This might be a slightly mean post, but people, you have to stop asking the following 2 questions:
1. My stats are blah blah blah. What are my chances?
2. You must have discussed [essay3/gmat scores] with your classmates. What do most people do/score?
No one can tell you your chances except for members of the admissions committee. I know it's very tempting to think that current students have some sort of insight into the process, but honestly, we have no friggin' clue. Really. None.
As for the second question, once people get into bschool, they almost never discuss the application process, except maybe to express relief that the whole thing is over. One reason is that once you get into a school of your choice, you no longer feel the need to constantly obsess about how you got there (yes, I know it seems an impossibility right now to even imagine a state of being where you're not thinking about the process, but trust me, you WILL get there). And the other reason is that there is so much going on once you start school that there's not much time to sit around reminiscing about your essays. Recruiting will kick in almost as soon as you join, and if you think this process is tough, wait till you get to that one [pause for evil laughter: *mwahahahaha*]
So anyway, don't mean to be mean, but you will be saving both of us (and other students you talk to) a lot of annoyance if you would simply leave these 2 questions out of your list.
Happy Halloween!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Random photos taken in the city
A non-Stern post, after a long long time.
Over the summer, I spent a good chunk of one of my paychecks on a Nokia N95 which, among its many wonderful features, contains an awesome 5MP camera (you can check out more about the phone here). Here are some photos I took with the phone, some in New York and a couple in Dubai
Waiting to cross the GWB... OH BOY!
"Prayers for Peace" - outside a church in midtown
Metro chic!
And more of it
Take me out to the ball game - Mets Stadium
The quintessential image of Dubai - The Burj
Droopy Dromedaries
Sand Art (see video here)
Over the summer, I spent a good chunk of one of my paychecks on a Nokia N95 which, among its many wonderful features, contains an awesome 5MP camera (you can check out more about the phone here). Here are some photos I took with the phone, some in New York and a couple in Dubai
Waiting to cross the GWB... OH BOY!
"Prayers for Peace" - outside a church in midtown
Metro chic!
And more of it
Take me out to the ball game - Mets Stadium
The quintessential image of Dubai - The Burj
Droopy Dromedaries
Sand Art (see video here)
Monday, October 22, 2007
Agony Aunt
"Just when I thought that I was out they pull me back in"
Hard to believe it has been two years since I went through this pain and suffering. But take it from someone (definitely) older and (questionably) wiser, that it is definitely worth it. Or not - if the economy goes into a full-fledged recession before I graduate, I'll be singing a different tune, to be sure.
In any case, here are some answers to the most recent FAQ's I've received via email:
1. How generous is Stern wrt financial aid?
From what I understand, quite generous (based on purely anecdotal evidence). I know of many people who are on partial or full scholarships, either through the school or through associations like the Forte Foundation. On this matter, you should probably talk to the admissions office who'll be able to put you in touch with people better versed on this subject.
In addition to scholarships and federal and private loans, once you are in school, you can apply for part-time jobs on campus of which there are many (you probably won't have time for one in the first semester because of recruiting, but going forward there is definitely a lot of availability).
2. What did you particularly like about the environment at Stern, both in the classroom and outside?
Ok, I am going to try to not make this sound like propoganda, but it probably will :-)
In the classroom, I am constantly amazed at how great the professors are. Learning from professors like Damodaran, Roubini and Yermack is truly a pleasure. Not only are they extremely knowledgeable about their subjects (and I don't mean merely from an academic perspective, but also from a practical one as well), they are also very very good teachers, constantly motivating you to think harder and really understand the underlying concepts.
When I was applying last year, I honestly never believed in the whole "learning from my classmates" line, but having taken a number of case-based classes, I can confidently say that most of the learning in those courses happens because of the vast range of experiences your classmates bring to the classroom. There are as many viewpoints as there are students, and I never realized how narrow my viewpoint was on certain issues.
