Full-Time Terry MBA Admissions

North Carolina Interviews & Inside the MBA

kterrell@terry.uga.edu (Kerry Terrell, Associate Director) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:39:00 +0000

No, this is not me in a business suit.

Next week I will be in North Carolina at the Inside the MBA events in Raleigh (November 2nd) and Charlotte (November 4th). These events are a fantastic way to learn more about MBA programs and the admissions process. If you're in the area come out and meet me- make sure to tell me you read the blog!

I will also be taking a limited number of appointments for interviews in each city. This special opportunity is open to all prospective students. Simply email me at kterrell@terry.uga.edu to set up a time.

BTW: If you didn't get your application in to us in time for Round One don't miss Round Two- it's coming up! The deadline is December 1st. Contact us if you have questions: terrymba@terry.uga.edu or 706-542-5671.

Make the Most of Your Interview

kterrell@terry.uga.edu (Kerry Terrell, Associate Director) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:21:00 +0000

Ah, interview season is starting again! Over the next few months members of the Admissions Committee will be interviewing hopeful prospective Terry MBA students. I thought it might be timely for me to repost some of my interviewing tips from last year. Please keep in mind that we interview by invitation only; you must submit a complete application for the Committee's review first.

An evaluative interview is a critical component of the admissions decision at many business schools. That's certainly the case here at Georgia. You have so much to gain from putting your best foot forward at interview time- don't squander the opportunity! Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your interview.

Arrive on time. Remember: college campuses can be big, complicated places. Get there early and leave yourself plenty of time to park and navigate your way to the correct building.

Dress appropriately. Show respect for the opportunity you have been granted and the person/people you will be interviewing with by wearing proper business attire. This usually means a suit. This is not the time to go business casual or casual. We're thinking about how you might arrive for a job interview. Look sharp!

Be prepared. Make sure you know why you're applying to business school, what it is you like about that school in particular, etc. Know how you will answer the standard questions.

Don't get defensive. C'mon now- nobody's perfect. If the interviewer asks you to account for a missing year on your resume or your less than stellar GPA answer the question openly and honestly. Responding in an aggressive or defensive manner is a definite no-no.

Ask questions. Jot down a few questions you'd like answers to. If given the opportunity at the end of your interview- ask away! Questions show your interest in the school. One caveat: make sure they are well thought-out questions and not obvious facts that can be readily discovered on the school's website.

Keep the focus on you. You are the person being interviewed. It is never a good idea to ask the interviewer questions about his/qualifications or personal life. It's great to chat and certainly OK to have a fun conversation, but unless the interview raises something about his/herself personal questions are off limits.

Round One Deadline Approaching!

kterrell@terry.uga.edu (Kerry Terrell, Associate Director) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:02:00 +0000

It's October 1st people- that means the Round One admissions deadline is in just two weeks. If you're hoping to get your application in by the October 15th date, now is the time to contact us with any questions you may have. You can reach the Full-Time Terry MBA Admissions Office at 706-542-5671 or terrymba@terry.uga.edu.

We also have an information session coming up here in Athens on October 10th at 10am. Come join us for a couple of hours to learn more about the program. You'll hear from Director of Full-Time MBA Admissions Anne Cooper, chat with current Terry students, and get the alumni perspective on what a Terry MBA can do for you. Log in to your My Terry page to RSVP and view more details.

Finding Yourself at Business School

kterrell@terry.uga.edu (Kerry Terrell, Associate Director) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:02:00 +0000

One of the biggest challenges for me in counseling prospective MBA students is when I encounter someone without a sense of career direction. I often hear students say, "I'm not exactly sure of what I want to do, but I'll have time to figure that out, right?" No- absolutely not. Business school is not a good place to attempt to "find yourself".

In assessing your candidacy, every admissions committee at every business school will consider your employment potential. Why is that? We want to see you succeed! You're coming to business school to develop as a professional and get the job of your dreams, but business school is a lot shorter than you think. Hiring season also happens a lot faster than you think. Here at Terry, classes start in August and students start interviewing for summer internships in September. Hopefully, before you walk into that first interview you've polished your resume, done several mock interviews, researched the company you're interviewing with, etc. So, you have a about a month to (1) move to Athens, (2) get up to speed in all of your classes, and (3) figure out exactly what type of summer internship you want to pursue and start putting yourself out there. Bottom line: if you're not focused on a career path when you arrive, you're going to struggle. You're going to be one of those frustrated students wondering why everyone but you seems to be finding a great internship. It's a whole lot easier to find one if you know what you're looking for.

