Stern updated my status last week, it's now "under review". But the bad news is: they didn't receive my TOEFL score report. Because ETS kinda outsource the test to another organization called NEEA in China. But unfortunately, after calling both NEEA and ETS, it seems that both sides think the responsibility is on the other side and none of them can solve the problem for me. Luckily, I emailed to one e-mail address of ETS that lady at NEEA gave me, and got a response that they can resend the score report if I fwd the email from the school. It's confusing that the call center and the Email processing team at ETS are giving two totally different responses... But anyway, I have forwarded the mail, and waiting for the score to be resent. Stern is nice enough to review my application w/o the TOEFL score now, but I still need to get it in quick. I read on BW forum that one guy has already received an interview invitation... wondering when that's gonna happen to me...
For the R2 apps, Columbia is under final review... Still struggling with UCLA's family essay, trying to figure out what aspects from my history I'd like to bring to adcom's attention... MIT is ready, but Stanford's what matters most is kinda reserved to the last...
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Back From the Holiday Mood
The first ten days of December, is (almost) totally non-related to MBA application. I enjoyed a nice trip to HK, met my b/f, ate a lot of great food and did some shopping. Then we came back to SH together, and spent another couple of sweet days... The farewell time was pretty hard, as I had no idea when I would be able to see him again, but I still managed to pull myself out of that desperate thinking and focus on essays again.
Basically I only have 5 weeks left for 4 apps. I have already had drafts for Columbia and MIT, but more polishing is absolutely necessary. I think I'm making good progress, and I'm definitely becoming better at writing after all these days of practice. I even provided some constructive ideas for a fellow applicant for his Haas essays^_^ Hearing him say "you're really good at writing" is a big ego boost, haha~
Think about one month later, all apps would be submitted, parents would be back from Syd, my b/f might be able to get a project in BeiJing. Life is so beautiful ahead~ I just need to hold on...
Basically I only have 5 weeks left for 4 apps. I have already had drafts for Columbia and MIT, but more polishing is absolutely necessary. I think I'm making good progress, and I'm definitely becoming better at writing after all these days of practice. I even provided some constructive ideas for a fellow applicant for his Haas essays^_^ Hearing him say "you're really good at writing" is a big ego boost, haha~
Think about one month later, all apps would be submitted, parents would be back from Syd, my b/f might be able to get a project in BeiJing. Life is so beautiful ahead~ I just need to hold on...
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Stern Submitted
Just clicked the "Submit" button for Stern... Status for the supplemental material package on UPS is "Delivered"... So my Stern app should be completed now.
Next thing I do? Maybe soon I'll get addicted to checking status on their website, like many other fellow bloggers... But first, I need to get other four done ASAP... Good luck to myself, and to whoever reading my blog ^_^
Next thing I do? Maybe soon I'll get addicted to checking status on their website, like many other fellow bloggers... But first, I need to get other four done ASAP... Good luck to myself, and to whoever reading my blog ^_^
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
The First App Is Always The Toughest
Like they say, the first app is always the toughest. With Stern's R1 deadline approaching fast, I am busy with finalizing the essays, editing the resume, tracking my recommenders, and filling in the blanks in the forms. Oh, and not forget, i need to mail my transcripts and essay 3. But the most important part and obviously the toughest part is of coz: the essays. So let me just elaborate about this a little bit.
Stern has pretty much the typical essay question a b-school can have except for the essay 3. Actually essay 3, the creative essay and as some people say the toughest one, was the reason that attracted me to apply for Stern. I feel thrilled that a b-school would give applicants such an opportunity to express themselves so freely, and I had the idea for it even before I began my application for Stern. I'll reveal a lil bit about it later ^_*
So essay 1 is a typical career goal and why MBA essay, but the way it asks "what choices have you made" made me think that I should show more motivation and more positve reflects in this essay. Though as I now know, everyone applying for MBA is somewhat unsatisfied with their current job, it's always necessary to think positive about the experience. Ain't no experience is bad/useless, even my 6 months in a remote city spent on a project which ended up cancelled...-.-b It also specifically asks "why MBA now". My previous draft only answered "why MBA" part but ignored the "why now" part totally... Now I understand why adcoms stress so much on "answer the question!"
Essay 2 is tough... basically i got very limited personal experience with Stern community, except for the MBA fair and a couple of chats with Rubeo Boy. I don't have the chance to do any campus visit, which I think is adventurous... think about moving to some place I've never been to and attend a school I've never been to... but never mind, I think(or I hope) adcom will understand less school exposure for international students. Regarding how to contribute to Stern and what benefit to get from Stern, clearadmit suggested applicants show that they have done their homework... and I did. But at first, it looked like I did a lot of research and just put the fact on it, which according to my b/f is a lil "fake". Then we put out a framework and matched what Stern offers with what I truly want from the MBA, the result turned out satisfying~ ^_^
Essay 3 is easy for me as I am an amateur photographer (extremely passionate about it), so I have decided to use this perspective to introduce myself the first time I saw the question. Actually this is how I introduce myself to a lot of new friends now. But I only recently find out that the online apps system does not allow pdf upload, so I might need to print and mail them.
