Full-time MBA Program
The Berkeley MBA – Online Admissions Chat
February 28, 2008
Chat with Berkeley MBA Admissions Team
Stephanie Fujii, Senior Associate Director of Admissions
Cindy Jennings-Millette, Assistant Director of Admissions
Lee and Jeff, Moderators
Lee_Moderator
Welcome to the Berkeley MBA admissions chat. My name is Lee, and Jeff and I will be moderating the chat today. Joining us will be Stephanie Fujii, Senior Associate Director and Cindy Jennings Millette, Assistant Director of Admissions. Please send us your questions!
Cindy_Berkeley
Hi there! My name is Cindy Jennings Millette, Assistant Director of Admissions, and I'm happy to answer your questions.
Stephanie_Berkeley
Welcome! My name is Stephanie Fujii, Senior Associate Director of Admissions. Thank you all for joining us today!
Rob P
Hello - This is a Round 3 question. I submitted my application in late Jan. I received an email on Feb. 4 stating that Berkeley would email me to say whether my application was complete/ incomplete within 4 weeks. I have not received an email with my application status as of today. Should I be concerned?
Lee_Moderator
Hi Rob -- all that means is that your application has not been set up yet -- you should hear by the end of next week. If you haven't heard by then, feel free to call the office.
Mohammad2
Hi there, I am thinking of applying for 2009. I have two concerns: the first is scholarships. Can you talk a bit about these and about the distribution over the student body? The second question is, in regards to career switchers, how can we prepare our application in a way that it is not negatively affected by the fact that we lack experience in the new field?
Cindy_Berkeley
Over 60% of Haas students receive some form of financial assistance, which can include scholarships, loans, and assistantships. Over $1.5 million in scholarship aid is awarded each year, and 17% of the fall 2006 entering class received a scholarship of some kind.
The two largest scholarship programs are the Haas Merit Scholarship and Haas Achievement Award. Haas Merit Scholarships are awarded to the most outstanding applicants overall; all MBA applicants are considered for these awards, and no special application is necessary. Haas Achievement Awards are awarded to applicants who have achieved success in spite of significant economic, educational, health-related or other obstacles; applicants for these awards must be sure to answer an optional essay question on the application for admission. Haas Merit Scholarships and Haas Achievement Awards cover either 50% or 100% of tuition and required fees for both years of MBA study.
Cindy_Berkeley
Mohammed2, in regards to your second question, I think it would be important to indicate how you've investigated your new career interest (info interviews, why do you want to make the switch? Why is it a good match for you?). I also would suggest that you discuss transferable skills from your previous work experience.
Delo Adams
With regards to the "official degree certificate" required per the application instructions, what exactly is this (if not my diploma)?
Lee_Moderator
Hi Delo -- the degree certificate is the diploma, or any other document issued by the school that gives the degree conferred and the date of conferral.
Dave
Is there much availability left for 2008 admissions?
Stephanie_Berkeley
Hi Dave, at this point we have only released Round 1 decisions -- so yes there are still places available. By the time we get to Round 4, we will have made offers from Rounds 2 and 3, so of course there will be significantly fewer spaces available. However, in past years there have still been spaces remaining and we have made offers to Round 4 applicants--which is why we continue to have a 4th round. I wouldn't worry about availability so much as making sure you are submitting the strongest application possible. A strong application is a strong application!
Jenny Tang
I would like to know if I can apply for the MBA/MPH-Dual Degree Program at UCB in autumn 2008 or not.
Lee_Moderator
Jenny, you can apply to the MBA/MPH concurrent program in Round 4 -- just be sure to submit your completed application by March 12.
BigBear
Are candidates penalized if recommendations arrive after the round 4 deadline, and if so, is there a way to add a third recommender to the list if I'm concerned about my recommender's ability to deliver on time?
Cindy_Berkeley
It takes our office about 3 - 6 weeks to make sure that all files are complete. Therefore, you have a small window of time to ensure that the recommendation arrives in our office. Also, if anything is missing at all, (like a letter of recommendation), we will let you know what is missing and give you a reasonable period of time to submit those documents while still being considered in the round in which you applied. Also, we ask that you please do not submit more than the required 2 letters of recommendation.
wendy
I have applied for Round 4, but I have just sent my official GMAT score and IBT score to Berkeley. Can the score be received before the deadline?
Lee_Moderator
Hi Wendy! We review all files with self-reported scores and verify the scores later in the admission process, so it doesn't matter if the official scores arrive shortly after the deadline.
MJacobo
Is work experience important for the application process?
