Mimi Musumeci	Welcome to the Wake Forest MBA Online Chat Session! Tonight, members from the Full-time Admissions Staff will answer your questions about the application process. You may post a question directly to the chat room or you may ask a speaker a question. Let's begin!
annette	Hi everybody, I'm Annette
annette	I may be interested in applying for the Fall 2006 full-time class
annette	<Q>What are the deadlines for application and scholarship requests for the Fall 2006 class?
Stacy Owen	<A>Our early decision deadline was November 1. Between now and April 1, we offer rolling admissions. Our scholarship deadline is February 1.
Mimi Musumeci	Hello Annette!
Stacy Owen	Welcome to our chat session!
Mimi Musumeci	Hello JSM!
jsm	Hello
jsm	I hope everyone is doing well.
annette	Hi there!
Kellie Sauls	Hello Mark
Stacy Owen	Welcome, JRG.
Mimi Musumeci	The Full-time Admissions Staff is online to answer your questions regarding the application process.
Mimi Musumeci	You may post a question to the room or ask a question for a speaker.
annette	<Q>How long from the time that I complete my application until I get an admissions decision?
Stacy Owen	<A>We turn applications around pretty quickly. From the time everything is complete (meaning we have all components of the application), you can expect a decision within three weeks.
annette	<Q>What is the % of students in the full-time class this year?
Stacy Owen	<A>We have 88 students in the first-year class and 115 in the second-year. As you can see, the class size can vary. We want to keep our quality and will not sacrifice it for quantity!
annette	<Q>I'm interested in a class visit, but I haven't completed the application yet. Can I bring it with me to the visit?
Kellie Sauls	<A>You may schedule a class visit at anytime. However, the class visit is part of the interview schedule. Beginning January 1, applications must be complete to schedule an interview.
Stacy Owen	We have had a bit of inclement weather today in Winston-Salem (ice, more than anything else). However, it has left many in the area without power, cable TV and/or internet connection. Robert Capizzi, our featured guest, is currently without a connection.
Stacy Owen	We can address some of your GMAT questions and are happy to put you in touch with Robert directly. We will certainly consider inviting him to our next chat session .
annette	<Q>Will you be offering any more Saturday interview opportunities?
Kellie Sauls	<A>Yes. We have two days Saturday interview dates scheduled in the Spring. The first is January 28 and the second is February 25.
jrg	How much emphasis is placed on an applicant's GMAT score relative to all other aspects of the application process?
jrg	<Q>Relative to the whole application process, how much weight is placed on an applicant's GMAT score?
Stacy Owen	<A>Great question. The GMAT score is without a doubt an important part of the application. (And can ultimately be a factor in the final decision.) We encourage candidates to consider both our average (630, which our Dean would like for us to increase this year) and our 80% range (580-710).
jsm	Can you describe a typical day for a first year MBA student?
Brady	How much work experience should a candidate have in order to get the most out of the MBA program?
jrg	You mentioned that the number of students admitted to the program each year varies. Do you cap it off at a certain number or can you accept as many candidates as you feel are qualified for the program?
annette	<Q>Can I still meet with faculty and students on the Saturday interview day, or only the admissions staff?
Kellie Sauls	<A>Only the admissions staff. The Saturday interview days are solely interviews conducted with admissions staff. It was designed for additional flexibility for those who can't interview during the week.
Mimi Musumeci	Brady, candidates should have 2-4 years work experience to get the most out of the mba program.
Stacy Owen	Our Done in a Day sessions included meetings with faculty and our career management center staff.
Kellie Sauls	Just to make things easier and to make sure we answer each and every question. Please type your questions in the "Question for Speaker" box.
annette	<Q>What is the weather generally like in Winston-Salem?
Stacy Owen	<A>So funny that you should ask that on a day like today! We are really fortunate when it comes to the weather here. There are four distinct seasons - our summers are typically hot and humid with little rain, and the winters are relatively mild. Ice is the worst part of our winter usually. Since Winston-Salem is really not prepared for inclement weather, everything shuts down. (For example, Wake Forest didn't open until noon today.) Does that help?
Kellie Sauls	Feel free to converse with the other participants with the "Post to Room" area
Whit_Tice	Hi everyone!
annette	Hi there!