So, what can you do now to help youself figure out what you want to be when you grow up? Informational interviewing is a great start. Find people who have jobs you think you'd like to have, and then interview them about what they do and how they got there. How do you find those people? Tell everyone you know that you're looking for someone who works in "X" field to talk to about his/her work. You'd be surprised how helpful people can be. Tweet it out. Put it on your Facebook page. Mention it to your friends the next time you're out. Beyond that, CareerLeader is a great tool: http://bit.ly/1wAl1Q Yes, it's not free- but it's worth it if helps you formulate a life plan! Make an investment in yourself. Join a professional association in your field of interest and network. There are lots of things you can do- just do something.

I know- easier said than done. Good luck!

Do Your Homework

kterrell@terry.uga.edu (Kerry Terrell, Associate Director) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:14:00 +0000

So, you think you want to get an MBA? Well, do your homework! How will an MBA help you achieve your career goals? Why is now the right time for you to start your studies? Where are you going to enroll?

This is the time of year when there are an abundance of events for you to attend to really investigate your options- take advantage of them. Try to think of this as application and interview prep. You're building your answers to these all important questions, which will make it easier to write your essays and perform well in your interview.

Full-time Terry MBA admissions staff will be participating in and hosting a number of events this fall where we can meet you and answer your questions. Join us! Terry Travel and Event Schedule

Tomorrow night we'll be at the Forte Forum in Atlanta. Hope to see you there!

Thinking About Applying This Year?

kterrell@terry.uga.edu (Kerry Terrell, Associate Director) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:13:00 +0000

If you're thinking about applying this year, now is the time to get your application materials together. If you've already started- kudos to you! We like early birds. Please keep in mind that we've moved from a rolling admissions policy this year to a Round decision process, and our deadlines have changed! Round One is fast approaching- get those applications in by October 15th.

So what should you be doing now?

Take the GMAT. Schedule a GMAT test date, prep for the GMAT, take the GMAT, and make sure to send us your score report!
Start filling out your application form. It's not hard, but it can take quite a bit of time to fill out the detailed online form. Do it a little at a time- you can save your work and come back another day.
Request your recommendations. You do this through the online application form. You can skip directly to the recommenders section, input your recommenders' info, and the system will send your recommenders a link to complete your recommendations online. Give them plenty of time to say good things about you!
Write your essays. Hastily put together essays read just that way: like they were thrown together at the last minute. Think about what you want to say and proofread, proofread, proofread!
Order your transcripts. You don't have to wait until you submit your application to send us your transcripts. We need TWO copies of all transcripts.

A quick word on "face time": We interview on an invitation only basis after submission of a complete application and a preliminary review by the Admissions Committee. We're delighted to answer any questions you may have about the application process, but we can usually do that over the phone or via email.

We look forward to learning all about you!

2009/2010 Full-Time MBA Essay Questions

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Staples, Office Manager) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:40:00 +0000

Have you been waiting for these? If so, the essay questions are finally here!

Get started on the essays early and make sure to save them in a MS Word format so that they can be easily uploaded to your application once it's available.

Drum roll please....

Essay Question #1:
Tell us about your career vision and why the career path you envision is meaningful to you (500 words max.)

Essay Question #2:
What is your immediate career goal after completing your MBA? Outline the steps you will take to achieve it. (500 word max.)

Essay Question #3:
Write about a time when you had a significant misunderstanding with someone from a different background or culture. (500 word max.)

Please note all essays should be 500 words maximum and double-spaced, 12pt font.

New Full-Time Program Deadlines

kterrell@terry.uga.edu (Kerry Terrell, Associate Director) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:21:00 +0000

You're hearing it here first! The Full-Time Terry MBA program will be moving from a rolling admissions process to a round admissions process for our Summer and Fall 2010 classes. Here are the new deadlines:

Round 1
October 15th
Decisions issued on December 1st.

Round 2
December 1st
Decisions issued on January 15th.

Round 3 - Final deadline for International Applicants
January 15th
Decisions issued on March 15th.

