February 2003 Transcript for #WakeMBA_Chat

[stacy.poindexter] Good morning! Thank you for joining us for our February chat session. We will answer as many questions as we can in the next hour.

sunil: i have submitted my application on the 10th...when can i expect a decision

stacy.poindexter> It usually takes about four weeks for the Admissions Committee to review an application once we receive all materials.

qingwu: I want to know if the decision of first roll has been made and send to the applicants.

stacy.poindexter> We have been reviewing applications weekly (and making decisions) since December 1.

sunil: i have a 600 on the GMAT and a 3.5 GPA...can you comment on the same

stacy.poindexter> Our average GMAT is 639, and our average GPA is 3.2.

Tomato: Good morning!  I am taking part in this chat from Japan, so it is midnight now.  By the way I have already received waited-list. How many waited-list people will be able to admit?  And I am so eager to enter to Babcock School, so I would like to try whatever I can.

stacy.poindexter> Good morning! Thanks for joining us. We do not have a "set" number of candidates on the waitlist, nor do we take a certain number off the waitlist (and admit them). We are constantly reviewing waitlist candidates so that we can give them a decision as soon as possible!

jaeky: sorry late, good mornign

stacy.poindexter> Good morning!

sunil: i have not received a confirmation that you have received the application. How do i confirm

stacy.poindexter> Please contact mimi.musumeci@mba.wfu.edu - she will be able to tell you the status of your application.

arjun: I have sent my applications in the end of January 2003. How can I come to my status of application? Will I be getting an Applicant ID ?

stacy.poindexter> Please contact mimi.musumeci@mba.wfu.edu - she can tell you the status of your application.

sunil: do you have an alumini interview in bangalore

stacy.poindexter> Interviews for international applicants is by invitation only.

vshah23: In the admission process which of the following carries the most weight, GMAT/Work Experience/GPA?

stacy.poindexter> All of those things are important!

qingwu: How many international students will you accept for the fall semester,2003.

stacy.poindexter> We do not have a set number of international students that we will accept. Our goal is to have approximately 30% of our incoming class international.

basak: hi stacy

stacy.poindexter> Hi Basak.

Tomato: How many Japanese people are there in your school?

stacy.poindexter> We have seven students from Japan.

arjun: When are the application likely to be processed and completed ? When can I expect my result ?

stacy.poindexter> We review applications roughly four weeks after they are complete - please contact mimi.musumeci@mba.wfu.edu - she can tell you when your file will be reviewed.

sunil: how important is it to have an interview

stacy.poindexter> The interview is definitely helpful, but we understand that international applicants will have difficulty travelling to the US for an on-campus interview.

DHirte: What are three items you feel put Babcock ahead of your peers?

stacy.poindexter> Definitely the small size and personal attention that they receive.

mattjazz82: I'm in undergrade currently. I understand that you say that wk experience isn't not recommended, but do you strongly believe that we wk first before coming to grad school, since the average age is  27. Would we feel allienated during classes?

stacy.poindexter> Work experience is very helpful - not only in the classroom, but also as students pursue employment after graduation.

sunil: will i get an intimation if i am not selected

stacy.poindexter> Could you please ask your question again? I'm not sure I know what you are asking.

jaeky: are the applicants this year  much more than last year applicants?

stacy.poindexter> Our applications are running about the same as last year.

hk: What have been the factors to award financial aid to admitted students this year? Thank you.

stacy.poindexter> We look at the entire application when making scholarship awards.

arjun: My name in the GMAT score sheet was wrongly registered as Arjun K Krishna instead of Arjun Krishna K. I hope there will not be any problem in tracking my score because of this error committed by ETS. On this regard I have already enclosed a Notarised Affidavit for Ratification in my package that I had sent you.

stacy.poindexter> I would recommend contacting mimi.musumeci@mba.wfu.edu to make sure she has this information.

vshah23: What was the average GMAT score  and work experience for last years incoming class?

stacy.poindexter> Our average GMAT was 639; average work experience was four years.

sunil: how soon can i expect a decision, once i have submitted the application

stacy.poindexter> Four weeks after your application is complete.

basak: I have no taken GMAT yet. What is the deadline for me to apply with or without GMAT score as an international student?

stacy.poindexter> You should have all other components of your application in by April 1.

mattjazz82: so what do you advise stacy?

stacy.poindexter> I am an Associate Director in the Admissions office.

