OwenBloggers | Ask An OwenBlogger

AAOB: Will my below-average GMAT score significantly lower my chances for admission this fall?

In MBA school, one of the professors' favorite answers to our questions is "it depends."  Well, in the case of the GMAT score, "it depends."  This year is a record-breaking one for MBA applications, so competition is especially fierce. Having said that, your GMAT score will not make-or-break your acceptance status.  

Owen's admissions staff takes a holistic approach to reviewing applications.  They are looking for a well-rounded student that fits into the Owen culture, and the GMAT is not a deal-breaker, especially if the rest of your resume is stellar.  Keep in mind that things get tougher as the year rolls on - as a rolling admissions school, there are fewer and fewer seats to compete for as time goes by.  

Every school is different, but the class of 2010 has a wide variety of GMAT scores, and mine wasn't exactly spectacular.  However I did have five years of work experience and, through my essays and interview, showed the decision-makers why I thought I would not only fit in with but also contribute to the Owen community.  While the GMAT can be an indicator of intelligence, it doesn't measure all of the intangible qualities that define a future business leader.

Best of luck! 

AAOB: What kinds of student-led consulting projects do Owen students take on?

Dear Owen Bloggers,

I think the way the curriculum is set up for the full time MBA provides
excellent core topics and is flexible enough to help students mold and
personalize their MBA degree. What kinds of consulting projects do Owen
students experience in their second semester and are there any international
trips to observe and analyze how multinational companies manage and
strategize for global markets?

I am coming for an interview this Thursday and will also join the weekend
visit. I will be meeting with current students and alumni but if it is
possible to visit a student club (Finance, HOP or EntrepreneurshipŠ) I would
be happy to join. I want to immerse myself as much as possible within the
Owen community during my visit.

Thank you,
Zareh

From Matt:

Zareh,

Thanks for writing. You’re enthusiasm shows, and is welcome. We look forward to hosting you for your visit, and for Discover Weekend. I am certain you will enjoy yourself.

You are right about the flexibility. Two important notes to that effect are the quarter system and early access to electives. The quarter system, as opposed to the semester system, allows you to move through classes much faster. It also allows you to begin to customize your curriculum here as early as your 10th week at school. This can be especially valuable for some of the jobs that begin to recruit here fairly early in the fall.

There are a wealth of extracurricular consulting experiences available to first and second years. Usually they are more popular with the second years only because the first years are busy with their core classes, which can be an overwhelming workload if you’re not careful. I don’t know the exact statistics, but you can certainly ask someone over the weekend how many students are involved in outside consulting-like activities. By my recollection, at least 20% of first years were involved in something outside of school last year. This year for the second year class, there are too many to even venture a guess.

International trips are available to first and second year students as well. This year there are students from both classes on trips to Italy, Dubai, China, Bangladesh, France, Germany and Australia. Some of those are exchange programs, but the point is that there is plenty of international experience to be had. I think last year the desire for more international experience was one of the most common complaints among our class, and the administration has done a great job of planning trips and facilitating trips that are student-run.

As for the clubs, just ask around and I am sure you will find something. If not, there will be many current students present during the weekend and most everyone is involved in something.

I hope you enjoy your visit.

Best,
Matt

For more posts from Matt, Click Here.

AAOB: What is Owen's culture like in respect to the use of Case Method?

Hello,

I am interested in applying to Owen and was wondering if the Case Method is part of the program?

If so, what percent of the classes use the Case Method and how ingrained is it into the school’s culture?

Thank you.
Daniel

From Vik:

It's difficult to say what percentage of classes are taught using the case method. It depends on what electives you take and how you structure your MBA program. However I have noticed that core courses are generally not case based.

I like experiential learning and the case method. Sometimes classes will combine the 2 e.g. for my Strategy class I'm currently working with my study group on researching the auto industry to assess Toyota's competitive landscape and analyze if their current strategy will be a good one over the next 3-5 years.

I hope that helps.

From Matt:

The first step in answering your question is to define what a case is. For there are many things that happen in the classroom (ordinary class discussion being one of them) that could be considered cases. A business school case is a 10-page write up that documents a business situation and usually has a dozen exhibits immediately following the story to illuminate the more technical points. The case method is one that relies entirely on that vehicle for the student’s learning. Owen does not use an exclusive case method approach, but we do have very many cases. But, one must bear in mind though that there is never going to be an “exhibits” section in real life, and the numbers will never be as pre-packaged and easy to find. So using other methods is probably a better approach anyway.

Owen uses lots of devices besides cases to help you learn, including cases. In some classes you are assigned movies. In others we were part of an experiment in which two teams had to construct paper airplanes to certain specifications. We do plant tours, interviews with local business owners, and independent projects that sometimes including many hours a week outside the classroom walls in someone else’s office. They are all case interviews to some extent.

