faqs

Introduction

I founded MBA Goddess because I wanted to share a process where women and non-traditional applicants like you gain admission to the business school of your dreams so you can fully realize those dreams.

Working through the complex b-school application process, I discovered my compelling story, my brilliance, and my “why.” I better understood my unique brilliance and gifts to the world, and I believe because of my inner shift, MBA Admissions officers liked what they saw, too. I was accepted to 5 competitive MBA programs including my first choice, the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University.

Your task as an MBA applicant is to market your core strengths well — to tell your story with clarity, insight and passion. Since my b-school days I’ve used the same core branding and story-telling process to get into b-school, garner several competitive job offers while in b-school and become Senior Vice President of Marketing for a premier wealth management firm. These are lifelong skills that you will use over and over, in your personal life and career, and I walk you through them here at MBA Goddess.

Q: How can MBA Goddess help me create winning MBA admissions applications?

A. I advise women and non-traditional applicants and help them create compelling MBA admissions brands and strategies. I’m known as a knowledgeable and enthusiastic advocate for MBA candidates. I’m a coach and my job is to help you identify your passions, create your brand, select the right schools to fulfill your dreams and master the MBA admissions process. I help you see what’s possible and guide you to the best course of action.

Q: So, completing applications for business school means that I have to think of myself as a brand?

A. Yes. I’m an expert in personal and corporate branding and draw on my 15+years of strategy, branding and marketing experience. The MBA Admissions process is about more than completing paperwork. Approximately 70% of people applying to top programs are qualified but on average only 10% will be accepted. As an applicant, your number one job is to cut through the clutter and stand out from the crowd. That’s where branding comes in!

Strong branding and positioning is a critical yet overlooked part of the MBA admissions process. It’s a key component to success because it helps the MBA Admissions Committee (Adcom) determine what makes you unique and why you would be an asset to the school.

The more competitive the program, the more critical the successful use and implementation of branding as its purpose is to enable you to stand out in a sea of stellar work experiences, GPAs and GMAT scores. Your branding statement must be clear, demonstrate your strengths, seamlessly tie in to your accomplishments and illustrate your future plans for success. In short, it’s your story.

Q: Ok, I get it now. I have to think of myself as a brand. What is your role in this branding process and how can you help?

A. The MBA Admissions process is ultimately about knowing your brand and then articulating your story via essays with clarity, insight and passion.

My process creates a situation where we work together to tap into who you REALLY are so you too can see it and share it with the MBA Admissions Committee and eventually, the world. I do not manufacture a persona for the benefit of impressing the Adcom. I help you uncover and articulate what’s already there.

You’ll discover that I’m able to see who you are. I have an uncanny ability to identify your Super Powers – what makes you, you. Some call what I do marketing, branding or positioning but that’s only part of it. I go deeper. I do the heavy lifting, sifting through your life experiences to get to the genuine you and your true purpose.

This process is about MBA admissions and so much more. It’s about helping you do the things you’re always dreaming about. It’s about why you’re here and what you’re here to do!

I honor each candidate and their individual experiences and will not attempt to mold you into something you’re not. And I’m with you every step of the way. Although we haven’t met, I know that who you are right now is amazing. Let me help you uncover, identify and unleash what makes you, you, and get it onto the page and into the hands of the Adcom.

The MBA Goddess process is about courage, clarity, support and a healthy dose of fun! If that suits you, you’ve come to the right place. Does this sound like you? Yes? Let’s chat!

Q: How will I know if MBA Goddess is a good fit for me?

A: I work with women and men who raise their hands and say they want to work with me and are excited about the MBA Admissions process. I’m extremely effective working with women – those who are relatively young in their careers as well as experienced professionals who are ready to re-tool with an Executive MBA. This is important because we often have a more challenging time sharing our successes and contributions. (Sorry, but it’s true.) The admissions process is not the time to be shy or subtle. I squash the often inherent tendency to become “Dorothy the small and meek.” I can help you overcome this and be viewed as a competitive candidate.

In addition, I have an affinity for working with MBA applicants who have taken non-traditional paths — people working in creative, non-profit, government, entrepreneurial or military careers.

I work well with applicants who are looking for an intimate, hands-on coaching experience and do not want a one-size-fits-all process. They are willing to put the time and energy into this rigorous process and committed to doing the required work.

Q: What are the most common mistakes MBA applicants make?

A: 1) Not building enough time into your schedule to submit compelling applications. If you take the process seriously, you will quickly discover that applying to business school is labor and time intensive. You have a lot of information to organize and prepare as well as a host of deadlines to meet. It will ultimately become your second job. Yes, really. (It’s ok. No one ever believes this in the beginning but once the process is underway you will quickly change your mind .)

2) Not marketing yourself and failing to determine and articulate your unique selling proposition (USP). Strong branding and positioning are a critical yet overlooked part of the MBA admissions process. It’s a key component to success because it helps the MBA Admissions Committee (Adcom) determine what makes you unique and why you would be an asset to the school.

3) Not understanding that MBA Admissions Officers want to create a diverse class of students. If you are not investment banker or management consult have no fear. You can get into b-school if you learn how to demonstrate your value. The Adcom is looking to create the ultimate community. They want to design a class of interesting people with deep and varied interests who are going to participate in a host of aspects of the MBA experience, leave the program and contribute to the world. You may simply require an interpreter, someone to help you understand what they’re really asking for in the application essays and how your experiences and skill set translate.

