Full-time MBA Program
The Berkeley MBA – Online Admissions Chat
November 29, 2007
Chat with Berkeley MBA Admissions Team
Peter Johnson , Director of Admissions
Cindy Jennings-Millette, Assistant Director of Admissions
Lee_Moderator
Welcome to the Berkeley MBA chat. My name is Lee and Jeff and I will be moderating the chat today. I would like to introduce Peter Johnson, Director of Admissions and Cindy Jennings Millette, Assistant Director. Please send us your questions, but remember that this is a moderated chat. Your questions are put into a queue to be answered, do not be alarmed if we do not respond to you immediately. It is best if you send one question at a time and please do not resend your questions multiple times. They will not be answered more quickly and it may slow us down.
Cindy_Berkeley
Hi there. My name is Cindy Jennings Millette and I am Assistant Director of Admissions. Thanks for joining the chat today! I'm happy to answer any questions that you might have.
Pete_Berkeley
Hello everyone! Thanks for joining us for the chat.
shashank
Is a TOEFL waiver possible for a graduate of a non-English speaking country if he graduated from a institute where English was the language of instruction?
Cindy_Berkeley
Hi Shashank, The only exception to the TOEFL requirement is if you've had at least one year of full-time academic coursework at a US institution. We do not offer waivers for the TOEFL.
shashank
Do you have statistics, like how many of your graduates have joined technology industry as product managers?
Pete_Berkeley
Shashank, yes, we have lots of data about the employment of our graduates on the web site. Visit http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/groups/careercenter/employment_reports.html.
HectorDLR
Hi, my name is Hector and I’m from Peru. I’m planning to apply for the 2nd round and I would like to know if I have to send documents physically via courier and if so which are these documents and what is the deadline?
Lee_Moderator
Hector, you need to send transcripts and degree certificates in the original language and in English translation. You may send them via post or via courier, and they must be sent by the deadline. See the application instructions for more detail.
ns
I have an essays-related question: I feel like there is some overlap between the second part of short-Essay 4 (reasons for choosing Haas) and the last question of Essay 6. Can someone clarify?
Pete_Berkeley
ns, depending on what you choose to tell us, there may be overlap, and perhaps not. Short answer 4 is about how you have gone about the process of learning about the Berkeley MBA program and the ways in which it might be a good fit for you; the long essay re: career goals is more specifically about just that--career goals. It helps to tell us why you think our program might help you with career goals, of course, so there may be overlap there.
Ansari
Considering the current admission cycle, how many would you say or what percentage of people actually falls under the typical IT/engineering background, and is it of any disadvantage applying in the 2nd round?
Pete_Berkeley
Ansari, it is much too early to know the answer to that question. At this point, we only have our Round 1 apps to consider, and it is usually 25% of the pool of less. As for R2, your chances of admission are unlikely to be any different than Round 1. You'll want to avoid R4, however...
Daidipya
Hi, My name is Daidipya Patwa, thank you for hosting this chat session. I have several questions related to the same topic. What is the California resident to non-California resident ratio? Does the admissions committee have a percentage ratio they aim for? Are there advantages to being a California resident?
Cindy_Berkeley
Daidipya, We do not have a quota for how many applicants we admit from inside/outside of California. In admissions, we are looking for a diverse pool of applicants so we admit students from all across the US as well as abroad (over 30% international students). There is no advantage in regards to admission by being a California resident. The main advantage is in regards to the reduced tuition you pay as a California resident.
Liz
If I have taken the GMAT twice and have reported as such on the application, do I have to report both scores, or just one?
Lee_Moderator
Hi Liz. We consider your highest score, so that's the one you should have sent to us.
HectorDLR
Pete, what opportunities does Berkeley’s program give in order to develop leadership qualities?
Pete_Berkeley
Hector, we have a leadership core course, a leadership-focused student organization (Leaders at Haas), a leadership development-focused program called Peer at Haas, and many, many opportunities to develop leadership skills by working in the leadership team of one of our student conferences (Healthcare Conference, Digital Media and Entertainment, etc).
ankit
I remember reading that the official transcripts are needed only after I am offered the admission, could you please clarify?
Lee_Moderator
Hi Ankit. Official transcripts are required with the application, and review of your file may be delayed if you send only copies. Please see the application instructions for full details.