I need to write an optional essay coz I'm not gonna submit a recommendation from the current direct supervisor who just took this role two weeks ago... I haven't found any suggestions on situation like this. But I think I'm gonna just put in 3 or 4 sentences to explain it, and convince the adcom that my current recommenders are well-qualified. If you guys have any suggestion/experience in these kind of optional essay, pls share some advice~
I'm so glad that my first app is gradually gaining its shape. Only a lil over two weeks to go till the deadline... after that I'm gonna meet up with my b/f in HK (Finally!!)... Hopefully I could use couple of days relaxing and shopping there, before I have to face the other four apps.
Stern has pretty much the typical essay question a b-school can have except for the essay 3. Actually essay 3, the creative essay and as some people say the toughest one, was the reason that attracted me to apply for Stern. I feel thrilled that a b-school would give applicants such an opportunity to express themselves so freely, and I had the idea for it even before I began my application for Stern. I'll reveal a lil bit about it later ^_*
So essay 1 is a typical career goal and why MBA essay, but the way it asks "what choices have you made" made me think that I should show more motivation and more positve reflects in this essay. Though as I now know, everyone applying for MBA is somewhat unsatisfied with their current job, it's always necessary to think positive about the experience. Ain't no experience is bad/useless, even my 6 months in a remote city spent on a project which ended up cancelled...-.-b It also specifically asks "why MBA now". My previous draft only answered "why MBA" part but ignored the "why now" part totally... Now I understand why adcoms stress so much on "answer the question!"
Essay 2 is tough... basically i got very limited personal experience with Stern community, except for the MBA fair and a couple of chats with Rubeo Boy. I don't have the chance to do any campus visit, which I think is adventurous... think about moving to some place I've never been to and attend a school I've never been to... but never mind, I think(or I hope) adcom will understand less school exposure for international students. Regarding how to contribute to Stern and what benefit to get from Stern, clearadmit suggested applicants show that they have done their homework... and I did. But at first, it looked like I did a lot of research and just put the fact on it, which according to my b/f is a lil "fake". Then we put out a framework and matched what Stern offers with what I truly want from the MBA, the result turned out satisfying~ ^_^
Essay 3 is easy for me as I am an amateur photographer (extremely passionate about it), so I have decided to use this perspective to introduce myself the first time I saw the question. Actually this is how I introduce myself to a lot of new friends now. But I only recently find out that the online apps system does not allow pdf upload, so I might need to print and mail them.
I need to write an optional essay coz I'm not gonna submit a recommendation from the current direct supervisor who just took this role two weeks ago... I haven't found any suggestions on situation like this. But I think I'm gonna just put in 3 or 4 sentences to explain it, and convince the adcom that my current recommenders are well-qualified. If you guys have any suggestion/experience in these kind of optional essay, pls share some advice~
I'm so glad that my first app is gradually gaining its shape. Only a lil over two weeks to go till the deadline... after that I'm gonna meet up with my b/f in HK (Finally!!)... Hopefully I could use couple of days relaxing and shopping there, before I have to face the other four apps.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Essays, Essays, Essays
These days are all about essays...
Whenever people ask about me, I'm either writing my essays, or thinking about my essays...
So far, I have finished first draft for NYU Stern, except the creative essay which I intend to do it during the weekend when my inspiration can flow. I have almost finished drafts for MIT too, except the Cover Letter. MIT introduces several new essay topics this year, which means I could not refer to any examples in the past. But through the process, I found it really important to reveal what I thought, felt, said and did in these essays, to make them more vivid. I wrote the first draft in a narrative way, but gave it up after the second read. After adding some quotation marks (for what I said), I think it's much better now.
I've been receiving a lot of emails from schools marketing themselves lately... Notra Dame said they would give me apps fee exemption, today UC Irvine said I'm pre-qualified for a scholarship... probably it's the impact of a high GMAT, but they actually boost my confidence about the whole application, thinking about some schools are trying hard to get my attention ^_^
Whenever people ask about me, I'm either writing my essays, or thinking about my essays...
So far, I have finished first draft for NYU Stern, except the creative essay which I intend to do it during the weekend when my inspiration can flow. I have almost finished drafts for MIT too, except the Cover Letter. MIT introduces several new essay topics this year, which means I could not refer to any examples in the past. But through the process, I found it really important to reveal what I thought, felt, said and did in these essays, to make them more vivid. I wrote the first draft in a narrative way, but gave it up after the second read. After adding some quotation marks (for what I said), I think it's much better now.
I've been receiving a lot of emails from schools marketing themselves lately... Notra Dame said they would give me apps fee exemption, today UC Irvine said I'm pre-qualified for a scholarship... probably it's the impact of a high GMAT, but they actually boost my confidence about the whole application, thinking about some schools are trying hard to get my attention ^_^
Saturday, October 21, 2006
I think I've found D Guy
Not much progress on the Application side during the past week coz i've spent a lot of time on SMS, MSN and phone with D Guy. After several months of just keeping our feelings to ourselves, we finally decided to speak up, which is a really good start for a relationship^_^ The only downside is he's in NYC and I'm in SH, so we have to live up with the time difference... but that just gives me one more reason to go to Stern or Columbia~ Can I put that in my essay? =P
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Big Name Schools In Town
Follow up my last post, I went to the MIT and Stanford info session in SH on two consecutive nights and saw some same faces on two consecutive nights... interesting~ But these two schools are like no other, and I can actually sense the difference between them thanks to the info session, I'll talk in more details in the following.
