Ask Alex at MBA Apply
Hey Everybody - if any of you are looking for a quality GMAT preparation I'd encourage you to check out our partnership with Veritas Prep here because WSO members get 10% off: http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/veritas-gmat-prep-d...
For those of you thinking of an MBA with admissions questions I've spoken with Alex Chu and he has agreed to answer any questions for the WSO community. Any questions you have about the admissions process I'd recommend that you post them here in this thread.
Alex Chu is the founder of MBA Apply, whose clients have gotten admissions to virtually all of the top MBA programs. He is also the author of The MBA Field Guide: How to Get In & What to Expect at the World's Renowned Programs.
A native of Canada, Alex has lived in North Africa, Hong Kong, Singapore, and on both coasts of the United States and Canada. Prior to MBA Apply, Alex served as the CFO of a venture-backed animation studio in San Francisco, a role in which he was instrumental in raising two rounds of funding and helping lead the company towards profitability. In addition, he previously worked as an investment banker in the Equity Capital Markets and Mergers & Acquisitions groups at a global investment bank.
Alex holds a Master of Business Administration from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Arts from Queen?s University at Kingston. He currently lives in Los Angeles, California.





CANADA
Hi Alex,
I am just wondering what your opinion and experience has been in regards to business students who obtain their undergrad degree from a Canadian university and how it impacts admissions for top MBA programs in the US and Europe. I'm currently considering Queens, Schulich, and Ivey for my undergrad degree.
Thanks.
Hey Alex, I am thinking of
Hey Alex,
I am thinking of getting an alternative transcript and am deciding between UC Berkeley Extension and a local community college. If I take it through the extension program, I can retake the courses I've done poorly in (I go to UC Berkeley). What would you suggest?
Thanks.
Alex, What's the best thing
Alex,
What's the best thing I can do between now and this fall to enhance my chances of being accepted at a top 5 school? (other than essays or GMAT. if it matters, 2 yrs hedge fund exp, mediocre work exp and academics vs peer group.)
Thanks.
that link doesn't work
that link doesn't work
Financial Modeling Training
Guide to Finance Interviews
First, I want to thank
First, I want to thank Patrick for setting up this thread. Much appreciated, and I hope I can be a valuable contributor to the WSO community.
Also, here's the proper link to WSO's GMAT prep that Patrick had posted in the first post:
http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/page/one-on-one-gma...
Thanks
Alex Chu
www.mbaapply.com
Ganthor wrote: Hi Alex,
Hi Alex,
I am just wondering what your opinion and experience has been in regards to business students who obtain their undergrad degree from a Canadian university and how it impacts admissions for top MBA programs in the US and Europe. I'm currently considering Queens, Schulich, and Ivey for my undergrad degree.
Thanks.
B-school adcoms are quite aware of the top Canadian schools.
Traditionally, at schools like HBS, Stanford and Wharton, a disproportionate number of the Canadian students went to McGill or Queen's (anywhere from 40% to 2/3rds, with the balance coming from a hodgepodge -- US Ivies, UT, UBC, etc.). This was also due more to self-selection, as those who tended to apply were not commerce undergrads, but arts/sci or engineers who worked at top tier banking or consulting firms - and that the only non-commerce/BBA folks they'd hire are from McGill or Queen's). Also, even though Ivey undergrad is well regarded, there are relatively few (or none) at the top schools - but more likely due to self-selection as well -- unlike the US, a lot of commerce/BBAs in Canada don't bother doing an MBA. Even when I was at Queen's, I don't think anyone in Queen's commerce bothered to apply to an MBA program. Mostly econ, arts/sci, and engineers.
My advice is to choose the school that will give you the best shot of getting the job that you want coming out of undergrad. Focus on undergrad recruiting/placement for now.
I know it's easy to become preoccupied with the consequences of your choices 15 steps ahead, but try and focus on what is actually in front of you now - if you're still in high school, that means focusing on that
Alex Chu
www.mbaapply.com
days150 wrote: Hey Alex, I am
Hey Alex,
I am thinking of getting an alternative transcript and am deciding between UC Berkeley Extension and a local community college. If I take it through the extension program, I can retake the courses I've done poorly in (I go to UC Berkeley). What would you suggest?
