Full-time MBA Program
The Berkeley MBA – Online Admissions Chat
October 18, 2007
Chat with Berkeley MBA Admissions Team
Peter Johnson, Director of Admissions
Stephanie Fujii, Senior Associate Director of Admissions
Jeff_Moderator
Welcome to the Berkeley MBA chat! My name is Jeff and Kara and I will be moderating the chat today. I would like to introduce Peter Johnson, Director of Admissions and Stephanie Fujii, Associate Director. Please send us your questions!
SFCandidate
How does the Admissions Committee view "breaks" in employment taken for a variety of reasons such as travel, non-profit pursuits, or just a break? For example, if I took 4 months off to travel when transitioning from one job to the next, is that viewed negatively?
Stephanie_Berkeley
A break in and of itself isn't viewed positively or negatively -- the most important thing is to explain in your application why you took the break so that the Admissions Committee isn't left wondering why it happened, what you did with your time, etc. I think it's more important that you have a thoughtful reason for taking the break.
Eddie RJ
How important is age for you? I am 35 years old. Is it a problem or will I have the same chances of someone younger?
Jeff_Moderator
Age is not considered as a factor in admissions. We have a fairly diverse age range (from 23-40) in our current class.
Eddie LeBreton
Hello Peter and Stephanie! What advice do you have for re-applicants when answering the essay questions? Some essays, like “Tell us about your most significant accomplishment” can only be answered once. How should we approach this essay and the others when answering them for a second time?
Stephanie_Berkeley
Hello Eddie! We do not require that you redo all of your essays from your previous application. If you feel that you had a strong essay for this question in your last application, don't spend time on a new, different answer. We do require that you answer any new questions, so I'd focus my essay time there. Good luck! (The one area that some re-applicants don't take advantage of, though, is the optional essay where we strongly recommend that you write about why you are a stronger candidate now than when you previously applied. Again -- this is not required but I would encourage you to use this opportunity!)
Ravi
During the course of the admissions review, I will have completed two more classes that I am taking from UC Berkeley Extension. Can I apply those classes to the admissions board for review as to my appeal to the university (am building an alternate transcript)?
Stephanie_Berkeley
I would list that you are taking these courses on your application and make sure to send your transcripts from them as soon as you are finished. We will take into account these courses -- however, the situations where this is most critical is in the case of someone who has weak quantitative prep (no courses in undergrad, weak a GMAT sub-score, etc.). In this case, we will look closely at any quantitative courses that the candidate might currently be enrolled in.
Ravi
I would like to know what round it is better to apply with UC Berkeley if one did not have the greatest undergraduate GPA, but has since garnered a strong alternate transcript, as well as received letters of recommendations that can confirm their intent on "success"?
Jeff_Moderator
We recommend applicants apply when they feel they have created the strongest representation for themselves. We consider all applicants equally in the pool under all 4 deadlines.
Eddie LeBreton
I visited the Haas campus in September 2006, but have not had a chance to visit since then. Has the campus/school changed significantly in the last year?
Stephanie_Berkeley
It has not. There are always new clubs and activities that are going on, but the campus itself has not changed.
amalik49
Are you expecting an increase in applications from last year? What percentage of class is filled from R1/R2/etc?
Pete_Berkeley
Amalik. That is a difficult question to answer. We have had higher attendance at many of our outreach events this fall and the number of GMAT test takers has risen, which may translate into more applications, but we won't know for sure until the application deadlines.
RQ
Is it true that applicants from the second round might not get an interview?
Jeff_Moderator
No, we select applicants for interview from all 4 rounds.
Robert
How beneficial is it to apply in Round 1?
Stephanie_Berkeley
I would focus more on making sure that you are presenting the strongest application possible versus applying as early as possible. If you don't spend enough time on your essays, preparing for the GMAT, talking to your recommenders, etc. -- you may not have a competitive application and then it won't help that you've applied in the first round. Take the time you need. The only round we warn people about is the last round, Round 4. At that point we will have made most of our offers for admission. Although we still do make offers from this round, there are very few seats remaining and it becomes that much more competitive.
jfw
According to Haas' website, there is no minimum cutoff for either GMAT or GPA. So what happens if you get low score on either one of those?
Pete_Berkeley
JFW, the fact that there are no minimum scores does not mean that scores aren't important. Keep in mind that it is a competitive process, and the admissions committee will be evaluating you against other candidates who may have similar professional skills and stronger test scores, etc. The best advice I can give you is to try to earn scores that fall into the middle 80% range and present yourself well on other parts of the application (essays, etc). This will give you the best chances.
