2005 RSM MBA Admissions Chat with Suzanne Whyte

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Chat Transcript:

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:26:01 AM)
First I want to welcome you all to Accepted.com's International MBA Admissions Chat, the Rotterdam School of Management Room.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:26:16 AM)
I also want to welcome Suzanne Whyte, Marketing & Admission Manager; Kirsty Johnston, Marketing & Admissions Officer; and Luisa Magalhaes, Marketing & Admissions Officer.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:26:37 AM)
Thanks to everyone for joining.

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:26:55 AM)
Thank you, Rachel.

EuroMBA (Dec 7, 2004 10:27:49 AM)
Hi, I have a very basic question re: the application process: the first page of the form asks for "Business Details" and immediately below for "Present Employment" - it is not clear to me what the difference is.

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:29:41 AM)
This happens because some of the applicants are planning to quit their current job so the present employment doesn't apply anymore.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:30:02 AM)
Suzanne, if you are looking at an application and the numbers and basic profile is in the ballpark for a RSM student, what distinguishes an application that is accepted from one that is rejected?

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:30:28 AM)
Kirsty, how do you use the interview in the admissions process?

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:31:07 AM)
Luisa, have you found the application volume down this year from previous years?

EuroMBA (Dec 7, 2004 10:31:41 AM)
Thanks Luisa - so if employed, I fill in the present employment section and simply leave the 'Business Details' section blank?

shell (Dec 7, 2004 10:31:45 AM)
How does a European MBA compare to a US one?

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:31:52 AM)
Yes, the application volume is down this year, industry wide.

KirstyJohnstonRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:31:58 AM)
The interview is a required component of the application for all those who pass the initial evaluation of their application. We often use local alumni for the interview, and therefore also offers applicants the chance to find out more about the program.

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:32:09 AM)
EuroMBA, yes, that's correct.

SuzanneWhyteRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:32:19 AM)
The European MBA compares very favorably with the US one!

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:32:38 AM)
Luisa, have you found that the quality of the applications is also down as a result?

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:32:56 AM)
Kirsty, are the interviews blind?

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:33:27 AM)
No, actually we don't find that at all. The quality of the applicants is quite high as they are very keen and motivated to pursue an MBA.

KirstyJohnstonRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:33:49 AM)
No. The alumni, or staff interviewer will have some information about the candidate. And of course as far as possible we ask them to meet in person, not by telephone.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:34:11 AM)
Do you prefer when the applicant interviews on campus?

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:34:24 AM)
Suzanne, if you are looking at an application and the numbers and basic profile is in the ballpark for a RSM student, what distinguishes an application that is accepted from one that is rejected?

KirstyJohnstonRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:34:52 AM)
We have a very international student body, therefore it is impossible for everyone to come to Rotterdam for the interview. We therefore try to use local alumni as often as possible.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:35:00 AM)
Luisa, how many students participate in the exchange program?

SuzanneWhyteRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:35:17 AM)
Rachel, we're looking for a well rounded applicant who can perform well in a number of areas. Each application is evaluated holistically so it's difficult to say what would distinguish each one!

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:35:31 AM)
Kirsty, so if there are no alumni in your area, you will conduct a phone interview at last result?

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:35:36 AM)
We have agreements with over 40 schools and every year, 50 to 60 students go on exchange.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:36:08 AM)
Do students apply for the exchange program?

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:36:26 AM)
Yes Rachel, it's a very competitive program.

KirstyJohnstonRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:36:33 AM)
We prefer not to use the telephone for interviews, but of course if it is a last resort, we do occasionally have to.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:36:51 AM)
Do the students choose which schools they go to? Is there a maximum number of students able to go to a particular school?

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:37:32 AM)
The students indicate where they want to go to. Yes, there is a maximum number. It's agreed with each school every year.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:37:38 AM)
Kirsty, is the interview a make-or-break for the applicant?

KirstyJohnstonRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:38:34 AM)
No, the interview is one part of a holistic application process. The feedback will be evaluated alongside all of the application documents by the Admissions Committee.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:39:09 AM)
Kirsty, what do you try to gain from the applicant at an interview?

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:39:43 AM)
How is recruiting going so far this year?

Kiem (Dec 7, 2004 10:39:59 AM)
I wanted to know about RSM's international exchange programs. Do many students participate in them? Do they adversely affect the recruitment process?

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:40:09 AM)
We are very please with how things are developing in terms of recruiting.

KirstyJohnstonRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:40:15 AM)
We are trying to find out more about the applicant than the written documents offer. So we would like to find out if the applicant will be a good fit in the student body, and how they will make a contribution themselves to the program.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:40:45 AM)
Are there more companies recruiting on campus this year? More interviews scheduled then in previous years?

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:40:54 AM)
We have around 40 partner schools and about 50 to 60 students go on exchange each year.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:41:21 AM)
Suzanne, is there any advice that you have specifically for applicants from the US, from other parts of the world?

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:41:25 AM)
Kiem, it affects recruitment in the sense that the students will miss some of the career management center events in Rotterdam, but they can benefit in a different region. Basically, it depends on what the student is looking for.

manuel (Dec 7, 2004 10:42:25 AM)
How do you think that the programme of studies at RSM differentiates itself from the ones at the US?

SuzanneWhyteRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:42:29 AM)
I would advise US students that they can apply for many loans to study in the Netherlands at http://www.mba.com . We have many students from other regions each year and I'd advise them to check our website at http://www.rsm.nl for lots of international information.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:43:09 AM)
Do they need co-signers on the loans, Suzanne?

SuzanneWhyteRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:43:25 AM)
Rachel- some do and some don't!

Angelino (Dec 7, 2004 10:43:36 AM)
Does Rotterdam School of Management teach their MBA programs in English or Dutch?

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:43:55 AM)
Suzanne, is there anything you recommend students do before starting their MBA that will make the beginning/transition easier?

SuzanneWhyteRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:43:57 AM)
All RSM programs are in English, Angelino.

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:44:02 AM)
Manuel, the RSM is very different from most US schools mostly in terms of size of the class and dynamics.

manuel (Dec 7, 2004 10:44:26 AM)
Luisa, would you elaborate a bit more concerning class dynamics?

SuzanneWhyteRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:44:28 AM)
Rachel, RSM Admissions are here to help all accepted students make their move to Rotterdam as smooth as possible. We help them apply for Visas if required and also help them locate suitable housing. We put them in touch with current students to find out as much as possible before they arrive.

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:44:43 AM)
We have a very high percent of international students and the small class makes way for a lot of discussion and interaction between the students and the lecturers.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:44:52 AM)
Kirsty, how should an applicant go about getting LOR’s if they work in a family business? Should they ask a client to write one for them?

Kiem (Dec 7, 2004 10:44:57 AM)
Is there an additional language requirement for graduation?

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:45:07 AM)
Suzanne, where do most of the students live? On campus, close by?

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:45:14 AM)
No, Kiem, all you need is to be proficient in English.

SuzanneWhyteRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:45:36 AM)
Most live within 5-10 minutes walking distance from campus.

KirstyJohnstonRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:45:52 AM)
Rachel, in the case that somebody works for the family business, either they can ask a peer/colleague who is not related to them to write the letter. Or alternatively, if they have a significant client contact, they could ask a client for the letter.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:46:21 AM)
Luisa, so the professors are very accessible?

Angelino (Dec 7, 2004 10:46:43 AM)
Does RSM teach using case methods or teacher lectures?

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:46:59 AM)
Yes, the students have many opportunities to discuss cases and interests with their professors.

SuzanneWhyteRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:47:12 AM)
Hi Angelino - there are many methods of teaching.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:47:39 AM)
Kirsty, would you prefer a letter of recommendation from a high-ranking executive that doesn’t now the applicant so well or from a lower level employee who can give more specific information about the applicant?

