アドミッションへのインタビュー：英語原文 （2006年）
2006年10月27日(金)、アドミッション責任者である、Associte Dean, Student Recruitment & AdmissionsのMs. Rose Martinelliにインタビューを行いました。昨年のインタビューを踏まえ、今回は主に昨年度のアドミッションプロセス変更に対する自己評価や、Chicago GSBが求めている学生像、アプリケーションに関する全般的なアドバイス等を伺いました。なお、本インタビューの和訳版をこちらにご用意しています。併せてご覧ください。
日本語訳インタビュー
Rose Martinelli
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The application process saw some changes last year. How did these changes affect the applications? Did you find it to be successful? Please share your thoughts with us about the application process last year.
I think it was very successful. We took a more centralized and focused approach which helped us recruit an excellent pool of students who we believed were a great match to Chicago. For example, moving the interview to interview-by-invitation allowed us to focus our energy and resources to those students that clearly stood out. In fact, the number of applications was up from last year, so it was good that we made this change. There was no way we could have provided interviews for everyone in a meaningful manner.
Another effective change was involving current students in the admissions evaluation process. A dedicated group of about 30 students helped read through the large number of applications, and through frequent exchange of insights of all applications, we were able to get a really good sense of what the pool looked like. Involving a dedicated group of students in this way of cross-evaluation turned out to be a much more effective way to process applications.
So those two major changes, along with removing barriers to international students around TOEFL requirements, made huge differences to our applications. We were up 36% last year in number of applications globally, which was our highest record in terms of annual percentage increase. Most of our peers were up 5 to 6%, so our improvements stood out clearly. This was a tremendous achievement for us, and we were very pleased.
And it looks like we are going to have another very strong year, a lot of that due to removing barriers for international students, but I also think it is because of our marketing strategy which I believe has been much more transparent and has focused on our uniqueness within the MBA market. I think that campaign is beginning to really get foot hold here. So it has been a great year. We're still trying to make refinements in our strategy, but I expect no major changes in our recruiting strategy and evaluation strategy.
Could you share with us the changes in the number of applications specifically for Asian applicants?
Sure, just in one year from 2005 to 2006, we were up from 735 in Asia, to 1356, nearly double. Now, a lot of that was from China. In terms of applications from Japan, there was a 22% increase.
Could you share more about the refinements you're making this year?
We're refining our essay questions because we don't want to have standard essay questions ever again. We don't want people to hire consultants who believe that they are the only ones who know what Chicago GSB looks for in students.
To be completely transparent, here is what we look for: We look for accomplished individuals with a track record of success, with intellectual curiosity, someone who knows their strengths and weaknesses, and is willing to be engaged with the rest of the Chicago community. There is no exact science here. Our essay questions are about helping us to understand the value system of individuals, rather than what the "consultants" believe is the formula to be admitted to GSB.
We are using lots of short questions this year, and I love them. They help me a lot in distinguishing the candidates. Last year our questions were "standard" essay questions, which ended up with the similar essay responses candidate after candidate. That wasn't good for me. So now the questions are a bit more unique and engaging.
What are the core qualities in candidates you look for in the essays?
I think the most important quality is that the person knows himself/herself ? personal awareness is key. Who they are, where they have been, how they fit in the broader community. This self awareness will help us understand how they have put together a plan that makes sense for them and that they fully considered the investment and types of programs that will help them to get where they want to go. That's the core.
We take for granted and that applicants have a track record of success academically and professionally, that they are team players, and that they are engaged in living and work. But self awareness and intellectual curiosity -- always asking and always inquiring -- are something that are unique to us and are qualities we want to see in addition to personal achievements.
Self awareness is the key for leadership. If you take a look at our leadership development program, every one of you will go on to take a position with significant authority. And as a leader, you have to be a constant learner. And the way you interact with different cultures, different levels of people, different types of learners and employees, you will be constantly forced to change your style to adapt to changing needs. So if you are not aware of how people perceive you and the ways that people need to be motivated, you will be able to adapt to working with different constituent groups.
How important is the interview? What do you look for in an interview?
The interview for me is an external, third party evaluation. Through your application, we receive your view of yourself, and two other perspectives via the recommendations, and that's it. And at the invite to interview stage, we make a cut-off so that about 60% of the applicants will be moving on to the interviews. At this point, what I want to do is to provide another external source of information, the interviewer, who is provided only your resume.
This is very similar to a job interview -- how do you handle yourself, your ability to talk about path and plan, where are in your career, your ability to converse in English, your sense of humor, your interests ? all play a role. The interview is one additional point of information about your candidacy. It doesn't guarantee your admission. It is just another source of information and that's all.
Which part of the application has more weight in the evaluation process, the interview or the essays?
There is no "right or exact" formula for evaluation. Sometimes people have stronger interviews, and their applications turn out OK. Another would have a stronger application but OK in their interview. I really need to take all the pieces together and ultimately make a judgment collectively.
To me, GMAT, GPA and TOEFL scores are a hurdle. Once you get to a certain level among these measures, we believe you have the basic tools to be successful at Chicago GSB. The GPA gives us a better sense of your intellectual curiosity and how you have managed the opportunities and resources of a more extended learning experience. Another important fact is that we take all the measures together, no one item on its own is more valuable than another measure.
How do you evaluate GMAT scores?