MIT Sloan
MIT's info session is in Fudan U, my alma mater, which is a little far from downtown. That's also why there were only 40-50 ppl in the hall that day. The presentation given by the Assistant Director of Admission is awesome. This guy knows Sloan very well, and he actually told us a lot about the history of Sloan and the great faculty there. As for the the application, one point worth noting is that he literally said: don't put ur long term plan in the cover letter, cause your plan before MBA might very likely change to something else after MBA. Then there were three alumni to answer the questions. All three are pursuing some form of entrepreneurship right now, that kinda shows that MIT is a school of entrepreneurship spirit.
Stanford GSB
Stanford's info session is just downstairs of my office, that worked great for me. The venue belongs to a company making office furnitures called HAWORTH, and their workspace is like super cool~ basically it feels more like a lounge:P And Stanford, very kindly, offers food for participants:D But there were so many ppl, almost 150 i guess... The presentation is mostly about the academic experience, the new curriculum, and the class size. It actually is the first time I finally start to understand the new curriculum, coz either i'm too dumb, or the website didn't explain it too clearly... That two Stanford alumni are both very funny guys. When talking about one great experience in school, one guy said he organized a Latin Chinese BBQ to bridge the two somehow isolated student communities, and he's proud of it. LOL. Then I asked them to describe the difference between young students and old students, the other guy told me he didn't actually know who's younger or who's older. Only different thing is between married and unmarried students, which married students often go home early, while unmarried ones go party till dawn:P As for application, one indication for the 'what matters most' essay is there have been and will be too many people writing about their family, so if you're planning to write about your family matters to you most, maybe u should think deeper. (i've been to that stage...)
I'm applying to both, but I have to admit that I love Stanford better coz the atmosphere there feels more relaxing and the weather is better. But both are great schools with good entrepreneurship spirit, going to either one will help me in launching my own business. (like I'm really deciding between them....-.-b) But now I really need to get these essays done!
MIT Sloan
MIT's info session is in Fudan U, my alma mater, which is a little far from downtown. That's also why there were only 40-50 ppl in the hall that day. The presentation given by the Assistant Director of Admission is awesome. This guy knows Sloan very well, and he actually told us a lot about the history of Sloan and the great faculty there. As for the the application, one point worth noting is that he literally said: don't put ur long term plan in the cover letter, cause your plan before MBA might very likely change to something else after MBA. Then there were three alumni to answer the questions. All three are pursuing some form of entrepreneurship right now, that kinda shows that MIT is a school of entrepreneurship spirit.
Stanford GSB
Stanford's info session is just downstairs of my office, that worked great for me. The venue belongs to a company making office furnitures called HAWORTH, and their workspace is like super cool~ basically it feels more like a lounge:P And Stanford, very kindly, offers food for participants:D But there were so many ppl, almost 150 i guess... The presentation is mostly about the academic experience, the new curriculum, and the class size. It actually is the first time I finally start to understand the new curriculum, coz either i'm too dumb, or the website didn't explain it too clearly... That two Stanford alumni are both very funny guys. When talking about one great experience in school, one guy said he organized a Latin Chinese BBQ to bridge the two somehow isolated student communities, and he's proud of it. LOL. Then I asked them to describe the difference between young students and old students, the other guy told me he didn't actually know who's younger or who's older. Only different thing is between married and unmarried students, which married students often go home early, while unmarried ones go party till dawn:P As for application, one indication for the 'what matters most' essay is there have been and will be too many people writing about their family, so if you're planning to write about your family matters to you most, maybe u should think deeper. (i've been to that stage...)
I'm applying to both, but I have to admit that I love Stanford better coz the atmosphere there feels more relaxing and the weather is better. But both are great schools with good entrepreneurship spirit, going to either one will help me in launching my own business. (like I'm really deciding between them....-.-b) But now I really need to get these essays done!
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Upcoming Events
This week, a lot of US top schools are having a China tour, making applicants' schedule very busy here.
Yesterday was Stanford's info session in BJ.
Today MIT's in Tsinghua University, BJ.
Tomorrow, MIT info session in Fudan University, SH.
Friday, Stanford's info session in SH, as well as NYU's session in BJ.
I'm going to attend the MIT and Stanford sessions in SH, but it's a pity that NYU won't come to SH. Another event I would be missing is Zagna's Fashion Show held tomorrow night! My friend at Citibank got me this exclusive VIP pass to the show, but I just have to hear out MIT, so I gave the pass to a friend who got super excited over it. Shit, still can't believe I have to miss the fashion, the runway, and hot guys... MIT better give me some magnificent presentation, or i might run half-way to join my friend :P
Yesterday was Stanford's info session in BJ.
Today MIT's in Tsinghua University, BJ.
Tomorrow, MIT info session in Fudan University, SH.
Friday, Stanford's info session in SH, as well as NYU's session in BJ.