Round 4 - Space Available Basis Only
March 1st
Decisions issued on May 3rd.

So, what does this mean for you as an applicant? I'll give you an example: if you apply by October 15th, and by apply I mean that all portions of your application have been submitted by October 15th (including test scores!), you will receive an admission decision on December 1st. You know exactly when you'll be hearing from us.

Remember- the early bird gets the worm. If you're hoping to be awarded a graduate assistantship or scholarship get your application in for Round 1 or Round 2. Once the funding is gone, it's gone!

MBA Orientation and Pre-Term

kterrell@terry.uga.edu (Kerry Terrell, Associate Director) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:20:00 +0000

We just welcomed our new Terry 11-Month MBA students to campus for two weeks of orientation and pre-term events. This is a such a great time for those of us who work in MBA Admissions because we get to see all the people we've worked with over the last recruiting year interacting together in one place. It's a lot of fun.

The first day is all the nuts and bolt orientation issues: what you need to do, when, and how. We cap that off with a casual dinner where families are also welcome. After that it's all about getting down to business.

The remainder of the two weeks is all about leadership, team development, and career management. Students complete self-assessments, begin their career counseling, network at alumni and recruiter panels, form their project teams, draw up team contracts, and more. It's a whirlwind introduction to what life as a Terry MBA student is all about. Everything finishes up with a ropes course that challenges students to go outside of their comfort zones and support one another at the same time. When classes begin, you're ready to hit the ground running.

Can you picture yourself at orientation next year? Watch for an announcement on our new deadlines for Summer and Fall 2010 soon.

How Much Interest is Too Much?

kterrell@terry.uga.edu (Kerry Terrell, Associate Director) — Tue, 05 May 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Lately, there's been a lot of talk about the increasing importance admissions offices are placing on the level of interest a candidate shows in a program to which he or she is applying. While it's true that we do like to know you are strongly interested in our MBA program, most admissions committees would also be delighted to receive a stellar application from someone they've never heard of before. So, when it comes to demonstrating your interest in a school, how much is enough and how much is just too much?

If you're considering applying to an MBA program it's a good idea to check out a school's website, add yourself to their email list, join a Facebook group, follow them on Twitter, read their blog (yay for you!), etc. These are all low effort activities that allow the admissions representatives at a program to become familiar with your name. If you're able to attend an information session hosted by the school or meet a school representative at an MBA fair, those are key opportunities to introduce yourself and make a positive first impression. Make sure to come prepared with a few thoughtful questions that show you've already done your preliminary research on the program. If you're invited to special events at the school, such as lectures or conferences, feel free to attend if the topics are of interest to you. Some schools do keep records of which candidates attend events, but not all. What you really want is enough contact to let the admissions staff know that you're seriously considering their school. If they recognize you when you come in for your interview, then you've achieved the desired result!

So, what behavior crosses the line into "too much?" Is there such a thing as too much interest? Yes, there definitely is. Have a question about the school's MBA program? Feel free to call or email to ask- but make sure the answer is not easily available on the program's website. Don't call or email every day or even three times a week. Yes, you would think I shouldn't have to say this, but I do. Don't copy ten people at the school on every email you send. Don't drop into the admissions office on a regular basis or ask for multiple appointments. Don't ask to take advantage of a schools services before you're a student there (e.g. career services). Don't ask for assistance figuring out which classes you should register for in your third semester before you've even been admitted.

Why is this all just too much? One main reason: it makes you seem high maintenance. Admissions offices are busy places. Many receive hundreds of emails and phone calls a day. While your first few emails are likely to receive prompt, warm responses, they're not going to be quite as excited about the twentieth one. The staff want to make sure they get back to everyone; in demanding their attention repeatedly you're making it harder for them to do that. It's also going to give the impression that this behavior will continue once you are enrolled. If your goal is to demonstrate your interest in a program, don't go overboard.

Once you've been admitted to a program all bets are off. Ask whatever you need to ask to make your enrollment decision. You'll find that the school's admissions staff will make time for you. Once you choose the program you'll attend, you can certainly ask questions to facilitate your transition to student life, but make sure to read any information you are sent as well. You're going to an MBA program to become a confident leader and a capable professional- now is the time to start acting the part.

