Follow this:
http://www.unitedmedia.com/comics/pearls
It's funny.
Pastis can thank me later for all the traffic :)
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Pearls before swine
Follow this:
http://www.unitedmedia.com/comics/pearls
It's funny.
Pastis can thank me later for all the traffic :)
Friday, June 20, 2008
Ronal-go
Just read the details of the press conference after the Portugal-Germany match.
Now That Boy Ronaldo, seems adamant to leave.
i feel that this would be the biggest act of ungratefulness in recent times. Ronaldo spoke as if United was holding him back. He clearly thinks that he owes nothing to the club. He's been at old trafford for five years and for only two out of those five has he set the EPL on fire. The club stood by his side during all the formative years of his play-acting and diving but the guy simply doesn't seem to care.
Almost all his statements set my blood boiling. Sample these:
"I think there is a concrete offer."
(as if he isn't earning enough to shower off on whores)
"I think so," he said when quizzed once more on the Madrid offer. "Do I want to go? The people know what I want. In a few days there will be news."
(No. People don't know what you want. Coz people expect integrity in ones character and you have displayed anything but integrity.)
"It is my opinion, that is why I don’t mind if people get upset. It is my decision. It is what I want," he said, when asked about his manager.
(as if SAF is not responsible for his turning into a super-hero)
As to when he took this 'yet mysterious' decision, he said: "Some time ago, before the Champions League final."
"It is a dream, a step forward, you can call it what you want," he said. "For me it is a great opportunity, and as Scolari says, that train passes by only once, and we have to take advantage of it."
I pray this guy leaves. We don't need any such whore among our players. Others would be better off learning from the likes of Giggs and Scholes
Now That Boy Ronaldo, seems adamant to leave.
i feel that this would be the biggest act of ungratefulness in recent times. Ronaldo spoke as if United was holding him back. He clearly thinks that he owes nothing to the club. He's been at old trafford for five years and for only two out of those five has he set the EPL on fire. The club stood by his side during all the formative years of his play-acting and diving but the guy simply doesn't seem to care.
Almost all his statements set my blood boiling. Sample these:
"I think there is a concrete offer."
(as if he isn't earning enough to shower off on whores)
"I think so," he said when quizzed once more on the Madrid offer. "Do I want to go? The people know what I want. In a few days there will be news."
(No. People don't know what you want. Coz people expect integrity in ones character and you have displayed anything but integrity.)
"It is my opinion, that is why I don’t mind if people get upset. It is my decision. It is what I want," he said, when asked about his manager.
(as if SAF is not responsible for his turning into a super-hero)
As to when he took this 'yet mysterious' decision, he said: "Some time ago, before the Champions League final."
"It is a dream, a step forward, you can call it what you want," he said. "For me it is a great opportunity, and as Scolari says, that train passes by only once, and we have to take advantage of it."
I pray this guy leaves. We don't need any such whore among our players. Others would be better off learning from the likes of Giggs and Scholes
PS: As the official announcement has not been made, there is a slight chance that he plays for united the next season. Even then I stand by my opinion that Ronaldo is nothing but a ungrateful lad with the least bit of integrity and a miserable human being, at best.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Reservation.
After two years of drama, SC finally gives into Center's urge to send India back to middle ages. Kudos to Arjun Singh, Karunanidhi, Ramadoss and the likes. They have done more than enough to ensure that as a nation we continue to face the repercussions for decades.
Wish the likes of Udham Singh, Bhagat Singh, Azad and Bismil never ceased to take birth in India. These are time when one wishes reincarnation wasn't just an idea.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Jagjit Singh in Pune
By the way, I'm looking for company for this show. Anybody interested? I'm available at aditya12 [at] gmail {dot} com
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Lotus then, Yahoo now
February 23, 2008 9:35 PM PST
Lotus then, Yahoo now
In June 1995, IBM stunned Lotus with a unsolicited $3 billion buyout bid. At the time, Lotus was in a world of hurt. Sales of the company's franchise product--its office applications suite--were slumping thanks to stepped-up competition from Microsoft. CEO Jim Manzi knew that the company's future depended on Lotus Notes, the hot groupware product spearheaded by the company's star developer, Ray Ozzie.
Unfortunately for Lotus, sales of Notes weren't climbing fast enough to compensate for the accelerating sales slump elsewhere at Lotus. So when IBM launched its unsolicited tender officer, Lou Gerstner expected a welcoming response.
Manzi instead gave Big Lou the middle finger.
more...
Monday, February 11, 2008
How to Pay for an MBA
Business school is a costly investment. Here are some tips on how to make it more manageable
by Francesca Di Meglio
Aponte is certain that enrolling in graduate business school was a "sound financial decision," even though she will be paying off loans after graduation in 2009. Like anyone making such a big investment, Aponte was apprehensive, but she consider that a positive. "It's a good thing to be concerned about finances," she says. "Don't shy away from being nervous." It shows that personal finance—and your financial security—is important to you.
So embrace your anxiety. If you're an aspiring MBA losing sleep over how you are going to afford graduate business school, then you should check out the financial aid tips below:
Ask for Help
Even before you apply, you can get information about the financial aid services available at each school that interests you. Some of them have financial aid offices specific to the graduate business school; others require business students to work with the main university financial aid office along with everyone else. All of them have professionals available to answer your questions and explain the complex world of financial aid. Take advantage of this resource.
