The Berkeley MBA - Online Admissions Chat
September 29, 2011
Chat with Berkeley-Haas
Stephanie Fujii, Director of Admissions
Morgan Eckles, Assistant Director of Admissions
Jessica Pohl Sinnarajah, Assistant Director of Admissions
Lee Forgue, Admissions Specialist
Harrison Cheng, Admissions Advisor
Eve Alexander,
MBA Class of 2012
Russ Griffith, MBA Class of 2012
Vina Ryan, Moderator
Vina_Moderator
Hi and welcome to the Berkeley MBA Applicant chat! My name is Vina and I will be moderating the chat today. Joining us will be Stephanie Fujii - Director of Admissions, Morgan Eckles and Jessica Pohl Sinnarajah – Assistant Directors of Admission, Harrison Cheng – Admissions Advisor, and Lee Forgue – Admissions Specialist. We are also fortunate to have two 2nd year student speakers with us as well! I’d like to introduce Eve Alexander – one of our current Haas Student Ambassadors, and Russ Griffith – a member of the Haas Veterans Club. Please send us your questions!
Lee_Berkeley
Hi, I'm Lee and I'm an administrative specialist on the admissions team. I'll be answering most of your questions about the admissions process, so send them in!
Stephanie_Berkeley
Welcome! My name is Stephanie Fujii, Director of Admissions. Thank you all for joining us today. We're looking forward to your questions.
Eve MBA12
Hi everyone! My name is Eve, and I'm a second year from Seattle, Washington. Before b-school, I worked in marketing in the commercial real estate industry. After I graduate, I plan to go into tech product marketing, hopefully here in the Bay area. Happy to answer any questions!
Jessica_Berkeley
Good morning! My name is Jessica Pohl Sinnarajah -- happy to answer your questions!
Morgan_Berkeley
Hi everyone. My name is Morgan Eckles, Assistant Director of Admissions. Thanks for joining us today. I look forward to answering your questions!
Russ MBA12
Good morning! My name is Russ. I'm a 2nd year from the Bay Area. I'm a Navy veteran and worked in the UK nuclear industry before coming to Haas. I'm looking into cleantech here in the Bay Area, and worked in PG&E's leadership rotation program over the summer, specifically focusing on the company's smart grid strategy.
Harrison_Berkeley
Hi I am Harrison Cheng, Admissions Advisor here in the Full Time MBA Office. I look forward to answering your questions!
Vina_Moderator
This is a moderated chat. Your questions will be placed into a queue to be sent to our guest speakers.
Raj
Hi, I wanted to know if the five years experience is required for admission into the dual mba/mph program if you have an MD degree by the time you apply?
Morgan_Berkeley
Raj - There is no experience requirement for either the MBA or the MBA/MPH. Most of our students, across both programs, have 5 years and the range is 3-7 years. But to be clear, this is not a requirement.
Polyaris (Moscow)
Do you observe any significant increase in applications this year? Let's compare it to 2008, when crisis hit.
Stephanie_Berkeley
Polyaris, it is too early to tell at this point.
Aaron
Is it possible to participate in two BILD programs? If so, is it something that is done frequently?
Eve MBA12
Hi Aaron, It's absolutely possible to participate in more than one BILD (or experiential) course. In fact, we can take up to three. I took International Business Development last spring, and am now enrolled in New Product Development, both of which are experiential. On average, students take about 2 such classes in our two years here.
Rohit
Hi. Could you please elaborate on the kind of culture that is present in Haas?
Eve MBA12
Hi Rohit,
MINHO
How supportive the international student office is to international students? Is there certain program to support international MBA students for their careers?
Russ MBA12
The Career Management Center here at school does help students find international career opportunities.
jorge
Hi Russ, how are you?
Russ MBA12
Doing ok this morning, you?
Raj
What percentage of people in the MBA come from a healthcare related background (MD, dental, nurse, etc)?
Morgan_Berkeley
Raj - It varies year to year, but for the Class of 2013, 4% were in Healthcare/Pharma/Biotech prior to the MBA.
jensprout
I am wondering if any of you feel it reflects poorly on my application to Berkeley that my career goals will not place me in the Bay Area (or anywhere near it really...) after graduation?
Jessica_Berkeley
Hi jensprout -- your career goals are just that -- yours. We understand (and appreciate!) that not all of our graduates want to stay in the Bay Area. We encourage you to seek out the best career opportunities that fit your needs, whether it's in California or outside. In fact, a number of our graduates choose employment outside of California and the US.
xavier
Regarding the essays: is it better to use examples from professional or from personal life? And in which proportion?
Morgan_Berkeley
Xavier - There is no "right" combination, but most people use a combination of experiences from their professional and personal background. My best advice is to look at your application as a whole and identify any gaps - in your work experience, extra-curriculars, leadership etc. - and select the examples that will help round out the application.
Rohit
Hi. Could you please elaborate on the kind of culture that is present in Haas?
Eve MBA12
I think one of the defining characteristics here is our sense of collaboration. For example, my classmates have been very helpful when I've come to them asking for helping on stats homework or prepping for an interview.
prospective student
What is the percentage of women in a batch normally?
Jessica_Berkeley
Hello, we have about 29% women in the class of 2013.
Raj
How many applicants apply to the dual MBA/MPH program versus one or the other?
Lee_Berkeley
Raj, last year the MBA had 3444 applicants and enrolled 236 students. Included in that number, there were 53 MBA/MPH applicants, and 8 of them enrolled. We do not have statistics for the MPH -- that information would be available through the School of Public Health.
Tarik Taibah
I have around 3 years plus of working experience in corporate banking in Saudi Arabia, which ended in December of 2010. Since then I have started my own company and went back to school to finish my undergraduate degree from Seattle University. I have also represented Seattle University most recently in an International Business Ethics Competition (IBECC), I was wondering regarding the reference letters, would a reference letter from the professor managing our team in the competition be sufficient or all my references have to be work related?
Stephanie_Berkeley
Tarik, we prefer professional letters of recommendation. Keep in mind that these are the only external voices we have about your professional accomplishments. However we do have applicants who have significant extracurricular activities that showcase certain skills, strengths, experiences -- and that can be a valuable perspective. I would make sure that you feel your professional accomplishments are clearly presented, well supported, etc. in your application and from your recommenders. Is one letter sufficient to do this? Think of the critical experiences and accomplishments you want highlighted and then evaluate whether you have the appropriate recommenders who can speak to these.
Michael
Hi Eve, from the sounds of it, you are in the process of making a career change too. Did you know you would go into tech product marketing before you entered? If not, what were the factors that drew you to Berkeley?
Eve MBA12
Hi Michael, I was pretty interested in tech when I applied to b-school, but I was also interested in CPG. The resources at Haas really helped me hone in on tech. In addition to Haas' connections to the Silicon Valley, what really excited me about this school were the people I met before and during the application process. They were confident, humble, and very proactive -- the kind of leader that I hope to be!
Morgan_Berkeley
Aaron - Our Career Management Group is very hands-on, and will work with you 1-1 to help you secure a job in green real estate development. We have a Career Advisor who focuses exclusively on Real Estate, in fact, and you would also work with a second year Career Coach to provide insights on the process.
prospective student
Do we need to send any separate essays for scholarship? If so, when?
Lee_Berkeley
Prospective Student, you do not need to send additional essays for the merit scholarships. There are some additional essays for some of the other scholarships -- you will have access to that application if you are admitted.
Raj
What types of scholarships are available for an in-state resident for the MBA or MBA/MPH program?
Stephanie_Berkeley
All admitted students are eligible to apply for our scholarships. We do not have specific awards for CA residents.
Alejandra Rodriguez
I'm a Mexican woman and I was interested in knowing what Haas does for international women specially to help them face the challenges when looking for a job. Thank you.
Jessica_Berkeley
Hi Alejandra, you'll have the opportunity to work 1-on-1 with your career management advisor to help find career opportunities, both for your internship as well as your full-time position. In addition, we have a number of Haas alums based in Mexico, and you'll have the Haas Alumni Network at your fingertips to aid in your career search.
Aria
Do you take part time work experience during undergraduate studies into consideration?
Lee_Berkeley
Aria, we consider all work experience -- but work before your degree was conferred is in a different category than full-time, post-University work experience.
Jessica Dahl
Does career services assist with placement for internships into the non-profit sector?
Eve MBA12
Hi Jessica, Yes, our career management group does help with placement into non-profit orgs. We have an account manager who is actually dedicated to bringing these kinds of organizations to campus to recruit, and a number of my classmates found summer internship opportunities this way. In addition, we have the Center for Non-Profit and Public Leadership, which a lot of students use to build their professional network.
Phil Pinson
Thanks to everyone for handling our questions. How is the GMAT weighted and balanced with other areas such as work experience, essays, undergraduate experience, etc.?