Outside the classroom, what I really like (apart from getting shitfaced with my friends at the many, many social events) is that there are so many opportunities to stretch your wings. Whether it is organizing a conference for a club, participating in the Stern Consulting Corps, taking part in case competitions or business plan competitions, managing a live investment fund, or acting as a VC consultant for startups, there are more opportunities than there is time. I think I have made the most use of quite a few of these opportunities, and I have really loved challenging myself and getting involved in things that I would never have to opportunity to do outside of school or in my career.
3. If you could change a few things about Stern, what would they be?
Definitely, add more space. For some reason, there's always a dearth of study space in school (guess that's a feature of being in downtown New York!). There's plenty of bars and cafes around to hang out in, but probably not the most conducive for studying.
Can't think of any others right now, but the next time I crib about something, will jot it down.
4. Which are the most popular courses? which did you like the most?
Oh, there's a bunch depending on your specialization. Some popular ones (the * indicates that I took the course, the + indicates I liked it a lot):
Corporate Finance (Damodaran) *+
Restructuring Firms and Industries (Yermack) *+
International Macroeconomic Theory and Policy (Roubini) *+
Competitive Strategies in the Marketplace (Czepiel)
Game Theory (Brandenberger)
Foundations of Entrepreneurship (Okun) *+
Bankruptcy (Altman)
Advanced Futures and Options (Subramanyam)
Consumer Behavior
5. Which student clubs did you participate in? Which are the most active ones?
Pretty much most of the clubs are very active. Almost all the professional clubs are very active (GFA, MCA, GMA etc.) and are great networking opportunities. For banking, GFA is the one to pick. The region-based social clubs are pretty active as well (SABAS, LABA, ABS, JBA etc.), and those can be a great way to network and hang out with people who are from or share an interest in the region. And of course, there's SWIB which is a bit of both and a lot of fun.
6. Were you satisfied with the career office?
The Office of Career Development (OCD) does a fantastic job of educating you about career options as well as preparing you for the whole recruiting process. They are also constantly trying to get an increasingly broader range (i.e. more non-finance) of companies to recruit from Stern. I was very happy with the skillset they provided me through their workshops etc. I think most of my classmates would attest to this as well.
7. Besides clubs etc, what kind of activities are available for people interested in a banking career?
I'm not sure I understand the question completely, but since when does that prevent an MBA student from giving gyaan :-).
If you mean what other networking opportunities, I'd say that the OCD and the GFA organize a number of events where you can meet people from different banks and network with them. The banks themselves organize a number of events to pitch the company and also to get a feel for prospective applicants.
If you're talking about training, the GFA organizes events like "Training the Street" which is a modeling workshop; different professors hold valuation, accounting workshops etc.; JP Morgan organizes an annual case competition which is a great way to get a feel for banking and also impress managers; there are a number of inter-school case competitions to test your mettle against the folks from other top schools in the country; GFA organizes an annual conference where you can hear senior executives from a number of banks discuss topics of relevance.
Hard to believe it has been two years since I went through this pain and suffering. But take it from someone (definitely) older and (questionably) wiser, that it is definitely worth it. Or not - if the economy goes into a full-fledged recession before I graduate, I'll be singing a different tune, to be sure.
In any case, here are some answers to the most recent FAQ's I've received via email:
1. How generous is Stern wrt financial aid?
From what I understand, quite generous (based on purely anecdotal evidence). I know of many people who are on partial or full scholarships, either through the school or through associations like the Forte Foundation. On this matter, you should probably talk to the admissions office who'll be able to put you in touch with people better versed on this subject.
In addition to scholarships and federal and private loans, once you are in school, you can apply for part-time jobs on campus of which there are many (you probably won't have time for one in the first semester because of recruiting, but going forward there is definitely a lot of availability).
2. What did you particularly like about the environment at Stern, both in the classroom and outside?
Ok, I am going to try to not make this sound like propoganda, but it probably will :-)
In the classroom, I am constantly amazed at how great the professors are. Learning from professors like Damodaran, Roubini and Yermack is truly a pleasure. Not only are they extremely knowledgeable about their subjects (and I don't mean merely from an academic perspective, but also from a practical one as well), they are also very very good teachers, constantly motivating you to think harder and really understand the underlying concepts.