What Do I Do Now???

kterrell@terry.uga.edu (Kerry Terrell, Associate Director) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:37:00 +0000

It happened- you didn't get into business school. Your entire life plan has been derailed. You don't understand why. What are you supposed to do now???

OK, first things first- while it is beyond disappointing to have all the time and effort you put in to your application yield a negative result you're definitely not the first (or only!) person who did not gain entrance to business school on the first try. It's a fairly common occurrence. Take a deep breath, scream a little if you need to, and then go on with your life. The world is moving on, and you should move with it.

Next, don't give up! You have NOT been placed on an MBA Admissions blocklist. You can and should try applying again next year. Warning bells will not go off when you submit your online application, and you will not be automatically denied admission. In fact, your determination can be downright impressive and a sign of maturity if you play your cards right.

Merely submitting the exact same application again is unlikely to yield a different result in the future. You need to take some time to think about what you can change about your application, as well as what you can add to it, to enhance your chances of admission. Some b-schools are able to provide feedback to applicants who were not successful in the admission process; other schools (Terry included) are not permitted to do so as a matter of institutional policy. In either case, you should be able to figure out what the trouble spots were with your application if you're willing to do your homework and be honest with yourself.

Start by looking at publicly available averages and indicators for the schools to which you applied. For example, is the average GMAT score a 650 and you scored a 450? That's probably an issue. Do they require a minimum of two years of work experience and you have none? Again, that's likely an issue. Does the school specialize in four areas? Did your essays indicate you wanted to focus on an area of study other than one of those four? Yes, that's also an issue. Did you leave your interview feeling like you didn't prepare enough? You probably didn't. You get the gist.

So what can you do? Here are some suggestions for common stumbling points.

GMAT: Take a prep course and take it again. I know- that doesn't work for everyone, but you've got to take it at least twice (and prep well at least once) to make the argument that you "just don't test well" with any credibility.

GPA: First, own up for your prior transgressions. Did you goof off? Perform poorly in a highly technical and demanding major you didn't like? Be prepared to explain that in an additional essay and offer how you'll approach your studies differently this time around. If you've got time and you're willing to make the investment, think about taking one or two suitable MBA prep classes (e.g. statistics, economics) at a school that allows open enrollment. Good grades can help you distance yourself from that old academic record.

Work Experience: Keep working, or if you've been taking time off, go back to work. If you don't have enough work experience, the only way to fix that is by actually getting work experience. Perhaps your work experience may not be what a b-school is looking for (i.e. waiting tables)? Then look for leadership opportunities and volunteer to take on projects where you can demonstrate your additional skills.

Essays: Yes, we read them. Did you articulate focused goals? Did you highlight what you can bring to the class or just talk about why you want to go to that school? Were they well-written? Did you ask someone else to read them and tell you what the question was? Did you catch all the spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors?

Interview: Really think about how your interview went. Did any of the questions throw you for a loop? Did you prepare? Read my blog entry on interviewing here for common issues: http://terrymbaadmissionsinsiders.blogspot.com/2008/10/make-most-of-your-interview.html

Activities and Honors: Were you an active participant in extracurricular activities while in college? Have you done anything since? Volunteer work is easy to come by and looks great on an application. Have you received any awards or honors that would easily identify your achievements? Now is the time to start aiming for employee of the year.

Recommendation Letters: You're not going to get any feedback on these if you've waived your right to see them. Step back for a minute and think about who you chose. An employer you haven't worked with recently? A professor from five years ago? Make sure your recs come from people who know you well and can speak to your characteristics as a professional now- not three years ago. Also, if you haven't waived your right to view your recommendations- well, there's your problem. Non-confidential recommendations hold less weight than confidential ones.

Final thought: Get your act together and get your application in early next year. Show the Admissions Committee that you've returned undeterred with a new sense of motivation.

Still have questions? The people who work in MBA Admissions want to help- really. Give us a call if you have questions particular to your situation. Remember- every contact you have with a school is an opportunity to make an impression. Make sure you stay positive and professional at all times. Best wishes for success!

Bad economy? Invest in yourself.

kterrell@terry.uga.edu (Kerry Terrell, Associate Director) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:01:00 +0000

We're all painfully aware of just what a slump our economy is in right now. Many people are out of work, and many others are clinging onto their jobs like velcro. So, is it crazy to think about getting an MBA in this economic climate? No- here's why.