I'm going to attend the MIT and Stanford sessions in SH, but it's a pity that NYU won't come to SH. Another event I would be missing is Zagna's Fashion Show held tomorrow night! My friend at Citibank got me this exclusive VIP pass to the show, but I just have to hear out MIT, so I gave the pass to a friend who got super excited over it. Shit, still can't believe I have to miss the fashion, the runway, and hot guys... MIT better give me some magnificent presentation, or i might run half-way to join my friend :P
Monday, October 09, 2006
Back from Sydney
This blog has been quiet for a while, that's because I went to Sydney to visit my parents. But this trip turned out to be very unpleasant: My parents' customer in Aus refused to pay for the latest production because they suspect one of the factories has stolen their brand and sold their products online. But the weirdest thing is, my parents never subcontract to that factory directly, and those products being sold online is not included in our contract. The customer has been pretty ridiculous, and even sent out a letter by her solicitor requiring my parents to be responsible for this. I can say that's a nightmare for small business. So I had to visit several solicitors in Sydney with my parents, and finally we found one who we think would be able to speak for us. But those legal expenses are hell expensive in Syd, can't imagine if we're really going to court with this customer. Why can't she just calm down and make some sense?
From another perspective, this is actually a good lesson for us. My parents used to run business without any legal protection, that's why this customer can take advantage of us. While we try to keep cost low when running a small biz, legal cost is actually essential. We never realized that till now. The industry has become more complicated than when my parents first started, that's also why they feel incapable of dealing with it any more. Hopefully, after MBA i can continue their business and make it even better.
On the Application side, I just got my TOEFL score yesterday, it's a 113. Weird enough I got 30 in all sections except speaking, but only 23 for speaking! That's very unbalanced...:S But i'm generally told by people that I speak good English, so I don't know what's wrong... Hope those adcom can give me an interview so I can make this up.
As what I said in last post, I've decided to postpone most of my applications to R2 except for NYU. Plus, I've decided to apply for Columbia also, after so many sweet things been told about it, and my strong desire to go to NYC. I'd better be in New York if i'm starting a fashion brand right? So, for the next few weeks, I'm gonna work aggressively on those essays. Hopefully I'll get all drafts done before Nov.
Wish me good luck!
From another perspective, this is actually a good lesson for us. My parents used to run business without any legal protection, that's why this customer can take advantage of us. While we try to keep cost low when running a small biz, legal cost is actually essential. We never realized that till now. The industry has become more complicated than when my parents first started, that's also why they feel incapable of dealing with it any more. Hopefully, after MBA i can continue their business and make it even better.
On the Application side, I just got my TOEFL score yesterday, it's a 113. Weird enough I got 30 in all sections except speaking, but only 23 for speaking! That's very unbalanced...:S But i'm generally told by people that I speak good English, so I don't know what's wrong... Hope those adcom can give me an interview so I can make this up.
As what I said in last post, I've decided to postpone most of my applications to R2 except for NYU. Plus, I've decided to apply for Columbia also, after so many sweet things been told about it, and my strong desire to go to NYC. I'd better be in New York if i'm starting a fashion brand right? So, for the next few weeks, I'm gonna work aggressively on those essays. Hopefully I'll get all drafts done before Nov.
Wish me good luck!
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Updates and a tough decision to make
I got several updates on the applications, but let me start with TOEFL. The first iBT TOEFL in China was a disaster! Lots of problems coming up. It appears that those staffs weren't even ready for throwing the test yet... about 1/3 of the test takers didn't manage to take the test in the end, and they will schedule another free test for those poor ppl. I was lucky I got in early, but then there was some problem with my headset. I waited there for half an hour for them to solve the problem, but that was already 2 hrs later than the scheduled start time of the test coz we waited outside for quite some time. There was a moment when I thought if I couldn't take the test tonight, i would have to reschedule a test in Sydney during my the vacation there... But luckily, they fixed my headset problem, and i started the test at around 6pm. So when i got out of the test center, it was already 10! And didn't have dinner yet... Anyway, the test is finally done, and I can focus on my essay writing~
Also, I went to the MBA tour in Shanghai one day before the test. It was so much better organized than the last World MBA tour! I get to talk to an admission staff from NYU, and some alumni from UCLA and Berkeley. It's interesting to see that eyes of everybody light up when they hear about my entrepreneurship idea. It's definitely an interesting idea, I can tell from their reaction, but I just need to find a best way to put it on the paper and make it convincing.
Talking about putting things on the paper, I've done so badly in that this week... Almost no progress! I haven't imagined I'd be so busy this week, with my Aus holiday coming near, but tons of work also came to me. My boss even called asking if I can postpone my holiday:( Of coz I can't, coz the air ticket has already been issued, boss~ So the bottom line is I'll need to work till the last minute I board the plane. Things also piled up at my parents' company, but luckily I had a very efficient morning today and sort everything out. I think I'm digging into my potential now, see how multitasking I can be :P
But after all, I guess I can't perform too many tasks at one time, so here comes the tough decision: I think I'll postpone Stanford and UCLA to R2 :( So far, I haven't even got down the first draft of Stanford essays, not to mention UCLA. Besides, although I have decided all the recommenders, I haven't fully prepared the neccessary information for them to write the recommendation. I figure that I should not rush, coz I want my essays come out with good quality and natural tone. It's a tough decision, but I guess I took GMAT too late which is part of the reasons why I couldn't make R1. Other things you just can't predict. Now I so agree with Rungee that you need to START EARLY!
