Avalanches!

Emory's app went live, so I briefly started that one. I'm trying to focus on the ones with the soonest due dates, especially UCLA. I'm almost done with the application part, and I've started my essays. The good news is my manager (soon-to-be former manager due to the re-org) agreed to write my recommendations, and he was very enthusiastic about it! I've got another person in mind for the other recs, hopefully she's as receptive.

Does anyone else get worried when apps aren't available? Duke still hasn't posted theirs, and USC hasn't even updated deadlines from last year! Get on the ball people!

All these Business Week stories and what not, about the surge in applications making it nearly impossible to gain admittance, are a bit scary. What if I spend all this money, call in these favors, go through the long and arduous process, and get rejected from every single school! I keep telling myself "You're not an investment banker. You're not an IT guy from India. You're non-traditional, so those 750 GMATs don't really apply to you." But am I deluding myself?

Schools are back in session for the most part, so I'd like to welcome back to newly-minted SYs, as well as welcome the first year students. I've followed some of your blogs throughout the process, and you've served as inspiration throughout. Keep on blogging so we know it's all worth it!

UPDATE: Of course, shortly after this is posted, the Duke Fuqua application goes live. It's all on you, USC!

Campus Visit Recap: USC-Marshall Pt 2

OK, here's what you all came for, the recap of my campus visit to USC's Marshall School.

I got there early on Monday morning so I could walk around campus and get a feel. The weather was perfect, a nice cool breeze, and the campus was just coming alive. The students I saw seemed happy and engaged. At 11 it was time to check in with the Admissions office for my info session. There were maybe 11 or 12 others with me, and it was led by Veronica Ho. She went into great detail regarding the admissions process. One thing she stressed was that, if you have a sub-3.0 GPA, use the supplemental essay to explain this, and try to take classes to create an additional transcript (she even gave specific classes at certain schools to take, which I was thankful for!).

She also stated that applications were up over 20% from last year, and doesn't expect that number to drop next admissions season. Everyone knows, when the economy goes down, grad school admissions applications go up. Guess i just need to present myself in the best possible way. She also reiterated that applying early is better than late, but if you must go late, use the supplemental essay to explain why. She also mentioned that you should always make sure you change the schools name on all correspondence and essays; yes, people do forget. She said it's not such a big deal with recommenders, but there is no excuse for the applicant.

After the info session with Veronica, a student ambassador came in to speak with us about student life issues: housing, social, what to do once you get accepted. She was extremely friendly and helpful. She then took us to a class visit, a global strategy class dealing with the Russian oil market. Now, I found the class extremely engaging and interesting; the hour and twenty minutes flew by. The students were well-prepared and had very insightful comments and questions. The professor was very good as well.

After a quick tour of Popovich Hall, we were left to our own devices. I visited the campus store (had to bring home shirts for the family), then cabbed it back to my hotel. A note about the surrounding area: I don't think it's as bad as people make it out to be. It's not exactly Compton from Boyz N The Hood, and you're not constantly getting harassed or anything. Would I be careful about where I live? Absolutely. Then again, I lived in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for three years, in a very nice part of town, and I got held up at gunpoint and shot at, so trouble finds you wherever you go.

All in all, I absolutely loved my visit. It's definitely on my short list now, though I've got more schools to visit. If you have any other questions, please ask

I'm Going, Going, Back, Back, To Cali, Cali...

I finally booked my trip. After emailing both UCLA and USC, I got word from USC that I could participate in their Ambassador program on April 7th. It includes an information session and a class visit. I looked for a travel partner (the GF and the family are too busy), but came up short. I said, "what the heck! Let's go anyway." So I found a good deal, and I'll be in Los Angeles from Saturday the 4th until Tuesday the 8th. Not sure what I'll do on my off days...if anyone has any suggestions (I've really never been to LA), I'm all ears.

Studying has been a bit more focused when I have the time. Focusing on CR and a few parts of quant, because I noticed I had missed some questions there. The plan is to take another practice test Saturday, so hopefully I'll show some improvement.

Congrats to all those who got good news this past week, and for those that didn't, keep your heads up!