My understanding of “the case method” was that it relies solely on cases as a means to teach. At Owen we use many different methods and cases are an important part. In my opinion though, they aren’t as important as some of the other experiences you will have here.

For More Posts From Matt, Click Here

AAOB: How should I prepare for an admissions phone interview?

Dear Owen-bloggers,

Quick question as I have the interview scheduled for in less than a week. I Just want to ask that since the time stated in the e-mail was 45-60 mins plus that this is the initial interview (thats what the mail said), what should I be expecting? What should I prepare myself for? Is it one of those stress-check interviews or not? I am an international interview and my only 2nd interview for a university program so any response would be very helpful.

Thank you M.M.J.

From Matt - MBA 2009:

I think the best way to prepare yourself would be to treat it like a job interview. You will want to make sure that you market yourself and that you act professionally. The Owen admissions process is very much geared towards fit—which, hopefully, you will see after you get in and come here—so you also show your personality. If you have a hobby that is not explicitly related to school and it makes for a good story, maybe that would be a good piece to add in.

They will ask you things that may seem very general, like “tell about why you want to come to business school...” Try to have a good story for them that lets them know that you have actually thought about it. They will also want to hear things that let them know that you can challenge yourself. Talk about a new project you took on, or a new job or moving to a new city.

In the end they want to know that you are a good fit here. Be yourself, be professional and sell it as much as you can.

For More Posts From Matt, Click Here

AAOB: What do you consider to be the most valuable aspect of the Owen MBA?

Dear OwenBloggers -

What do you consider to be the most valuable aspect of the Owen MBA? What is the most unique?

Thank you,
Allison

From Brad:

Same answer for both… the culture, hands down.

Owen students are competitive, but everyone is mostly focused on outside competition, rather than fighting amongst the ranks. This makes for a VERY tight knit community of students, staff, and faculty that will fight to help each other out.

We lift each other up instead of knocking each other down.

 - To Read More Posts From Brad, Click Here -

From Matt:

The difference between the most valuable thing and the best thing about an Owen MBA is a fine line. The answer to the latter is without a doubt the people.

You will be amazed by the folks you meet here. And they are all willing to help you. When I was waiting for an interview once, the previous interviewer came out and told me to be ready for technical questions. Since I had braced myself for it, I did well (and eventually got the internship). The people you go to school with are clearly the best thing about an Owen MBA. But the most valuable thing is the flexibility.

They start you with electives in the second mod, which is a huge bonus when looking for internships in those competitive places like investment banking or consulting. It is also a leg up on other schools who do not offer that. It’s also flexible in terms of what you can do. I have a corporate finance resume and a consulting resume. There is no one at Owen who will put you in a little box, assigned to a specific role.

 - To Read More Posts From Matt, Click Here -

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AAOB: Is The Owen Healthcare MBA Really The Best?

The Owen website and Wikipedia both praise the health care program at Owen, but what would an unbiased perspective say about it? Is it really the best program out there for people interested in in health care business? If not, what schools are better? If so, why is this the case?

- M.N. Patel

From Dana & The Little Blue Pill Blog

Maunik,

The characteristics that make each Health Care MBA program unique have to do with the curriculum, the location of the program, and its integration into the overall MBA curriculum. The success of the Health Care MBA at Owen has to do with the abundance of health care companies that are headquartered  in Nashville and the fact the academic medical center here on campus is among the best in the country. The opportunity to learn from leading physicians, researchers, and health care entrepreneurs alike make the Owen experience one that is difficult to replicate. Health care classes are taught by Owen professors, faculty from the medical center, and business professionals in the community, who are all eager to share their experiences with you and help you navigate a rather complicated industry.

There are many Health Care MBA programs out there; it’s important to find the one that is right for you.

What I can tell you is that the program at Owen is comprised of a great faculty, unique opportunities to get involved in the community, and a curriculum that addresses the current issues facing the health care community. I’d encourage you to visit Owen and talk with more students about their experiences in the program.

Good luck!

To Read More Bloggers On Healthcare, Click Here

AAOB: What's the most surprising thing about Owen?

"For the first-years, what's the most surprising thing about Owen since you began?"
- A Prospective Applicant

From Brad:

For me, it has been the students. The professors are great, the classes are top notch, but the value that the students add to the program is unreal.

Every student contributes something to the experience. Some are quant gods, some are great at theory, some are just plain nice people. I have gotten to know of the first year students and many of the second
years, and feel comfortable with many of them.

They are always willing to help, and will quite often pull you into something to get you involved. It isn't something that I expected, but I certainly appreciate the impact that it has on my experience!

For More Posts From Brad, Click Here

What's Fun In Nashville?

