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Chat Transcript October 19, 2009, 11:30AM EST

Chat Transcript: Wisconsin Admissions

Erin L. C. Nickelsburg says a collaborative culture and career-focused curriculum are the big selling points of Wisconsin's MBA program

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Erin L.C. Nickelsburg
Wisconsin-Madison

The Wisconsin School of Business (Wisconsin Full-Time MBA Profile), a second-tier MBA program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, takes a nontraditional approach to teaching management. Students sign up to study career tracks rather than majors or concentrations. Brand management, applied securities, marketing research, and entrepreneurship are among the most popular specializations, says Erin L. C. Nickelsburg (ELCNickelsburg), director of admissions and recruitment for Wisconsin's full-time MBA program. Entrepreneurship recently got a boost because more students become interested in the area during an economic downturn, she adds.

While Nickelsburg says that having career tracks instead of majors gives Wisconsin an edge with recruiters during the economic crisis, the program is still only admitting about 125 students each year. The school, she says, wants to maintain its intimate, personalized feel, and becoming much bigger would change that dynamic.

Recently, Nickelsburg and second-year student Kyle Nel (KyleNel) fielded questions from the public and BusinessWeek reporter Francesca Di Meglio (FrancescaBW) during a live online chat. Here are edited excerpts of their conversation:

FrancescaBW: Kyle, please tell us what drew you to the MBA program at Wisconsin?

KyleNel: I was very much attracted to the specialization model of Wisconsin. I wanted to continue my career in marketing research, and Wisconsin has a very strong marketing research program. Above and beyond that, the culture of collaboration is wonderfully strong here. I felt very much at home, and I continue to feel that even more strongly.

FrancescaBW: Erin, how do you usually describe the campus culture to prospective students?

ELCNickelsburg: Each campus has a unique culture. The specialization model at Wisconsin brings us students who are driven toward a specific career path and goal. As a result, everyone is passionate about what [they're] doing and where [they're] headed. This translates into an overwhelming dedication and drive that can be seen in everything our MBA students are a part of.

WilliamChang: What is happening with student loans and scholarships?

ELCNickelsburg: There are student loans available that cover the full cost of the MBA program. We also offer substantial merit-based award packages. More than half of our incoming students can expect to receive at least a portion of their tuition covered by these merit-aid awards. The top students can expect a fellowship, which provides full tuition, full health insurance, and an almost $20,000 stipend paid over nine months. In addition, the full cost of two years of education at the Wisconsin School of Business is substantially lower than most programs.

Raunak: How important is the GMAT and in what ways can one counter a low GMAT score?

KyleNel: The GMAT is very important but Wisconsin takes a holistic approach to selecting applicants. The GMAT is just one part of that. I would say that if you are above the average (the 660 area), then it is a positive. If your score is lower it may be a hindrance. If you have a low GMAT score you may be able to counter it with strong work experience, GPA, or other experiences.

ScottM: Is any type of preference given to applicants who apply during one of the early deadline dates rather than the last one?

ELCNickelsburg: We encourage students to apply whenever they feel their application is ready. If this means the first round, great. Strategically you have to look at the rounds and know that in the first round every seat and all merit-based aid is available.

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