2002 UNC Kenan Flagler MBA Admissions Chat with Bob Adler and Sherry Wallace

Please feel free to let us know if you would like to be informed of future chats by sending e-mail to chat@accepted.com. We would also be interested in knowing if you would prefer a different format or different topics.

Chat Transcript:

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 8:59:52 PM)
Let's start.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 8:59:53 PM)
First I want to welcome you all to Accepted.com's UNC Kenan-Flagler Admissions Chat.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 9:00:06 PM)
I also want to welcome Bob Adler, Associate Dean and Head of the MBA Program; Sherry Wallace, Director of Admissions; Shawn Graham, Associate Director, MBA Career Services; and Courtney Wilson, 2nd Year Student and Chair of the Admissions Advisory Board. And last but not least, I want to welcome Paul Bodine and Cindy Tokumitsu, two of Accepted.com's editors.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 9:00:16 PM)
Thanks to everyone for joining.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 9:00:27 PM)
In the past, we have enjoyed the spontaneity of unmoderated chats at Accepted.com. However, the increasing popularity of these chats meant that spontaneity occasionally turned into chaos. So tonight, we are going to use a moderated chat formal.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 9:00:36 PM)
In a moderated chat, all your questions go to the moderator (me). I will choose the questions that have the broadest application and those questions will appear in the main window for our special guests to reply to. You will only see your question in the main window if and when it is chosen. You will not see your question on the screen if it is not picked.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 9:00:49 PM)
Please post your questions, and I will choose as many as possible from the ones you post and our guests will respond. You can also post follow up questions.

Anxiouslywaiting (Dec 10, 2002 9:01:13 PM)
Are there any UNC students here?

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 9:02:13 PM)
Sherry just wrote me that Courtney, the chair of the admissions advisory board, is unable to come. She had previously written me that she still doesn't have power and can't log on.

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:02:28 PM)
Hi Linda, this is Bob Adler. We're on board.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 9:02:42 PM)
Hi Bob.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 9:02:54 PM)
Please post your questions...

hsc99 (Dec 10, 2002 9:03:07 PM)
Bob/Sherry: Could you give us an update on the Dean search? what type of qualities you are looking for in an individual? I hear there is an interim Dean. Is that true?

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 9:03:14 PM)
When you look at a file, what do you look at first? Last? How do you review a file?

SherryWallaceKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:03:23 PM)
Hi, Linda. Thank you for hosting us. We are happy to be here for your audience.

Anxiouslywaiting (Dec 10, 2002 9:03:33 PM)
Linda: I am a round one applicant. What is UNC's policy on notification - rolling or deadline day only?

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 9:03:44 PM)
Welcome!

Miyoung (Dec 10, 2002 9:04:28 PM)
Hi Ms. Wallace. Nice to meet you here again.

Edmund (Dec 10, 2002 9:04:30 PM)
Do you see or estimate an increase in the no. of applicants this year?

SherryWallaceKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:04:44 PM)
Hello, Anxious: we have a deadline day-notification process. If you apply for a given deadline, then you will get a decision by the stated deadline. We don't roll out decisions in between.

Miyoung (Dec 10, 2002 9:05:12 PM)
Hi Ms. Wallace and Ms. Abraham! nice to meet you all.

Anxiouslywaiting (Dec 10, 2002 9:05:14 PM)
Okay... good and bad certainly, but at least we know.

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:05:26 PM)
Yes, it is true. We have established a Dean's Search Committee that is busily working away. We're very hopeful that they'll have a new dean for us by the spring. Yes, we do have an interim dean. That's Juolie Collins, our current Senior Associate Dean. She'll be with us until the new dean arrives.

SherryWallaceKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:05:32 PM)
Hi, Edmund. We don't really know whether to expect an increase this year. We have seen an increase in the number of unsolicited inquirers this year. That probably will mean an increase in applicants.

hsc99 (Dec 10, 2002 9:05:50 PM)
Could someone discuss the role of the MBA Student Association? It appears that this structure is different from many other business schools.

Treeman (Dec 10, 2002 9:06:12 PM)
Bob - I have a question about the interview process. UNC is unique in that you require the applicants to interview at UNC. For financial or logistical reasons, an applicant may not be able to do that. Why is this the policy at UNC?

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:06:26 PM)
We have a terrific and very active MBASA group.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 9:06:37 PM)
Bob, what does it do?

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 9:06:57 PM)
What is KFBS doing to help its graduates in this tough job market?

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:07:06 PM)
The MBASA is involved in every aspect of the school from extracurricular activities to work on revising the curriculum.

letusfly (Dec 10, 2002 9:07:09 PM)
question1: my low twe will hurt my application. question2: one subsection of my TOEFL is 59, which does not reach the minimum requirement.

DCQ56 (Dec 10, 2002 9:07:13 PM)
How many places are being offered this year? Any idea of how many internationals (Brazil specifically)?

ShawnGrahamKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:07:41 PM)
Hi Linda...the Office of Career Services is working hard to reach out to employers. In addition to our normal recruiting efforts, a number of student groups have gone on visits to firms throughout the United States and abroad.

LA (Dec 10, 2002 9:08:05 PM)
Where can we reach information about current students or club members? I’d like to contact somebody from Russia or CIS, but couldn’t find that information.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:08:12 PM)
Our interview process is simple. You may complete your application before completing an interview. If you have the application ready to submit, please don't let the interview status prevent you from submitting it. For applicants that apply before they complete an interview, the process works like this: We will review your written application with the admissions committee. If the committee finds you to be among the most competitive applicants in the pool, then they will request that you interview. We will contact you then to arrange the interview. If you would like to interview on campus, great! If that's not feasible for you, then we will arrange a telephone interview for you, or we will arrange for you to interview with an alumnus in your local area. If you are in an area where there is no alumni member of the admissions committee, then we do the telephone interview.

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:08:24 PM)
Hi LA. You can reach our international students and club members by contacting Ed Anderson, Deputy Director of Students Services at (91900) 962-3135.

him (Dec 10, 2002 9:08:38 PM)
Is there an increase in the no of apps from techie people due to the technology slowdown?

Josh (Dec 10, 2002 9:08:45 PM)
Can you provide a rough estimate of how many applicants will be admitted in the 2nd round versus 1st round? What round typically has the most accepted applicants?

Anxiouslywaiting (Dec 10, 2002 9:09:36 PM)
Have either of you participated in the speaking Spanish program?

Treeman (Dec 10, 2002 9:09:41 PM)
Bob or Shawn or Sherry- I noticed on the KFBS web site that the goal is to make admissions requirements tougher. It shows the current level of avg. GMAT and GPA and states the goal is to bring those numbers up. Why is that? Are you unhappy with the current level of students you are receiving? Do you feel it will make KFBS a better place to study?