Lillian
Both of the people I have chosen for my recommendations are French. Will it effect my application if their recommendations are not grammatically correct or if there are errors in spelling?
Jeff_Moderator
No, we take such things into consideration. However, we are looking for strong, professional recommendations that are conveyed effectively.
Rhonda
Hi, all. Thank you for the web chat. Can you talk a little about the most compelling essays you've received? What distinguishes these essays from all other applications?
Pete_Berkeley
Rhonda, that is a difficult question to answer in this format! There are many types of short answers and essays that we find compelling. I guess the most common characteristic is that the strongest essays are those in which the applicants succeeds in genuinely presenting their interests, passions, career goals, and achievements in an authentic way. Don't try to guess what we want to read--try to accurately present yourself.
abbey
What's the min and max as far as the GMAT requirement?
Jeff_Moderator
There is no minimum GMAT. Our average this year was 710, but 80% of the enrolled students this year had between a 660 and a 760.
Aaron Butler
Perhaps this is better suited for another room but I'll ask it here to kick us off. I'm particularly interested in the fact that electives make up 60% of the curriculum. As an applicant with some atypical aspirations, the idea of customizing coursework is very appealing. Can you explain a bit about how the faculty guides advises students on elective course selection?
Stephanie_Berkeley
The best resource for class selection will actually be your classmates. Evaluations for each class (professor and content) are available online -- so that is a good place to start your research. You will also talk to second-years about electives. If you choose to specialize in one of our certificate programs, the program directors (faculty) will also be very helpful in helping you to identify key classes. It is a very tight-knit community here and with only 240 students per class, you really get the chance to know the faculty and your classmates which makes it a very manageable process. I would also recommend going to the students' chat room to ask about their experiences.
Pete_Berkeley
All of our students have the opportunity to take at least two of their elective courses in other graduate departments at Berkeley, and many do. We have other students interested in the business of education as well, and last year our education club also organized and ran an education case competition.
FutureHaasStudent
I am curious about the certificate programs. Do the certificates mean anything to employers, or are they most useful to students who need direction in their studies?
Pete_Berkeley
FHS, certificates represent completion of a certain set of courses, and as such, they do have meaning to employers who understand them. The main reason that students earn them is precisely for that purpose.
Liam
What % of accepted applicants receive scholarships, and of what sort?
Pete_Berkeley
Liam, in an average year, 15-18% of our students receive scholarships, most of which are half tuition for both years or full tuition. We do not have a set number of scholarships, but rather a set pool of funds, and so the exact percentage varies each year. Please visit the financial aid section of our web site for complete details.
NG88
Could you please describe your ideal candidate?
Stephanie_Berkeley
This is a very tough question! First of all, if you haven't already, I would suggest listening to our podcast on Application tips (it's on our website.) We talk about each area of the application that we're evaluating (academics, professional accomplishments, personal qualities) and what we look for in each of these areas. There is no one profile -- we want to enroll as diverse a class as possible. However, we do want to ensure that candidates have sufficient preparation to succeed academically in our program, that they have rich work experiences and achievements to be able to contribute both inside and outside of the classroom (perspective, leadership, impact, etc.) and that candidates have the personal qualities (this we get from activities you're involved in, short answer questions, letters of recommendation, etc.) to be a strong addition to, and fit with our program.
tanhj
Hi, if I might have trouble sending in hard copy transcripts and diplomas before the deadline, will Berkeley accept that I send in a little bit later than deadline, maybe within 1 week after?
Jeff_Moderator
All transcripts and supporting documents should be submitted on or before the deadline. If you have circumstances beyond your control, you can contact our office directly at 510-642-1405.
ed
Hello, does Haas present any opportunities for students interested in sports management? Has Haas graduated influential sports management professionals?
Pete_Berkeley
Ed, we have occasionally offered an elective course in this area, and we do have students working in sports management, including an '06 graduate who works in marketing for the San Francisco 49ers.
Ben
Hi, can you explain to foreigners the significance of the "waiver to view recommendation letters" question? what exactly do I waive? would it impact on the admission at all?
Pete_Berkeley
Ben, it does not impact our decision. The waiver means that you waive your right to see what your recommender has written about you. Sometimes, recommenders provide us with a more candid assessment if the letter remains confidential.
sushmita
Hi Stephanie and Peter, can you explain how strict the admissions committee is regarding the 250 word max for the short answers? Will it be a disadvantage if we go over by about 10 words?
Jeff_Moderator
We believe that those who are successful in business school and in business have to be able to communicate professionally in a concise manner. We strongly recommend keeping to the posted work limit.