Susan Brooks, the financial aid assistant director at Kenan-Flagler, suggests keeping financial aid folders for each of the schools to which you applied—and reading all the material they send you. Do additional research on your own on available scholarships, grants, and federal vs. private loans. Understanding your options, what each school is offering, and educating yourself about student loans in general is key to getting the best deal possible. "Approach it as you would any business decision," says Aponte. "Get as much information as you can as fast as you can."
Get Your Financial House in Order
Take your cues from Aponte and start cutting costs from your current budget as soon as you decide you want to go back to school. Bring a brown bag lunch, nix your Starbucks habit, or quit hanging around the mall on sale day—whatever you can do to keep a few extra dollars in your savings. This will help prepare you for being without a salary for two years. In addition, you'll ideally want some sort of savings for emergencies and a sense of security while you're in business school. Get your credit score from a service such as myfico.com and start paying off other debts, especially bad debt like credit cards. Your lenders will use your credit score to judge your application, so you'll want to be in good standing.
Determine how much you'll need
Consider the cost of the schools to which you have been accepted. If you applied to a state school where you are a resident the tuition will likely be lower and you might think that's reason enough to attend the program. But before making any decisions, you should figure out how much you'll actually need to live and pay for each of the programs. Tuition alone is not enough. You must also consider the cost of living in that state and unexpected expenses for things such as traveling for the job search, purchasing business attire, and attending networking events. Compare the totals you come up with for each program to your current budget to see if you can swing it.
Borrow Intelligently
Once you know how much you need, you can start looking for the money. Free money, the kind you will not have to pay back, should be on the top of your list. This includes scholarships and grants. Talk to the financial aid services staff at your school to determine what, if any, scholarships and grants are available. But keep in mind that it is more difficult for graduate business students to get such offers. "People don't have as much sympathy for MBAs," says Dan Thibeault, co-founder of Graduate Leverage, student loan consolidation and debt management company, in Boston (BusinessWeek.com, 1/27/05).
Most experts suggest that you look to exhaust federal loans, with fixed interest rates, after you have collected all the free money you can and before you turn to private lenders. Graduate business students can take out up to $8,500 in subsidized Stafford loans, which are based on need, do not accrue interest on the loan while your are in school, and come with a fixed interest rate, currently 6.8%. An unsubsidized Stafford loan is the same loan, but interest accrues while you're in school. Since 2006, graduate business students have also been able to consider the Graduate PLUS Loan, which comes with a limit of $20,500. In the past, says Paul S. Garrard, vice-president for student financial services for Sallie Mae (SLM) graduate and professional programs, grad students typically used private loans after they had exhausted the Stafford loans and scholarships. Now they can continue to turn to the government with the PLUS loan.
Not all the experts agree that this is the way to go. Thibeault says students should take advantage of the sudden and dramatic drop in interest rates because they could find a better deal with private lenders than with the government. About 65% to 70% of MBAs can get private loans at a lower rate, he adds. Garrard argues that these private loans have variable interest rates with no caps, which means you could have a great rate when you apply for the loan, but it could skyrocket while you're in school or when you're ready to pay. Whatever you do, at least apply for the federal loans. All U.S. citizens are eligible for Stafford loans, and you might choose to use them simply to keep from tying up your assets, say experts.
Students with a bent for nonprofit work might qualify for loan forgiveness. The College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 has the government completely forgiving your federal loan balance if you go into the nonprofit sector or government after graduation and stay there for at least 10 years, says Thibeault. Only federal loans apply, and after graduation you'll have to consolidate into one direct loan program, he adds.
Live Like a Student
The rise of private loans, says Rob Rex, managing director of OTO Networks, which runs the Student Finance Domain in Baltimore, tempts students to live above their means while they're in school. Business students are especially vulnerable because many of them had good salaries before the MBA program and had become accustomed to a certain lifestyle.
Your best bet, however, is to return to living like a student. Get a roommate if you can stand it, refrain from big purchases, and watch your pennies a little more closely. Rex suggests using online loan calculators to see how much budgeting can really save you and how much you'll have to pay each month after graduation. It just might scare you into accepting pizza and beer instead of caviar and champagne during business school.
by Francesca Di Meglio
Aponte is certain that enrolling in graduate business school was a "sound financial decision," even though she will be paying off loans after graduation in 2009. Like anyone making such a big investment, Aponte was apprehensive, but she consider that a positive. "It's a good thing to be concerned about finances," she says. "Don't shy away from being nervous." It shows that personal finance—and your financial security—is important to you.
So embrace your anxiety. If you're an aspiring MBA losing sleep over how you are going to afford graduate business school, then you should check out the financial aid tips below:
Ask for Help
Even before you apply, you can get information about the financial aid services available at each school that interests you. Some of them have financial aid offices specific to the graduate business school; others require business students to work with the main university financial aid office along with everyone else. All of them have professionals available to answer your questions and explain the complex world of financial aid. Take advantage of this resource.