Hi OwenBloggers,

I received an early acceptance to Owen on Friday and will probably be in Nashville next weekend to decide between a few offers. I'm leaning toward Owen, but want to make sure that it's the best fit.

Ideally, I'd like to talk with a few current students and possibly explore the Nashville nightlife with some of them.

Have a Great Week,
Scott

From Meara & The After 5:10 Blog:

Hi Scott,

Glad to hear you will be visiting Owen. 

There is no better way to truly experience what life here is like than walking in our shoes for a few days. I must say you have picked an action-packed weekend to visit. If you are going to be in town on Thursday night I highly recommend you attend our Thursday night social held in the Owen lobby. We bring in kegs and all hang out and de-stress a little to kick off the weekend. This would be an ideal opportunity to meet students and ask any questions you may have about life at Owen whether inside or outside the classroom.

The Cork & Barrel Club is also hosting a bourbon tasting at Owen Thursday night.  One of the bourbon professors from Knob Creek will be coming in to educate the club about distilling and drinking bourbons. Friday evening is the annual 100% Owen Halloween party.  This year it is being held at BB King’s Bar downtown on 2nd avenue.  Your ticket gets you access to special deals and the world famous Super T (the band that played at Jenna Bush’s wedding, in case you don’t read People magazine regularly). Costumes are certainly encouraged, so in case you have one in mind for your fictitious Halloween party bring it along!

Obviously all of the aforementioned are social events, but they will give you some insight into how we like to spend our weekends.

Finally, I am guessing that if you are coming to visit you are interviewing with someone in Admissions on Thursday and that you will be set up with a first year student for lunch that day. They will be an excellent resource for you for your weekend here as well. If you’re interested in attending any of the events I mentioned above please feel free to shoot me an email. I would be happy to set it up.

M

To Read More From Meara - Click Here

What is Alumni Support Like At Owen? A Current Student's View

From Matt, MBA 2009:

There are a few things that every business school will tell you. High up on that list is “you will establish a great network.” The reason they all say that is because it’s true. Just by virtue of being in business school implies that you have given your career enough thought that you were willing to invest about $100k to improve or change it. In my opinion, the people at most business schools will fall into this bucket, and for that reason you will almost always be able to look up alumni and rely on them as resources for the rest of your life. They share your values and have made the same decisions.

If I may be so bold, I think a more important question to ask is “what kind of people will end up in my network?” That is where each business school can offer different networks. Business schools have their own personalities. The only real way to gauge them is by visiting the school and getting a feel for the people who go there. I visited 5 schools during my search, and only Owen jumped off the page at me because people seemed genuine and willing to help me. Other schools handled their recruiting lazily. The people were uninterested or uninteresting. This summer, I was lucky enough to meet some alums who had accepted full time offers with Black & Decker. They went out of their way to make sure my questions were answered and that I felt welcome. I thought that was really great and it made me feel more at home.

Bottom line: wherever you go, you will have access to alumni. But not everywhere are they guaranteed to be the people that you enjoy working with.

To read more posts from Matt: Click Here

What is Alumni Support Like At Owen?

We all know, that Vanderbilt has so much to offer to its students but can you let me know on how the students /alumni can be a help/support to Vanderbilt? I wanted a view from someone who is out there and has seen the College's working and environment from close quarters....Waiting to hear from you soon.

From Sam, MBA 2008:

Very nearly every business school out there makes a big deal about their alumni, and Vanderbilt is no different.

The Owen School relies heavily on its alumni to fill a veritable laundry list of roles: direct or indirect networking in pursuit of a job placement, event sponsorships, guest lecturers in class, seminar speakers outside of class, resources for real-world perspectives on class-based consulting projects, opportunities to get out of the classroom and into a business to see what things are like, a name to drop in any given situation, advice, support, and many many others besides.

But how does all of that look in real life?

In its third year, the Healthcare Advocate Program is a service run by the Vanderbilt Healthcare Alumni Association, The Healthcare MBA Program, and the Vanderbilt Healthcare Business Association (the student-run club supporting the Healthcare MBA program).  It pairs a current student with an alum in your target industry who offers advice, support, contacts and networking opportunities, and a place to confidentially discuss whatever happens to be on your mind. 

I'm not ashamed to say that I "used" my advocate for pretty much anything and  everything I could, listening to any advice he offered as well as flipping through his Rolodex almost at will.  And while my current job didn't exactly come through that network, I feel as though I my experience with my Advocate better prepared me both to answers the questions posed to me as well as know the right questions to ask of my interviewers.

I'm sure other academic disciplines have similar programs in place. I'd suggest you contact relevant student club to find out more information.  One way to do that would be to find the Club's page on the Owen Website and look for the "Contact Us" form.

If that doesn't work, you can always send us an email here at owenbloggers@gmail.com and we'll do our best to connect you with the people in charge.

To Read More Posts From Sam: Click Here