Amritha
Also, how do you assess students who have taken the GMAT twice?
Jeff_Moderator
We take the highest scores that we receive. It doesn't matter how many scores are sent to us.
Julie
Hi, what is the average number of years of work experience at Haas? Is it common to have students with 7+ years of experience?
Jeff_Moderator
Average work experience is 5 years, with the middle 80% between 3-8 years experience.
Sarah S
What are your thoughts on applicants that hire a company to help with their application? Are you able to tell the difference and does it reflect poorly or help the applicant?
Stephanie_Berkeley
We obviously prefer that everyone submits their own work! However we recognize that there is an industry out there that we cannot control. There are varying degrees to which these companies assist with application preparation. Yes, we can tell the difference. In the review process we want to get to know you -- I hope you can tell from our somewhat atypical short answer questions that we really are interested in what you're passionate about, who you are. Sometimes this gets lost when you hire someone else to help with your application. Although many candidates might have some editing assistance, if we feel that an application has been drafted by someone other than the applicant it will result in a negative decision.
Rhonda
Would you please comment on any recent changes in the curriculum?
Pete_Berkeley
Although the curriculum is always changing in small ways, there is no effort at this time to make large-scale changes to the curriculum. There have been additional offerings in our "Leading through innovation" program, including additional experiential opportunities, speakers' series, etc., but since these are not formal classes, they aren't technically part of the "curriculum". The MBA programs that have made major changes lately have been moving in the direction of providing more flexibility to students, which has been a distinguishing facet of our program for a number of years.
KarlHennig
Could you elaborate on the percentage of the total admits you admit in round 1, round2, etc.?
Jeff_Moderator
We do not have a set percentage. We do send out a significant number of offers within the first 2 rounds, but continue to make plenty of offers in round 3 and 4. There is no quota or limit.
Chris
Are there a specific number of admits during each round?
Pete_Berkeley
No--and for this reason, we encourage applicants to avoid Round 4. By the time we reach R4, most of the seats have already been offered.
Erin
The overall middle 80% GMAT range is helpful -- are similar ranges available for the individual components of the test (i.e., quantitative, verbal)?
Jeff_Moderator
No we do not have breakdowns for the individual components.
RSB
Last year, during an admissions event, I met Haas student Nick Spicer, a former BP employee. We discussed many of the ways in which Haas is increasing its coverage in the energy industry. Can you please provide an update on how Haas is continuing its involvement in energy, both conventional and alternative.
Stephanie_Berkeley
I would actually recommend that you email the Haas Student Ambassadors (hsa@haas.berkeley.edu) and have them connect with you in someone in BERC (Berkeley Energy & Resources Collaborative). They will be most up to date on what's going on at Haas.
Angelica
I am attending a certificate in marketing at Berkeley extension. May I transfer some of my courses?
Jeff_Moderator
We do not accept any transfer credits, sorry.
Song
Is there a way to get a transcript of today's chat?
Jeff_Moderator
We will be posting a transcript, hopefully within the next couple weeks.
Angelica
How important is the GMAT score? Even though I do not have a background in math, do I have to get a high percentile?
Pete_Berkeley
Everything is important in a competitive application process. Ability in quantitative methods, particularly statistics, is something that we look for in all candidates. If you do not have quantitative courses in your undergraduate curriculum, it makes your quant sub--score on the GMAT that much more important.
mambo
Can you introduce the essence of Hass culture? What part do students like the most?
Jeff_Moderator
This is a great question for one of our current MBA students in the Ask Students room.
Reming
How important is it to obtain a letter of recommendation from your current supervisor? My current supervisor has actually only been with my current company for a small amount of time and I feel as though the supervisor prior could give a better assessment. Will this be looked upon negatively?
Stephanie_Berkeley
Just make sure to explain your choice. In this case it sounds entirely reasonable as you would want to get a recommendation from someone who has worked with you for a significant enough amount of time. It also sounds as if this was a recent change so your former supervisor could still speak pretty closely to your current level of responsibility.
ogago
I want to know if the answers to supplemental questions have specific limit of words because in your web site the answers to the short questions, required essays and optional essays have limits of words.
Pete_Berkeley
Ogago, I don't remember off the top of my head what the character limit is, but they are longer than the short answers. Remember, however--we don't want an exhaustive listing of every volunteer opportunity you have ever participated in, but more detailed information about your significant involvement.
