Linda Abraham (Apr 2, 2008 1:24:29 PM) Dan and Amelia: Do you know students who were initially waitlisted? Are they at any disadvantage or in any way distinguishable among your classmates?
ThomasCaleelWHARTON (Apr 2, 2008 1:24:50 PM) Lan, believe me, by the time we look at the files in committee, we know them quite well already!
AmeliaShiuWHARTON (Apr 2, 2008 1:25:06 PM) Linda, Wharton, like all MBA programs, demands a lot of time management skills. It is very important to be able to prioritize your activities. Sometimes it may mean sleeping less!
ThomasCaleelWHARTON (Apr 2, 2008 1:25:39 PM) Linda, one of my very best friends and cohort-mates was on the WL until two days before pre-term. He was a bit busy moving for the first few days, but he had a great time.
DanBowermasterWHARTON (Apr 2, 2008 1:25:42 PM) Linda, I agree with Amelia. Also, I don't know of any WL-related issues.
Kamran Shafiei (Apr 2, 2008 1:25:52 PM) Thomas: as we know one of the most troubled sectors of the credit market is the student loan business, do you see any impact to the financial aid and/or student loans of Wharton students?
AmeliaShiuWHARTON (Apr 2, 2008 1:26:18 PM) Linda- Definitely, a good friend of mine was waitlisted last year and is now a first year student. He is doing as well as any other and was in fact one of the first people I know to have received an internship offer!
ThomasCaleelWHARTON (Apr 2, 2008 1:26:20 PM) Kamran, this is something we are looking at quite closely at the moment, both as Wharton and at the University level as well. From the Dean to myself, we are all working with Citibank and other lenders to make sure that our admits have access to the best financial aid options.
ThomasCaleelWHARTON (Apr 2, 2008 1:27:24 PM) Often, there is no "one" thing that puts you on the WL. I know that is an unsatisfying answer, but we are talking about very fine degrees of separation in a truly exceptional applicant pool...
ThomasCaleelWHARTON (Apr 2, 2008 1:28:58 PM)
To Amelia's point, no-one ever knows you were on the WL unless you tell them! And recruiters could care less... It's the same bar to get in, no matter when you get the call.
Lan Zhang (Apr 2, 2008 1:29:10 PM) Thomas, what changes has the new Dean brought to Wharton?
ThomasCaleelWHARTON (Apr 2, 2008 1:29:26 PM) Lan, the Dean has brought a great energy and sense of purpose. He is very internationally focused, with a strong believe in educating leaders who are socially responsible.
Linda Abraham (Apr 2, 2008 1:29:59 PM) Dan and Amelia do you see changes since Dean Robertson arrived?
ThomasCaleelWHARTON (Apr 2, 2008 1:30:21 PM) Lan, he is just now beginning to unveil his programs, and his presentation to the Boards last week was very well received.
focussedonwharton (Apr 2, 2008 1:30:58 PM) Thomas: Is it okay for waitlisters to contact the office?
ThomasCaleelWHARTON (Apr 2, 2008 1:31:03 PM) Lan-There is a continued focus on academic excellence, international scope and presence, maintaining the best and brightest student body, and increasing access to global business for all members of the Wharton community.
ThomasCaleelWHARTON (Apr 2, 2008 1:31:52 PM) Focus, I would strongly recommend following the instructions in your decision letter. Visiting the office has no impact on your WL status.
fiona (Apr 2, 2008 1:32:13 PM) But Thomas, there are lots of wait-listers in LACE w:st="on">ChinaLACE>, so did you have regional difference when you give offers?
ThomasCaleelWHARTON (Apr 2, 2008 1:32:16 PM) Focus,we do this to ensure fairness and equality in the system
ThomasCaleelWHARTON (Apr 2, 2008 1:32:27 PM) Fiona, not sure I understand the question.
ThomasCaleelWHARTON (Apr 2, 2008 1:33:22 PM) I would also note that letters from Alumni are not encouraged. We do not want to give preference to those applicants who may know alumni... The concern here is equity and transparency.
AmeliaShiuWHARTON (Apr 2, 2008 1:33:33 PM) Linda, like Thomas mentioned, the new Dean is just beginning to unveil his programs. He has been communicating with the student body consistently since he took over and I believe that he will bring wonderful changes to Wharton while maintaining the current culture. |