Jessica_Berkeley
Hi Phil, we look at your application holistically. While your GMAT is one aspect of your application, we do not place a specific weight to it.
haasaspirant
Hi,Can we apply for both full time as well as evening and weekend MBA--as I m unsure of my work next year.
Harrison_Berkeley
UC Berkeley policy allows you to only apply to one academic program at a time. So you will need to decide which program you want to apply to up front.
Morgan_Berkeley
MV1025 - Regardless of your number of years of work experience, we will evaluate your application the same. With regards to the work environment, we will be looking for leadership, impact on your organization, progression in terms of role, title or salary. It may be more challenging for someone with fewer years of work experience to demonstrate all of these things so early in their career.
Raj
Does it serve any advantage applying with an MD or MBBS (international) advanced degree and does it waive any of the testing requirements (GRE/GMAT, etc?) for admission into either the MBA or the MBA/MPH?
Lee_Berkeley
Raj, any advanced degree does speak to your ability to complete an advanced degree program. However, none of the required tests (GMAT, TOEFL/IELTS) are waived for holders of advanced degrees.
Polly
Hi all! My question is for the admissions committee. How important would you say it is, in your essays, to have a clear, specific goal ("I want to start a company that will provide Y to people X") as opposed to a more general one (product management for technology)?
Stephanie_Berkeley
Polly, you're telling us your story: what you've accomplished so far, why you're ready for an MBA now, and how you'll use our program to build on your foundation and accomplish your goals. Your goal is important in that it provides the direction you're aiming for -- if you have a specific goal, that's great. But if you know function and industry, that's still pretty specific. Again, you want to provide enough information so we understand how your story fits together.
Kim
I see that 10% of student come from a nonprofit background. What percentage of applicants would you say come from the nonprofit sector?
Morgan_Berkeley
Kim - I don't have those statistics handy, but I would generally say that our enrolled class make-up is an accurate reflection of the applications we get. Thus, if 10% of the class is from non-profit it is likely that the applicant pool was very similar.
sha
Hi, I am postponing my application to R2 deadline since I have my re-gmat in Oct third week. Am I at disadvantage as I am missing R1??
Lee_Berkeley
sha, while some places in the class will have been assigned to those admitted in Round 1, there is no substantial difference in your chances of admission between Round 1 and Round 2.
morgen
Hi there. From what I can tell in the online application, the only place to share the nuts and bolts of work experience + extra-curriculars is in the full time work portion and then the resume. Is a 2 page resume ok? I want to ensure that I am showing my extra-curriculars that aren’t necessarily part of my essays. Thanks.
Harrison_Berkeley
A 2 page resume is fine. There is an essay question that asks for other community and professional organizations you were involved in, so you can share additional information there.
Michael
Good to hear Eve! I like to hear that the people are down to earth and humble -- that's a tough quality to find. I am not exactly your typical MBA applicant; however I do have 5 years consulting experience. I took my 'first retirement' beginning at the end of 2010 to race sailboats professionally and I am applying for fall of next year. Do you or the admissions persons have any advice for my somewhat odd arrangement?
Eve MBA12
Michael, your first retirement sounds great! That's actually what my parents are doing with their first retirement, too! Many of my classmates have "non-traditional" backgrounds, so if I were you, I would take the opportunity to talk about this experience in your essays -- what you learned about yourself and what you want in the future as a result. That said, you probably want to have your letters of rec come from your professional experience.
johnnychocolate
Are re-applicants at a significant disadvantage when applying for a 2nd time? Is it best to treat the application as if you were applying for the first time (answer all essays and short answer questions)? Will the admissions committee look at both applications the 2nd time around?
Jessica_Berkeley
johnnychocolate -- no, re-applicants are not at a significant disadvantage at all. You are only required to respond to new essay questions, and given that we have changed 4 of 6, you'll have the opportunity to share with us even more information about yourself. While we are only focused on your reapplication, we will refer to your first application to see what changes you have made since you last applied (did you receive a promotion? take a new job? refine your career goals?). In addition, you are not required to submit new LORs, but we do welcome new LORs if you have them.
Catalina McCallum
Hi Russ. Would you be able to tell us about some of your experiences meeting with representatives from companies in the area, and what it's been like finding job opportunities through Haas?
Russ MBA12
Haas alumni have a very strong presence in the SF Bay Area. Across the board, Hass alumni are very welcoming to students who want to learn more about their companies. I've found that leveraging the Haas alumni base here and the Career Management Center has really helped me out. My summer internship came from on-campus recruiting here at Haas.
Everett Clifton
My name is Everett Clifton. I am currently in the Army as a combat veteran and am transitioning to devote my life to the innovative West African Medical Missions organization as Operations Director. We focus on “Strengthening Healthcare Capacities through Community Empowerment.” Our current focus is on Sierra Leone. My goal is to find a program that values these attributes and provides a fertile environment for me to strengthen the already effective social business model used by West African Medical Missions. After heavy review of Haas, I feel confident in saying that the program would be a solid fit.
Morgan_Berkeley
Everett - I'm glad you feel that Haas would be a good fit. I encourage you to connect with Russ and the Haas Veterans Club as well. Please let me know if you have any specific questions I can answer.
Harrison_Berkeley
Scores should be reported per test. If you've taken the GMAT multiple times, please report all of your scores, though we will primarily consider the highest score for evaluation. We will verify each of these test scores with the official records sent later, so it is important that each test score matches up exactly. Please do not try to combine the highest scores on your own.
Tye
If I am waiting to apply in Rd. 2, does it help/hurt to apply earlier than the posted deadline?
Lee_Berkeley
Tye, our applications are considered by round. While it does not help or hurt your chances to apply before the posted deadline, you should take as much time as you need to submit the best application possible.
Lion
The minimum requirement of TOEFL ibt is 68. I got 93 for TOEFL. Should I retake TOEFL to get above 100? Or is 93 fine for application?
Jessica_Berkeley
Hi Lion, our average TOEFL score was 110. And the range is 102-117.
Alisa
What is BILD?
Stephanie_Berkeley
Alisa, BILD stands for Berkeley Innovative Leader Development, which connects what you learn in your core and elective classes, focusing on the key capabilities required for innovative leadership (e.g., experimentation, risk selection, managing ambiguity). For more information, check out our website: http://groups.haas.berkeley.edu/BILD/
jensprout
Is an application still competitive if there has been a significant gap in employment (with good reason)?
Harrison_Berkeley
If there is a good reason that's fine. For instance many students go back to get a graduate degree, in which case they are out of the work force for years at a time. That's just one of many reasons students may have a gap in employment.
Garrett
If one is not happy about their quantitative score. Other than retaking the GMAT, is there any sort of course work or program that one could participate in to demonstrate to the admissions committee that he or she is competence in this area?
Lee_Berkeley
Garrett, the admissions committee considers all evidence of quantitative ability that you submit, whether it is previous coursework, use of quantitative skills in your work, or the taking of supplemental courses.
Raj
(to one of the current students) What was the most difficult/challenging part about the MBA program?
Eve MBA12
Great question, Raj! I was surprised at how busy my first year was. I expected my schedule to feel like undergrad, but in fact, I am far more involved in clubs, social and career search activities than ever before. I think this is true for my classmates as well. They say b-school is 1/3 academics, 1/3 career, and 1/3 social...and we have to find time to sleep too! It's been incredibly fun and rewarding, but it's been challenging to learn to say "no"!
prospective student
How do you start evaluating the applications? First-come-first-served basis?
Harrison_Berkeley
Applications are evaluated in a number of different ways, but geographic education is a factor (ie domestic vs. international) so that our readers can focus on a region and learn the specifics of the major schools located in that area.
aobrien
For those of us with a more qualitative background, how do you recommend we take advantage of the optional quant essay? Though I plan to take a calc course this winter, results will not be in before I apply (did not have a math requirement in undergrad). Therefore, is it worth talking about any quant endeavors I have pursued in the office (though not technically part of my job responsibilities) in an effort to expand these skills, or do you expect other information to go in this section? I want to best distinguish that lack of quant experience does not mean a lack of quant capabilities. Thanks!
Morgan_Berkeley
Aobrien - You should use the optional quant essay to tell us about any quant experience you have, or plan to have, by the time you would start the program in Fall 2012. Our objective is to make sure you have the foundation to hit the ground running in classes such as stats, accounting, micro etc. Thus, please do let us know if you plan to take a class - title, duration, location etc. - and if you have any test grades at the time of application submission that would also be helpful. You may also want to address other quant aspects of your job that aren't obvious in the job description or your resume.
Linnea
Hi! I was also wondering about the additional, optional question on our application which asks for us to discuss our quantitative abilities, if not sufficiently shown elsewhere on the application - if our essays don't spend much time on quantitative abilities, but our recommendations do mention them, is that sufficient? Or would you recommend that we then write something in the optional essay area? Thank you!
