The sensation of time has been oddly warped since the beginning of the fall term. Part of me wants to say it's only felt like a few days and part of me feels like it's been years. I guess I'm just not used to be "doing something" practically everyday. Being self-employed, one tends to work when one wants to, which leaves alot of time for, well... not working. But being in school and still managing a few clients, I seem to always be on the go, with little time to myself. The truth of the matter is that it has been seven weeks since my last posting (and the beginning of the fall quarter) and I can't quite figure out if that feels like a long time ago or if it feels just like yesterday. Things seem to be a bit of a blur.
There really hasn't been much to post in terms of progress towards a HBS admission in the last few months. I have just been focusing on classes and getting ready for finals which are coming in a few weeks.
One thing I do need to research is the GMAT test and possible GMAT review courses. I know that the two big ones are The Princeton Review and Kaplan, though I need to figure out which one will be better for me. Anyone who has taken any of these classes please leave a comment with your thoughts.
I have been thinking recently about leadership and what makes a leader. I know this is a major component to the HBS admission process and I want to look into exactly what we look for and expect in leaders, both natural and learned traits.
I am going to start putting together the traits that I notice in leaders around me in order to see if those traits can be emulated and subsequently learned. It will be an interesting character study.
There really hasn't been much to post in terms of progress towards a HBS admission in the last few months. I have just been focusing on classes and getting ready for finals which are coming in a few weeks.
One thing I do need to research is the GMAT test and possible GMAT review courses. I know that the two big ones are The Princeton Review and Kaplan, though I need to figure out which one will be better for me. Anyone who has taken any of these classes please leave a comment with your thoughts.
I have been thinking recently about leadership and what makes a leader. I know this is a major component to the HBS admission process and I want to look into exactly what we look for and expect in leaders, both natural and learned traits.
I am going to start putting together the traits that I notice in leaders around me in order to see if those traits can be emulated and subsequently learned. It will be an interesting character study.
Were you a part of the protestors @ UC Davis? What was that like? Would love to hear from someone who goes there about what happened.
I too, am looking to apply to Graduate school (Harvard, Columbia, etc.). Leadership is a HUGE component of the admission process. You seem pretty successful in that you're still running your own company. I guess I'm just worried I don't have much on my plate in terms of organizations / leadership (I currently attend Georgetown). I'm also an older student, having served in the Peace Corps for a few years after HS.
You have any ideas about how to gain leadership experience? Somehow, I don't think joining a fraternity or running for student government is for me. But I know that's what Grad schools look at. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Good luck on finals!
Daniel - If you are referring to the protests that just happened at Berkeley these last couple days, no, I was not present for that. Honestly, I didn't even know they were going to happen. I saw one sign posted concerted "Strike UC" but didn't think much of it since it was a poorly made sign with no information on it. Honestly, I do not know what the protests will do. The Regents know the students are unhappy with the fee increases, but unless a "substantial" portion of the student bodies from all the UC's rally together to strike, I am not sure a few people getting arrested will make many waves. California is in a serious budget problem and unfortunately the money has to come from somewhere. Luckily, Financial Aid will continue to support those who really need it, but those who are on the line are going to get screwed with higher fees next year.
--- Quick Update - I just learned that UC Davis had protests today. This backs up my claim that the message is really not getting out there. I live 1 mile from campus and was on campus till noon today but never heard anything about protests... Would have liked to have atleast witnessed what was going on...
Carson - Yes, leadership is paramount to standing out as a strong candidate. Also, I agree with you about the options of student government/fraternity as not being a good option, especially if you are a bit older then most students.
I am brainstorming ideas, but I think one thing that anyone can do is become involved in the community. Step outside the university walls and find ways to help (in a leadership capacity) the city/neighborhood/village/etc around you. Volunteering may seem futile compared to an internship at McKinsey, but the possibility of a leadership position as a volunteer is probably much higher then being anything but a paper filer at McKinsey (or other high profile internship). Starting a community project and seeing it through to fruition would not only show your leadership potential, but also give you a great experience to write about in your application letters. Hope that puts some ideas in your head...
Georgetown is a great school and a awsome area. DC/Virginia are most likely a treasure chest of potential community projects. Keep me informed of what you come up with...
Thanks for replying to me Ben. You have some interesting thoughts. I started volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity, and it's been a rewarding experience so far. However, I couldn't believe when I received a phone call today from a recruiter at McKinsey! (weird coincidence from your blog!) I figured I had no chance to get in, but it's a great opportunity. The $$ is great and could lead to a further job, but I feel like I would be abandoning HFH. I just started, but still, I feel like I am just quitting. You got any thoughts?
Did you drop out of school? Didn't winter classes start yet?
Comet-
No, did not drop out. Yes, winter term has started. I have just been neglecting the blog because honestly, writing about classes that I'm taking is rather boring for you all to read. Though I am going to write an update now!
Looks like this experiment is a BUST. I heard UNIV. OF PHOENIX is a great alternative for people that don't get into Harvard.
Chris H, it ain't a BUST yet, but we will see in a years time when I am applying... Stay tuned!