Whit_Tice	I hope I'm not interrupting the flow of questioning. I have some questions about the interview.
Brady	Hi Y'all
Whit_Tice	What sorts of things would be good to do to prepare for the interview?
jsm	<Q>Can you describe a typical day for a first year MBA student?
Mimi Musumeci	<A>Students begin classes at 8:00am and end at 1:00 pm. They usually meet with their study teams for several hours after classes.
Brady	<Q>What kind of involvement does the MBA program have with businesses around Winston-Salem?
Kellie Sauls	<A>There are several opportunities for involvement. 1) Mgt Consulting Practicum - Local businesses submit an issue to be addressed by students, 2) student clubs "adopt" a local business, 3) volunteer opportunities, 4) internships and consulting projects....the list goes on and on....
Whit_Tice	Are there many technology related companies in the area? I'd hope to get an internship involving project management at a tech company, if at all possible.
Mimi Musumeci	Whit_Tice, you should know why you want to get an MBA and what you are looking for in an MBA program.
Brady	<Q>What program would you recommend for a young professional? Full-time? Part-time? Executive?
Stacy Owen	<A>It really depends on post-MBA goals and your career reasons for pursuing an MBA. For example, someone who has been working in one field and wants to go into a different one (a career changer) would be a better fit for a FT program. If you are a young professional (2 - 7 years of work), you will not qualify for an executive program. If you just want an MBA because your company would like for you to have one in order to be promoted, an evening program may be better for you. FT programs offer areas of concentration, and PT/Exec usually don't. Make sense?
jrg	<Q>Can you give me an idea of what types of companies recruit graduates of your program? Do many of the students remain in the Winston-Salem area?
Kellie Sauls	<A>I think it depends on what area of concentration you are referring to. Large corporations, family businesses, multinational companies, and small to medium sized businesses.....We have an active recruiting program through the career management center. Many students choose to remain in Winston-Salem. The atmosphere is great for families and children and the cost of living can't be beat.
dane	<Q>With a relatively low GMAT score (590) but with a solid gpa (3.4) and good work experience for 2-3 years would you recommend taking the GMAT again?
Mimi Musumeci	<A>I recommend you take the GMAT score again. Raising the score will make your application more competitive.
aarti	Type your question here hi i am an aspiring student from india and would like to ask what is the acceptance rate for students applications/selections?
Kellie Sauls	Whit: There are tech companies in the area. 1) RTP in Raleigh and 2) Triangle Research Park which is growing quickly
Whit_Tice	What sorts of things do the admissions people take into account when seeing if an applicant will be a good fit for their program?
Whit_Tice	Oh ok thanks Kellie
annette	<Q>You mentioned the Management Practicum. Do students select their own project or is it assigned to them? What sorts of projects do they do?
Stacy Owen	<A>The Management Consulting Practicum is a Babcock favorite. It is taken in the second year - it's an elective for students with more than three years work experience and required for those with less than three years of work experience. Students act as consultants to a company - they can select their project based on area of interest (the projects are categorized by finance, marketing, operations-related, etc.) or by company name.
Whit_Tice	Wow that sounds like a great experience.
jrg	<Q>Are there opportunities for internships or study abroad?
aarti	how important is calculus .. since i don't have any practice on that ?
annette	Hey everyone... Are any of you chatters are from outside North Carolina? What do you think of moving to the South?
dane	<Q>Do most students generally stay in the South East Mid Atlantic area after graduation? What kind of international opportunities have students worked on during their studies/ after their studies? Thanks in advance
Kellie Sauls	<A>SE - for several reasons. Reputation is strong here, Charlotte (Wall Street of the South) is 1.5 hours away and the cost of living is great! People love it here! However, we have alumni all over the nation. International opportunities can be had if you are willing to put in the effort. In our latest alumni magazine we highlighted several alumni working in foreign land.
Texas03dp	<Q>Would you recommend a prep course for the GMAT?
Stacy Owen	<A>It really depends on the person. My personal advice is that candidates buy a GMAT prep book and work the quantitative problems over and over and over. Take the test and see how you do. Then consider a prep course.
Whit_Tice	I'm in Washington State and having nice warm summers without constant rain sounds really nice to me.
annette	I've heard the cost of living is lots lower there too..
jrg	Annette, I currently live in Washington, DC. I have always loved North Carolina though, so I really like the idea of moving south!