Jagannath
Hi Cindy and Pete! I have an IT background. I am interested in general management and product management. I am interested in the MOT program and its Information Technology related courses like Information and Technology-Based marketing and Managing the new development process. Can you give more information on these courses?
Pete_Berkeley
Jagannath, not in this format, really. The courses you mention are electives that any student can take (pursuing MOT or not) and what you might want to do is send a message to our Haas Student Ambassadors (HSA@haas.berkeley.edu) to ask if a student who is currently or has recently taken one of those courses would like to be in contact by e-mail. I can tell you that both of them are popular courses...
Christine M.
Hi. Thank you for hosting the chat. I've found past transcripts to be helpful. Can you give us some overall pitfalls that prospective candidates fall into when applying? What are some things to avoid in the application process?
Cindy_Berkeley
One mistake that I've seen applicants make is in regards to the essay questions. Many times, applicants try so hard to impress the admissions committee that there essays fall flat. For example, writing about wanting to have dinner with Jack Welch rather than who you'd really like to have dinner with. My advice is to answer these questions and state the first thing that comes to your mind. You'll find that these essays will be a more genuine and honest view of yourself.
fedefede
Can documents sent by courier be sent by us directly or must they be sent by the issuing universities?
Lee_Moderator
You can send your documents yourself -- in fact, that is preferred. If your university insists on sending them, that is also acceptable.
ankit
Can you tell us a little bit about the general impression of the first round applications that you have reviewed so far, and maybe the number of applicants?
Pete_Berkeley
Ankit, it's much too early to have any distinct impressions about how the pool is shaping up.
miumiu
Hi, what's the deadline for transcripts? 11 th of Dec. means the arriving time or the send off time?
Lee_Moderator
The deadline is a postmark deadline -- you must send them by that date.
daBears
Is there any type of preference given to applicants who submit their applications several days to several weeks before the deadline vs. applicants that submit on the deadline date?
Jeff_Moderator
No, there is no preference.
John Oden
Good morning! I'm curious to know how applications are reviewed. Is there one person who reads it start to finish? Do different people read the different essays?
Cindy_Berkeley
Hi John, Every application is read by at least two separate readers. Each reader provides a thorough review of an applicant's profile including all essays. Many times, an application is passed on for a third or even fourth review, as well as discussed in an admissions committee meeting.
Christine M.
I understand that applicants need to have official transcripts sent from their undergraduate institution. I took one correspondence class for technical writing from Texas Tech because the classes were full at my university. It was taken Pass/Fail and is reflected on my transcript as a credit. Do I need to have Texas Tech send a transcript for that one class?
Lee_Moderator
Christine, we do not need a transcript for that class, but you may be asked to explain why you didn't send one.
PK
Hello All! Thanks for hosting this chat. Does the admissions office regard the school visits as a mark of seriousness on the part of the prospective student towards Haas? I live in Detroit, and have a full time job. Although, I would have loved to visit, it has been very difficult to coordinate a visit to Haas during the regular school hours.
Pete_Berkeley
PK, it's one indication of interest, but it's not a disadvantage in the admissions process if you haven't. It's definitely a disadvantage if the application essays suggest that you know little about the program.
Gill
If my university transcripts are actually photocopies of original documents that are verified and stamped by the institution, are these acceptable?
Lee_Moderator
Gill, attested copies stamped by your school are acceptable.
KatherineChu
I have a rather specific question. I'm applying to Haas for Fall '09, and I was wondering if it would be better to apply early in Round 1 or wait until Round 2 when I'll have the results of the California Bar. Would it impact the admission decision?
Pete_Berkeley
Katherine, the results of the CA Bar Exam would not have any impact on the MBA application, actually. I would apply at the point in time that you feel you are ready to present a strong application, but I wouldn't wait for bar results.
Gill
How flexible is the length of essays, specifically the short answers, because some answers might go beyond the specified limit. Should we cut them down exactly to the given word limit?
Cindy_Berkeley
Gill, We don't have the time to count words, so if your essay runs over 5 - 10 words, I wouldn't be too concerned. However, if you tend to go over the limit noticeably for every essay, that would be somewhat of a concern. We provide the word limits for a reason and hope that applicants follow our directions to the best of their ability.
