Fuqua has announced its essays for the fall 2011 entry. There are only 3 required questions { i guess till last year fuqua had 1 long and 3 short essays}.
The essays are usual b-school essays, asking for why MBA, why Duke and why you. Applicants must respind within 2 pages with a minimum 10 point font, meaning one has about 850 words to frame the answers.
Source
New Essays for Fall 2011 Entry
Three essay questions must be completed before submitting your application. Prepare your essays carefully. The Admissions Committee considers your responses to the following questions important in the selection process. Please respond fully and concisely using 1.5 line spacing. Your response to each question should be no more than 2 pages in length, with a font size no less than 10-point.
Candidates who applied to The Duke MBA between September 2009 and April 2010 are considered re-applicants. All re-applicants are required to complete the Re-applicant Essay in addition to the Applicant Essays.
All applicants have the opportunity to submit an optional essay to explain any extenuating circumstances of which the Admissions Committee should be aware.
Applicant Essays : Answer all 3 essay questions.
Today, companies must navigate through complex and interdependent issues. They must deal with health and security matters, environmental impact questions, and diversity and cultural concerns. Leaders need adaptability, imagination, emotional intelligence, and business acumen. Thus, Duke is in the midst of an ambitious global venture that will embed and connect us around the world, and we are seeking future leaders of consequence, who value diversity and collaborative leadership, and who aspire to impact the companies and communities of which they are a part in a lasting and positive way.
In an effort to identify, engage, and foster the development of future leaders of consequence, the Admissions Committee would like to get to know our applicants in a more holistic manner. We would like to know who you are, what has shaped you into the person you are today, and how you hope to impact both Duke and the communities of which you will be a part in the future. The essays are your opportunity to convey that to us. Please be open, genuine, and passionate. Share with us what makes you a dynamic, multi-dimensional person.
1. Describe your vision for your career and your inspiration for pursuing this career path.
2. How will your background, values, and non-work activities enhance the experience of other Duke MBA students and add value to Fuqua's diverse culture?
3. Why Duke? (If you are interested in a specific concentration, joint degree, clubs or activities, please discuss how you would contribute to these in this essay.)
Optional Essay (not required)
If you feel there are extenuating circumstances of which the Admissions Committee should be aware, please explain them here (e.g., unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, significant weakness in your application).
Re-applicant Essay
All re-applicants are required to complete the Re-applicant Essay. Please limit your response to two pages. Write an essay describing how you are now a stronger candidate for admission compared to the application you submitted the previous year.
Monday, May 24
Friday, May 21
Update
Just finished working on essays {from previous year} of one of my target schools. Must say that writing Essays is the most difficult, most interesting and most important part of the application. It took me 5-6 iterations for each essay before my story started making SOME {I think 15-20%}sense. Introspection, positioning and knowledge of target school play a huge role in crafting a winning application.
I now need to read all the essays together to get a holistic picture of my positioning effort. This is important -- don't just focus on a single essay. Start by keeping your overall story in mind. Put down everything, small or big that you have achieved in your life. Now based upon the essay segregate stories, as to which story would be used in which essay. Try to link up all the essays to one common theme but reveal different facet of your personality every time. Make sure that your passion and motivation should reflect in essays.
Would enjoy my friday night and from tomorrow back to work ... hope that by next 8-10 days i will have a set of essays that i would be able to share with one of my friend to get some feedback..Also need to explore the school in much more detail I felt that i need to know a lot more about my target schools before i even think of applying to them....
don't know how much sense this post would have made...but just wanted to share some thoughts :)
p.s: I have started thinking about safety schools :'( ... thats a bad sign for sure... hope that by october this thought fades away ..else ..
I now need to read all the essays together to get a holistic picture of my positioning effort. This is important -- don't just focus on a single essay. Start by keeping your overall story in mind. Put down everything, small or big that you have achieved in your life. Now based upon the essay segregate stories, as to which story would be used in which essay. Try to link up all the essays to one common theme but reveal different facet of your personality every time. Make sure that your passion and motivation should reflect in essays.
Would enjoy my friday night and from tomorrow back to work ... hope that by next 8-10 days i will have a set of essays that i would be able to share with one of my friend to get some feedback..Also need to explore the school in much more detail I felt that i need to know a lot more about my target schools before i even think of applying to them....
don't know how much sense this post would have made...but just wanted to share some thoughts :)
p.s: I have started thinking about safety schools :'( ... thats a bad sign for sure... hope that by october this thought fades away ..else ..
Saturday, May 15
Paintings for sale !!
I am uploading 3 paintings by Miss S, they are up for sale. In case you are interested please revert on braveheart4mba(@)gmail.com. I will share the price and delivery details.
Thursday, May 13
Career progress and future goals essay
Briefly assess your career progress to date. Elaborate on your future career plans and your motivation for pursuing an MBA. (600 Words)
I was really aghast with myself as i saw the draft of my answer to the question above. I elaborated my career and never assessed the same. And i briefly touched upon the idea as to why i need an MBA. Needless to say, i used 1200 words to shape up my response.
If i want to submit winning essays i really need to understand the question before i started vomiting my useless answers on word pad. The ad-com commitee wants to understand how i have fared in my career till now and what are the various skills that i have acquired and honed. Also, they want to get a flavor of the impact of my work and most importantly want to understand the motivation behind my career moves. Elaboration of my career goals would point towards the skills that i need to acquire.
Wish i had given a lot more time to understanding the question and framing up the answer than just scribbling my thoughts down.
Plan to work on this essay during this weekend and hopefully trim it down to 700 words before finally taking it to 600 word limit.
lots of work!!!!
I was really aghast with myself as i saw the draft of my answer to the question above. I elaborated my career and never assessed the same. And i briefly touched upon the idea as to why i need an MBA. Needless to say, i used 1200 words to shape up my response.
If i want to submit winning essays i really need to understand the question before i started vomiting my useless answers on word pad. The ad-com commitee wants to understand how i have fared in my career till now and what are the various skills that i have acquired and honed. Also, they want to get a flavor of the impact of my work and most importantly want to understand the motivation behind my career moves. Elaboration of my career goals would point towards the skills that i need to acquire.
Wish i had given a lot more time to understanding the question and framing up the answer than just scribbling my thoughts down.
Plan to work on this essay during this weekend and hopefully trim it down to 700 words before finally taking it to 600 word limit.
lots of work!!!!
Friday, May 7
Clear Admit Career Guides - Review
Disclaimer: The views expressed below are my personal opinion and in no way related to clear admit or any other company.
I recently bought Clear Admit Career guide for Marketing. I am really sad to say that the publication disappointed me. Rather than a true career guide the pdf serves as a handbook for comparing Marketing curriculum of various US b-schools {that too is not a detailed comparison}.
The guide speaks about the career in Marketing only for 1 page. Yes you read it correctly, its "1 page". And this description is also limited to "Brand Management or Product development" paths in Marketing.
The publication could have been a lot better had it served the following purposes:
1. Provided clear cut distinction between a Marketing career in CPG industy and a Marketing Career in non-CPG industries {such as Financial services}
2. The guide could have explained the career progression in Marketing industry and could have explained the roles and responsibilities of Marketers at various stages of their careers
3. Also, the guide fails to describe in detail the skill-set that is required to kick start a career in Marketing,
Good points:
1. Gives you a good flavour of Marketing curriculum at various schools -- though you will have to explore the website and other resources to get the whole story
in short, for $40 the clear admit guide for Marketing is not a value for money buy...if i have to rate this guide on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being the highest:
My verdict: 1.5/5
I recently bought Clear Admit Career guide for Marketing. I am really sad to say that the publication disappointed me. Rather than a true career guide the pdf serves as a handbook for comparing Marketing curriculum of various US b-schools {that too is not a detailed comparison}.
The guide speaks about the career in Marketing only for 1 page. Yes you read it correctly, its "1 page". And this description is also limited to "Brand Management or Product development" paths in Marketing.
The publication could have been a lot better had it served the following purposes:
1. Provided clear cut distinction between a Marketing career in CPG industy and a Marketing Career in non-CPG industries {such as Financial services}
2. The guide could have explained the career progression in Marketing industry and could have explained the roles and responsibilities of Marketers at various stages of their careers
3. Also, the guide fails to describe in detail the skill-set that is required to kick start a career in Marketing,
Good points:
1. Gives you a good flavour of Marketing curriculum at various schools -- though you will have to explore the website and other resources to get the whole story
in short, for $40 the clear admit guide for Marketing is not a value for money buy...if i have to rate this guide on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being the highest:
My verdict: 1.5/5
Thursday, May 6
Pleasing a school viz a viz Pleasing a girl
Strange title for the post huh!! :) Well i was pondering over the question "Why xx b-school?". Like an average applicant i began listing down few stupid ideas such as: 1. XX has a phenomenol brand name 2. XX has great faculty, 3. I will learn yy at XX school
Pathetic effort isn't it? Now consider a situation where a guy sees a super hot girl and wants to woo her.
Also, Guys fall in love with what they see {How often we fall in love with a school that has a superb brand equity ;) } and Girls fall in love with what they hear {Schools love applicants who express themselves well -- ESSAYS ARE V-IMP}
We have seen one approach above to woo a girl. Now consider this:
Guy: Hi Gorgeous!! I just wanted to tell you that i often dreamt of an angel whose eyes had innocense and sensuality, whose cheeks were crafted out of rose petals and whose lips were like strawberries. An angel whom god crafted out of marble and whom god coated with honey. You are the one whose smile is more beautiful than the rainbow. I can spend rest of my life watching you smile. When i saw you first i couldn't believe that someone could be so beautiful. {This was why XX school and how it fits in your scheme of things?}
You are the one for whom i would die a thousand times, if you would say i would get the most precious jewels for you, i would keep you like a prized possesion. I would kiss your lips and play with your sensual hair. I would peep into your hypnotising eyes for hours, i would really love to make love to you. {What would you do for the school?}
Pathetic effort isn't it? Now consider a situation where a guy sees a super hot girl and wants to woo her.
Thousands of guys would love to hang out with a beautiful chic, like thousands of applicants want to get into a reputed b-school. So, be it a beautiful girl or a reputed school - both have a problem of plenty. Now, if a guy makes a strong case and tells a girl why he has fallen for her {Why XX B-school?}, what will he do for her {How will you contribute to the school?} and How will she fulfill his dreams {How will the school help you in achieving your goal} there is a chance that girl would give the guy a chance.
Also, Guys fall in love with what they see {How often we fall in love with a school that has a superb brand equity ;) } and Girls fall in love with what they hear {Schools love applicants who express themselves well -- ESSAYS ARE V-IMP}
We have seen one approach above to woo a girl. Now consider this:
Guy: Hi Gorgeous!! I just wanted to tell you that i often dreamt of an angel whose eyes had innocense and sensuality, whose cheeks were crafted out of rose petals and whose lips were like strawberries. An angel whom god crafted out of marble and whom god coated with honey. You are the one whose smile is more beautiful than the rainbow. I can spend rest of my life watching you smile. When i saw you first i couldn't believe that someone could be so beautiful. {This was why XX school and how it fits in your scheme of things?}
You are the one for whom i would die a thousand times, if you would say i would get the most precious jewels for you, i would keep you like a prized possesion. I would kiss your lips and play with your sensual hair. I would peep into your hypnotising eyes for hours, i would really love to make love to you. {What would you do for the school?}
Half the battle is won if you market yourself well. School might call you for a date {read interview}
While addressing "Why XX school?" question don't just mention how good a school is. Ad-com already knows that, that's not unique ... Tell the ad-com exactly what are your scheme of things and how you found the school fitting in...all the courses, faculty, clubs, alum network, placements, student projects, guest speakers etc. anything and everything that you can think of -- and those things that add an extra punch to the story. Now, don't just stop here, express what would you do for the school once accepted. Most of the top b-schools are student run organizations and schools are looking for students who will pro-actively contribute to the activities of school....
More later...
Wednesday, May 5
Best advice for GMAT preparation
Clear Admit BoB results are out!!!
Congrats Dramchaser{DC} and Orlando for winning the best applicant and best student category awards respectively. DC is headed to Kellogg and Orlando is studying in Kellogg!!! Actually Kellogg students have swept the awards :)
And this very blog was voted the "Best Advice for GMAT preparation". I feel honored and would like to thank Clear Admit and Fellow bloggers.
The results can be found here .
Worked on my resume yesterday. Still looks pathetic and needs a lot of work. But as compared to my previous resume the new version looks impressive :). Will share some tips for crafting Resume...And any suggestions from fellow bloggers are welcome !!!!!
Congrats Dramchaser{DC} and Orlando for winning the best applicant and best student category awards respectively. DC is headed to Kellogg and Orlando is studying in Kellogg!!! Actually Kellogg students have swept the awards :)
And this very blog was voted the "Best Advice for GMAT preparation". I feel honored and would like to thank Clear Admit and Fellow bloggers.
The results can be found here .
Worked on my resume yesterday. Still looks pathetic and needs a lot of work. But as compared to my previous resume the new version looks impressive :). Will share some tips for crafting Resume...And any suggestions from fellow bloggers are welcome !!!!!
Saturday, May 1
10k hits
Finally my blog recorded 10k hits. Thanks to all the readers.
As expected max. no. of hits are from USA..followed closely by India. One interesting trend that i noticed -- Normally Indian hits are almost half of US hits on other blogs. But in my case they are almost 80% of US hits.
Is it because Indians love my blog or people in USA hate it?? I would like to believe the former :).
On Apps front haven't made much progress for last 2 weeks. Only good thing was that i disclosed my MBA plans to one of my recommendors. She is my client and was very pleased to hear my decision to go for an MBA. Now i need to intimate my 2nd recommendor -- my current supervisor. I have been working with him for past 3 years now. He knows my strengths and weaknesses, he is the one who has seen me grow professionally. I think he won't mind writing a reco for me but then you never know!!!
My back pain has returned with a bang and has not allowed me to read or write much. Ortho department failed to heal my injury and now i am under the supervision of Neuro department.
More later...ciao
Sunday, April 18
First rough draft
Before i share my progress i want to share the Sad news!!! CK Prahlad renowned management guru passed away. Indeed sad!! CK was known for his theory - "fortune at bottom of pyramid", applicable in many emerging economies. Also, CK was esteemed faculty member of University of Michigan {Ross B-school}.
May he RIP.
Coming on to the next update -- wrote first rough draft of Career progression and why MBA essay. Must say it looked horrible. Way off the word limits, hardly giving the personal touch and mostly bragging about things that i had already mentioned in my resume.
