Evening & Weekend MBA Program
Online Admissions Chat
December 13, 2007
Chat with the Haas Evening & Weekend MBA Admissions Team
Aija Gamburg – Admissions Coordinator
Beth Hoch – Assistant Director
Molly Kihanya – Associate Director
Sarah Thompson– Admissions Assistant
Admissions_Sarah (Dec 13, 2007 3:00:58 PM)
Welcome to the Berkeley Evening & Weekend MBA chat. My name is Sarah and I will be moderating the chat today. I would like to introduce Molly Kihanya, Associate Director of Admissions, Aija Gamburg, Program Coordinator, and Beth Hoch, Assistant Director.
This chat is moderated. Your questions are put into a cue to be answered, so do not be alarmed if we do not respond to you immediately. It is best if you send one question at a time and please do not resend your questions multiple times. They will not be answered more quickly and it may slow us down. Please send us your questions!
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:01:13 PM)
Welcome!
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:03:39 PM)
Welcome!
streich (Dec 13, 2007 3:04:41 PM)
Hello, I'm interested in the Certificate in Global Management, through the Clausen Center. Will EMBA students have equal access to the necessary courses, even though they may be offered only during the day?
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:04:41 PM)
Full time classes are offered on a space available basis. Additionally, you will need to have time in your schedule to attend a day class. This is somtimes challenging for our employed students.
streich (Dec 13, 2007 3:05:18 PM)
If there are other MBA courses I would like to take that are offered during the day, will I be able to, or will full-time MBA students get preferential placement in those courses?
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:05:18 PM)
You can take a full-time MBA course on a space available basis.
manishjo (Dec 13, 2007 3:06:37 PM)
Hi, I'm confused as to whether or not I'm considered an international student. I am currently working in the US on an H1-B. I have a SSN, but not sure if I'm considered a permanent resident. Can you please let me know?
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:06:37 PM)
You would officially be an international student.
Ritesh (Dec 13, 2007 3:06:42 PM)
I will be appearing for my GMAT in first week January. Can I still appear for the interviews and complete the admission process before the deadline Feb 29th. Can I schedule my interview in advance before I have completed my application process?
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:06:42 PM)
Hi Ritesh, the final deadline for fall 2008 is February 29, 2008. You will get your scores instantly when you take the GMAT, so you will be able to meet the 2/29 deadline. Interviews are by invitation only after the submission of your complete application. Good luck on the GMAT!
Sean (Dec 13, 2007 3:07:25 PM)
I heard there is a campus extension in SF, but do not see anything about it online. Can you confirm if it is true and what courses would be offered there? Thank You.
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:07:25 PM)
We do not have an extension campus in San Francisco. For Weekend classes we do offer classes at our location in Silicon Valley.
Martin (Dec 13, 2007 3:07:59 PM)
Are the requirements different for the Evening and Weekend MBA program than from the full time MBA program? For example GPA requirements and GMAT Scores? What is the class profile of the Evening and Weekend program.
Admissions_Aija (Dec 13, 2007 3:07:59 PM)
The application requirements are similar to the Full-time MBA, with the exception of 2 prerequisite courses, college-level Statistics and Math. The average work experience for the EWMBA is about 8 years, whereas for the Full-time MBA it's about 5. The average GMAT is about 700, and the average GPA is usually around 3.0. Please see the class profile here : http://ewmba.haas.berkeley.edu/students_1.html
Shamsudin (Dec 13, 2007 3:08:03 PM)
As an international Student who is in USA, do I need to submit financial documents?
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:08:03 PM)
You do not need to submit financial documents for the Evening & Weekend MBA application.
Devesh (Dec 13, 2007 3:08:41 PM)
What are the documentations needed for application to the evening MBA program?
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:08:41 PM)
Hi Devesh, we require the GMAT, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and several essay and short answer questions on our online application. We also require two prerequisites, in math and statistics, as requirements for enrollment. Please read the application instructions onlnie for details: http://ewmba.haas.berkeley.edu/EW08app.pdf (includes a checklist.)
Jen (Dec 13, 2007 3:09:49 PM)
Who make up members of the admissions committee and what types of questions do they ask at an interview? Any tips you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:09:49 PM)
The admissions committee is composed of the director, associate directors and assistant director. You should prepare for the interview as you would for a job interview.
streich (Dec 13, 2007 3:10:58 PM)
Would I be able to avail myself of language courses offered at Berkeley, or would I need to take Berkeley Extension classes?