Jessica_Berkeley
if you feel that what your recommenders provide on your quantitative ability will suffice and give us substantial insight, then it's not necessary to respond to the optional question. However, you may want to take the opportunity to further explain what you have done on (or off) the job with regards to your quantitative proficiency.
Martha Belden
Do you have to explain any gaps in work experience? If yes, in what part of the application should you do this?
Harrison_Berkeley
There is an essay question that asks for this exact information.
GeoffC
Hi Russ, thanks for making yourself available for this chat. Can you tell me about any opportunities you've had to get involved in clean tech outside of the classroom and how you feel like those opportunities have contributed to your overall experience so far at Haas?
Russ MBA12
Good question Geoff. The Berkeley Energy & Resources Collaborative (BERC) is an extremely active student group that has many opportunities for students to get involved outside the classroom. I took Cleantech to Market (C2M) last semester, and although this was a "course", I spent a lot of time with PhD engineering students working on understanding market opportunities for clean technologies. BERC also organizes events for industry experts to speak on campus, and for students across Cal to network in the clean tech space (so MBAs can talk with engineering and public policy students).
Henry
Hi, (specific question) if I studied abroad for a semester in undergrad and those credits transferred and are shown on my official transcript, do I need to go to the school abroad to also get a transcript for those classes?
Lee_Berkeley
Henry, if the courses are shown on your home-school transcript with the name of the course, your units, and the grade, you do not need a transcript from the school abroad.
Aaron
Do you want to see actual company names of places we would like to work in the Short Term goals part of our personal statements?
Harrison_Berkeley
You should list whatever you truly feel are your goals, if that includes a specific company then feel free to include it.
KM
There is a spot on the application where we can list whether a person, organization, etc. provided us with information about Haas. Are you looking for a list of names alums and/or adcom members we have met with?
Jessica_Berkeley
No, we are not necessarily looking for Haas alums or individuals from our Admissions office. We're interested in learning how you heard about our program.
Alex R.
I have a specific question about the "employment application" section of the essay. For our current position/company, should applicants write "N/A" in the Describe your reason for leaving? Or should we provide a reason for why we would leave?
Harrison_Berkeley
N/A would be fine.
Alisa
For letter of recommendation, is it best to get a letter from a direct boss? Would it be equally acceptable to receive a letter of recommendation from a level up (boss' boss) or CEO?
Morgan_Berkeley
Alisa - The best letters of recommendation come from someone who knows you well and can speak to your experiences, attributes and contribution using specific examples. Title and seniority is far less important. And yes, we prefer to see at least one recommendation from a supervisor.
Stephanie_Berkeley
Polyaris, I don't have ready access to those career stats, but you can find more information on our website at: http://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/careers/employmentreports.html Anecdotally, the Career Management Group has told me that our international students who have wanted to work in the US have been successful. I would recommend reaching out to our Haas Student Ambassadors and ask them to put you in touch with some of our 2nd year international students looking for jobs in the US -- they can tell you what they're seeing.
bethy
What am I going to have do to have a bedroom in the campus?
Eve MBA12
Hi Bethy, most of our students live in off-campus housing. Many end up living with other Haasies. If you're interested in campus housing, the two most common options are UC Village and the I-House (International House). The former is mostly for married couples and families, and is about 2 miles from Haas. The latter is more of a dorm-like setting, just a few blocks from the school. It's an application process, and you'd get more info in the admit packet.
Amarnath
Do all the applications get equal weightage or some get sacrificed for diversity (i.e too many IT professionals from India)
Jessica_Berkeley
Hi Amarnath, all applications get equal weightage.
Everett Clifton
From the perspective of someone who has never served in the military, do you notice any differences regarding enrolled veteran students? Do they noticeably excel or struggle compared to students with extensive exposure to the business world? Are you aware of any social stigma that follows veteran students?
Russ MBA12
Everett, from my experience, veterans are treated the same as any other student here. I think that veterans bring in a unique perspective that is appreciated by the school (faculty, staff, and students alike).
Kelsey
What kind of additional quantitative experience would be beneficial to include on the optional essay portion?
Harrison_Berkeley
Any information about how you use it at work, in a non-profit you volunteer with, classes you've taken that may not have been graded or related to an official degree, etc.
Shan
Can an applicant submit three letters of reference, if it adds significantly to the application?
Jessica_Berkeley
Shan, no, you need only to submit 2 professional letters of recommendation. Your 3rd letter will not be considered.
xavier
How does a low GPA affect the chances of admission? How can I compensate for that?
Morgan_Berkeley
Xavier - Our average GPA is 3.64 and our middle 80% range is 3.39-3.90. If your GPA falls outside this range, then you may want to use the optional essay to explain why (such as, you worked full time during UG, etc). Additionally, if your GPA is low then we will look for you to shine in every other aspect of your application and would hope to see a higher GMAT that reflects your academic strengths.
RalphVanDee
Good morning, I see from your website that a college level mathematics course such as statistics is necessary to meet minimum quantitative levels. I am an Australian applicant with a Bachelors of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws but have not done college level math. Our advanced high school level math is the equivalent of an AP Statistics course. Would that be sufficient?
Stephanie_Berkeley
RalphVanDee, we look at undergraduate coursework, work experience and GMAT QP to evaluate quantitative prep. If you did not take any courses in UG and your work experience isn't quantitatively rigorous, we will look more closely at your GMAT sub-score.
Sika
Considering the workload of the MBA, is it realistic to expect to work part time during the program? What has been your experience?
Harrison_Berkeley
We highly recommend that students do not try to work in order to take advantage of the networking, social, and club components of the MBA program here. Some students will take on part time positions as a GSI or reader.
Martha Belden
Hi, I was wondering if I could apply first round and send my transcripts once I receive them from my school.
Lee_Berkeley
Martha, you are required to submit scans of your official transcript with your application in order to be considered ready for review. If you do not submit scans with your application, you will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until we have received a copy of your official transcript either by mail or by fax. Note that we cannot accept a scan except if it is uploaded with your application -- we cannot accept transcript scans via email.
Everett Clifton
Have there been prior instances where enrolled MBA students have proposed organizations to participate in the International Business Development Program? If not, do you see any apparent qualms that the MBA program would have with a student proposing a non-profit for the IBD program?
Eve MBA12
Hi Everett, The IBD team is always looking for organizations to work with -- we had over 20 last spring--and I'm sure would be excited to work with a student to get an organization involved!
Michael
Thanks Eve, one more question for you guys. For the résumé - some schools ask for everything between high school and now - is this the same for Haas? Or would a more typical resume be appropriate? Or does it matter?
Harrison_Berkeley
We would prefer a 1-2 page resume that highlights your most important experience thus far, that makes you qualified to pursue an MBA now.
TomTom
Is it a positive or negative to my application that I graduated from Haas undergrad?
Harrison_Berkeley
This is not factored into our decisions at all.
Aaron
Will you at any point need official sealed transcripts from my university, or will just a scanned copy be uploaded to the online application?
Lee_Berkeley
Aaron, if you are invited to interview, we will need official sealed transcripts.
LTexplore
I noted your largest majority of students have engineering undergrads. Is this because they are look upon favorably for the quantitative rigor and fit with Berkeley's academic pursuits?
Morgan_Berkeley
LTexplore - The Admissions Committee doesn't favor any type of academic background or major. For the Class of 2013, Business, Engineering and Economics were the top 3 UG majors but we admitted many students from Social Sciences, Humanities, and Natural Sciences etc.
Antonio C
HI Jessica, I am a Mexican lawyer that has worked on Real Estate issues. I have two questions. 1.- Am no longer working in the company, and have been unemployed, it a disadvantage? 2.- If I want to make a specialization in real estate, do I have to take certain courses?
Jessica_Berkeley
Hi Antonio C -- while you are not at a disadvantage for being unemployed, you do want to explain why you are no longer working and what you have been doing since you left your most recent employer. If you are interested in real estate, you do have the option to specialize in an area of emphasis of Real Estate (but it's not required). http://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/academics/realestate.html
Swanand
I have a question pertaining to interview. I am located in India. If I am selected to interview, where will the interview be conducted? Also, who can I expect to be the interviewer? (i.e. alumni, ad com member, current student, etc.) Thanks!
Harrison_Berkeley
The interview will most likely be conducted in India. The great majority of our interviews are completed by our Alumni, with a good chunk by students, and sometimes other individuals. Interviews are also offered by Skype if we have no local alumni.
DK
Does the Management of Technology Program still exist for Haas students? If not, does the "Area of Emphasis" specialization replace that program?
Stephanie_Berkeley
DK, yes the curricular and extracurricular opportunities still exist. Please check out on webinar on Areas of Emphasis to understand what this means for you: http://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/admissions/podcasts.html
Phil Pinson
Is strategy/consulting still an area of emphasis? I wasn’t able to click on this topic on Haas’s website.
