Hi,

I have decided to take on a full time MBA course in 2009. I have an engineering background, master degree with 2.2 only and have over 5yrs engineering consultant experience. I plan for a career change or setup my own business following the MBA degree.

Cass is my first choice. I am just a bit worry whether if my qualification would be good enough. I can get reference from my current work boss and my University tutor. Are they usually good enough for the application? I have told a good reference should be from someone who has high ranking position in financial field. Is this true?

Any idea what the acceptance rate for Cass? would you recommend to apply for more than one school?

many thanks for your help.

Cheers,
Albert

Hi Albert

Cass is a good school.

I would advice you to apply early because it is competitive to get into this business school.

What is your native language? You may need to take the English test if your first language is not English. In addition, I hope you have already done your GMAT, or in the process of doing it if you intend to apply for the next intake.

References from your supervisors are important. Try to get the professionals who knows you the best, but not only one who hold a high position in the career or from another industry. If this person knows you well, and hold a senior position in a leading company would be ideal.

Good luck.

Kind regards,
Thomas

During my interview with the director of the Cass MBA, he spoke about the importance of GMAT, experience and recommendations. The minimum GMAT score acceptable is 600. And as Thomas says, you'll need good references from superiors who can speak well about your abilities. Academically, you should have an above-average marks. During the interview, you will have to explain what makes you different from average student and what you intend to contribute to the programme.

Thanks for your help guys.

I graduated here in UK and I have been working in London for a few year already. In this case, I don't think I need to take on English test.

I need to take GMAT asap. However, I did some research on it and I think I need to put some time to study and practice first. Would you recommend to take on any course/class on GMAT? It seems to me that practice on questions is the most efficient way to tackle this.

I am sure I can get a good reference from my current employer who knew me for 3years already. However they are in engineering industry, not finance.But they are certainly the best people who can describe my ability.

Would you recommend people to apply for a few MBA school at the same time?

Regards,
Albert

Hi,

Well it really is a good idea to put in a lot of work preparing for the GMAT test. Lots of people argue that it is a good idea to prepare for it online (there are lots of possible websites) as the test is a computer-adaptive test (called a CAT). This means that the test adapts to your performance and delivers easier or more difficult questions depending on your performance. The test gradually adapts to your skill level. These dynamic tests cannot be simulated in a book, which means that paper and pencil GMAT tests don't adequately prepare you for the GMAT.
That said, all preparation helps and there are lots of books:
http://www.randomhouse.com/princetonreview/business/?coupon=prbstore&ref=affpr&from=princetonreview

Hi albertwong8

I notice that you have two questions:

1) Would you recommend to take on any course/class on GMAT? It seems to me that practice on questions is the most efficient way to tackle this.

Though some people may disagree with this, I often advice aspiring MBAs that the questions at GMAT is not difficult, it is simply the frame of references that you got to train yourself. Getting yourself in a GAMT preparation course will fasten your preparation process, because you will be exposing to the typical types of questions more often. Thus, forming a strategy in defeating the test.

However, not every one find that registering for a preparation course is useful. Some people can do as well for the GMAT by preparing on their own, using internet resources and books available in the library.

If I must give one advice to you, I would encourage you to train in reading passages online using your computer screen at home. Reading on paper and reading from the screen is different, especially when you are under tight time schedule.

2) Would you recommend people to apply for a few MBA school at the same time?

Yes. There is no reason you should not.

Good luck.

Kind regards,
Thomas