Lyone
Thanks for taking the time to speak to us. The more I learn about the program and current students, the more intimidated I become. Can you provide an example of a challenge you experienced in the program where you may have felt out of place? How did you overcome that experience, and what advice can you offer us?
Stephanie_Berkeley
This might be a better question for the student chat room! I will say that one part of what makes Haas unique is the culture -- it is extremely open, supportive, collaborative and engaging. Students face a variety of challenges in b-school but I really believe the sense of community at Haas is strong.
cesca
Is a 45 on the GMAT quant section considered strong?
Pete_Berkeley
Any quant sub-score at the 80th percentile or above would be considered "strong".
Chris L.
Everyone here knows Hass is a great program academically but, how's student life? One secondary motivation for me in choosing programs to apply to is to experience the life of the location. So, how's Berkeley/Haas?
Jeff_Moderator
Again, this is a great question for the current MBA students currently fielding questions in the Ask Students room.
Irene
Would you recommend including an Optional essay explaining pitfalls in credentials - such as lower academic GPA?
Stephanie_Berkeley
If you feel that this is a weakness in your application, it is always better to provide an answer to any questions you think the admissions committee might be asking. Do be mindful of how much you write-- don't feel the need to write an essay about one point. A brief explanation is often sufficient.
ColCar
When are financial aid decisions made? Is the probability of getting a scholarship higher if you apply on the first round than in the second one?
Pete_Berkeley
You don't have to be in the first round, but your chances of earning a scholarship are better in the first two rounds. Financial aid of other kinds (student loans, for example) is available throughout the cycle.
Lillian
Some schools offer contact information for alumni in our area. Does Haas do this and if so, where would we be able to obtain that information
Jeff_Moderator
Due to the high volume of prospect requests we cannot provide direct contacts to our alumni. However, if you have questions that are not answered here or in our blogs, please contact our office directly at 510-642-1405. Or you can email our Haas Student Ambassadors at hsa@haas.berkeley.edu
mambo
Hello, does Hass have some advantage in entertainment and media management?
Stephanie_Berkeley
The Digital Media and Entertainment Club is one of the strongest at Haas. The annual >play conference is next weekend 10/27. I would check out their website and contact the club to find out more about our strengths in this area.
LA_Eric
Is there any difference in the consideration of applicants that are aspiring "career changers" versus those that hope to continue in their current career track?
Kara_Moderator
It's important to have clear and realistic short and long term goals. We have many students that pursue the MBA for their current industry and many that decide to change industries.
Afshin
From your experiences, who provides the best feedback on your essays while you are writing them? I have friends/family reading them but I am tempted to ask current Haas students and alum to also look over hoping they have more insight into the type of essay that gets noticed more by admissions.
Stephanie_Berkeley
I think it's more important that you select someone who you trust to be candid with you -- almost brutally honest, really. Some people who know you too well might miss out on the subtleties of how you present yourself because they have so much "inside information". It can always help to have an MBA student or alum review your application, but it's much more important that you select someone who knows you well. What gets noticed is when you're truly being you versus writing what you think we want to hear. Authenticity goes a long way!
Benjamin
How well is the career placement for Haas and is it mainly concentrated in California?
Kara_Moderator
Career placement is all over the world. You may wish to visit the Career Center website for more information on career placement, on and off campus recruitment, etc. http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/groups/careercenter/
Yang
Hi, one major concern of mine is that I would have difficulty in obtaining my official undergraduate transcript from China. I had the same problem when I applied for my Engineering Master's degree at U. Colorado back in 1998. I couldn't get the copy from China and ended up asking my PhD program at SUNY Buffalo to provide a copy to Colorado. Now, 16 years after my Bachelor's degree, and with PhD and Master's degrees from U.S. schools, I wonder if that is going to spoil my application at Haas if I couldn't obtain the official copy?
Pete_Berkeley
Yang, that's hard to say. It would be a rare exception for us to offer admission to someone who could not provide official documentation of the undergraduate degree. This would be reviewed on an exceptional basis, so it really isn't possible to answer your question in much detail.
champaigne_supernova
Could you please share some statistics regarding the number of applicants and admissions in various application rounds last year?
Jeff_Moderator
Overall we saw a 20% increase in applications last year, reaching over 3000. Many of those came in the first 2 rounds.
RQ
Hello again, I think my question was answered when I lost connection for a minute. Can you comment again about the GMAT score in regards to coursework? I have strong coursework, but I am not the best test taker.
Kara_Moderator
Your academic records and GMAT score will be evaluated to determine your academic aptitude and potential success in the curriculum. A strength in one area may balance out a weakness in another.
vanessa_in_dc
do any of the faculty have expertise in Hispanic Marketing?