Stacy Owen	We have lots of alumni in the DC area - let me know if you'd like any of their contact information.
aarti	ya pls provide us with some alumni's contact info for guidance with how to get selected
rmotwani	<Q>Hi, What are the requirements for MBA program
Mimi Musumeci	<A>You must have an undergraduate degree to apply to MBA school. You must also take the GMAT test and submit all application components.
jrg	<Q>How much importance is placed on undergraduate GPA?
Kellie Sauls	<A>UG GPA gives the admissions committee an idea of the rigor of your UG major and progress in your academic career. If you start weak and finish strong, then it tells us that you were able to make improvement as the course work becomes more challenging. It is an important factor in determining an applicant's approach to academic coursework.
Vivek	Roughly how many startups emerge from the Angell Center for Entrepreneurship every year?
aarti	what are the last admission dates of the 2006 fall cycle
rmotwani	<Q>any financial aid available for Canadian residents/citizens
Mimi Musumeci	<A>International students must secure loans in their own country or they must have an American co-sign for them to apply for loans in the US.
Kellie Sauls	VIVek: Startups can reside for two years so each year the number varies.
jrg	I would certainly appreciate the opportunity to meet or chat with some alumni in the area. How would I go about getting contact information?
Stacy Owen	Aarti: the scholarship deadline is Feb. 1; final deadline is April 1. We are rolling between these dates.
Kellie Sauls	Aarti: April 1 is the final deadline.
Whit_Tice	What sorts of things does admissions take into account when seeing if an applicant will be a good fit for their program, aside from GPA/GMAT?
08mba	<Q>How important are the essays in comparison to the rest of the application including the interview?
Mimi Musumeci	<A>The essays reveal your personality and ability to show us your written communication skills. The interview is a means of revealing your oral communication skills. The interview can make or break someone.
Stacy Owen	Whit: Mimi is exactly right!
Whit_Tice	So, the focus would be on how effectively one communicates?
annette	<Q>Ok, not to sound like a slacker, but how far are the beaches from WS? Will I ever have time to go?
Mimi Musumeci	<A>The beaches are 4-6 hours to the south or east. There are many to choose from both in NC and SC.
08mba	<Q>Do you find out about scholarship info when you get your decision or is that given later?
Mimi Musumeci	<A>Yes. The scholarship information is included in your acceptance letter.
Kellie Sauls	Whit: yes and another opportunity to give insight about you and your goals
Vivek	<Q>What percentage of your class would be career changers?
Stacy Owen	<A>At least half of our class are career changers, which is why we recommend the Full-time MBA for those candidates.
Whit_Tice	Thanks Stacy and Kellie
Kellie Sauls	Just to make things easier and to make sure we answer each and every question, please type your questions in the "Question for Speaker" box.
Kellie Sauls	Feel free to converse with the other participants with the "Post to Room" button.
Brady	<Q>Is there any kind of concentration that focuses on or includes quantitative methods?
Stacy Owen	<A>We don't have a concentration that focuses particularly on quantitative methods; however, most of our students find our program heavily laced quantitatively.
08mba	<Q>What is generally the word limit on essay #1?
Stacy Owen	<A>Both our essays are limited to two pages, typed.
Kellie Sauls	Welcome back Whit!
Brady	<Q>I enjoy the field I currently work in, but would like to refine my knowledge and learn more so that I can perform my job better and have more opportunities available to me...would you recommend Full Time or Part Time?
Stacy Owen	<A>One of the benefits of a full-time program is the opportunity to work directly with our Career Management Center and interview for jobs. Most recruiters are on campus to meet with FT students. Another question you should ask yourself relates to opportunities for promotion - do you need to focus in a new are to get to where you'd like to be? If you like the career you are in, will your company help you finance your MBA if you go PT?
Whit_Tice	<Q>Thanks, I didn't know I had left.
Vivek	<Q>Have you seen an increase in the application numbers this year?
Stacy Owen	<A>Yes, compared to last year this time, our applications are up!
CLM	<Q>Is the Peace Corps considered 2 yrs. of full time work experience to satisfy the admissions requirement?