Return on investment. It's that simple- get the skills and you'll get a pay increase. Use our ROI calculator here to see: http://mba.terry.uga.edu/fulltime/docs/mba_roi_calculator.xls
Position yourself for advancement. When the economy picks up and companies look to rapidly expand and develop new business opportunities, who do you think will be in the prime position for those great new jobs and promotions? Not the person enrolling in an MBA right then- those jobs will go to the people who already have the right credential.
Opportunity cost is low. When considering going back to school full-time, people are often reluctant to forgo an income for two years. With so many companies cutting back on staff now, raises are few and far between and many people are absorbing salary cuts and increased benefits costs. Chances are, by going to school right now you'll lose the least amount of income.
We can help with merit aid. For qualified candidates, merit aid can reduce the cost of attending the Full-Time Terry MBA program dramatically. Graduate Assistantships cover tuition and provide a substantial stipend to help offset living expenses. Scholarships and partial tuition waivers are also possible.

So, what are you waiting for? You can't reap the reward if you don't take the leap. Terry's final deadlines are fast approaching: April 15th for the 11-Month program and May 11th for the Two Year program. Need help? Call MBA Admissions at 706-542-5671, email us at terrymba@terry.uga.edu, or contact Tiffany Staples on AIM with this ID: TiffanyatTerry.

The “Last Chance” Info Session – February 7th

noreply@blogger.com (Terry MBA Admissions Insiders) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:42:00 +0000

On the fence or need more information about applying? We have one more, “Last Chance” Information Session on Saturday, February 7th at 10:00am. The Information Session will run approximately 2 hours and will be held in Sanford Hall, Room 314.

Sign up to attend the information session on your MyTerry MBA page at https://emt.askadmissions.net/terry_uga/Vip/Default.aspx .

A Little of This... A Little of That...

noreply@blogger.com (Terry MBA Admissions Insiders) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:52:00 +0000

Things have been very hectic around the MBA office as applications are rolling in. Along with the influx of applications comes an influx in application materials. Yes, this means that for every applicant, we receive at least one set of transcripts (if not 3 or 4), score reports (sometimes multiple), and recommendations. Needless to say, our records department is working very hard to get through all the paperwork they are receiving.

At any time, you can check the status of your application by logging back into your application and viewing your application status page. https://emt.askadmissions.net/terry_uga/vip/

Here are approximate processing times for your paperwork:

Transcripts – From the point they are received in our office, please allow at least one week for them to be processed, added to your paper file, and your information to be updated on your online status report.

Test Scores

GMAT – From the time you take your test (or request a score report to be sent) it takes at least 2 weeks to get to us. If you didn’t take your GMAT before you submitted your application, chances are this might be the last thing that gets processed on your application before it goes to department. Do not panic! If you have chosen the Terry MBA program (11 Month: Z95-H2-68; Two Year: Z95-H2-78) as your score recipient we will receive your scores.

TOEFL/IELTS – International Students (Non-US Citizens) ONLY. For most, we cannot waive the English-Proficiency requirement; however, if you are from an English-Speaking Country, like the UK or Australia, you are not required to submit these scores. To see the requirements for your country, go to http://www.uga.edu/gradschool/admissions/int_country.html. From the day you take your test, it typically takes at least 30 – 45 days for the MBA office to receive your official score report. Again, don’t panic. For the TOEFL, make sure you use code 5813 to ensure your scores make their way to Terry.

Recommendations – You should be self-monitoring your recommendations to see if they are received online via your application status page. If one of your recommenders has not completed their recommendation for you and you feel as though they may need a reminder, feel free to use the option provided on your application status screen. – They may have just misplaced the link they were initially sent.

We are consistently reading applications and have been inviting candidates for interviews. Watch for an email regarding an interview invitation once your application is complete.

So, What ARE They Doing With My Application?

kterrell@terry.uga.edu (Kerry Terrell, Associate Director) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:35:00 +0000

Happy New Year! It's January, and that means we are busy, busy, busy here in MBA Admissions. If you're considering starting an MBA in 2009 you probably know that January 15th is the deadline for priority consideration for assistantship awards. That means applications are pouring in from everyone both trying to get an early admissions decision and hoping for a financial assistance award. So, what are we doing with all those applications? Why does it take so long to get a decision?

