Todd Reale
Director, M.B.A. admissions and marketing
Owen Graduate School of Management, Vanderbilt University

"As competition for a place in one of the world's leading M.B.A. programs has increased, it's more important than ever to distinguish yourself from the crowded pool of candidates. There are many memorable ways to do that -- some good, some not so good.

"First, persistence and determination are good things, but admissions officers, especially in the heart of the application season, are extremely busy people. Frequent contact that borders on obsession sends a message that classmates, faculty, staff, alumni and recruiters may find you to be high maintenance. Don't spam several administrators -- from one school, or several -- with the same question, expecting five, or 50, people to respond quickly to your 'urgent' request. Candidates who send a generic e-mail to 25 admissions directors asking for career advice, admission tips and a list of the benefits of attending their particular school are not likely to get a response from me -- especially if the e-mail addresses of all my colleagues are visible upon opening the message.

"Second, the admissions committee is looking for candidates who 'have it all.' But let's face it -- very few candidates are stellar in every area of the application. The best advice is to be yourself, promoting your strengths, demonstrating your potential and sharing your hopes and dreams in a compelling, but realistic, manner. The prospective student who once claimed he could be the next Michael Jordan of our program, leading us to the pinnacle of b-school success, turned out to be more like Dennis Rodman -- bright and talented, but ultimately a difficult superstar who would have a hard time fitting in with Owen's cooperative, team-oriented culture.

"Third, be wary of what you read in online discussion groups and chat rooms -- there is a lot of misinformation out there and not everyone has your best interests in mind. Also, remember that these public forums are open to everyone -- yes, even admissions officers. One recent candidate bragged to his online buddies about his admission offer and what he thought was a less than generous scholarship offer, explaining to them that his response to me was 'show me the money, honey.' Then he proceeded to write a song he called, 'Todd B. Reale,' sung to the tune of 'Johnny B. Goode.' Needless to say, the candidate was a little disappointed a few days later when he inquired about the possibility of increasing his scholarship award. Sure, it was done without malice -- and it was actually creative and funny -- but it showed incredibly poor judgment on his part. Thankfully, he decided to stay closer to home and attend another school.

"Finally, make a positive impression -- the first time, the last time, and always. Throughout the process, candidates are being evaluated constantly by everyone with whom they interact from the school, especially if their actions stand out at one end of the spectrum or the other. From campus visits to alumni receptions, evaluative interviews to the admission application -- be professional and sincere at all times; demonstrate your genuine interest, but don't be overbearing; ask good questions, but not about things you should already know from a thorough review of the school's website and admissions materials; and don't do anything that you'll later regret in the selection process, or that the admissions committee will later regret after offering you a place in the class."

[此贴子已经被admin于2007-6-25 11:41:28编辑过]