Admissions_Aija (Dec 13, 2007 3:10:58 PM)
We do not offer language courses in the MBA program. Please see UC Berkeley Extension's offerings here: http://www.unex.berkeley.edu/
srouni (Dec 13, 2007 3:11:11 PM)
I recently applied for the Fall Class of 2007 and was declined admission. I was set on reapplying for 2008; however, the one hiccup I have in my application is my GMAT. According to my follow-up, my essays were competitive and my weaknesses were GMAT and work experience. Since then I have obtained a promotion and taken the required prerequisite courses, yet my score is still weak. I recently retook the exam after two months with a private tutor and scored roughly the same...I do not think the test refelcts my quantitative skills as I have scored both A's in the Statistics and Calculus Extension programs. Are there extra classes that I could take to help show my quantitative strentghs with a below par GMAT score? Or other options? I am afraid that I will not be able to make the 29th deadline, but don't want to have to wait a full year to rapply. Would it be possible to resubmit my new GMAT scores after my application?
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:11:11 PM)
If you want to talk to me directly about your situation, please feel free to call me at 510-643-9742.
Shamsudin (Dec 13, 2007 3:12:03 PM)
My question is: I did my undergrad from University of Bombay, India and completed my Masters from California State University, Fresno. Do I need to give TOEFL for admission?
Admissions_Aija (Dec 13, 2007 3:12:03 PM)
You do not need to submit a TOEFL score, since you have a Masters degree from an accredited US institution.
kelly (Dec 13, 2007 3:12:22 PM)
This is somewhat specific. In the job history section in the application, there are areas do explain your job responsibilities and why you left the job. How detailed is this section supposed to be? A list of some key areas or paragraphs explaining your growth and achievement in those areas?
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:12:22 PM)
You can do either one. We want you to provide a complete picture of your work history, so feel free to add any information you feel would be helpful.
kjay (Dec 13, 2007 3:13:00 PM)
Hi, I scored a 700 (Q51, V34) in GMAT. Although the overall score is close to the median, I'm concerned about verbal. I have 2 questions regarding this
1) Assuming that my essays and recommendations indicate very good communication and analytical skills, would it help my chances significantly if I were to retake my GMAT and score slightly higher in verbal?
2) Since I want to pursue a career in finance, would my quant scores outweigh the verbal scores while evauluating my application?
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:13:00 PM)
Hi kjay, your verbal scores, communication skills and writing skills are all important, no matter what career you are interested in. You are correct in that we look at several different elements of your application to evaluate your verbal skills: GMAT (verbal and AWA), letters of recommendation, essays, and the interview. The GMAT verbal also matters more if English is not your first language. Retaking the GMAT is a personal decision, I cannot determine whether or not it will make a difference in your application, that will depend a lot on the other elements in your application.
mba_2008 (Dec 13, 2007 3:13:49 PM)
Is there any difference in class delivery between evening and weekend class (does one work as cohort and other doesn't)? Also how flexible it is to switch between evening and weekend programs.
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:13:49 PM)
You are assigned a cohort for your first year of core courses. The 10 core classes are the same for everyone. In your second and third years you can choose electives on evenings or weekends.
Devesh (Dec 13, 2007 3:13:54 PM)
I have done engineering from India. Do you need marksheets of all the years.
Admissions_Aija (Dec 13, 2007 3:13:54 PM)
Yes, we need marksheets for each semester, as well as your degree conferral certificate.
Liping Yang (Dec 13, 2007 3:13:56 PM)
I applied in round 1, but I don't have TOEFL. Now I am preparing it. You will get it early next month. I wonder if you can give me an interview invitation without TOEFL if you think I am good. Or you need wait for my TOEFL?
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:13:56 PM)
Hi Liping, if you have informed us of your test date, you may be invited to interview as we wait for your TOEFL score.
Jen (Dec 13, 2007 3:15:00 PM)
Hi, do all students go through an interview before being admitted? What's the percentage of admitted students who received an interview? Thanks
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:15:00 PM)
Hi Jen, the Admissions Committee conducts interviews of applicants by invitation only. We interview more than 2/3 of our applicants. Receiving an invitation to interview should be taken as a sign of interest on the part of the Admissions Committee, and few applicants will be admitted without an interview.
