Part 3 (1/2)

One of the tools you will learn to use in your M.B.A. program is the Pareto Chart. The Pareto Chart is a special form of vertical bar graph that helps determine which problems to solve in which order. When you need to display the relative importance of all the problems and conditions in order to choose the starting point for problem solving, monitor success, or identify the basic cause of a problem, use the Pareto.

Let's try one to determine which M.B.A. program is right for you!

Step 1Identify which items need to be compared and rank-order them. Since this is a very subjective exercise, you may want to brainstorm with your friends, family, and colleagues to determine which criteria should be weighed more heavily than others.Step 2Select the standard for comparison unit of measurement, for example, the items that came up most frequently in discussion (i.e., location or reputation of school).Step 3List the categories from left to right on the horizontal axis in order of decreasing occurrence. Categories with the fewest items can be combined, listed as ”Other,” and placed to the right of the last bar.Step 4Above each cla.s.sification of category, draw a rectangle to represent the frequency of that cla.s.sification.

Here is a very simplified example: * Proximity to home: very important.* Availability to take core courses online: somewhat important.* Availability of broadband concentration: crucial.* Depth of the part-time program course offerings (a wide selection of courses offered on each day with availability to take a prerequisite several days per week): most important.

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Now remember, this is an example. You can do the same: Fill in the following below and see if you can create a Pareto Chart too.

You can rank the importance on a scale of 110 or rank it by percent. Those with low importance can be grouped together in an ”Other” category.

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Now chart your responses (you can add categories) and see which programs at which schools match your criteria.

LEARNING THE M.B.A. LANGUAGE.

Before reading through school brochures or setting off on the application process described in the next section, you should familiarize yourself with the M.B.A. language. The definitions below will a.s.sist you and acclimate you to the world of M.B.A.!

M.B.A. Lexicon AACSB: The International a.s.sociation for Management Education. This is the main accrediting agency for American B.A. programs. For further information, refer to their website at The International a.s.sociation for Management Education. This is the main accrediting agency for American B.A. programs. For further information, refer to their website at e a princ.i.p.al creditor for small to midsize graduate degree programs. For additional information, go to their website: The a.s.sociation of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs. Founded in 1988, ACBSP is an accrediting agency that operates mainly in the United States. It aims to establish, promote, and recognize educational standards that contribute to the continuous improvement of business education and to recognize those schools and programs which adhere to these standards. ACBSP has become a princ.i.p.al creditor for small to midsize graduate degree programs. For additional information, go to their website: pany; these programs are not available to the public. Consortium programs have gained a great amount of popularity abroad; however, they have yet to catch on in the United States. M.B.A. degrees run exclusively for the executives of a single company; these programs are not available to the public. Consortium programs have gained a great amount of popularity abroad; however, they have yet to catch on in the United States.

Computer-Based Program: See See Electronic Program Electronic Program Concentration, Focus, or Specialization: Although the majority of M.B.A. programs focus on general management skills, most require the student to select from a range of business sectors, such as marketing, finance, management, and information management. A recent trend at M.B.A. schools is the expanded selection of specialization offered to the students (i.e., e-commerce, entrepreneurs.h.i.+p, broadband, etc.). Although the majority of M.B.A. programs focus on general management skills, most require the student to select from a range of business sectors, such as marketing, finance, management, and information management. A recent trend at M.B.A. schools is the expanded selection of specialization offered to the students (i.e., e-commerce, entrepreneurs.h.i.+p, broadband, etc.).

Core: Central curriculum of a program representing the required courses. Students must complete these courses prior to any concentration courses or electives. Central curriculum of a program representing the required courses. Students must complete these courses prior to any concentration courses or electives.

CV (Curriculum Vitae): Latin wording for resume, although a CV tends to be longer and more detailed. Basically, it's a summary of one's personal history and professional qualifications. An admissions packet may require this doc.u.ment. Ensure that your CV is neat and up-to-date. Latin wording for resume, although a CV tends to be longer and more detailed. Basically, it's a summary of one's personal history and professional qualifications. An admissions packet may require this doc.u.ment. Ensure that your CV is neat and up-to-date.