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:09:54 PM)
Dear Anxiously Waiting, the Spanish speaking program is extremely active, with lots of students involved.

ShawnGrahamKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:10:01 PM)
DCQ56: we are beginning to collect employment information for the class of 2003. I will say that 68% of the class of 2002 had an offer by graduation.

Edmund (Dec 10, 2002 9:10:37 PM)
What is/was the range of GPA of your accepted applicants?

hsc99 (Dec 10, 2002 9:10:40 PM)
Shawn: what sort of balance is there between lecture/case study/group projects?

Miyoung (Dec 10, 2002 9:11:54 PM)
Ms. Wallace! I've got a question here concerning my interest in the Marketing and health care section.

Miyoung (Dec 10, 2002 9:11:56 PM)
Are there any experimental workshops for improving class learning?

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:11:58 PM)
HSC99: The mix of lecture, case studies and group projects varies from class to class. The fact is that we do lots of all of them. Because it's business school, we do a lot of case work. In many cases, they are done by groups. We're a very team-oriented school.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:12:08 PM)
Treeman - our goal is not to make the requirements tougher. Our goal is to enroll the best, most qualified candidates out there. Over the past few years, we have been very pleased to see the quality of our applicant pool increase. That enables us to admit at even higher levels.

LA (Dec 10, 2002 9:12:21 PM)
I got my interview invitation. Could you please explain how many of us got it and, if it’s a good sign, what is the percentage of accepted among those who got their interview by invitation?

Anxiouslywaiting (Dec 10, 2002 9:12:24 PM)
Are spouses allowed to go on the GIEs?

Bernardo (Dec 10, 2002 9:12:31 PM)
Hi all, I'm a first year MBA student at Kenan Flagler, I'm open to any questions I could help you with.

Treeman (Dec 10, 2002 9:12:36 PM)
I misspoke when I said requirements... I meant averages.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:12:41 PM)
Are we dissatisfied with current students? Not at all! We just want every class that comes later to make the current students even prouder to be here.

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:12:44 PM)
Miyoung, Please clarify what you mean by that question. Thanks.

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:13:03 PM)
Bernardo, welcome!!!

sara (Dec 10, 2002 9:13:08 PM)
What are the GIEs?

Treeman (Dec 10, 2002 9:13:18 PM)
Sherry - that implies that the quality of the applicant increases with higher GPAs and higher GMATs. Is this the way the Admissions committee views the applicants?

Bernardo (Dec 10, 2002 9:13:21 PM)
Thank you, Bob.

Miyoung (Dec 10, 2002 9:13:23 PM)
Hi Bernardo.

DCQ56 (Dec 10, 2002 9:13:34 PM)
Shawn, I’m not that far yet. I was asking about the applications for KFBS. How many places are you going to offer this year?

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:13:49 PM)
GIEs are Global Immersion Electives. Students go overseas in groups to travel around a region and to interview and visits business people across the world. GIEs are very popular in the school. We send them to SE Asia, S Africa, Cuba, Latin America, and so on. You'll definitely find one that suits you.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 9:14:15 PM)
If you have a question for a KFBS student, Bernardo has joined the chat. Please feel free to post questions for him.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:14:25 PM)
Also, on admissions requirements, please realize that Kenan-Flagler seeks to enroll well rounded students. Average GPA and GMAT are great indicators, but they don't tell the entire story. Interpersonal skills, integrity, leadership, career experience, global awareness and what many call "soft skills" are equally important attributes to our admissions committee.

Josh (Dec 10, 2002 9:14:27 PM)
How heavily is undergraduate GPA weighed in the admissions process versus everything else? How far does a good alternative transcript go towards balancing out a poor undergrad GPA?

Bernardo (Dec 10, 2002 9:14:45 PM)
Hi, Miyoung.

vish (Dec 10, 2002 9:15:00 PM)
Any updates on numbers of first round applicants?

hsc99 (Dec 10, 2002 9:15:03 PM)
Bob/Bernardo; Many business schools extol their relationships to the greater university community. Is this true at KFBS? If so, what ways have you partnered with UNC as a whole to enhance the educational experience?

mengdan (Dec 10, 2002 9:15:09 PM)
I had an interview with Ms. Alison Jesse. She told me UNC did not require a co-signer for loans to the international students. Is this still the case this year?

vish (Dec 10, 2002 9:15:11 PM)
Bernardo, can you tell us a little bit about your background and what made you come to KFBS?

Miyoung (Dec 10, 2002 9:15:16 PM)
Hi, Bernardo. Are there some available workshops to help class learning to adapt to the real business world? Or any of marketing workshops?

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:16:00 PM)
hsc99: We do stay involved with UNC at large. We have joint programs with the school of public health and journalism, for example. There are lots of points of interaction between our students and students at large.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:16:01 PM)
DCQ56: We don't have targets for the number of applicants to admit from a given country. So much will depend upon the pool. We've only had one application deadline thus far, so it's still very early.

Treeman (Dec 10, 2002 9:16:13 PM)
Sherry - That is essentially what I'm driving at. GMAT and GPAs aren't even 1/2 the story (and I'm not saying that because of my own personal numbers). However if this is the way the committee feels, then why the desire to up the average?

LA (Dec 10, 2002 9:16:21 PM)
Regarding your fin. aid policy for international students, what aid will be available next fall, and will we be able to get the loan without a cosigner?

Bernardo (Dec 10, 2002 9:16:25 PM)
OK, Vish, my background is in Marketing in the hotel industry and consulting. I chose to apply to Kenan-Flagler, because I found a strong - very strong, I should say - teamwork and supportive environment, in terms of the size of the class and the people I met.

Edmund (Dec 10, 2002 9:16:30 PM)
How does UNC look at an international student's (whose English is not their 1st language) verbal part in the GMAT?

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:17:33 PM)
Hi, Mengdan. I'm glad you got to meet with Alison Jesse. Currently, we have a loan program with Bank of America that does not require foreign nationals to have a U.S. Citizen co-signer. We are currently reviewing our loan program and will have updated information over the next few weeks. We are committed to offering all Kenan-Flagler graduate students access to loans.

Treeman (Dec 10, 2002 9:18:21 PM)
I personally don't think having higher average numbers should be a "goal" of any given school. By saying it is, then the school is stating that is what they find important. Now, if the averages happen to go up, then great, but that's not what the web site is saying.

Miyoung (Dec 10, 2002 9:18:24 PM)
Bernardo, what subject are you going to concentrate on?

mengdan (Dec 10, 2002 9:18:54 PM)
Thanks, Sherry.

vish (Dec 10, 2002 9:18:59 PM)
Bernardo - are you a first year student?