I'll try not to bore you with the details, but here's what's going on. Once we get your online application the data needs to be reviewed and some internal processing taken care of. We need to locate your test scores, transcripts, and any other paper documents you may have sent us. If those items aren't here yet, your application isn't going anywhere until they arrive. Keep in mind that we're working on many applications simultaneously; so while it may seem to you that this whole process should take about 5 minutes, it's not quite that simple.

Once your application is complete it will be forwarded to the Admissions Committee for review. Now, I'm not able to hand out a whole lot of detail here, but I can tell you that your application will get a thorough review by the Committee. All of your materials will be read- that's a substantial investment of time. The wait is worth it if it means all the hard work you've put into your application will receive in depth consideration.

Now, if you weren't an early bird who completed an interview this past fall, that's something else you need to add to your timeline. If the Admissions Committee determines, after a preliminary review of your completed application, that you are in a competitive position for admission you'll be invited to complete your evaluative interview. Once that's done, your file will go back to the Committee for a final review.

After the Admissions Committee has rendered a decision there's still a bit of processing that needs to happen before you're notified. We try to take care of this as quickly as possible. We're anxious to let you know the outcome.

Did you know that once you submit your online application you can log back in to check your status? Just go back to your MyTerry MBA page: https://emt.askadmissions.net/terry_uga/vip/

I know the waiting can be hard. Please know we're doing our best to get back to you as soon as we can.

Open House: Thanks for Joining Us! (and other MBA Admissions news)

noreply@blogger.com (Anne Cooper, Director) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:45:00 +0000

All of us on the Terry MBA Admissions team had a great time at our Fall Open House. We met a lot of interesting new people and I think they left feeling like they had gotten the inside story about the Terry MBA Program. Our alumni turned out in a big way to share their experiences (and to soak up being back in Athens). It felt like homecoming!

We’ve been asked about other opportunities to visit campus on a Saturday and have decided to hold a “Last Chance” two-hour information session here in Athens on Saturday, February 7, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Current students will join the Admissions team, Kerry, Tiffany, and myself, to give an overview of the program, curriculum updates, and life as a Terry MBA student. You can sign up through your My Terry MBA portal and we’ll send you the details.

Our MBA Diversity Weekend is scheduled for January 16 and 17. Ideally, we would like every incoming class to include people from the African-American, Asian-Pacific American, Hispanic-American, LGBT, multiracial, and Native American communities. The diverse student body at Terry is truly valued by our students. To quote a recent graduate, Paul Shea, about the importance of having experience working in a diverse group: “You can’t afford to fall into the trap of stereotypes. It wastes time, talent, and money.” (To apply to attend Diversity Weekend, go to http://mba.terry.uga.edu/fulltime/diversity_days_application.html.)

One last piece of info: We’ve modified our interview procedures in anticipation of increased numbers of applications. Beginning in January, you must have submitted your application to be considered for an evaluative interview. As much as we’d like to be able to interview everyone that applies, we don’t have the staff to do so. We’ll email you a suggested date and time, which you can adjust if you have a conflict by calling Tiffany Staples, our office manager.

MBA Open House - Saturday, November 15th

noreply@blogger.com (Terry MBA Admissions Insiders) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:36:00 +0000

The Full-Time MBA Program will be hosting an Open House this Saturday, November 15th. Held at the Zell Miller Learning Center, the Open House will begin with breakfast/check-in at 9am; the program will begin at 10am. Come and hear from Faculty, Alumni and Current Students. The MBA Career Management Center will be providing insight on the current job market and job expectations of a MBA Graduate. Admissions staff will also be on hand to answer questions about the Application Process and to schedule interviews. (Sorry, interviews will NOT be conducted on Saturday, November 15th).

Online registration for the event has ended. To attend the event, please email Tiffany Staples at tiffanee@terry.uga.edu or call 706.542.5671 to reserve your space by Friday at 12 Noon.

We hope to see you there!

Become a Terry MBA Celebrity Today!