Kara_Moderator
The Haas Marketing Group would be able to answer your question in more detail: http://groups.haas.berkeley.edu/marketing/
Charlotte
What is your favorite thing about Berkeley MBA students, perhaps something that makes them stand out among those at other top business schools?
Pete_Berkeley
Charlotte, I would cite motivation, creativity, commitment, smarts, and lack of arrogance...
Dilip
Mentioned in the instructions: "Send only the materials requested in this application. Submitting additional materials may be detrimental to your application." Two poetry books of mine have been published by mainstream publishers. A very quick look at the books might help you while evaluating me. Should I post them across along with the supplemental material or mentioning about the books in an essay is sufficient?
Jeff_Moderator
I would say that it is not necessary to send us your books. We look to evaluate writing skills within the application itself and tests. Additional supporting materials are not recommended.
Lucia
Do you negatively consider 5 years of full work within the same company (a commercial bank)? I mean, would be better to have changed jobs many times or it just does not matter if the experience is within the same company or among many different ones?
Kara_Moderator
The admissions committee is looking at the richness of your professional experience including growth, increased responsibility, leadership, etc. Your work experience should demonstrate a path of growth - this can happen in the same company or in different companies.
Leslie
If I apply for the MBA/MPH program, and am accepted to Haas but not the MPH program, will I still be able to attend Haas in the fall? Or will I have to completely reapply the following year?
Jeff_Moderator
It is a joint application process. You will either be admitted or not for the joint program, not for one or the other.
vanessa_in_dc
What is the best reason to come study at Haas?
Kara_Moderator
There are many factors that make Haas the right program - curriculum, faculty, innovation, community, location, etc. I would recommend reaching out to the Haas Student Ambassador team to learn more from a current student perspective on why they chose Haas: hsa@haas.berkeley.edu
Ravi
Would you be able to elaborate on Angelica's question regarding the "transfer of courses"? I myself am taking UC Berkeley Extension classes in order to build an alternate transcript for review for the admissions board, in light of a poor undergrad performance (in addition to the GMAT, etc). Is it all for naught?
Jeff_Moderator
We certainly look at courses taken, particularly if they address weaknesses you perceive in yourself. We encourage you to address and discuss them in the application. For the MBA program, however, admitted students cannot transfer credit hours towards degree completion.
mshing319
Can I submit first round applications with the recommendation letters pending? I am expecting my recommenders to take more time than expected.
Stephanie_Berkeley
We do have a brief grace period for the rest of your materials to come in. If we still do not have all of your supplemental materials by a certain point, you will have to move your application to the next round. The biggest impact is to you -- we do not begin reviewing files until they are complete. Therefore, the later the recommendations are in getting in, the later they will go out to review...and should you be invited to interview...the later the date that you will hear from us. If you think submitting in the first round would rush your recommenders, you might want to consider waiting until Round 2 to make sure that they are writing the strongest letters possible.
Jenny
Will you be holding an info session in Phoenix, AZ?
Jeff_Moderator
No, not this year. Please see our website for a list of cities we will be visiting this year.
dbradley
The Haas website lists the round deadlines as "Online Application submitted by." Do the letters of recommendation need to be delivered by this date also? Postmarked by that date?
Kara_Moderator
Your recommenders should aim to submit by the round deadline. You can, however, submit your application without submission of your letters of recommendation - you should be sure to get your application in by the deadline. Please note that your file will not move on for review by the admissions committee without receipt of your recommendations.
Chris L.
Hi Pete and Stephanie, on your ADMISSIONS BLOG Hass describes itself as standing out from the other leading MBA programs as looking beyond GPA and GMAT numbers. My undergrad GPA wasn't as high as some applicants due to difficulty of the major. I gradated with a BS in Microbiology wanting to go into Biotech/Pharma Sales and Marketing, yet I have found a much more suitable niche in the Online Media Realm via other non-related jobs as well. I believe I have a unique story behind my application and distinct direction for the future, but in order to get to where I am the sub 3.0 GPA played a part. How much does this hurt me and how true is that statement on your blog?
Pete_Berkeley
Chris L, that statement is very true, but it means that we look at a variety of elements, including professional experience, achievements, personal qualities, etc. It doesn't mean that we ignore GMAT and UG records--it simply means that we make decisions holistically. A fantastic GMAT and GPA will not get you into our program if you are weak in the other areas; likewise, a lower GPA won't necessarily keep you out if the application is strong enough in other ways.
tattoohkt
Lots of emphasis has been placed on the quant section of GMAT. Does it mean that admission don't weight the verbal section as much?
