice their pitches and receive feedback on their ventures in a neutral environment.
Beth
Does age of the applicant play a role in your admissions considerations?
Corinne_Berkeley
Beth - No, age is not a consideration in the admissions decisions. As you can see from our class profile, our student body age range is quite broad, from 24-38!
Jessica
How competitive are the students with each other? Does Haas foster a collaborative environment?
Cindy_Berkeley
Jessica, this is one thing that clearly stands out at Haas. The students are extremely collaborative, so much so that students have been known to help each other out when applying to the same companies for summer internships and post MBA jobs. One may interview with a company early in the day and then give helpful hints to another student interviewing for the same company later in the day.
emmy
I earned my BA in Information Studies and did not study any math in high school or in college. Will this be a problem?
Jeff_Berkeley
Showing quantitative proficiency is important. If you do not have particular work or academic experience to highlight this, then a strong quantitative subscore on the GMAT would likely be needed to be competitive.
Kara_Berkeley
The number of times you take the GMAT is not a factor in our admission review. We are looking primarily at the highest test score.
davidkim
I am applying from Georgia (US). I am wondering my out-of-state status put me at a disadvantage getting accepted by Haas. Do you usually prefer students from the state of California over students from other states since UC Berkeley is a state institution?
Corinne_Berkeley
Davidkim - No, we do not give any preference to in-state applicants. We evaluate each candidate based on the merit of his or her application!
Cyril Philip
Hello Adcom, everyone from Berkeley and other Chat participants! I'm from India. The application package requires an official undergraduate transcript. My university takes between three to six months to process a transcript request. I have already applied for one, but am not sure of it being ready in time for the first application deadline. Would a USEFI certified copy of my transcript/mark sheets be accepted along with my application while I wait for the official transcript to be sent directly to Berkeley?
Lee_Moderator
Cyril, that would be adequate for review, but a copy of the transcript and degree certificate attested by your university would be required before an offer of admission was made.
Corinne_Berkeley
The Haas Merit Scholarship is a scholarship that all candidates in every round are routinely considered for. This means that the overall strength of the application and general admissions criteria is what we consider in determining these awards.
emmy
I have worked as a part-time English teacher for almost 4 years since I was in college. Is this counted as work experience?
Jeff_Berkeley
Yes, this is experience. But is this your primary job? If it is your primary post-graduate work experience, then it may be difficult to showcase the diverse leadership and organization skills we look for. If it is in addition to other work then it could be a very good additional activity to highlight your breadth of experience.
nicole
Is there an advantage to applying to the first round over the second round? I am considering retaking my GMATs.
Corinne_Berkeley
nicole, we recommend applying in whichever round you feel your application will be the strongest. If you need some additional time to retake your GMAT and strengthen your application, I encourage you to take that extra time. A strong application will stand out in any round!
BenC
I had an opportunity to work abroad for a full year in international marketing before I graduated from college. Can this be considered as full time working experience?
Jeff_Berkeley
While it would not be considered full-time post-graduate work experience, it may be important to mention elsewhere in your application, especially in the supplemental questions area.
Corinne_Berkeley
Our prime location in the bay area, near Silicon Valley, certainly gives you increased opportunities to network with companies in the tech-sector!
Yuval
How does the "Leading Through Innovation" mindset leave its mark on Haas students and alumni? Why is it so distinctive?
Kara_Berkeley
Yuval, Leading Through Innovation is about teaching our students how to lead innovatively and creatively in any industry. This concept is woven throughout the experience at Haas through coursework, experiential learning, club activities, case competitions, and the list goes on. I encourage you to visit http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/leadingthroughinnovation/ for more information. You may also wish to contact our Haas Student Ambassador team at hsa@haas.berkeley.edu to learn more about what Leading Through Innovation means to them in their experience in the Berkeley MBA program.
Corinne_Berkeley
Our focus on "Leading Through Innovation" stemmed from a survey we conducted of our key stakeholders, including students, professors, alumni, corporate recruiters, etc... This was a concept that consistently rose to the top as something that these stakeholders valued in Berkeley MBA graduates and saw as a distinct advantage. We are proud of the fact that the business leaders who graduate from Haas are recognized across a variety of industries for their forward-thinking and innovative spirit.
aviator
What does the committee look for in the application of a student interested in management of technology? Is there any emphasis given to the technical acumen of the applicant? What kind of expertise does the admission team look for in this case?
Corinne_Berkeley
Aviator - We evaluate all candidates on the same criteria - personal qualities, academic proficiency, professional accomplishments, etc... For someone interested in MOT, we will want to understand your motivations for this career goal, but you do not need to demonstrate a specific level of technical acumen.
Patrick123
How are the scores from the AWA section of the GMAT viewed by admissions?
Jeff_Berkeley
Hi Patrick123, we do review them. I would not say they are any more or less important than other areas of the application, though. We look at the writing skill showcased in the essays, the AWA, and verbal skills from GMAT and TOEFL (if needed) to give us a more total picture of a person's English and writing skills.
Will
You mentioned that since Haas is a general management program it is not required to specialize. For those of us with interest in a specific specialization, is it recommended to elaborate on our interest on our app, and if so where is the best place to do so?
Jeff_Berkeley
Good question Will. We do recommend you highlight in your application what your specific goals are in attending Haas. There are a number of different places in the essays and supplemental questions where you can mention it.
karum
Hi. I am really glad to have had this opportunity to speak to you. I have about 2 years of work experience in the software sector but about six years of informal experience managing family coffee estates. Is it wise to focus more on my informal experience than on my formal experience?
Jeff_Berkeley
Hi karum, this is difficult to say without actually reviewing your application and in the end it will be a judgment call you will have to make. You will likely want to highlight both formal and informal experience in your application. We look to see how you have progressed and developed in a formal, professional capacity to be sure, but the skills and experience you acquire in extra-curricular activities can be important to who you are and how you may perform as a student and a leader. I would review your goals and objectives for business school and in particular how you think Haas will help you achieve that. How have your informal experiences prepared you not only for Haas, but for your professional goals beyond Haas?
Kara_Berkeley
Thank you for your interest in the Berkeley MBA Program at the Haas School of Business. Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions you may have. Best of luck in the application process!
Corinne_Berkeley
Thank you for joining us on today's chat, and best of luck in the admissions process!
Jeff_Berkeley
Thanks everyone for your questions!
Lee_Moderator
Goodbye all, and thank you for participating in this chat. Go Bears!