Morgan_Berkeley
Phil - Yes, Management Consulting is still an Area of Emphasis. The website is being updated. Please let me know if you have specific questions about pursuing consulting and I'm happy to address them.
Lee_Berkeley
kimi, the average TOEFL for our admitted students was 110, and the middle 80% range was 102-117. Your score is significantly outside what we consider our competitive range.
Alejandra Rodriguez
This question is for Eve and Russ. Could you please share a little with us about what club or extracurricular activities you enjoy doing at Berkeley, so that we can get a feel of what the community is like?
Eve MBA12
Hi Alejandra, One of my favorite clubs is the Culinary Club. Every month, a group of us get together at a different Berkeley restaurant. In addition, we cook together, host potlucks, and even have speakers from the industry come in and talk about their careers. I love food, so this has been really fun for me!
diramochtar
Hi, I have 3,5 years working experience and I just quit my job last month. Right now I’m concentrating on GMAT prep and other requirements for admissions. What do you think about that? Is that going to make it less considerable since I "vacuum" from full time work? thx
Harrison_Berkeley
You will need to justify your reason for quitting, which when compared to applicants who are working full time while studying may put you at a disadvantage unless you scored very high.
dj
Hi, regarding the second optional essay, can you elaborate on ' ways in which you have demonstrated strong quantitative abilities?' I presume it is not limited to academics?
Jessica_Berkeley
Hi dj, Correct, "Strong quantitative abilities" is not limited to academics. Some individuals might have a heavy quantitative job and want to elaborate on what they do, or perhaps you have taken quant courses since undergraduate.
Amarnath
Do you have an international student loan program?
Stephanie_Berkeley
Amarnath, yes we have a loan for international students that doesn't require a US co-signer. More details here: http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/mba/finaid/Internationalprvt.htm
Everett Clifton
I’m aware that 10 Yellow Ribbon Scholarships are awarded to accepted veterans on a first come first serve basis. Does Admissions normally accept a set amount of veterans after each application deadline? For example, allowing five Yellow Ribbon Scholarships to be handed out during first round and five for the following second round?
Morgan_Berkeley
Everett - We don't have any set quota for Veterans, or any special interest group for that matter. The Yellow Ribbon Scholarships will be awarded to admitted vets on a first come first served basis (hence the advantage to applying in an earlier round if you want to take advantage of this).
LTexplore
How many experiential courses can you take over the 2 years?
Eve MBA12
Students can take up to 3 experiential courses. We're required to take at least one, but they’re really popular, so most students take 2.
Aria
Hi Lee, thanks for your answer, the reason I ask is because I feel that the impact I made at the company I worked at prior to graduating was more significant and relevant to my career goals, would it be appropriate to mention this experience in my essays or would it be better to solely focus on my current job?
Lee_Berkeley
Aria, there is a specific question about undergraduate work where this experience should be listed. The impact of this position could be spoken of in any of the essays where it would be relevant, or you could use your optional essay to discuss it.
Tom
For the essays, specifically the significant accomplishment essay, is there a time period you should not go back to? I was going to use a story from high school, but didn't know if that wasn't recent enough.
Jessica_Berkeley
Hi Tom, great question. While your significant accomplishment can be about anything in your life, we would prefer to write about something that is more current than high school.
Alex R.
To follow up on Morgan’s question answered by Harrison, the "employment history" application section provides a box for responsibilities/key accomplishments. Is it recommended that the material in this box be different in both content and format to what is on the applicant's resume? My resume is structured with responsibilities/accomplishments so I could theoretically copy paste, if that is what is expected.
Harrison_Berkeley
This material should highlight what you want the Admissions Committee to know. They will definitely read your resume, so if you'd like to include new information or reinforce other information; it is completely up to you.
Lion
Hi Jessica, so I must got above 102 for TOEFL so that my application will be taken into consideration?
Jessica_Berkeley
Lion, your application will still be considered even if you submit a TOEFL score below 102, but I did want to share with your our 80% range. 80% of our students score within 102-117, with about 10% below 102 and 10% above 117.
OlgaL
Hi everyone, I tried to reach the admissions office via email, but was not successful. I know it's too early to ask, but still - do you accept copies of transcript verified by an official notary service? Or do you only accept only copies that hold a university stamp and signature? I have several degrees and it is quite problematic to get those docs from all the different universities.
Lee_Berkeley
Olgal, whether notarized copies of academic documents are acceptable depends on what country they are from. Please direct your question to mbaadm@haas.berkeley.edu giving details of what country and school the documents are from -- the question will be answered.
Sunanda
Hello Stephanie, can you throw some light about number of round 1 vs round 2 applications and % accepted in each round?
Stephanie_Berkeley
Sunanda, The numbers change from year to year, but typically Rounds 2 and 3 have the highest volume. % accepted depends on the quality of the round. The past couple of years have seen very strong rounds for both. It is best to apply as early as possible once you have the strongest application possible. Don't rush to apply Round 1 if you still need to work on your essays, re-take the GMAT, etc.
Jenny
I am extremely interested in getting involved with the Center for Responsible Business. Could you give some examples of the types of careers that Haas graduates pursue who have been involved with CRB?
Morgan_Berkeley
Jenny - In the past, many graduates would take jobs in the Corporate Social Responsibility Group at a company (such as Walmart, Gap or Chevron.) Recently, we have seen more graduates going into marketing, operations or finance functions that have a sustainability aspect to them. These roles allow them to have a greater impact on the organization. Some firms who've recently hired grads include Apple, Brown-Foreman, Clif Bar, Dow, eBay, Endeavor, Google, TransFair USA, Visa etc.
Polly
What are some of your favorite classes, current students?
Eve MBA12
Hi Polly, I really loved International Business Development. I was on a team of women that consulted with a women's college in Saudi Arabia. We traveled there in May to deliver a week-long business skills workshop for businesswomen and entrepreneurs in the community. We also proposed strategic recommendations for a "women's center for excellence" the college is launching. Another favorite is Negotiations, which I'm taking now. Every class, we have a negotiation exercise, and receive tons of feedback about our effectiveness. I think the skills I'm learning will really help me in the "real world"!
cjune
Are applicants that attended Berkeley for their undergraduate degree at a disadvantage? Does Haas try to limit the number of MBA students that went to Berkeley undergrad?
Stephanie_Berkeley
cjune, No.
Alejandra Rodriguez
When you ask for sealed transcripts would it be ok if ask my school for an envelope and ask them to seal the transcript I already have? My school doesn't give us our transcripts in a sealed envelope so I'm wondering if I have to order a new one or just seal the one I have.
Harrison_Berkeley
For domestic schools, they all provide sealed transcripts. Internationally, schools vary; you should contact our office at mbaadm@haas.berkeley.edu if you are unsure how to proceed.
Michael Cummings
Piggy backing on that question, does Haas have any intramural sports teams?
Russ MBA12
There's a greater Cal intramural league, and Haas normally fields a team for almost every intramural sport. In addition to the intramurals, there's a great sports competition among west coast business schools that is held at Stanford in the spring. Most of the Haas student body gets involved with the sports competition at Stanford (called Challenge for Charity).
Alejandra Rodriguez
This question is for Eve and Russ. Could you please share a little with us about what club or extracurricular activities you enjoy doing at Berkeley so that we can get a feel of what the community is like?
Russ MBA12
Alejandra, I'm one of those outdoorsy types that spend a lot of time hiking around the bay area. I absolutely love to run in the hills above Cal (there are some amazing views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate). The Redwoods club is great for people who like to get outdoors.
Sean
Hi, I am considering applying for Round 2 because I believe my application will be stronger in January. Is Round 2 more competitive than Round 1?
Harrison_Berkeley
Round 2 and Round 1 are both equally competitive typically.
longbow
How many students end up doing what they wrote as their short term goals in the essay? Does the admission committee record such statistics?
Morgan_Berkeley
Longbow - The Admissions Committee does not follow up on this, and I would guess that many students adjust their goals once they get into the program. The Career Management Group starts working with students as early as the summer before you start, and has a 2-day Career Conference in October of your first year to help you hone your path.
LTexplore
If you work full-time and are paid a living wage rate (low salary) is this considered full-time employment or an internship?
Lee_Berkeley
LTexplore, an internship is usually a specifically-structured learning/employment situation. If your work is not specifically an internship, it should be listed as employment.
jimmypageled
Hi. Do I need to respond to the Supplemental question on quantitative proficiency if I have scored almost 90 percentile in the GMAT and I completed my undergrad in Engineering?
Jessica_Berkeley
Hi jimmypageled, if you feel that your GMAT performance and engineering degree (and transcript) are sufficient for the Admissions Committee to judge your quantitative proficiency, then no, it's not necessary. However, I will say that it's best not to let the Committee assume anything about your application, esp. if you feel that you could tell us about yourself in writing.