Kara_Moderator
All sections of the GMAT are evaluated
indiangal
Can we take MFE courses from HAAS?
Pete_Berkeley
Indiangal, the MFE is part of the Haas School. If you are asking if you can take any of the courses as an MBA student, the answer is yes, but it is challenging. The MFE operates on a different schedule, and it is not possible to take some of the courses because they simply don't fit from a schedule perspective.
FutureHaasStudent
I failed one class, retook it and made a B. Should I write about this in the optional essay, or does the fact that I retook the class and made a decent grade speak for itself? Thank you
Kara_Moderator
Use the optional essay to explain anything to the admissions committee that you feel is pertinent to your application. If you feel this portion of your academic performance needs explanation, then use the essay to write about it. Note that the committee will see the replacement grade on the transcripts.
champaigne_supernova
As an MBA student at the Haas school, are there any opportunities to be employed as a teaching assistant at the school or other departments?
Jeff_Moderator
Please address your question to one of the current MBA students in the Ask Students room.
diana
Can you please tell me what aspects do you look for , when admitting a person to the MBA program?
Kara_Moderator
Yes - we have our evaluative areas outlined on our website in detail. Please visit http://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/apply_01.html
Chris
How many students are currently enrolled in the Management of Technology certificate program? How early do you have to enroll in this program? (First year/second year)
Pete_Berkeley
Chris, it varies from year to year--it is not a fixed number. In some years, we have had 60+. Like all certificates, it simply represents completion of a certain group of courses--you do not have to apply to the certificate program.
tiffany
Is it best to have your references from your most recent employment experience?
Jeff_Moderator
We do recommend at least one letter from a current or recent supervisor. If not, there is an area in the application to let us know why.
champaigne_supernova
How does a previous graduate degree impact admissions committee's view of an applicant?
Pete_Berkeley
Champaigne, a previous grad degree would give us some clues about your ability to complete academic work at a graduate school level, but it is neither a great advantage nor disadvantage.
champaigne_supernova
How does lack of volunteer work, for example, because of long working hours, impact an applicants chances of admission?
Kara_Moderator
The admissions committee is looking for how you balance involvement in many aspects of your life. Haas students are very involved in many different areas as this is a very student-driven community. There are instances where work commitments limit that ability - speak to this piece in your application so the committee can understand your situation.
JuliaStubben
How important (if at all) is a candidate's international experience? (i.e.: working and studying abroad; fluency in a second language, etc.)
Pete_Berkeley
JuliaS, it is helpful and rounds out an applicant's profile, but it is not a requirement. On average, more than 70% of our admitted students have some international experience (studying or working) prior to their admission.
Angelica
I have a question about the recommendations. I have spent the last 4 years working for the same company. So, I am short on recommendations from previous supervisors. May I submit recommendations from coworkers, or the company’s president and my supervisor?
Stephanie_Berkeley
If at least one of your letters is from your current supervisor then I wouldn't be concerned about having one from a former supervisor. And a letter from 4 years ago might be a bit dated...presumably you hold a position with a higher level of leadership than you did then, and you are at a different point in your career. If you have worked closely with the president and feel confident that s/he can write a strong letter with detailed examples, then this would be a good choice. A co-worker may not be the strongest choice as we ask the recommender to compare you to your peers and a co-worker (depending on the level) may not have the visibility to answer this question.
huong
Do I have to wait for the official transcript to reach the admissions committee before clicking the submit button on my online application? In that case will I get a confirmation upon receipt of my transcript from admissions committee?
Kara_Moderator
No - you can submit your online application at any time. Be sure to submit by the deadline for the round you are applying. We will communicate with all applicants by email notifying when your application has moved on for review. Similarly, we will let you know if we are missing any pieces of supplemental material.
thomas
I was looking at the entrepreneurship program’s website. Aside from the courses you offer and the Lester Center for Entrepreneurship, is there anything else I should be aware of?
Stephanie_Berkeley
There are many other opportunities -- we have 2 business plan competitions, an incubator, entrepreneurs-in-residence, etc. I would suggest contacting the Haas Student Ambassadors and having them connect you with a current student who is pursuing entrepreneurship.
Chris
Do recommenders have to mail in letters even after completing the online recommendation?
Jeff_Moderator
No, online recommendations are all completed online.
Runi
So, if we have only had a few months of full-time work experience, would you discourage us from applying?