Also, I went to the MBA tour in Shanghai one day before the test. It was so much better organized than the last World MBA tour! I get to talk to an admission staff from NYU, and some alumni from UCLA and Berkeley. It's interesting to see that eyes of everybody light up when they hear about my entrepreneurship idea. It's definitely an interesting idea, I can tell from their reaction, but I just need to find a best way to put it on the paper and make it convincing.
Talking about putting things on the paper, I've done so badly in that this week... Almost no progress! I haven't imagined I'd be so busy this week, with my Aus holiday coming near, but tons of work also came to me. My boss even called asking if I can postpone my holiday:( Of coz I can't, coz the air ticket has already been issued, boss~ So the bottom line is I'll need to work till the last minute I board the plane. Things also piled up at my parents' company, but luckily I had a very efficient morning today and sort everything out. I think I'm digging into my potential now, see how multitasking I can be :P
But after all, I guess I can't perform too many tasks at one time, so here comes the tough decision: I think I'll postpone Stanford and UCLA to R2 :( So far, I haven't even got down the first draft of Stanford essays, not to mention UCLA. Besides, although I have decided all the recommenders, I haven't fully prepared the neccessary information for them to write the recommendation. I figure that I should not rush, coz I want my essays come out with good quality and natural tone. It's a tough decision, but I guess I took GMAT too late which is part of the reasons why I couldn't make R1. Other things you just can't predict. Now I so agree with Rungee that you need to START EARLY!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Why I made the decision of ...
studying Computer Science 6 years ago?
While i was thinking about that, I remembered some funny thoughts i had at that time. Of coz i didn't think they're funny by then, i actually believed them for once... But comparing them to what i am now make them funny.
1) I thought Programmers can work from home. On the contrary, now I have to commute for 2 hrs in the crowded traffic between office and home everyday... i never get to work at home, but i get a lot of chance to travel and work away from home...
2) I thought I could write some programs and sell them for big money. While in reality, I haven't written more than 10 lines of code after graduation, nor have i made any big money so far... So i still couldn't prove this thought wrong...
3) I thought Programmers don't have to deal with other people, and working just with computer is a lot easier. I might be quite right in the first point, coz working with people ain't an easy thing... But one bad experience with XXX (one software product of my company) made me think that working with computer ain't an easy thing either. It got its own temper u know...
Now I'm clear why I made that decision, huh...
While i was thinking about that, I remembered some funny thoughts i had at that time. Of coz i didn't think they're funny by then, i actually believed them for once... But comparing them to what i am now make them funny.
1) I thought Programmers can work from home. On the contrary, now I have to commute for 2 hrs in the crowded traffic between office and home everyday... i never get to work at home, but i get a lot of chance to travel and work away from home...
2) I thought I could write some programs and sell them for big money. While in reality, I haven't written more than 10 lines of code after graduation, nor have i made any big money so far... So i still couldn't prove this thought wrong...
3) I thought Programmers don't have to deal with other people, and working just with computer is a lot easier. I might be quite right in the first point, coz working with people ain't an easy thing... But one bad experience with XXX (one software product of my company) made me think that working with computer ain't an easy thing either. It got its own temper u know...
Now I'm clear why I made that decision, huh...
Saturday, September 09, 2006
parents left...
This past week is pretty messy... My parents finally decided to move to Sydney, and thru the whole week they're packing stuffs... So I had to help them with laptop setup, find them an apt, and something else. And finally, they really took off last night.
I thought I'm gonna be okay alone, but it's not until they really left that I realize how lucky I have been thru all the time. I always have them to watch my back, now I just feel insecure... Couldn't stand the quietness at home, so I headed out to have a drink w/ a friend. I guess part of me is worried about them, and the problems they're gonna face trying to settle down in Syd. But I also admire their courage to make that decision as they're moving to a country without even knowing the language. Another part of me is afraid that I might not be able to handle the business they left here. There are so many things I need to take care now:(
But anyway, good luck to Ma and Ba. I'll try to be a tough gal here.
I thought I'm gonna be okay alone, but it's not until they really left that I realize how lucky I have been thru all the time. I always have them to watch my back, now I just feel insecure... Couldn't stand the quietness at home, so I headed out to have a drink w/ a friend. I guess part of me is worried about them, and the problems they're gonna face trying to settle down in Syd. But I also admire their courage to make that decision as they're moving to a country without even knowing the language. Another part of me is afraid that I might not be able to handle the business they left here. There are so many things I need to take care now:(
But anyway, good luck to Ma and Ba. I'll try to be a tough gal here.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
come clean with my boss?
Just when I'm struggling over if I should come clean with my boss now or till later I got the admission, I recieved this mail yesterday morn: He's leaving to join a startup! Though I haven't worked for him for a very long period of time, I do think he's a nice guy. And after the torturing from the former lady boss, he just seems to be so much better~ But now, I don't know what to expect next... But this kinda solves my problem: I don't have to worry about any feelings he might have after hearing the news.
Friday, August 25, 2006
The 30 under 30 from Inc.com
On the homepage of NYU Stern there's a link referencing to the story "the 30 under 30" on Inc.com, which includes the story of a Stern Alumni-Kenny Lao. Look thru the stories of the 30 talented young enterpreneurs, their ideas for business are interesting and sometimes exotic. A fridge renting company serving 45 colleges nationwide? Sounds a little bizarre... But these two guys prove it a profitable business. And talking about the Stern Alumni Kenny, who ranks #15 on the list, he opened a restaurant/bar serving all kinds of dumplings! Yea, maybe I should open a Shanghainese Restaurant serving Fried Stinky Doufu in NYC haha~
Okay... my point is: the idea for business doesn't have to be big, it just need to be profitable! IB and MC are not the only places where fortunes are...