Its very imp. that an applicant does not repeat the same things as mentioned in his/her resume. Resume mostly reflects "WHAT" part of your story. i.e What an applicant has accomplished. Every school asks for a copy of resume along with the essays. So, ad-com members would be aware of "WHAT" part of the story. I believe that through essays ad-com members are more interested in knowing the real person behind those accomplishments. Essays should answer "WHY" part of the story. i.e Why you made certain choices, why you were able to achieve certain things {as mentioned in your resume} and obviously why an MBA makes sense for you?
After writing the first draft i have decided to think hard about -- "Where i am coming from?", " Why i made certain choices in life and what i learnt from those experiences", " Where do i see myself 5 years, 10yrs from now and what's the motivation behind that.". I guess if i will answer these questions then i will be better able to answer Why MBA in the stipulated word limit.
Also don't forget to be specific in your essays. I think once we have enough degree of specificity in essays we won't have to worry about being unique ;)
May he RIP.
Coming on to the next update -- wrote first rough draft of Career progression and why MBA essay. Must say it looked horrible. Way off the word limits, hardly giving the personal touch and mostly bragging about things that i had already mentioned in my resume.
Its very imp. that an applicant does not repeat the same things as mentioned in his/her resume. Resume mostly reflects "WHAT" part of your story. i.e What an applicant has accomplished. Every school asks for a copy of resume along with the essays. So, ad-com members would be aware of "WHAT" part of the story. I believe that through essays ad-com members are more interested in knowing the real person behind those accomplishments. Essays should answer "WHY" part of the story. i.e Why you made certain choices, why you were able to achieve certain things {as mentioned in your resume} and obviously why an MBA makes sense for you?
After writing the first draft i have decided to think hard about -- "Where i am coming from?", " Why i made certain choices in life and what i learnt from those experiences", " Where do i see myself 5 years, 10yrs from now and what's the motivation behind that.". I guess if i will answer these questions then i will be better able to answer Why MBA in the stipulated word limit.
Also don't forget to be specific in your essays. I think once we have enough degree of specificity in essays we won't have to worry about being unique ;)
Saturday, April 10
Nominated -- Clear Admit Best of Blogging{BoB}
Come 2nd friday of April and clear admit announces nominations for best of blogging in the MBA blogosphere. I feel privileged because my blog has been nominated along side some of the very best blogs for this years BoB. There are 2 categories -- MBA applicants and MBA students { i wish next year i make a switch from applicant category to student category }
You can find the complete list of nominees at : BoB Nominations 2009-2010 . Next comes the voting phase where the nominated bloggers, celebrity judges and Clear admit staff will cast vote. 50% consideration is given to blogger votes and 25% each to celebrity judges and clear admit staff votes. Ballots are due on April 30 and rankings would be revealed on May 4th. There are lots of prizes to be won.
Clear Admit's blog has huge repertoire of information when it comes to GMAT prep, Applications, school selection etc. Kudos to Clear Admit and all the bloggers who have added value in MBA blogosphere.
I wish all the fellow bloggers lots of luck. {Free drinks for those who vote for me ;) }
You can find the complete list of nominees at : BoB Nominations 2009-2010 . Next comes the voting phase where the nominated bloggers, celebrity judges and Clear admit staff will cast vote. 50% consideration is given to blogger votes and 25% each to celebrity judges and clear admit staff votes. Ballots are due on April 30 and rankings would be revealed on May 4th. There are lots of prizes to be won.
Clear Admit's blog has huge repertoire of information when it comes to GMAT prep, Applications, school selection etc. Kudos to Clear Admit and all the bloggers who have added value in MBA blogosphere.
I wish all the fellow bloggers lots of luck. {Free drinks for those who vote for me ;) }
Sunday, April 4
Beat the GMAT Scholarship!!
Just wanted to draw the attention of fellow bloggers to the Beat the GMAT scholarship. There are 6 scholarships valued at approx $8, 500. The winner will get a GMAT prep course with one of the leading prep companies.
All one is required to do is to register himself/herself at BTG site and write few essays. The good thing about participating in this competition is that you get to think hard about why MBA?, why GMAT? etc. Also one of the question forces you to think hard about your story. How your story is different from others and how you are more deserving than others. Writing these essays will already propel you into the next orbit of your journey to a top b-school.
The essay questions are available here: BTG scholarship Essays, Deadline is May-20-2010. Winners will be announced within 10 days of the essay submission deadline. One can redeem the prize by as late as June-2011.
Prospective GMAT takers don't miss out on this opportunity.
All one is required to do is to register himself/herself at BTG site and write few essays. The good thing about participating in this competition is that you get to think hard about why MBA?, why GMAT? etc. Also one of the question forces you to think hard about your story. How your story is different from others and how you are more deserving than others. Writing these essays will already propel you into the next orbit of your journey to a top b-school.
The essay questions are available here: BTG scholarship Essays, Deadline is May-20-2010. Winners will be announced within 10 days of the essay submission deadline. One can redeem the prize by as late as June-2011.
Prospective GMAT takers don't miss out on this opportunity.
Monday, March 29
INSEAD vs US b-schools
Yesterday Miss "S" threw some questions at me, forcing me to think hard. Though i could answer most of them but found myself struggling while answering others.
Miss S: why Kellogg or Booth and why not INSEAD? Your ultimate goal is to move to strategy and INSEAD does as well as top US schools when it comes to placing students in strategy.
Me: i want to do an immersive program and a 10 month program is too short to even fully live the MBA experience.
Miss S: But consider the ROI. INSEAD offers highest ROI. You have to forego only 1 year salary and the total amount spent on tuition and living is also less in case of 1 year prog.
Me: Agreed!
Miss S: Forbes 2009 ranking. Have you seen them?
Me: Yes..Salary for INSEAD class of 2004 in 2008 was $218, 000 and for Kellogg it was $165, 000. INSEAD students take 2.5 years on average to repay their education loan while Kellogg students take 4.4 years.
Miss S: that's a big difference..
Miss S: So why not INSEAD? It s going to offer you greater diversity, access to same set of recruiters, it has campuses in multiple locations. I assume INSEAD would offer you similar courses and would have great faculty too.
Me: That's true but INSEAD is too big. 900 {is it 900 or 1800? 900*2} students passing out every year. Thats like a factory output
Miss S: rubbish!! Ultimately they are going to divide you in sections and that's what will matter to you. Is the batch size any how going to affect your learning?? And INSEAD is a great school {top 5 in every ranking}, so having a large alum network is a plus.
Me: that's right!! But INSEAD is skewed towards consulting. What if i change my mind during MBA?
Miss S: Have a better look at their employment report. You will get the answer.
Me: But INSEAD is not that well known outside Europe.
Miss S: People who are going to recruit you and people who are going to work with you will know about INSEAD. How does it matter whether your friend from high school or girl next door doesn't know about INSEAD.
Me: Thats right too!!!
Miss S: see, if you can get into INSEAD you will do as well as you will in case you go to any other top US b school. But you will repay your loan faster and can start enjoying sooner.
Me: I will definitely discuss this with my fellow bloggers and gain some insight ... you have confused me :'(
I know Kellogg students take more time than those at INSEAD to repay their education loans. But i would like to carry Kellogg/Wharton badge for the rest of my life. Maybe because my parents, my friends hold these brands in high esteem {And i don't know how good is this reason for choosing a particular school.}. I think all of us have unconcious fascination towards some particular schools. I never feel anything about Stanford or Berkeley or SLoan but the mention of K/W/Booth/Ross/LBS etc sets my pulse racing.
But the 2008 salary for class of 2004 is a big differentiator, K students earning $165, 000 and INSEAD students earning $ 218, 000. Money matters after all :) .... I have still not fully accepted the idea of applying to INSEAD but i will surely explore this great school before i take any decision.
Miss S: why Kellogg or Booth and why not INSEAD? Your ultimate goal is to move to strategy and INSEAD does as well as top US schools when it comes to placing students in strategy.
Me: i want to do an immersive program and a 10 month program is too short to even fully live the MBA experience.
Miss S: But consider the ROI. INSEAD offers highest ROI. You have to forego only 1 year salary and the total amount spent on tuition and living is also less in case of 1 year prog.
Me: Agreed!
Miss S: Forbes 2009 ranking. Have you seen them?
Me: Yes..Salary for INSEAD class of 2004 in 2008 was $218, 000 and for Kellogg it was $165, 000. INSEAD students take 2.5 years on average to repay their education loan while Kellogg students take 4.4 years.
Miss S: that's a big difference..
Miss S: So why not INSEAD? It s going to offer you greater diversity, access to same set of recruiters, it has campuses in multiple locations. I assume INSEAD would offer you similar courses and would have great faculty too.
Me: That's true but INSEAD is too big. 900 {is it 900 or 1800? 900*2} students passing out every year. Thats like a factory output
Miss S: rubbish!! Ultimately they are going to divide you in sections and that's what will matter to you. Is the batch size any how going to affect your learning?? And INSEAD is a great school {top 5 in every ranking}, so having a large alum network is a plus.
Me: that's right!! But INSEAD is skewed towards consulting. What if i change my mind during MBA?
Miss S: Have a better look at their employment report. You will get the answer.
Me: But INSEAD is not that well known outside Europe.
Miss S: People who are going to recruit you and people who are going to work with you will know about INSEAD. How does it matter whether your friend from high school or girl next door doesn't know about INSEAD.
Me: Thats right too!!!
Miss S: see, if you can get into INSEAD you will do as well as you will in case you go to any other top US b school. But you will repay your loan faster and can start enjoying sooner.
Me: I will definitely discuss this with my fellow bloggers and gain some insight ... you have confused me :'(
I know Kellogg students take more time than those at INSEAD to repay their education loans. But i would like to carry Kellogg/Wharton badge for the rest of my life. Maybe because my parents, my friends hold these brands in high esteem {And i don't know how good is this reason for choosing a particular school.}. I think all of us have unconcious fascination towards some particular schools. I never feel anything about Stanford or Berkeley or SLoan but the mention of K/W/Booth/Ross/LBS etc sets my pulse racing.
But the 2008 salary for class of 2004 is a big differentiator, K students earning $165, 000 and INSEAD students earning $ 218, 000. Money matters after all :) .... I have still not fully accepted the idea of applying to INSEAD but i will surely explore this great school before i take any decision.
Saturday, March 27
Why MBA ..Which School...Why Now??
As i move ahead towards my MBA dream, i am forced to think hard about the following questions:
1. Why MBA?? -- In my previous post Why MBA? I had mentioned few reasons that motivate me to pursure an MBA. But specifically linking an MBA program to my career goals is a bit tough job. For this reason its an absolute must to be crystal clear about your short term and long term career goals. Once you have done so get in touch with student ambassadors or b-school students {who have similar career aspirations as you do} to understand how an MBA has helped them in realizing their goals. I have found a very interesting pattern in that a lot of people do not stick to the same career goals that they mentioned in their essays. Thats fine also, pursuing an MBA will expose one to various career streams and being flexible is a good option. My why MBA story to get into a b-school can be very different from my Why MBA once i pass out of the school.
An MBA can help you mingle with people from your target industry, can give you a platform to interact with recruiters of your choice {Mckinsey, BCG, Bain don't recruit everywhere..}. You can develop certain traits that your future job might require. Also being an engineer i can never expect to learn economics, accounting or marketing in my job so an MBA can help me in getting a hang of these subjects.
Which b- school?? --No matter which school i try to explore i find the same courses offered in the "CORE" and almost similar sounding "Electives" {Barring few}. Every school boasts of a great faculty and pioneering research. Every school offers almost similar clubs such as conculting, marketing, I-banking etc. and every school talks about developing leaders.
Then there are few differences too -- Harvard and Darden - case centric...Kellogg, Ross -- great for marketing and team work is very imp. ... Wharton - -emphasizes a lot on innovation...Then there are schools with small class size {300-400/ batch} and then there's H/W {800-900/batch}. Also US and european MBA's differ in many other aspects too. {I am not getting into details of european vs US schools as i am focussing on US b-school only for some reasons.}. Location of a school is another imp. factor..Cornell, Tuck and Ross are at an disadvantage when compared to Columbia, Kellogg, Wharton, Harvard etc. Sloan and Haas are tech centric..Chicago lets you choose all your courses except one right from 1st year.
Why Now?? -- .. Need help !!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
1. Why MBA?? -- In my previous post Why MBA? I had mentioned few reasons that motivate me to pursure an MBA. But specifically linking an MBA program to my career goals is a bit tough job. For this reason its an absolute must to be crystal clear about your short term and long term career goals. Once you have done so get in touch with student ambassadors or b-school students {who have similar career aspirations as you do} to understand how an MBA has helped them in realizing their goals. I have found a very interesting pattern in that a lot of people do not stick to the same career goals that they mentioned in their essays. Thats fine also, pursuing an MBA will expose one to various career streams and being flexible is a good option. My why MBA story to get into a b-school can be very different from my Why MBA once i pass out of the school.
An MBA can help you mingle with people from your target industry, can give you a platform to interact with recruiters of your choice {Mckinsey, BCG, Bain don't recruit everywhere..}. You can develop certain traits that your future job might require. Also being an engineer i can never expect to learn economics, accounting or marketing in my job so an MBA can help me in getting a hang of these subjects.
Which b- school?? --No matter which school i try to explore i find the same courses offered in the "CORE" and almost similar sounding "Electives" {Barring few}. Every school boasts of a great faculty and pioneering research. Every school offers almost similar clubs such as conculting, marketing, I-banking etc. and every school talks about developing leaders.
Then there are few differences too -- Harvard and Darden - case centric...Kellogg, Ross -- great for marketing and team work is very imp. ... Wharton - -emphasizes a lot on innovation...Then there are schools with small class size {300-400/ batch} and then there's H/W {800-900/batch}. Also US and european MBA's differ in many other aspects too. {I am not getting into details of european vs US schools as i am focussing on US b-school only for some reasons.}. Location of a school is another imp. factor..Cornell, Tuck and Ross are at an disadvantage when compared to Columbia, Kellogg, Wharton, Harvard etc. Sloan and Haas are tech centric..Chicago lets you choose all your courses except one right from 1st year.
Why Now?? -- .. Need help !!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
Saturday, March 20
WWW - Weekend Without Wallet
Friday - Mar-19-2010
I went to a mall on Friday and realized that i was not carrying my wallet. Thank goodness i realized my stupidity well before parking my car in the mall's basement parking. It was not a good idea to go back and get my wallet from the flat as it would have taken me a lot of time in doing so. I decided to park my car in a housing society near the mall. I told the security at the gate that i was there to meet a friend and parked my car at the visitor's parking {saved cool 50 bucks}. Post parking my car i walked down to the mall .
Walking down to the mall made me sweat and i really wanted to wash my face. I saw "The Body Shop" showroom right across me, i entered the showroom and pretended as if i was seriously thinking to buy something. I picked up a "face-wash" tester and i used it in mall's wash room. To moisturize my face post this cleaning i again used another tester at "The Body Shop".
