The Spartans' Communications Club (SCC) happily partnered the second version of discussion on higher studies in the US Business School with US Department of State Fulbright Alumni. Four FBS Fulbright Alumni, who have proved themselves distinct in their areas of expertise, unfolded their first-hand experiences with different US business schools.

2.  This is not a grooming session
 This is not your ticket to the US
 This is neither a preparation package, not the first step to US

3.  An entrepreneur
 An academic
 An executive
 A public servant
 Professional degrees

4.  All information are generic
 Admission process varies across schools
 US is not the only available option

5.  Presentation
 Panel discussion
 QA session

6.  Program Options: MBA vs Masters
 School Selection – Elite, Best, Good Schools
 Application Requirements
 Application Documents
 GMAT/GRE/TOEFL/IELTS
 Application Cost
 Program Cost and Funding Opportunities

7.  MBA
 Masters
 PhD and DBA
 Other Professional Degrees (CPA, IMA, CFA, CFP, CAIA, FRM,
ERP, CERA, FSPA and many more)

8. Concentration
Ranking
Alumni
Professors
Cost and financing options
Research Outcome

9.  Look for the ranking for your program
 Popular MBA ranking:
 BusinessWeek
 US news
 Forbes
 Financial times
 Economist

10. School 01 School 02 School 03
Name of the program
Ranking
Deadline to apply
Application fee
Types of Assistantship
GMAT req.
TOEFL req.
MinGPA
Years of experience required
Notes/Remarks

11.  There is no formula to optimize number of applications
 MONEY andTIME determine the number
 It’s better to divide schools as:
 Dream School
 Probably School
 Safety School

12.  Application Form
 StandardizedTest Score
 English ProficiencyTest Score
 Application Essays
 Resume
 Letters of recommendation
 AcademicTranscripts
 Application Fee
 Proof ofWork Experience (if required)

13.  Masters programs usually have single deadline; MBAs have several
 Rounds of application (for Fall ‘13)
 HBS: Round 1 – Sept 13, ‘13
Round 2 – Jan 06, ’14
Round 3 – April 07, ’14
 Stanford: Round 1 – Oct 13, ‘13
Round 2 – Jan 08, ’14
Round 3 – April 02, ’14
 Wharton: Round 1 – Oct 01, ‘13
Round 2 – Jan 07, ’14
Round 3 – March 27, ’14
It is always advised to apply by Round 2.

14. GMAT – Graduate Management AdmissionTest.
NOTHING IS GOOD, EVERYTHING IS FAIR
 700+ is always a competitive score
 650+ is reasonable
 Even 550+ is safe to manage admission

15. Min Max Median
Wharton 630 790 725
HBS 550 780 730
Stanford 550 790 720

16.  Most schools accepts bothTOEFL/IELTS, with few exceptions.
 It’s better to have something above 100.
 HBS asks for at least 109 and Stanford requires 100.
 A 80+ score is OK for average schools.

17.  Open-ended Essay
 1,000 to 1,500 words
 Usually for Masters and PhD programs
 Pre-defined Essays
 2-3 Essays
 No more than 600 words for each

18. You’re applying to Harvard Business School. We can see your
resume, school transcripts, extra-curricular activities, awards,
post-MBA career goals, test scores and what your
recommenders have to say about you. What else would you
like us to know as we consider your candidacy?
HBS required three questions for Fall ‘12 and two questions for Fall ‘13.

19.  Two to three letters are required.
 Online Recommendations
 Offline Recommendations
 Be aware of recommendation questions

20.  There is nothing called standard CGPA.
 3.00+ is always enough to apply. (no h/f rule)
 3.5 and above is good.
 3.75 and above always gives an edge.
 CGPA, sometimes, is considered against your country of origin.

21.  Single page resume is preferable
 Highlight your research capability, demonstrated leadership
capacity, and commitment and contribution to the society
 Also, emphasize on extra-curricula activities

22. Application fee: $25 - $265
(Some schools waive application fee)
TOEFL Score: $18 (After initial four schools)
GMAT Score: $28 (After initial five schools)
Transcript:Tk. 500 +Tk. 400 per transcript
Courier:Varies, usually $20 for a school

23. Tuition fee:Widely varies (an average range is here)
 For MBA $60,000 - $150,000
 For Masters $25,000 - $60,000
Living: $800 - $2,000
- depends on states
- depends on your lifestyle
- depends on where you’re living (on campus or off campus)
Reading Materials: $500 – $1,500 per semester
Medical Insurance: $1,000 – $2,000 annual
Other Expenses

24.  Teaching assistantships (TA)
 Research assistantships (RA)
 Fellowships/Grants
 Tuition waivers and
 Loans (mostly available to native applicants)

25.  University Diversity Fellowship
 LDC or Emerging Country Fellowship
 Fulbright Fellowship
 Rotary Fellowship
 Ford Foundation International Fellowship
 Aga Khan Foundation
 International Research and Exchanges Board
 World Bank and IMF Fellowship
 Loan Forgiveness Program and many more

26. Primarily select your preferred schools
Take GMAT/GRE, at least two – three prior to deadline
Take proficiency test
Decide on the program and schools you’re applying to
Open an application account, at least a month earlier
Draft, write and revise essay(s)

27. Manage and inform you recommenders
Send test scores
Fill out your application form and submit
Upload and/or send required materials
Prepare for an interview, if necessary or called up
Pray for a favorable final decision
don’t forget to treat us…