Admissions_Sarah (Dec 13, 2007 3:15:53 PM)
Want to hear more from admissions and current students, see our Blogs at http://berkeleyewmbastudents.blogspot.com/
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:16:31 PM)
Hi Farnaz, you can visit one elective class in the EWMBA program in the evening, or on Saturday AM or PM. The class visit schedule for Spring 2008 will be posted online in late Jan/early Feb.
Emilie (Dec 13, 2007 3:16:44 PM)
I'm interested in understanding how much flexibility there is finishing the part-time MBA (i.e. 2, 3, 4+ years), and what options are available to me when I miss a class.
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:16:44 PM)
It is a 3 year program (6 semesters) but many student finish in 2 1/2 or 5 semesters.
mba_2008 (Dec 13, 2007 3:16:49 PM)
Hi. Do you provide rolling admissions for EWMBA? Also, can one switch from EW to full time later?
Admissions_Aija (Dec 13, 2007 3:16:49 PM)
We do not have rolling admissions. We have two application deadlines each year, and two notification dates. This year the second round application deadline is Feb. 29. It may be possible to switch to the Full-time MBA program after you have completed all core courses (1st year) in the EWMBA program. However, you need to apply for the transfer, and the number of students transferring each year is very small.
MichaellM (Dec 13, 2007 3:18:51 PM)
Hi, thanks for hosting this. Are the EWMBA and Columbia joint programs completely separate?
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:18:51 PM)
Hi Michael, the EWMBA and Berkeley-Columbia Executive MBA programs are two separate programs, but the admissions staff is the same. To learn more about Berkeley-Columbia, I recommend attending an information session, and you can register online here: http://www.berkeley.columbia.edu/
kelly (Dec 13, 2007 3:18:55 PM)
Molly, following up on the last question.. so if we received a promotion or any other awards would that go into the responsibilities section? Or better to mention it elsewhere like the essays?
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:18:55 PM)
You can add it to your responsibilities section.
Ritesh (Dec 13, 2007 3:20:01 PM)
I live in Denver and plan to commute for my classes. I want to enroll in the Weekend program. Will that be any issue for the Feb 29 deadline.
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:20:01 PM)
Hi Ritesh, we welcome applicants from all locations! We have students commuting from Portland, Seattle, LA and San Diego.
Admissions_Aija (Dec 13, 2007 3:20:03 PM)
The EWMBA program follows a semester system, and the usual semester is 15 weeks. During the first year each semester is split into 2 quarters of about 8 weeks each.
Ritesh (Dec 13, 2007 3:20:24 PM)
To my earlier question about interview. Does it need to be completed before Feb 29 as well. Or based on invitation you could be invited even after?
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:20:24 PM)
Ritesh, all interviews are conducted after the application deadline.
MichaellM (Dec 13, 2007 3:21:11 PM)
Can you give more details about the shuttle bus from South Bay? When does it leave and arrive, and where are the dropoff points?
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:21:11 PM)
PICK-UP/DROP-OFF LOCATIONS FOR SHUTTLES
South Bay: The South Bay shuttle leaves from parking lot "C" at the Mission Community College, 3000 Mission College Blvd, at exactly 4:15pm.
Peninsula: The Peninsula Shuttle leaves the Costco Parking Lot at 1000 North Rengstorff Avenue at exactly 4:15PM.
(Please note: The shuttle stations are subject to change.)
Liping Yang (Dec 13, 2007 3:22:16 PM)
Can I visit your class after winter break? Do you provide visiting class for EWMBA?
Admissions_Aija (Dec 13, 2007 3:22:16 PM)
Yes! The class visits will resume in the beginning of February. Please email us at ewmbaadm@haas.berkeley.edu for a website link to sign up for a visit. The new schedule will be up in mid January.
MichaellM (Dec 13, 2007 3:22:29 PM)
How does being in "round 2" affect our admission chances?
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:22:29 PM)
Michael, we plan to receive most of our applications in round 2 and we admit about the same percentage of applications in both rounds, so your chances of admission are the same.
ah (Dec 13, 2007 3:23:34 PM)
Can graduate level engineering courses satisfy the statistics course requirement? Although not specifically Statistics courses these courses would essentially have Statistics as a prereq. Although I've taken a Statistics as an undergrad, the coursework was completed more than 5 years ago.