When I was applying last year, I honestly never believed in the whole "learning from my classmates" line, but having taken a number of case-based classes, I can confidently say that most of the learning in those courses happens because of the vast range of experiences your classmates bring to the classroom. There are as many viewpoints as there are students, and I never realized how narrow my viewpoint was on certain issues.
Outside the classroom, what I really like (apart from getting shitfaced with my friends at the many, many social events) is that there are so many opportunities to stretch your wings. Whether it is organizing a conference for a club, participating in the Stern Consulting Corps, taking part in case competitions or business plan competitions, managing a live investment fund, or acting as a VC consultant for startups, there are more opportunities than there is time. I think I have made the most use of quite a few of these opportunities, and I have really loved challenging myself and getting involved in things that I would never have to opportunity to do outside of school or in my career.
3. If you could change a few things about Stern, what would they be?
Definitely, add more space. For some reason, there's always a dearth of study space in school (guess that's a feature of being in downtown New York!). There's plenty of bars and cafes around to hang out in, but probably not the most conducive for studying.
Can't think of any others right now, but the next time I crib about something, will jot it down.
4. Which are the most popular courses? which did you like the most?
Oh, there's a bunch depending on your specialization. Some popular ones (the * indicates that I took the course, the + indicates I liked it a lot):
Corporate Finance (Damodaran) *+
Restructuring Firms and Industries (Yermack) *+
International Macroeconomic Theory and Policy (Roubini) *+
Competitive Strategies in the Marketplace (Czepiel)
Game Theory (Brandenberger)
Foundations of Entrepreneurship (Okun) *+
Bankruptcy (Altman)
Advanced Futures and Options (Subramanyam)
Consumer Behavior
5. Which student clubs did you participate in? Which are the most active ones?
Pretty much most of the clubs are very active. Almost all the professional clubs are very active (GFA, MCA, GMA etc.) and are great networking opportunities. For banking, GFA is the one to pick. The region-based social clubs are pretty active as well (SABAS, LABA, ABS, JBA etc.), and those can be a great way to network and hang out with people who are from or share an interest in the region. And of course, there's SWIB which is a bit of both and a lot of fun.
6. Were you satisfied with the career office?
The Office of Career Development (OCD) does a fantastic job of educating you about career options as well as preparing you for the whole recruiting process. They are also constantly trying to get an increasingly broader range (i.e. more non-finance) of companies to recruit from Stern. I was very happy with the skillset they provided me through their workshops etc. I think most of my classmates would attest to this as well.
7. Besides clubs etc, what kind of activities are available for people interested in a banking career?
I'm not sure I understand the question completely, but since when does that prevent an MBA student from giving gyaan :-).
If you mean what other networking opportunities, I'd say that the OCD and the GFA organize a number of events where you can meet people from different banks and network with them. The banks themselves organize a number of events to pitch the company and also to get a feel for prospective applicants.
If you're talking about training, the GFA organizes events like "Training the Street" which is a modeling workshop; different professors hold valuation, accounting workshops etc.; JP Morgan organizes an annual case competition which is a great way to get a feel for banking and also impress managers; there are a number of inter-school case competitions to test your mettle against the folks from other top schools in the country; GFA organizes an annual conference where you can hear senior executives from a number of banks discuss topics of relevance.
Friday, April 13, 2007
All ye prospective Sternies
Be sure to attend Preview Weekend. It's a great way to get a feel for the school and your future classmates, have some fun, and most importantly, watch me make an ass of myself. Yup, in a moment of sheer madness, I volunteered to be part of the desi dance program for Passport Day (which is the culmination of Preview Weekend). While I don't exactly have two left feet, my dancing is more suited to the so-crowded-you-can-barely-move dance club scene than a well-coreographed bollywood jhatka & matka affair. But what's done is done and all that's left is to pity the audience.
If you are among the 3 people who read my blog, AND have been admitted to Stern, AND will be visiting during Preview Weekend - Should I just give up right now? :-) - do stop by at the South Asia/India booth and say hello.
Enjoy your admits and preview weekends and have fun being wined and dined while it lasts.
If you are among the 3 people who read my blog, AND have been admitted to Stern, AND will be visiting during Preview Weekend - Should I just give up right now? :-) - do stop by at the South Asia/India booth and say hello.