I really liked this idea of testing the stuff before you purchase it. Baskin Robbins was my next target. Tasted choco chip, coffee, black currant, nutty buddy and black forest ice creams then made a face as if none of the flavour tasted good. Applied Bvlgari perfume from a tester at the "Shoper's stop". Must say that Bvlgari is good.
Crosswords provided me another opportunity to read a book at no cost and sip free coffe from a nescafe dispenser. Read "Dhirubhai ambani's biography" {nearly 90 pages} from the book Business Maharajas. It was an amazing story and a must read for anybody who is serious about entreprenuership.
I had spent cool 4 hours at the mall and then decided to head back to home.
I went to a mall on Friday and realized that i was not carrying my wallet. Thank goodness i realized my stupidity well before parking my car in the mall's basement parking. It was not a good idea to go back and get my wallet from the flat as it would have taken me a lot of time in doing so. I decided to park my car in a housing society near the mall. I told the security at the gate that i was there to meet a friend and parked my car at the visitor's parking {saved cool 50 bucks}. Post parking my car i walked down to the mall .
Walking down to the mall made me sweat and i really wanted to wash my face. I saw "The Body Shop" showroom right across me, i entered the showroom and pretended as if i was seriously thinking to buy something. I picked up a "face-wash" tester and i used it in mall's wash room. To moisturize my face post this cleaning i again used another tester at "The Body Shop".
I really liked this idea of testing the stuff before you purchase it. Baskin Robbins was my next target. Tasted choco chip, coffee, black currant, nutty buddy and black forest ice creams then made a face as if none of the flavour tasted good. Applied Bvlgari perfume from a tester at the "Shoper's stop". Must say that Bvlgari is good.
Crosswords provided me another opportunity to read a book at no cost and sip free coffe from a nescafe dispenser. Read "Dhirubhai ambani's biography" {nearly 90 pages} from the book Business Maharajas. It was an amazing story and a must read for anybody who is serious about entreprenuership.
I had spent cool 4 hours at the mall and then decided to head back to home.
Thursday, March 18
Introspection -- Essays
The most important stage during MBA application process is of "INTROSPECTION". One has to be crystal clear about the reasons for pursuing an MBA and reasons for choosing a school. 2 years and $150k would mean a lot to lot of people. I have started giving a thought to essays and bumped across the following piece of advise that i found worth sharing with all the fellow applicants:
{Its important that one gives a due thought to each of the following questions.}
1. Are you a leader in a true sense? A lot of aspirants limit leadership around their team leading experience. Even though it is true to some extent, it hovers around a lot of other areas in your candidature. What is it that makes you a leader in life?
2. Did you ever take an initiative and exceeded expectations of the people around you ? What led you to take that initiative? How did you chart your strategy, and involve your peers in realizing the overall goal for the benefit of the organization or body you have been or were related to?
3. All of us face resistances and friction when we implement ideas? How well do you understand this, and what do you do to perform in the wake of resistance from people who are either associated with or affected by your ideas?
4. Have you managed a group of people? Did you make them realize their full potential?
5. All of us follow prototypes in our day to day lives. Have you ever thought outside the boundaries and worked as a designer who thinks creatively?
6. Are you keen on contributing to the lives of others?
You are a sharp and a dedicated individual at work. However, it takes a while in getting people around you used to your ideas and style of working. How well can you communicate with professionals working with you, and make them understand your goals for the organization?
{Its important that one gives a due thought to each of the following questions.}
1. Are you a leader in a true sense? A lot of aspirants limit leadership around their team leading experience. Even though it is true to some extent, it hovers around a lot of other areas in your candidature. What is it that makes you a leader in life?
2. Did you ever take an initiative and exceeded expectations of the people around you ? What led you to take that initiative? How did you chart your strategy, and involve your peers in realizing the overall goal for the benefit of the organization or body you have been or were related to?
3. All of us face resistances and friction when we implement ideas? How well do you understand this, and what do you do to perform in the wake of resistance from people who are either associated with or affected by your ideas?
4. Have you managed a group of people? Did you make them realize their full potential?
5. All of us follow prototypes in our day to day lives. Have you ever thought outside the boundaries and worked as a designer who thinks creatively?
6. Are you keen on contributing to the lives of others?
You are a sharp and a dedicated individual at work. However, it takes a while in getting people around you used to your ideas and style of working. How well can you communicate with professionals working with you, and make them understand your goals for the organization?
Monday, March 15
Ross -- Amazing website
For long, i was trying hard to research some of my prospective schools. But i was finding it really hard to explore the schools. Sitting in India, thousands of miles away from schools, i found myself ill-equipped to research the schools. What a fool i was!! If you have access to internet and a burning desire to explore then you have got everything that you need to find out more about your dream schools.
Let me come back to the school in question - "Ross". Ross has structured its website in an excellent manner. All the information that an aspiring MBA can vouch for is present in a user friendly layout. Even if you have very vague idea about your future career prospects, Ross can help you give a better insight into various career streams. You will have a sound knowledge of curriculum that you will have to take in order to pursue a particular career option. Then you can explore the faculty for each of the subject that you want to opt for.
The detailed employment statistics for past many years speak very highly of Ross. Over 70 student clubs and organizations are there to cater to your interest.
How to structure your career search is another question that Ross' website answers beautifully. The website also gives an amazing insight into the core curriculum and relevance of various elective courses. MAP is highlighted in a big manner on Ross' website. Multidisciplinary Application Program {i hope i have put it down correctly} caught my eye and the experiential learning experience that MAP would provide to any MBA student is awesome.
Also, what all the candidate should highlight in his/her application is also mentioned briefly on the website. Ross is very similar to Kellogg in that it has a very good Marketing and consulting placement. Ross offers a good General Management MBA option and is big time on my radar now.
I don't think that my small haphazard article has done justice to the topic of this post but i would suggest all my fellow bloggers to experience the Ross website themselves -- ITS AMAZING!!!
Let me come back to the school in question - "Ross". Ross has structured its website in an excellent manner. All the information that an aspiring MBA can vouch for is present in a user friendly layout. Even if you have very vague idea about your future career prospects, Ross can help you give a better insight into various career streams. You will have a sound knowledge of curriculum that you will have to take in order to pursue a particular career option. Then you can explore the faculty for each of the subject that you want to opt for.
The detailed employment statistics for past many years speak very highly of Ross. Over 70 student clubs and organizations are there to cater to your interest.
How to structure your career search is another question that Ross' website answers beautifully. The website also gives an amazing insight into the core curriculum and relevance of various elective courses. MAP is highlighted in a big manner on Ross' website. Multidisciplinary Application Program {i hope i have put it down correctly} caught my eye and the experiential learning experience that MAP would provide to any MBA student is awesome.
Also, what all the candidate should highlight in his/her application is also mentioned briefly on the website. Ross is very similar to Kellogg in that it has a very good Marketing and consulting placement. Ross offers a good General Management MBA option and is big time on my radar now.
I don't think that my small haphazard article has done justice to the topic of this post but i would suggest all my fellow bloggers to experience the Ross website themselves -- ITS AMAZING!!!
Monday, March 1
Fellow Illuminati in at ISB and interviewed by Booth!!!
Awesome!!! That's how i will describe the last week....
1. I went to Goa with Miss S and few friends...that was one great trip. Biking..Beaches...water sports..Dolphins...Sun bath..Trance Parties...and *censored censored* ;)
I think life is good when you are with your loved ones and friends...and one enjoy the life to the fullest whenever possible...
2. Fellow Illuminati gets an admit from ISB and gets interviewed by Booth Alum -- one of my dearest friends and co-founder of NGO "Illuminati" got an admit into ISB Hyderabad {his dream school} and got interviewed by a Booth Alum. i hope he cracks into Booth too. {I will share his interview experiences soon with all my fellow bloggers}
3. Got my bonus -- {That was peanuts...nothing to be happy about ..but still i got some money to spend in Goa :) }
4. Happy Holi to all the bloggers may this holi bring brightest colors to your lives....
played holi with my friends and had a jolly good time....
Happy holi once again....
1. I went to Goa with Miss S and few friends...that was one great trip. Biking..Beaches...water sports..Dolphins...Sun bath..Trance Parties...and *censored censored* ;)
I think life is good when you are with your loved ones and friends...and one enjoy the life to the fullest whenever possible...
2. Fellow Illuminati gets an admit from ISB and gets interviewed by Booth Alum -- one of my dearest friends and co-founder of NGO "Illuminati" got an admit into ISB Hyderabad {his dream school} and got interviewed by a Booth Alum. i hope he cracks into Booth too. {I will share his interview experiences soon with all my fellow bloggers}
3. Got my bonus -- {That was peanuts...nothing to be happy about ..but still i got some money to spend in Goa :) }
4. Happy Holi to all the bloggers may this holi bring brightest colors to your lives....
played holi with my friends and had a jolly good time....
Happy holi once again....
Sunday, February 21
SC Notes - 2
In continuation of my previous post:
19. you don’t pay in a job but you pay for a job – OG10-109
20. In English it is idiomatic usage to credit someone with having done something.- OG10-111
21. the correct idiom is better served by x than by y
22. after when is unidiomatic: one word or the other can be used to establish temporal sequence, but not both together. OG10 -124
23. you can't 'demand X to do Y'. – UNIDIOMATIC (subjunctive) {Demand that x do y}
24. it's wrong to say 'preferred X over Y'. the correct idiom is 'prefer X to Y'. take note.
25. the idiom to mistake x for y.
26. Considered as is unidiomatic but Regard as is idiomatic
27. GREATER THAN VS MORE THAN in formal written english, if you are talking about an increase in a single statistic, you use GREATER. if you are counting things, and NOT referring to 'the number' or 'the population' or any other single statistic, you use MORE
the population of filipinos is greater than it was 10 years ago
there are more filipinos than there were 10 years ago
28. the sentence form X is why is unidiomatic (X is the reason why would be idiomatic og10-177
29. 1) idiom : support from vs. support of
support from : is used when you get support from something(someone)
support of : is used to express that you support something
ex) I rallied to the support of my country.
30. because is better than since when explanation of a cause is given.
19. you don’t pay in a job but you pay for a job – OG10-109
20. In English it is idiomatic usage to credit someone with having done something.- OG10-111
21. the correct idiom is better served by x than by y
22. after when is unidiomatic: one word or the other can be used to establish temporal sequence, but not both together. OG10 -124
23. you can't 'demand X to do Y'. – UNIDIOMATIC (subjunctive) {Demand that x do y}
24. it's wrong to say 'preferred X over Y'. the correct idiom is 'prefer X to Y'. take note.
25. the idiom to mistake x for y.
26. Considered as is unidiomatic but Regard as is idiomatic
27. GREATER THAN VS MORE THAN in formal written english, if you are talking about an increase in a single statistic, you use GREATER. if you are counting things, and NOT referring to 'the number' or 'the population' or any other single statistic, you use MORE
the population of filipinos is greater than it was 10 years ago
there are more filipinos than there were 10 years ago
28. the sentence form X is why is unidiomatic (X is the reason why would be idiomatic og10-177
29. 1) idiom : support from vs. support of
support from : is used when you get support from something(someone)
support of : is used to express that you support something
ex) I rallied to the support of my country.
30. because is better than since when explanation of a cause is given.
Saturday, February 20
Idioms/ SC - Notes
Found one document where i had jotted down some of the idioms/notes:
1. the idiom is "believe x to be y." – og 10- q 9
2. the infinitive to be is more appropriate than the limited present-tense is in referring to an event that occurred long ago but has been recently discovered – og 10-q9
3. rates of is incorrect; when rates means "prices charged," it should be followed by for. – OG 10-Q13
4. estimated to be is correct – og 10-q14 –estimated at is unidiomatic
5. the idiomatically correct expression distinguishes between x and y – og 10 –q15
6. the phrases on account of and because of are unidiomatic; because can independently introduce a complete subordinate clause
7. idiomatic expression worried about rather than worried over -- worried about is preferable when describing a condition rather than an action. – OG 10-42
8. none the less ... than in D and no less... as in E are unidiomatic; the correct form of expression, no less ... than, -- OG 10-30
9. the same to X as to Y. – OG 10-54 --- UNIDIOMATIC FORM - the same to X just as [it would] to
10. The phrase have a danger is unidiomatic – OG 10- 63
11. because an adverb such as twice cannot function as an object of the preposition by. – OG 10-72
12. seem is Followed by an infinitive (to indicate), - OG 10-95
13. : x forbids y to do z or x prohibits y from doing z
14. Use "a native of" when you're talking about where a person was born, for example: I am a native of Detroit.
Use "native to" when you're talking about a category, characteristic, or species, for example: Tigers are native to India.
15. Rather than vs Instead of
Rather than shows a judgment. One choice is preferred over the other. It is better somehow.
instead of merely expresses a replacement of one thing for another.
I would rather have ice cream than apple pie because I like ice cream better.
But if there weren't very much ice cream left, and I wanted to save some for tomorrow, I might have apple pie instead of ice cream tonight.
More to follow....
1. the idiom is "believe x to be y." – og 10- q 9
2. the infinitive to be is more appropriate than the limited present-tense is in referring to an event that occurred long ago but has been recently discovered – og 10-q9
3. rates of is incorrect; when rates means "prices charged," it should be followed by for. – OG 10-Q13
4. estimated to be is correct – og 10-q14 –estimated at is unidiomatic
5. the idiomatically correct expression distinguishes between x and y – og 10 –q15
6. the phrases on account of and because of are unidiomatic; because can independently introduce a complete subordinate clause
7. idiomatic expression worried about rather than worried over -- worried about is preferable when describing a condition rather than an action. – OG 10-42
8. none the less ... than in D and no less... as in E are unidiomatic; the correct form of expression, no less ... than, -- OG 10-30
9. the same to X as to Y. – OG 10-54 --- UNIDIOMATIC FORM - the same to X just as [it would] to
10. The phrase have a danger is unidiomatic – OG 10- 63
11. because an adverb such as twice cannot function as an object of the preposition by. – OG 10-72
12. seem is Followed by an infinitive (to indicate), - OG 10-95
13. : x forbids y to do z or x prohibits y from doing z
14. Use "a native of" when you're talking about where a person was born, for example: I am a native of Detroit.
Use "native to" when you're talking about a category, characteristic, or species, for example: Tigers are native to India.
15. Rather than vs Instead of
Rather than shows a judgment. One choice is preferred over the other. It is better somehow.
instead of merely expresses a replacement of one thing for another.
I would rather have ice cream than apple pie because I like ice cream better.
But if there weren't very much ice cream left, and I wanted to save some for tomorrow, I might have apple pie instead of ice cream tonight.
More to follow....