Kellie Sauls	<A>Yes, the Peace Corps is considered 2yrs of FT work experience. Maybe I will get to interview you. I would love to learn of your experience!
Kellie Sauls	Vivek: That is a great thing!
Kellie Sauls	This seems like a good time to ask if people have questions about work or resumes....
Vivek	<Q>Would the class size remain the same, or you are thinking of an increase?
Kellie Sauls	<A>Not looking to increase at this time. Usually have about 110-115. Last year had 88.
jrg	I've got a question related to incoming class size, is there a maximum number of students you admit or does it solely depend on the number of qualified students?
sschiet	<Q>I apologize, I just joined late... what are the important components of the application?
Stacy Owen	<A>Welcome! The required components of the application include a resume, essay questions, interview, GMAT, TOEFL (if required), transcripts and letters of recommendation.
Percy	I am taking the GMAT tomorrow. I have completed the free software from GMAC. Do you have any other last minute advice?
Whit_Tice	Good luck
Kellie Sauls	Both - we like to stay around 110-115 and it also depends on the quality of the applicants. We will not compromise quality.
Percy	Thanks
Kellie Sauls	So that may means admitting fewer students if need be
Kellie Sauls	You're welcome
08mba	<Q>If you discussed your particular situation in an interview does it need to be re-addressed in the optional essay?
Mimi Musumeci	<A>It should because there are several members of the Admissions Committee and if you write about it, all will have read it. In an interview, it may stay there.
Janek	<Q>Outside of academics and work experience, what candidate qualities or experiences are most attractive to the admissions staff?
Stacy Owen	<A>We LOVE volunteer/community service activities. The other component that goes a long way with us is the personal interview - we place significant weight upon this and want to see how well candidates can communicate and express their post-MBA goals.
Brady	<Q>I work for a very global company...how much emphasis is there on further developing one's "global mindset?"
Stacy Owen	<A>Good question. We weave "globality" (for lack of a better word) into all of our courses. Since we rely heavily on the case method, it is easy to include these discussions in the classroom. Each of our first-year study teams has an international student; we also offer two week immersion programs in the summer (prior to the summer internship).
Janek	<Q>When reviewing resumes, what items are typically red flags for the admissions staff?
Mimi Musumeci	<A>Lapses in work history. This is something that should be explained in the optional essay.
annette	<Q>Kellie, will the Career Center help me prepare my resume, or do I need to do that before I come? What kind of interview prep does the career center offer?
Kellie Sauls	<A>You will need a resume before you come because it is a required component of the application. However once you are here, the CMC will help you fine tune it. The CMC offers mock interviews and there is a CMC class that is part of the first year core where you will have opportunities to prepare for interviews.
Whit_Tice	<Q>Are the resumes read thoroughly or are they read in a similar fashion to many interviews where the potential employer simply glances at it? I have a lot of content that I want to have on mine and it's hard to make it into a single page.
Stacy Owen	<A>Admissions uses the resume as a guide to the interview. The Admissions Committee reviews it more closely during file review; Career Management Center analyzes it to death once the applicant becomes a student.
JPaik	<Q>Hi, do you accept students who do not have full-time work experience other than internships?
Mimi Musumeci	<A>We do accept a very small percentage of no work candidates. These candidates must have exceptional GPA and GMAT scores and show volunteer work or leadership roles while in college.
Whit_Tice	Analyze it to death... nice
Brady	<Q>What industry to most Babcock grads tend to gravitate towards?
Kellie Sauls	<A>Most of our students are attracted to finance but marketing and entrepreneurship are a close 2nd.
Whit_Tice	<Q>How many people sit in on the interview?
Mimi Musumeci	<A>Depends on the interview. Usually one person. However, if you participate in our Done in a Day events, you will interview with a panel made up of faculty, admissions staff, and career management staff.
Whit_Tice	Thanks mimi
Whit_Tice	<Q>Do many students find it possible to work part time during the second year?
Stacy Owen	<A>It depends on the student. Our program is extremely rigorous, and many feel that they can't add one more thing to their plates. Then there are other students who have great time management skills and either do research for a professor, continue doing their internship (if it is local and the company offers a flexible schedule). There are even others who do something just for fun - for example, I saw two of our second-years working in Ann Taylor last weekend! Second-years can work up to 20 hours a week.