Stephanie_Berkeley
MJacobo, Work experience is absolutely an important part of the application evaluation. The MBA is a professional degree program and you learn as much from your classmates and their experiences as you do from the professor. You also gain more from the program when you have a solid foundation to draw from and build upon during b-school. If you haven't already, check out our podcast on Admissions Tips on the website --we discuss how we evaluate each area of the application.
shavi
Does Haas give admission fee waivers?
Lee_Moderator
Admission fee waivers are available only for US citizens and US Permanent Residents. Apply through Graduate Division at http://www.grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/pdf/form_fee_waiver.pdf
jmin
If one's performance was subpar during undergraduate studies, will taking a post-bacc program and doing extremely well in it help increase the chances for admission?
Cindy_Berkeley
jmin, we definitely take into account an applicant's post-bacc academic performance. However, we do look more closely at your undergrad performance. Also, it depends on the rigorous nature of the post-bacc experience (a master’s program vs. 2 classes; quantitative courses vs. art classes).
glee
Hello - How much of the fall08 class is already filled? At this point of round 4, how competitive will it be to be accepted? Are the standards for acceptance a lot higher now? Also, does it matter when in round4 we send in our applications? Because I will be taking my GMAT on 3/8 and I know I'm expected to have scores listed on my application.
Stephanie_Berkeley
glee, It does not matter when you submit your application for Round 4 as long as you are submitting by the deadline. We review applications on a rolling basis throughout the round as soon as they are complete (e.g., matched with supplemental materials). For your other questions, please see previous responses to availability in round 4. Thanks!
BigBear
Hi again. Should I attempt to recalculate my undergraduate GPA to account for summer courses taken at another university if my undergraduate school awarded credit for them but did not consider the grades?
Lee_Moderator
BigBear, that particular sort of credit should not be calculated in your GPA.
seydi
I’m thinking of applying in round 4. I have a high GPA from NYU and 4 years experience. But I totally tanked the GMAT. Don't know if I should retake the GMAT and apply in 2009.
Cindy_Berkeley
The decision is really up to you. If you feel you can perform better on the GMAT, you might want to retake the exam. It can only make your application stronger. (We consider the highest score.)
shavi
I scored 650 on the GMAT; do I stand a chance in the 2008 admissions?
Cindy_Berkeley
The GMAT range for the middle 80% was between 660 and 760. So, we have admitted applicants with a 650 GMAT. In reviewing academic performance we look at a combination of your GPA and GMAT. With a lower GMAT, you would most likely need to have a somewhat above average academic performance (GPA).
biotech88
I attended two colleges (transferred after one year). How do I calculate my undergrad GPA? Combine both together or keep them separate?
Lee_Moderator
Hi Biotech -- calculate a single GPA for all your coursework.
Ashley Murphy
Hi Cindy and Stephanie, my application is coming together for the 4th round, however I'm concerned that my GMAT score won't be at the required level (it's presently around 600) by then. I'm trying to decide if it makes sense to continue to apply in this round, or to wait until next year? I understand that this year is particularly competitive year with the economic slow-down. I fit into the category of financial analyst/entrepreneur. I won't apply this year if there's any chance it will complicate my application in future years. In re-applying, are there any further requirements I must satisfy?
Stephanie_Berkeley
Hi Ashley, the decision is really up to you -- but if you feel that you can re-take the GMAT and obtain a score that is closer to our competitive range, that will clearly make you a more competitive candidate. Remember though that the GMAT is only one piece of the application that we're evaluating (listen to our podcast on Admissions Tips if you haven't already!) It is indeed another very competitive year so anything you can do to make your application stronger helps. With regard to re-applicants, we do not view them positively or negatively. It mainly depends on (1) how your application compares to the current pool and (2) how you have strengthened your candidacy since you last applied. There is a list of requirements for re-applicants on our website: http://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/fall2008.html#reapplication. I would also suggest using the Optional Essay to tell us how you have strengthened your candidacy -- you'd be surprised at how many people miss this opportunity (it's not a requirement).
Angelica
My question is regarding the recommendation letters. I have been working the last 4 years for the same company. Besides my supervisor’s recommendation, I am considering requesting one from the company’s president. Will it have a negative impact on my application to submit two recommendations from people working for the same company or should I better request a recommendation from my previous supervisor?
Cindy_Berkeley
Angelica, it is fine to submit two letters from the same company. What is most important is selecting individuals who have worked closely with you and are able to provide specific examples of your contributions to the company.
Mohammad2
How many hours can I transfer to the program?
Lee_Moderator
Mohammad2, we don't accept transfer units from other MBA programs. However, you may be able to waive out of certain courses and substitute additional electives.