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:23:34 PM)
No, graduate level engineering courses DO NOT satisfy the statistics course requirement. You will need to take an approved course, or the waiver exam.
Kathy (Dec 13, 2007 3:23:40 PM)
A question about tuition: is there any difference between in-state students and others?
Admissions_Aija (Dec 13, 2007 3:23:40 PM)
No. The EWMBA is a self-supporting program, and all the students pay the same tuition regardless of their residency-status.
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:24:45 PM)
We do not accept transfer units upon entrance to the EWMBA program. It may be possible to waive from a couple core courses, but you would need to make up those units with Berkeley electives.
Shamsudin (Dec 13, 2007 3:26:11 PM)
Do you have a financial Aid Program for EWMBA?
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:26:11 PM)
Yes, you can go to http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/EWMBA/finaid/index.html to check out the resources we have available.
manishjo (Dec 13, 2007 3:26:27 PM)
If I worked on some independent project in between jobs, can that be considered full-time work experience?
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:26:27 PM)
Yes if those independent projects were professional, paid and full-time (40+ hours per week), it can be counted as work experience for the dates you worked on the project, but not necessarily for the entire time between jobs.
srouni (Dec 13, 2007 3:28:10 PM)
What is the policy on transferring from one program to another, if I were to take classes at another University MBA Program prior to be accepted at Berkeley?
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:28:10 PM)
Srouni, we do not accept transfer units from other programs.
Ritesh (Dec 13, 2007 3:29:20 PM)
Can I start filling in my application online and complete it as soon as my GMAT score arrives.
Admissions_Aija (Dec 13, 2007 3:29:20 PM)
Yes! You can complete your application online any time, but please don't press the submit button until you have entered your GMAT score. Also, your recommenders can send their online recommendations in at any point, it doesn't have to wait for your application to be submitted.
mba_2008 (Dec 13, 2007 3:31:27 PM)
I worked as consultant earlier in my career and was technically employer by some small consultancy firm (for work permit requirements). Do I need to mention my small employer company or will it be ok to talk about my consultancy experience?
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:31:27 PM)
mba_2008, thanks for asking. Please list the company you worked for (that paid you) and then you can list the consulting projects that you did while employed there.
Admissions_Aija (Dec 13, 2007 3:31:40 PM)
If you entered the future TOEFL date in your application, you do not need to do anything about it until you receive your score. Please email or fax your score to us as soon as it becomes available.
mba_2008 (Dec 13, 2007 3:31:40 PM)
I have 12 + 3 (bachelors) + 3 (masters) education from India. The degree is equivalent to graduate degree in US (degree evaluation certificate). Can you confirm that I can apply for EWMBA?
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:31:40 PM)
MBA 2008, that combination of degrees sounds OK, but I would need to know the school and degree earned to say for sure. Please email me with the details at beth@haas.berkeley.edu.
srouni (Dec 13, 2007 3:31:51 PM)
How long do you keep applications on file?
Admissions_Sarah (Dec 13, 2007 3:31:51 PM)
Applications are kept on file for 2 years.
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:32:49 PM)
Regarding the TOEFL for the person who was educated in the Philippines, no TOEFL is required.
Admissions_Sarah (Dec 13, 2007 3:33:01 PM)
Want to hear more from admissions and current students, see our Message Board at http://messageboard.chatuniversity.com/ewmba/
mowghli (Dec 13, 2007 3:33:06 PM)
1. Do EWMBA students get to participate in the Centers of innovation like the LEster center? 2. Does a candidate get called to interview only after application is set up or should he arrange it before submitting the application? 3. Are reapplicants encouraged?
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:33:06 PM)
1. Yes, absolutely, EWMBA are involved with many extracurricular activities including the Business Plan Competitions, Haas@Work live cases, etc. 2. Interviews are by invitation only after the application deadline. 3. We welcome reapplicants who have made improvements to their previous application.
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:34:11 PM)
Kelly, we do have a transfer policy between our full-time and Evening & Weekend MBA programs. After you complete the core in one program, you can apply to transfer, but it is a competitive process due to limited space availability.
Shamsudin (Dec 13, 2007 3:35:15 PM)
As per the class profile, 283 students were enrolled for class of 2010. Can you tell me roughly how many were admitted after round 1 and how many after round 2?