Kathryn	If you are undecided as to whether or not to apply full-time or part-time, do you have to apply to both programs?
Whit_Tice	Thanks stacy
Mimi Musumeci	Kathryn, you must apply to both programs.
Janek	<Q>At which point is it appropriate to communicate post-MBA goals to you?; and if the goals are well established but generalized, is that considered acceptable?
Kellie Sauls	<A>One of our essay questions addresses this topic. So communicating goals effectively is important. The same is true during the interview. We don't necessarily want your 5 year plan but we do want to see realistic expectations of where you can go with an MBA
Stacy Owen	Kathryn: Every year, we have a few candidates who are torn between programs. You do need to select one for application purposes. We are happy to transfer your application to the second program.
Kathryn	OK, that definitely answers that question. Thank you, Stacey.
Kathryn	I would be traveling from Massachusetts for my interview. Can you recommend how I should plan my visit after the interview?
aarti	<Q>what is the difference in annual out-of-state/in-state tuition ?
Mimi Musumeci	<A>We are a private school so in-state and out-of-state tuition are the same.
Stacy Owen	Kathryn: We have a document that we can send you about hotel/transportation logistics, etc. After the interview, we encourage candidates to attend a class or two, then lunch, with a current student. The student will take you on a Babcock tour, as well as give you a Wake Forest campus overview.
aarti	<Q>but what is the difference if it is not a private school?
Mimi Musumeci	<A>I am not sure. You will have to check with the public colleges.
08mba	<Q>For your post-MBA goals do you need the specific industry you want to go in or can it be more generalized?
Kellie Sauls	<A>Specific industry - not necessarily however demonstrate your knowledge about the options and why your goals may be more general.
Brady	<Q>How heavily are letters of recommendation weighed in the admission process....and do you prefer letters from employers/ under grad faculty / or both???
Stacy Owen	<A>We DEFINITELY prefer letters from employers. Undergraduate faculty recommenders are almost always very generic. Or you can ask colleagues, customers or clients to write a letter on your behalf. We encourage you to sit down with your recommenders and share your post-MBA goals/plans with them before they write the letter.
Brady	that's good to know, thank you
Kellie Sauls	Make sure your recommenders can provide examples that demonstrate your preparation for an MBA program
sschiet	<Q>I am currently a junior in college. I have just been admitted to WFU med school's early assurance program... so that means I will be starting there in Fall of 2007. I'm majoring in business however, so I am very interested in doing the joint MD/MBA program. Would that be possible for me to do, right out of college? With no full time work experience?
Stacy Owen	<A>Yes, we will admit candidates to the joint degree programs directly from college. However, you need a really strong GMAT score as we will not have any work experience to evaluate.
Stacy Owen	Aarti: the difference between public and private schools is that public schools receive money from the government. (From the state of North Carolina, in this example.) Wake Forest does not receive funding from the state government.
JPaik	<Q>What percentage of students would you say that are accepted have no prior work experience?
Stacy Owen	<A>I am venturing a guess on this one, but I would say maybe 1/4 of those who apply without work are admitted.
Vivek	<Q>Are some of cases being taught in the case method system developed in-house?
Kellie Sauls	<A>Yes.....many of our faculty like the creative process and will develop their own cases to drive a particular point or skill. If you come for a visit during one of our spring events, you may have exposure to some of their cases in a mock class.
Janek	<Q>If an applicant is lacking work experience, realistically where should the individual score on the GMAT and present as a GPA?
Stacy Owen	<A>GMAT: above 650; GPA: above 3.2
Brady	::biggrin
Brady	<Q>can strong work experience and recommendation make up for low GMAT scores?
Stacy Owen	<A>Depends on how low the GMAT is. Could it make the difference for someone with a 600 - very possibly. Could it make the difference for someone with a 500 - no.
jrg	I've been employed at the same organization for the last four years. Can my letters of recommendation come from my colleagues or should I have at least one letter from someone outside of my organization?
Janek	<Q>What is the average age of incoming students?
Mimi Musumeci	<A>The average age is 27.
Brady	<Q>Does an applicant's undergrad institution or place of employment/role (job title) have a significant impact on his/ her possible admission?