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany Staples, Office Manager) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:53:00 +0000

Have you always wanted to achieve celebrity status? Well now you can! Become a Terry MBA Celebrity and complete your evaluative interview at the same time! With the application season in full swing, we are seeing an increase in interviews. Make sure that you reserve your time slot soon and avoid the December/January rush. Interviews are accepted Monday through Thursday from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. Call Tiffany at 706.542.5671 or email her at tiffanee@terry.uga.edu for more information and scheduling. See you soon!

Thanks for coming!

kterrell@terry.uga.edu (Kerry Terrell, Associate Director) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:11:00 +0000

Thanks to all of you who came out to our information session in Buckhead last night. It was really wonderful meeting all of you and hearing about your goals. What a great group! I like it when I have an opportunity to put faces with the names I hear on the phone and see on the emails I answer. I imagine that must be helpful for y'all as well- it demystifies the admissions process. If you have additional questions you are always welcome to contact me via email (kterrell@terry.uga.edu) or on the phone (706-542-1803). Another great place to ask questions in on the discussion board on our Facebook Page. Current students monitor that board and would really like to hear from you- don't be shy!

Information Session - Tuesday in Buckhead!

kterrell@terry.uga.edu (Kerry Terrell, Associate Director) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:16:00 +0000

We're getting ready for our Full-Time MBA Information Session on Tuesday (October 28th) at the Terry Executive Education Center in Buckhead. Quite a few of you have already signed up to join us- it's not too late. Click here to log in to your MyTerry MBA account to view details or register- or click here to create a MyTerry MBA account if you don't already have one. We'll have alumni, students, and staff on hand to answer all of your questions. A good time will be had by all! Have a specific question you know you want answered? Email it to me now or leave a comment below.

Give Us the Real Story

kterrell@terry.uga.edu (Kerry Terrell, Associate Director) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:10:00 +0000

Prospective students share a lot of resumes and transcripts with me looking for feedback. In many cases, the student is often checking to see if I'll notice something he/she feels is a weakness, such as a gap on a resume or poor first year grades. Yes, I notice, and I ask about whatever it is. I ask to see if there is some kind of explanation- any kind of explanation. Usually any explanation is better than none at all.

That being the case, it's always a shame when a prospective student submits an application with an obvious issue and doesn't offer an explanation for the Admissions Committee. Many candidates don't explain the issue because they just don't know how to do it appropriately. Should you highlight a potentially negative aspect of your application? I can understand why that might produce anxiety. There's an easy way to do this without derailing that application package you've spent so much time on. Most schools, Terry included, allow candidates to submit a one page Optional Essay or Additional Statement on anything you want. This is the place to offer that explanation.

Did you spend the year following your college graduation backpacking through Europe? Not on your resume? One quick paragraph on where you went and what you learned will account for the time. Are your first year grades less than impressive because you were adjusting to living away from home for the first time or were more focused on your social life? Say that, and then explain how your approach will be different this time around. Give us the real story. Quite often it's not about what the excuse/reason is, it's about how you present it. It's most definitely worse to leave the Admissions Committee wondering. Tie up all the loose ends with that one page and you'll look like a prepared, proactive applicant.

Make the Most of Your Interview

kterrell@terry.uga.edu (Kerry Terrell, Associate Director) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:32:00 +0000

The evaluative interview is a critical component of the admissions decision at many business schools. That's certainly the case here at Georgia. You have so much to gain from putting your best foot forward at interview time- don't squander the opportunity! Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your interview.

Arrive on time. Remember: college campuses can be big, complicated places. Get there early and leave yourself plenty of time to park and navigate your way to the correct building.
Dress appropriately. Show respect for the opportunity you have been granted and the person/people you will be interviewing with by wearing proper business attire. This usually means a suit. This is not the time to go business casual or casual. We're thinking about how you might arrive for a job interview. Look sharp!
Be prepared. Make sure you know why you're applying to business school, what it is you like about that school in particular, etc. Know how you will answer the standard questions.
Don't get defensive. C'mon now- nobody's perfect. If the interviewer asks you to account for a missing year on your resume or your less than stellar GPA answer the question openly and honestly. Responding in an aggressive or defensive manner is a definite no-no.
Ask questions. Jot down a few questions you'd like answers to. If given the opportunity at the end of your interview- ask away! Questions show your interest in the school. One caveat: make sure they are well thought-out questions and not obvious facts that can be readily discovered on the school's website.
Keep the focus on you. You are the person being interviewed. It is never a good idea to ask the interviewer questions about his/qualifications or personal life. It's great to chat and certainly OK to have a fun conversation, but unless the interview raises something about his/herself personal questions are off limits.