Rnd2Candidate
For the goals essay, how important is it to speak to every company for which I've worked? I've been at 3 companies in 5 years so at this point my first company experience has not been as significant an influence on my future goals. However, if I exclude it, will this be seen as a big gap?
Pete_Berkeley
R2candidate, it's important to include all of your positions in the work history section, but in the essay, you should address those elements of your goals and experience that you feel are most significant.
Katie
Good morning, I applied two years ago, so I am a re-applicant. Can I expect you to still have my GMAT score and my transcript or should I resend those?
Jeff_Moderator
If your application was complete when submitted previously and the GMAT was taken in the last 5 years, then yes we should have everything. If you have taken additional courses that may weigh in your application we may need transcripts for them.
Shanky
This is a question regarding GMAT. I sat for the GMAT exam in Dec 2006 and I chose Berkeley Haas as a school where the score should be sent. As per GMAC site, the score was sent to you in Jan 2007. Since this date falls under your previous academic year, do I need to resend the score to you?
Cindy_Berkeley
We retain GMAT scores for two years, so we should have your Dec 06 GMAT score. If we have any problems receiving your score we will let you know and give you a reasonable period of time to contact GMAC while still being considered for the round in which you applied.
fargoian
Does a re-applicant to the full-time program require official GMAT scores if scores were submitted to the E&W program in his/her original application?
Lee_Moderator
Hi Fargian. Please have your scores resent to the full-time program -- we cannot access electronic scores sent to the EWMBA.
amit
What is the range of GMAT scores that have been reviewed from R1 that are potential "accept-ees?”
Jeff_Moderator
We don't post ranges from within the same application cycle. 80% of this fall entering MBA class scored between a 660 and 760 on the GMAT.
mfginty
How closely does the admissions staff look at the essay portion of the GMAT?
Pete_Berkeley
Mfginty, how closely we scrutinize the AWA depends on what else we see in the application. Frankly, I don't find it as useful as other parts of the application, but we occasionally compare it with other writing in the application and it gives us a measure (although quite imperfect) of your analytical skills. (As you may know, the scoring of the AWA is weighted toward the logic of your argument rather than the writing skills).
Cindy_Berkeley
You'll find more information about this on the partners club website - http://groups.haas.berkeley.edu/partnersclub/
daBears
Do re-applicants need to send another copy of their transcripts if they have taken no additional classes?
Lee_Moderator
No. Re-applicants only need to send new transcripts for additional coursework.
Pat
Hi, I have 10 years of experience in the Telecom/ IT space. Would this be considered too much experience for a full-time MBA.
Jeff_Moderator
No, while our current 1st years had on average 3-8 years work experience, more does not necessarily hinder an application.
JO
Hello, I would like to know whether there is any supporting program to help international students find their post-MBA jobs in foreign countries.
Pete_Berkeley
JO, there are programs in our career services area for a variety of things. We have specific sessions each year devoted to international job searches, and we have a career services advisor who specifically works with students (US or intl.) planning to work abroad after finishing their MBA.
shashank
I have reported the wrong GPA to GMAC by mistake and its appearing on my score report. Do I need to be concerned?
Jeff_Moderator
We take GPA from you application and transcripts, not from GMAC.
Mous
Coming back to GPA, in my country we do not have such a system. We rather have grades/20. How does the admissions committee evaluate that? Also how will you check the competitiveness of an undergraduate institution?
Lee_Moderator
The admissions committee has experience in evaluating transcripts from all over the world, as well as access to specially-trained evaluators through our Graduate Division.
Chris Max
Hi, I was wondering if you had any admission statistics for third round applicants. How much of the class has already been accepted by then? What are admissions committees looking for at that point?
Pete_Berkeley
Chris, this varies each year, and hasn't been all that consistent. Also, please keep in mind that unlike many MBA programs, we have 4 rounds. I can tell you that a significant number of Round 3 apps have gained admission during the 8 years I've been at Haas, and I don't expect that to change. I would encourage you to avoid Round 4, however--we usually make offers to a very small number of R4 candidates.
Peter
Do the transcripts have to be in a sealed envelope? I ask because my school sent my 4 copies in one envelope.
Lee_Moderator
Yes, we require transcripts in a sealed envelope, especially from schools in the US.
fargoian
Can you provide more guidance for the 'innovation' essay? How should it differ from the 'significant accomplishment' essay. Also, if we applied last year, what would your guidance would be to avoid overlap (i.e. would you suggest that we document different experiences)?