Thanks.
It doesn't really matter between the two. Just pick the one that best suits your schedule.
Alex Chu
www.mbaapply.com
MarginCalling
Alex,
What's the best thing I can do between now and this fall to enhance my chances of being accepted at a top 5 school? (other than essays or GMAT. if it matters, 2 yrs hedge fund exp, mediocre work exp and academics vs peer group.)
Thanks.
To be honest, not a whole lot other than essays and GMAT. There's no such thing as "instant leadership" or "instant achievements" that won't look like window dressing, especially compared to other applicants who have bona fide accomplishments that were a culmination of years' of hard work, setbacks, and focus.
You doesn't compete for the Olympic trials today because you decided a few months ago to "pick up the sport". It's years (if not decades) of intermediate milestones and hours spent.
You don't produce a documentary that gets screened in multiple film festivals (even if it's a shitty film) just because you decided on a whim to do it. It takes years of planning and execution and dedication.
You don't become a decorated military officer without going through years of training and service (i.e. you don't win the Bronze Star in your first month of service).
You don't win community service awards for starting something a few months prior. It takes years for people to entrust themselves to your leadership.
The greater the magnitude of the achievement, the more it's going to cost you in terms of commitment, sacrifice, and enduring setbacks along the way.
Dedication and conviction is what puts you in a position to achieve something you're proud of. That's what makes people (whether it's adcoms, recruiters, etc.) notice.
Alex Chu
www.mbaapply.com
Teach for America
Hello Alex,
I'll be joining Teach for America this upcoming Fall and I'd be quite interested in getting an MBA sometime in the future. As an incentive of being a part of TFA, many graduate schools offer 2 year programs to receive a Masters in Education during our corps commitment.
I was wondering how having a M.Ed would affect someone's candidacy when applying to business school (i.e. would it be looked upon as... "what in the world, why would this person want an MBA?")
Masters in Finance
Hey Alex,
I am currently a rising senior that attends a very average large state school. Full time job prospects look bleak, so I was considering getting a Masters in Finance from Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, or Vanderbilt. Would a Msc in Finance help in terms of Bschool admissions, or would it be better to take a position at a Middle Market firm?
Thanks!
BigBear85 wrote: Hello
Hello Alex,
I'll be joining Teach for America this upcoming Fall and I'd be quite interested in getting an MBA sometime in the future. As an incentive of being a part of TFA, many graduate schools offer 2 year programs to receive a Masters in Education during our corps commitment.
I was wondering how having a M.Ed would affect someone's candidacy when applying to business school (i.e. would it be looked upon as... "what in the world, why would this person want an MBA?")
My question to you is why would you get an M.Ed if you're already planning to get an MBA?
Alex Chu
www.mbaapply.com
TheFullMonte wrote: Hey
Hey Alex,
I am currently a rising senior that attends a very average large state school. Full time job prospects look bleak, so I was considering getting a Masters in Finance from Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, or Vanderbilt. Would a Msc in Finance help in terms of Bschool admissions, or would it be better to take a position at a Middle Market firm?
Thanks!
There seems to be a fundamental misconception of what b-schools look for.
They don't give a rat's ass about credentials, acronyms, certificates, ribbons, etc. beyond your bachelor's degree.
Getting a CFA, MA, MSc, MCSE, CPA, CFP, PMP, EMT, PADI, LLB, blah blah blah means jack. Some of these credentials may be relevant for your job or career (i.e. CFA for IM, PADI if you want to scuba dive), but it's not about collecting a bunch of certificates.
Nothing beats experience. Real world experience.
Unless you are planning for a career in academia, for the most part the best thing you can do when you graduate from college is to GET A JOB. Any job. Work in the real world. Doesn't have to be some super prestigious job, so long as it's something that gives you responsibility. There's something about earning a paycheck that can quickly ground you in the reality of living as an adult in the modern world.