Susan Brooks, the financial aid assistant director at Kenan-Flagler, suggests keeping financial aid folders for each of the schools to which you applied—and reading all the material they send you. Do additional research on your own on available scholarships, grants, and federal vs. private loans. Understanding your options, what each school is offering, and educating yourself about student loans in general is key to getting the best deal possible. "Approach it as you would any business decision," says Aponte. "Get as much information as you can as fast as you can."
Get Your Financial House in Order
Take your cues from Aponte and start cutting costs from your current budget as soon as you decide you want to go back to school. Bring a brown bag lunch, nix your Starbucks habit, or quit hanging around the mall on sale day—whatever you can do to keep a few extra dollars in your savings. This will help prepare you for being without a salary for two years. In addition, you'll ideally want some sort of savings for emergencies and a sense of security while you're in business school. Get your credit score from a service such as myfico.com and start paying off other debts, especially bad debt like credit cards. Your lenders will use your credit score to judge your application, so you'll want to be in good standing.
Determine how much you'll need
Consider the cost of the schools to which you have been accepted. If you applied to a state school where you are a resident the tuition will likely be lower and you might think that's reason enough to attend the program. But before making any decisions, you should figure out how much you'll actually need to live and pay for each of the programs. Tuition alone is not enough. You must also consider the cost of living in that state and unexpected expenses for things such as traveling for the job search, purchasing business attire, and attending networking events. Compare the totals you come up with for each program to your current budget to see if you can swing it.
Borrow Intelligently
Once you know how much you need, you can start looking for the money. Free money, the kind you will not have to pay back, should be on the top of your list. This includes scholarships and grants. Talk to the financial aid services staff at your school to determine what, if any, scholarships and grants are available. But keep in mind that it is more difficult for graduate business students to get such offers. "People don't have as much sympathy for MBAs," says Dan Thibeault, co-founder of Graduate Leverage, student loan consolidation and debt management company, in Boston (BusinessWeek.com, 1/27/05).
Most experts suggest that you look to exhaust federal loans, with fixed interest rates, after you have collected all the free money you can and before you turn to private lenders. Graduate business students can take out up to $8,500 in subsidized Stafford loans, which are based on need, do not accrue interest on the loan while your are in school, and come with a fixed interest rate, currently 6.8%. An unsubsidized Stafford loan is the same loan, but interest accrues while you're in school. Since 2006, graduate business students have also been able to consider the Graduate PLUS Loan, which comes with a limit of $20,500. In the past, says Paul S. Garrard, vice-president for student financial services for Sallie Mae (SLM) graduate and professional programs, grad students typically used private loans after they had exhausted the Stafford loans and scholarships. Now they can continue to turn to the government with the PLUS loan.
Not all the experts agree that this is the way to go. Thibeault says students should take advantage of the sudden and dramatic drop in interest rates because they could find a better deal with private lenders than with the government. About 65% to 70% of MBAs can get private loans at a lower rate, he adds. Garrard argues that these private loans have variable interest rates with no caps, which means you could have a great rate when you apply for the loan, but it could skyrocket while you're in school or when you're ready to pay. Whatever you do, at least apply for the federal loans. All U.S. citizens are eligible for Stafford loans, and you might choose to use them simply to keep from tying up your assets, say experts.
Students with a bent for nonprofit work might qualify for loan forgiveness. The College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 has the government completely forgiving your federal loan balance if you go into the nonprofit sector or government after graduation and stay there for at least 10 years, says Thibeault. Only federal loans apply, and after graduation you'll have to consolidate into one direct loan program, he adds.
Live Like a Student
The rise of private loans, says Rob Rex, managing director of OTO Networks, which runs the Student Finance Domain in Baltimore, tempts students to live above their means while they're in school. Business students are especially vulnerable because many of them had good salaries before the MBA program and had become accustomed to a certain lifestyle.
Your best bet, however, is to return to living like a student. Get a roommate if you can stand it, refrain from big purchases, and watch your pennies a little more closely. Rex suggests using online loan calculators to see how much budgeting can really save you and how much you'll have to pay each month after graduation. It just might scare you into accepting pizza and beer instead of caviar and champagne during business school.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
A day spoilt by ugly pieces of news
At first, the acts of certain politicians and their goons, in mumbai. It was painful to see how they beat up those guys. Just how, how, HOW thoughtless, heartless can someone be. And do they really think there will be groups of people supporting them for such acts? I'll be ashamed to know if there is any such group.
Then there was this post in the bulletin board, about some hospital in bangalore that was about to cut open a dead-body just to ensure a big bill. What form of a human being can ever come up with such a devious, heinous plan.