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:19:54 PM)
Treeman: I hear you. The average will go up merely because we are getting more applicants that have scored in the highest percentiles on the GMAT and who are boasting higher GPAs. Let me assure you that we enroll candidates with a range of grades and GMAT scores each year. Although the average and median is likely to go higher, I expect our range of admitted applicants to remain from the low 500's to 800.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 9:20:56 PM)
Treeman, all schools have had their average GPAs and GMATs go up over the last five years. I don't know whether KFBS has had them go up more of less than other schools, but they have virtually all seen an increase.

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:21:22 PM)
One of the reasons that students want to come to KFBS is that they like being around top students. One, but only one, indicator can be the GMAT.

Anxiouslywaiting (Dec 10, 2002 9:21:42 PM)
To any student: How have you enjoyed living in Chapel Hill?

Bernardo (Dec 10, 2002 9:21:47 PM)
Miyoung, the learning so far at school, regarding Marketing, Operations, etc. are always supported by REAL LIFE cases, therefore you are learning and applying your knowledge in real life situations. Moreover, each career club, such as Marketing, has case workshops to prepare for real life questions in interviews.

Bernardo (Dec 10, 2002 9:21:51 PM)
Vish, Miyoung, I'm a first year and planning to concentrate in Consulting and Entrepreneurship.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:21:54 PM)
Josh, the GPA is just one of several attributes that the admissions committee considers. A really low GPA will certainly raise some red flags and can make you less competitive than a similar candidate (similar work, life experiences) with higher grades.

mengdan (Dec 10, 2002 9:21:55 PM)
Do the professors have a lot of cross-departmental communication so that one class's lessons feeds off another, particularly in terms of case studies?

hsc99 (Dec 10, 2002 9:22:00 PM)
What sort of relationships does KFBS have with the Life Sciences Community in and around RTP?

Josh (Dec 10, 2002 9:22:15 PM)
That's ok, my questions are purely selfish anyway :)

hsc99 (Dec 10, 2002 9:23:00 PM)
Bernardo/Shawn: Could you guys discuss the 1st year. Specifically, could you address the curriculum as it is related to the Business Plan?

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:23:01 PM)
HSC99. We have a very exciting center for entrepreneurship that is heavily involved in developing life sciences projects. UNC at large, as you no doubt know, is one of the leaders in the field.

Miyoung (Dec 10, 2002 9:23:07 PM)
Which part of GMAT sections between verbal and math sections is more important?

Josh (Dec 10, 2002 9:23:12 PM)
I visited the campus in November and was truly impressed! However, I heard several times throughout the day that the parking situation is a nightmare. Has anyone heard of any plans to help this in the near future?

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:23:21 PM)
If an applicant has poor grades from undergrad, then that applicant must address at least two things in his/her application: 1. How to demonstrate that I am capable and committed to performing at a high level in my MBA classes 2. How to convince the committee that I am still a better choice than the next applicant, despite my low GPA.

Miyoung (Dec 10, 2002 9:24:01 PM)
Thanks, Bernardo.

Bernardo (Dec 10, 2002 9:24:05 PM)
Anxiously, I love Chapel Hill, it's a great college town, and life is very fun, safe and different, especially if you come form a large city, as in my case. I lived in Mexico city.

Treeman (Dec 10, 2002 9:24:07 PM)
Linda - I'm not talking about scores that happen to go up. KFBS specifically states on their web site that it is the GOAL to drive their numbers up. This tells me that they place a lot of importance on scores.

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:24:12 PM)
Josh, Parking is not a nightmare at the business school. It's a challenge as with any university. In fact, we've probably got the best parking situation on the entire UNC campus.

Miyoung (Dec 10, 2002 9:24:14 PM)
Bernardo! I think entrepreneurship is enchanting in some way. What goal do you have after graduation?

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:24:44 PM)
Miyoung, all sections of the GMAT are considered. The quantitative score is important for demonstrating your ability to navigate well in quantitative curricula. Verbal is important, too.

LA (Dec 10, 2002 9:25:01 PM)
Sherry, could you answer my question, please - I got my interview invitation, could you please explain how many of us got it and, if it’s a good sign, what is the percentage of accepted among those who got their interview by invitation?

hsc99 (Dec 10, 2002 9:25:42 PM)
Are there factors in a student's overall application that would make you believe that the student's ability to perform the rigorous work at KFBS is not reflected in his or her GMAT score?

OneMBA (Dec 10, 2002 9:25:54 PM)
What is KFBS doing to beat the rankings game?

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:26:12 PM)
Josh, more on parking. We organize students into commuter groups. It's a bit of a challenge, but it's generally effective.

Bernardo (Dec 10, 2002 9:26:14 PM)
Josh, parking isn't a nightmare, since you are assigned to a section who's schedule is the same as yours; therefore, you'll find a carpool easily!!

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:26:20 PM)
Hi, LA. I can't answer your question with the detail you request. We don't track it that way. You should feel encouraged that an invitation to interview does suggest that the admissions committee is impressed thus far. Many candidates have interviewed already during our "open interviewing season" on campus, and several have interviewed with members of my staff on the road.

Josh (Dec 10, 2002 9:26:24 PM)
Thanks, Sherry. Quick follow-up: if I have a second undergrad degree with a much better GPA, how far does this go towards overcoming a low first GPA?

Miyoung (Dec 10, 2002 9:26:30 PM)
Thanks, Ms. Wallace!

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:27:08 PM)
ONEMBA, KFBS is not doing anything to "beat" the rankings game. We provide as good an education as anyone can get in the country and somehow the rankings follow. Schools that spend too much time worrying about rankings always seem to be doing last year's thing instead of trying to provide as good an education for their students as possible.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:27:32 PM)
There will be more invitations to interview issued as we review more applicants. Sometimes an applicant will not be invited to interview right away. That does not mean that applicant is not going to be admitted. They could be waitlisted and interviewed later on. Or, it may just mean that we have not yet had a chance to screen their application.

angela (Dec 10, 2002 9:27:32 PM)
Bob - how does KFBS distinguish itself from other schools in entrepreneurship? developing life sciences projects? Could you give us more specifics?

Bernardo (Dec 10, 2002 9:28:00 PM)
hsc99: The first year core curriculum is giving me the basis from a general management perspective that could help me to develop, read, evaluate or even implement a business plan. Actually today we started a business plan exercise to apply our knowledge and develop the skill set.

vish (Dec 10, 2002 9:28:08 PM)
Sherry - could you answer how many applications you received for the first round and how many offers you intend to make?

mengdan (Dec 10, 2002 9:28:14 PM)
I am quite impressed by KF's MBA scorecard, a very effective marketing forum. Has KF deployed any strategy to improve its brand name internationally?