Kara_Moderator
Our admitted students have between 3-8 years of full-time professional work experience. Without at least 2 years of full-time professional work experience post-undergrad, you would be at a competitive disadvantage.
Chris L.
Just wanted to say thank you for answering my question. There are just so many fantastic and successful people applying for this program, I'm excited to see if I can join them in learning among the brightest minds in the Business world. Thanks again, I much enjoyed this.
Kara_Moderator
You are welcome! Good luck!
diana
Do you look at the applications as they reach you, or you wait till the round deadline and look all the applications at that time?
Jeff_Moderator
We review applications within the round they are submitted.
Jasmine
Due to a family reason, I have over one years gap in my working experience, I just wonder what's the impact of that on my application.
Kara_Moderator
please explain the reason for the gap in employment in your application. The committee will review this along with all other components of your application
Amit Nagar
Pete - Thank you for your reply. I was referring to the 80% range of the overall score. I believe I have a strong case given my academic track record (particularly in the quantitative field), which I will highlight in my application. But again, I will be retaking the GMAT to break a score that is more competitive. I have strong work experience, but the GMAT is proving to be my Achilles, at the moment. Another question I had is in regards to undergraduate institution. I heard that there is favorability put on candidates who have attended accredited, top schools. Is this true? If so, how will a person from, for example, a "higher rated" engineering school with a lower GPA compare to a candidate from a "non-accredited" engineering school with a high GPA?
Pete_Berkeley
Amit N, ok--thanks for clarifying. There isn't a clear answer for your question, since each admission decision is based on a combination of factors, and the variables are never exactly the same for candidates--you're like snowflakes, to use a slightly tired metaphor, and each of you is unique. Having strong grades and a strong GMAT score are certainly positive points, but they wouldn't get you in to our program if you don't have strong enough professional experience. Having academic credentials from an academic program that we know to be of high quality is also helpful, but just one of the things we look at. The accreditation question is a bit more difficult. We do not admit candidates whose degrees are from non-accredited institutions.
Rhonda
How does the committee view a recommendation from a job three years past?
Stephanie_Berkeley
Sometimes candidates are limited in their choices for recommenders -- which we understand. The best way to answer this question is to give you an idea of what we're looking for -- ideally, we would have recommendations that speak to your current role and level of responsibility from someone who is senior to you (and thus able to compare you to your peers and discuss your impact on the organization) and who has worked closely enough with you to provide detailed examples. If you feel that your position 3 years ago adds an important dimension to your work experience/career goals this could be a strong choice.
Jeff_Moderator
Hi all! Thank you for joining us. The chat will be wrapping up in a few minutes. We greatly appreciate your questions. We apologize for not getting to everyone. Please check back on our website for transcripts of today’s chat and for future chat dates. Pete and Stephanie will continue to address some questions already in their cue, but we will not be forwarding additional questions.
Jeff Y
I am interested in learning about socially responsible investing. The HSRI fund sounds like a fantastic hands-on opportunity. What kind of feedback have you had about this fund?
Stephanie_Berkeley
This is a new fund that is just being launched -- so there isn't a lot to talk about yet...I would suggest contacting the Center for Responsible Business &/or the Haas Student Ambassadors to find out more.
Chris
How are internships handled for international students?
Pete_Berkeley
Chris, internships are handled in the same way for all students. Companies and other organizations come to us to interview for interns, which is often part of their process for evaluating candidates for eventual permanent position. International students have permission to work on an internship as part of their student visa.
Kirk
Being self-employed, I'm assuming letters of recommendation from other business people I work with rather than others that work for me would be best?
Kara_Moderator
Select individuals with whom you have had considerable professional interaction such as a major client.
Ravi
Do you contact recommenders for further strengthening of students applications, or is that letter of recommendation just about the best lone shot?
Kara_Moderator
Your recommender should be as thorough as possible in the recommendation letter as this is the main source we use for recommendation information.
rp
I have attested copies of undergrad transcripts from India. Is it ok to submit them at least for the application process. I can furnish official transcripts upon admission.
Kara_Moderator
You should submit properly attested copies of your academic records for review with your application.
fara
My major is Biology and I have never taken a course in Business. Do you suggest that I first take some undergrad business courses before applying to the MBA program?
Kara_Moderator
You do not have to have a business background or coursework to be considered for the MBA. While not a formal requirement, the committee strongly recommends that you've taken at least statistics or calculus at the college level.
huong
Apart from scholarship, would international students be entitled for loan?
Kara_Moderator
Yes - for more information visit: http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/mba/finaid/InternationalMain.htm
PNR
How many prospective students generally apply in round 1? Of these what percentage is invited for an interview?