Cindy_Berkeley
Fargoian, I would suggest that you provide a different experience from other essays that you've submitted (even from last year's essays if you are a re-applicant). The innovation essay is an opportunity for you to talk about a time when you had a creative or new idea and was able to convince others to adopt this idea and implement this idea.
KatherineChu
Hello. I have a question about re-application. If I would like to answer more question than are required (essentially to fully re-apply), do I simply answer those in the application, or do I need to make a special note of some kind? For those that are not required, do I need to answer that the question is not required for re-applicants? Thanks!
Lee_Moderator
Katherine, you may answer only the required questions or you can submit a complete application -- That decision is up to each re-applicant.
Peter
How does CAL stand out from the crowd? In other words, what makes CAL unique?
Pete_Berkeley
Peter, in addition to particular specialization areas that are widely recognized in their field (including Marketing, Finance, CSR, Real Estate, Healthcare Mgt, etc) our focus on teaching students how to organize and lead innovative organizations is somewhat unique. This is not an easy question to answer in a couple of questions.
Chris
I have a question regarding letters of recommendation: My current employer has asked me not to contact active clients, and since I report directly to the President, I think I would be prohibited from having anyone else in the company write on my behalf (based on the ‘no co-workers’ prohibition in the guidelines). If this is so, would I be best off using a client who has been inactive for approximately a year, or someone from an outside context (athletic team or club member) who has interacted with me more recently?
Cindy_Berkeley
Chris, I certainly understand the limitations that have in requesting a recommendation from a client. I think the two optional choices you described could both be effective -- whether you choose an inactive client or someone from an outside context. We do use the letters of recommendation to evaluate your professional experiences, so I'd keep that in mind when selecting your recommenders.
\Blank\
I would like to know more of Haas' relations to California's private equity market. In what unique ways can Haas help a student obtain the necessary networking and knowledge to enter this specific market?
Pete_Berkeley
Blank, well the knowledge comes through courses that we offer, and much of the networking comes through our faculty and alumni. We even have a private equity-focused committee of our student finance club that organizes industry-focused networking events in both SF and LA. Visit: http://groups.haas.berkeley.edu/fc/Careers_pec.htm for more details...
HIRO
My university in Japan adopts a three-score rating, such as "A" indicating rate 4, "B" indicating rate 3, and "C" indicating rate 2. In this case should I leave the GPA blank?
Lee_Moderator
Students who study at schools not on a 4.0-scale are not required to calculate a GPA.
jameswang
For applicants that can not visit Haas campus and attend the information session because of a busy schedule, I would like to talk with current Haas students and collect information through the Haas website to know Haas, will it be a weakness for me to address the fourth essay on what steps I have taken to learn about Haas? Thanks.
Pete_Berkeley
Jameswang, not really--the strength of it depends on what you tell us. We don't tell students to, or infer that you must visit campus before applying, but we do expect candidates to have some sense of why the Berkeley MBA program might be a good fit.
Christina
Should I report official score of IBT before the deadline? Is an unofficial report OK?
Pete_Berkeley
Christina, as long as you have taken the exam before the deadline date, it is OK to report the unofficial score on the application, as we will receive the official score report directly from ETS.
amazingk
I sent my IELTS score by mail. How can I know if your team has received it or not?
Jeff_Moderator
If we are missing any of your application materials, you will be contacted 2-3 weeks after the deadline as we setup and review your application for evaluation.
Tommy
For one of my recommendation letters, it will be most likely written in a foreign language. Would it be acceptable if I provided both the original version and a translated version? The translated version would be done by someone else and signed as proof.
Pete_Berkeley
Tommy, it is fine to provide the original and a translation, but the translation should be completed by a professional translator and not the applicant or a friend.
ankit
Without having already submitted my application, can I contact admissions staff to confirm whether they have received my GMAT and TOEFL scorecards?
Lee_Moderator
Ankit, we are not able to verify that we have received scores for individuals. When we verify scores, we will contact you if we have not received yours and give you a chance to contact the testing service and find out what happened.
Jackie
I am interested in the MBA/MPH program, but have been told that I cannot apply to both the regular MBA as well as the MBA/MPH programs. This concerns me because I understand that the MBA/MPH program only accepts a handful of students each year and that a candidate will not be considered for the regular MBA program if he or she is not accepted to the MBA/MPH program. Do you have any advice for me?