Then I figure I probably should stick to my plan of starting a fashion brand, and open my stores? But then how is an MBA gonna help with that? AH, gee... how should I position my career goal? (I'll need more time to think about it... painfully...)
Okay... my point is: the idea for business doesn't have to be big, it just need to be profitable! IB and MC are not the only places where fortunes are...
Then I figure I probably should stick to my plan of starting a fashion brand, and open my stores? But then how is an MBA gonna help with that? AH, gee... how should I position my career goal? (I'll need more time to think about it... painfully...)
Thursday, August 24, 2006
So... what's next?
Throughout the week, I've been trying hard to figure out: what's next? As far as I can tell, finishing GMAT is just a tiny little part comparing to the whole application process, and honestly, i'm a little overwhelmed... So last night, I spent almost an hour trying to fit the tasks into the calendar, and here's what I've come to:
Sep 09 Stanford Essay Draft 1, Recommenders notified
Sep 14 MBA tour SH
Sep 15 TOEFL iBT
Sep 23 Anderson Essay Draft 1
Sep 26-Oct 7 Sydney (don't know if i can get anythings done on the road...)
Oct 20 Recommendation Ready
Oct 23 Stanford, Anderson Final
Oct 25 Stanford, Anderson Deadline
Oct 30 MIT Essay Draft 1
Nov 11 Stern, Rotman Draft 1
Nov 25 Stern Final
Dec 1 Stern Deadline
Dec 25 MIT, Rotman Final
There's been some change for the application rounds, I'll apply Stanford, Anderson, Stern in R1 and Sloan, Rotman in R2. According to the timeline, I should finish all the application before Christmas (wish i could have a relaxing Xmas without having to think about application~).
Sep 09 Stanford Essay Draft 1, Recommenders notified
Sep 14 MBA tour SH
Sep 15 TOEFL iBT
Sep 23 Anderson Essay Draft 1
Sep 26-Oct 7 Sydney (don't know if i can get anythings done on the road...)
Oct 20 Recommendation Ready
Oct 23 Stanford, Anderson Final
Oct 25 Stanford, Anderson Deadline
Oct 30 MIT Essay Draft 1
Nov 11 Stern, Rotman Draft 1
Nov 25 Stern Final
Dec 1 Stern Deadline
Dec 25 MIT, Rotman Final
There's been some change for the application rounds, I'll apply Stanford, Anderson, Stern in R1 and Sloan, Rotman in R2. According to the timeline, I should finish all the application before Christmas (wish i could have a relaxing Xmas without having to think about application~).
Saturday, August 19, 2006
GMAT... check!
Thanx everyone for leaving msg and being supportive!!
I got a 780 (Q51 V46) in yesterday's test~ Now I really feel that I would get something this year, and go to B-school next year^_^
I feel both Q and V are easier than in GMATprep. I didn't take the break after AWA, coz i wanted to end this thing as quick as possible. So I began Q right away, and then i got stuck on the very first question. I spent 7 min to solve it coz i read the question wrong... After that, i saw some really really easy questions then I thought: I'm screwed. When I started the V, I tried very hard to forget about Q. I think I was quite focused and controlled the pace very well, that's why I could get a better than usual V. I took two GMATprep last week, both are 760, in spite of some familiar questions in OG.
I spent today hanging out with friends and just got back home... I haven't been so relaxed for quite some time. Will start working on essay tmr, got more tough work ahead~
Good luck to everyone if you haven't get your GMAT done, or you are working at your essay already~
I got a 780 (Q51 V46) in yesterday's test~ Now I really feel that I would get something this year, and go to B-school next year^_^
I feel both Q and V are easier than in GMATprep. I didn't take the break after AWA, coz i wanted to end this thing as quick as possible. So I began Q right away, and then i got stuck on the very first question. I spent 7 min to solve it coz i read the question wrong... After that, i saw some really really easy questions then I thought: I'm screwed. When I started the V, I tried very hard to forget about Q. I think I was quite focused and controlled the pace very well, that's why I could get a better than usual V. I took two GMATprep last week, both are 760, in spite of some familiar questions in OG.
I spent today hanging out with friends and just got back home... I haven't been so relaxed for quite some time. Will start working on essay tmr, got more tough work ahead~
Good luck to everyone if you haven't get your GMAT done, or you are working at your essay already~
Thursday, August 17, 2006
1 day left!
It's official now: only one day left to my GMAT test! so nervous...
I took one GMATprep test on Monday and scored 760 (Q51 V41). Totally thrilled~ I just hope I can do the same in the real test =D
I will take another GMATprep test tomorrow, write a couple of AWAs, and take a good rest. Good luck to myself~
On the other hand, I watched a little Project Runway this week and was surprised to find a HBS MBA in season 3!! That lady, Stacey, went to Stanford for undergrad and then to HBS for MBA. She has even started a .com company! And then she said she came to the Project Runway coz her passion was really in fashion. While I was expecting to see her performance in the show, she was OUT in the very first round... How sad... But I kinda like the dress she designed, it's very elegant and totally wearable, though not very well executed. Com'on, how can u expect an MBA to use sewing machine? Maybe Project Runway is just too demanding for a fashion startup, the rest of them are all professionals... Well, but I appreciate her courage to try, it's really brave!
