What kind of admissions advice are you looking for? I think it is important to think very carefully about the types of advisers available when selecting what is best for you. The right advice from the right adviser(s) will facilitate your acceptance in to an MBA, LLM, PhD, or other graduate program, while the wrong advice might very well result in the need to reapply.
MY BIAS: If you have not read, the blog post or the article where my views are discussed, I would simply state that my own bias is towards ethical consulting and against ghostwriting as this is simply the only basis upon which I would counsel someone. I believe applicants should write their own essays. That said, I am not looking to impose my own views on you. You must make your own choices. In the next four posts, I will analyze the pros and cons of mentors, admissions consultants, editors, and ghostwriters.
A couple of things to mention. I will not include the names of any specific admissions consultants, editors, or ghostwriters here. This is not due to any ignorance or laziness on my part, but rather the fact that I am not advocating or criticizing the use of any specific service because (1) I can't fairly attest to the efficacy of all major service providers and (2) I am not interested in being sued for libel.
I hope these posts will help you determine what kind of advice you need and who you should get it from.
Questions? Write comments or contact me directly at adammarkus@gmail.com.
-Adam Markus
アダム マーカス
MBA留学, LLM留学, 大学院留学
August 07, 2007
MBA Applicants: Join caseplace.org
As a follow-up to my last post, I wanted to mention the benefits of joining caseplace.org. Membership is free.
Benefits include:
"My CasePlace section to organize, track and save information you gather. You'll be notified, every time you log on, about the new materials that have been added to your interest areas.
My Folders: Create multiple lists which contain information about cases of interest to you and how to get them. Organize cases around themes and courses.
My Bookmarks: Return to documents you are especially interested in.
Contact Information: You will be added to the Membership Directory. You can then contact others who work in your area, or they can contact you."
Questions? Write comments or contact me directly at adammarkus@gmail.com.
-Adam Markus
アダム マーカス
MBA留学
Benefits include:
"My CasePlace section to organize, track and save information you gather. You'll be notified, every time you log on, about the new materials that have been added to your interest areas.
My Folders: Create multiple lists which contain information about cases of interest to you and how to get them. Organize cases around themes and courses.
My Bookmarks: Return to documents you are especially interested in.
Contact Information: You will be added to the Membership Directory. You can then contact others who work in your area, or they can contact you."
Questions? Write comments or contact me directly at adammarkus@gmail.com.
-Adam Markus
アダム マーカス
MBA留学
Learn About the MBA Case Method Before You Apply
Did you know that approximately 25% (Chicago GSB) to 80% (HBS) of all courses at top Business Schools use the case method?
While Harvard Business School is most known for its use of the case method, other top programs use it typically 30%-50% of the time with the remainder consisting of lecture, experiential learning, simulations, and other methods.
If you are thinking about applying to business school, you should learn about the case method to help determine (1) whether it suits your own learning style and (2) which schools you want to apply to.
If you have decided to apply, you should learn about the case method because you will (1) need to think whether you need to discuss directly or indirectly in their "Why MBA" essay and (2) need to be prepared to discuss why you would benefit from the case method in an interview.
One of the clearest explanations for the case method is, not surprisingly, the HBS website. Every MBA applicant could benefit from watching the case study video which will provide you with a clear 13 minute and 25 second image of what case study is about.
Want to read some case studies?
One great resource for cases studies is caseplace.org, where you can read (890 were available when I checked) cases written by and for top business schools. Many were published by Harvard Business School through Harvard Working Knowledge, Harvard Business Review, and Harvard Business School Publishing. Sources for other cases include Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford Social Innovation Review, Knowledge @ Wharton, and MIT Sloan Management Review.
Sponsored by the Aspen Institute, "CasePlace.org is designed for business school faculty" , it "is a free, practical on-line resource for up-to-date case studies, syllabi, and innovative teaching materials on business and sustainability - from corporate governance to sustainable development." Given the sources and purpose of the site, this a wonderful opportunity to read cases on a diverse range subjects.
If caseplace.org is not enough for you than you can also purchase case studies directly from schools such as HBS, Stanford, University of Virginia's Darden School of Business, and the University of Western Ontario's Ivey School of Management. Actually, according to a recent Wall Street Journal article, "Some Schools Now Sell Case Studies on Web," online case sales are a major source of revenue for many top schools.
Please keep in mind that the objective is to get enough background to make good decisions about your applications, so don't feel obligated to spend so much time reading cases. Just spend enough time to know what the case method is and how it will impact your application decisions and admissions strategy. Just as in my earlier post about professors, the point here is learn about what you want to do in graduate school.