Enjoy your admits and preview weekends and have fun being wined and dined while it lasts.
Friday, February 16, 2007
The New York Advantage
Two more reasons to go to Stern?
1. Stern Consulting Corps is a wonderful opportunity, on the professional and personal front. On a personal level, it is a fun and unique way to give back to the community and also to immerse yourself in a unique experience. On the professional front, it is an opportunity to get hands-on consulting experience, while learning from senior consultants (typically from McKinsey, BAH, Deloitte etc.) who act as mentors throughout the 10-week program. And, you get paid for it!
I'm part of the program this semester, working on a project for Carnegie Hall. I obviously cannot divulge the details of the project, but I'll definitely say that this experience is very different from anything I've done before and anything I'll probably do in my future career in finance. I've only been on the project a few weeks now, but I've already learnt a great deal about the industry and about marketing and strategy. And in this case, there are the added perks like free concert-hall tours and tickets ;-).
2. Experiencing NYC in the classroom - One of the best things about being in b-school in NYC is the access we have to businesses and other institutions, enabling us to watch what we learn in the classroom being applied to businesses every day. An example?
Live Met Opera Case Study - As part of our marketing class, we are doing a live case study on the Metropolitan Opera today. Highlights of the day include a tour, a dress rehearsal of Simon Boccanegra, and a meeting with senior management (and possibly Peter Gelb!). Only in NY!
There are things every top business school can give you (a great education and a good network), but only in New York will you get the kind of access and experience that makes business school a truly rewarding experience. So, keep that in mind as your admits start to flow in and you are in the enviable position of deciding between Stern and other schools.
On the personal front:
I did obtain a summer internship about a month ago. I'm happy to say it was my first choice and a highly competitive one. It feels GREAT to have a job, but given that my entire first semester seems to have been driven by the sole purpose of procuring an internship, I feel somewhat demotivated these days. Or, maybe it's just the weather.
Also, for those of you who plan to visit Stern and have lunch with a student, I have signed up to be part of the program. So, if you are paired up for lunch with a smart, beautiful, charming Indian woman, it could very well be yours truly ;-).
1. Stern Consulting Corps is a wonderful opportunity, on the professional and personal front. On a personal level, it is a fun and unique way to give back to the community and also to immerse yourself in a unique experience. On the professional front, it is an opportunity to get hands-on consulting experience, while learning from senior consultants (typically from McKinsey, BAH, Deloitte etc.) who act as mentors throughout the 10-week program. And, you get paid for it!
I'm part of the program this semester, working on a project for Carnegie Hall. I obviously cannot divulge the details of the project, but I'll definitely say that this experience is very different from anything I've done before and anything I'll probably do in my future career in finance. I've only been on the project a few weeks now, but I've already learnt a great deal about the industry and about marketing and strategy. And in this case, there are the added perks like free concert-hall tours and tickets ;-).
2. Experiencing NYC in the classroom - One of the best things about being in b-school in NYC is the access we have to businesses and other institutions, enabling us to watch what we learn in the classroom being applied to businesses every day. An example?
Live Met Opera Case Study - As part of our marketing class, we are doing a live case study on the Metropolitan Opera today. Highlights of the day include a tour, a dress rehearsal of Simon Boccanegra, and a meeting with senior management (and possibly Peter Gelb!). Only in NY!
There are things every top business school can give you (a great education and a good network), but only in New York will you get the kind of access and experience that makes business school a truly rewarding experience. So, keep that in mind as your admits start to flow in and you are in the enviable position of deciding between Stern and other schools.
On the personal front:
I did obtain a summer internship about a month ago. I'm happy to say it was my first choice and a highly competitive one. It feels GREAT to have a job, but given that my entire first semester seems to have been driven by the sole purpose of procuring an internship, I feel somewhat demotivated these days. Or, maybe it's just the weather.
Also, for those of you who plan to visit Stern and have lunch with a student, I have signed up to be part of the program. So, if you are paired up for lunch with a smart, beautiful, charming Indian woman, it could very well be yours truly ;-).
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