DCQ56 (Dec 10, 2002 9:28:36 PM)
Thanks, Sherry. How do you communicate acceptances/ Dings (e-mail/ snail mail/phone)?

letusfly (Dec 10, 2002 9:28:40 PM)
Are there any courses about corporate governance?

Bernardo (Dec 10, 2002 9:29:19 PM)
Miyoung, I'm not sure yet, but it would be in the Retail/Services industry.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:29:57 PM)
Josh, don't worry so much about overcoming the first degree. I advise you to demonstrate your ability to perform well (grades of A and B levels) in quantitative courses. We expect all entering students to have taken (or having working knowledge of) calculus, microeconomics, financial accounting and statistics. It would be great for you to show strong grades in these courses. Many applicants take these courses in local colleges as prep for their MBA studies.

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:29:58 PM)
Mengdan, The scorecard is our way of letting the world and ourselves know what our goals, aspirations and achievements are. If you like what you see, you can monitor our progress along with everyone else. It's perfectly transparent for all to see. We don't always hit every goal, but you'll know that along with everyone else.

OneMBA (Dec 10, 2002 9:30:32 PM)
I agree, Dr. Alder. Are you discussing OneMBA tonight or only the fulltime MBA?

Bernardo (Dec 10, 2002 9:30:36 PM)
DCQ56, based on my experience, the admissions office sends you a letter, posts the decision in the website, and sometimes calls you.

hsc99 (Dec 10, 2002 9:30:45 PM)
What place does ethics have in the KFBS curriculum? Has ethics always been in place or are you adjusting things as of late?

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:31:06 PM)
Letusfly, We have no courses on corporate governance per se. We, however, have lots of courses that touch on different aspects of corporate governance, including Leading and Managing, Ethics and Strategy.

Miyoung (Dec 10, 2002 9:31:47 PM)
Bernardo, I'm working for a pharmaceutical company. As I told you earlier, I want to go further to a marketing or health care division. How about the job market in that field?

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:31:49 PM)
Mengdan: Earlier this year, we brought on board an Exec Dir of Marketing and Communications. She is doing a great job of leading our organization in a process that will enable us to take targeted initiatives toward expanding our brand worldwide.

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:32:16 PM)
HSC99, Glad you asked about ethics. In fact, KFBS has proudly offered mandatory ethics courses for the past two decades. We're particularly delighted with that given the recent emphasis on corporate integrity.

boston (Dec 10, 2002 9:32:17 PM)
Sherry, I know that KF will be attending the InsidetheMBA fair in Boston on 1/9 and I was wondering if there might be an opportunity to meet with an admissions representative at that time. I am currently working on my application to submit for the 2nd round and would love the opportunity to meet with someone in Boston if at all possible. Please advise.

cindy tokumitsu (Dec 10, 2002 9:32:24 PM)
Can you comment on your approach to re-applicants? Do you review the entire previous application along with the new one? Do you look for specific developments or changes?

Treeman (Dec 10, 2002 9:32:28 PM)
Can you tell me about your entrepreneurial program?

hsc99 (Dec 10, 2002 9:32:41 PM)
What sort of relationship does KFBS have with firms on the West Coast?

Eric (Dec 10, 2002 9:32:56 PM)
Sherry, have you seen an increase in the CSE concentration applicants?

ShawnGrahamKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:32:58 PM)
Miyoung, I would be more than happy to discuss employment trends in specific industries following tonight's chat.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:33:58 PM)
Hello, OneMBA. We all work with the full-time program, but we are very happy to discuss One MBA, too. If you have specific questions, let us know. Otherwise, I will be happy to talk with you offline and give you a specific contact person for One MBA. It's a fantastic program. If I did not already have an MBA, I would certainly consider it.

angela (Dec 10, 2002 9:34:28 PM)
Bernardo - are there many guys with technical backgrounds who expect IT in your class? how about the proportion?

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:34:29 PM)
Treeman, We have a Center devoted exclusively to entrepreneurship with a corporate incubator that nurtures new ventures. We have a certain amount of funds from our exec ed center that is devoted exclusively to entrepreneurship, so that we are able to provide a sustained amount of support to entrepreneurship. Watch us in the future. We're really taking off.

DCQ56 (Dec 10, 2002 9:34:44 PM)
Thanks, Bernardo. Are all the acceptances calls done on the 23 of Jan? Meaning, should I get desperate if the phone des not ring during that day?

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:35:11 PM)
Eric, By CSE, do you mean sustainability?

ShawnGrahamKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:35:32 PM)
hsc99, KFBS has strong relationships with organizations on the West Coast. There are student-led initiatives each year throughout the United States.

angela (Dec 10, 2002 9:35:33 PM)
Bob - what are the features of the entrepreneurial program in KFBS? You've talked about "developing a life science project". Could you give us more specifics? Or how to get information about the project?

hsc99 (Dec 10, 2002 9:35:38 PM)
Is there a list of students that we could speak to outside of tonight's chat? I'd really like to get the perspective of a current student.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:36:23 PM)
Edmund, I'm sorry I just found your question. About 31 percent of Kenan-Flagler students are foreign nationals so you can see we are very committed to enrolling international students. Verbal GMAT scores are evaluated with the understanding that some non-native English speakers will score lower in this section. On the other hand, TOEFL is really where we look to gauge English ability.

Bernardo (Dec 10, 2002 9:36:47 PM)
Miyoung, I've seen a lot of companies coming to campus to recruit for Marketing positions at the Pharma industry; besides, the Bio-Tech industry in the area is very strong.

OneMBA (Dec 10, 2002 9:36:59 PM)
Sherry, I am considering the OneMBA so I can continue working full time. There is always that nagging question of whether EMBA programs are as good as fulltime. Comments?

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:37:06 PM)
Angela, We offer courses in entrepreneurship, business plan exercises that focus on entrepreneurship and lots of projects in the field. I don't think there are many universities that do as much in this area as we do.

letusfly (Dec 10, 2002 9:37:44 PM)
hsc99, including me.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:37:50 PM)
DCQ56: Don't ever get desperate! Sometimes we make calls on the same day as we release the decisions. Other times, we may wait a day or two.

Treeman (Dec 10, 2002 9:37:55 PM)
Can you tell me more about the corporate incubator? Is it a place to hold the business, or is it funding?

Bernardo (Dec 10, 2002 9:37:58 PM)
Angela, sorry I did not get the question.

vish (Dec 10, 2002 9:38:05 PM)
What is a scorecard, anyway?