And then there was a new about an event - a shot even Final Destination series would be proud of - a young guy getting on top of a tamarind tree on insistence of some kids and getting electrocuted. The manner of his death was really horrifying and I can't even describe it myself. Anybody who'd have read that piece of news on the front page of today's (4th Feb) TOI won't be able to get the images out of his mind.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Deliver a Presentation like Steve Jobs
Our communications coach breaks down the ace presenter's latest Macworld keynote. The result? A 10-part framework you can use to wow your own audience
Saturday, November 17, 2007
US Business school rankings
Got this precious bit of information from http://targetoflife.wordpress.com/
A blog to keep and eye on.US Business school rankings
30 10 2007| Rank | Business School | Accepted | Average GMAT | Work Exp. | Average Age |
| 1 | U. of Pennsylvania (Wharton) | 14% | 700 | 6 | 29 |
| 2 | Northwestern (Kellogg) | 18% | 690 | 4 | 27 |
| 3 | Stanford | 8% | 727 | 4 | 27 |
| 4 | Harvard | 13% | 701 | 4 | 27 |
| 5 | Columbia | 12% | 704 | 4 | 27 |
| 6 | Duke (Fuqua) | 19% | 690 | 5 | 28 |
| 7 | MIT (Sloan) | 17% | 703 | 5 | 28 |
| 8 | Chicago | 25% | 684 | 5 | 28 |
| 9 | Cornell (Johnson) | 25% | 673 | 5 | 29 |
| 10 | Dartmouth (Tuck) | 14% | 692 | 5 | 28 |
| 11 | Michigan | 21% | 677 | 5 | 29 |
| 12 | NYU (Stern) | 22% | 686 | 5 | 27 |
| 13 | UC — Berkeley (Haas) | 14% | 684 | 6 | 28 |
| 14 | Virginia (Darden) | 19% | 676 | 4 | 27 |
| 15 | Yale | 17% | 687 | 5 | 28 |
| 16 | UCLA (Anderson) | 15% | 698 | 4 | 28 |
| 17 | Carnegie Mellon | 31% | 660 | 5 | 28 |
| 18 | UNC — Chapel Hill | 22% | 667 | 5 | 27 |
| 19 | Texas — Austin (McCombs) | 25% | 687 | 5 | 29 |
| 20 | Indiana (Kelley) | 32% | 646 | 5 | 28 |
| 21 | USC (Marshall) | 27% | 670 | 5 | 28 |
| 22 | Purdue (Krannert) | 23% | 644 | 5 | 28 |
| 23 | Rochester (Simon) | 30% | 646 | 6 | 29 |
| 24 | Georgetown (McDonough) | 19% | 657 | 5 | 28 |
| 25 | Washington U. (Olin) | 29% | 661 | 5 | 28 |
I am not sure about the source of these rankings.. but nonetheless the statistics should be useful
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Celebrityhood
This thought has popped up a number of times whenever I'm in a bus or a train, particularly on a long distance journey.
How would it feel if everybody knew you ? I look at faces of the common population and there is this all-too-familiar look of 'strangehood' (I like it better than strangeness). Being a stranger in a strange land bonds you in not a very dissimilar way as being familiar in a familiar setting. So that look thats there is, in a way, comforting that nobody around here knows me. It will be rather queer if a smiling face comes your way and you can't place it in your memory. I definitely would try to dig that person out of my brain's dark lanes. But in such unfamiliar settings, such things don't happen and I can be pretty sure that I am a stranger here.
But I think about lives of the famous personalities of our country. How would a Sachin Tendulkar or a Shahrukh Khan handle such a thing? Wherever Sachin looks, he is bound to find faces smiling at him (if not being more enthusiastic in showing their love for him). Every single man on street, in cities, towns or remotest villages knows Sachin (I have been to few such remote places so I can be sure about this). For how long can someone keep smiling at total strangers? And in India, where Sachin's elbow and Shahrukh's abs are discussed at lengths by 'everybody' how would it feel like being a 'public property'?
How would it feel if everybody knew you ? I look at faces of the common population and there is this all-too-familiar look of 'strangehood' (I like it better than strangeness). Being a stranger in a strange land bonds you in not a very dissimilar way as being familiar in a familiar setting. So that look thats there is, in a way, comforting that nobody around here knows me. It will be rather queer if a smiling face comes your way and you can't place it in your memory. I definitely would try to dig that person out of my brain's dark lanes. But in such unfamiliar settings, such things don't happen and I can be pretty sure that I am a stranger here.
But I think about lives of the famous personalities of our country. How would a Sachin Tendulkar or a Shahrukh Khan handle such a thing? Wherever Sachin looks, he is bound to find faces smiling at him (if not being more enthusiastic in showing their love for him). Every single man on street, in cities, towns or remotest villages knows Sachin (I have been to few such remote places so I can be sure about this). For how long can someone keep smiling at total strangers? And in India, where Sachin's elbow and Shahrukh's abs are discussed at lengths by 'everybody' how would it feel like being a 'public property'?
Monday, October 01, 2007
Younger MBAs – Is experience really necessary and is age just a number?
The traditional 3-plus years of work experience, while still highly valued by most business school admissions officers, may be subject to greater flexibility than in the past.
For more, see this.
For more, see this.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Geeeeeeeeeeeek
Did I actually blog on thought-controlled wheel chair. How geekish was that !!!
now where are my white sox and the leather formals (one with a crack in the sole).
now where are my white sox and the leather formals (one with a crack in the sole).
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Thought-Controlled Wheel Chair Helps the Disabled
"A wheel chair being developed by Ambient will allow users to control its movement with just their thoughts -- a breakthrough device that could be a huge help for the paralyzed. Called the Audeo, the chair works by intercepting brain signals sent to your larynx and decoding them to match previously recorded words..." more here
Watch out for all the progress in this direction, especially those dealing with Human-Computer Interface. Multi-touch screens, pressure sensitivity, ergonomic keyboards (sic) etc will find no takers once this technology is appropriately developed and launched. Another revolution in the field of computers has been pending for long and the one who tames this science will be the next microsoft.