Kimberly
Hello-I started working in advertising in Account Management and am now working in the Interactive Department (online advertising) on the client side. Do you view that as a career switch?
Cindy_Berkeley
I think that this adds to the breadth of your work experience - which is a good thing. A career switch, in general, is either changing industry or function.
rvdsa
May I know if there is any possibility to waive the application fee for international students?
Lee_Moderator
rvdsa, that is not a possibility. That is a policy of the University of California, not of the Haas School of Business.
biotech88
How many students can obtain the Certificate in Entrepreneurship? Is there a limit?
Stephanie_Berkeley
biotech -- no, there is no limit. You simply have to fulfill the certificate requirements.
BerkeleyBee
Hi Team, I would like to know the kind of support HAAS students will receive for entrepreneurial projects.
Cindy_Berkeley
You might want to ask students more about this - Perhaps contact the Entrepreneurship Club officers? A large number of the Class of ‘08 started their own businesses. We have a business incubator and two business plan competitions. The Lester Center has a number of elective courses which assist students in their entrepreneurial pursuits.
arki
Hi, I elected to apply for the Fall ‘09 class start instead. Would my recommenders be able to enter their letters into the system now and roll over into the next application round for Fall ‘09? Thanks.
Lee_Moderator
Hi arki -- that's not possible because the application for fall 2009 will not be "live" until late summer. Also, you would want your letters written closer to when you will apply -- you will have more experience that you will want your recommenders to address.
Mohammad2
Thank you for taking questions. For Undergrad GPA, do you focus more on performance in general courses (undergrad calculus, physics…) or on more degree-specific courses, say computer architecture? What if an applicant had a weakness in his first year or second year, but picked up in the third and fourth? How can he compensate for it?
Cindy_Berkeley
We ask for you to report your cumulative GPA, and calculate the GPA for your last two years of undergrad. We do take into account improvement during your last two years of study. (We understand that the first two years of college can be challenging.) We take into account all your courses (general and major-specific). We look for quantitative experience (calculus, statistics); and if you took a variety of different courses. We accept applicants who come from many different majors and disciplines (engineering, bus., econ, liberal arts). What is important is how well you performed, and how you challenged yourself.
JamieA
To calculate our cumulative undergraduate G.P.A., do we include study abroad grades even if they only appear as pass/fail on our degree-granting transcript?
Cindy_Berkeley
If they were P/F they would not be included in calculating the GPA.
Antonio_Mexico
For foreign students is there is a consideration about the language? I mean I'm from a non-English speaking country
Cindy_Berkeley
Yes, we do take this into account during our evaluation.
JamieA
If my college G.P.A. during my first two years is lower than during my second two years, should I address why in my application? Or is this a common phenomenon that does not need special attention?
Cindy_Berkeley
It's is certainly a common phenomenon. If something specific happened and you feel it is important to address, please do so.
Nick
I am a Round 2 applicant and a California resident. Should I be concerned if I have not yet received an invitation to interview? It feels like time is running out.
Stephanie_Berkeley
Nick, we wish we could get all of our interview invites out at once and as soon as possible! But as I'm sure you know, we review applications on a rolling basis throughout the round (and in random order) and we have many files to review so it just takes us time to get through all of them. We will continue to issue invites up until a few days before the notification deadline -- so please be patient with us! The reason for the lengthy review time is that we put a lot of time and effort into reviewing each application (we know how much effort you've put into your application). Each application is read at least twice, sometimes a third time. We want to get invites out as quickly as possible but we also want to be very thorough in our evaluation!
Ankur
As a hardware engineer, most of my experience is technical in nature...I'm struggling with how detailed to get when describing work experience in essays. Do you have any thoughts on that?
Cindy_Berkeley
Ankur, I would write these essays keeping in mind that hardware engineers will not be reading the file -- I wouldn't get too technical. What we're looking for are examples of teamwork and leadership - as well as senior management potential. These examples do not require a lot of tech. detail, I don't think. Hope this helps!
Angelica
I am currently attending Berkeley’s marketing certificate program. Does it add value to my application?
Stephanie_Berkeley
Angelica, there are many pieces that we are evaluating when we review your application. It is hard to say without context whether this will add value or not. What I would think about is how the marketing certificate adds to or complements the story you are telling us about your background and experiences to date, and how you will strengthen these through the Berkeley MBA to achieve your career goals. If you haven't already, check out our podcast on Admissions Tips to hear how we evaluate each area of the application.