Questions? Write comments or contact me directly at adammarkus@gmail.com.
-Adam Markus
アダム マーカス
ハーバード, シカゴ、ビジネススクール, MBA留学
While Harvard Business School is most known for its use of the case method, other top programs use it typically 30%-50% of the time with the remainder consisting of lecture, experiential learning, simulations, and other methods.
If you are thinking about applying to business school, you should learn about the case method to help determine (1) whether it suits your own learning style and (2) which schools you want to apply to.
If you have decided to apply, you should learn about the case method because you will (1) need to think whether you need to discuss directly or indirectly in their "Why MBA" essay and (2) need to be prepared to discuss why you would benefit from the case method in an interview.
One of the clearest explanations for the case method is, not surprisingly, the HBS website. Every MBA applicant could benefit from watching the case study video which will provide you with a clear 13 minute and 25 second image of what case study is about.
Want to read some case studies?
One great resource for cases studies is caseplace.org, where you can read (890 were available when I checked) cases written by and for top business schools. Many were published by Harvard Business School through Harvard Working Knowledge, Harvard Business Review, and Harvard Business School Publishing. Sources for other cases include Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford Social Innovation Review, Knowledge @ Wharton, and MIT Sloan Management Review.
Sponsored by the Aspen Institute, "CasePlace.org is designed for business school faculty" , it "is a free, practical on-line resource for up-to-date case studies, syllabi, and innovative teaching materials on business and sustainability - from corporate governance to sustainable development." Given the sources and purpose of the site, this a wonderful opportunity to read cases on a diverse range subjects.
If caseplace.org is not enough for you than you can also purchase case studies directly from schools such as HBS, Stanford, University of Virginia's Darden School of Business, and the University of Western Ontario's Ivey School of Management. Actually, according to a recent Wall Street Journal article, "Some Schools Now Sell Case Studies on Web," online case sales are a major source of revenue for many top schools.
Please keep in mind that the objective is to get enough background to make good decisions about your applications, so don't feel obligated to spend so much time reading cases. Just spend enough time to know what the case method is and how it will impact your application decisions and admissions strategy. Just as in my earlier post about professors, the point here is learn about what you want to do in graduate school.
Questions? Write comments or contact me directly at adammarkus@gmail.com.
-Adam Markus
アダム マーカス
ハーバード, シカゴ、ビジネススクール, MBA留学
August 03, 2007
The iBT TOEFL: A Test of Real English Abiility
One recent change that is effecting most international applicants to graduate programs (1) who did not graduate with a bachelors from a university where English was the primary method of instruction and/or (2) are not native English speakers, is the new iBT (Internet Based TOEFL).
For high level English speakers, especially those with less than perfect grammar, the new test is probably no harder and, may in fact be easier than the old CBT, but for everyone else, IBT (see below) appears to be much more difficult.
Since I first taught TOEFL in 1995, it has gone through significant changes in an attempt to make it a real test of English. From 1997-2001, when I marketed US residential English language programs at UC Berkeley and for the international division of a major US testing company, the TOEFL course was part of an integrated English language program, a program that combined typical English language study with test preparation. Such courses made the correct assumption that there was a disparity of some degree between learning English and studying TOEFL. I think the situation has changed quite a lot with the development of the iBT because it was clearly designed to be a test of real English ability:
The TOEFL iBT emphasizes integrated skills and provides better information to institutions about students' ability to communicate in an academic setting and their readiness for academic coursework. With Internet-based testing, ETS can capture speech and score responses in a standardized manner.
I have not taught or sold the iBT, so my knowledge of it is limited to the public domain, but based on what ETS says about it, it is clearly more difficult than the old CBT, not to mention the PBT:
Is the Internet-based test more difficult?
Summary: The iBT is more difficult because it is a more realistic measure of English ability.
According to Longman, the major educational publisher:
Preparation for the Next Generation iBT requires a lot of different components. It requires lots of language skills, some academic skills, test-taking strategies, realistic test practice on the computer, and good basic computer skills.
I wanted to provide some analysis about how long it will take to improve scores, but I was unable to find anything that clearly answered that (If anyone knows, please email me). Regarding English language acquisition in general, I think the following statement by TOEIC Europe is worth considering:
Improvement in overall English ability generally takes a considerable amount of practice and study. There are many things that affect an individual’s progress in learning English such as motivation, amount of practice, the number of hours or weeks of classroom study, previous exposure to English, and the type and quality of instruction. It is difficult to say exactly how much learning time is needed before a significant improvement in English proficiency is seen.