Ted: Are you allowed to tell us how many students you expect to enroll in the class of 2005 and/or how many students have sent in a deposit to date?

stacy.poindexter> Hi Ted. Our goal is 114 students in the Fall 03 entering class (Class of 2005). I know we have already started receiving deposits, but I'm not sure how many.

vshah23: Who do we need to contact to setup an interview?

stacy.poindexter> Domestic applicants can contact cathy.caesar@mba.wfu.edu to set up an on-campus interview. Interviews for international applicants abroad are invitation only.

jaeky: I am an international student in U.S. is that negatively affecting admission if i don;t have job when i apply to bobcok school?

stacy.poindexter> We will evaluate your work experience prior to coming to the US.

Ryan: Can you give us an idea of how many seats are still open for admission?

stacy.poindexter> Right now there are still plenty of seats open. Deposits are not due until April 1, so we really don't know how many of those to whom we have extended offers will accept until that time.

Tomato: How many people applying round 1 did get acceptance?

stacy.poindexter> We do not track this - we wait until the end of the admissions cycle and just an overall number.

sunil: how many students do you have from india

stacy.poindexter> We have about 15 students from India.

Tomato: Thank you very much, Stacy!

stacy.poindexter> Sure!

sunil: will not having an interview impact adversely in the final decision

stacy.poindexter> Ultimately, all international candidates who are admitted will either interview with an alum in their home city or have a phone interview with the Admissions office. But these interviews are invitation only.

Jinzi: hello,everybody.I want to ask how many applicants Babcock has admitted till now and how many Babcock expect to admit in the end?

stacy.poindexter> Our goal is to have 114 students here in August! I don't know how many we have already admitted - it is still early in the admissions process.

vshah23: What is the most popular concentration?

stacy.poindexter> The most popular concentration is finance, followed by marketing.

basak: In case I cannot make the deadline, will my application be considered for the next year?

stacy.poindexter> I would recommend speaking with our Admissions Director regarding this. Her contact information is Mary.Goss@mba.wfu.edu.

DHirte: Are alumni interviews viewed the same as campus interviews?

stacy.poindexter> No - alumni interviews take place at different locations throughout the USA and internationally. All applicants who interview on campus interview with someone in the Admissions office.

Eddie: Are the international 2nd rounders processed together with the first rounders?  Can I get the result in about 4 weeks after submitting the application?

stacy.poindexter> You should have a response in four weeks after submitting a complete application.

mattjazz82: I'll be receiving my BS in business Administration, but not exactly sure what area of business I want to pursue. who is there to help us figure out this problem

stacy.poindexter> Yes and no. Usually our students have an idea of what they're interested in before coming back to B-school. Those who aren't sure often develop an interest by one of the classes that they are taking. Members of the Career Management Center staff are helpful once you have an idea of  what you'd like to do.

Jinzi: I have retake Tofel test. this score is higher than last time. If I should resent to score to Babcock.Because last time my TOfel only 593.

stacy.poindexter> Please have your lastes score sent to us ! That's great that you improved your score.

Tomato: Around when can we know your last decision?

stacy.poindexter> I would contact mimi.musumeci@mba.wfu.edu - she can let you know when you can expect a decision.

DHirte: How many people are involved in the applicant selection process at Babcock?

stacy.poindexter> Applications are read by all members of the admissions staff; we often consult with members of the Career Management Center (as well as faculty from time to time).

chaoyilu: I am a current in Drexel U. How can I transfer to Bobcok school?

stacy.poindexter> We do not accept any transfers. You would have to complete an application and start your studies from the beginning.

mattjazz82: At my college, we have companies come and interview us for internships and permenant placement.  Upon receiving my MBA, would you all offer such services, or are we required to pursue firms on our own?

stacy.poindexter> We offer on-campus interviewing, as well as off-campus opportunities for students (including Consortiums in Atlanta, DC, Californina and New York).

basak: Howmany essays are we supposed to write, two or four.  In the admissions checklist, it is indicated that four essays are required where there are only two q'ns available in the application form?

stacy.poindexter> Great question!!! There are only two required essay questions. We modified our policy after we had already printed our materials.

Eddie: Is there any special program for spouses of  students?  Do you have a partners club?

stacy.poindexter> Yes, we offer a Partners Program for significant others of students.

arjun: I am an applicant with 640 in GMAT ,267 in TOEFL & 2yrs of work experience ; Am I meeting the criterion required ?

stacy.poindexter> Our of the items you mentioned, the only requirement is a certain score on the TOEFL (our minimum is 250). We look at the whole application.

Jinzi: Dear stacy, would you please tell me how many Chiness is apply Babcock now?

stacy.poindexter> We have between 8 and 10 Chinese students at Babcock.