Stacy Owen	<A>I wouldn't say "significant". Let me give you some examples. We know that some schools are more academically rigorous than others, as are majors. From experience, we've learned that applicants are likely to have lower GPAs in these instances (US Military Academy or engineering degrees, for example), but can handle the rigors of our program. In terms of employment, we are looking for more than just a title. We want the candidate to be able to explain to us - in the interview, essays and resume, what they've actually done.
Kellie Sauls	jrg: A letter from a colleague is fine although a supervisor would be better. Your other letter does not have to come from outside of the organization. It is up to you.
EMAZZEO	<Q>Could a post BA certificate in finance help strengthen an application for a candidate whom has a non business undergraduate degree?
Stacy Owen	<A>It may help the candidate with the academic part of the MBA, but will not be a factor in the decision-making process. 60% of our students don't come from a business background. Variety is the spice of life and certainly adds to the diversity at Babcock, as well as a team environment.
Vivek	<Q>For self employed applicants, who would be an Ideal recommender? Would you prefer clients for both recommendations?
Stacy Owen	<A>Clients and/or teammates/colleagues.
aarti	can a student reapply the next yr , if rejected once?
Clint	<Q>How will I know that certain parts of my application have been received by the MBA office. For example, transcripts.
Mimi Musumeci	<A>I will only be able to contact you if your contact information is on the transcript. Otherwise, I will email you as soon as I receive your application and tell you all documents I have received.
sschiet	<Q>If I am lacking work experience, is an internship critical? Is there a chance you would accept a joint MD/MBA who has never had experience in the business workforce (except as a manager for my college newspaper)... or do I really need to be doing an internship this summer?
Kellie Sauls	<A>An internship helps. If you can do it, then go for it. Most MD/MBA's do not have work experience so the other factors of the app become more important, especially the GMAT.
Whit_Tice	<Q>I plan make the 2/1 deadline and then visit in February. Are there any better times during the week or month that I should try to coordinate my visit?
Stacy Owen	<A>I would make sure class is in session when you visit - Cathy Caesar can help you with that. (Cathy.caesar@mba.wfu.edu). A great time for you to visit would be Open House weekend, January 13 - 14. We are offering extra interview slots on Friday and have an all-day Open House on Saturday.
Whit_Tice	<Q>Are GPAs weighted differently in the eyes of admissions? I am wondering about particular schools being favored more or more difficult majors getting a little leeway.
Stacy Owen	<A>We do give leeway to certain schools and majors.
Vivek	<Q>Do most students live on campus?
Kellie Sauls	<A>No - most students live within a 5 minute drive of campus. Nice communities close to campus. On campus housing for professional graduate students is only available when one serves as a Resident advisor.
Whit_Tice	Yay, thanks stacy
Whit_Tice	<Q>Is there anything outside of GMAT and the application, essays included, that an applicant can do to increase their chance of acceptance?
Stacy Owen	<A>Really demonstrate why they are a good fit for Wake Forest - fit is really important because we have such a sense of community here.
Whit_Tice	To follow up, how have people done that in the past?
annette	<Q>I'm not too confident in my GMAT score. What score are you looking for and what can I do to improve it if it isn't high enough?
Stacy Owen	<A>Our average is 630, and our Dean would like for that number to increase for Fall 2006. If you do not do as well as you would've liked the first time, practice quantitative problems over and over and retake the GMAT. We take the highest score.
Kellie Sauls	Aarti: Yes, we encourage you to reapply even if you are rejected. Just make sure that you have addressed those weak areas and strengthened your application.
taquanghai	Hi
Whit_Tice	Hi
Kellie Sauls	Taq: hello!
taquanghai	Please tell me a little about Graduate Assistantship at your University
jrg	what makes for a "good fit?" In other words, what sorts of activities and community service projects do current students do?
08mba	<Q>Do your break out the GMAT score and look at the quant and verbal components or do you only look at the overall score?
Kellie Sauls	<A>We look at the overall score. However, we also take the highest overall score no matter how many times you have taken it.
EMAZZEO	<Q>I will be coming to the triad next Thursday the 22 till the 31, is there any chance I could meet with someone from the program during this time?
Stacy Owen	<A>We are in the office on Thursday and would be happy to meet with you. Keep in mind that we are a skeleton crew (students are gone), so things will seem very, very quiet. (Which is definitely not the case the rest of the year!) Would this be your formal interview?
taquanghai	what is the typical GMAT score for a graduate assistant?
