Why I think I got In

(The Above is not Paris)

But anyway, a lot of better qualified people will probably scratch their heads and think why is this girl with a less than 700 GMAT, less than 2 yr working experience got into UCLA ?

I'll try to explain to my best knowledge :

1. I'm a reapplicant and I took the one year to make my application stronger :
1.1. I applied in 2005, worked extra hard for my #1 family essay. I spoke from the truth about my family and how it had shaped me as a person. My parents are pretty unique in some ways and it made me develop certain traits as a person ( ie. always trying to strike a balance in life ). Was waitlisted last year. I emailed the Admission Direction for International student and some others but didn't get too far and was rejected in the end.
1.2 While reapplying in 2006, I went to The MBA Tour and Anderson Information Session. I met the Admission Director for International student in person and started talking about how to make my application stronger. He didn't really remember me but at the end of e day, he looked at my file and suggested some tips for me :
1.2.a. UCLA likes me but I lack the working experience ( I graduated in Sept 05, applied in Dec 05 )
1.2.b. Try to write more on professional work in my reapplicant essay and get professional recommendations this time
1.3. Tried to make my GMAT better but didn't work. My math improved, my verbal dropped. What to do? Life goes on

2. I have a clear career goals in life. I took the one year off to really think about what my goals are in life. I want to be an entrepreneur in the future. I rationalize what kind of short term career goal I should aim to get and within 10 years I'll most probably be in Indonesia. I guess having a clear career goal and showing that I'm actually working towards achieving it helps.. UCLA actually has a specific club that matched my long term goal so I talk abous joining this club/fellowship while in UCLA.

3. Diversity :
3.1 I'm from a 3rd world country : Indonesia. I'm a girl. ( Some people says that help, but I don't know ). For UCLA, they take into consideration that English is not my first language so they give me a break for not performing like other locals in GMAT verbal.

3.2. I studied in Indonesia til I was 16. Got a scholarship to study in Singapore for high school. Came to UCLA for undergrad after that with 1 yr credit. Finished up my Bachelor in 2 years.

4. Extracurricular : some leadership skills from clubs in Singapore and US.

5. My interview on October 2nd actually went pretty well. I'll write about that later on.

Hope this helps :) Anymore questions, shoot me a comment

Top 5 Books for MBA Applicants

Top 5 Books for MBA Applicants
From Karen Schweitzer,

Preparing for business school is a huge event for any MBA applicant. There are currently many different books available to help make the experience easier. Here are the top five books for MBA applicants.
1) Peterson’s MBA Programs 2006
This is a great book for anyone who is researching MBA Programs. Containing information on more than 3,900 MBA programs at 1,000 different institutions, this definitive guide has everything an MBA applicant needs to choose the best MBA school.

2) Official Guide for GMAT Review
Every MBA applicant needs to prepare for the GMAT. Written by the actual administrators of the GMAT, this book contains 800 questions (and answers) from actual GMAT exams. The guide covers all of the exam subjects and makes an excellent foundation for exam preparation.

3) The Vault MBA Career Bible
The Vault has created many different business guides. In the MBA Career Bible, you’ll find information on all of the different career paths that are available to MBA students.

4) The Wetfeet Insider Guide to Industries and Careers for MBAs
This guide is great for MBA applicants. It covers 19 different industries and 10 different career functions, with current salary ranges and overall job prospects. You can also learn more about more about the top ranked companies and common MBA career paths.

5) Official MBA Handbook 2006
The most recent edition of the MBA handbook has been updated to include more information about the MBA degree, choosing an MBA program, taking the GMAT, and financing your MBA. This book will come in handy for any MBA applicant.

Now.. That's the kind of brown my kitchen will have..

Beard Papa Cream Puff = 220 calories

NO WAY??? Look at the delicious, crispy puffs with the vanilla fillings.. And you tell me it's only 220 calories.. Hell! I can afford to eat two at once then...

Check this out and tell me I'm wrong : Serving size says 2 3/4 oz which I assume is ONE whole puff.

Still In Disbelief State

Good thing tomorrow morning ( at 3 am ) I'm going to mammoth for a snowboarding trip with a couple of friends..

I must say I'm not a big fan of snow activities, but wth I should go for vacation. Just good timing :)

Went to had dinner at BOA steak house.. Not so good steak, I like Morton's better..

But still very excited..... Keep on thinking that this may not be true.. Now I should think about my priorities in case I get into the other B schools.. columbia? haas? stern? ucla?

SIGH

Anyway.. I went home from the dinner and found that I had forgotten, and put my landlord's xmas present at my door handle.. Paris, then tore out the paper bag, ate my $2.5o a piece oh so good Teuscher chocolate.... all four of them with CHAMPAGNE inside of them..

Chocolate is toxic for dogs btw... Don't know about the champagne part.. Ahh.. well

And that's all

Just when I thought I would be rejected by Anderson
Just when I thought I may have to re-re-apply again next year
WOW!
This marks an end to my one plus year of worrying, doubting, trying..

No Freaking Way... I got into Anderson

Dear Ms. Ipoel:

Congratulations! On behalf of the MBA Admissions Committee, it is my pleasure to offer you admission to the MBA Program at UCLA Anderson for fall 2007. You were selected from a large and exceptional group of applicants based on your impressive academic, career and personal accomplishments. I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to you and look forward to having you join the MBA Class of 2009.