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:35:15 PM)
Shamsudin, roughly: we admit about the same percentage of applicants from each round, and we receive about 1/3 in round 1 and 2/3 in round 2.
melike (Dec 13, 2007 3:35:25 PM)
What is the minimum requirement for job experience? I have been working in LBNL as a research associate for 2 years. Is it sufficient?
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:35:25 PM)
There is no minimum but most admitted students have about 8 years of work experience. Last year we admitted students with a range from 3 to 25 years of work experience. If you have less than 8 years of work experience it is important that you show how you have progressed in your company.
kjay (Dec 13, 2007 3:36:37 PM)
Hi, would applying for Haas' MFE program along with applying for the part-time MBA program viewed as a conflict of interest? Does the admissions committee for the 2 programs comprise of the same or different staff, considering both programs are housed by Haas?
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:36:37 PM)
Kjay, you can only apply to one UC Berkeley graduate program at a time. You would need to withdraw your application from one to apply to the other. We will be wondering why you are interested in two different degrees. It is a separate admissions committee.
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:37:00 PM)
The average age of our students is 31 but we don't look at that as a criteria for admissions. We consider the elements of the application including work academic history, professional accomplishments and personal qualities.
mba_2008 (Dec 13, 2007 3:37:06 PM)
Followup transcript question - I have my undergrad from India - will marksheet copies be ok since my university gives only one copy of marksheets. Also, can you confirm that marksheets can be sent in lieu of transcripts?
Admissions_Aija (Dec 13, 2007 3:37:06 PM)
If you are unable to get a second official transcript and/or degree conferral certificate from your university, you can submit photocopies for review purposes. If you are admitted, we will ask you to bring your originals to us within one week of the notification date to have the photocopies certified. Also, marksheets are considered the same as transcripts.
Ritesh (Dec 13, 2007 3:37:55 PM)
Does Berkeley provide any financial assistance to EW program aspirants?
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:37:55 PM)
Ritesh, financial aid is available, and we have a grant for students in the public/nonprofit sector. Please see http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/EWMBA/finaid/index.html
arkitek (Dec 13, 2007 3:38:17 PM)
Follow up question from the person who was educated in the Philippines. Do I have to provide documentation saying that we were taught in English or is the Philippines on a TOEFL exempt list?
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:38:17 PM)
You will simply need your official transcript from the Philippines.
al (Dec 13, 2007 3:39:15 PM)
What concerns would you have with respect to an applicant with 20+ years of experience, assuming that it includes work in a management role?
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:39:15 PM)
Honestly, none. We would want to understand your goals for the Berkeley MBA just as we would with all other applicants.
ah (Dec 13, 2007 3:39:26 PM)
When are the Math/Statistics waiver exams offered? Are you able to supply sample exams?
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:39:26 PM)
Hi ah, the waiver exams will be offered once per month January through May each year. Applicants will receive emails when dates are set. We do not supply practice exams, but we do post study guides: http://ewmba.haas.berkeley.edu/WaiverExams.pdf
manishjo (Dec 13, 2007 3:39:49 PM)
A follow-up from my earlier question. For about a year, I worked on fixing computers for my father's personal side business and was working 8 hrs/day with pay. Can I count this time in my full-time experience? I'm not sure what is considered "professional".
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:39:49 PM)
Please use your best judgment with regard to professional work experience.
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:40:19 PM)
Here is a chart comparing our three MBA programs: http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/theberkeleymbacompared.html
Devesh (Dec 13, 2007 3:41:10 PM)
Apart from the GMAT score, and essays, what other criteria do you look for admission.
Admissions_Aija (Dec 13, 2007 3:41:10 PM)
We look at the application as a complete package, consisting of three different areas: professional background (work experience, letters of recommendation), academic background (previous education, GMAT), and personal qualities (essays).
Admissions_Sarah (Dec 13, 2007 3:41:24 PM)
Check out our admissions Podcasts on our home page at http://ewmba.haas.berkeley.edu/media_popup.html for information on Haas, tips on the online application and more.
srouni (Dec 13, 2007 3:42:34 PM)
Beth, could you further explain waiving courses? or give examples?
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:42:34 PM)
Srouni: only four of our 10 core courses are eligible for waiver. Waiver requests are submitted after you are admitted, and any classes waived must be replaced with electives. For example, CFA holders can waive finance, CPAs can waive Financial Accounting, you can take an exam to waive Operations.