Thursday, February 18
God..Friends and Me
For long i have been contemplating about my relation with few so called "Friends" and with "God". How come i mixed up the topic of friendship and god is a topic of contention.
I have seen my faith in god taking various shades and so has been my relationship with my friends.
As a kid, i was made to believe that god is a supreme power and looks para-normal. God would punish me if i committed a sin and would reward me for my good work. This thought didn't last long and i started believing that irrespective of our actions god loves us. He is magnanimous and forgiving. But once i started facing the real world and faced the real challengesi had to believe that we do get punishment sooner or later.
Slowly and steadily i started thinking of god as one who is similar to me. I still adhere to this thought pattern.
Now, i would slightly change the topic to friendship.A lot of time we we mistake our acquaintance or our peers for our friends. Its not hard to feel frustrated when these people don't live upto your expectations.
Most of you might have guessed that i am trying to vent out my anger for someone. I am not a kind of person who can go out and bash up people. I really cannot do that even if i want to { i have done that in the past but with time i have mellowed down}, so letting out the steam here on my blog.
I really get bogged down when my so called "friends" call me up only to seek some help. It is not that i don't want to help but i feel that this relation can't be friendship. These people would never call me to ask "how am i doing", or they won't hang out with me. I have enough friends to hang out with and it could be that my so called "Friends" might not find me interesting enough but they won't respond when i try to get in touch with them. Now, this is something that i don't like. If i am there for you my friend then you ought to respond when i need you.
So, what do i do..i call it quits. Its good to be a little selfish. As i am done with the post mortem of my failed friendships, i realize that my relation with "God" is going in the very same direction.
I pray to god but i am always asking for one thing or the other. I am a thankless fellow, as soon as i get what i want i hardly give a party to god. I am not responding to his calls.
This sucks!!! and No doubt as i am moving away from my so called "friends", god would have by now...moved away from me...
Many might argue that god is too magnanimous to behave like that. But for me, my god behaves in a similar manner as i do.
Today, when i look back. The life seems good. All the troubles that bogged me once seem trivial. I am glad that i am alive but i am sad that i never thanked god.
God..i love you...i do..i want to give you a hug and say thank for all that you have done for me. I will keep on bothering you with my silly thoughts but from now on i will try and meet you often..i will try to talk to you often...i will try not only to talk but also to listen to you.
I have seen my faith in god taking various shades and so has been my relationship with my friends.
As a kid, i was made to believe that god is a supreme power and looks para-normal. God would punish me if i committed a sin and would reward me for my good work. This thought didn't last long and i started believing that irrespective of our actions god loves us. He is magnanimous and forgiving. But once i started facing the real world and faced the real challengesi had to believe that we do get punishment sooner or later.
Slowly and steadily i started thinking of god as one who is similar to me. I still adhere to this thought pattern.
Now, i would slightly change the topic to friendship.A lot of time we we mistake our acquaintance or our peers for our friends. Its not hard to feel frustrated when these people don't live upto your expectations.
Most of you might have guessed that i am trying to vent out my anger for someone. I am not a kind of person who can go out and bash up people. I really cannot do that even if i want to { i have done that in the past but with time i have mellowed down}, so letting out the steam here on my blog.
I really get bogged down when my so called "friends" call me up only to seek some help. It is not that i don't want to help but i feel that this relation can't be friendship. These people would never call me to ask "how am i doing", or they won't hang out with me. I have enough friends to hang out with and it could be that my so called "Friends" might not find me interesting enough but they won't respond when i try to get in touch with them. Now, this is something that i don't like. If i am there for you my friend then you ought to respond when i need you.
So, what do i do..i call it quits. Its good to be a little selfish. As i am done with the post mortem of my failed friendships, i realize that my relation with "God" is going in the very same direction.
I pray to god but i am always asking for one thing or the other. I am a thankless fellow, as soon as i get what i want i hardly give a party to god. I am not responding to his calls.
This sucks!!! and No doubt as i am moving away from my so called "friends", god would have by now...moved away from me...
Many might argue that god is too magnanimous to behave like that. But for me, my god behaves in a similar manner as i do.
Today, when i look back. The life seems good. All the troubles that bogged me once seem trivial. I am glad that i am alive but i am sad that i never thanked god.
God..i love you...i do..i want to give you a hug and say thank for all that you have done for me. I will keep on bothering you with my silly thoughts but from now on i will try and meet you often..i will try to talk to you often...i will try not only to talk but also to listen to you.
Tuesday, February 16
My Name Is Khan - Movie Review
What has happened to you mr. Wallace? Off late you are reading books, watching movies and are not bothered at all about MBA apps.
Well, i didn't apply this year and 2010 deadlines are far away. I am doing the basic ground work but just want to ensure that before i start the battle i am fresh. So, i am doing what i feel like doing. ;)
My Name is Khan -- MNIK
The Plot: The movie has a very weak plot, as is the case with most of Karan Johar films. The plot revolves around the repurcussions of 9/11 attack on US and how this attack affected the lives of common people. Director has focussed on a man named "Rizwan Khan" who suffers from Asperagus syndrome. Rizwan is played by Shahrukh and if for a moment i get unbiased i will say Shahrukh has done a decent job {3/5} though i find his acting monotonous. {If i get biased i would say like all other Shahrukh movies MNIK sucks {1/5} and i wanted to leave the hall after interval but after all i had paid for the ticket and i have all the time in the world.}
Rizwan is shown as a super talented person who knows everything about the universe. You name it and Rizwan has the answer but he doesn't know a shit about Al Qaeda. Anyways, why Shahrukh worked as a salesman when he could give any scientist or an engineer a run for his money was something that i could not understand.
And why in the hell hero always finds his dream girl always available is another thing that i could not understand. But this is peculiar to Karan Johar genre of movies.
I liked 2 songs "Tere Naina" and "tera sajda" apart fom these two songs music was below average.
Coming back to the plot, the hatred towards Muslims in after math of 9/11 attacks turned Rizwan's life upside down, his love {Played by Kajol -- who hardly had a meaty role} asks him to say something to President of USA. and our Hero sets out on a mission to follow mr. President {i didn't know that travel itenary of US president is out there on google.}.
After some struggle our hero becomes super-hero as he saves town of Georgia from a hurricane {wish we had more Rizwans and govt. wouldn't have to care about natural calamities}. Finally the US president wants to meet mr. Khan and amidst all the melodrama Rizwan khan meets the low cost duplicate of Mr. Obama.
Like all other Karan Johar movies the movie had a happy ending.
A lot of incidences were picked up from Forest Gump but overall the movie didn't have a gripping plot.
Acting: its an out and out Shahrukh Khan movie. Kajol , Vinay Pathak and others are wasted. SRK is ok and is not much different from his other films.
All in all if you are Shahrukh Khan fan then go for the movie else you might repent spending money on the ticket.
its 1.5/5 if u re not SRK/Kajol fan but if you are then its 3.5/5.
Well, i didn't apply this year and 2010 deadlines are far away. I am doing the basic ground work but just want to ensure that before i start the battle i am fresh. So, i am doing what i feel like doing. ;)
My Name is Khan -- MNIK
The Plot: The movie has a very weak plot, as is the case with most of Karan Johar films. The plot revolves around the repurcussions of 9/11 attack on US and how this attack affected the lives of common people. Director has focussed on a man named "Rizwan Khan" who suffers from Asperagus syndrome. Rizwan is played by Shahrukh and if for a moment i get unbiased i will say Shahrukh has done a decent job {3/5} though i find his acting monotonous. {If i get biased i would say like all other Shahrukh movies MNIK sucks {1/5} and i wanted to leave the hall after interval but after all i had paid for the ticket and i have all the time in the world.}
Rizwan is shown as a super talented person who knows everything about the universe. You name it and Rizwan has the answer but he doesn't know a shit about Al Qaeda. Anyways, why Shahrukh worked as a salesman when he could give any scientist or an engineer a run for his money was something that i could not understand.
And why in the hell hero always finds his dream girl always available is another thing that i could not understand. But this is peculiar to Karan Johar genre of movies.
I liked 2 songs "Tere Naina" and "tera sajda" apart fom these two songs music was below average.
Coming back to the plot, the hatred towards Muslims in after math of 9/11 attacks turned Rizwan's life upside down, his love {Played by Kajol -- who hardly had a meaty role} asks him to say something to President of USA. and our Hero sets out on a mission to follow mr. President {i didn't know that travel itenary of US president is out there on google.}.
After some struggle our hero becomes super-hero as he saves town of Georgia from a hurricane {wish we had more Rizwans and govt. wouldn't have to care about natural calamities}. Finally the US president wants to meet mr. Khan and amidst all the melodrama Rizwan khan meets the low cost duplicate of Mr. Obama.
Like all other Karan Johar movies the movie had a happy ending.
A lot of incidences were picked up from Forest Gump but overall the movie didn't have a gripping plot.
Acting: its an out and out Shahrukh Khan movie. Kajol , Vinay Pathak and others are wasted. SRK is ok and is not much different from his other films.
All in all if you are Shahrukh Khan fan then go for the movie else you might repent spending money on the ticket.
its 1.5/5 if u re not SRK/Kajol fan but if you are then its 3.5/5.
Saturday, February 6
Chicago Booth Alum -answers some of my queries
I had written a post earlier that Chicago Booth is one of the best schools with one of the best faculty. But after my interaction with a guy i decided not to apply to Booth. Somehow, i stumbled upon 2 alums of Booth and my view completely changed.
I had imagined Booth students to be ultra-competitive and non co-operative. I would say never make an impression about a school basis your conversation with a single student. Explore many forums and then decide.
Here's an excerpt of my conversation with a super cool Booth alum:
Q: how are the students at GSB? are they ultra competitive or
collaborative? I would prefer a school with a strong inclination
towards team work {That's why Kellogg is my fav}.
before i answer your questions, please remember that this is just my opinion, and i very well might be wrong. and not everything i will say will work for you because i write from my perspective and our profiles (and timing of application) were very different. now to your questions.
i dont think gsb students are ultra competitive. i dont think we are overly friendly as well. the fact that we are more of a commuter school i.e. people travel from various parts of the city and not evryone lives in a close vicinity means that you can never get a experience which a school like darden or tuck might offer. but if you live in a popular neighborhood, there are enough people around to coordinate with, and have beer with. and although we arent necessarily always mushy about our teamwork, there is a lot of teamwork in the school. people collaborate for not just school work, but for competitions and a lot of businesses get started with a collaboration of students who had never met before school. i think that is testament enough that we like to work with other smart people. that doesnt mean that you will gel with everyone, simply because a big school like gsb attracts all kinds of personalities. but there are a lot of people whom you will like and enjoy being around. i found my classmates to be fun, smart, having a point of view, and relatively easy to work with and be around.
*QUES: Will Job switches go against me??* {I have 3 in 5 years}
i dont think 3 job switches is a big worry. you should explain why you made the switch in your career goals essay. it will help the adcom understand that your career moves are well thought after, and not just because you wanted more money (honestly there's nothing wrong in that, but i dont think it sells in a bschool essay).
*QUES: Does Booth promote entrepreneurial spirit? or can you suggest any
other b-school? Its really hard to explore b-schools sitting in India.
I am trying to explore websites and call students but till now I have
only been able to hear back from few students.
gsb is big on entrepreneurship these days, and i think that has been the case for quite some time. you should explore the course offerings, and what's going on in the polsky center. also get in touch with the co-chairs of the EVP club
(http://student.chicagobooth.edu/group/evc/index.htm) - i think it is one of the most popular clubs on campus, is high profile as well because some star professors are involved, and a lot of money is also being pushed into the group and students who want to start ventures. the new venture challenge is a big attraction on campus every year.
*QUES How would you describe your experience at Booth? Given a chance to
go back in time would you again choose Booth or will you prefer some
other college??
my experience was very nice and i think i will suggest gsb to many, although not everyone. the school has its own personality and you have to gel with that. and since i have not seen another school i cant really answer if i will go to a different school if i have to redo my experience. i believe gsb was fun, intellectually stimulating and energetic - all of which i wanted in a school. there are only 2 things which i would have liked to be different - a little less focus on finance and econ (and that is already happeneing with many new things coming up in other departments, but chicago still remains a finance&econ powerhouse, that is our strength and i wont want to change that necessarily). secondly, our alumni network in india isnt as high profile yet, but that's because chicago didnt focus on admitting indian students around 20 years back. this has progressively changed quite a bit, and i forsee our brand name in india to be better each year. overall, i think gsb is a great school, and depending on how you shape your experience there you can achieve anything - it's actually a lot up to the student.
I had imagined Booth students to be ultra-competitive and non co-operative. I would say never make an impression about a school basis your conversation with a single student. Explore many forums and then decide.
Here's an excerpt of my conversation with a super cool Booth alum:
Q: how are the students at GSB? are they ultra competitive or
collaborative? I would prefer a school with a strong inclination
towards team work {That's why Kellogg is my fav}.
before i answer your questions, please remember that this is just my opinion, and i very well might be wrong. and not everything i will say will work for you because i write from my perspective and our profiles (and timing of application) were very different. now to your questions.
i dont think gsb students are ultra competitive. i dont think we are overly friendly as well. the fact that we are more of a commuter school i.e. people travel from various parts of the city and not evryone lives in a close vicinity means that you can never get a experience which a school like darden or tuck might offer. but if you live in a popular neighborhood, there are enough people around to coordinate with, and have beer with. and although we arent necessarily always mushy about our teamwork, there is a lot of teamwork in the school. people collaborate for not just school work, but for competitions and a lot of businesses get started with a collaboration of students who had never met before school. i think that is testament enough that we like to work with other smart people. that doesnt mean that you will gel with everyone, simply because a big school like gsb attracts all kinds of personalities. but there are a lot of people whom you will like and enjoy being around. i found my classmates to be fun, smart, having a point of view, and relatively easy to work with and be around.
*QUES: Will Job switches go against me??* {I have 3 in 5 years}
i dont think 3 job switches is a big worry. you should explain why you made the switch in your career goals essay. it will help the adcom understand that your career moves are well thought after, and not just because you wanted more money (honestly there's nothing wrong in that, but i dont think it sells in a bschool essay).
*QUES: Does Booth promote entrepreneurial spirit? or can you suggest any
other b-school? Its really hard to explore b-schools sitting in India.
I am trying to explore websites and call students but till now I have
only been able to hear back from few students.
gsb is big on entrepreneurship these days, and i think that has been the case for quite some time. you should explore the course offerings, and what's going on in the polsky center. also get in touch with the co-chairs of the EVP club
(http://student.chicagobooth.edu/group/evc/index.htm) - i think it is one of the most popular clubs on campus, is high profile as well because some star professors are involved, and a lot of money is also being pushed into the group and students who want to start ventures. the new venture challenge is a big attraction on campus every year.