Watch out for all the progress in this direction, especially those dealing with Human-Computer Interface. Multi-touch screens, pressure sensitivity, ergonomic keyboards (sic) etc will find no takers once this technology is appropriately developed and launched. Another revolution in the field of computers has been pending for long and the one who tames this science will be the next microsoft.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
[right now, I guess I should focus on pt 1, 9 and 10 - in the reverse order... or may be all at once. A very useful article. Post just for future references]
By Anne Fisher, Fortune senior writer
10 secrets for getting into a top B-school
The competition to get into the best MBA programs is ferocious, but you can improve your chances of getting accepted by following these expert tips.
(Fortune) -- Getting accepted into a top MBA program is an arduous, time-consuming process, with plenty of potential pitfalls along the way. Witness that the most prestigious and selective schools - Harvard, Wharton, Stanford, and their ilk - say they accept only 10% of all those who apply.
Here are 10 tips for making a great impression.
1. Get a sky-high score on the Graduate Management Admissions Test. The average student at the top 10 schools on Fortune's list scored 700 or higher on their GMATs. (Overall, GMAT scores range from 200 to 800; the median is 500.)
2. Be yourself. Don't try to match some imaginary ideal. "Often, people have an image in their minds of what kind of person a given school wants," says Blackman. "Usually it's because they know someone who went there, so they try to be like that person." What's wrong with that? "Business-school admissions committees aim to enroll a broad mix of different personalities and backgrounds, so they want to know who you really are - even going beyond your professional life to include any significant experiences you may have had, like a serious illness or an eye-opening trip abroad. Tell your real story. Trying to be someone you aren't is likely to backfire."
3. Don't rush to submit your application in the first round. Different schools operate on different schedules, but in general, B-schools accept one round of applications in October and another in early January. Don't rush. "There is no particular advantage in being in the first round of applications," says Blackman. "It's much more important to submit a really great application. You do want to meet the deadline, of course, but quality counts more than speed."
4. Be ready to discuss any weak spots in your resume or your undergraduate transcript. "Let's say you've been laid off three times, like one client I had. Don't just ignore that on your application. Talk about how you bounced back and what you learned from those experiences," Blackman says. "Likewise, if you have a glaringly low grade or two on your undergraduate record, address the question of why that happened. Often people think, 'Well, they know I'm smart, and that was a long time ago, so it's no big deal.' But you need to explain it, because it will be noticed."
5. Be aware of the importance of recommendations. "A really common mistake is to get fixated on the essay portion of the application and overlook the crucial role of recommendations," says Blackman. Once references have agreed to write a recommendation for you, it's essential to "keep in touch with them so you are sure [the letters] get submitted on time," she says. But first....
6. Make sure you've asked the right people. "Prestige is less important than how well they know you," Blackman says. "Sometimes people will ask the CEO for a recommendation because that CEO attended the school the person is applying to. But admissions committees want specific examples of how you work, especially in the areas of teamwork, leadership, ethics, and respect for others. The CEO is unlikely to know those details." Unless you work with the Big Boss on a day-to-day basis, ask your direct manager, a close colleague, or a client instead.
7. Ask one or two people to review your application. But don't overdo it. "It's a good idea to ask one or two people whose judgment you trust to look over your application before you submit it, to see if they spot any flaws or omissions," says Blackman. Too many cooks spoil the broth, however: "If you follow too many suggestions, your essay will end up reading as if it were written by a committee, and you definitely don't want that."
8. If you end up on the "wait list," make the most of it. "Often people assume that being put on the 'wait list' is the same as not being accepted, and they give up. But lots of waitlisted applicants do get admitted. There's an art to it," says Blackman. "If your GMAT score was relatively low, take the test again. Send another recommendation or two, if you can. If the school wants you to come in for an interview, do that. And keep in touch with the admissions committee. You don't want to hound them, but it's perfectly okay to send a letter if you get promoted or if you're working on a 'stretch' assignment that broadens your skills."
9. Do your own research. Don't choose a B-school just by picking it off a list. "Every MBA program is different, and you want to focus on the ones that are right for you," Blackman says. "Compare the schools carefully, and visit as many of the campuses as you can. If you can sit in on a class or two, so much the better. That way, when you're asked why you want to go to this particular school, you'll have a convincing answer - instead of just sounding like you're reading from a brochure."
10. Start the process as far in advance as you can. Planning to take the GMAT, researching schools, getting the applications, lining up your recommendations, and writing the essays all take time. If you wait until the last minute, you'll be rushed, stressed, and unlikely to put your best foot forward. Want to go to B-school in the fall of 2008? It's not too soon to get cracking.
By Anne Fisher, Fortune senior writer
10 secrets for getting into a top B-school
The competition to get into the best MBA programs is ferocious, but you can improve your chances of getting accepted by following these expert tips.
(Fortune) -- Getting accepted into a top MBA program is an arduous, time-consuming process, with plenty of potential pitfalls along the way. Witness that the most prestigious and selective schools - Harvard, Wharton, Stanford, and their ilk - say they accept only 10% of all those who apply.