Raj
(to eve) thank you for answering my question. Follow up question is if you could change one aspect of the MBA program, which aspect would that be and why?
Eve MBA12
I wish it were three years instead of two! While I feel well-prepared for my future career--I am definitely gaining the general business foundation I was after--I don't want to graduate yet because school has been so fun!
Lin
My recommender plans to resign from my current company. So if he could finish my recommendation letter before his resign, do I need to update his new email in application or not? And if, I want to change email in application, can I email to admission to remove my current recommender without problem, right?
Harrison_Berkeley
No you do not need to update it, and yes you can contact our office to have a recommender changed.
RalphVanDee
I am currently working as a lawyer and am hoping to study an MBA as part of career change. Do you have many former lawyers studying at Berkeley?
Stephanie_Berkeley
RalphVanDee, we have a small number who have studied here, as well as a few JD/MBAs each year. We will be looking at how your experiences to date are relevant to your future career and what you hope to gain from the MBA to build on this and help you transition careers
jorge
In the admission process, can support letter be sent from either student or alumni? It is recommended or not?
Morgan_Berkeley
Jorge - We encourage applicants to focus on using the 2 letters of recommendation. If you have additional contact or relationships with an alum or student, they are certainly welcome to send the Admissions Office a note of endorsement, but it may or may not be included in your file.
Raj
Hi Lee, thank you. What if we are a U.S. citizen attending a medical school abroad and finished-will it waive the TOEFL?
Lee_Berkeley
Raj, the requirement to take the TOEFL is based on what country you received your degrees in. A US citizen who received his University degrees in India would be required to take a TOEFL or IELTS, even though all earlier education was in the US.
bethy
With the schedule, will I have time to do other activity?
Eve MBA12
Hi Bethy - yes, you'll have time for other activities. I'm taking an art class and golf lessons right now, for example.
CMPhilip
Morgan / Admission team - do you value a letter from a former supervisor at a current job as much as that from a current supervisor? I will face challenges in getting a recommendation from my current supervisor.
Morgan_Berkeley
CMPhilip - When possible, we prefer to get a letter from a current supervisor. However, we do understand this isn't always possible, so a previous supervisor would also be fine.
Raj
Is there a lot of Indian food there, and how tasty is the masala?
Harrison_Berkeley
Raj, there is a lot of amazing Indian food; I'm thinking of having some for lunch right now! A lot of nice Indian buffets too, and a lot of Groupon-like deals. House of Curries, India Flavors Express (my favorite), Naan and Curry and dozens more!
MV1025
What qualities strengthen applications of those who have less work experience? (2-3 yrs)
Jessica_Berkeley
Hi MV1025, we look at your quality of work experience, not the number of years. You want to showcase any leadership opportunities, direct management skills, anything that you can demonstrate you have had success in your work.
Lin
The essay about goal is maximum 1,000 words but I am wondering if I write only 800-900 words. Is this too short from your expectation?
Harrison_Berkeley
Anything less than 1000 is ok.
Martha Belden
To students- If you had to apply to business school again, is there anything you would do differently?
Russ MBA12
Martha, I applied round 4, and would definitely NOT do that again. Also, I'd advise separating your GMAT prep and essay development. I think that managing your letter writers is also important. Be sure to make sure they understand the theme you're trying to set in your application.
CMPhilip
Hello to the admissions team, and thank you for organizing this chat. I'd like to know how easy it is for international students to get loans without a co-signer to cover the cost of education plus expenses for two years at Haas. Does the school help applicants in securing such loans?
Stephanie_Berkeley
CMPhilip, here is information on our no co-signer loan: http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/mba/finaid/Internationalprvt.htm We do not allow students to borrow more than the cost of tuition. You would need to secure additional funds to cover living expenses.
Rachel
Hi! Just a logistical question regarding transcript submission - does this need to be sent by mail directly from our undergraduate school to you or can we upload via the online application? Thanks!
Lee_Berkeley
Rachel, for review you would upload a scan of your official transcript. If you are invited to interview, you would have to submit an official sealed transcript.
Alison
When I mail a package of the required application documents to Haas, how do I indicate that the provided files are associated with my application? In other words, is there an application ID I can refer to in the mail-in package?
Harrison_Berkeley
As long as your name is on your documents, we can find it.
LTexplore
Morgan can you elaborate on what other reasons would be justifiable for a low GPA if you have solid academic credentials and good GMAT?
Morgan_Berkeley
LTexplore - This is up to your discretion. If you feel there is a reason you had a low GPA in undergrad, then please explain. Unfortunately, I can't tell you what these are because it's your personal situation. The Admissions Committee does not have a pre-determined list.
Sergio
Does a 110 in the TOEFL compensates for a regular verbal performance in the GMAT?
Jessica_Berkeley
Hi Sergio, no, a 110 in the TOEFL will not necessarily compensate for your verbal performance in the GMAT. We look at your overall GMAT score, as well as the breakdown of your verbal and quant.
JForman
Hi, sorry to be vague. For example, do you find that the professors are very engaged with the individual students? Are there office hours, or are doors always open?
Russ MBA12
Professors here are engaged with students who are engaged (I hope this isn't a "duh" answer). From my experience, doors are always open when the prof is teaching - Profs like to talk about their area of expertise!
Christiana
Is it possible to pursue a joint MBA/MS in Environment and Resources?
Jessica_Berkeley
Hi Christiana, no, at this time, we do not offer a joint MBA/MS in Environment and Resources.
haasaspirant
Hi, can you please explain what round 1 and round 2 are? I thought the applications must be submitted by October 12th and any after that, applications will not be accepted
Harrison_Berkeley
We have 4 rounds of applications; each round has a different decision notification date. So our last round is March 7th, 2012, that is the day we will no longer accept applications for this year.
Herve
What advice would you give to improve my application that I will make next year from an academics perspective? I have a decent GMAT (710) but an undergrad from a sub-par institution
Stephanie_Berkeley
Herve, to evaluate academic performance we look at many different factors. Your GMAT and your UG performance -- this means overall GPA, caliber of institution, rigor of major, trend in grades, extracurricular involvement, PT/FT work during UG, etc. Although you cannot change your work experience or UG performance, if you thought you could improve your GMAT score, that is an area that you can change. 710 falls within our range but is slightly below our average. If you have an overall string UG performance, then you may want to focus on the other areas of your application.
Sharad
Hi, I am working in my present company for the last three years. Would it be fine if one of my recommenders is from my previous company? Would choosing a recommender with whom I worked three years ago hurt my chances or a more recent recommender is required?
Sam
What is your favorite experiential learning course at Haas?
Eve MBA12
Hi Sam, I shared this in an earlier response, but I really love International Business Development. Saudi Arabia doesn't issue tourist visas, so the fact that I got to go there and gain insight into their culture is something that very few people ever get to do. I'm currently taking New Product Development, which I'm also enjoying. My team and I (which Russ is also on!) are working on a solution to reduce the amount of food that households waste. We have faculty and industry advisors, and a cross functional team, including engineers and industrial designers. It's very relevant experience!
Kim
I've noticed that the employment section of the online application asks for your "responsibilities and accomplishments". How does this different from the information one should have in their resume and in your essays about work responsibilities and achievements? I don't want to be redundant, but also don't want to properly talk to my experience, especially if separate people might be reading different parts of the application. Any guidance on how much information should be in the employment text boxes would be great. Thank you.
Lee_Berkeley
Kim, what should appear in that section is very similar to the information most people put into their resumes. The amount of information included in that section should be based on your time and experience at each company.
haasaspirant
Can you please tell me how to build the essays? What exactly are the admission panel looking for in an essay of a prospective student? Is it really very important to have a specific "goal" like I want to see myself there in 5 yrs? Will a generalized essay be at a disadvantage? How many points is the essay given in the process of admission?
Morgan_Berkeley
Haasaspirant - This is a difficult question to answer. My general advice is to look at your application as a whole and identify any gaps in your experiences. Then use the essays to help round out your application. The essays are, in part, used to assess cultural fit, so I encourage you to read up on our Core Defining Principles. As for the career goals essay, please be as specific. Vague essay answers generally indicate that you have not fully thought through your career goals or reasons for why MBA.
Lee_Berkeley
KM, there is no set date, but applicants will have at least two weeks to respond to an offer of admission.
jimmypageled
Hi. My question is directed to Eve and Russ. Have you participated in "Social Sector Solutions”? Also, which experiential learning programs involve working and studying with students from other Berkeley Programs?
Russ MBA12
I haven't participated in Social Sector Solutions. The Management of Technology (MOT) courses are cross-listed with the School of Engineering, so the project oriented MOT courses (not the lecture oriented courses) will let you work with engineers from Cal.
Nick
While I recognize that applications are viewed holistically, how important is in-depth activity/community involvement post undergrad if your career is especially time intensive (say private equity or investment banking where you work +100 hours a week)? Is it less preferred to stress undergraduate activities / leadership in this case?