Ritesh (Dec 13, 2007 3:44:15 PM)
What will be few of your suggestions to increase one's chances for admission other than good GMAT score. What are some of the aspects that Berkeley EWBA program stresses and looks in an individual.
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:44:15 PM)
Hi Ritesh, we like to see applicants with clear goals and great letters of recommendation. Academics, work accomplishments and personal qualities all play an important part.
Tony (Dec 13, 2007 3:44:55 PM)
Dear Beth, Aija and Molly,I would like to know what is the minimum GMAT score requirment. In another word, if below what score, don't even submit the application. Many Thanks
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:44:55 PM)
Hi Tony, we have no strict minimum GMAT requirement. However, the medial score for admitted students is 700, with 80% scoring between 640 and 760.
kelly (Dec 13, 2007 3:45:15 PM)
Beth, do you happen know it's common for most MBA programs not to except transfer units from other programs?
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:45:15 PM)
Kelly, I do not know about the policies of other programs.
melike (Dec 13, 2007 3:48:27 PM)
Hi, I am planning to apply maybe the next semester to the evening MBA program. But, I'd like to take some courses in Haas this semester. Is it possible to take any courses without admission to the program?
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:48:27 PM)
Hi Melike, unfortunately, our MBA classes are only open to degree students. You may be interested in classes through our Center for Executive Development, but those classes do not transfer: http://execdev.haas.berkeley.edu/
mowghli (Dec 13, 2007 3:48:59 PM)
Is the admissions evaluation a weighted process such as GMAT(25%) interview 10%, etc or its more of a round table discussion or a combination of both?
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:48:59 PM)
We do not weight any part of our evaluation. We look at your application holistically.
mowghli (Dec 13, 2007 3:49:05 PM)
How do you rate the candidate pool in round 1 this year compared to previous years?
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:49:05 PM)
Looking good!
manishjo (Dec 13, 2007 3:49:09 PM)
Based on the averages, it seem like the EWMBA program wants applicants with more work experience (8+ years) as compared to the full-time program. Is this true, and if so, why?
Admissions_Aija (Dec 13, 2007 3:49:09 PM)
Yes, the average work experience is slightly higher in the EWMBA program. The range of work experience in the EWMBA program is about 5-20 years, however there is mo minimum requirement. We find that the students get more from the program when they come in with significant work experience.
melike (Dec 13, 2007 3:50:08 PM)
Are there any courses at UC extension which can be credited at Haas later in case of admission to the program?
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:50:08 PM)
No, we do not accept transfer units from UC Extension. However, the two prerequisites (math and statistics) can be fulfilled at UC Berkeley Extension. http://ewmba.haas.berkeley.edu/HPP.html
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:50:28 PM)
Concurrent employment is not a requirement.
Martin (Dec 13, 2007 3:50:43 PM)
How common is it for students to attend a different MBA program such as Stanford (or some other college) and transfer to Berkeley
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:50:43 PM)
Martin, we do not accept transfer applications.
srouni (Dec 13, 2007 3:52:09 PM)
What are the transfer restrictions from a different MBA Program to the EWMBA?
Admissions_Aija (Dec 13, 2007 3:52:09 PM)
It may be possible to transfer from the Full-time MBA program to the EWMBA after the first year. However, the number of students transferring each year is very small, and is limited to space availability.
Ritesh (Dec 13, 2007 3:52:41 PM)
I can easily get letter of recommendations from my current job. Past letters could be hard as couple of organizations wrapped up their businesses. Does it matter the two letters of recommendation have to be from different work experiences.
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:52:41 PM)
No. We suggest that you get a current direct supervisor and a former direct supervisor. They can both be from the same company. We suggest that the letters of recommendation are by someone who you have worked with in the last 3-5 years.
kelly (Dec 13, 2007 3:55:03 PM)
Are there any activities that the applicants can chat directly to current or just gradated students other than the Info Sessions?
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:55:03 PM)
Yes, you can email me at mkihanya@haas.berkeley.edu and let me know what you are interested in and I'll connect you with a current student.
MichaelM (Dec 13, 2007 3:55:21 PM)
Do you have a breakdown of success rates by GMAT score? e.g. what % of applications with 750GMAT get in?
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:55:21 PM)
We don't provide that information.
Tony (Dec 13, 2007 3:55:31 PM)
I would like to know the approximate minimum GMAT score requirement.
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:55:31 PM)
Tony, we do not have a minimum score requirement. However, most competitive applicants score between 640 and 760. 10% of admitted applicants scored below a 640.