I know this is not much of an answer, but what it means to me is that since the iBT is a better measure of English ability, it will take longer to study for. For those MBA applicants who must take GMAT and other applicants who must take GRE, this will indeed be added pressure.
Questions? Write comments or contact me directly at adammarkus@gmail.com.
-Adam Markus
アダム マーカス
MBA留学, LLM留学, 大学院留学
For high level English speakers, especially those with less than perfect grammar, the new test is probably no harder and, may in fact be easier than the old CBT, but for everyone else, IBT (see below) appears to be much more difficult.
Since I first taught TOEFL in 1995, it has gone through significant changes in an attempt to make it a real test of English. From 1997-2001, when I marketed US residential English language programs at UC Berkeley and for the international division of a major US testing company, the TOEFL course was part of an integrated English language program, a program that combined typical English language study with test preparation. Such courses made the correct assumption that there was a disparity of some degree between learning English and studying TOEFL. I think the situation has changed quite a lot with the development of the iBT because it was clearly designed to be a test of real English ability:
The TOEFL iBT emphasizes integrated skills and provides better information to institutions about students' ability to communicate in an academic setting and their readiness for academic coursework. With Internet-based testing, ETS can capture speech and score responses in a standardized manner.
I have not taught or sold the iBT, so my knowledge of it is limited to the public domain, but based on what ETS says about it, it is clearly more difficult than the old CBT, not to mention the PBT:
Is the Internet-based test more difficult?
- The TOEFL iBT Reading and Listening sections are not dramatically different from those on the current TOEFL test.
- The integrated tasks on the TOEFL iBT Speaking and Writing sections may be considered more challenging because they are new to test takers. However, to succeed academically in English-speaking colleges and universities, students need to be able to combine their language skills in the classroom.
- The integrated tasks in the new test will help learners build the confidence needed to communicate in the academic environments they plan to enter.
Summary: The iBT is more difficult because it is a more realistic measure of English ability.
According to Longman, the major educational publisher:
Preparation for the Next Generation iBT requires a lot of different components. It requires lots of language skills, some academic skills, test-taking strategies, realistic test practice on the computer, and good basic computer skills.
I wanted to provide some analysis about how long it will take to improve scores, but I was unable to find anything that clearly answered that (If anyone knows, please email me). Regarding English language acquisition in general, I think the following statement by TOEIC Europe is worth considering:
Improvement in overall English ability generally takes a considerable amount of practice and study. There are many things that affect an individual’s progress in learning English such as motivation, amount of practice, the number of hours or weeks of classroom study, previous exposure to English, and the type and quality of instruction. It is difficult to say exactly how much learning time is needed before a significant improvement in English proficiency is seen.
I know this is not much of an answer, but what it means to me is that since the iBT is a better measure of English ability, it will take longer to study for. For those MBA applicants who must take GMAT and other applicants who must take GRE, this will indeed be added pressure.
Questions? Write comments or contact me directly at adammarkus@gmail.com.
-Adam Markus
アダム マーカス
MBA留学, LLM留学, 大学院留学
August 02, 2007
Rule #1 Play the Admissions Game On Your Terms
In my previous post on test preparation, I suggested the importance of knowing enough about your own learning needs to determine how best to prepare for the TOEFL, GMAT, or GRE. This points to what I consider to be the heart of the admissions game: Play the game on your own terms.
To get accepted to the school(s) you are applying to you will have to follow formal application rules, but the manner in which you follow them is your choice. Let's be honest, the application process can be annoying:
Timing
While some applicants will have to apply during a certain year because of sponsorship, many applicants have control over the timing of their applications. If you control timing, apply when you are ready to apply to the schools you want to attend. Some people need two to three years to prepare, while others can do it in a matter of a few months. The important thing is that you work at the right pace for you. Professor Tara Kuther's Timetable for Applying to Graduate School is one good attempt to map out a schedule, but is clearly intended for US applicants. International applicants would be well advised to start earlier than she suggests, especially if TOEFL is a consideration. Make a schedule that is realistic and keep yourself to it. If you can't keep yourself on your schedule, consider either altering the schedule or getting an admissions consultant (also known as an application counselor, admissions counselor, or admissions adviser) who will provide you with sufficient coaching to keep you on your schedule.
School Selection
Unless you are specifically limited to choosing particular schools because of sponsorship or scholarship criteria or because of geographic limitations, look carefully at a variety of schools to decide which to apply to. Think about such things as the school's reputation, what impact you expect your graduate education to have on your career, the time and cost involved in studying, and the impact that a particular school's location will have on you personally. If you can't work through these issues yourself, seek advice from mentors, peers, family and/or an admissions counselor. While you should be realistic about your chances for admission, don't compromise on selection. Apply only to schools you want to attend.