Distance Learning Program: This term was originally used for mail correspondence-type programs but has evolved to include other media besides print. Distance learning now encapsulates computer and video conferencing, Internet cla.s.ses, and other sophisticated tools used to simulate a virtual cla.s.sroom. This term was originally used for mail correspondence-type programs but has evolved to include other media besides print. Distance learning now encapsulates computer and video conferencing, Internet cla.s.ses, and other sophisticated tools used to simulate a virtual cla.s.sroom.

Elective: Not core courses; courses unrelated to a one's area of specialization or concentration. Most M.B.A. programs will allow students to select from a number of electives. For example: An M.B.A. student concentrating in marketing can opt to take a finance elective in Futures and Options. Not core courses; courses unrelated to a one's area of specialization or concentration. Most M.B.A. programs will allow students to select from a number of electives. For example: An M.B.A. student concentrating in marketing can opt to take a finance elective in Futures and Options.

Electronic Program: Usually related to the method of communication for non-cla.s.sroom courses (such as Distance Learning programs or courses offered over the Internet). An electronic program can be considered the Internet, video conferencing, email delivery of material and submission of a.s.signments, and so forth. Usually related to the method of communication for non-cla.s.sroom courses (such as Distance Learning programs or courses offered over the Internet). An electronic program can be considered the Internet, video conferencing, email delivery of material and submission of a.s.signments, and so forth.

Executive M.B.A. (E.M.B.A.): A type of Part-Time M.B.A. program that is completely sponsored by an employer. This program is designed for executives with several years of management experience. Students of the E.M.B.A. will usually be required to attend cla.s.ses on Fridays and Sat.u.r.days throughout the year. A type of Part-Time M.B.A. program that is completely sponsored by an employer. This program is designed for executives with several years of management experience. Students of the E.M.B.A. will usually be required to attend cla.s.ses on Fridays and Sat.u.r.days throughout the year.

FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form is required in your application packet if you wish to apply for financial a.s.sistance. Visit FAFSA's website at Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form is required in your application packet if you wish to apply for financial a.s.sistance. Visit FAFSA's website at plishment. a.s.sistant professors, a.s.sociate professors, and full professors are examples of faculty t.i.tles. Although each school is different, the teaching staff of a university usually is ranked based on years of experience and accomplishment. a.s.sistant professors, a.s.sociate professors, and full professors are examples of faculty t.i.tles.

Functional Areas: The basic disciplines of business. The basic disciplines of business.

GMAT: Graduate Management Admissions Test, the exam which measures a candidate's language, quant.i.tative skills, and writing ability. The test is administered as computer-adaptive test, or GMAT CAT. Scores range from 200 to 800. Graduate Management Admissions Test, the exam which measures a candidate's language, quant.i.tative skills, and writing ability. The test is administered as computer-adaptive test, or GMAT CAT. Scores range from 200 to 800.

M.B.A.: Master's of Business Administration. This is the generic term for a graduate degree in business administration, although some schools opt to use their own nomenclature. Just because a program is not called ”M.B.A.” does not mean it is not a graduate degree in business administration (refer to chapter 1). Master's of Business Administration. This is the generic term for a graduate degree in business administration, although some schools opt to use their own nomenclature. Just because a program is not called ”M.B.A.” does not mean it is not a graduate degree in business administration (refer to chapter 1).

Modular Programs: Very similar to part-time programs. While part-time programs usually require attendance at the school on a frequent basis for short periods of time, modular programs normally demand less frequent but longer periods of attendance- ranging from a few days to a few weeks. Some schools refer to this type of program as a Very similar to part-time programs. While part-time programs usually require attendance at the school on a frequent basis for short periods of time, modular programs normally demand less frequent but longer periods of attendance- ranging from a few days to a few weeks. Some schools refer to this type of program as a Flexible Program. Flexible Program. These programs have not caught on yet in the U.S. but are quite popular overseas. These programs have not caught on yet in the U.S. but are quite popular overseas.

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language. This is a test of English Language ability for those whose first language is not English; for non-native speakers, taking the TOEFL is usually a requirement. Test of English as a Foreign Language. This is a test of English Language ability for those whose first language is not English; for non-native speakers, taking the TOEFL is usually a requirement.

Pre-Enrollment Courses: Some schools may require a certain proficiency in basic quant.i.tative skills prior to starting the M.B.A. program. These skills need to be fine tuned prior to debuting the M.B.A. program. Some schools may require a certain proficiency in basic quant.i.tative skills prior to starting the M.B.A. program. These skills need to be fine tuned prior to debuting the M.B.A. program.

