Jan 4, 2019: Chat with R1 Admits

RitikaPahuja - Admitted to Kelley, Fisher, Simon, and Carlson, Class of 2021

Moderator: Thanks very much RitikaPahuja and all participants for joining this chat. I will
let Ritika introduce herself first - tell us little bit about your professional background, post
MBA plans, and schools you applied/admitted. We will then open the floor for Q&A.

Ritika: To give everyone a brief introduction about myself, I am Ritika, from India. I got into the
mentioned schools in round 1. My GMAT score is 690 with 4 years of work experience. I am happy
to address any questions anyone has about these schools. We also have @shoum27 (Shoumodip)
with us who will help you with any questions you have.

Shoum: Hey everyone! Thanks Ritika for including me here. I have a GMAT score of 710...working
in the manufacturing sector in operations for last 5 years. I have got MSU Broad and Ohio Fisher
admit.

This question is for both RitikaPahuja, and shoum27, Have you decided on where you will
be matriculating?
 
Ritika: I have picked Kelley and Shoum has picked Broad.

Among various components of the applicant process, which factor you think played
decisive role in getting those admits?

Shoum: I think there are two most important factor 1) Your story: goals and why MBA
2)Networking with students and alumni.

Ritika: This is a tricky question. In my opinion, GMAT score is very important. It is definitely not the
sole deciding factor, but it has a lot of weightage. Second would be your profile.

How should an applicant round up his/her profile with a similar score as yours. which areas
to highlight.

Ritika: 1. Work experience. 2. Achievements at work and at undergrad. 3. Preparing a story that
connects your past, present and future.

Shoum: Find out the areas which aligns well with your post MBA goals and your WHY MBA.
Develop your stories of leadership skills and behavorial questions. Make your application strong
with STAR format points. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Situation,_task,_action,_result
Shoum, Could you elaborate on networking?

Shoum: Talk to current students and alumni as many as possible. Mention about them in apps and
in interviews. That will show how much u wanna get in that school.

In your suggestion, what’s a preferable or yet efficient method to find and connect with
current students and alums.

Shoum: I used LinkedIn. Go to the alumni of the school. Find students as per your desired profile
and touch base with them...they will be more than happy to help u. I did this and really made some
great friends from the schools I applied

How was your interview experience RitikaPahuja, and shoum27? Were your interviews in-
person or Skype?

Ritika: Both of us did Skype interviews. It was more like a friendly conversation. The interviewer is
trying to understand you better, as a person and see if you are a good fit for their school. And the
same goes for you. It is a chance for you to understand if the school aligns with your interests.
Questions can be asked on anything - Personal, professional, previous education, aspirations,
skills set. Anything and everything. My interview debrief https://gmatclub.com/forum/decision-
tracker/interview-debriefs.html#debrief-719

Shoum: Fisher and Broad interviews were pretty casual and the interviewer made it comfortable
one. basic questions were asked with some behavioural questions. They also asked about my
background, post mba goals, why MBA, why that school, and leadership experience.

Would you say that your interview had more situation based questions. Such as tell me
about a time when....

Shoum: Yeah...like situation when you had to resolve a conflict or displayed leadership role or
innovation.

What challenges or pitfalls would you guys advise others to be careful about as they
navigate the application process?

Shoum: Just make sure you know in depth your story and reason for MBA. You just need to
convice the school how important it is.

Ritika: Why MBA? Why the particular concentration? Post MBA goals? Leadership? Conflict
management? Community service? Strengths and weaknesses?
Any advice on pursuing scholarship opportunities. Grad assistant or TA

Shoum: Usually in US schools, you don’t need to apply separately...your application, GMAT and
interview determines. If you are yet to take GMAT then make sure you get a high score and make
sure you give a friendly and confident interview.

How does one understand the culture, values etc about the school beyond what’s available
on the school’s website. Also any advice on how to use the research done on the school in
our application. Is mentioning name of current or alums in interview or application
acceptable.

Shoum: That’s where I would again ask you to talk to students and alumni from those schools.
Use LinkedIn to connect with them. Know their personal experience. This would help you to know
about the culture of the school. You should mention the names with whom u have interacted. you
leave a great impression...shows that u have taken time to put in efforts and how sincere you are

Ritika: The best way to do it is to get in touch with the current students and alumni. It is actually
great if you can mention the names of the people you have spoken to.

What are your post MBA plans, folks? Which companies/industries you are targeting after
MBA?

Shoum: I want to get into Operations Consulting. Companies such as Deloitte, GEP

Ritika: Consulting industry. That is the industry I am currently working in.

Do you think, the current situation would make it difficult for MBA students to find work
there? Do you wish to settle there or come back to India?

Shoum: The situation has changed for sure but it is not impossible at all. The international
candidates are still making into big companies. What has changed is maybe earlier you could have
gotten into 3 companies if applied to 5. Now you can get into 3 out of 10 with some extra efforts.

Moderator: RitikaPahuja, and shoum27: Thanks very much both of you! I appreciate you talking
time to chat with R2 applicants today. I wish you both good luck for your amazing MBA journeys!