A Gimme School?

Let's see, still working on applications and essays. McCombs posted their application, so I'll start getting the little stuff out of the way. I've also sent off requests for class visits and interviews to Duke, UNC and Emory, so hopefully I'll be able to finalize my plans for the Magical MBA Tour 2008 soon.

One thing I've been thinking...do people choose gimme schools anymore? What I mean is, a school you are about 95% sure you'd get accepted to. Back in undergrad, these were called safety schools. I was looking at my list the other day, and realized that Wake Forest is the closest I have to a gimme school, and even then, who knows. It got me thinking: Do I want an MBA from only a top school, or do I want an MBA to really get me into a new career?

The more I thought about it, the more I realized I was doing this for a career change. I can't progress any further than where I'm at, and all avenues outward don't appeal to me. To switch careers, I've chosen an MBA to accomplish that goal. Now obviously, I'd prefer to get my MBA from UCLA or UNC, but sometimes that's just not in the cards (and based on the meltdown on Wall Street, MBA programs will be flooded this year, not good news for the little guys like me!). I knew I'd apply to Wake Forest, due to its ties in the Carolina area and international exposure, but I've decided to look into Case Western Reserve University's Weatherhead School of Management here in Cleveland. It's a decent program, and one I would be completely shocked if I didn't get accepted.

What about you? Do you have an ultra-gimme backup school? Or is it H/S/W or bust?

In The Thick Of It

Here's the updates on the application front: UCLA general application is about done. All four essays are drafted and I'm starting to get feedback from my readers. I do wish I had someone who went through this process...everyone I know with an MBA got it from part-time local colleges. I'd like the opinion of someone who went full-time at a Top 25 program.

I'm about to send my UNC Part I application and fee so I can schedule my interview. My trip is planned like this: Drive to North Carolina the weekend of October 11th-12th. On the 13th, do my visit and interview with Duke; on the 14th, do the visit and interview with UNC. Afterwards, drive to Atlanta and visit Emory (with an interview). This'll take me to Thursday, during which I'll either stay the night there (and visit the largest aquarium in the world!) or drive to Charlotte and relax for a few days with my brother before heading back home. This would take care of my interviews at Duke, UNC and Emory all before the first deadlines. I'd also be able to use visit information in my essays!

My recommenders have started their UCLA parts, which is nice. I've provided them with a quick fact sheet, my resume, and some talking points (ie, School A focuses on leadership, School B on teamwork) to help them along. They both seem enthusiastic, and I've given them plenty of lead time.

Other than that, I'm writing my final exam for my online math class. It's been a good experience, and it definitely makes you focus. I'm heading to Washington, DC on the 25th for some downtime and to check out the sites. Can't wait!

PS: USC, hurry up and post some deadlines and essays!!!

Quick Update

Just a quick update...

Been working on my UNC app, so I can schedule my interview. I've also been working on the first two essays for Anderson. I'm keeping the dream alive!

I gotta give props to Soni (link in the blogroll) for mentioning The Faceoff video at The Leveraged Sellout. I think I peed my pants watching that!