Clint	<Q>Concerning the interview portion of the application, are telephone interviews conducted or would it behoove an applicant to interview in person?
Kellie Sauls	<A>We prefer an in-person interview. It helps us get to know you better...after all communication is 90% non-verbal. Also, you have a chance to see where you might be spending the next two years of your life. It would benefit you to visit.
Kellie Sauls	Taq: 630 is our average. However, we are looking to raise that this year.
Kellie Sauls	Clint: Telephone interviews are conducted if need be.
Stacy Owen	TAQUANGHAI: GMAT scores are not a factor when selecting GA's. Only second-year students are eligible, and academic performance from the first year is taken into consideration when making selections.
taquanghai	but what about the fellowship?
taquanghai	are international students eligible for those fellowship?
Whit_Tice	<Q>Would it be beneficial to do a phone interview and then interview in person later?
Kellie Sauls	<A>No - only one interview is necessary. If you can interview in person, please do so.
sschiet	<Q>Thank you for all of your help! Goodnight.
Mimi Musumeci	<A>You are welcome!
Kellie Sauls	Good night SS
aarti	all admission fees have to be paid upfront or is there an option to pay it after employment post mba
Clint	<Q>Will your essays and work experience make up for a GMAT score that is slightly under your average?
Stacy Owen	<A>Being close to our average and stellar on all other components can certainly make for a competitive application.
Kellie Sauls	Aarti: I'm not sure I understand.....the only admissions fee is the application. The other fees go toward your tuition and program fees.
Kellie Sauls	Like your deposit.
Clint	<Q>Are interviews extended by the MBA program or is it the choice of the applicant to interview?
Mimi Musumeci	<A>Interviews are part of the application.
Ebarker	<Q>Is there a deadline during the application process by which you prefer to have personal interviews completed?
Stacy Owen	<A>No, there isn't. However, keep in mind that your file is not complete until you've had the interview. (For example, if you submit everything by Feb. 1 but don't interview until March 15, we won't review your file until the end of March.)
Stacy Owen	Note on interviews: After January 1, candidates must have an application on file in our office before they can interview.
Whit_Tice	<Q>Would it be possible to get a copy of this discussion?
Mimi Musumeci	<A>Yes, transcripts of this online chat will be available tomorrow at www.mba.wfu.edu/chat
Kunthida	How about for international applicant?
Whit_Tice	ooh nice - thanks mimi
Whit_Tice	<Q>What have been some good points that have been raised in previous online chats that have not been addressed during this one?
Kellie Sauls	<A>Good question: hmmmm....I think you all have done a great job in asking great questions. I doubt you have missed any.
Mimi Musumeci	What is your question Kunthida?
Whit_Tice	Darn, I was hoping there'd be a gem that I had missed.
Kellie Sauls	Whit, you pretty much have it down.....::biggrin
Whit_Tice	Thanks, I'm a very inquisitive person.
Vivek	<Q>How does the interview process work for international applicants?
Mimi Musumeci	<A>International interviews are by invitation only. A member of the Admissions staff will contact int'l students if they are required to interview.
Kunthida	For an international applicant, do I need an interview?
08mba	<Q>I just wanted to say that this chat was very helpful.
Mimi Musumeci	<A>Thank you for joining us!
taquanghai	Does your program have any Vietnamese students?>
Kellie Sauls	Glad you could join us!
karl_burns	I wish WF had more of the "Done in a Day" opportunities. Will WF increase the number of these next fall? Or a more general question, why does WF try this and what are the benefits from the University's standpoint?
EMAZZEO	<Q>Could I bring unofficial transcripts and like materials for the informal portion of my visit next week to discuss application strengths and weaknesses? or is that ill advised before i formally submit an application?
Stacy Owen	<A>Our preference is for you to discuss strengths and weaknesses in the interview.
Kellie Sauls	Taq: Currently none but we have seen interest this year from Vietnamese prospectives.
taquanghai	thanks
Mimi Musumeci	Kunthida, you are welcome to come to campus and interview but are not required to.
taquanghai	I am a Vietnamese student
Stacy Owen	Karl: Our Done in a Day events were such a huge success that we are definitely considering expanding them next year.
taquanghai	and strongly would like to apply for Fall 2006
karl_burns	Thanks for the response Stacy. Any chance one will be implemented this spring for admissions to Fall 2006? Just wondering....
taquanghai	Done in a day is not provided to oversea students, isn't it?