I took one GMATprep test on Monday and scored 760 (Q51 V41). Totally thrilled~ I just hope I can do the same in the real test =D
I will take another GMATprep test tomorrow, write a couple of AWAs, and take a good rest. Good luck to myself~
On the other hand, I watched a little Project Runway this week and was surprised to find a HBS MBA in season 3!! That lady, Stacey, went to Stanford for undergrad and then to HBS for MBA. She has even started a .com company! And then she said she came to the Project Runway coz her passion was really in fashion. While I was expecting to see her performance in the show, she was OUT in the very first round... How sad... But I kinda like the dress she designed, it's very elegant and totally wearable, though not very well executed. Com'on, how can u expect an MBA to use sewing machine? Maybe Project Runway is just too demanding for a fashion startup, the rest of them are all professionals... Well, but I appreciate her courage to try, it's really brave!
Thursday, August 10, 2006
One last week before D test!
I don't know what I was thinking when I booked the test at Aug 18… Although that's a lucky day in chinese sense... But when a lot of applicants have begun their essay already, I'm still struggling over the test? That's not a good thing... And the worst thing is I have to torture myself by working and studying simultaneously for some extra weeks… :-S
But anyway, the most important thing is I am ready for the test, and ready to achieve my 750 target. I have applied annual leave for next week, so I can take a good rest and adjust myself to the best. And I need some quiet time to work on AWA… I used to suck on English writing, proved by a 4 from TOEFL writing. But then last year I scored 8 out of 9 from the IELTS writing. Now I'm confused and have no idea where my writing level is. So next week, I'm going to spend some time to read some AWA samples, work out a template for argument analysis, and skim thru the topics as much as I can.
Last but not least, I'll try to sleep as much as I can… gosh I so miss sleeping :-P
Monday, July 24, 2006
Finalizing The School List - aim high, shoot high
After browsing through almost 10 school websites, reading numerous blog entries and forum discussions, I have finally come up with the school list. I don't know if I'm aiming too high, but these are the schools that I do really feel like spending my next 2 yrs and will be proud to call it alma mater in the future.
When I first start picking schools, or first start to think about applying for MBA, I was aiming at Finance. It's nothing surprising that so many engineers and IT consultants are switching to Finance service coz that's where the big bucks are. But as I further dig into the field and start to understand what exactly those bankers do, I ask myself if I do want to be someone among them. And it's not surprising again that the answer is I don't. I have been born with the rebellious personality that I don't like to follow others. Hence working in a big organization where I can't make up my own decision should never work with me. And honestly I've had enough of that in my current job, so no more, thanx!
So I went on and search other fields in MBA, and I got the answer: Entrepreneurship! Yes, I've always had this Entrepreneurship spirit which I might have inherited from my parents. It's been years that I have been on and off my family business, and I have always wanted to start a business of my own. Suddenly everything matches together, my goal, my interest, and my focus.
Besides the above thoughts, my other consideration includes Location (major city), Curriculum (flexible or customizable) and Career (short-term goal in Consulting firms). So here comes the final list of schools:
Stanford R1
MIT Sloan R1
NYU Stern R1
UCLA Anderson R2
Rotman R2 (for my Canadian citizenship, but maybe I'll give that up)
Anyway, aim high, shoot high. I am taking risks, as all the entrepreneurs do.
When I first start picking schools, or first start to think about applying for MBA, I was aiming at Finance. It's nothing surprising that so many engineers and IT consultants are switching to Finance service coz that's where the big bucks are. But as I further dig into the field and start to understand what exactly those bankers do, I ask myself if I do want to be someone among them. And it's not surprising again that the answer is I don't. I have been born with the rebellious personality that I don't like to follow others. Hence working in a big organization where I can't make up my own decision should never work with me. And honestly I've had enough of that in my current job, so no more, thanx!
So I went on and search other fields in MBA, and I got the answer: Entrepreneurship! Yes, I've always had this Entrepreneurship spirit which I might have inherited from my parents. It's been years that I have been on and off my family business, and I have always wanted to start a business of my own. Suddenly everything matches together, my goal, my interest, and my focus.
Besides the above thoughts, my other consideration includes Location (major city), Curriculum (flexible or customizable) and Career (short-term goal in Consulting firms). So here comes the final list of schools:
Stanford R1
MIT Sloan R1
NYU Stern R1
UCLA Anderson R2
Rotman R2 (for my Canadian citizenship, but maybe I'll give that up)
Anyway, aim high, shoot high. I am taking risks, as all the entrepreneurs do.
MBA tour in SH
Been to the MBA tour in SH last Thursday. Not many big brand schools there (you can count them by one hand), and I don't apply to any of them. But there were quite a lot of people attending the fair, even including some expats! The only thing i found useful is the lecture on application process given by a Stanford alumni. Here're some of my "take-away points" from his speech:
- Before you begin the application, deal with the two big questions: WHY MBA? & Which School? If you don't deal with them on the first hand, they will haunt you during the process.