*QUES How would you describe your experience at Booth? Given a chance to
go back in time would you again choose Booth or will you prefer some
other college??
my experience was very nice and i think i will suggest gsb to many, although not everyone. the school has its own personality and you have to gel with that. and since i have not seen another school i cant really answer if i will go to a different school if i have to redo my experience. i believe gsb was fun, intellectually stimulating and energetic - all of which i wanted in a school. there are only 2 things which i would have liked to be different - a little less focus on finance and econ (and that is already happeneing with many new things coming up in other departments, but chicago still remains a finance&econ powerhouse, that is our strength and i wont want to change that necessarily). secondly, our alumni network in india isnt as high profile yet, but that's because chicago didnt focus on admitting indian students around 20 years back. this has progressively changed quite a bit, and i forsee our brand name in india to be better each year. overall, i think gsb is a great school, and depending on how you shape your experience there you can achieve anything - it's actually a lot up to the student.
Sunday, January 31
2 States - Book review
Read Chetan Bhagat's latest novel "2 states". After i finished the book i had just one question in my mind: "Mr. Bhagat, you started your writing career brilliantly. Why are you writing just for the sake of writing?"
2 states is spun around the same old issue of inter caste marriage. Its like eating the same old butter chicken but with a different garnishing. Mr. Bhagat says that he wants to send a message across by means of his book. Except for a little flavour of that message the book failed to evoke any emotion towards the message that the author wanted to convey.
The book lacks the plot, Narrative is brilliant towards the begining but is mere average towards the end. The narrative of the book till page no. 154 is ultimate, i felt like kissing the hand that wrote such a hilarious narrative. But post page 154, the book was pathetic. I found it hard to put the book down once i started but after page 154 i had lost interest in the book.
One can read the book if he/she is a die hard Chetan Bhagat fan otherwise go and watch "Ek Duje Ke Liye", its far far far better. 2 states does not seem to be the product of mind that crafted " 5 point someone".
2 states is spun around the same old issue of inter caste marriage. Its like eating the same old butter chicken but with a different garnishing. Mr. Bhagat says that he wants to send a message across by means of his book. Except for a little flavour of that message the book failed to evoke any emotion towards the message that the author wanted to convey.
The book lacks the plot, Narrative is brilliant towards the begining but is mere average towards the end. The narrative of the book till page no. 154 is ultimate, i felt like kissing the hand that wrote such a hilarious narrative. But post page 154, the book was pathetic. I found it hard to put the book down once i started but after page 154 i had lost interest in the book.
One can read the book if he/she is a die hard Chetan Bhagat fan otherwise go and watch "Ek Duje Ke Liye", its far far far better. 2 states does not seem to be the product of mind that crafted " 5 point someone".
Wednesday, January 20
Chicago Booth Faculty -- Lecture -- Financial Crisis
On Friday {Jan-15} i had the opportunity to attend a lecture by Raghuram Rajan. Raghuram Rajan is the Eric J. Gleacher Distinguished Service Professor of Finance at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.
Dr. Rajan is also currently an economic advisor to the Prime Minister of India. Prior to resuming teaching in 2007, Dr. Rajan was the Economic Counselor and Director of Research (in plain English, the Chief Economist) at the International Monetary Fund (from 2003).
There were some 32 Booth alums also present. Raghu spoke on "The Financial Crisis and Beyond : Challenges for India and the Global Economy."
Unlike other people Raghu was not blaming Sub-prime alone for the Financial Tsunami that de-railed the global economy in 2008. Raghu shared other factors such as "US Educational System", "Export oriented economies such as Germany, Japan, China", "Compensation system of big banks", "Competition among CEOs" etc.
According to Raghu the rising gap between income levels of High school pass outs and that of people with higher degrees forced the US govt. to frame certain policies that led to this Financial crisis. There was an oversupply of people who were high school pass outs and this oversupply led to a net reduction in their remuneration. While, people with degrees such as M.S and M.B.A saw their salaries rise by approx 25%. Moreover, there is a continued under-supply of people with higher degrees in US and this is creating a greater than ever rift between the earnings of two income groups.
The problem started way back in 1991 when un-employment rate rose above 10% in US and George Bush Sr. lost the election. The congress forced Fed to cut the rates so that economy could be revived. Congress believed that reducing the fed rates would have a positive effect on the economy and the businesses. As the surplus liquidity would increase the spending power of lower income groups.
In effect the reduced interest rates forced people and businesses to take risk and invest the money in instruments that were traditionally considered risky. Also Mortgage backed securities were developed by leading US i-banks such as Merril, Bear Stern, Lehman etc. In nutshell, the reduction in interest rates provided liquidity to people who in turn invested this money in products such as CDS, MBS etc {Collaterialised debt securities, Mortgage Backed securities}.
To add to the woes the compensation system allowed the traders to take bigger and bigger risks. For, there were big rewards if a trader made money but no penalties if a trader incurred loss. Raghu proposed that the compensation system needs to be altered to bring the sanity back to the market.
Raghu was particularly critical of Bear stern, Lehman and Citi group for placing big bets in 1990s. The bets placed in 1990s paid off but laid the foundation for future problems. By 2007 things got out of control and BS, Lehman and Citi were the biggest losers. Also, Raghu pointed to the competition between CEOs of big i-banks. He was critical of John Thain because Raghu believed that John conciously or unconciously competed with CEO of Goldman Sachs over the compensation. John matched his and his traders compensation with that of traders at Goldman but failed to produce the profits equal to Goldman.
Finally, Raghu drew the attention of audience towards the export oriented economies such as Japan, Germany and China. These economies were highly dependent on US for their own well being. When US sneezed these economies caught cold. This over dependence of three big exporters led to the collapse of global economy. The consumption in US suffered and led to problems for Japan, Germany and China.
Raghu was also critical of China throwing jabs at US. He believes that US engagement in wars was preventing US from acting sternly against China. If US simply imposes an import tarrif on Chinese goods, the Chinese economy would be in trouble.
Post the lecture there was a brief QnA session followed by the networking reception.
Dr. Rajan is also currently an economic advisor to the Prime Minister of India. Prior to resuming teaching in 2007, Dr. Rajan was the Economic Counselor and Director of Research (in plain English, the Chief Economist) at the International Monetary Fund (from 2003).
There were some 32 Booth alums also present. Raghu spoke on "The Financial Crisis and Beyond : Challenges for India and the Global Economy."
Unlike other people Raghu was not blaming Sub-prime alone for the Financial Tsunami that de-railed the global economy in 2008. Raghu shared other factors such as "US Educational System", "Export oriented economies such as Germany, Japan, China", "Compensation system of big banks", "Competition among CEOs" etc.
According to Raghu the rising gap between income levels of High school pass outs and that of people with higher degrees forced the US govt. to frame certain policies that led to this Financial crisis. There was an oversupply of people who were high school pass outs and this oversupply led to a net reduction in their remuneration. While, people with degrees such as M.S and M.B.A saw their salaries rise by approx 25%. Moreover, there is a continued under-supply of people with higher degrees in US and this is creating a greater than ever rift between the earnings of two income groups.
The problem started way back in 1991 when un-employment rate rose above 10% in US and George Bush Sr. lost the election. The congress forced Fed to cut the rates so that economy could be revived. Congress believed that reducing the fed rates would have a positive effect on the economy and the businesses. As the surplus liquidity would increase the spending power of lower income groups.
In effect the reduced interest rates forced people and businesses to take risk and invest the money in instruments that were traditionally considered risky. Also Mortgage backed securities were developed by leading US i-banks such as Merril, Bear Stern, Lehman etc. In nutshell, the reduction in interest rates provided liquidity to people who in turn invested this money in products such as CDS, MBS etc {Collaterialised debt securities, Mortgage Backed securities}.
To add to the woes the compensation system allowed the traders to take bigger and bigger risks. For, there were big rewards if a trader made money but no penalties if a trader incurred loss. Raghu proposed that the compensation system needs to be altered to bring the sanity back to the market.
Raghu was particularly critical of Bear stern, Lehman and Citi group for placing big bets in 1990s. The bets placed in 1990s paid off but laid the foundation for future problems. By 2007 things got out of control and BS, Lehman and Citi were the biggest losers. Also, Raghu pointed to the competition between CEOs of big i-banks. He was critical of John Thain because Raghu believed that John conciously or unconciously competed with CEO of Goldman Sachs over the compensation. John matched his and his traders compensation with that of traders at Goldman but failed to produce the profits equal to Goldman.
Finally, Raghu drew the attention of audience towards the export oriented economies such as Japan, Germany and China. These economies were highly dependent on US for their own well being. When US sneezed these economies caught cold. This over dependence of three big exporters led to the collapse of global economy. The consumption in US suffered and led to problems for Japan, Germany and China.
Raghu was also critical of China throwing jabs at US. He believes that US engagement in wars was preventing US from acting sternly against China. If US simply imposes an import tarrif on Chinese goods, the Chinese economy would be in trouble.
Post the lecture there was a brief QnA session followed by the networking reception.
Friday, January 15
Statistics -- GMAT
I guess all of you must be familiar with the formulae of Mean, Median and Standard Deviation {S.D} ... even if you are not its fine!! Good news is that GMAT does not test your knowledge of formulae involved..Statistics questions do pop up in the exam and following tips might come handy:
1. Standard Deviation gives the dispersion or spread of the data around its mean
* simply means that if standard deviation is large data is spread over a greater range around mean...or a lot of the data points are not close to the mean value
2. Adding or Subtracting a constant value from each term in the set has NO EFFECT ON SD
3. If each term in the set is multiplied by a number > 1 then SD increases
4. If each term in the set is multiplied by a number < 1 then SD decreases
5. If each term divided by a number > 1 then SD decreases
6. If each term divided by a number > 0 but number < 1 then SD increases .
let us say we divide each term by number 'n' , 0 < n < 1 then SD increases
7. Changing the sign of all terms in set has no bearing on SD..
8. If you are given multiple sets of numbers and you have to find out the set with largest and smallest SD just look at the set where the difference between the terms is greatest and the set where the difference between the terms is smallest respectively..
{ i hope the wording is not confusing, i know it sucks brevity per se :) }
1. Standard Deviation gives the dispersion or spread of the data around its mean
* simply means that if standard deviation is large data is spread over a greater range around mean...or a lot of the data points are not close to the mean value
2. Adding or Subtracting a constant value from each term in the set has NO EFFECT ON SD
3. If each term in the set is multiplied by a number > 1 then SD increases
4. If each term in the set is multiplied by a number < 1 then SD decreases
5. If each term divided by a number > 1 then SD decreases
6. If each term divided by a number > 0 but number < 1 then SD increases .
let us say we divide each term by number 'n' , 0 < n < 1 then SD increases
7. Changing the sign of all terms in set has no bearing on SD..
8. If you are given multiple sets of numbers and you have to find out the set with largest and smallest SD just look at the set where the difference between the terms is greatest and the set where the difference between the terms is smallest respectively..
{ i hope the wording is not confusing, i know it sucks brevity per se :) }
Tuesday, January 12
Romeo - Juliet by Braveheart
Written for someone special, who has already got the flower and read this post :)
Many things happen in our life “by chance” and few “by choice”,
We had met “by chance” and are still together “by choice”,
“By chance” I got this flower for you and as I kept it on my Car’s dashboard
I noticed dew drops on its petals,
“By chance” I heard a sigh, it was this flower who was crying,
“By chance” he started talking and told me that you are looking at my tears and not the dew drops,
“By chance” I had mistaken tears for dew drops,
The story that I am sharing with you is “by chance” Romeo’s story,
“By chance” the flower that you are holding is “Romeo”, { i gave her the flower }
“By chance” Romeo spoke to me and “By choice” shared his story
Romeo was a seed few months ago and so was Juliet,
Both were colorless, without any fragrance and had no feelings
“By chance” a gardener sowed both of them next to each other.
“By chance” both of them got Sunshine, Rain and Mother Earth’s Lap
“By choice” both decided to Blossom,
“By chance” both blossomed
“By chance” Romeo grew up handsomely
“By chance” Juliet grew up beautifully
“By chance” Romeo and Juliet grew up together
“By choice” they started loving each other
“By choice” they touched each other when breeze swung them,
“By choice” they spent sleepless nights under the blue Moon,
“By choice” they danced together when it rained,
“By choice” they PROMISED TO BE TOGETHER FOREVER
One fine day, “by chance” the gardener who had sown Romeo and Juliet, plucked them,
“By choice” he sold them to a florist,
“By chance” the florist put Juliet in a bouquet and Romeo in a bucket full of water
“By choice” they kept on looking at each other,
“By choice” they cried,
“By chance” I bought Romeo; “by chance” I mistook his tears for the dew drops
“By chance” Romeo shared his story with me and “By choice” I went back to florist
“By chance” I was too late…Someone took Juliet away
“By choice” I was silent and “By chance” Romeo understood what my silence meant
“By choice” I decided to bring a smile BACK on Romeo’s face,
I decided to take him to Juliet and the way Romeo had described Juliet
I thought of someone who resembles his Juliet,
“By chance” its you …..
“By chance” Juliet had pink cheeks like yours
“By chance” she was as innocent as you are
“By chance” your fragrance compliments that of hers’
“By chance” Juliet was as gorgeous as you are
Romeo won’t last more than 3 days and will leave us to mingle with Juliet
“By chance” would you mind keeping Romeo with you?
“By choice” Smile…for you will touch Romeo’s soul….
Smile…for you may realize that life is short….
Smile…for you may smile now when you are with me…
Many things happen in our life “by chance” and few “by choice”,
We had met “by chance” and are still together “by choice”,
“By chance” I got this flower for you and as I kept it on my Car’s dashboard
I noticed dew drops on its petals,
“By chance” I heard a sigh, it was this flower who was crying,
“By chance” he started talking and told me that you are looking at my tears and not the dew drops,
“By chance” I had mistaken tears for dew drops,
The story that I am sharing with you is “by chance” Romeo’s story,
“By chance” the flower that you are holding is “Romeo”, { i gave her the flower }
“By chance” Romeo spoke to me and “By choice” shared his story
Romeo was a seed few months ago and so was Juliet,
Both were colorless, without any fragrance and had no feelings
“By chance” a gardener sowed both of them next to each other.