DCQ56 (Dec 10, 2002 9:38:59 PM)
Thanks, Sherry!

Miyoung (Dec 10, 2002 9:39:03 PM)
Bernardo, thank you for each of your comments. When do students participate in an internship program?

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:39:17 PM)
Treeman, It's an actual room where students and entrepreneurs -- real ones -- get together to develop actual business projects that will seek funding and supporters. So far, we have had several started that seem likely to make it as ongoing businesses.

Miyoung (Dec 10, 2002 9:39:19 PM)
Bernardo! Could you please give me your email address?

ShawnGrahamKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:39:38 PM)
Miyoung, 1st year students participate in internships during the summer between their first and second years.

Miyoung (Dec 10, 2002 9:40:09 PM)
What percentage of students get the internship opportunity?

boston (Dec 10, 2002 9:40:16 PM)
Sherry, are you still conducting interviews after the open season closes1/16th? I'd love to meet with someone at the InsideTheMBA fair in Boston on 1/9 if at all possible.

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:40:24 PM)
vish, Go on-line to our web site and look for the section marked "scorecard." You'll see that it's a list of values, achievements, aspirations that chart our progress.

ShawnGrahamKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:40:33 PM)
Miyoung, the class of 2003 had 100% internship placement.

Miyoung (Dec 10, 2002 9:41:14 PM)
Can respective students pick the company he or she wants to have an internship experience for?

Eric (Dec 10, 2002 9:41:18 PM)
Bob, it sounds to me like the SBA (Small Business Association). Are these programs related in any way?

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:41:20 PM)
OneMBA: you ask a tough question. Only you can assess which format of MBA Program is right for you. If you decide that an executive program fits your needs best, then Kenan-Flagler offers three avenues for you. We have an evening- Exec MBA Program where you meet 2 nights a week here in Chapel Hill. We have a weekend-Exec MBA Program where classes meet every other weekend here in Chapel Hill. And now we have OneMBA. In general, you find students with a greater amount of work experience in an Exec MBA class. Many, too, are sponsored by their companies in some way. In the full-time program, most people are there for the total life immersion. They also expect more substantial career services resources from the school (since most are not sponsored by current employers). Full time or Exec MBA? You have to make that call. Are you comfortable giving up your income for 2 years? How much career services support do you seek? What are you looking to achieve post-MBA? What do people in hiring roles (for the positions you seek) recommend??

DCQ56 (Dec 10, 2002 9:41:21 PM)
Shawn, do you have an idea of an average compensation ($) for the internship program?

Miyoung (Dec 10, 2002 9:41:23 PM)
Thanks, Shawn! Your answer is useful.

angela (Dec 10, 2002 9:41:31 PM)
Bob, about the deadline, are all the materials sent before the deadline -- postmarked by the deadline -- ok, or must KFBS receive the material before the deadline? I'm a international applicant for KFBS.

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:41:39 PM)
Vish, For example, the scorecard lists a profile of students that we've accepted and tells you what we're looking for in the future. It also lists our rankings and discusses where we hope to be in the future in the rankings.

hsc99 (Dec 10, 2002 9:42:36 PM)
Could someone give us an update on the recruiting scene? Any big additions to the roster? Any companies pare down their hiring from previous years?

ShawnGrahamKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:42:38 PM)
Hi DCQ56, the average internship compensation for the class of 2003 was $1091 per week.

angela (Dec 10, 2002 9:43:15 PM)
Bernardo, how large is the proportion of guys with technical backgrounds who expect IT in your class?

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:43:28 PM)
Eric, It's perhaps a bit like the SBA, but the assistance is here at the KFBS school where you've got access to some of the finest minds in the world who can tell you whether your idea is a good one.

vish (Dec 10, 2002 9:43:41 PM)
Bernardo - what do you like best about KFBS, and what would you like to see improved?

Eric (Dec 10, 2002 9:44:50 PM)
Thanks Bob, and going back to my sustainability question, have you seen an increase in that concentration? Can you give insights regarding the Base of Pyramid project?

ShawnGrahamKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:45:27 PM)
hsc99, we have a very diverse list of recruiters and continue to add more. I work primarily with students interested in investment banking/investment management and sustainable enterprise and was able to accompany students on an investment management trek to Boston and an investment banking trip to London.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:45:33 PM)
Our application deadlines for the full-time MBA program for students enrolling August 2003 are as follows: Nov 22nd deadline/decisions issued Jan 23. Jan 31st deadline/decisions issued March 20. April 4th deadline/decisions issued May 15. All materials must be RECEIVED in our office by the deadline date! We can usually receive your official test scores from ETS a week or so later than the deadline and still process your decision on time. We do not roll out decisions prior to the decision date promised.

Edmund (Dec 10, 2002 9:45:59 P

Do you average the GMAT scores or take the highest?

Miyoung (Dec 10, 2002 9:46:04 PM)
After having GMAT scores reported through ETS, can I have the next available scores reported again if I get better scores?

OneMBA (Dec 10, 2002 9:46:18 PM)
Thanks, Sherry. Do you know whether the E programs are experiencing the same rise in applicants as full-time or not?

Bernardo (Dec 10, 2002 9:46:21 PM)
Angela, I'm not sure about the proportion, but I've met and worked with at least 5 people with IT background, but the important thing is the balance, and I have found very diverse backgrounds in the class.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:46:29 PM)
vish: you can get to MBA Scorecard at: www.mbascorecard.unc.edu

angela (Dec 10, 2002 9:46:30 PM)
Bernardo, could you please help me contact a guy with a technical background from China? My email: briefcase@eyou.com, millions of thanks!

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:46:31 PM)
On the MBA vs. EMBA question, I teach both groups. They're equally terrific students. The EMBA are perhaps a bit more laid back, perhaps because most of them have jobs while they're in school and not worrying about future employment the way MBA students are. It's really a killer to work and study, but lots of folks do. I really admire them.

mengdan (Dec 10, 2002 9:46:38 PM)
I submitted my application in the first round. But the online system can only notify me of the receipt of the materials submitted online. I am worrying about the supplementary documents I've mailed. Can I call the committee to check, or should I wait another couple of days?

hsc99 (Dec 10, 2002 9:47:52 PM)
Are the NC budget cuts hurting KFBS? Are you seeking additional donations from private entities?

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:48:43 PM)
Miyoung and Edmund: we are happy to receive multiple GMAT score reports from candidates. You are encouraged to maximize your score. If you re-take the test, please notify our office so we know to look out for your new score. We do not average your scores. We do not mix and match section scores taken at different times. Your official score will be the highest TOTAL score. Still, the admissions committee will look at each score you receive.

ShawnGrahamKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:48:58 PM)
hsc99, you can visit http://www.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/programs/mba/career/prospect.html for more information on top hiring companies and salary statistics.

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:49:00 PM)
HSC99, You're darn right that the budget cuts are a pain here, as they are at most universities across the country. We've suffered much less than other schools in the system because we have many generous supporters. Hope you come here and become one!

Bernardo (Dec 10, 2002 9:49:17 PM)
Vish, what I most like about KFBS are the people and the support for Entrepreneurship; what I would like to see improved is the school positioning among companies. Some companies are not aware of our school,  or sometimes we have to explain we are the business school of UNC at Chapel Hill.

angela (Dec 10, 2002 9:49:20 PM)
Bob - About the entrepreneurship program, how can we get more details about it in addition to the web page?

Josh (Dec 10, 2002 9:49:33 PM)
How successful have KFBS grads been in obtaining venture capital positions in the research triangle or Charlotte?

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:50:03 PM)
Angela, Contact Jeff Reid (former students of mine and terrific leader) at (919) 962-2031.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:50:17 PM)
Hi, Mengdan. I understand how anxious you are to confirm that your materials are received. We still have many bins of unopened and unprocessed mail in the office. It will be like this throughout the admissions season. Please, we appreciate your patience with us as we get through this heavy mail volume. Don't worry, your material is likely all there. We will send you electronic confirmation as soon as we can confirm we have it all.

hsc99 (Dec 10, 2002 9:50:19 PM)
Bob: I'm big into development work and hope to enter the field later in life!

Miyoung (Dec 10, 2002 9:50:22 PM)
Thank you, Ms. Wallace!

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 9:50:29 PM)
When you look at a file, what do you look at first? Last? How do you review a file?

mengdan (Dec 10, 2002 9:50:46 PM)
I communicated with some faculty members about my academic interests. They are very responsive. I also like the way the admission committee approaches their prospective students, giving each one an opportunity for an individual interview. Is "collaborative excellence and individual attention" a distinctiveness of KB?

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:50:56 PM)
HSC99, You've come to the right place. The Triangle is a great spot to work. We've got many grads out there now, which is terrific in terms of contacts.

ShawnGrahamKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:51:06 PM)
Josh, that's a great question. We can discuss success of graduates interested in venture capital in the Triangle/Charlotte area following tonight's chat.

DCQ56 (Dec 10, 2002 9:51:29 PM)
Shawn/Sherry/Bernardo, I believe that there is an unanswered questions about the number of applications received for round 1. Do you have that info handy?

angela (Dec 10, 2002 9:51:32 PM)
Bob, could you give me his email?

Josh (Dec 10, 2002 9:52:06 PM)
Thanks, Shawn, sounds great!

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:52:17 PM)
Mengdan, Collaborative excellence and individual attention is our middle name. If you look at the recent article in business week, you'll see that employers no longer want super lone ranger types. They want folks who function well in teams. That's us.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:52:20 PM)
Mengdan, I bet you have visited and interacted with many MBA programs, so you can probably tell us how distinctive our approach appears. I can assure you that we are very much concerned with the individual student. Each and every one!

ShawnGrahamKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:52:21 PM)
Jeff Reid's email is jr@unc.edu

Bernardo (Dec 10, 2002 9:52:41 PM)
Mengdan, you are right. Individual attention is distinctive of Kenan Flagler.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 9:52:47 PM)
Unanimity!

Bernardo (Dec 10, 2002 9:52:58 PM)
Not me DCQ56, sorry.

angela (Dec 10, 2002 9:53:08 PM)
Thanks! You are helpful!

hsc99 (Dec 10, 2002 9:53:11 PM)
Any plans to expand facilities/boost enrollment in the future?

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:53:25 PM)
We are still tallying the number of applications received in deadline one -- because we are still opening mail containing the items necessary to complete them. Thus far, we appear to be running ahead of last year's deadline one volume.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 9:53:39 PM)
What do you do differently when evaluating re-applicants? When you review the new application, do you have the evaluation from the previous year's app?

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 9:53:56 PM)
Please post your questions.

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:54:07 PM)
HSC99, No plans to expand enrollment (which has expanded in recent years). Lots of plans to expand facilities. We plan to break ground on a huge new annex to the school this academic year.

mengdan (Dec 10, 2002 9:54:25 PM)
Thanks, Bob, Sherry and Bernardo. I am also interested in the resources of Kenan Institute Asia (KIA). For the time being, it seems KIA's focus is Thailand. Does KIA have any plans to extend its partnership with China?

hsc99 (Dec 10, 2002 9:54:35 PM)
Any final tips for an upcoming interview?

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:54:38 PM)
Linda, thanks for asking about the re-applicants. We love re-applicants. They tend to get admitted at as little higher rate than first-time applicants. I think that it is because many re-applicants take advantage of the feedback we give them over the summer.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 9:55:05 PM)
I'm sure your feedback is very helpful.

hsc99 (Dec 10, 2002 9:55:12 PM)
Can you discuss briefly the 360 performance evaluation?

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:55:20 PM)
Mengdan, The Kenan Institute is one of the most entrepreneurial institutions around. I'm sure they do plan expansion in China, but they're already doing quite a bit now.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:55:25 PM)
Also, many times re-applicants simply needed another year of work and seasoning to be competitive. When we review these re-applicants, the first thing we seek is: WHAT IS NEW? WHAT HAS CHANGED SINCE LAST YEAR?

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 9:55:43 PM)
Do you review the new application with the old?

Bernardo (Dec 10, 2002 9:56:01 PM)
HSC99: be yourself, be sure to have a story to tell and evaluate if you fit with the school's culture.

Paul_Bodine (Dec 10, 2002 9:56:03 PM)
Are you finding that recruiting companies are relying more than they used to on summer internships to determine which MBAs they eventually hire? Or about the same as always?

OneMBA (Dec 10, 2002 9:56:07 PM)
WSJ: "UNC needs to strengthen students' analytical skills" .... Comments?

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:56:51 PM)
A re-applicant should challenge every part of his/her previous application. AM I SURE MY RECOMMENDERS REALLY SOLD ME? DID MY ESSAYS REALLY TELL MY STORY? IS MY GMAT THE MOST COMPETITIVE THAT IT CAN BE? AM I CLEAR ON MY SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM GOALS? CAN I STATE WHY KENAN-FLAGLER AND I ARE A FIT?

ShawnGrahamKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:57:01 PM)
Paul, internships are critical...now so more than ever!