Kellie Sauls	Karl: The benefit is that Done in a Day participants get it done in 24 hours! No essays, a visit, an interview, completed app...in 24 hours! Gotta love that!
Janek	<Q>For a strong candidate, what is an average turn around time for acceptance if applying in late-January or early-February?; and how long does an accepted candidate have to make a deposit and decision to attend?
Stacy Owen	<A>Our turnaround time is always about three weeks, regardless of when you apply or how strong you application is. Candidates admitted in November - January have a March 1 deposit due date; those admitted in February - mid March have an April 1 deposit due date. After that, they will have three to four weeks to deposit.
Kellie Sauls	Karl - no DIAD's planned for Spring....yet!
Kunthida	Is it possible for an applicant who has work experience less than 2 years to be accepted?
taquanghai	<Q>is Done in a day available for international students who do not reside in the US?
Mimi Musumeci	<A>Done in a Day is an on campus event. International students may attend but must register and come to WFU to attend.
karl_burns	Since WF has a program like DIAD, does WF place a high priority on an applicant's interview? Or is this question taboo?
Stacy Owen	Kunthida: yes, we have admitted only a very small amount of candidates with less than two years of work experience; two years is sort of a the magic number.
Stacy Owen	Karl: we place a HEAVY emphasis on the interview. For us, it's all about fit.
Kunthida	Thank you
Whit_Tice	<Q>Here's a more general question. If I were to get accepted and then I moved to the area. Are there any general pieces of advice that I should keep in mind? Would there be weather extremes I should prepare for or something like that? I would like to be as prepared as I could.
Kellie Sauls	<A>I understand. I suggest that you utilize our admitted students website. There are many resources available that way including a housing database and timeline for various assignments, events, deliverables, etc. One thing people forget about is having additional money on hand for various unforeseen fees and costs. We help you out as much as we can. Just ask....
Whit_Tice	Excellent thanks Kellie
Whit_Tice	<Q>Does it help in an application to show that one has contacted WF students, alumni, faculty, and/or admissions?
Stacy Owen	<A>It doesn't help overall candidacy; however, the Admissions Committee wants to see that an applicant has researched Wake Forest and is well aware of our program, the sense of community and what being a student at Wake Forest is all about. Plus, we want applicants to be aware of the rigor of our program in advance of attendance, and we have no doubt that current students would share this information!
08mba	<Q>How many % students were accepted from the done in a day events?
Kellie Sauls	<A>We had wonderful candidates for our DIAD events! We were very impressed....therefore we admitted about 75% of those we interviewed. It was great!
Stacy Owen	Whit: One more thing: the only weather extreme students should prepare for is the humidity!!!
Whit_Tice	Thanks for the information Stacy. I've certainly known humidity before.
Mimi Musumeci	We have about 2 more minutes left in this chat session. Remember, transcripts for this session will be posted to www.mba.wfu.edu/chat  tomorrow.
aarti	thanks for all the info
Kellie Sauls	Thank you everyone for joining us tonight. I enjoyed it. I hope I get to meet you during one of our spring events.
Whit_Tice	Yes, thank you very much. This was highly informative. Have an excellent evening everyone.
Kellie Sauls	January 14 - Open House...hope you can make it!
Kellie Sauls	Good night!
Mimi Musumeci	If anyone has further questions, you may email us at admissions@mba.wfu.edu .
Stacy Owen	Here is contact information for everyone: stacy.owen@mba.wfu.edu ; Mimi.Musumeci@mba.wfu.edu  ; kellie.sauls@mba.wfu.edu
Stacy Owen	Also - we are happy to provide contact information for Robert Capizzi, the GMAT expert, who was unable to join us due to weather conditions (and no internet access).
Mimi Musumeci	Our time is up. Thank you for joining us!
EMAZZEO	Thank you.
Vivek	<Q>Thank you, it was a pleasure to be here
08mba	Thank you everyone
Stacy Owen	Good night and happy holidays to everyone!