Admissions_Aija (Dec 13, 2007 3:56:05 PM)
You are not required to be working full-time while in the program. EWMBA students can do an internship through On-Campus recruiting after their second year, and to qualify for the internship, you need to quit your current job.
Sean (Dec 13, 2007 3:56:14 PM)
I know we can apply now for the August admission, is there any other mid year admission window?
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:56:14 PM)
Hi Sean, we admit students just once a year for the fall semester start date.
mba2011 (Dec 13, 2007 3:57:02 PM)
You say that you learn about an applicant's personal qualities through essays. Would you like applicants to speak from a professional perspective for the most part - or would you like essays to reflect professional & personal perspectives in order for you to learn about one's personal qualities?
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:57:02 PM)
The essays are a chance for us to get to know you. We encourage people to write from their heart and provide as much insight as they are comfortable with. We get all of your professional information from other parts of the application.
melike (Dec 13, 2007 3:57:11 PM)
Is it possible to take courses from Haas without admission as a LBNL employer?
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:57:11 PM)
Melike, MBA courses are not open to LBNL employees unless you are enrolled in the MBA program.
Shamsudin (Dec 13, 2007 3:58:14 PM)
Can recommenders send the recommendation via mail and not online?
mba2011 (Dec 13, 2007 3:58:14 PM)
For my recommenders, one will be my manager. For the second recommender, I am torn between 2 people who both know me well - but one is more senior (Director, Prod Mgmt vs Senior Product Manager) - if all else is equal for a recommender, does seniority matter?
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 3:58:14 PM)
You want someone who knows you very well and has the time and energy to write a thorough recommendation. The title doesn't matter as much as the detail that is provided.
Admissions_Aija (Dec 13, 2007 3:58:14 PM)
Yes. You (the applicant) can print out a PDF of the recommendation form (found in the application), fill out the top portion of the form, and give it to your recommender. They then complete the form, sign across the seal, and either give it back to you, or send it directly to us.
mowghli (Dec 13, 2007 3:58:45 PM)
I recently moved firms from A->B. Is it ok to get recommendation from my previous boss(@A) ? Does it necessarily have to be direct supervisor?
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 3:58:45 PM)
We do want one of your recommendation letters to be from your direct supervisor. However, we understand that it may make more sense to use your previous supervisor instead if you have only been working for someone for 3-4 months.
Martin (Dec 13, 2007 3:59:22 PM)
So if we started an MBA program somewhere else, we are allowed to still apply for the Berkeley MBA program?
Admissions_Aija (Dec 13, 2007 3:59:22 PM)
Yes, you are allowed to apply, as long as you have not completed your MBA degree in an accredited institution.
Admissions_Sarah (Dec 13, 2007 4:00:25 PM)
Hi all! Thank you for joining us. We greatly appreciate your questions. We apologize for not getting to everyone. Please check back on our website next week for a transcript of today’s chat and for future chat dates. Molly, Aija and Beth will continue to address some questions already in their cue, but we will not be forwarding additional questions.
Admissions_Sarah (Dec 13, 2007 4:00:47 PM)
Check out our admissions Podcasts on our home page at http://ewmba.haas.berkeley.edu/media_popup.html for information on Haas, tips on the online application and more.
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 4:00:53 PM)
We would love to meet you at one of our upcoming information session at the Haas School of Business in Berkeley on January 3rd.
Go to https://ssl.haas.berkeley.edu/admissions/eventsew/ for more information!
Admissions_Sarah (Dec 13, 2007 4:00:59 PM)
Want to hear more from admissions and current students, see our Message Board at http://messageboard.chatuniversity.com/ewmba/
Admissions_Sarah (Dec 13, 2007 4:01:33 PM)
Transcripts of this chat will be available on our website within 1 week. Please check back!
Admissions_Beth (Dec 13, 2007 4:01:48 PM)
Thanks for chatting. Goodbye!
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 4:01:49 PM)
Please check out our student blog at http://berkeleyewmbastudents.blogspot.com/
admissions_molly (Dec 13, 2007 4:02:12 PM)
Thank for joining us!
Admissions_Sarah (Dec 13, 2007 4:02:37 PM)
Goodbye!
Admissions_Aija (Dec 13, 2007 4:04:27 PM)
Thank you all for joining us today!