Rolling Admissions: Schools using rolling admissions evaluate the student's application as they are submitted. Applicants usually learn of the school's decision within a month's time. Many part-time programs operate on a rolling admissions basis. Schools using rolling admissions evaluate the student's application as they are submitted. Applicants usually learn of the school's decision within a month's time. Many part-time programs operate on a rolling admissions basis.

Rounds Admissions: Schools using rounds admissions will group together all applications and evaluate all candidates together. Therefore, a student who applies to a school using rounds admissions can apply in September but not find out until December if they have been accepted to the program. Schools using rounds admissions will group together all applications and evaluate all candidates together. Therefore, a student who applies to a school using rounds admissions can apply in September but not find out until December if they have been accepted to the program.

Sallie Mae: Student Loan Marketing a.s.sociation, Inc. It's a company that provides funds for educational loans, primarily, federally guaranteed student loans originated under the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). For more information, check out their website at Student Loan Marketing a.s.sociation, Inc. It's a company that provides funds for educational loans, primarily, federally guaranteed student loans originated under the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). For more information, check out their website at .

Soft Courses: Less quant.i.tative core and elective cla.s.ses. Management, Human Resource, Organizational Behavior, Leaders.h.i.+p, and Communication are examples soft courses. Recently, these courses are being emphasized in M.B.A. programs. Less quant.i.tative core and elective cla.s.ses. Management, Human Resource, Organizational Behavior, Leaders.h.i.+p, and Communication are examples soft courses. Recently, these courses are being emphasized in M.B.A. programs.

Soft Skills: Skills taught in Skills taught in Soft Courses. Soft Courses. These include oral and written communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, teamwork, and leaders.h.i.+p. These include oral and written communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, teamwork, and leaders.h.i.+p.

Study Abroad: Carrying out some portion of M.B.A. study at another (international) location. Once available only to full-time students, study abroad programs have been introduced at M.B.A. schools nationwide. At Syracuse University, part-time M.B.A.'s can now experience a one-week study-abroad residency program. Carrying out some portion of M.B.A. study at another (international) location. Once available only to full-time students, study abroad programs have been introduced at M.B.A. schools nationwide. At Syracuse University, part-time M.B.A.'s can now experience a one-week study-abroad residency program.

Web Application: A means of applying to school online. Schools may promote this function by waiving or discounting the standard application fee. Check with the school's website prior to mailing in your application. A means of applying to school online. Schools may promote this function by waiving or discounting the standard application fee. Check with the school's website prior to mailing in your application.

So there you have it, a few terms and acronyms to know. We hope they will help you through the application process and detangle some of the jargon you may come across on a school website or in a brochure. Good luck!

PART THREE.

Admissions

CHAPTER 7.

How Do Schools Evaluate Applicants?

Each business school has its own admissions policies and practices, but most programs evaluate applications using a range of objective and subjective criteria. Regardless of which schools you are pursuing, understanding how admissions officers judge your candidacy can give you a leg up on the compet.i.tion, enhancing your prospects for being admitted to the school of your choice.

Generally, admissions officers use the application process to measure your intellectual abilities, management skills, and personal characteristics. When you submit your application, admissions officers will evaluate the total package. Most admissions officers look for reasons to admit candidates, not for reasons to reject them. Your challenge, therefore, is to distinguish yourself positively from the other candidates in a variety of arenas.

ACADEMIC RECORD.

Admissions officers are likely to start their review by looking at your prior academic record. They want to see evidence of your ability to handle the academic rigors of their program. Also, your academic record enables admissions officers to compare you to other students, albeit imperfectly.

This is why your admissions application must include official copies of your academic transcripts from every postsecondary school you attended, whether or not you received a degree. You must request that these transcripts be sent to you in sealed envelopes for you to include in your self-managed application. Even if you have an official copy of your college transcript, the B-school requires that you submit an official copy in an envelope sealed by the registrar of your college. Colleges usually charge a fee for copies of your transcript, so contact the college registrar's office to find out the costs and request the transcripts.

Ask Yourself . . .

* Do my grades show an upward trend?* Did I perform well in my major?* Did I fare well in calculus and other quant.i.tative courses?