“By chance” both of them got Sunshine, Rain and Mother Earth’s Lap
“By choice” both decided to Blossom,
“By chance” both blossomed
“By chance” Romeo grew up handsomely
“By chance” Juliet grew up beautifully
“By chance” Romeo and Juliet grew up together
“By choice” they started loving each other
“By choice” they touched each other when breeze swung them,
“By choice” they spent sleepless nights under the blue Moon,
“By choice” they danced together when it rained,
“By choice” they PROMISED TO BE TOGETHER FOREVER
One fine day, “by chance” the gardener who had sown Romeo and Juliet, plucked them,
“By choice” he sold them to a florist,
“By chance” the florist put Juliet in a bouquet and Romeo in a bucket full of water
“By choice” they kept on looking at each other,
“By choice” they cried,
“By chance” I bought Romeo; “by chance” I mistook his tears for the dew drops
“By chance” Romeo shared his story with me and “By choice” I went back to florist
“By chance” I was too late…Someone took Juliet away
“By choice” I was silent and “By chance” Romeo understood what my silence meant
“By choice” I decided to bring a smile BACK on Romeo’s face,
I decided to take him to Juliet and the way Romeo had described Juliet
I thought of someone who resembles his Juliet,
“By chance” its you …..
“By chance” Juliet had pink cheeks like yours
“By chance” she was as innocent as you are
“By chance” your fragrance compliments that of hers’
“By chance” Juliet was as gorgeous as you are
Romeo won’t last more than 3 days and will leave us to mingle with Juliet
“By chance” would you mind keeping Romeo with you?
“By choice” Smile…for you will touch Romeo’s soul….
Smile…for you may realize that life is short….
Smile…for you may smile now when you are with me…
Monday, January 4
2010
New year brings a lot of resolutions. People make all kinds of promises to themselves such as "I will cut down on junk", "i will quit smoking", "i will study hard" etc etc.
For years i have been making resolutions and breaking them at will. So, this year i have decided not to create a wishlist. I would live each day to the fullest. I would be a kid again and will get excited when i see the rainbow. I would write on anything and everything that would make me happy.
I would enjoy every sip of my coffee, every bite of my pizza. I would do what i love to do rather than simply piling on.
I will focus on 2-3 things that make me happy rather than running around aimlessly.
With that i wish all of you a very happy and prosperous 2010...
For years i have been making resolutions and breaking them at will. So, this year i have decided not to create a wishlist. I would live each day to the fullest. I would be a kid again and will get excited when i see the rainbow. I would write on anything and everything that would make me happy.
I would enjoy every sip of my coffee, every bite of my pizza. I would do what i love to do rather than simply piling on.
I will focus on 2-3 things that make me happy rather than running around aimlessly.
With that i wish all of you a very happy and prosperous 2010...
Wednesday, December 30
2009 -- Memories
There are 52 weeks in a year and i believe that i should have 52 memories at the end of each year, memories that can titilate me in the years to come. 2009 was a year where i conjured up some of the great moments and just wanted to record some of them on my blog"
1. My trip to Mcleodganj with Miss S...we went to Monastaries..travelled to remote places...
2. GMAT -- dated miss G...finally kissed the sweetheart
3. Trip to water park with Miss S on her B-day-- now that trip was awesome...
Dont want to paste the pics ;)
4. Dec-26 -- miss S and i had a blast today-- cloud no. 9 ;)
5. Back Injury -- :'( -- taught me patience -- never to go over-board -- realized my weaknesses
6. Dad's new car -- pa bought his new car and was really excited --
Van huesen shirt -- $60
Chevy - $15, 000/- {i didn't make the payment ;) }
Watching the content smile on your dad's face -- price less
7. Bro becomes a doctor -- {but i wont go to him for the treatment -- old foes you know :) }
8. Visiting my Alma Mater with friends -- Tears of joy :'( -- miss those days...
9. Starting this blog -- Realized that i can write --
10. Got my passport {how can i forget this}
11. Registered my NGO --"The Illuminati" {and so is the name of this blog}...
With this post i bring an end to my blogging for the year. Wishing you all a very happy and fruitful New Year....
1. My trip to Mcleodganj with Miss S...we went to Monastaries..travelled to remote places...
2. GMAT -- dated miss G...finally kissed the sweetheart
3. Trip to water park with Miss S on her B-day-- now that trip was awesome...
Dont want to paste the pics ;)
4. Dec-26 -- miss S and i had a blast today-- cloud no. 9 ;)
5. Back Injury -- :'( -- taught me patience -- never to go over-board -- realized my weaknesses
6. Dad's new car -- pa bought his new car and was really excited --
Van huesen shirt -- $60
Chevy - $15, 000/- {i didn't make the payment ;) }
Watching the content smile on your dad's face -- price less
7. Bro becomes a doctor -- {but i wont go to him for the treatment -- old foes you know :) }
8. Visiting my Alma Mater with friends -- Tears of joy :'( -- miss those days...
9. Starting this blog -- Realized that i can write --
10. Got my passport {how can i forget this}
11. Registered my NGO --"The Illuminati" {and so is the name of this blog}...
With this post i bring an end to my blogging for the year. Wishing you all a very happy and fruitful New Year....
Tuesday, December 29
Permutation n Combination
This is one of the most dreaded topics that a candidate can face in the GMAT exam. But, there are limited patterns that are asked in GMAT and if we can master them then i don't think one will have any trouble in solving these type of questions on GMAT.
I just got hold of my notes and decided to share em with fellow bloggers {there are some good questions that i will paste at the end of this post}:
1 Permutation : Permutation means arrangement of things. The word arrangement is used, if the order of things is considered.
2. Combination: Combination means selection of things. The word selection is used, when the order of things has no importance.
3. Example: Suppose we have to form a number of consisting of three digits using the digits 1,2,3,4,
To form this number the digits have to be arranged. Different numbers will get formed depending upon the order in which we arrange the digits. This is an example of Permutation.
4. Now suppose that we have to make a team of 11 players out of 20 players, This is an example of combination, because the order of players in the team will not result in a change in the team. No matter in which order we list out the players the team will remain the same! For a different team to be formed at least one player will have to be changed.
5. nPr = n!/(n-r)!
6. Note : Factorial of negative-number is not defined. The expression –3! has no meaning.
7. Number of permutations of n-thing, taken all at a time, in which ‘P’ are of one type, ‘g’ of them are of second-type, ‘r’ of them re of third-type, and rest are all different is given by :-
(n!)/(p!*q!*r!)
8. Circular permutations
(a) If clockwise and anti clock-wise orders are different, then total number of circular-permutations is given by (n-1)!
(b) If clock-wise and anti-clock-wise orders are taken as not different, then total number of circular-permutations is given by (n-1)!/2!
Restricted – Permutations
9(a) Number of permutations of ‘n’ things, taken ‘r’ at a time, when a particular thing is to be always included in each arrangement:
r*( n-1) P(r-1)
9(b) Number of permutations of ‘n’ things, taken ‘r’ at a time, when a particular thing is never taken:
(n-1) P(r)
10. nCr = nC(n-r) {general formula}
11. Total number of ways of selecting one or more things out of n different things
nC1 + nC2 + nC3 + ------------- + nCn = 2^n - 1
12. Total number of ways of selecting ZERO or More things out of n different things
(nC0 + nC1 + -----------------nCn) = 2^n
13. (nC0 + nC1 + -----------------nCn) = 2^n {general formula}
14. Number of ways of selecting zero or more things from ‘n’ identical things is given by :- n+1
15. Number of ways of selecting one or more things from ‘p’ identical things of one type ‘q’ identical things of another type, ‘r’ identical things of the third type and ‘n’ different things is given by :
(p+1) (q+1) (r+1)(2^n – 1)
Some good questions to apply the theory
Q How many ways can 10 letters be posted in 5 post boxes, if each of the post boxes can take more than 10 letters?
Q How many numbers are there between 100 and 1000 such that atleast one of their digits is 6?
Q How many ways can 4 prizes be given away to 3 boys, if each boy is eligible for all the prizes?
Q How many alphabets need to be there in a language if one were to make 1 million distinct 3 digit initials using the alphabets of the language?
Q How many number of times will the digit '7' be written when listing the integers from 1 to 1000?
Q Badri has 9 pairs of dark Blue socks and 9 pairs of Black socks. He keeps them all in a same bag. If he picks out three socks at random what is the probability he will get a matching pair?
Q How many words of 4 consonants and 3 vowels can be made from 12 consonants and 4 vowels, if all the letters are different?
Q If the letters of the word CHASM are rearranged to form 5 letter words such that none of the word repeat and the results arranged in ascending order as in a dictionary what is the rank of the word CHASM?
Q When four fair dice are rolled simultaneously, in how many outcomes will at least one of the dice show 3?
Q There are 5 Rock songs, 6 Carnatic songs and 3 Indi pop songs. How many different albums can be formed using the above repertoire if the albums should contain at least 1 Rock song and 1 Carnatic song?
I just got hold of my notes and decided to share em with fellow bloggers {there are some good questions that i will paste at the end of this post}:
1 Permutation : Permutation means arrangement of things. The word arrangement is used, if the order of things is considered.
2. Combination: Combination means selection of things. The word selection is used, when the order of things has no importance.
3. Example: Suppose we have to form a number of consisting of three digits using the digits 1,2,3,4,
To form this number the digits have to be arranged. Different numbers will get formed depending upon the order in which we arrange the digits. This is an example of Permutation.
4. Now suppose that we have to make a team of 11 players out of 20 players, This is an example of combination, because the order of players in the team will not result in a change in the team. No matter in which order we list out the players the team will remain the same! For a different team to be formed at least one player will have to be changed.
5. nPr = n!/(n-r)!
6. Note : Factorial of negative-number is not defined. The expression –3! has no meaning.
7. Number of permutations of n-thing, taken all at a time, in which ‘P’ are of one type, ‘g’ of them are of second-type, ‘r’ of them re of third-type, and rest are all different is given by :-
(n!)/(p!*q!*r!)
8. Circular permutations
(a) If clockwise and anti clock-wise orders are different, then total number of circular-permutations is given by (n-1)!
(b) If clock-wise and anti-clock-wise orders are taken as not different, then total number of circular-permutations is given by (n-1)!/2!
Restricted – Permutations
9(a) Number of permutations of ‘n’ things, taken ‘r’ at a time, when a particular thing is to be always included in each arrangement:
r*( n-1) P(r-1)
9(b) Number of permutations of ‘n’ things, taken ‘r’ at a time, when a particular thing is never taken:
(n-1) P(r)
10. nCr = nC(n-r) {general formula}
11. Total number of ways of selecting one or more things out of n different things
nC1 + nC2 + nC3 + ------------- + nCn = 2^n - 1
12. Total number of ways of selecting ZERO or More things out of n different things
(nC0 + nC1 + -----------------nCn) = 2^n
13. (nC0 + nC1 + -----------------nCn) = 2^n {general formula}
14. Number of ways of selecting zero or more things from ‘n’ identical things is given by :- n+1
15. Number of ways of selecting one or more things from ‘p’ identical things of one type ‘q’ identical things of another type, ‘r’ identical things of the third type and ‘n’ different things is given by :
(p+1) (q+1) (r+1)(2^n – 1)
Some good questions to apply the theory
Q How many ways can 10 letters be posted in 5 post boxes, if each of the post boxes can take more than 10 letters?
Q How many numbers are there between 100 and 1000 such that atleast one of their digits is 6?
Q How many ways can 4 prizes be given away to 3 boys, if each boy is eligible for all the prizes?
Q How many alphabets need to be there in a language if one were to make 1 million distinct 3 digit initials using the alphabets of the language?
Q How many number of times will the digit '7' be written when listing the integers from 1 to 1000?
Q Badri has 9 pairs of dark Blue socks and 9 pairs of Black socks. He keeps them all in a same bag. If he picks out three socks at random what is the probability he will get a matching pair?
Q How many words of 4 consonants and 3 vowels can be made from 12 consonants and 4 vowels, if all the letters are different?
Q If the letters of the word CHASM are rearranged to form 5 letter words such that none of the word repeat and the results arranged in ascending order as in a dictionary what is the rank of the word CHASM?
Q When four fair dice are rolled simultaneously, in how many outcomes will at least one of the dice show 3?
Q There are 5 Rock songs, 6 Carnatic songs and 3 Indi pop songs. How many different albums can be formed using the above repertoire if the albums should contain at least 1 Rock song and 1 Carnatic song?
Monday, December 28
For everything else there's mastercard!!!
Waiting for your beloved on a date, finally watching them come. Grinning and trying to control yourself -- Priceless
Getting an SMS from your beloved, Reading, Re-Reading and Reading that SMS again -- Priceless
Wanting to hold the hand of your beloved and to be able to do so -- Priceless
Fighting with your beloved and making them smile while she is still crying -- Out of the world
To just sit besides her -- sipping the coffee -- watching her talk -- watching her smile -- watching her act stupid and wanting to become one yourself {stupid of-course } -- Amazing
Thinking about your last meeting and re-living those moments -- Aha
I can go on and on and on but the left side of my Brain is now screaming at the highest possible pitch. The poor fellow is asking me to hang up my boots and change the name on this blog from Braveheart to Lovebird
How to tell this poor chap that it was love that inspired William Wallace to fight his enemies and change the course of the history.
"Love is like diarrhea you just can't hold it in" for everything else there's mastercard!
Getting an SMS from your beloved, Reading, Re-Reading and Reading that SMS again -- Priceless
Wanting to hold the hand of your beloved and to be able to do so -- Priceless
Fighting with your beloved and making them smile while she is still crying -- Out of the world
To just sit besides her -- sipping the coffee -- watching her talk -- watching her smile -- watching her act stupid and wanting to become one yourself {stupid of-course } -- Amazing
Thinking about your last meeting and re-living those moments -- Aha
I can go on and on and on but the left side of my Brain is now screaming at the highest possible pitch. The poor fellow is asking me to hang up my boots and change the name on this blog from Braveheart to Lovebird
How to tell this poor chap that it was love that inspired William Wallace to fight his enemies and change the course of the history.
"Love is like diarrhea you just can't hold it in" for everything else there's mastercard!
Tuesday, December 22
Miss S
I keep on mentioning miss S in my posts, few of the readers have asked me about her. Well, miss S is someone who lives in my dreams. As i wrote this line miss S screamed...i thought that was scream of joy...but her expressions told me that it wasn't the case. Her stare soon reminded me that she is a reality. ;)
So, coming back to the question "Who is miss S?", well she is a girl {obviously man, we know that miss is used for gals}. ok ok...Miss S is someone who lives with me {ok..she is my love...another stare and now she is actually dictating this post}...and is forcing me to write a post on her. She constantly complains that i write so many posts about miss G {miss GMAT} and none about her. How shall i tell her that she is so wonderful that i fail to find the right adjectives for her.
To say that she is lovely would be a misnomer. The only thing that comes to my mind when i think of miss S is {Okay..now since miss S is not here and i have the freedom to pour my heart out, here i go}
"A Red Rose...with refreshing dew on its petals...sunlight scaterring through that dew drop...and creating a halo of rainbow over the rose..." {i wrote this myself..no dictation }
Miss S you complete me and you move me. I am grateful to you for bringing a stability in my otherwise turbulent life. Every morning when i wake up i want to see your face and smile. Every evening i want to get back to you and hug you. You're the book of my life though i might be just one chapter of yours'.
