Friday, December 19, 2014

Applying to Cox Full-Time MBA program.

The application process to the Cox full-time MBA program is simple. In this post, I have tried to present the same in a concise manner.

1. All applications to the SMU COX MBA program are accepted through the online application system available at
https://app.applyyourself.com/AYApplicantLogin/fl_ApplicantConnectLogin.asp?id=smu-mba
All first time users are needed to create a login Id and a password.

2. Once there, you will be directed through the different sections where you need to fill in with the details.

3. Academic Information : You need to fill in the undergrad CGPA calculated out of 4.00 . Also, make a single file PDF of the undergrad transcripts and upload it in the slot.

4. The applicant needs to upload an updated resume under the Employment section.

5. Professional Reference : The applicants need to specify the details of the two professional references. Although the reference no longer need to submit 'Letter of Recommendations', the admission committee can contact them if the need arise.

6. GMAT scores : I would rather ask an applicant to check with the mid-80% range for the current class. For e.g. I am an applicant to the class of 2017. So, I check with the class profile of the class of 2016. The MBA class profile can be checked at : http://www.cox.smu.edu/web/recruiters-mba/class-profiles . Where the average GMAT scores may be lower, the mid-80% range gives the actual strength of the class in terms of GMAT scores and would better assess an applicants chances to make it through.

7. Check if an English language requirement test is required ! I come from India. Hence, I took the TOEFL as it is an internationally accepted standardized test that is accepted by maximum number of universities abroad.

An applicant requires to mention the official scores under the Test Scores section in the application portal. However, the applicants can actually report the official test scores later in the application process once he has been given the offer letter and he has accepted the same.

8. The Essays : The essays are an important element in your application. I would suggest an applicant to take down the questions and work on the essays - write, rewrite, make it better, fine tune the essays - and only when it is done , you can make a good presentation by using 12-point double space Times New Roman/ Calibri font style. Once done, convert the same to PDF and upload it.

For the class of 2017, there were 3 questions asked. One of them is the Career Goal question which every B-school is some or the other way asks its applicant. The idea of the career goal question is to assess the applicant whether he knows where he has to get to. 'Clarity in vision' is the idea. Use simple language, be within the word limit and be clear with the statements. It is important to link your future goals with where you are today. It should be - "Hey ! I want to get there. I have certain skills in me to reach that target but I need to work on certain aspects to be able to get there. Hence, I am looking for an MBA to fill in those spots where I lack and this will help me to fill the gaps and help me to reach my target". Bang ! that's it. Speak to yourself and also check with your friends etc. This is where you need to sound convincing.

9. Besides all of the above, it is important to make a thorough research of the school where you want to apply to. For me, one aspect was also the scholarship opportunities and Cox is one B-school where there are a large number of scholarships available. Merit-based scholarships are not the end. There are Cox Distinguished scholars for whom the entire tuition fee is waived, there are India Scholars, department wise scholarships available. So, in nutshell, Cox is a well structured program which supports bright minds.

10. Once done with your application, just sit back and relax. You have will 'Congratulations' on your screen at the end of the application when you have submitted your application. From here on, the Cox Admission committee will do the rest. Don't worry. They know the job and they are one of the best.

11. Application Fee : A bright aspect about the Cox MBA application is that besides Olin MBA and Owen MBA( which waives off your application fee if you score a 700+ in GMAT), Cox MBA is the only MBA program which is highly ranked in the Business Week, US news, Forbes, Financial Times etc. which has no application fees.

Hope, I was able to help with my article. Hope to see more number of bright minds joining the Mustang family. All the best.

1 comment :

Anonymous said...

I come from India too, and my TOEFL was waived off.