View From the Top

noreply@blogger.com (Anne Cooper, Director) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:49:00 +0000

I will hit the road for Terry MBA Admissions in November, as part of the “Inside the MBA Tour.” UGA will participate in forums in Raleigh-Durham, Charlotte, and Atlanta. I will be doing candidate interviews while I’m in North Carolina and would encourage candidates in the Research Triangle area who are unable to come to Athens to schedule an interview with me. (Call Tiffany at 706-542-5671.)

With the big economic meltdown, MBA Admissions Offices around the country are preparing for a tidal wave of applications. What does that mean for you if you’re one of those applicants? If you’re interested in a full-time MBA program, it means a lot of competition for a seat. So it will be to your advantage to find ways to stand out from the crowd. Kerry has posted some terrific tips in her last entry.

Definitely plan on interviewing in person with your top schools. There’s no better way to help Admissions decision-makers get to know you. To prepare, think about stories, preferably from work, when you’ve succeeded, either as an individual or as part of a team, and the opposite, when you’ve failed, and what you learned from that. Interestingly, success is a terrible teacher; we learn much more from failure.

Be prepared to talk about what’s going on in the world. Once they’re a part of Terry, students have told me that I zinged them in the interview. I don’t do that intentionally, but I am interested in how different people see the world and what’s happening around them. So given the events of the week and my previous comment about failure, here’s the question that comes to mind: The governments, people, and economies of the world are poised to learn a gargantuan lesson; what do you think that is? I’d be very interested in your answer!

Tips from the World MBA Tour Panel

kterrell@terry.uga.edu (Kerry Terrell, Associate Director) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:38:00 +0000

Thank you to everyone who attended the World MBA Tour event in Atlanta this weekend. I really enjoyed meeting you, and I'm excited to work with everyone through the application process.

I was fortunate enough to sit on a panel about business school selection and admissions Saturday afternoon with some colleagues from other MBA programs. I thought I'd take a moment to tell you the Top 5 Tips To Maximize Your Chances For Acceptance that came out of the discussion.

Tailor your personal statements. Make sure your personal statement answers the question on each application. Don't try to make one essay work for all. Check your spelling and grammar. Put some thought into the content of your statement and start preparing well in advance of the deadline.
Prep for the GMAT. Most schools rely heavily on GMAT scores. Put your best foot forward by prepping for the exam so that you can take it with confidence.
Highlight what makes you unique. Make sure to spotlight something that makes you stand out from other applicants. Business schools look to enroll individuals with a wide range of experiences and characteristics- show what you can bring to the class .
Choose your recommenders carefully. All the schools stated a preference for professional recommenders rather than academic references. Several also indicated the strong preference to see a recommendation from your current supervisor (or a statement indicating why you didn't provide one). Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your goals and quality of your work.
Explain discrepancies. All applications have strong points and weak points. If you've got a weak point with an explanation, address it with a one page statement of additional information. This is a great way to explain a missing year on a resume or a bad junior year GPA. The Admissions Office will see that weakness- don't leave us wondering what happened. The general rule with applications is to focus on the positive, so keep all comments of this type to that one page.

I hope these tips help relieve some your application anxiety!

Full-Time Terry MBA Admissions

North Carolina Interviews & Inside the MBA

Make the Most of Your Interview

Popular Questions about Submitting Your Application

Round One Deadline Approaching!

Finding Yourself at Business School

Do Your Homework

Thinking About Applying This Year?

2009/2010 Full-Time MBA Essay Questions

New Full-Time Program Deadlines

MBA Orientation and Pre-Term

How Much Interest is Too Much?

What Do I Do Now???

Bad economy? Invest in yourself.

The “Last Chance” Info Session – February 7th

A Little of This... A Little of That...

So, What ARE They Doing With My Application?

Open House: Thanks for Joining Us! (and other MBA Admissions news)

MBA Open House - Saturday, November 15th

Become a Terry MBA Celebrity Today!

Thanks for coming!

Information Session - Tuesday in Buckhead!

Give Us the Real Story

Make the Most of Your Interview

View From the Top

Tips from the World MBA Tour Panel