Ale Flores
Dear Cindy and Stephanie, in case I’ve already sent the recommendation letters, but I’m going to wait and apply for 2009, should I ask the people who wrote them to write them again?
Cindy_Berkeley
Yes - It is really important that letters of recommendation are current. I would expect that there will be additional examples of your work projects that can be included the letter. We also do make minor changes to the recommendation form each year; so we prefer to have the letter completed using the current form.
Kay Matz
Do I need to send 2 recommendations? What can I do if my boss is not willing to give me a recommendation letter?
Stephanie_Berkeley
Kay Matz -- yes, we require 2 letters of recommendation. If your boss is unwilling, be sure to address this in the supplemental question section and I would suggest a letter from a recent former supervisor or someone who has supervised you on a project and has a senior role. It is important that you select someone who has worked closely with you and can provide detailed examples to make the letter a strong one; and it also important that it is someone who has a more senior-level perspective to better compare you against your peers.
glee
What is considered an above average GPA or a low GPA?
Stephanie_Berkeley
glee, here is some information about the current first-year class: http://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/community_02.html. For undergraduate GPA (US schools) the middle 80%, or the competitive range) was 3.25 - 3.83.
Mohammad2
If I am attending a part-time MBA right now, and want to apply to HAAS next year, would that be a positive or negative point in my application?
Stephanie_Berkeley
Mohammad2, if you are currently attending a part-time program, you would want to be very clear as to why you are now interested in a full-time MBA. They are different experiences and so the Admissions Committee would want to know why you chose a part-time program to begin with but have now changed your mind.
Istvan
I am planning to retake the GMAT on 3/21 (after the deadline). How can I let you know my new scores? Will you consider my new score for round 4?
Lee_Moderator
Istvan, we can only consider scores taken by the deadline. However, be sure to let us know that you are planning to retake the test. You will be able to submit the scores from a later test if you are placed on the waitlist.
Angelica
How many of the MBA applicants are invited to an interview?
Stephanie_Berkeley
Angelica, in the past we have typically invited between 25 - 30% of our pool to interview.
Antonio_Mexico
How many recommendations letters can I send? I have bosses from the US and Mexico and I would like to include both.
Lee_Moderator
Antonio, all applicants are required to submit two -- and only two -- letters of recommendation.
Kimberly
Which post-bacc courses would you recommend to supplement a GPA? I live in the bay area and see there are statistics course and even a certificate in Business Administration (www.unex.berkeley.edu) at UC Berkeley Extension. Are there particular courses from UCB Extension you would recommend?
Cindy_Berkeley
I would certainly recommend taking a quantitative course - a basic calculus or statistics class. I would mention that performing well in a couple of courses post-bacc isn't going to make up for a very low GPA. As I mentioned, we look more closely at your undergrad performance. We also do look at a combination of both your GPA and GMAT when considering academic ability.
Marcin
In regards to academic performance and undergrad GPA, how much of a difference does it make if one attended an institution currently ranked in the top 20 nationwide as oppose to one ranked in the top 40, 60?
Stephanie_Berkeley
Marcin, the caliber of the institution you attended is certainly one of the many factors that we consider when we evaluate undergrad performance. We also look at your overall GPA, trend in grades over time, rigor of your major, courses you took outside of your major, extracurricular involvement/part-time work, etc. And remember that undergrad performance is just one of the factors we are evaluating within your overall application....
Antonio_Mexico
D international students need to do that GPA conversion, too?
Lee_Moderator
Antonio, we ask specifically that international students whose schools do not grade on the 4.0 scale NOT convert their grades to an American-style GPA.
shavi
Is there some kind of cut-off based on nationality [kind of intake limit for each nationality candidates]?
Stephanie_Berkeley
shavi, we do not have quotas. We do want to admit as diverse a class as possible, but we also want to make sure that we are admitting the strongest applicants.
Allison
Hi Cindy - Would you consider the Berkeley MBA program to be heavily quant. focused? If I have a weak quantitative background (I was an advertising major), what classes would you recommend taking prior to entering the program?
Cindy_Berkeley
I would say that you need to need to be quant. proficient in order to perform in some of the core classes. At a minimum, you need to have taken a stats or calc. class during your undergrad and received a B or better. If you want to beef up your quant. skills, I definitely would suggest taking a stats or calc. class at a local community college or university - most especially if you didn't perform as well on the quant. section of the GMAT.
BerkeleyBee
Hi Adcom Team, my university doesn’t follow a GPA system and all scores are in terms of percentage. How will percentage be compared on a GPA scale if I need to know where I stand?
