Live Chat August 30, 2010, 2:05PM EST

Chat Transcript: UC-Berkeley MBA Admissions

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zubin: For the short-answer essay question that asks us to describe our most significant accomplishment, is the admissions committee looking to hear more about the story behind the accomplishment or more on why the accomplishment was significant to us? With only 250 words, I'd love to know what I should focus on.

FujiiAtHaas: We understand the challenge of answering our questions in 250 words or less. But that is part of what we're evaluating—your ability to communicate the key points in a succinct manner. So I'd focus on why the accomplishment is significant (some applicants neglect to answer this part so you're already ahead in recognizing the importance of addressing the why). But you also need to make sure that you're providing enough context to make the why understandable.

szuchen247: Given that a lot of applicants are applying to more than one MBA program, what are some key ways successful applicants use to [convey that] their application essays are written with Haas in mind?

FujiiAtHaas: Answer the questions we're asking. We know that applicants are applying to more than one program and have many essays to write, but it's important to follow directions. We can tell when someone is recycling an essay from another application (especially if they forget to change the school name). It's also important to do your research—understand why Haas is a good fit for you, and vice versa. That doesn't mean that you have to visit our campus (that's more for your benefit).

rdangui: I live and work in the U.S., but I am French by citizenship. I know that Haas strives to maintain a diverse and international student body, but I was wondering if not being a U.S. citizen had an effect, if any, on my application and the way it was perceived?

FujiiAtHaas: No, this will not affect the way your application is perceived.

zubin: Should the optional essay be used to explain a GPA that progressed significantly upward over the last two years of undergrad or is this something that will be obvious when the committee looks at the transcript?

FujiiAtHaas: This is something that the committee will see when reviewing your transcript.

njennings: How are students selected for the Haas and Columbia Exchange Program?

FujiiAtHaas: Njennings, there is an application process in the fall during your first semester.

Guymba_2: I am a foreign applicant. Will my wife be able to receive a U.S. work visa during my MBA studies?

FujiiAtHaas: If you attend on a student visa, this does not allow your wife to work in the U.S.

zubin: Are there any specific electives that students consider a must-take class?

FujiiAtHaas: It depends on who you ask (and what you're interested in). In the past, Competitive Strategy and Pricing have been popular classes. We have a bidding system to manage this process. The great thing about having a student population with a wide range of interests is that the majority of students are able to take all of the classes they want to take. The evaluations for all the classes are also available online so you can see how the professors and courses have been rated while making your decisions.

szuchen247: What would you say are the top three differentiating points that set Haas apart from other top MBA programs?

FujiiAtHaas: People, place, and culture. I've talked about people and culture on this chat. Place—we're part of a world-renowned academic institution and we're located in the San Francisco Bay Area, which is not only a wonderful place to live in terms of quality of life, but as an MBA student, you have access to a wide range of industries and you have so many reasons to reach out to executives and recruiters at companies in those industries.

rdangui: From whom should we get our recommendation letters?

FujiiAtHaas: It's really up to you to decide who can best provide the letters. We're looking for recommendations from people who have worked closely with you and can provide detailed examples. If you've been able to demonstrate leadership in an outside organization, then it sounds like a second letter would provide a valuable perspective.