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:47:39 AM)
Angelino, the RSM method includes a bit of everything but with a special focus on teamwork.

KirstyJohnstonRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:48:23 AM)
For the reference letters, we recommend that applicants obtain these from people who actually know how the applicant works and operates on a daily basis.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:49:18 AM)
Luisa, are there any special considerations for re-applicants at RSM? Should reapplicants obtain recommendations from different recommenders.

Kiem (Dec 7, 2004 10:49:28 AM)
Are students at RSM actively involved in the community in the region (and in their home country)?

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:49:37 AM)
For reapplicants, they don't necessarily need references from different recommenders, but the new reference should reflect how they have improved over the year and why they have a stronger application.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:49:43 AM)
Suzanne, if an applicant has a less than desirable GPA and wants to show that he or she can now perform in an academic environment, is the applicant better off taking classes in a traditional environment or in a distance learning program, where perhaps he or she could take more classes because the program is self-paced?

SuzanneWhyteRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:49:53 AM)
Hi Kiem - we have several local alumni chapters all across the world. You can contact our alumni on http://www.rsm.nl/home .

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:50:13 AM)
Luisa, so they don't need to submit a new application? You will access the one you have from last year?

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:50:46 AM)
They need to submit a new application form, 1 reference letter and any other GMAT scores. We will use the transcripts and other documents that we have already on file.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:51:03 AM)
Do you have a minimum GMAT score?

Kiem (Dec 7, 2004 10:51:29 AM)
Suzanne, during the school year, do students have the time to get involved in the community?

SuzanneWhyteRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:51:29 AM)
A student can demonstrate their improvement from their poor GPA in many ways - the GMAT is a great indicator though!

KirstyJohnstonRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:51:48 AM)
RSM does not have a minimum GMAT score. However as a guideline, our current students have an average of about 630.

SuzanneWhyteRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:52:10 AM)
Kiem, students tend to spend a lot of time together and form friendships that will help them for the rest of their lives!

Kiem (Dec 7, 2004 10:52:17 AM)
I assume that RSM assigns first year learning teams (4-5 ppl), correct? If so, how are the teams selected?

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:52:24 AM)
Suzanne, would you encourage an applicant to take classes to show that they can perform well in an academic setting if they goofed off in college?

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:52:27 AM)
The students have social events throughout the program so that they get a chance to know each other and network.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:53:10 AM)
Is there a partners club for the students with spouses and families?

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:53:23 AM)
Kiem, the teams are set up by the MBA office in such a way that the students work with different people and nationalities each time.

SuzanneWhyteRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:53:30 AM)
Hi Rachael, we would always encourage our applicants to show their continued dedication to learning.

SuzanneWhyteRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:53:57 AM)
There is a partners club -  http://www.rsm.nl/MBA/PartnerProgramActivities .

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:54:48 AM)
Are there job opportunities for partners on campus?

SuzanneWhyteRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:55:07 AM)
There can be possibilities!

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:55:24 AM)
Do many have children?

Kiem (Dec 7, 2004 10:55:33 AM)
In terms of nationalities, is there a distinction between an Asian Canadian, European Canadian, etc or are all Canadians deemed the same? Same question with Americans.

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:55:53 AM)
Hi Kiem, we do not differentiate. It's whatever nationality the student has on his/her passport.

SuzanneWhyteRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:56:10 AM)
Many students have children.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:56:47 AM)
Do you have many activities when the whole family can participate?

blevynyc (Dec 7, 2004 10:56:53 AM)
Are there any alumni from RSM who are working in the UK or the US? If so, can you tell me where you are working and any difficulties you have had with recognition of this degree?

SuzanneWhyteRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:57:21 AM)
We do! From Sinterclass (Netherlands Christmas) to the MBA Olympics!

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:57:33 AM)
Do many foreign students remain in the Netherlands after they graduate?

SuzanneWhyteRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:57:47 AM)
Quite a few students stay in the Netherlands.

KirstyJohnstonRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:58:06 AM)
We have a number of alumni who are living and working in the US. You can contact some of them at http://www.rsm.nl/home .

Kiem (Dec 7, 2004 10:58:08 AM)
Would a technical degree (i.e. high level of quantitative work 75% average) offset a low quantitative score on the GMAT? Should the GMAT be re-written to prove quantitative abilities?

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:58:48 AM)
Is it mostly the natives that stay in the Netherlands?

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 10:59:00 AM)
How are graduates doing in finding jobs in their home countries?

SuzanneWhyteRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:59:09 AM)
No - only 3/4 of our class is native Dutch!

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 10:59:11 AM)
Rachel, no not at all.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 11:00:14 AM)
Are any sectors particularly active or more active than they have been since 2000, in terms of recruiting?

KirstyJohnstonRSM (Dec 7, 2004 11:02:41 AM)
Rachel, our students come from and move into a wide diversity of industries. You can get an idea of the kind of industries our alumni work in by visiting our website and reading the placement report at http://www.rsm.nl/MBA/CareerPlacementReport .

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 11:03:18 AM)
On your website it says a minimum of 2 years of full-time postgraduate work experience is required. If an applicant worked when finishing their undergrad degree and feel that they have the skills that RSM wants to see, should they try to apply?

KirstyJohnstonRSM (Dec 7, 2004 11:03:59 AM)
Rachel, we do ask for a minimum of 2 years post graduate full time employment on commencing the program.

Kiem (Dec 7, 2004 11:04:23 AM)
If a student decides to participate in the international exchange program, can that student take advantage of the recruitment at the other school? I ask because I'm also considering an mba from Richard Ivey which has an exchange program with RSM.

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 11:05:06 AM)
Kiem, it depends on the school where you want to go on exchange. In some cases, you can do it, but other schools do not allow it.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 11:05:09 AM)
You write online that to be considered for the MBA program, candidates must have a good university degree. What constitutes a good university degree?

SuzanneWhyteRSM (Dec 7, 2004 11:05:35 AM)
Rachel, candidates should show that they were a good student before and that they were able to successfully complete their studies and contribute to their university.

Petre (Dec 7, 2004 11:05:48 AM)
How do you consider GPA (I work since I was second year in university) ?

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 11:05:55 AM)
You can always contact us at admissions@rsm.nl , with any questions.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 11:06:00 AM)
So the actual institution isn't so important?

KirstyJohnstonRSM (Dec 7, 2004 11:06:08 AM)
Rachel, all applicants should be educated to a minimum of bachelors level and should have achieved a good overall score at that level. It is important that the institution be a recognized education institution in that country.

SuzanneWhyteRSM (Dec 7, 2004 11:06:32 AM)
There isn't any particular benefit in where you studied - as out applicant pool is so wide.

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 11:06:39 AM)
We look at the whole application and take all factors in consideration. You just need to make sure that you write that on you additional essay.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 11:07:06 AM)
Thank you again all for participating today. Special thanks to Suzanne, Kirsty and Luisa.

LuisaMagalhaesRSM (Dec 7, 2004 11:07:15 AM)
Thank you all! Let us know if you need any information!

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 11:07:15 AM)
We look forward to seeing you at future chats, and here is a list of the upcoming scheduled chats:

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 11:07:27 AM)
Chicago GSB: Jan. 4

Petre (Dec 7, 2004 11:07:50 AM)
Thanks

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 11:07:52 AM)
Please check the Web site ( http://www.accepted.com/chat/schedule.aspx#mba ) for details and exact time, because we are varying our chat times this year to facilitate attendance from applicants in different time zones.

RachelCavalier (Dec 7, 2004 11:08:00 AM)
Good luck with your applications!

SuzanneWhyteRSM (Dec 7, 2004 11:09:20 AM)
You can contact RSM via info@rsm.nl with any questions.

EuroMBA (Dec 7, 2004 11:10:21 AM)
Thank you RSM.

Sham (Dec 7, 2004 11:10:22 AM)
Thanks!

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