Here are 10 tips for making a great impression.
1. Get a sky-high score on the Graduate Management Admissions Test. The average student at the top 10 schools on Fortune's list scored 700 or higher on their GMATs. (Overall, GMAT scores range from 200 to 800; the median is 500.)
2. Be yourself. Don't try to match some imaginary ideal. "Often, people have an image in their minds of what kind of person a given school wants," says Blackman. "Usually it's because they know someone who went there, so they try to be like that person." What's wrong with that? "Business-school admissions committees aim to enroll a broad mix of different personalities and backgrounds, so they want to know who you really are - even going beyond your professional life to include any significant experiences you may have had, like a serious illness or an eye-opening trip abroad. Tell your real story. Trying to be someone you aren't is likely to backfire."
3. Don't rush to submit your application in the first round. Different schools operate on different schedules, but in general, B-schools accept one round of applications in October and another in early January. Don't rush. "There is no particular advantage in being in the first round of applications," says Blackman. "It's much more important to submit a really great application. You do want to meet the deadline, of course, but quality counts more than speed."
4. Be ready to discuss any weak spots in your resume or your undergraduate transcript. "Let's say you've been laid off three times, like one client I had. Don't just ignore that on your application. Talk about how you bounced back and what you learned from those experiences," Blackman says. "Likewise, if you have a glaringly low grade or two on your undergraduate record, address the question of why that happened. Often people think, 'Well, they know I'm smart, and that was a long time ago, so it's no big deal.' But you need to explain it, because it will be noticed."
5. Be aware of the importance of recommendations. "A really common mistake is to get fixated on the essay portion of the application and overlook the crucial role of recommendations," says Blackman. Once references have agreed to write a recommendation for you, it's essential to "keep in touch with them so you are sure [the letters] get submitted on time," she says. But first....
6. Make sure you've asked the right people. "Prestige is less important than how well they know you," Blackman says. "Sometimes people will ask the CEO for a recommendation because that CEO attended the school the person is applying to. But admissions committees want specific examples of how you work, especially in the areas of teamwork, leadership, ethics, and respect for others. The CEO is unlikely to know those details." Unless you work with the Big Boss on a day-to-day basis, ask your direct manager, a close colleague, or a client instead.
7. Ask one or two people to review your application. But don't overdo it. "It's a good idea to ask one or two people whose judgment you trust to look over your application before you submit it, to see if they spot any flaws or omissions," says Blackman. Too many cooks spoil the broth, however: "If you follow too many suggestions, your essay will end up reading as if it were written by a committee, and you definitely don't want that."
8. If you end up on the "wait list," make the most of it. "Often people assume that being put on the 'wait list' is the same as not being accepted, and they give up. But lots of waitlisted applicants do get admitted. There's an art to it," says Blackman. "If your GMAT score was relatively low, take the test again. Send another recommendation or two, if you can. If the school wants you to come in for an interview, do that. And keep in touch with the admissions committee. You don't want to hound them, but it's perfectly okay to send a letter if you get promoted or if you're working on a 'stretch' assignment that broadens your skills."
9. Do your own research. Don't choose a B-school just by picking it off a list. "Every MBA program is different, and you want to focus on the ones that are right for you," Blackman says. "Compare the schools carefully, and visit as many of the campuses as you can. If you can sit in on a class or two, so much the better. That way, when you're asked why you want to go to this particular school, you'll have a convincing answer - instead of just sounding like you're reading from a brochure."
10. Start the process as far in advance as you can. Planning to take the GMAT, researching schools, getting the applications, lining up your recommendations, and writing the essays all take time. If you wait until the last minute, you'll be rushed, stressed, and unlikely to put your best foot forward. Want to go to B-school in the fall of 2008? It's not too soon to get cracking.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Appeal to Mr. A Ambani
Its great when a student becomes empowered enough to pay back to his alma-mater. In fact, it must be great to be able to pay back to anyone who has helped in shaping one's life. I would definitely like to experience that moment in my life. To be able to thank those who took even the slightest trouble to see you through those initial years will be there among my most desired wishes.
So Mr. A Ambani must be feeling great currently, as he has made a hefty donation to Wharton, to name an auditorium after his father. Kudos on his success and sincere wishes that he takes ADAG to newer heights.
[http://www.wharton.upenn.edu/whartonfacts/news_and_events/newsreleases/2007/p_2007_5_625.html]
And with all these well-wishes, I would like to sneak in a plead closer to my heart. It seems that the reliance group (or the ADAG), has forgotten that there is an engineering institute they are supposed to take care of. I must say I do not know the inner realities but it does seem so. The reservation bill (or the DAIICT bill), faculty-student ratio and really disappointing placements provide reasons good enough for anyone to give DAIICT some serious thought. Is this university going to survive another ten years. I would refrain from answering that question due to certain hopes and aspirations. I just pray that it does, somehow.
And that is when you need the parent body to understand the graveness of the situation and prepare an action plan.
Or we will just remain an orphaned child of the Ambani group.
So Mr. A Ambani must be feeling great currently, as he has made a hefty donation to Wharton, to name an auditorium after his father. Kudos on his success and sincere wishes that he takes ADAG to newer heights.