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:57:24 PM)
HSC99, The 360 evaluation is something that each student who comes to KFBS goes through. Each student sends a list of questions to his or her recent employer, friends, and family to ask questions that are answered anonymously. Students get terrific feedback from those who know him or her about leadership style, work habits, annoying habits, and style of interacting with colleagues. Students find out more about themselves than they've ever learned before.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 9:57:53 PM)
Bob, that must be a very scary process for some. Very interesting, but also very scary.

hsc99 (Dec 10, 2002 9:58:15 PM)
Excellent answer Bob. Thanks!

mikeysmith213 (Dec 10, 2002 9:58:19 PM)
Have any companies dropped KFBS from its recruiting list this year?

Rose (Dec 10, 2002 9:58:25 PM)
What kind of feedback do you give re-applicants? Do you offer or recommend workshops or enrichment programs?

mengdan (Dec 10, 2002 9:58:32 PM)
I know KF had a very dramatic curriculum redesign to ensure that education is consistent to the actual corporate world. Do you update your case study every year?

Eric (Dec 10, 2002 9:58:39 PM)
Shawn, internships only apply to those who want to get a job in the US. How about the others?

Josh (Dec 10, 2002 9:58:44 PM)
Typically, internships seemed to be an opportunity to 'try something new'. Do you think this is still the case, or do you need to use the internship to strengthen your skills in your intended industry/profession?

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 9:59:07 PM)
OneMBA: We are always seeking ways to make our students more successful in their careers. Our goal is to bring in well rounded students who will have analytic skills second to none. A few things we have done recently toward this goal: 1. we frontloaded our curriculum with many quantitative and analytic courses so that recruiters of first-year students (for internships) would witness our students' preparation. 2. We require a higher level of quantitative and analytic ability coming into the program. Yes, we expect to develop these skills during your two years, but we are now starting with a more advanced analytic level of the student.

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 9:59:34 PM)
ONE MBA, Our students continue to get stronger ratings from employers on analytic skills than we've gotten before. I honestly would put our students up against any in the world. Interestingly, when I ask students who've completed internships about the biggest surprise they found, they invariably answer that they compete effectively against students from Harvard, Kellogg, Wharton, etc.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 10:00:51 PM)
Shawn or Bob, could you comment on the Pfeffer study that an MBA degree is not worth the tuition and opportunity cost?

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 10:01:02 PM)
Mengdan, We revise our curriculum constantly. I've just finished a round of meetings (weekly) with faculty, staff and students on revisions in the curriculum for next year. It's a never-ending process.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 10:01:10 PM)
Rose, the feedback is mostly done via email to students who have told us they want it. One member of the admissions committee spends almost the entire summer reviewing files and communicating to applicants.

ShawnGrahamKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 10:01:29 PM)
mikeysmith213, we have a large number of core recruiters each year, but as can be expected, some organizations change recruiting patterns or strategies. We are extremely focused on not only establishing relationships with new recruiters, but also maintaining our existing relationships. Each director on the OCS staff "owns" a group of organizations and stays in close contact with them.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 10:01:54 PM)
The hardest thing about feedback is that there is not always a REASON the applicant is denied. Most applicants are denied simply because we have many more applicants than we have spaces in class.

OneMBA (Dec 10, 2002 10:02:01 PM)
Thanks, Bob and Sherry.

mengdan (Dec 10, 2002 10:02:03 PM)
Thanks, Bob.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 10:02:09 PM)
In dispersing the applications among readers, do you distribute them randomly, by country, industry, function or other? How many people review a file?

Bernardo (Dec 10, 2002 10:02:28 PM)
Ok everyone, it has been a pleasure helping you, but even at business school we have time to party, so I'm leaving to a birthday party with all the Latin-American people. Good night and good luck in your application process.

ShawnGrahamKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 10:03:03 PM)
Josh, it is very important to carefully consider what you hope to pursue after graduation when looking for an internship. Although it can be done, trying to convince a recruiter that you're interested in one industry when you interned in another can be a challenge.

Eric (Dec 10, 2002 10:03:05 PM)
Enjoy it, Bernardo.

Miyoung (Dec 10, 2002 10:03:08 PM)
Thank you, Bernardo.

mikeysmith213 (Dec 10, 2002 10:03:09 PM)
Have fun, Bernardo.

hsc99 (Dec 10, 2002 10:03:13 PM)
What sort of industries are you putting more emphasis on in the applicant pool? (IB,MC,etcl)

DCQ56 (Dec 10, 2002 10:03:15 PM)
Tchau, Bernardo. Enjoy the party!

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 10:03:45 PM)
We have to deny 80 to 70% of the applicant pool -- could be even higher depending on the applicant volume! Many really well qualified applicants are denied. On the other hand, we enroll some fantastic students here.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 10:04:03 PM)
Our guest have graciously agreed to extend the chat for a few more minutes, so please post your questions.

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 10:04:07 PM)
Linda, I'm delighted to comment on the Pfeffer/Fong study. They said that there's no evidence to justify an MBA. True up to a point. What they needed to say is that there's no evidence one way or another. In fact, this reminds me about the studies in the 1970s that said that there's no value in an undergraduate education. Lots of studies now refute that. I suspect that the same will occur with the Pfeffer/Fong article. By the way, they said that MBAs at "elite" schools are worth it. Guess who's an elite school? That's right, you're looking at us.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 10:04:30 PM)
Hi, HSC99. We are not targeting any specific industry experiences in the pool. Some seasons, some industries are more represented in the pool than others. It's a little early for me to tell what is going on this year.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 10:04:40 PM)
Thanks for responding, Bob.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 10:04:54 PM)
What party, Bernardo?

angela (Dec 10, 2002 10:05:01 PM)
Sherry - I know KFBS is also strong at general management. Please give us more details.

Guest (Dec 10, 2002 10:05:04 PM)
Bob, Sherry, Shawn, good night.

mengdan (Dec 10, 2002 10:05:09 PM)
Could you say something about one of the pre-enrollment programs offered by KF, "Analytic Skills Workshop"? Is it mandatory or optional? Time and cost?

Rose (Dec 10, 2002 10:05:14 PM)
If an applicant is not accepted into the MBA program, is it possible to take individual classes at KF?

Josh (Dec 10, 2002 10:06:06 PM)
How successful have been KFBS grads been with strategy consulting firms?

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 10:06:06 PM)
ASW is not mandatory. But most students (200 out of 280) take it. It really gets you set for the year by doing a great review (or preview) of the quantitative courses ahead. Yes, take it by all means.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 10:06:43 PM)
Analytic skills workshop classes (ASW) are mostly optional, although for a small percentage of applicants they may be a requirement associated with their admission. We have found that nearly 80% of the entering class attends ASW.