I have got just one life, its been great, and at times terrible, i know i won't live eternally but i would love you till my last breath. It was a wonderful feeling to fall in love with you and i would die a 1000 times to fall in love with you all over again.
p.s: I love you {remember how you cried in the theatre :) }, i do
So, coming back to the question "Who is miss S?", well she is a girl {obviously man, we know that miss is used for gals}. ok ok...Miss S is someone who lives with me {ok..she is my love...another stare and now she is actually dictating this post}...and is forcing me to write a post on her. She constantly complains that i write so many posts about miss G {miss GMAT} and none about her. How shall i tell her that she is so wonderful that i fail to find the right adjectives for her.
To say that she is lovely would be a misnomer. The only thing that comes to my mind when i think of miss S is {Okay..now since miss S is not here and i have the freedom to pour my heart out, here i go}
"A Red Rose...with refreshing dew on its petals...sunlight scaterring through that dew drop...and creating a halo of rainbow over the rose..." {i wrote this myself..no dictation }
Miss S you complete me and you move me. I am grateful to you for bringing a stability in my otherwise turbulent life. Every morning when i wake up i want to see your face and smile. Every evening i want to get back to you and hug you. You're the book of my life though i might be just one chapter of yours'.
I have got just one life, its been great, and at times terrible, i know i won't live eternally but i would love you till my last breath. It was a wonderful feeling to fall in love with you and i would die a 1000 times to fall in love with you all over again.
p.s: I love you {remember how you cried in the theatre :) }, i do
Thursday, December 17
B-school Ranking -- Which source is the best??
First thing that comes to the mind of perspective MBA candidates while shortlisting the target b-schools is the b-school rankings. Now, we have a number of b-school rankings in the market. How to determine which source is best? Obviously no two rankings place the same school at the same slot {for eg Businessweek places Tuck at 12th while forbes has recently placed Tuck at 2nd}. Things become tough for applicants when they see FT or WSJ or US news rankings. The top 5 would comprise of same schools but pegged at different places.
The big question is which ranking is the best and which one is the most accurate. While rankings cannot be ignored, they should not be the sole criteria for shortlisting b-schools. Why? ok, they should be a factor because the school from which you will pass will be the brand that you will carry for the rest of your life. Why not?ok, even if you go to harvard and cant learn a single thing and cant make it to the career of your choice then whats the use of brand name Harvard. {I might be in trouble when i say this :) }. Ok i will try to cover my @ss.
Prada means prestige but consider a stileto by Prada having 12 inch heels {i guess gals wud better be able to link up with this example}. While you will wear it, you will feel tall but will you be comfortable?? And how about the side effects that follow??{high heels may contribute to knee and back problems, disabling injuries in falls, shortened calf muscles, and an awkward, unnatural gait.}. People will be impressed by Prada but when you will have to walk you will curse your choice.
I would rather wear an inexpensive unbranded footwear than wear a prada and feel like a fool.
So before one peeps into rankings one must answer the following questions honestly:
1. Why MBA {what are the reasons apart from money??}
2. What are the skills that you want to learn {Now MBA bridges the gap between your existing skill-set and the desirable skill-set that you would aspire to have post MBA. }
3. What kind of class environment you are looking for?? is it ultra competitive or collaborative??
4. What is the mix of class room learning and peer learning? or mix of case learning and theoretical learning?
5. What are the long term career prospects?? Whats the long term ROI??
6. Whether i will b able to switch careers {say you want to switch from IT to consulting, and you get into Harvard, now you will have to compete with best of the best for a place in the coveted firm. }
7. Whats the Alum network like at my perspective school?
Once you answer these questions in great detail start lookingat the rankings. If ROI is the biggest factor in your decision making process, go no further than Forbes Business School rankings.
Forbes Ranking
Forbes ranks return on investment of MBA programs based on:
Average 5-year increase in compensation compared to pre-MBA salary for each school's graduates
Cost of each MBA program, including estimated foregone salary
Detailed MBA Rankings Methodology
Forbes ranks MBA programs based on return on investment (ROI) achieved by graduates. Forbes surveys alumni at over 100 schools and compares their earnings in their first five years out of business school to their opportunity costs (two years of forgone compensation, tuition and required fees). Forbes then:
The Salary incremental {Outgoing salary - Incoming salary } is one of the biggest factor in FT rankings. Now this is something i dont like. ISB is ranked ahead of Kellogg {Man its not Kellogg corn flakes, its Kellogg Business School}. To make the matters worse FT uses some PPP conversion index = value provided by world bank. Thus weighted average salary calculated by FT comes out to be:
WAS = average of salary (with some adjustments) x PPP ;
thus ISB's "WAS" becomes larger than Kellogg's or Ross's or Duke's WAS...crap.
*Personally i dont give a **** to FT rankings after this debacle.
BusinessWeek Rankings
BusinessWeek bases its MBA rankings on:
The Wall Street Journal MBA Rankings
The Wall Street Journal bases its MBA program rankings 100% on surveys of recruiters' perceptions of the MBA programs from which they recruit.
Now i dont like this method..Why? Where's the students Perspective?? Where's the ROI?? Good that you are asking the External customer about his satisfaction level but what about the satisfaction level of Students?? I dont think one goes to a b-school to make the recruiter proud {that might be one reason} but money, career opportunities, learning, ROI etc play a big role.
U.S. News & World Report bases its MBA rankings:
Once you are done with the introspection part, i would suggest that Businessweek, Forbes or US news be used as a reference to shortlist schools of top reputation.
2. What are the skills that you want to learn {Now MBA bridges the gap between your existing skill-set and the desirable skill-set that you would aspire to have post MBA. }
3. What kind of class environment you are looking for?? is it ultra competitive or collaborative??
4. What is the mix of class room learning and peer learning? or mix of case learning and theoretical learning?
5. What are the long term career prospects?? Whats the long term ROI??
6. Whether i will b able to switch careers {say you want to switch from IT to consulting, and you get into Harvard, now you will have to compete with best of the best for a place in the coveted firm. }
7. Whats the Alum network like at my perspective school?
Forbes ranks return on investment of MBA programs based on:
Average 5-year increase in compensation compared to pre-MBA salary for each school's graduates
Cost of each MBA program, including estimated foregone salary
- Adjusts for cost of living expenses
- Discounts earnings gains using a rate tied to money market yields
- Discounts tuition to account for students who pay in-state rates and for the non-repayable financial aid from schools
- Accounts for required fees that students must pay on top of tuition
WAS = average of salary (with some adjustments) x PPP ;
thus ISB's "WAS" becomes larger than Kellogg's or Ross's or Duke's WAS...crap.
*Personally i dont give a **** to FT rankings after this debacle.
BusinessWeek Rankings
BusinessWeek bases its MBA rankings on:
- 45% on student satisfaction surveys of recent MBA Program graduates
- 45% on surveys of corporate recruiters based on their experiences with a school's graduates
- 10% on "intellectual capital" calculated by BusinessWeek, which tallies points for appearance of the faculty's research in 18 specific publications
The Wall Street Journal MBA Rankings
Now i dont like this method..Why? Where's the students Perspective?? Where's the ROI?? Good that you are asking the External customer about his satisfaction level but what about the satisfaction level of Students?? I dont think one goes to a b-school to make the recruiter proud {that might be one reason} but money, career opportunities, learning, ROI etc play a big role.
U.S. News & World Report bases its MBA rankings:
- 25% on ratings by business school deans and MBA program directors
- 15% on ratings by recruiters of the schools at which they recruit
- 35% on placement statistics provided by each school
- 25% on school-reported "selectivity", the percentage of applicants the school accepts for admission
Once you are done with the introspection part, i would suggest that Businessweek, Forbes or US news be used as a reference to shortlist schools of top reputation.
Monday, December 14
Inexplicable!!!
The emotional tsunami is killing me!!! I am feeling like a hollow man .. There is so much to express and so much to share but the cyclone of restlessness has gripped me and is going to rip me apart.
There are certain emotions that shape our lives {dont believe me ...emotion = e + motion = energy in motion, emotions are 14 times stronger than logic and these emotions eventually shape our actions and hence our destiny} and we still fail to recognize some of the emotions and our failure to recognize them causes restlessness. After a long struggle i have identified the emotion that is bothering me for so long , i was aware of its existense but kept myself busy in order to keep my mind distracted so that it could never figure it out {am going nuts i think :) }. Now while i am fully aware of the emotion, i am afraid of the consequences that might follow when i will express this emotion {reality might not be that bad but we oftn sketch scary scenes}.
I really want to express my feelings but am failing to find the right words. I am trying to run away from everything but this thought, this emotion won't leave me..
God help me! ... really the feeling is inexplicable...its really a nice feeling but my failure to express it is causing a lot of trouble.
There are certain emotions that shape our lives {dont believe me ...emotion = e + motion = energy in motion, emotions are 14 times stronger than logic and these emotions eventually shape our actions and hence our destiny} and we still fail to recognize some of the emotions and our failure to recognize them causes restlessness. After a long struggle i have identified the emotion that is bothering me for so long , i was aware of its existense but kept myself busy in order to keep my mind distracted so that it could never figure it out {am going nuts i think :) }. Now while i am fully aware of the emotion, i am afraid of the consequences that might follow when i will express this emotion {reality might not be that bad but we oftn sketch scary scenes}.
I really want to express my feelings but am failing to find the right words. I am trying to run away from everything but this thought, this emotion won't leave me..
God help me! ... really the feeling is inexplicable...its really a nice feeling but my failure to express it is causing a lot of trouble.
Friday, December 11
AWA - 5.5
Finally, got my AWA result...5.5 ...So i would re-iterate don't spend much time on AWA...
i had not even spell-checked or proof read my actual essays...
i guess blogging helps ;) ...
i had not even spell-checked or proof read my actual essays...
i guess blogging helps ;) ...
Thursday, December 10
Reflections - GMAT do's and dont's
I am through with my GMAT but as i reflect on my preparation and GMAT experience, i have certain suggestions that will really help perspective test takers.
AWA: AWA score does not matter much but its better to write AWA on last 2-3 mocks. {Simply to build stamina.} Write AWA for 1 hour before you start the quant section.
Mocks: I guess 6 Manhattan, GMAT prep {with as many retakes as possible} and one free GMAT club test {quant is really good} are sufficient. Last 2-3 mocks should be given in a cyber cafe {would replicate the exam centre experience} under timed conditions.
if you get 750 on a mock dont think that you will get 750 on real thing...see the score as a range..750 mock means 700-800{omg 800 ;)} on real thing...
Mock Analysis: Analysis of mocks should take you more time than actually writing them.
1. Never look at the answers straight away if you geta problem wrong. Try hard and solve it, will help you in learning a lot of concepts. Simply looking at answer wont solve the purpose.
2. Look at the explanation of each and very answer choice...why a particular choice is wrong...GMAT repeats a certain pre set patterns...RECOGNIZE THE PATTERNS
Exercise: If you regularly train with weights nothing like it...else start jogging ...daily for 20-25 mins...will help a lot in relieving stress ... and will keep you energetic...i jogged till the very last day...and believe me it helped.
Eat Healthy: GMAT prep is stressful and often you will neglect your diet. Keep taking multivitamins {Zinco-vit was the one that i took}, have lots of fruits...keep hydrated {atleast 2 lt of water everyday}...
SLEEP: Sleep really well for 10-15 days before the exam...you should be so charged up before the exam that GMAT should be afraid of you...Think of GMAT as your perspective date and be eager for the meeting...
Meditate: Meditate -- breath deep...pray...it gives strength
Exam day: Prefer morning time...because of exam anxiety a lot of people dont sleep well and get up too early on exam day...dont book afternoon or evening appointment...you will un-necessarily tire yourself...
Eat a healthy breakfast...consume carbohydrates..be very normal..read paper or watch tv if you normally do so at that time...
Take red-bull or any other energy drink -- caffeine will keep you awake during verbal section....also keep some nutribars and chocolates for breaks...
Utilize your breaks wisely...STRETCH..WASH YOUR FACE..RE-CHARGE...
during the exam SIMPLY FOCUS ON THE QUESTION AT HAND AND FORGET ABOUT THE REST...
Keep an eye on the watch...guess intelligently if you have to....REMEMBER 30% OF QUESTIONS ARE EXPERIMENTAL...
and yes before the xam be honest and consistent with your prep,..Work smart --
all da best :)
p.s: i love you..oops watched this movie yesterday night..want to go to ireland..can someone sponsor me>>
p.s: Will post some DS fundae soon....
AWA: AWA score does not matter much but its better to write AWA on last 2-3 mocks. {Simply to build stamina.} Write AWA for 1 hour before you start the quant section.
Mocks: I guess 6 Manhattan, GMAT prep {with as many retakes as possible} and one free GMAT club test {quant is really good} are sufficient. Last 2-3 mocks should be given in a cyber cafe {would replicate the exam centre experience} under timed conditions.
if you get 750 on a mock dont think that you will get 750 on real thing...see the score as a range..750 mock means 700-800{omg 800 ;)} on real thing...
Mock Analysis: Analysis of mocks should take you more time than actually writing them.
1. Never look at the answers straight away if you geta problem wrong. Try hard and solve it, will help you in learning a lot of concepts. Simply looking at answer wont solve the purpose.
2. Look at the explanation of each and very answer choice...why a particular choice is wrong...GMAT repeats a certain pre set patterns...RECOGNIZE THE PATTERNS
Exercise: If you regularly train with weights nothing like it...else start jogging ...daily for 20-25 mins...will help a lot in relieving stress ... and will keep you energetic...i jogged till the very last day...and believe me it helped.
Eat Healthy: GMAT prep is stressful and often you will neglect your diet. Keep taking multivitamins {Zinco-vit was the one that i took}, have lots of fruits...keep hydrated {atleast 2 lt of water everyday}...
SLEEP: Sleep really well for 10-15 days before the exam...you should be so charged up before the exam that GMAT should be afraid of you...Think of GMAT as your perspective date and be eager for the meeting...
Meditate: Meditate -- breath deep...pray...it gives strength
Exam day: Prefer morning time...because of exam anxiety a lot of people dont sleep well and get up too early on exam day...dont book afternoon or evening appointment...you will un-necessarily tire yourself...
Eat a healthy breakfast...consume carbohydrates..be very normal..read paper or watch tv if you normally do so at that time...
Take red-bull or any other energy drink -- caffeine will keep you awake during verbal section....also keep some nutribars and chocolates for breaks...