Ryan: When interviewing, will the admissions officer have a copy of our application in front of her?  What information will the interviewer have, what information is important to impart?

stacy.poindexter> Your application must be on file with the Admissions office before you come in for an interview. The only thing your interviewer will be looking at is your resume.

sunil: how big is the class for finance

stacy.poindexter> Last year, approximately 40% of our class selected the finance concentration.

arjun: What are the placement oppurtunities in Babcock school? What percentage of the students got placed in the previous term ?

stacy.poindexter> 94% of the Class of 2002 is placed.

vshah23: How often to classes meet?

stacy.poindexter> First year classes meet Monday through Friday.

Tony: How can I proceed my application fee by credit card?

stacy.poindexter> You must apply online (www.princetonreview.com) in order to pay with a credit card.

basak: Is only one copy of transcripts from both the high school and the universities attended required?

stacy.poindexter> Just universities.

hk: I have not recd an invite for an interview and am an international applicant? My decision is due so I guess this means a non-admit? Thank you.

stacy.poindexter> Not necessarily...I would recommend contacting mimi.musumeci@mba.wfu.edu to see if indeed your file has been reviewed. We are running a little bit behind!

kanakgupta: Hi! Do you consider 15 years of under graduate education? In India, as you would know, many streams have graduation completed in 15 years.

stacy.poindexter> Yes, we accept the three year BCOM degree from India.

DHirte: Do you have a goal for US dispersion from applicants.  I notice you only 3-5% from the West enrolled.

stacy.poindexter> We wish we had lots more from the West! It's all a matter of the applicant pool. Ideally, all regions of the US would be equally represented.

kanakgupta: What are the major criteria for admissions? As in, what is the best combination of GMAT,TOEFL, essay, and under graduate studies?

stacy.poindexter> The closer (or above) you are to our averages, the stronger your application. The minimum requirement for the TOEFL is 250. We do not have a preference on undergraduate degree.

sunil: Stacy....the application has 3 compulsory essays and one optional...is this correct

stacy.poindexter> Two essays are required, the third is optional.

kanakgupta: How much importance is given to work experience? And, how important are the essays?

stacy.poindexter> While a few of our students do not have full-time, post-graduate work experience, it is important - not just in the admissions process, but in the classroom and when pursuing employment after graduation. The essays give the Admissions Committee an idea of writing strengths.

arjun: How fast will mimi.musumeci@mba.wfu.edu respond to my queries ?

stacy.poindexter> Pretty quickly. She is out of the office today, but should be back tomorrow.

kanakgupta: How do I convert my credits in India according to your requirements?

stacy.poindexter> We will take care of that for you.

kanakgupta: What is the average age of people studying at Babock? also, what is the student background breakup? Also, what specialisations can be done? Do we need recommendation letters for application? :-)

stacy.poindexter> The average age is 27, and has been for years. If you visit www.mba.wfu.edu and go to Full-Time Program, then the admissions section, all of this information is posted.

sunil: stacy...the application that was sent in the CD has 3 compulsory essays and one optional

stacy.poindexter> Two are required,the third is optional.

basak: Do international students have any opportunity to work during the first year on or off campus?

stacy.poindexter> No - no first-year student (domestic or international) is permitted to work.

kanakgupta: What is the next application deadline?

stacy.poindexter> The final deadline for international applicants is April 1 (extended from March 1).

qianning: how many student did select marketing concentration last year?

stacy.poindexter> Approximately 20% of last year's graduating class selected marketing.

DHirte: Do you see Fall 2003 applications as being as competitive, or more competitive, than previous years due to the struggling economy?

stacy.poindexter> The thing that I have noticed more than anything when reviewing applications is the quality - I think the quality is better than it's ever been, which ultimately makes it more competitive.

arjun: Are all international applicants automatically eligible for Financial Aid ?

stacy.poindexter> As long as you indicate on the application that you wish to be considered for merit-based scholarships, you will be considered!

kanakgupta: Pardon myignorance, but is there a dual degree offered?

stacy.poindexter> Yes - we offer a joint MD/MBA, JD/MBA and PhD/MBA.

ccruthis: For the MBA/PhD program, are there scholarships and grants available?

stacy.poindexter> If you are interested in this program, you will have to contact Carolyn.Campbell@mba.wfu.edu - the MBA is through the Evening MBA Program, not the full-time. She will be able to answer that for you.

Gladys: I am planning to apply for full time MBA in fall 2004. can I use those forms I downloaded from your website recently?

stacy.poindexter> No - we update our application every year. I would wait until this fall to download next year's forms!