Pete_Berkeley
Jackie, my advice is that you should apply for the MBA/MPH program if that is what you really want. Your chances of gaining admission to the MBA/MPH program are not lower than gaining acceptance to just the MBA.
Eddie
Hi, my name is Eddie. I am interested in a career in investment banking. Do you have statistics of your graduates entering the finance industry, with what companies, and in which geographic areas?
Pete_Berkeley
Eddie, yes—visit: http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/groups/careercenter/employment_reports.html.
Christy
To follow on Christine's question, do we need to collect transcripts from study abroad institutions?
Cindy_Berkeley
If you took quantitative courses abroad, and the course titles/grades were not listed on your undergraduate transcript, we would require that you request your study abroad transcripts. If you did not take quant. courses abroad, we would not require the transcript so just list the study abroad institution in the education history section of your application, and check the box for "transcript not needed."
Jeff_Moderator
Want to hear more from admissions and current students, see our Blogs at http://mba.haas.berkeley.edu/blogs.html
Daidipya
What special programs exist for those with social innovation ideas?
Pete_Berkeley
Dadipya, please visit our web site and look at the program offerings through the Center for Responsible Business (CRB). There are opportunities through that part of the Haas School, as well as through the entrepreneurship program. We were also the founding program of the Global Social Venture Competition, which now includes London Business School and Columbia as well.
Priya
Hi- I’d like to ask about GMAT scores. I plan on submitting my first test scores in the 2nd round of admission. If I am not happy with my score, and retake the GMAT and submit scores in round 3- will I still be "round 2" candidate or will I be bumped to round 3?
Lee_Moderator
If you want us to consider scores taken after the deadline for which you have applied your application will be moved to a later round. Please see the application instructions for full information on how this works.
maisie
Hi Cindy! This is Maisie, and I have a question on transcripts: I studied abroad through a program at my college, and my college transcript includes grades and classes from this program. Do I still need to get transcripts from the original school I attended abroad? This study abroad program never issued transcripts, but I read that Berkeley needs transcripts from all schools.
Cindy_Berkeley
If the grades and classes are listed on your undergraduate transcript, you are not required to submit these transcripts from your study abroad institution.
Christy
For short answer #1, do you prefer if the individual we talk about is related to our personal interests or do you prefer an individual related to our professional goals?
Cindy_Berkeley
Christy, I would go with your gut and choose who you'd really like to have dinner with. Please note that there is not one right answer. We don't have a preference. The biggest mistake applicants make is try to choose what they think we want to hear. Your essays will come across more genuine and honest if you go with your gut.
Vahe
Hello, my name is Vahe. I’m from Armenia and planning to apply in either the 2nd or 3rd round. My questions are the following. 1) Is there any disadvantage in applying in the 2nd round compared with applying in the 3rd round? 2) You discourage letters of recommendation from relatives, friends or co-workers. But what if my uncle was my partner and superior in business for a long time and can objectively present valuable information?
Pete_Berkeley
Vahe, thanks for joining us. For your first question, this varies from year to year. We do not hold any certain number of places for each round. This means that if the applications in Rounds 1 and 2 are particularly strong, there will be a smaller number of spaces available when we get to Round 3, which may impact your chances. Still, in the 8 years I have been at Haas, we have always made a number of offers in Round3. I'd avoid round 4, though. As to your other question, even given your circumstances, you should never have a letter of recommendation from a relative--even if they were your business partner. You'll need to choose someone else--a key client, another business partner, etc.
JO
Are there any required minimum scores for each part of IBT TOEFL test?
Jeff_Moderator
No. Minimums refer to the overall score.
adrian
Hi. If I completed my undergrad degree in Mexico, is there a table & formula to convert the Mexican grading scale to a regular US GPA? Thanks!
Lee_Moderator
Hi Adrian. Please do not convert your grades -- our evaluators are experienced in international grading systems and people from schools on a different scale do not need to report a GPA.
ankit
Although I have the official transcripts, I do not have an attested degree certificate. Will just a copy of the degree certificate suffice?