Stephanie_Berkeley
Nick, we certainly understand that certain jobs (and certain cultures) result in varying levels of EC/community involvement. If you have a job that precludes you from outside involvement, definitely stress the activities and leadership positions you held during your UG career.
Everett Clifton
Despite the content I have with my background, I still curious about the ratio of veteran acceptance. Are you able to provide me with a rough estimate of those numbers? How about for the GPHM (Dual-degree)?
Morgan_Berkeley
Everett - We don't have quotas for any applicant category, including vets. All applicant reviews are holistic. In general, we accept about 12% of our applications.
Aaron
My recommender told me that he is not being asked for a "letter" of recommendation, but rather to answer a series of short answer questions. Is there also a letter for him to write, or is it just the questions? He is asking me for clarification but I don't know how to answer.
Lee_Berkeley
Aaron, the answers to the questions give us the information we need to compare applicants fairly. Your recommender is being asked to answer the questions, which is preferred -- but if he wishes to simply upload a letter, he should do so in the final question. There is no need for him to do both.
Martha Belden
To students- How available and open are the professors to help you with classes or additional projects?
Eve MBA12
Hi Martha - great question. I'd say they're as available as you want them to be, which is to say that if you seek them out, they are very happy to work with you. For example, I worked with our organizational behavior prof to develop the curriculum that I taught in the workshop in Saudi. He was really helpful, and even happy to share content from his courses!
prospective
Even thought I studied economics in my undergrad, I come from a non-quantitative background. Does Haas recommend taking courses to stregthen/brushup on quant? If so what kind of courses are recommended?
Jessica_Berkeley
Prospective, there are a number of ways to demonstrate your quantitative proficiency, ie, through your undergraduate performance, on-the-job performance, or perhaps you are taking some quant courses either online or community college. There are a number of courses you can take -- calculus, financial accounting, statistics -- these are by no means mandatory, but in the event that you do take them, you should share with us your final grade.
bethy
Does the MBA/MPH required job experience ?
Harrison_Berkeley
Admission into the MBA as a whole does not require work experience. However, this is a big component that the admissions committee is looking for as well. So it is possible to get in without full time work experience, but it's rare and applicants in this situation are often at a major disadvantage. There are no differences in requirements for the MBA/MPH program.
Alison
I understand the online application essays do not take into account any formatting, such as font and font size. But does it honor line breaks? It is important for the admission office to read in paragraphs, don't you think?
Lee_Berkeley
Alison, carriage returns are the piece of formatting that stays in the essays.
Lin
If my essay about failure talking about my high school experience. I would like to ask that it's too old experience or not? And it will make my essay look not interesting or not?
Morgan_Berkeley
Lin - I can't answer this question for you. In general, we prefer to see recent experiences. However, if you genuinely feel that your high school experience had a major impact on you that has carried through to the present (and you can clearly articulate why/how), then the decision is up to you.
Henry
Does the school have a sense for its geographical alumni distribution? I really love the idea of school on the west coast but wonder that long term I may find myself back on the east coast (or maybe abroad) do most students end up staying on the west coast after graduation?
Stephanie_Berkeley
Henry, we have alumni around the world and many of our graduates return/head to the East Coast after graduation. I would recommend reaching out to our Haas Student Ambassadors and asking them to connect you with students who are planning to return to the East Coast (I'd also share the industry you're interested in) so that you can learn more about their experiences to date.
CMPhilip
How does the admissions committee grade cumulative graduate scores that are scored in percentages against a 4.0 scale? Is there a specific formula or standard that is used for comparison?
Lee_Berkeley
CMPhilip, our evaluators are trained to interpret many different types of grading system. We do not convert other systems to a 4.0 scale.
Phil Pinson
Is it appropriate if I contact professors with questions regarding a specific program they teach?
Harrison_Berkeley
Typically speaking, we do not allow prospective students to contact professors. However, certain centers on campus do work with prospective students, while the majority do not. Contact our office and we'll see what we can do.
Kelsey
If my verbal score is significantly better than the quantitative score on my GMAT, can the optional quantitative essay offset that imbalance?
Jessica_Berkeley
Kelsey, using the optional quant essay to explain your quantitative proficiency is a great way to help the Admissions Committee learn more about you. It does not necessarily offset your quant score, but at least it will provide insight into other things you have done (both professionally and academically) that makes you ready for the MBA program.
prospective student
What are the opportunities at HAAS for Entrepreneurship in technology?
Stephanie_Berkeley
prospective student, there are many. You can learn more here: http://entrepreneurship.berkeley.edu/main/index.html
Phil Pinson
Hi Morgan, yes I am most definitely interested in strategy/consulting. I have spent my entire career since graduating in energy market analysis. Would Energy and Environmental markets blend well with consulting at Haas? Would you or anyone else be a good contact for future specific questions on this program? I also plan to visit Haas in November as well.
Morgan_Berkeley
Phil - Certainly. We also have an Area of Emphasis in Energy which you could combine with Consulting. I'd encourage you to contact our Haas Student Ambassadors, hsa@haas.berkeley.edu. They are the student liaisons between prospective applicants, students and Admissions.
bethy
I am in Morocco and the money isn't convertible. How can I pay the fees?
Lee_Berkeley
bethy, you would have to pay the application fee using either a credit card or by sending a check drawn on a US bank.
shawne
I see that International Business Development sends out only 120 students a year to participate in the consulting projects, that's only about half of the program size, is it hard to get in this program? And what if you miss out on it?
Eve MBA12
Hi Shawne, 120 seems to be about the right capacity to accommodate demand. Last spring, everyone who was interested was placed, although we did go through an application process to match us with appropriate organizations. Not every student participates in the course, usually because they have other interests.
Alison
Because I will audit a class on campus next week, can I personally bring the required application documents to Admission Office instead of mailing them?
Harrison_Berkeley
Yes
Sharad
I have a work experience of 4 years, but cannot define my future goals exactly as I am interested in a couple of areas. In fact, the reason I want to pursue Haas MBA is to learn and understand more about these fields and then make a more conscious career choice. Would this hurt my chances of application?
Stephanie_Berkeley
Sharad, not if you can clearly explain the two different paths and how your experiences to date and our program will help you explore/pursue them.
Swanand 2011
I have a question regarding English language proficiency. I have a Masters degree in engineering from a US university. Am I still required to take the TOEFL? (given that I am an Indian applicant and have an undergraduate degree from India)
Harrison_Berkeley
This question has already been answered, please see transcript above.
Jessica_Berkeley
Hi Cuellar, no, there are no courses we recommend to international students that we wouldn't recommend to domestic students. However, if you feel that your quantitative proficiency is not as strong as it could be, then perhaps you want to consider taking a calculus course, financial accounting or statistics. If you do take a course, you'll want to share your final grade with the Admissions office.
Michael C
Is it better to interview on campus, or with an alumni, if invited to do so?
Harrison_Berkeley
There is no difference who you interview with; they are all weighted and considered the same.
sha
My undergrad GPA is not on a 4.0 scale. Should I mention it as such or use services like WES and convert score to 4.0 scale and report it in the application?
Lee_Berkeley
sha, we ask that you report your cumulative grade as it is -- our evaluators are familiar with many grading systems. We specifically ask that you not submit a WES grade interpretation or try to convert your scores to a 4.0 scale.
KDV
Hi, I want to work in real estate investment firms in the Bay area after graduation. What is job prospect for Hass graduates in this market niche? Will it be more difficult for an international student given that real estate is more of a local business?
Morgan_Berkeley
KDV - About 5-10% of every graduating class pursues a career in real estate, including real estate investments. We have a number of Bay Area alums who would be vital in your job search here, plus a Career Advisor who focuses solely on helping students secure jobs in real estate.
JForman
Hi, what is the professor-student relationship like at Haas?
Russ MBA12
Also on the prof-student relationship note, there are a lot of students who get course credit for independent study for a prof. This independent study in almost always student initiated. A team of 4 other 2nd years and I are doing research with a prof this semester. Also, last semester, another MBA student and I had an idea for a new course. We got a prof here to sponsor our course and worked with him to develop a syllabus and launch the student-run course. So, a few more examples of the faculty here are very collaborative with the students.
NK2012
is it looked down upon to apply 2nd as well as 3rd round if I am waiting on a second GMAT score?
Harrison_Berkeley
You should apply in the round in which your application as a whole is strongest. Typically speaking Round 1 and 2 are equally competitive, Round 3 typically is more competitive, and Round 4 is usually very competitive.
Kat
I am going to be visiting campus tomorrow to attend the info session and have lunch with students. Are there any other specific things you suggest I do tomorrow to learn about the school?
Lee_Berkeley
Kat, if you are able to sign up for a class visit, it will add a lot to your experience of the school.