4) Underestimating the importance of the essays; stats alone will not get you in. Your grades, GMATs and work experience are historical data points that can’t be altered. The difference between you and someone with the same stats could be your essays. Successful applicants realize that essays are a powerful part of the process and represent your opportunity to speak to the Adcom directly. You have complete control over your essays. Make them work for you. They want to get to know you – your interests, values, plans and passions. And they want to hear it in your voice. Give them what they want. Do not give this part of the process short shrift as it can be the deciding factor in getting accepted.

5) Applying to the wrong school(s). Select schools that fit your goals and complement your learning style (e.g. collaborate, competitive, intellectual, etc.). Concentrate on “fitting-in” as well as “getting-in.” If you know you’re a team-oriented person, attend a school that positions itself in that manner. If you’re a quant jock and love numbers, identify schools with a keen focus on this attribute. It’s critical that you not only know your skill set intimately but also the USPs of the schools to which you’ll be applying.

6) Choosing VIP Recommenders. Only people who know you well should write your recommendations. They should be well acquainted with your work and able to speak about you and your contributions fluently. Do not fall into the trap of asking someone famous who doesn’t know you to write a recommendation as this will not impress the Admissions Committee. The VIP tactic always backfires and weakens your candidacy.

Q: How do I know if I’m ready to begin the MBA admissions process?

A: Deciding to attend business school is a major commitment – you will be giving up two years of earning power and committing substantial resources for tuition. Before diving into the process, determine if an MBA program is a requirement for you to meet your objectives. And if so, start planning ASAP and educate yourself on the process as soon as you’ve determined that business school may be in your future. It’s not too early. There are actions you can take right now to strengthen your candidacy even if you’re applying a year or two from now. If you’d like additional information on how I may support you, learn more here. And visit the MBA Goddess Blog for weekly tips.

Q: Why should I consider working with MBA Goddess?

A: You’re a high-achieving person who is probably working full-time and juggling a host of family, social and community responsibilities. Even if you are leaving for b-school in a year or so, you must continue to be a peak performer in the office while also dedicating a significant amount of time to the MBA admissions process. Meanwhile, you still need to nurture your family relationships and do all of the fun stuff that you like to do. It sounds to me like you could use some help!

Working with MBA Goddess can make your life easier by saving you time and providing you with guidance and wisdom so you work through the process with more confidence and less stress.

The MBA admissions process requires introspection so you want to work with someone who “gets” you, who you can trust and who understands the intricacy of each step of the process well enough to guide you through it. In addition, it can be helpful to have an unbiased supporter and cheerleader during this process, someone who will help differentiate you from the sea of other MBA applicants, silence your inner critic, identify your blind spots and applaud what makes you special. If you haven’t already done so, you may also check out my bio.

Q: I’m fired up and ready to go! How do I get started?

A: That’s wonderful! I can’t wait to meet you. You can contact my Client Relationship Manager Janet. She can be reached at 646-457-2618 or Info AT MBAGoddess DOT com and will get you started straight away. You’ll want to review the Work With Me section first to better inform your conversation.

Q: Why do you have such a passion for the MBA Admissions process?

A: It all started during business school….

I struggled during my first year of business school because I didn’t have a traditional business background. I didn’t attend a Wall Street investment banking analyst program or major in business or engineering like most of my classmates. I had been a book editor and public relations manager who attended a liberal arts college and majored in English.

My first lesson in business school came on the first day when I learned that I was a “poet,” a demeaning nickname given to me and other liberal arts majors by the “quant jocks,” the math/science and business majors who made up most of the class. They looked at me with disdain and appeared to ask, “What is she doing here?” Often, I asked myself the same question. After all, I had to work harder than they did to convince my professors that students who enjoyed research and reading were not risks or a waste of time. But, after receiving a lousy grade on my first exam, I thought they might be right.

I went to an Ivy League school. How could I be floundering in business school? I knew that I didn’t work this hard to get in and fail. So, while some of the other “poets” decided to pack up and go home, I decided to stay. Fortunately, I learned how to keep up and eventually, excel.

Fast forward to my second year…

We are all pumped up, shoes shined, crisp new suits; it’s interviewing season — time for us to gain a foothold in the work world. However, a peculiar thing happened. I, the “poet,” managed to snag several jobs offers with elite financial services firms extremely early in the interview process while many of my “quant jock” peers were struggling to nab their first. In fact, companies were wooing me, trying to convince me that their firm was better than the competition.

What my “quant” classmates failed to realize was that building complex spreadsheets didn’t matter since all of us were smart. Instead, what mattered was our performance during the interview and our ability to differentiate ourselves from the other smart people in the room. Since I was a whiz at marketing, I was able to inventory my skills and determine in a very specific way where I fit in. I knew how to craft and then communicate my brand and story. I powerfully and memorably differentiated myself from everyone else.

I’m On A New Mission and This Time It’s Personal…

Since my business school days, I’ve become a successful marketer in my roles as Senior Vice President of Marketing for a premier wealth management firm and Marketing Consultant for a host of financial services clients, but more importantly I’ve used the same core branding and story-telling skills to support my work as a knowledgeable and enthusiastic advocate for MBA candidates who are trying to find a place in a competitive program. These are lifelong skills that you will use over and over, in your personal life and career, and I walk you through them here at MBA Goddess.