Utilize your breaks wisely...STRETCH..WASH YOUR FACE..RE-CHARGE...
during the exam SIMPLY FOCUS ON THE QUESTION AT HAND AND FORGET ABOUT THE REST...
Keep an eye on the watch...guess intelligently if you have to....REMEMBER 30% OF QUESTIONS ARE EXPERIMENTAL...
and yes before the xam be honest and consistent with your prep,..Work smart --
all da best :)
p.s: i love you..oops watched this movie yesterday night..want to go to ireland..can someone sponsor me>>
p.s: Will post some DS fundae soon....
Saturday, December 5
The Debrief
q-50 --93 percentile, v - 41 - 92 percentile --overall - 740 -- 97 percentile.. AWA --result awaited
Prep time -- Approx 6 weeks --daily 2 hours
Study Material --
SC {accuracy rate at the start - approx 40% ..at the end approx 90%}
Manhattan SC guide must have gone through it atleast 7 times. Don't just read it STUDY IT.
Once i grasped the basics well i picked up OG, did all the questions thoroughly. When i say thoroughly i mean to say that i figured out error in each and every answer choice. This helped me to understand the various patterns of error that appear on the GMAT. {Accuracy had improved to about 70%}
When i say ientify the error -- dont simply say that this choice is awkward or does not make sense etc etc --- pen down the error type...whether it is Sub-Verb or Pronoun or modifier ---
Adamjohn's Notes -- Has some of the finest questions and also superb explanations by an expert called 800Bob. Learnt a lot of tricks here and have posted some of them on my blog
1000 SC -- did approx 400 questions, some people say that 1000 sc is not a reliable source. Agreed! but the %age of poor questions is low. This source is good for practise once you are done with OG. Again identify the error type in each and every choice.
CR {Accuracy at the start -- approx 40-50% ..at the end 70-75%, though hit rate in OG was 90+% but OG level is way too low as compared to the real thing.}
Powerscore Bible -- won't recommend it -- consumes too much time....though practice the following from powerscore:
1. Flaw in reasoning,
2. Evaluate the argument --- Saw atleast 3 questions on real thing
BTG {Beat The GMAT} Forum Questions -- did a lot of them and tried to support my answers with reasoning....Please share your reasoning with every answer...simply saying IMO A,B or C wont help a lot....
Approach -- Read the argument carefully -- Clearly mark out the conclusion -- understand the reasoning ---Paraphrase ---- read the question ----attack the answer choices
Be extra careful about the boundary words such as "many", "Some", "All", "only" etc.
RC {Starting hit rate --approx 85% --towards the end 90+% }
Read The Economist, The New scientist everyday for approx 20-30 mins. After reading each para pause for 5 seconds PARAPHRASE -- Tell yourself what the author is trying to say. --- MOVE AHEAD --- DO the same for every para --- In the end take out 10 seconds --- Link up all the paragraphs --- total reading time for a typical GMAT RC passage would be close to 3 Minutes....but by following this approach you will take very less time to answer the questions.
I won't recommend to skim the passage --- RC means READING COMPREHENSION --it tests your comprehension not the skimming ability.
Quant --Was good in quant but was making careless mistakes
{If you lack the basics then pick up any elementary school level book and brush up the fundamentals}
1. Read the question carefully
2. Pen down what you have to calculate -- the variable name and units--
3. READ THE CONDITIONS GIVEN IN QUESTION CAREFULLY AND KEEP THEM IN MIND --for eg if x > 0 no need to put x = -2 or x = 0
4. Always test the inequalities for 0,1, -1, 1/2 and -1/2
Daily solve 20 questions --- i regularly solved 20 questions on BTG {Beat The GMAT} --- at times i failed to post my answer but religiously solved problems in DS and PS thread.
AWA ----- Simply prepared a template a day before and never wrote it in any of the mocks --- WAS ONE BIG MISTAKE
For last 2 or 3 mocks attempt AWA...
I would suggest give your last 2 mocks in a cyber cafe and write AWA
Mock CATS {always gave each section 70 mins of time}
I consistently hit 760+ in last 5-6 mocks. Scored 790 in one of the GMAT prep where 3-4 questions were repeat.
GMAT PREP is a must and re-take it as many times as possible. Because of the adaptive nature of test and large repository of the questions you will get to solve a lot of different questions.
Manhattan GMAT -- Verbal is very close to the real thing -- MARK MY WORDS HERE -- Manhattan's quant is way off mark the real thing but their Verbal is damn good, i would say i improved from V-18 to V-41 because of MANHATTAN
But their pool of 700+ level questions is too small and by the time you have attempted 3 mocks the quality of questions gets diluted....Please add a lot more 700+ questions to your tests.....
TEST Experience:
{i didn;t take any leave for prep ... i would say be consistent for 6 weeks or so and put 2 hours or so daily....on weekends i would simply give mocks and analyze them thoroughly}
Day before test
1. Watched Cricket --- Was in office -- went to Gym, ran for 25 mins -- took sauna and relaxed...
2. Tried to get my mind off the test, at one time i almost forgot that i have my test tomo
3. But as i tried to sleep ---> i got butterflies in my stomach....Slept for hardly 4 hours---this was a perenial Sin--- SLEEP WELL BEFORE THE EXAM
Test Day
5:30 am -- Woke Up
Deep Breathing
Lots of water
approx 8: Am -- news paper
Took shower, Had breakfast -- Bananas + Boiled Eggs
Watched Sehwag throw away his wicket after a blistering performance
Headed to a temple -- to gain some SPIRITUAL STRENGTH --- PRAY -- if you are an atheist then you can simply remember your parents or any person whom you idolize--- IT helps
Was in centre 30 mins before the test --- centre was empty --no test takers...I was allowed to sit 20 mins before the sched time
Fired off both the AWA in 30 mins --- 15 mins each -- never reviewed what i wrote...had a template and vomited it....above 4 everything would be a bonus :)
Had a nutribar -- Stretched -- total break time -- 4 minutes [By the Way You get only 8 mins of break in between sections now --- UTILIZE YOUR BREAKS PROPERLY}
Quant -- first ques -- co-ord geometry -- forgot the formula and felt frustrated after 5 mins guessed and moved on ---NEVER ALLOWED MYSELF TO FEEL DOWN BECAUSE OF THIS ACT--- My performance would be judged by how i fare on 37 questions not by my response to 1st question ----at times it is good to make intelligent guess and move on....
Lots of inequalities, modulus, number prop, co-ordinate geometry --> last 2 questions were esp tricky
Advise -- Pace yourself well -- i completed the section in 69 mins or so --- could have better utilized my time
Verbal -- MANHATTAN GMAT ---SHALL I SAY MORE ?? -- ATTEMPT THE MOCKS AND READ THE EXPLANATION CAREFULLY THATS IT....
SC and RC were predictable...CR -- Got 1 strengthen and wekaen ques each...most were evaluate and vulnerable to crticism type
NEVER TRY TO ANALYZE YOUR PERFORMANCE BY THE QUESTIONS YOU SEE
Took a deep breath ----- honestly was expecting 750 --opened my eyes --Saw 740 --- was kind of mixed reaction --- But i would take it ....
Prep time -- Approx 6 weeks --daily 2 hours
Study Material --
SC {accuracy rate at the start - approx 40% ..at the end approx 90%}
Manhattan SC guide must have gone through it atleast 7 times. Don't just read it STUDY IT.
Once i grasped the basics well i picked up OG, did all the questions thoroughly. When i say thoroughly i mean to say that i figured out error in each and every answer choice. This helped me to understand the various patterns of error that appear on the GMAT. {Accuracy had improved to about 70%}
When i say ientify the error -- dont simply say that this choice is awkward or does not make sense etc etc --- pen down the error type...whether it is Sub-Verb or Pronoun or modifier ---
Adamjohn's Notes -- Has some of the finest questions and also superb explanations by an expert called 800Bob. Learnt a lot of tricks here and have posted some of them on my blog
1000 SC -- did approx 400 questions, some people say that 1000 sc is not a reliable source. Agreed! but the %age of poor questions is low. This source is good for practise once you are done with OG. Again identify the error type in each and every choice.
CR {Accuracy at the start -- approx 40-50% ..at the end 70-75%, though hit rate in OG was 90+% but OG level is way too low as compared to the real thing.}
Powerscore Bible -- won't recommend it -- consumes too much time....though practice the following from powerscore:
1. Flaw in reasoning,
2. Evaluate the argument --- Saw atleast 3 questions on real thing
BTG {Beat The GMAT} Forum Questions -- did a lot of them and tried to support my answers with reasoning....Please share your reasoning with every answer...simply saying IMO A,B or C wont help a lot....
Approach -- Read the argument carefully -- Clearly mark out the conclusion -- understand the reasoning ---Paraphrase ---- read the question ----attack the answer choices
Be extra careful about the boundary words such as "many", "Some", "All", "only" etc.
RC {Starting hit rate --approx 85% --towards the end 90+% }
Read The Economist, The New scientist everyday for approx 20-30 mins. After reading each para pause for 5 seconds PARAPHRASE -- Tell yourself what the author is trying to say. --- MOVE AHEAD --- DO the same for every para --- In the end take out 10 seconds --- Link up all the paragraphs --- total reading time for a typical GMAT RC passage would be close to 3 Minutes....but by following this approach you will take very less time to answer the questions.
I won't recommend to skim the passage --- RC means READING COMPREHENSION --it tests your comprehension not the skimming ability.
Quant --Was good in quant but was making careless mistakes
{If you lack the basics then pick up any elementary school level book and brush up the fundamentals}
1. Read the question carefully
2. Pen down what you have to calculate -- the variable name and units--
3. READ THE CONDITIONS GIVEN IN QUESTION CAREFULLY AND KEEP THEM IN MIND --for eg if x > 0 no need to put x = -2 or x = 0
4. Always test the inequalities for 0,1, -1, 1/2 and -1/2
Daily solve 20 questions --- i regularly solved 20 questions on BTG {Beat The GMAT} --- at times i failed to post my answer but religiously solved problems in DS and PS thread.
AWA ----- Simply prepared a template a day before and never wrote it in any of the mocks --- WAS ONE BIG MISTAKE
For last 2 or 3 mocks attempt AWA...
I would suggest give your last 2 mocks in a cyber cafe and write AWA
Mock CATS {always gave each section 70 mins of time}
I consistently hit 760+ in last 5-6 mocks. Scored 790 in one of the GMAT prep where 3-4 questions were repeat.
GMAT PREP is a must and re-take it as many times as possible. Because of the adaptive nature of test and large repository of the questions you will get to solve a lot of different questions.
Manhattan GMAT -- Verbal is very close to the real thing -- MARK MY WORDS HERE -- Manhattan's quant is way off mark the real thing but their Verbal is damn good, i would say i improved from V-18 to V-41 because of MANHATTAN
But their pool of 700+ level questions is too small and by the time you have attempted 3 mocks the quality of questions gets diluted....Please add a lot more 700+ questions to your tests.....
TEST Experience:
{i didn;t take any leave for prep ... i would say be consistent for 6 weeks or so and put 2 hours or so daily....on weekends i would simply give mocks and analyze them thoroughly}
Day before test
1. Watched Cricket --- Was in office -- went to Gym, ran for 25 mins -- took sauna and relaxed...
2. Tried to get my mind off the test, at one time i almost forgot that i have my test tomo
3. But as i tried to sleep ---> i got butterflies in my stomach....Slept for hardly 4 hours---this was a perenial Sin--- SLEEP WELL BEFORE THE EXAM
Test Day
5:30 am -- Woke Up
Deep Breathing
Lots of water
approx 8: Am -- news paper
Took shower, Had breakfast -- Bananas + Boiled Eggs
Watched Sehwag throw away his wicket after a blistering performance
Headed to a temple -- to gain some SPIRITUAL STRENGTH --- PRAY -- if you are an atheist then you can simply remember your parents or any person whom you idolize--- IT helps
Was in centre 30 mins before the test --- centre was empty --no test takers...I was allowed to sit 20 mins before the sched time
Fired off both the AWA in 30 mins --- 15 mins each -- never reviewed what i wrote...had a template and vomited it....above 4 everything would be a bonus :)
Had a nutribar -- Stretched -- total break time -- 4 minutes [By the Way You get only 8 mins of break in between sections now --- UTILIZE YOUR BREAKS PROPERLY}
Quant -- first ques -- co-ord geometry -- forgot the formula and felt frustrated after 5 mins guessed and moved on ---NEVER ALLOWED MYSELF TO FEEL DOWN BECAUSE OF THIS ACT--- My performance would be judged by how i fare on 37 questions not by my response to 1st question ----at times it is good to make intelligent guess and move on....
Lots of inequalities, modulus, number prop, co-ordinate geometry --> last 2 questions were esp tricky
Advise -- Pace yourself well -- i completed the section in 69 mins or so --- could have better utilized my time
Verbal -- MANHATTAN GMAT ---SHALL I SAY MORE ?? -- ATTEMPT THE MOCKS AND READ THE EXPLANATION CAREFULLY THATS IT....
SC and RC were predictable...CR -- Got 1 strengthen and wekaen ques each...most were evaluate and vulnerable to crticism type
NEVER TRY TO ANALYZE YOUR PERFORMANCE BY THE QUESTIONS YOU SEE
Took a deep breath ----- honestly was expecting 750 --opened my eyes --Saw 740 --- was kind of mixed reaction --- But i would take it ....
Friday, December 4
Kissed the GMAT
I dont know whether i should be happy or sad, but i know that i won't have to date Miss G again {atleast i think so}.
My exam was at 10:45 am today, was in office till 21:00 yesterday night. Hardly slept because of anxiety and woke up at 5:30 Am today.
Heard "eye of the tiger" and "gonna fly now" from Rocky to pump myself before leaving for the centre. Went to a divine place to seek blessings of god {am a god loving man -- read it as god fearing ;) }Packed some nutri-bars, chocolates and a can of Red Bull to re-fuel myself during breaks.
will share lots of insights very soon...i am dead tired right now...
q50 - v-41 ..overall 97 percentile..740 {barely missed 750 -- so a bit sad also, was stupid to finish verbal in 70 mins}
gonna fly now....
My exam was at 10:45 am today, was in office till 21:00 yesterday night. Hardly slept because of anxiety and woke up at 5:30 Am today.
Heard "eye of the tiger" and "gonna fly now" from Rocky to pump myself before leaving for the centre. Went to a divine place to seek blessings of god {am a god loving man -- read it as god fearing ;) }Packed some nutri-bars, chocolates and a can of Red Bull to re-fuel myself during breaks.
will share lots of insights very soon...i am dead tired right now...
q50 - v-41 ..overall 97 percentile..740 {barely missed 750 -- so a bit sad also, was stupid to finish verbal in 70 mins}
gonna fly now....
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