Stephanie_Berkeley
MV1025, we typically invite 20-25% of our applicants to interview. Invites for Round 1 will start going out about a month after the deadline and could continue to go out up until the week of notification --it depends on the size of the round. Each application is read by at least two members of our team before any decision is made, so it takes us time to get through every application!
Polyaris (Moscow)
Do you pay significant attention to AWA section in the GMAT? I got 4.0 and it's just 20%, non-native
Morgan_Berkeley
Polyaris - If English is not your first language, then we will likely be more interested in your AWA score. We will also look at your TOEFL score.
Sean@Taiwan
Hi, will the conversation be recorded so that we can take a look of some other questions later?
Harrison_Berkeley
Yes, a copy of this transcript will be made available in approximately 2 weeks.
Lin
If I write essay about failure with high school experience. Do you think it too old experience and not interesting or not?
Jessica_Berkeley
Hi Lin, while you are free to write about any experience, we do encourage applicants to write about more recent experiences.
jorge
Thank Morgan. Another question: while in the MBA, It is possible to study abroad in an exchange program?
Morgan_Berkeley
Jorge - Yes. You can study abroad in the first semester of your second year. Usually about 10-15 people per class (of 240) will do this.
Rohit
What are the avenues available to gain experience in entrepreneurship? Are entrepreneurial internships common?
Stephanie_Berkeley
Rohit, there are many -- during the school year and for an internship (entrepreneurial internships typically mean that our students are working on their start-ups). For more information, check out the Lester Center: http://entrepreneurship.berkeley.edu/main/index.html
jensprout
Do you consider the difficulty of the undergraduate institution (i.e. the fact that there is a strict grading curve, high ranking)
Morgan_Berkeley
Jensprout - Yes, we do.
LTexplore
Can you share which projects (companies/countries) for the IBD in 2011/2012?
Eve MBA12
The IBD team is currently working with organizations for next spring, but we don't have that list yet. The best place to get a feel for what the projects/countries are likely to be in the future is on the IBD website: http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/groups/IBD/forstudents/index.html
Veronica
A question for the admissions team - if I did a term studying abroad and the transcript from that term is using a different system or scale; can I convert and put down the equivalent in the US GPA system?
Lee_Berkeley
Veronica, do not include any courses graded in a non-4.0 scale in your GPA. Those courses will be evaluated using our knowledge of the system used in that country.
PranavSheoran
Good morning...I had a question on recommendation. I am planning to apply for R1 but one of my recommenders is travelling right now and I am getting nervous that he may not be able to submit his recommendation by Oct 12. Assuming that all aspects of my application except this one recommendation are submitted by Oct 12, will I still be eligible for R1?
Morgan_Berkeley
Pranav - This should be okay. We generally give recommenders about 7-10 days of grace period. You should, however, follow up with your recommender and encourage them to get it in as soon as possible.
LTexplore
How exactly is an internship defined? Does that mean unpaid work experience? What if it you are paid at a low salary?
Stephanie_Berkeley
LTexplore, some internships are unpaid, some are at a low salary. We don't have a strict definition -- if it wasn't considered a volunteer position, then I'd go ahead and list it as an internship. It's most important that you explain what you did, time frame, etc.
Alison
How strict is the word count limit for essays; is 10% over the limit acceptable?
Harrison_Berkeley
I'd aim to be no more than 5% over.
Alex R.
How are students contacted regarding interviews? Is it by email or phone?
Harrison_Berkeley
Students are usually contacted by Email.
Phil Pinson
I plan to visit Haas on Monday, November 28th (from Boulder, CO). If I would like to attend an info session and lunch with students, do I simply show up or where do I sign up?
Harrison_Berkeley
Just show up! You only need to sign up for class visits.
Alejandra Rodriguez
Another question about the transcripts we have to turn in, if you ask for them during the interview does that mean we will get admitted to Haas? I ask because usually schools don't ask for the transcript until they admit the candidate so I would need a second copy of the transcript for other schools and ordering an additional transcript from my school costs about 400 dollars so I would like to be sure I need it.
Lee_Berkeley
Alejandra, we do not ask that you bring transcripts to the interview -- in fact, we specifically ask that you do not bring transcripts to an interview. However, if you are invited to interview, we request that you at that time send your official academic documents to the MBA office since applicants who are interviewed have a higher chance of being admitted, and if we wish to admit you we do not want there to be any delays in the process. However, note that an invitation to interview is not a guarantee of admission.
Martha Belden
To students- Did you know what you wanted to do in the future before you entered Haas? And has this idea changed?
Russ MBA12
Martha, I had a general idea of what I wanted to do (clean tech). I didn't know what specific company or role I wanted to work in after school. Most students come to school having an industry focus, and then try to find the right company & role.
Herve
you mentionned "taking classes in a quant" to improve an application. What kind of classes can that be ? And from which type of organization?
Harrison_Berkeley
Typically, we are looking for statistics or calculus classes. They can be taken anywhere really, community college, university, extension, etc...
shawne
HAAS talks about its students getting international job offers and internships, I am wondering how many of those are actual career-location-changers than just internationals going back to where they originally came from.
Morgan_Berkeley
Shawne - I don't have exact statistics on this, as that is a very specific question. Typically, about 15-20% of our graduating class will get a job outside the US (but I don't know what % of that are non-US citizens). Last year, students went to 28 different countries for post-grad work.
Alejandra Rodriguez
For a Haas visit, should we dress comfortable or as we would for a job interview?
Harrison_Berkeley
Comfortable is fine, though most people dress business casual.
MTS
I'm interested in the MBA / MA program in International and Area Studies. Do I need to apply separately for the MA program or is it bundled with the MBA application?
Lee_Berkeley
MTS, the intent to add the MA in International and Area Studies is submitted during the first year of your MBA. There is no application to be made at this time.
Michael C
How many students decide to study an "area of emphasis?"
Stephanie_Berkeley
Michael C, we don't track this. We don't have majors or concentrations at Berkeley Haas -- but we do have many students who want to focus on a specific area (e.g., finance, marketing, energy, etc.) Areas of Emphasis allow students to signal to future employers that they are focusing their studies (curricular and extracurricular) on a specific area. There is no formal certificate or degree though. In fact, we moved to this because it gave our students greater flexibility (they aren't locked into a certain number of units to fulfill a requirement). We have students who decided they wanted to focus on finance and energy, or marketing and global management, etc. With areas of emphasis you can be very focused, or you can take a wide array of courses -- it's flexible.
Morgan_Berkeley
Sam - The most common mistake is getting caught up in what they think we want to hear vs. writing something that is authentic and true to themselves. There is no "right" answer that we are looking for, so just be yourself.
NK2012
How do you weight undergrad GPA in the overall application process?
Morgan_Berkeley
NK2012 - We don't actually weight any aspect of the application, the review is a holistic process.
LTexplore
If the admission team likes an application but there is a low GMAT will they suggest to the candidate to re-take the GMAT and apply in the next round after he has already submitted?
Jessica_Berkeley
LTexplore, no, we do not suggest to a candidate that they re-take the GMAT. If you feel your GMAT is too low (or outside of our 80% range - 675-750), then you need to decide for yourself if you'd like to retake the GMAT before you submit.
Lee_Berkeley
prospective, you can apply as either -- but note that it is not possible for international applicants to become California residents and receive the resident fees and tuition.
Everett Clifton
I will be applying in Round 2. I am aware that students are notified of their acceptance in March. I may be in Sierra Leone during those times... What would I need to do if I was asked to be interviewed while I am abroad?
Harrison_Berkeley
You will need to update the admissions office on how to contact you if you are unavailable, otherwise your application will be delayed to another round.
Vina_Moderator
Hi all, the chat will be wrapping up in 10 minutes. Guest speakers will continue to address questions in their queue, but we will stop forwarding questions. Given the high volume of questions, we apologize if we didn't have a chance to answer your question!
haasaspirant
can you tell me how many students are accepted each year and among how many applicants?
Morgan_Berkeley
Haasaspirant - We typically receive around 4,000 applications and will admit approximately 12%
shawne
Who will be conducting the admission interviews for the 2012 semester year, admission staff? alumi? or current students?
Harrison_Berkeley
The grand majority of our interviews are conducted by Alums and a good chunk by students. The Admissions staff typically do not conduct interviews, and all interviews are weighted equally.
shawne
What are the purposes of the various international clubs at Haas (european business club, latin america, asia, etc)? Are they effective at building career contacts and even finding jobs in different continents?
Eve MBA12
Our affinity clubs have a few different goals: building and supporting connections between students, faculty and alums; enhancing the professional development of students; and increasing visibility within the larger Haas community. They also host events on and off campus, as well as help students network with relevant parties.
MiguelMick
What was the average Work Experience time for the class of 2013? Is it a disadvantage to have worked only for one company?