[http://www.wharton.upenn.edu/whartonfacts/news_and_events/newsreleases/2007/p_2007_5_625.html]
And with all these well-wishes, I would like to sneak in a plead closer to my heart. It seems that the reliance group (or the ADAG), has forgotten that there is an engineering institute they are supposed to take care of. I must say I do not know the inner realities but it does seem so. The reservation bill (or the DAIICT bill), faculty-student ratio and really disappointing placements provide reasons good enough for anyone to give DAIICT some serious thought. Is this university going to survive another ten years. I would refrain from answering that question due to certain hopes and aspirations. I just pray that it does, somehow.
And that is when you need the parent body to understand the graveness of the situation and prepare an action plan.
Or we will just remain an orphaned child of the Ambani group.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
rollercoaster life - II
Well I have lil clue what to do with the lappie after college... have heard Infy doesn't allow laptops in Mysore. But then I've lil clue about so many other things in my life; so why sweat over a laptop.
and minor events are not mentioned, for the exact same reason that was given in the post. They shall go with me to my grave; or the crematorium. wherever.
Am enjoying swimming these days. For the seniors who visit my blog regularly (there are many of them!), I should tell them about Wellocity.
Its a new 'health resort' sort of thing opened in Infocity. They have a nice, small pool, cool gym and aerobics and yoga for the inflexible types. For people in the last semester, this thing has been a blessing as we get something to do with the enormous amount of leisure time we have.
Time will be a luxury in the later life. After these four months, I'll say it should be.
and minor events are not mentioned, for the exact same reason that was given in the post. They shall go with me to my grave; or the crematorium. wherever.
Am enjoying swimming these days. For the seniors who visit my blog regularly (there are many of them!), I should tell them about Wellocity.
Its a new 'health resort' sort of thing opened in Infocity. They have a nice, small pool, cool gym and aerobics and yoga for the inflexible types. For people in the last semester, this thing has been a blessing as we get something to do with the enormous amount of leisure time we have.
Time will be a luxury in the later life. After these four months, I'll say it should be.
Friday, May 04, 2007
rollercoaster life
Lot of things happening here. Life amazes you with its pace, sometimes.
Though my afternoons are pretty much the same.... so are the late nights. Me and my laptop. :) . So much time I have wasted/spent in front of this piece of beauty. Output could have been a lot better.
My friends' team won Imagine Cup India today... great news. I have personally never seen someone pushing the limits of human abilities so much. Amazing effort. God. Forces me to think if I have that in me to do something like that. I don't know. I liked to be pushed/guided by someone. But at times, can do without it. My BTP for example. There have been small surprises along the way. Felt nice at times. Depressing at others.
And there were other minor events. Mentioning them won't "reflect good" on me. :)
Though my afternoons are pretty much the same.... so are the late nights. Me and my laptop. :) . So much time I have wasted/spent in front of this piece of beauty. Output could have been a lot better.
My friends' team won Imagine Cup India today... great news. I have personally never seen someone pushing the limits of human abilities so much. Amazing effort. God. Forces me to think if I have that in me to do something like that. I don't know. I liked to be pushed/guided by someone. But at times, can do without it. My BTP for example. There have been small surprises along the way. Felt nice at times. Depressing at others.
And there were other minor events. Mentioning them won't "reflect good" on me. :)
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Recent News of Interest
India is just doing what great powers do
http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=hamilton/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1176524987916&call_pageid=1020420665036&col=1112188062620
Why is India doing this now, 30 years after China built its missiles? Because India, with U.S. encouragement, has finally decided, after a half-century of "nonalignment," that it wants to play the great-power game too. It has the resources these days, and it's just too galling to be left out when the Big Five get together to sort out the world. Even if playing the great-power game means you end up playing the nuclear-war game, too.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
and something else related to Agni-III test:
Dispute over 'near-miss' missile
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6551857.stm?ls
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Now this is something that ain't gonna happen: c'mon, the politicians find it hard to stand a guy who actually wants to work. And NM will be wasted there as President here has no real job actually - a powerless post of prestige.
An achiever and a president
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/City_Supplements/Delhi_Times/An_achiever_and_a_president/articleshow/1907292.cms
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And the most interesting one :
Centre fails to file plea against SC stay on education quota
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Centre_fails_to_file_plea_against_SC_stay_on_education_quota/articleshow/1907527.cms
Now come on dear politicians. Show the same level of enthusiasm that you preserve for tasks related to development and progress. Don't be biased towards being lethargic. Oh no! You are all about sustaining these biases actually. So you will try your best (that is forcing the judiciary to pass out your whims as their verdicts) to divide Indians even further for your vote-banks. Way to go my country's politicians; at least somewhere you show consistency as a part of your character.
http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=hamilton/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1176524987916&call_pageid=1020420665036&col=1112188062620
Why is India doing this now, 30 years after China built its missiles? Because India, with U.S. encouragement, has finally decided, after a half-century of "nonalignment," that it wants to play the great-power game too. It has the resources these days, and it's just too galling to be left out when the Big Five get together to sort out the world. Even if playing the great-power game means you end up playing the nuclear-war game, too.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
and something else related to Agni-III test:
Dispute over 'near-miss' missile
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6551857.stm?ls
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Now this is something that ain't gonna happen: c'mon, the politicians find it hard to stand a guy who actually wants to work. And NM will be wasted there as President here has no real job actually - a powerless post of prestige.