In fact, I would suggest this even if you aren't going to b-school -- even if you're thinking of law, med or any other graduate program down the road. Get a few years' work experience under your belt first. Just about anyone who has worked a few years will tell you how much "working for a living" changed them and their perspective - in a good way.
Another way to put it -- education is invaluable for children, but experience is invaluable for adults.
Alex Chu
www.mbaapply.com
One last thing in addition to
One last thing in addition to the previous post.
Even if the job market sucks, the *experience* of struggling to get a job is far more valuable in the longer-term than hiding in some degree program.
You gotta jump in and find a way to tread water, even if the waters are rough. This won't be the last time there's going to be a crappy job market, so you're going to have to learn how to survive and hustle in a bad market, no matter how frustrating it can be (and oh yes, finding a job in a crappy market can be hell). But you'll be a stronger man (or woman) for it.
That might go against conventional wisdom, but even in a bad market, you *will* find something. It may not be the ideal start or a great job, and it may even take some time (read: a year or more of just trying to find that elusive job), but you will find something. And more importantly, you will learn a LOT about who you are, what you're made of, and also having a healthy perspective on your working life. More often than not, it's about making the most of what you have.
Alex Chu
www.mbaapply.com
Point well taken. I was
Point well taken.
I was thinking that if I ever want to get back into education some point in the future on the administrative side, having an M. Ed would be quite useful. Plus, the school's partnership with TFA makes it very affordable.
However, in the near future, I still would like to get into finance and develop my "business" career. Would having the M.Ed hinder my chances into getting into a top MBA program?
BigBear85 wrote: Point well
Point well taken.
I was thinking that if I ever want to get back into education some point in the future on the administrative side, having an M. Ed would be quite useful. Plus, the school's partnership with TFA makes it very affordable.
However, in the near future, I still would like to get into finance and develop my "business" career. Would having the M.Ed hinder my chances into getting into a top MBA program?
In a way, yes, it makes it more difficult to convince the adcom that you're focused on a business career. B-schools know they get enough risk averse people applying; they don't want to take on too many "just in case" people. I understand that you're trying to keep your options open, but sooner or later you have to make tradeoffs not for the sake of other people, but for yourself.
Beyond the bachelor's degree, be wary about taking on additional degrees -- if you do, make it count. Even if it's inexpensive out-of-pocket, nothing is truly "free" because it will cost you your time -- time that could be better spent doing something else. It's not unlike someone wanting a "law degree" just in case they want to practice law, and then getting a "med degree" just in case they want to practice medicine, and then getting an MBA on top of that "just in case" they want a business career.
If you want to get into education admin later in the future, worry about it then, not now.
Alex Chu
www.mbaapply.com
Strictly GPA question
sanjose04 wrote: Hello,
Alex Chu
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Alex, I just want to thank
Definitely agree with poster
Definitely Interested
Thanks MatrixDark and
Alex Chu
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Admissions Question
Hey Alex, Thanks for all
Interview Guides
WSO Resume Review
equitiestrader22 wrote: Hi
Alex Chu
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Devils Advocate wrote: Hey
Alex Chu
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Hey Alex, When applying to
kacryawbnraatbs wrote: Hey
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Hi Alex, With regards to
Work experience for Top MBA Schools
ssk13809 wrote: Hi Alex, One
Alex Chu
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Florida teacher in the motherland
moskovygator wrote: Hello
Alex Chu
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ESADE vs RSM
monkey8406 wrote: Hello Alex,
Alex Chu
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Alex, I realize that working
MBA Deferral?
hansolo wrote: Alex, I
Alex Chu
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Deferrals
Alex Chu
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What MBA program would be the Best Fit?
Here's the thing. I don't
Alex Chu
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Post MBA
Hey Alex, Questions about
big_dreams_banker wrote: Hey
Alex Chu
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Great writings Alex
STANFORD DREAMING, DISMAL ECs, FROM EMERGING ECONOMY
Which MBA admissions guide?
Hey Alex, Does the resume
Hi Alex, I have a dilemma. I
COKERDI wrote: Hello Alex, Im
Alex Chu
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Go to my site
Alex Chu
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