Cindy_Berkeley
Ankit, I realize that it's difficult to obtain a degree certificate. You may send the copy in the meantime, and we will contact you to let you know if we are able to review your file with the documents that you provide to us. In the meantime, I'd do my best to request a degree cert. from your undergrad institution to get the process moving.
shashank
What percentage of applicants are engineers?
Lee_Moderator
Of last year's admitted students, 29% were engineering majors in undergrad.
ns
For the letters of recommendation, last year I understood that Haas prefers to have both letters be professional recommendations. This year I am a re-applicant and am wondering whether I could use an extra curricular recommendation as recommendation #2?
Pete_Berkeley
NS, who you choose as a recommender is up to you, of course, but I think I would use 2 professional recommendations again.
wantberkeley
Hi! About quantitative subjects, do they include economics and finance? Do I need to have "A" to demonstrate good ability?
Cindy_Berkeley
At a minimum, we expect applicants to have completed a basic calculus or statistics class with a grade of B or better. When evaluating quant classes we are especially interested in these core math courses not necessarily economics and finance. Besides the basic stats. or calc. class we also look closely at your quantitative score on the GMAT to evaluate quantitative proficiency.
Chris
Would a higher graduate GPA override (or help mitigate) a lower (below middle 80%) undergraduate GPA?
Pete_Berkeley
Chris, it gives us additional data about your academic preparation and could help to mitigate a lower UG record--it depends on a lot of factors including rigor of UG and GR programs, etc.
Christina
Will admissions hold interviews in China? If not, how does MBA Admissions interview international students?
Cindy_Berkeley
We have alumni who conduct interviews for us across the globe (including China).
amazingk
My first GMAT score is really poor(400+) because I took it without any preparation just to get a sense what kind of test it was. Later, I got a 700+. Should I explain about the lowest score in the essay?
Lee_Moderator
Since the disparity is so large, you may wish to do so -- but we consider only your highest score.
JO
I took IBT TOEFL tests three times. Every time I took the test, the score of the speaking section was by far lower than those in the other sections. Is there any required minimum score in TOEFL?
Pete_Berkeley
JO, there is a required minimum (which is set by the University rather than the B-school), but it doesn't provide much info. The minimum score is 69, and we wouldn't touch a candidate in that range. The middle 80% iBT scores of those we admitted last year was 104-115.
Hector
Is it possible for a MBA student to participate in Berkeley Solutions Group, New Sector Alliance, the Haas Board of Fellows and the Peers@Haas in one year?
Cindy_Berkeley
That sounds like a lot, but this question would be better answered by a student. Would you mind going to the student room and asking this question? There are so many opportunities at Haas that it is hard to not try to do everything! However, one thing you practice in bus school is time management. It's hard to do it all!
fedefede
If my IELTS score is above 7, but one of the component scores is not, is this score valid for Berkeley? I have read the minimum is 7 over 9, but do not understand if the limit is for the components or the overall score.
Pete_Berkeley
fedefede, we have not set a minimum for the component scores, so it depends on what else we see in the application. We also use the interview as part of our assessment of your English skills.
Chris
Do you have a breakout of the middle 80% GMAT scores between verbal and quantitative sections?
Jeff_Moderator
No, we don't have that breakout.
BJ
I am working on a startup company. Is anyone at Haas (students or faculty) part of a startup?
Pete_Berkeley
Lots of people.... in fact, 18 of the students who graduated last year started up companies as they left, and many alumni, faculty, and others either have their own or work in advisory capacities.
Gill
Where does one mention any distinctions or prizes that might be won during academics or extra curriculars? The education section does not give that flexibility.
Cindy_Berkeley
Gill, I would provide this information in the extracurricular short answer question. If you find that there are things that you want to get across to the admissions committee, and were unable to in our essay questions, you may also choose the option to write about this in the optional essay question.
Craig
Due to extenuating circumstances, I will most likely not be able to visit Berkeley's campus prior to the 12/11 deadline. Will this hinder my chances of receiving the opportunity to interview and/or admission?
Jeff_Moderator
No, many people are not able to visit campus directly prior to submitting their applications. We will look to see how you have familiarized yourself with the program and there are many ways to do so through our website, chats, blogs, podcasts, off-campus information sessions, MBA fairs, talking/ emailing with our Haas Student Ambassadors, independent research, etc.
tompa
My GMAT is in the 95th percentile and my verbal is in the 99th percentile but my quant. is 66%. I have an undergrad degree in economics. Is the lack of an 80-80 split going to be a problem...and if so what steps could I take to fix this?