An achiever and a president
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/City_Supplements/Delhi_Times/An_achiever_and_a_president/articleshow/1907292.cms
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
And the most interesting one :
Centre fails to file plea against SC stay on education quota
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Centre_fails_to_file_plea_against_SC_stay_on_education_quota/articleshow/1907527.cms
Now come on dear politicians. Show the same level of enthusiasm that you preserve for tasks related to development and progress. Don't be biased towards being lethargic. Oh no! You are all about sustaining these biases actually. So you will try your best (that is forcing the judiciary to pass out your whims as their verdicts) to divide Indians even further for your vote-banks. Way to go my country's politicians; at least somewhere you show consistency as a part of your character.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Today's top reads
A lot of things have been said on reservations and newspapers/websites are teeming with every word spoken about the issue. So I'll skip it comfortably and put up something more interesting than that.
1. Why Microsoft Should Fear Apple
It isn't about Apple's market share or even its quarterly sales numbers. It's about perception.
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9014686
May be it is only after I converted to Mac that I've started seeing so many articles debating Mac vs. PC. Some are obviously biased, idolizing Apple beyond reason. But some have been decent and helpful.
The one linked here gives a nice overall picture. Anyone considering buying a new machine should read.
2. Wireless Power
New physics theory could cut the cord on power chargers for gadgets.
http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=18341
An idea we pondered over during the initial phase of our Design Project in our sophomore year. Though a professor simply squashed it demanding more "fun" stuff (he already had taken students working on hardcore technology and therefore wanted to have some variety).
Carrying cables with laptops and mobiles has always been a big restriction. It desperately needs a solution. Lets hope some researcher somewhere makes it work. He'll be rich beyond imagination.
1. Why Microsoft Should Fear Apple
It isn't about Apple's market share or even its quarterly sales numbers. It's about perception.
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9014686
May be it is only after I converted to Mac that I've started seeing so many articles debating Mac vs. PC. Some are obviously biased, idolizing Apple beyond reason. But some have been decent and helpful.
The one linked here gives a nice overall picture. Anyone considering buying a new machine should read.
2. Wireless Power
New physics theory could cut the cord on power chargers for gadgets.
http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=18341
An idea we pondered over during the initial phase of our Design Project in our sophomore year. Though a professor simply squashed it demanding more "fun" stuff (he already had taken students working on hardcore technology and therefore wanted to have some variety).
Carrying cables with laptops and mobiles has always been a big restriction. It desperately needs a solution. Lets hope some researcher somewhere makes it work. He'll be rich beyond imagination.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Some interesting news items
A Novel Way to Share Songs
A new gadget can broadcast music from your iPod to friends nearby.
(http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=18433)
Now when a 16 year old girl does something like this, you got to pay attention.
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A Smarter Web
New technologies will make online search more intelligent--and may even lead to a "Web 3.0."
http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=18395
Since I'm reading on (won't say working on) Semantic web as my BTech Project is somewhat based on it, such news items catch my eye occasionally. Nice read for those new to the idea.
Also watch Tim Berners-Lee (must have heard of him) on the same website.
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IT stocks battered as rupee hits 7-yr high
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=159349
Now when rupee is gaining against dollar, it has many people worried. Funny thing it is, like inflation. I remember after the Pokharan tests when sanctions were imposed, rupee declined from around 35/dollar to 43/dollar. And then when US and most others rolled back the sanctions, I naively thought rupee would go back to the old value. Still don't understand much of the dynamics that goes behind these changes but its not as bad as that 9th standard kid's perception.
I guess IT (and others affected by it) won't have a problem in finding a way around (like switching over to Euro, as they mentioned somewhere)
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World Cup not poorer sans India: Ponting
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1087835
And cricket. Well Ponting has always been rude. But he can afford to say stuff. Our team doesn't let us have that luxury.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
A new gadget can broadcast music from your iPod to friends nearby.
(http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=18433)
Now when a 16 year old girl does something like this, you got to pay attention.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
A Smarter Web
New technologies will make online search more intelligent--and may even lead to a "Web 3.0."
http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=18395
Since I'm reading on (won't say working on) Semantic web as my BTech Project is somewhat based on it, such news items catch my eye occasionally. Nice read for those new to the idea.
Also watch Tim Berners-Lee (must have heard of him) on the same website.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
IT stocks battered as rupee hits 7-yr high
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=159349
Now when rupee is gaining against dollar, it has many people worried. Funny thing it is, like inflation. I remember after the Pokharan tests when sanctions were imposed, rupee declined from around 35/dollar to 43/dollar. And then when US and most others rolled back the sanctions, I naively thought rupee would go back to the old value. Still don't understand much of the dynamics that goes behind these changes but its not as bad as that 9th standard kid's perception.
I guess IT (and others affected by it) won't have a problem in finding a way around (like switching over to Euro, as they mentioned somewhere)
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
World Cup not poorer sans India: Ponting
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1087835
And cricket. Well Ponting has always been rude. But he can afford to say stuff. Our team doesn't let us have that luxury.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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