Stephanie_Berkeley
MiguelMick, average work experience is 5 years. We're evaluating quality of experience -- breadth is important but so is depth. The questions we're asking about your professional accomplishments - how have you progressed over time, how have you demonstrated leadership, what impact have you had on your team/organization, etc.
Veronica
How do international interviews work? Would this be in person? By phone? By webcam?
Harrison_Berkeley
We have alumni all over the world; the grand majority of interviews are completed in person. However if there is no interviewer available in your local area, we do occasionally schedule Skype or Phone interviews.
LTexplore
If I took the CFA Level II exam and ended up not passing (only ~30-35% pass) would this be good or bad to mention in my application. I realized from pursuing CFA that I want to build my skills as a leader instead of just acquire book knowledge and that’s what motivated me to pursue an MBA at Haas.
Morgan_Berkeley
LTExplore - This doesn't sound like it's a critical aspect of your application. If you feel the process or result has had a lasting effect that you want to share in one of your essays, then it would make sense to talk about it. Otherwise, I wouldn't get hung up on this one aspect of your application.
Alex R.
To piggy back on a prior question regarding interview dress attire - is business casual acceptable regardless of where the interview takes place? I am currently working/living in Switzerland where dress attire is more strict.
Harrison_Berkeley
Local alumni will be conducting the interviews, so you should dress as is appropriate in your local culture.
Alison
What is considered "official" translation of transcripts and degree certificate from a foreign university?
Lee_Berkeley
Alison, that would be a translation either supplied by the school or done by an official (or registered or certified) translator in that country. If the translation is done in the US, it must be done by an ATA (American Translators Association) - certified translator.
Alison
If my transcript and degree certificate are in a foreign language (Chinese), and of course translation of these documents is required, what is considered by the Admission Office as "official" translation? Should I get the documents translated at any office appointed by Haas?
Harrison_Berkeley
Most Chinese universities will issue the documents in English as well.
LTexplore
How many areas of emphasis can you study?
Eve MBA12
Areas of emphasis are very flexible, and serve as optional roadmaps to help you prepare for your future career. They aren't formal programs, so you can go as broad or deep as you want in a given area. For example, I'm focusing on marketing, but right now, I'm taking a course on corporate finance.
Lin
Are there any cases that an applicant gets a low GMAT score, but his application is interesting enough for admission, and admission asks that he to retake the GMAT to lose the pending condition?
Morgan_Berkeley
Lin - We review every single application, regardless of GMAT. If you are waitlisted, then one of the things you can do is retake the GMAT. However, we will only consider the GMAT score at the time of the application deadline.
OlgaL
Do you offer interview with alumni or phone interviews in Russia?
Lee_Berkeley
OlgaL, we have interviewers in Moscow. Residents in other areas of Russia who are invited to interview would interview via Skype or phone.
Vipin
What is the criterion for a TOEFL score? My score is 99 in the IBT TOEFL.
Morgan_Berkeley
Vipin - Our average TOEFL is 110 and the middle 80% range is 102-117.
Lee_Berkeley
NK2012, if you do not have your AWA scores by the deadline, submit your application without them. If you are to be admitted, we would fill them in when verifying your official scores.
KM
If we have taken a GMAT prep course and taken the GMAT 2 times but still are not within the 80% range (and all other aspects of the application are strong) do you recommend we write an optional essay to let the adcom know we just aren't a good test taker?
Jessica_Berkeley
KM, you can take the GMAT up to 5 times in one year. If you feel that your score will not improve, then yes, you should feel free to elaborate using the optional essay. If your overall score is lower than you'd hoped, but perhaps you saw an increase in your quant from the first to the second test, then you'd want to call that out as well.
sha
For international applicants applying in R2, is there is a chance they might not have interviews in their country/continent??
Morgan_Berkeley
Sha - We are generally able to arrange alumni interviews for all of our international applicants. This has not been an issue in the past.
diramochtar
Thx Russ for the answer. Is non-academic achievement like spots achievement taken into consideration? And should I mention it on my resume or not?
Morgan_Berkeley
Diramochtar - Spot achievements or other character/leadership awards can be included on your resume.
Christiana
Russ--you mentioned being interested in clean tech, and I'm assuming that is your emphasis. What have you liked the most about the program? Are the other people in the program interested in a variety of functions within the industry? Thanks!
Russ MBA12
Christiana, you're right, clean tech is a major focus. BERC (berc.berkeley.edu) makes Cal a great place for people interested in energy, and Cleantech to Market was a great experience in showing the challenges to taking disruptive technologies from the lab to the marketplace. There are students here who are interested in a variety of roles in clean tech companies (finance, marketing, operations, etc)
TargetMBA
As part of BILD, can a student choose only one of Haas@work and IBD (Haas in the world) or both? I read that either of them is sufficient to fulfill the experiential learning requirement of the BILD curriculum...?
Eve MBA12
A student can take up to 3 experiential courses, including IBD & Haas@Work. Most students take an average of 2.
LTexplore
Morgan in follow up to Lins question. So if you are wait-listed you can re-take the GMAT, but then are bumped to next round. I'm confused, please clarify
Lee_Berkeley
LTexplore, waitlisted candidates are not "in" a round in the same way as non-waitlisted applicants, so being bumped can not longer happen.
vivsun
How does the admission committee tell whether a goal sounds artificial or "far-fetched" vs. believable? Also, what tools are used to assess the candidates' potential? For example, some candidates may come from a more low-income and lower class bracket, it is not the case that their goals are undefined but b/c of their experiences and resources, they might not be able to articulate the goals in the utmost detailed and believable manner
Stephanie_Berkeley
vivsun, we evaluate the coherence of the story you're telling us -- what you've done, what you hope to accomplish, how our program will connect the two. It's okay to have big goals, but we can tell when someone has been thoughtful about them and whether they understand what it takes to accomplish them. It is a very holistic review process, so yes we do consider opportunities/role models/etc. candidates may have had/not had throughout their lives. But we can only evaluate what applicants tell us.
diramochtar
How active is the Haas soccer club?
Eve MBA12
The soccer club is very active...and quite successful! Last year, the team won a regional championship at UCLA. We also took first place at the annual Challenge 4 Charity event against 12 or so other business schools. The team also plays locally.
bethy
I'm an American citizen but I have never lived in the USA, therefore I don't know if I can have a scholarship?
Stephanie_Berkeley
bethy, information on our scholarships (including instructions for applying once you've been admitted) can be found here: http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/mba/finaid/ScholarshipEnter.htm
Veronica
If I am an international applicant, but studied in a mainly English-taught school in French-speaking Canada, do I still need to take the TOEFL?
Morgan_Berkeley
Veronica - Our TOEFL requirements can be found here: http://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/admissions/requirements.html. Based on what you've said above, I don't think you'll need to submit a TOEFL.
Alisa
What is the mean undergraduate GPA for admitted students?
Jessica_Berkeley
Hi Alisa, the average GPA for the c/o 2013 is 3.64 and the 80% range is 3.39-3.90.
haasaspirant
Where can we find a list of all courses that we can take in Haas MBA?
Eve MBA12
You can find a list here: http://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/academics/curriculum.html. It's not comprehensive, but it includes many of the classes that are available.
MTS
Does the admissions committee consider volunteer work; Peace Core or LDS Missionary service as "work experience"?
Lee_Berkeley
MTS, Peace Corps work can definitely be listed under work experience. As for other volunteer work, it would depend on whether the experience was substantial in terms of time, responsibilities, and leadership opportunities.
Aria
If we cannot provide a recommendation from our current supervisor for example in fear of losing our job or favorability with the company and explain this in the optional essay, will this hurt our application? Also, if we expect to be promoted in the coming year when we apply, is that something we would mention in the resume?
Harrison_Berkeley
You should explain your situation in your optional essay and it should be fine. Promotions should be reported to us after they have happened. You can just email our office with your updated.
Morgan_Berkeley
Vipin - The TEOFL scores I provided are just the average and the ranges. We will review all applications, and have admitted students with TOEFL both above and below the 80% range. So, with a 99 you would be on the low end, but we would still review and consider your application. For English language capabilities, we would also look at your GMAT Verbal score as a guide.
Vina_Moderator
Hi all! Thank you for joining us. The chat is wrapping up and shutting down. We appreciate your questions and we apologize if we didn’t get to all of them. Please check back on our website within the next couple weeks for a transcript of today’s chat and information on future chat dates. Go Bears!
Harrison_Berkeley
Thanks again for all of your questions! Hope to see your application in our office soon! Bye!
Eve MBA12
By everyone! Great chatting with you!
Jessica_Berkeley
Thank you all for joining today. Great questions. And best of luck in the application process!
Morgan_Berkeley
Thanks all for your questions, best of luck!
Russ MBA12
Buh bye. Hope the application process treats you all well!
Stephanie_Berkeley
Thank you all for joining us. Good luck with your applications!
Lee_Berkeley
Thanks for chatting with us! Good luck!