Miyoung (Dec 10, 2002 10:06:59 PM)
Wallace, Bob, and Shawn! Thank you very much for helping us with kind and detailed replies.

hsc99 (Dec 10, 2002 10:07:00 PM)
Thanks, Sherry! Just a quick follow up? Is it preferable to the ADCOM that we attend a class before receiving an offer of admission?

mikeysmith213 (Dec 10, 2002 10:07:03 PM)
Any one know the percentage of graduating students who have jobs so far?

ShawnGrahamKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 10:07:21 PM)
mikeysmith213, are you referring to the class of 2003?

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 10:07:22 PM)
Angela, General Management is our middle name. That's what our reputation was built on. We've got lots of strengths in various areas, but we'll always be most strong in general management, which you should like.

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 10:07:40 PM)
Miyoung, you're definitely welcome.

mikeysmith213 (Dec 10, 2002 10:07:41 PM)
yeah

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 10:08:02 PM)
ASW usually is offered in two sessions. One 3 and 1/2 week session in June, and another session in July. The courses offered: analytic tools (stats, quantitative methods, etc, financial accounting, microeconomics, intro finance). Also, opportunity to do some pc spreadsheet classes.

ShawnGrahamKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 10:08:12 PM)
Josh, I'd be more than happy to discuss strategy consulting following tonight's chat.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 10:08:30 PM)
Shawn, you're saving all the good stuff for after the chat!

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 10:08:58 PM)
HSC99: Please clarify what you mean by "attend a class." Do you mean visit a KF class? Or do you mean enroll in a pre-req class?

hsc99 (Dec 10, 2002 10:09:06 PM)
How favorably do you look at someone's participation in the CFA program versus a lower GMAT quant score?

mengdan (Dec 10, 2002 10:09:09 PM)
Thank you all.

Miyoung (Dec 10, 2002 10:09:11 PM)
I'm very excited to see the campus and classes early Feb. for an interview and class visits.

hsc99 (Dec 10, 2002 10:09:28 PM)
Yes, visit a class; I won't be able to visit a class; just the interview.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 10:09:47 PM)
In dispersing the applications among readers, do you distribute them randomly, by country, industry, function or other? How many people review a file?

ShawnGrahamKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 10:09:51 PM)
mikeysmith213, we don't have that data compiled at this point for the class of 2003, as many students were still receiving job offers after they returned from their summer internships. We have internship statistics for the class of 2003.

mikeysmith213 (Dec 10, 2002 10:10:08 PM)
Well worth the visit. The building is breathtaking!

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 10:10:10 PM)
HSC99: We value the CFA experience. It probably doesn't tell us much about your abilities in stats or calculus. The CFA can be a big benefit for students interested in investment management.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 10:10:29 PM)
Last 3 questions, please.

mengdan (Dec 10, 2002 10:10:40 PM)
How are partners received and integrated in your community?

Guest (Dec 10, 2002 10:10:50 PM)
I have to log off -- unfortunately, not for a party, like Bernardo! Thank you, everyone from KFBS. It was a real pleasure to hear your insights and enthusiasm about the program. Good luck to all the applicants!

DCQ56 (Dec 10, 2002 10:10:55 PM)
How many people read the application file ?

Miyoung (Dec 10, 2002 10:11:18 PM)
Mikeysmith213? Have you already done the class visit session?

mikeysmith213 (Dec 10, 2002 10:11:32 PM)
Yes. Great group of people.

mengdan (Dec 10, 2002 10:11:35 PM)
Can you describe a typical day for the first year student?

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 10:11:37 PM)
Mikeysmith213, It is a wonderful building to teach in. Great acoustics and warm, friendly classrooms.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 10:11:42 PM)
Linda: all of the above. Several members of the admissions committee will review each file. And often, yet another member of the committee will do the interview. Please, look at the admissions committee simulations we offer on our CD Rom that accompanies our brochure.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 10:12:05 PM)
I reviewed it. It's excellent.

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 10:12:16 PM)
Mengdan, Typical day is filled with joy, fun, hard work, friends, and intellectual stimulation.

mikeysmith213 (Dec 10, 2002 10:12:19 PM)
Thanks, every one.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 10:12:31 PM)
MBA Admissions Brochure contains a CD Rom that has very helpful video testimonials, links to our online application and other resources. If you don't already have one, please go to our web site and register to receive one via the mail. www.kenan-flagler.unc.edu.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 10:12:46 PM)
Thank you again all for participating this evening. Special thanks to Bob, Sherry, and Shawn for joining us this evening and to Paul Bodine and Cindy Tokumitsu for their assistance.

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 10:12:47 PM)
My e-mail is bob_adler@unc.edu

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 10:12:51 PM)
I'm happy to respond to emails. I am sherry_wallace@unc.edu

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 10:13:01 PM)
We look forward to seeing you at future chats. Here is a list of currently scheduled chats:

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 10:13:09 PM)
Dec. 16 - Indiana; Jan. 13 - INSEAD; Jan 20 - USC.

ShawnGrahamKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 10:13:10 PM)
If anyone has career-related questions, please feel free to contact me at Shawn_Graham@unc.edu

Paul_Bodine (Dec 10, 2002 10:13:20 PM)
Thank you, Kenan-Flagler! Very informative.

angela (Dec 10, 2002 10:13:22 PM)
Bob, Sherry, Shawn, Linda, thanks!

DCQ56 (Dec 10, 2002 10:13:24 PM)
The admissions in action on the CD was a great idea! Congratulations for that!

Eric (Dec 10, 2002 10:13:26 PM)
Thank you Sherry, Shawn and Bob for your answers...

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 10:13:35 PM)
Please check http://www.accepted.com/chat/schedule.aspx#mba for exact times and details.

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 10:13:53 PM)
Everyone, our pleasure. Come on down (wait until after the ice melts). I'm still without heat and electricity.

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 10:14:06 PM)
Isn't it a week now?

ShawnGrahamKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 10:14:06 PM)
Thanks everyone! Good luck with your decision!

DCQ56 (Dec 10, 2002 10:14:12 PM)
Thanks !

mengdan (Dec 10, 2002 10:14:14 PM)
Thank you all tonight.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 10:14:15 PM)
We have a Partners Association through with spouses and partners are very active. This organization is recognized by the school and is an official student club.

Josh (Dec 10, 2002 10:14:16 PM)
Thanks, Shawn, I'll shoot you an email regarding a few follow-up questions.

BobAdlerKFBS (Dec 10, 2002 10:14:32 PM)
Good night all. This was a real treat. I wish you all the very best.

SherryWallaceKFBS Admis Dir (Dec 10, 2002 10:14:34 PM)
Thank all of you for your time and consideration. We'd love to see you here!

Linda Abraham (Dec 10, 2002 10:14:51 PM)
Have a very good evening! Good luck with your applications!

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