Ted: I was looking on the web site for information on the Wachovia Securities Applied Security Analysis & Asset Management but struck out...is this a student-run portfolio project?

stacy.poindexter> Ahhh, a question that has stumped me. I am going to have to refer you to Eddie.ONeal@mba.wfu.edu - he is the instructor for this class and can tell you anything you want to know about it. Eddie will be more than happy to answer this question!

sunil: stacy....the application that i had the following 1 Discuss your reasons for applying to the Babcock Graduate School of Management and address the contributions you anticipate making to this program. Please include your short- term and long- term career objectives. ( No word limit) 2 Complete one of the following statements. ( 500- word maximum) 3 Given the opportunity to do something differently in your life, what would it be and why? ( 500- word maximum) 4 OPTIONAL Please share any additional information that you believe will help the Admissions Committee in considering your application. ( No word limit)

stacy.poindexter> These are last year's questions. Please download a new application from our web site to have this year's questions!

hk: Have there been more international applicants this year as compared to last year? Thank you.

stacy.poindexter> They are about the same as last year.

arjun: How much has recession hit the placement oppurtunities in your B-school?

stacy.poindexter> We have actually done really well considering the economy in the US - 94% of last year's class is placed.

Lawandria: What is the cost per year?

stacy.poindexter> Tuition is $25,000 per year.

kanakgupta: What are the LSAT requirements for the JD/MBA degree (if any)

stacy.poindexter> I do not know. You would have to contact the law school for that information.

ccruthis: Can an MBA evening student be considered full-time depending on number of hours taken?

stacy.poindexter> No - they are structured completely differently.

qianning: I notice from the Businessweek that you only interview 36% applicant. How do you select applicants who need to be interviewed. Whether it means that they are perferred?

stacy.poindexter> Interviews are optional for domestic candidates who have more than one year of work experience. Interviews for international candidates are by invitation only.

Gladys: Do you offer concentration "General Management'?

stacy.poindexter> Yes we do!

hk: thanks very much for your time Stacy!

stacy.poindexter> Thanks for joining us.

sunil: stacy....looks like i have used the last years form for the submission....how do i go about rectifying this

stacy.poindexter> Email me directly at stacy.poindexter@mba.wfu.edu after the chat is over.

basak: Will the admissions committee take self-reported GMAT scores into consideration or will they wait for the official score to arrive before the deadline?

stacy.poindexter> We will not make a final decision on an applicant until we have received official scores from ETS.

kanakgupta: Do you have guest speaker lectures conducted?

stacy.poindexter> Yes! We have lots of guest speakers - you can visit our web site for a complete list.

arjun: Are students loan available to international students ?

stacy.poindexter> Loans are available only for those international students who have a cosigner who is a US citizen or resident. However, we do offer scholarships for international and domestic students.

Gladys: Is there any webpage I can go to for the curriculums designed for "General Management"

stacy.poindexter> Yes - the general management concentration is also listed as the consulting concentration.

kanakgupta: Thank you so much for all the information!

stacy.poindexter> Thanks for joining us!

DHirte: Do Babcock students get preferential seating at the basketball games:)

stacy.poindexter> No - but all Wake Forest students get free tickets!!!

[stacy.poindexter] We have just a few minutes remaining. If you have a question that was not answered, feel free to join us again at 3:00 or you can email me directly as stacy.poindexter@mba.wfu.edu

Gladys: "When shall the financial statement be issued? Shall I send it together with other application forms, such as recommendation letter?

stacy.poindexter> We mail the Certificate of Finance form to students once they have been admitted. Students then send it to us with their deposit.

basak: thank you for your time and patience Stacy.

stacy.poindexter> Thanks for your time, too!

arjun: Does babcoock have any geographical advantages ?

stacy.poindexter> Personally, I think so. We are reasonably close to major cities (Atlanta, DC, Charlotte, Raleigh) - which is helpful in the job search process. And we are a few hours from both the beaches and mountains - which is helpful for recreational purposes!

Gladys: Thanks very much

stacy.poindexter> Thanks for joining us, Gladys.

sunil: stacy i have mailed you on the issue of wrong application....will you revert to me today...please

stacy.poindexter> Just send me an email.

arjun: Are students selected as & when they apply or all are selected together at a time ?

stacy.poindexter> We admit students weekly.

qianning: Is Feb. 21 the decision date for the student who submit the application on Jan.15?

stacy.poindexter> I don't know - contact mimi.musumeci@mba.wfu.edu - she can help you with that.

Eddie: Thank you for your time, Stacy. This chat is very informative for me. I'm going to submit my application in a few days.

stacy.poindexter> Thanks, Eddie. We will be on the lookout for your application!

[stacy.poindexter] I hope all of you have a great day! Thanks again for your time this morning.