join the bandwagon
If you are an aspiring MBA/MS candidate, then this post is for you.
Specially if in the country of 'Yes we can - Obama' and more specially if you are Indian, then you have hit the right spot, oops URL.
New term is approaching and application season has started. When the graduate admission office is busy sorting out stuff and deciding on whom to admit to their elite club, here are some tips for starry eyed aspirants.
1. This whole process is very exhaustive. Specially if you don't have any close friends/peers giving you company, cursing the courier people, understanding the essence of going through this ordeal, then there are very bright chances of 'you getting frustrated'. So have loads of patience. Start meditation to avoid catastrophic situations!
2. Start your application process as early as possible. Always remember the invaluable lesson of logic and practicality, 'First come first served'. This improves your chances of getting admitted with a handsome aid (financial of course, you weirdo :P) by your side.
This does not, at all, mean that the ones who apply around the threshold don't get through. Most of the applicants lie in that region. But as a victim of that attitude I would advice to be smart by starting early.
3. Keep all the paperwork like recos, transcripts, sops and financial docs ready. This adds to the smartness quotient on your part. Remember we are trying to reduce stress, strain and assorted relatives.
4. Unlike in India, here people do not have entrances except for the GMAT/GRE (I call them the GATE PASS, as they are nothing more than that, but the scores are crucial, no matter). So once you have the initial score ready, start your research immediately. Focus is required for any kind of post graduation. I would seriously stress on being serious about stuff. What you do after coming here, I mean focus or not focus is totally your choice. But for the application part show focus and dedication. The energy and national currency converted in US dollars (which is in comma right now) one invests in this process should not be wasted according to me.
5. Professional help is not so mandatory for the recos and sops, if you are focused enough on what you want to do. But if you are not sure, then I would suggest that you join one of them. It will help you get a point of view on what you want/should do, at least.
6. Once you start applying, enjoy your time. Because, once you come here, life would be totally different. Your peer group, life style will change drastically. So get ready for the change by having a blast. This is based on my optimistic observation that, if you apply to 7 schools, you get through minimum 2, with 80% chances of actually landing here! :)
There are many personal experiences, I would like to share. Maybe sometime later. Do take care of steps 1-3.
Life's is much better if you come here with a clear and focused mindset.
All the best!
nightflier :)