Pete_Berkeley
Tompa, we use the quantitative sub-score on the GMAT in combination with your UG quant. grades to get a sense of whether or not you have sufficient quant. ability. A 66% score is a bit low, but I don't know what courses you may have taken in UG. One way to address this is to take additional course work, but at this point, you wouldn't be likely to have results of additional course work in time unless you are applying in R4. Maybe the option is to study up on your quant. methods and retake the GMAT if you feel there isn't enough evidence of proficiency in your UG transcripts.
Shanky
I have more than 8 years of experience in the same company and have assumed different positions, from product engineer to product leader to a sales consultant. Can I split my experience in 3 sections in the work history portion of the online app.? This would give me a chance to briefly describe my responsibilities in each role.
Pete_Berkeley
Yes, as long as you make it clear.
tfurano
If I can have my application complete without letters of recommendation before 12/11, is there any advantage to submitting it, or should I just submit in R3.
Pete_Berkeley
Tfurano, you should submit when it is complete.
kent
Hi. Thanks for hosting this session. I'm interested in learning more about the opportunity to take classes or attend lectures at other graduate programs while at Haas.
Cindy_Berkeley
Kent, You may take up to 6 units outside of Haas. There is the possibility to take more classes with the approval of the student services dept. (if it coincides with your area of focus). There also are a number of cross-registered classes, such as the Management of Tech classes, that you can take.
chris1
Hello. I recently took the iBT TOEFL without too much preparation and had the scores reported to Haas. I should know the results in about 2 weeks time - if they're not impressive, will I have a chance to retake the test and still qualify for R2 consideration?
Lee_Moderator
You must take the TOEFL before the deadline for a round to be eligible for consideration in that round. Please see the application for instructions on what to do if you want us to consider a later test.
anneb
If I have a low undergrad GPA, how much will a high GMAT score help my application process?
Pete_Berkeley
Anneb, if you have a low UG GPA, then a solid GMAT score is a "must" to be seriously considered...
Mous
For off-campus interviews, where in Europe are they likely to be conducted?
Pete_Berkeley
Mous, we have interviewers in many countries in Europe, including France, Italy, the UK, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, etc.
Craig
For those people who are applying for a joint degree, namely the JD/MBA, are the decisions made by each school completely independent or are there lines of communication open between schools?
Lee_Moderator
In the case of the JDMBA, the committees act totally independently.
Gill
how many admitted students receive the Haas Achievement award, and what are the criteria for selecting these students?
Pete_Berkeley
Gill, in an average year, 15-18% of the incoming students receives a Haas Merit Scholarship or Achievement Award. (I don't have the exact breakdown at my fingertips). In the case of achievement awards, they are based on the challenge(s) you have overcome to be successful, so it is very heavily based on the essay.
Carlos
Hello, I am Carlos from El Salvador. I have read that entrepreneurship, healthcare and social responsibility are listed as Haas top-ranked specialties. These are the three areas I am most interested in - how flexible is the curriculum/program to be able to include aspects of all three? Thanks!
Pete_Berkeley
Carlos, very flexible: you are not required to specialize in just one area, and specialization is simply a function of which electives you choose to take and other activities (conferences, clubs, etc) that you choose to participate in.
Gill
A section of application asks about other schools to which a candidate is applying. How is this information used in the application and does it impact admission chances in any way?
Pete_Berkeley
It doesn't impact your admission chances in any way. We use that information in the aggregate to know which schools we most commonly share applicants with.
Chris Max
Can you tell me a little about the Center for Nonprofit and Public Leadership? How many Haas students are involved with the center?
Cindy_Berkeley
This is a great program and a lot of students are involved. Over 60 students participated in the Board Fellows program where students sit on local non-profit boards each year.
bschoolapplicant
If I recently parted with my employer of 4 years, what should I put for my current employer (if I don't have another job by the time I apply)? Will this affect the strength of my application?
Cindy_Berkeley
If you do not have a current employer, you do not need to list anything. We are interested in the applicant's reasons for leaving each position.
MBA 2010
Can you talk a little bit about the Socially Responsible Fund that will start soon?
Pete_Berkeley
2010, not in much detail in this format. It will launch this year, and will be run by a team of MBA and MFE students. The seed money is currently at 1.2 million, as I understand it.