Pete_Berkeley
PNR, the number is different every year, although it is generally smaller than rounds 2 or 3. There is no fixed percentage that we will invite to interview--it is based on our preliminary review.
Angelica
Does working for a small company impact negatively in my application?
Jeff_Moderator
No! Small or large, we are looking at your experience, not the size of the company.
huong
If I already have an undergraduate diploma granted, would I still have to submit the official degree certificate?
Kara_Moderator
Yes - you must submit official copies of your academic records and degree certificate.
Lillian
If I switch jobs, would you rather see a recommendation from my current employer or my previous employer.
Stephanie_Berkeley
It depends. A popular answer, I know....you want to have a letter from someone who has worked with you for a significant enough amount of time that they can really talk about your achievements, impact, leadership, etc. and provide detailed examples to support what they say. If you are just switching jobs you may not have enough time in your new role for your new supervisor to provide as strong a recommendation. Just make sure to answer our question on why you're not providing a letter from your current supervisor. One thing I will say -- suppose you are placed on the waitlist (which is a good sign!) -- then you may want to provide an additional letter from your new supervisor. You will have had a little more time in your role and this could provide an important perspective.
Leslie
Hi, is it better to have recommendations submitted online or by mail?
Kara_Moderator
Either online or paper submission is fine. Online submission is preferred.
AndyMitch
I am exclusively interested in the Center for Responsible Business, if I make that clear in my application, might that effect how I am considered? From my background, I might not be a strong applicant for a finance program, but I believe I am for a CSR approach-- will that be taken into consideration?
Pete_Berkeley
AndyMtich, career goals are always considered in our evaluation of your application, whether you are applying for CSR or Finance. Realistic and well-thought-out career goals are important in the process.
JYu_applicant
My previous question was already partially answered. Would you tell us how re-applicants are evaluated? Are we at a disadvantage? Are old applications compared against the new applications? Thanks!
Stephanie_Berkeley
You are not at a disadvantage. We will review your previous application alongside your new one. One of the most important things you can do to strengthen your application is to explain why you feel you are a stronger candidate now.
huong
Will there be many options for a career placement in Social Entrepreneurship / Renewable Energy upon completion of the MBA program? I know Technology is a strong edge of Berkeley, how about Social Entrepreneurship / Renewable Energy?
Kara_Moderator
Check out the career placement reports for more information: http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/groups/careercenter/employment_reports.html
lb
Hi, is there one requirement about TOEFL " Paper-based tests should be scheduled at least eight weeks prior to the deadline you want to meet?"
Jeff_Moderator
We know that there has been an increased difficulty in scheduling TOEFL tests due to high demand in a number of countries. We recommend scheduling as early in advance as possible. If you have scheduled a test but it is on, just before, or around the deadline date, it may be OK, but you can contact our office directly for more information. If you are having trouble scheduling the test at all, we are also accepting tests from IELTS, please see www.ielts.org for more information.
Abby
I am from Malaysia and I am planning to fly to Singapore when Haas is in Spore during the MBA tour in November but unsure if it will be useful, will the representative be there directly for me to get useful information?
Stephanie_Berkeley
We will have a member of the Admissions Committee at the fair in Singapore. She is also an alumna of the program and will talk about her experiences while at Haas.
tattoohkt
I am an international student but attended university in the U.S. Do I need a TOEFL score as well?
Jeff_Moderator
No, if you have attended a full year US university level coursework and have a "B" or better GPA, you will not need to take the TOEFL.
huong
Will there be many possibilities for a placement in Social Entrepreneurship?
Pete_Berkeley
Huong, we do not "place" students, nor do any of the top MBA programs. We assist you in finding a position. Although our program is well known in this area, the number of graduates who go directly into this type of work is generally 2-3%. This is more a reflection of student interests than the market, however.
Lucia
How much time do we have to pay the enrollment deposit if we are admitted in the first or second round? Can we wait until April or is there a fixed time after hearing from you?
Pete_Berkeley
Lucia, applicants from Rounds 1 and 2 generally have until just after our first admitted student weekend in April to give us a decision.
Min
What do you think are the most common difficulties for international students during the program and what are your advices for them to go over their barriers?
Pete_Berkeley
Min, I think a common challenge is simply becoming accustomed to the way in which MBA programs teach. A great deal of participation in class discussions is expected, as well as participation in group projects, in addition to individual projects and assignments. Having strong English skills is certainly a key factor...
Pete_Berkeley Thanks for joining the chat today, everyone, and best wishes with your applications!