The 80% percentile range for the incoming class of 2008 is 650-760. If you fall within that range, you are fine. If your score is significantly below that, you may want to consider retaking the test. But I feel pretty comfortable with people who are in mid 600 or above. TOEFL is another story. To be a non-native speaker in the United States in an MBA program is extremely exhausting. So the ability to understand English at an exceptional level is something we can't compromise.
Can you share with us your impression on the reception held this September in Tokyo?
It was very successful. We had the largest number of attendees in Asia from Japan this year. We had 140 people, which is an extraordinary number. I heard there was enormous alumni turn out, great students, and it was quite an evening.
Do you have any general tips for the second round applicants in Japan?
The most important tip I would give is to encourage each applicant to do a personal assessment. Consider from the time they were in age of eighteen until they are right now, identify what were the key events (both good and bad) in their development professionally, academically and personally. What did they learn from each of those events? What was the community that shaped them as to the person who they are right now? It is very clear to us when applicants did those kinds of assessments when we read the application. We know what was valuable to them in the past and how it shaped their goals for the future.
To me, fit is most important: Do they know Chicago well enough? Do they know about the requirement for engagement, about independence, and dependence on each other. Knowing themselves, knowing this institution, and telling their story are the keys to success.
The second area we always find a lot of issues around is language. First of all, I think the following tip may be helpful in preparing for the interview. Before you walk into the interview that day, make sure you are only speaking English that day. Often times I am stunned to hear candidates waiting for their interview all talking in their native language prior to the interview. As soon as we start the interview, many of these same candidates struggle with language.
So when you are preparing for an interview, make sure you are listening to English radio, artist or whatever, so that you are getting your mind to think that direction before you just start your interview. It is a small tip, but it will really make the difference for non-native English speakers.
Do you have any comments on the fact that many Japanese students use prep schools to prepare for interviews?
Prep schools can be helpful as it can provide the opportunity to rehearse and think through possible questions. It can, however, be a detriment if an applicant becomes so over prepared that they are unable to talk and answer questions that are not quite worded the way they prepared.? As for essays, you are not expected to have a grammatically perfect essay. We don't expect non-native language speakers to be perfect writers. The important thing is that their thoughts are coherent. Be yourself.
What sets apart a good application and a not-so-good application?
I already addressed the importance of self awareness. Besides that, it is important to follow the instructions and actually answer the questions. There are a lot of applicants who try to standardize the first question so that it is adaptable to all schools. Hence, they write vague responses to questions.
Follow the instructions and make sure you actually answer the questions. You should also use your spell-check, and make sure Microsoft Word in English is on, and you should make sure that the names of other schools is replaced by Chicago GSB in your essays. Beyond that, you are in a pretty good shape. Write your essays for specific institutions.?
Do you have any advice on how applicants can find out more about Chicago GSB?
A lot of students can't afford to come to campus at the time they are applying and we understand that. But before a candidate accepts the offer of any school, he/she should actually visit the schools since fit is such a personal decision. I also think that interacting with students is very important whether on discussion forums or through e-mails with you. In addition, it is very important for them to try to reach out for alumni and try to connect the best they can to our community. But visiting campus is truly the way to figure out what's the best fit for you.
How do you feel about being ranked No.1 in the Business Week Rankings? What do you think led to this result?
We think it's a great recognition for the Chicago GSB and for our accomplishments. I am also grateful that this ranking provides us with a great platform to communicate our message further. We want applicants to understand the unique strengths of the school, and the depth of our alumni network. I think that many business schools are following the GSB model in terms of the flexibility of curriculum. I'm sure that we are in the space that everybody would like to be in. I know that staying # 1 is harder than getting to #1, so we still have a lot of work ahead. We'll continue to capitalize our broad strengths and move the recognition of our brand forward!
What do you think made Chicago GSB to become the top school?
I think it's the satisfaction across a broad array of metrics. From the corporate side, we are highly evaluated in terms of the strength of students in technical and soft skill abilities. We are also receiving excellent reviews for the support that you gain from the institution (including the faculty and the administration) in terms of our innovative approach to new ideas and problem solving. In addition, I feel that the alumni are extraordinary successful and bringing great honor back to the university based on their contribution to the business community.
All the pieces were there, but not necessary at the same time. I think that the convergence of that energy all together put us on a very good spot now. Overall, I am very proud that we've created a lot of happiness and satisfaction among the faculty, alumni, and the students.
How does Chicago differentiate itself from other schools?
We are spending lot of time talking about the continuum of choice for students. This is one thing that no other school has talked about before. Thinking about the size, location, team approach, teaching method, and curriculum design, we are distinctly unique in all these metrics. We are a mid-size school with the most flexible curriculum, and we have the flexibility in forming teams in class.
We have concentrations in study (versus the limitation to General Management at other schools). And not only do we implement case-studies format but we also employ all kinds of teaching methods. We have been, and will continue to, spend time trying to make people understand our unique content and approach to management education.
Do you have specific plans on marketing activities in Japan?
We haven't scheduled in detail yet but we are thinking of moving our reception schedule in Tokyo to July or August for next year. Tokyo is one of our Tier 1 cities, and we feel strongly about attracting high potential students from Japan. I assume that some people still associate Chicago GSB only with "finance" or "academic rigor". Once you attend our reception and meet our faculty members, alumni and students, I believe your perception will broaden immediately. I strongly encourage you to reach out to our alumni, and students to learn more about our wonderful community.
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