Tommy
As a follow-up to my recommendation in a foreign language question: who is considered a professional translator? Would a professor at a university suffice?
Cindy_Berkeley
You can find a list of accredited translators on this website: www.atanet.org.
Shanky
Please let me know if the degree certificate also needs to be sent before the application deadline? Since the website mentioned that copies are not considered, I did not send the degree certificate copy and posted only the official transcript from my school.
Cindy_Berkeley
This is a postmark deadline. So please send the copy by the deadline. We do not need to receive it in our office by the deadline.
Tommy
How often are interviews given to potential students overseas?
Pete_Berkeley
Tommy, very often--usually 35% or more of our total interviews are done abroad...
Drew
Regarding the letters of recommendation: I had an entrepreneurial venture with a friend. He is really the only one qualified to write a recommendation about my performance. Should I avoid using him as a recommender because of our personal relationship?
Pete_Berkeley
Drew, yes--I would avoid using personal friends.
Josh
Speaking of study abroad, what percentage of Haas students elect to spend time at business schools overseas?
Cindy_Berkeley
A small percentage of students participate in the study abroad program. Needless to say, this is a great experience for those that do participate.
bschoolapplicant
If I recently parted ways with my employer of 4 years, what should I put down for my current employer (assuming I don't have another job when I apply)? Will this affect the overall strength of my application?
Pete_Berkeley
bschoolapplicant, you will be asked to list the start and end dates of each position. If you are not currently employed, we should know that. How it impacts your application depends on why you left and what your plans are.
GargS
What are the durations of the exchange programs?
Cindy_Berkeley
One semester
adrian
I HAVE A QUESTION REGARDING THE HOLLISTIC APPROACH UC Berkeley gives to the applications. Since you do not ask for a minimum GMAT score, I wonder if you would not touch an application with a very low overall score (say, 600-650), and if you do, what is the lowest score UC Berkeley has accepted as a student. Thank you.
Pete_Berkeley
Adrian, the middle 80% range has been very consistent over the last few years--generally 650/660-760. The lowest score I remember off the top of my head is 590. It's very rare that an applicant below 600 is seriously considered, but it depends on many factors.
DFish
I'm coming from a government background and can't be as specific regarding a future career path (e.g., identifying exactly what position or title I want to have post-Haas) as others coming from private sector might. Is that a drawback? How specific should we be in identifying future career goals?
Pete_Berkeley
DFish, although we don't expect you to know exactly what position you might want post-MBA, you should have a direction. Finance, marketing, healthcare, real estate? You should have an industry or functional direction.
Christophe
Concerning the "quantitative proficiency" question, should we list courses such as AP Calculus (which I took in High School) that earned college credit, or only the courses taken while in college? Also, if the results of those quant courses taken in college were not in the B or higher range, how much of a priority is it for me to take a stats course before the ‘08 academic year?
Pete_Berkeley
You can list AP if you wish; many college transcripts also list this in the remarks. If you have a strong GMAT quant. score, it is less important to worry about the UG grades. Again, we're looking at all of the relevant data points to determine your level of preparation.
Lizzy
Does the admissions staff look poorly upon "gaps" in employment?
Pete_Berkeley
Lizzy, it all depends on what you were doing and why there were gaps.
Christophe
How many students get waitlisted each year?
Pete_Berkeley
It varies from year to year, and the waitlist is constantly changing until Round 4, when it normally gets pared down to no more than 1000. At any given point, it is rarely over 150.
Abhay N
I've been out of undergraduate for 3.5 years and have spent 2.5 of those years working in a professional business-related environment. My first year out of undergrad I volunteered in a couple of international public health NGOs (I am applying to the MPA/MPH program). Would the admissions committee consider my work experience to be 2.5 or 3.5 yrs?
Pete_Berkeley
Abhay, volunteer work, although it may be significant, rarely gives you the same level of responsibility as a full-time position. We would consider it, but in "counting" work experience, we focus on full-time paid experience. Keep in mind that our focus is on the quality of the experience more than the quantity. I've seen two years of great experience and ten years of weak experience and everything in between...
Pete_Berkeley
Thanks for joining the chat today, everyone, and best wishes with your applications!
Cindy_Berkeley
Thanks for joining the chat! Bye!