Your Story
You control your story in your application. Your story is what you write about yourself in your essays, resume, and even in your answers to some of the little questions on the application. It is also what you say in an interview or in any interactions with admissions people. Controlling and developing your story is absolutely critical. If you can't do it alone, seek the advice of a professional counselor if you can afford to do so.
Enjoy it!
If you are going to spend the next six months or more focused on getting into school, make it as pleasant for yourself as possible. See it as a learning opportunity and above all treat it like a game that you will be committed to win.
Passion
Your motivation, your desire for study, for your future, and for a particular school is something admissions committees care about. I like Linda Abraham's formulation of this: Passion = Action + Dedication. Passion is not just for MBA essays, but even for those pursuing a PhD in particle physics, an LLM, or any other degree. Passion or the lack of it is detectable by other people. Sometimes it can be found in the application, sometimes in an interview, and sometimes not until school starts. If passion is connected to reason, it simply acts as a powerful force for application success, not to mention success in the rest of your life.
Bottom Line:
Take what you control, use it to your advantage, and play the game to win.
Questions? Write comments or contact me directly at adammarkus@gmail.com
-Adam Markus
アダム マーカス
MBA留学、LLM留学、大学院留学
To get accepted to the school(s) you are applying to you will have to follow formal application rules, but the manner in which you follow them is your choice. Let's be honest, the application process can be annoying:
Who likes to take expensive, time consuming standardized tests?
Who likes to spend time and money preparing for those tests?
Who likes to complete endless applications?
Who likes to ask other people, especially their supervisors and professors, for recommendations?
Who likes to devote much of their time for six to twelve months or more to apply?
Who likes waiting for an admissions committee to make a decision?
I am sure there is someone who does, but I have never met such a person. All of the above and more are part of the admissions process that you can't control. Now here is what you control:Who likes to spend time and money preparing for those tests?
Who likes to complete endless applications?
Who likes to ask other people, especially their supervisors and professors, for recommendations?
Who likes to devote much of their time for six to twelve months or more to apply?
Who likes waiting for an admissions committee to make a decision?
Timing
While some applicants will have to apply during a certain year because of sponsorship, many applicants have control over the timing of their applications. If you control timing, apply when you are ready to apply to the schools you want to attend. Some people need two to three years to prepare, while others can do it in a matter of a few months. The important thing is that you work at the right pace for you. Professor Tara Kuther's Timetable for Applying to Graduate School is one good attempt to map out a schedule, but is clearly intended for US applicants. International applicants would be well advised to start earlier than she suggests, especially if TOEFL is a consideration. Make a schedule that is realistic and keep yourself to it. If you can't keep yourself on your schedule, consider either altering the schedule or getting an admissions consultant (also known as an application counselor, admissions counselor, or admissions adviser) who will provide you with sufficient coaching to keep you on your schedule.
School Selection
Unless you are specifically limited to choosing particular schools because of sponsorship or scholarship criteria or because of geographic limitations, look carefully at a variety of schools to decide which to apply to. Think about such things as the school's reputation, what impact you expect your graduate education to have on your career, the time and cost involved in studying, and the impact that a particular school's location will have on you personally. If you can't work through these issues yourself, seek advice from mentors, peers, family and/or an admissions counselor. While you should be realistic about your chances for admission, don't compromise on selection. Apply only to schools you want to attend.
Your Story
You control your story in your application. Your story is what you write about yourself in your essays, resume, and even in your answers to some of the little questions on the application. It is also what you say in an interview or in any interactions with admissions people. Controlling and developing your story is absolutely critical. If you can't do it alone, seek the advice of a professional counselor if you can afford to do so.
Enjoy it!
If you are going to spend the next six months or more focused on getting into school, make it as pleasant for yourself as possible. See it as a learning opportunity and above all treat it like a game that you will be committed to win.
Passion
Your motivation, your desire for study, for your future, and for a particular school is something admissions committees care about. I like Linda Abraham's formulation of this: Passion = Action + Dedication. Passion is not just for MBA essays, but even for those pursuing a PhD in particle physics, an LLM, or any other degree. Passion or the lack of it is detectable by other people. Sometimes it can be found in the application, sometimes in an interview, and sometimes not until school starts. If passion is connected to reason, it simply acts as a powerful force for application success, not to mention success in the rest of your life.
Bottom Line:
Take what you control, use it to your advantage, and play the game to win.
Questions? Write comments or contact me directly at adammarkus@gmail.com
-Adam Markus
アダム マーカス
MBA留学、LLM留学、大学院留学
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