Should You Go Full-Time or Part-Time?

Should You Try a MOOC Before Starting Your MBA?

 

They are the proverbial “shiny new toy” of academia. MOOCs, which stand for Massive Open Online Courses, are becoming an increasingly popular way for business schools to attract new students – and better brand themselves.

And who wouldn’t be interested in enrolling in a MOOC? They’re free and usually taught by the same instructors who teach the full-time students. Sure, you’ll only earn a “certificate of achievement” not a grade for your transcript, for completing your course. But a MOOC is your shot to get a taste of what Wharton, Ross, Darden, and Stanford is like.

You could argue that comparing MOOCs to on-site courses is like contrasting professional wrestling with sports. Both are physical and require great skill, sure. But wrestling isn’t quite real. The same applies to MOOCs. You won’t interact with the same quality of students in a Wharton MOOC as you would in the Jon M. Huntsman Hall. Your discussions probably won’t reach the high level give-and-take of a Darden course. Like it or not, the volume of readings and assignments will generally be watered down a little.

But that’s OK. And here’s why. If you’re applying to a leading business school, completing a MOOC can only help your chances of being accepted according to U.S. News and World Report. Why? First, it gives you “an early taste of the course work to come, and the experience might actually help inform your decision to apply or allow you to reference something concrete about the curriculum in your essays.” What’s more, MOOCs “typically require a high level of motivation to complete, and doing so shows a commitment to self-improvement the admissions committee would find laudable.”

No, a MOOC won’t afford you with the networking and career services opportunities inherent to a leading business program. But it can demonstrate an ability to excel in an MBA program. And it can introduce you to a faculty member who can serve as your advocate. Every little advantage matters. And MOOCs are another tool to help you separate yourself from similar candidates.

Source: U.S. News and World Report

Blast from the Past:

 

Getting Killer Recommendation Letters

 

“You can’t worry what people say about you.”

That’s great advice when you’re taking a risk (or recovering from a mistake). When it comes to your MBA application, the opposite is true. What others think does matter. Sure, your achievements could land you on most who’s who lists. And you’ll probably rivet any reader with your career plan and defining moments in your essays. But adcoms want to know who you really are. And only another person can confirm what kind of student you’ll be – and how good of a school ambassador you’ll ultimately become.

That’s where your letters of recommendation come into play. You may have stumped for Bill de Blasio or drafted memos for Richard Branson, but would they write the best recommendations? So who should you choose? What should they write? And how can you ensure it aligns with your essay? Check out this checklist from Linda Abraham, CEO of Accepted.com, for the answers.

Source: Poets and Quants