Lee_Moderator
BerkeleyBee, our evaluators are trained to consider many different grading systems. We do not convert them to a GPA scale.
MJacobo
Talking about recommendation letters, I have an issue with my current employer. They can not give recommendation letter because of a business policy. Do you mind if I would not include my direct boss as a recommender?
Stephanie_Berkeley
MJacobo, be sure to explain this in the supplemental questions so we know why you don't have a recommendation from your current supervisor. This is a very important perspective for us to gauge the impact you've had on your organization, your leadership, progression over time, strengths and weaknesses, etc. If you can't get a rec. from your current supervisor, is there a fairly recent former supervisor…someone senior in the organization who could speak to these points? Remember that the letters of rec. are the only external perspective we have to evaluate your work experience so you want to be sure that you select recommenders who have worked closely enough with you that they can provide detailed examples to support their responses. We also suggest someone in a senior role b/c they have a stronger perspective to compare you against your peers.
yan
Hi, Stephanie, may I know how students can use the alumni network at campus?
Stephanie_Berkeley
yan, once you enroll you have access to the alumni database (Haas and the larger UC Berkeley database). There are also numerous activities that allow you to connect with alums -- through student clubs, career services, etc.
DaveNYC
So a peer recommendation is basically worthless, even as an addendum?
Cindy_Berkeley
I wouldn't say that a peer rec. is worthless. If an applicant is placed on the waitlist, I could see providing a peer recommendation to enhance the application. However, when submitting two letters of rec. with your application, we require that they are professional references coming from individuals who have supervised your work in some way. And those are the most compelling recs. to provide.
Aryan
I have an Associates degree and over 4 years of work experience in Automobile Sector? So technically I have 12+2 = 14 yrs of prior education. So if I appear for the GMAT would I still be eligible to apply for your program?
Cindy_Berkeley
The University requires that you have completed an accredited Bachelors degree in order to be eligible to apply to the MBA Program.
Mohammad2
Does leadership have to be demonstrated through leading teams and people, or can it be about ideas and change? I am in the small business area and I have made an impact on many organizations through implementing ideas and innovation, but not through team leading. Is that a problem?
Stephanie_Berkeley
Mohammad, we have a broad definition of leadership as we know opportunities available really depend on the industry, company, culture, etc. So yes -- leadership can refer to new ideas and leading change.
Kimberly
Is it preferable to take a statistics course at a local community college or at a university, such as UC Berkeley Extension? Does it matter if the course is taken online?
Cindy_Berkeley
I would say it is preferred to take a class at a local university or community college - but we will take into consideration an online class as well.
yan
Hi, may I know how many students you have admitted and how many will get the chance to enter Haas in the last round?
Stephanie_Berkeley
yan, at this point we have only made offers to our Round 1 applicants. We still have Rounds 2 and 3 before we know how many spaces will be remaining in Round 4. Regardless, you should focus on making sure you are submitting the strongest application possible.
Antonio_Mexico
I've working in consulting for 3 years, is that enough experience in order to apply to the Berkeley MBA?
Stephanie_Berkeley
Antonio_Mexico, we really focus on the quality, not necessarily the quantity of work experience (check out our podcast to learn more!) The most important thins is to make sure you're telling us the impact you've had, your accomplishments, leadership experiences, progression, etc.
BigBear
To what extent is breadth of experience (multiple industries, roles, etc.) valued, or does the admissions committee look unfavorably upon that, perhaps prejudging that as a "lack of focus?”
Cindy_Berkeley
We actually do like some breadth of experience. We will take into account why you made the moves that you did (We ask for you to clarify this both in the employment history section and in the long essay question.) Ultimately, we are looking for individuals who have clear career goals and reasons for an MBA.
Ashley Murphy
It seems that the primary academic focus is on Undergrad GPA. Is there consideration given for a lower undergrad GPA when complemented by exceptional performance in extra-curricular activities?
Cindy_Berkeley
Yes, we look at so many different things in an application that a decision is never made only on one factor (like GPA). We consider extracurricular involvement and any work experience during college when reviewing GPA as well as the rigor of the classes that you have taken.
MJacobo
I am an IT consultant; say that I send recommendation letters from my clients rather than my direct supervisor or Senior Manager. Do these letters have the same importance for you or it is better to have one from my current employer?
Cindy_Berkeley
A client is a good choice for a rec. You also might want to consider submitting one from a client and one from a manager/supervisor.
Lee_Moderator
Hi all! Thank you for joining us. The chat is shutting down. We appreciate your questions. Please check back on our website within the next couple of weeks for a transcript of today’s chat -- the last chat of this application cycle. Go Bears!