- The Selection Process.For the 1st round, all the application will be printed out after the deadline, and will be distributed to every adcom.They'll need to read maybe thousands of applications during a weekend, probably won't spend over 5 min on a single application, so u need to be sure that your application is eye-catching enough to be selected into the pool for second thought.And meanwhile, they won't take your nationality/gender/background into consideration in the 1st round, since each adcom can't sync up with all other adcoms.But they will take those factors into consideration after 2nd round, so apply as early as possible.
- The Essays.You need to differentiate yourself from other applicants, and the best way to do so is to write about the real you in your essay.Pay attention to those details not just in workplace, but from real life.Tell a good story about yourself.Write a profile to list the experiences that's happened to you, the decisions you've made and the things that's important to you, and most importantly, you need to tell WHY!
- Manage your recommender.Talk to them about the content that they're going to put into your recommendation.Give them a profile of you so they can reference it.Remind them to submit the recommendation on a scheduled basis.Pick the recommenders who know you the best and can tell the most convincing story about you.
Friday, July 07, 2006
so IB or not?
I read this post on BW forum today, about an intern's experience in a IB in HK. What this guy was telling is really frightening, and it definitely shaked my intention to work in IB after MBA. But what's more frightening is: I totally believe that guy. Those kind of things: long working hour, monkey work, layoff happens in IT industry too, especially when I first joined as a "graduate trainee". But it's really hard to imagine, that I'll do those once again when I graduate from B-school? No way! But somehow I can't help but wonder, is it the case with every industry? At least I've heard similar things happening in consulting firms. Is it like the more you are paid, the longer hour you'll work, and the harsher your colleagues will be, and the more stupid your work content will be?
So IB or not?
So IB or not?
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
TOEFL & MBA tour
Last week, I mailed four schools that I'm attended to apply first/second round, about whether they can accept IELTS score instead of TOEFL, coz my last year's IELTS score is still valid while all my TOEFL scores expired. Standford, Stern and Rotman replied, but only Rotman told me they would be glad to accept my IELTS score. (Are Canadian schools more open-minded on these kind of things?) So it seems that I'll need to take TOEFL again! So I'll probably be the lucky one to take first iBT test in SH~ Good luck to myself~
Chasedream forum just released updated news about the MBA tour that's gonna happen on July 20 in SH. But when I see the school list, I'm somewhat disappointed. Though they do have some big names like Wharton, Chicago, Columbia, but I'm not applying to any of these... So now I'm not sure whether I should still go, since I'll have to leave a training early that day if I am going...
Chasedream forum just released updated news about the MBA tour that's gonna happen on July 20 in SH. But when I see the school list, I'm somewhat disappointed. Though they do have some big names like Wharton, Chicago, Columbia, but I'm not applying to any of these... So now I'm not sure whether I should still go, since I'll have to leave a training early that day if I am going...
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Spent a weekend in meeting room and pool side...
For the last 5 days, I spent 4 full days in meeting room and 4 nights at pool side, and the other day travelling back home... which means I haven't done any GMAT related things at all! :( The thing is, I attended a sales workshop at a beautiful place called BoAo in south China. The view is beautiful and hotel is hip, but we just didn't have much time to enjoy it. The only occasion we can find is nights, so I decided to put down GMAT for a lil while, and enjoy the resort:)
Now, back to Shanghai, back to real life~ I've finished all the verbal questions of OG10, am going to review all the questions again, and finish the new questions in OG11. Also this week, I'll start to look at AWA... I'm not very confident in writing, though I scored 8 in my last IELTS writing test. I did some Math questions in OG the weekend before, and I found them...too easy... Will the test be a little more difficult than this? I think as long as I be careful, I will be okay with Math^_^
On the other hand, I'm a bit worried about my school research and essays. Though I already have a list of schools that I will apply, but so far, I haven't done much research on them, not to mention come up with a essay strategy... Seems there already are a bunch of applicants preparing their essays now, making me feel so left behind. I really need to hurry up and put everything on schedule now, while hoping I won't have to OT any more in the following weeks...
update: here's a pic I took at the pool side:P
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
First post to my MBA dream~
This is a blog dedicated to the chasing of my MBA dream~
After reading dozens of MBA blogs of applicants and students, I finally decided to start one of my own. I do already have a personal blog on MSN space, but just too many ppl are reading that one, including my co-workers and ex-boss! So i better blog my MBA dream secretly and anonymously:P But I'm the type of person who can't really keep anything to myself, so I really need a space to talk about it. And it appears meaningful to record my path to MBA, and share with other applicants in the MBA blogging comunity.
Now a little background info about me: I'm a Chinese gal, with 2 yrs w/e as sales consultant in my current company, trying to have a career switch from IT to Finance. I'm also moving from SH to Toronto, hopefully in Oct. I've scheduled my GMAT in Aug, so now i'm pretty much busy with test preparing, while doing some school research online. I may also need to take TOEFL for the 3rd time...but I really don't wanna do that, coz last time I took it, I scored 667... this test is nothing interesting for me... and btw, the 2-yr validity period is stupid, the ability of speaking one language won't fade away in 2 yrs! So I hope I could use my IELTS score, which is still valid to prove I CAN speak English.
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