Seasoning MBA Application @ US - Part 1 - Basics

Oh! Yes, this segment is completely a new topic when comparing all my previous posts. Planned to complete in 4 Parts. Will see. :-)

The following are the 4 parts:

• Seasoning MBA Applications - Part 1 - Basics
• Seasoning MBA Applications - Part 2 - What they need?
• Seasoning MBA Applications - Part 3 - How they evaluate?
• Seasoning MBA Applications - Part 4 - Employability and Finance Post MBA

There is a strong reason for composing this post now. Yes, few might have been aware about of the reason whilst most of them wouldn't know the reason. It is the real time to confess on this stuff. I would like to pursue my full-time Master in Business Administration in a reputed institute. Reiterating, FULL-TIME.

The goal was little bit budding within me since 2013 when there was a spoof content in some website defaming me. Left it uncared due to the vigorous other works including various Governmental and Inter-Governmental tasks. Added a fame to my thought, I discussed with one of my best, close and mentally intimate friend in the early 2015. To my surprise even he was having the same idea and he never revealed it to me as he is an psychopathic attitude guy. Started searching for the Best Ranked B-Schools.

We both applied for few Universities and we had invitation from few Universities. I wanted to pursue my MBA along with my NBRS [Non-Blood Related Sibling] owing for various reasons. Will be analyzing my case and will strictly discuss my case here, as I don't have any rights or permission from him to discuss about his case though I know each and every detail about him and his application.

So before proceeding, I wanted to give some information about my application. With almost 6.5 years of Entrepreneurial and Governmental Experience I have started my applications. I took up GRE instead of GMAT test as the entry requirement and was on an average of 35 percentile. My Under-Grad GPA was 3.67 out of 4.0. I had almost 192 research publications, 4 patents and wide international exposure.

It was lovely to get re-connected with various people whom we had connection before bunch of years, had recommendation and references from an University Professor, Chairman of Deloitte, Partner of EY and others. My application got through at some universities luckily or by some unknown means. Unfortunately my NBRS didn't even get invitations. You could learn what an US MBA Admissions Committee member is looking from you out of your application in Part 2.

First thing about the applications are that you going to enter into a lottery program. Pray Well before starting. You should understand that each and every application is a time consuming process and dedicated time should be allocated for each and every case. With all my experiences, total time required on an average for 1 application is 8 - 14 hours if you are genuinely filling in all the particulars without CCP (Cut/Copy/Paste) Technique. Following which there is a standard rule that you have a very professional email ID which is being used for these application process.

Some of the bad email IDs are as follows.

• robertthedatingguy@gmail.com
• petertheseducer@gmail.com
• stb.waitingtodate@gmail.com

Some of the professional free email IDs are as follows.

• robert.a@gmail.com
• peter.brook@gmail.com
• swaminathan.thangapan@gmail.com

Use the same email ID from GRE / GMAT to the final stage of the application. Never change the email IDs inbetween as per your wish.

Concentrate on the Essay Part as they define who you are actually to the AdCom (Admissions Committee) members. The recommendation also holds certain quantum of value for the application and this will be discussed in Part 3 of this season. Be truthful for what you fill-in. Prepare a business resume which is short and crisp. The resume should have only 67% - 69% of text on the total frame. Some B-Schools do have Video Interview before the actual screening of your application, ensure that you face them with full of confidence and attitude.

Transcripts, most of the B-Schools do ask your transcripts to be evaluated by WES / ECE who are accredited by the NACES. Please do scan your transcripts legibly.

The last one is the Application Fee, for countries like India / China / Korea / African region the application fee is a big issue because of the very low currency values. On an average per application submission fees would be USD 100 and when you submit 10 applications it would cost you USD 1000 which is almost twice the salary earned by a normal professional with 5 years of experience. The investment should carry your worth. If you know that you will not be selected in Harvard Business School, even then applying for the same could make you to lose your hard earned money. See the median score of GMAT and the class profile. Put yourself into those positions and see if you could fit into it.

And before concluding couple of bonus points:

GRE vs GMAT

GRE is applicable for MS as well as MBA. Most of the B-Schools in United States of America do consider your GRE score. You are requested to look into ETS website for having the score equivalence. If you have decided to go for MBA, then I do recommend you to go for GMAT strictly as most of the B-School do assume that the applicant was not serious about his MBA career and took GRE to give a best try.

TOFEL / IELTS

Every B-School have their own list of countries which are exempted from taking these English Language Tests. To put in a nut-shell, if the medium of your course was in English language and all your records are in English, you could approach them and request for International Language Test Score waiver.

Will meet you back in Part 2...

Hong Kong - The round clock city to Enjoy

After almost a month, I am back to write at these blogs. 

Hong Kong comes alive at night, abuzz with diners, revelers, theater goers and even market traders still out plying their wares. The nightlife scene is rightly legendary: there is something to do at every time of the day in this city that never sleeps. The nightlife options are too numerous to mention, but below you’ll find just a sample of what’s on offer: from cultural performances through to late-night party venues and midnight feasts. You can also spend a whole night in Wan Chai with our guide to one of the city’s most renowned night owl destinations.

So you’re after a good time? You’ve definitely come to the right city! Hong Kong boasts entertainment galore and most of it kicks off after sunset. Whether you’re after a classy cocktail in a trendy bar, live entertainment that beats through the night, a late-night snack to quell those hunger pangs or even a midnight run, Hong Kong is the city to oblige.

If you’ve already heard of Hong Kong’s crazy all-night vibe, then it’s surely because of the sheer number of bars of all shapes and sizes. Most first-timers head straight to the thoroughfares of Lan Kwai Fong in Central, which are packed full of bars and nightclubs, with revelers spilling out onto the streets at all hours. However away from this main draw, lots of trendy niche bars are opening up for a slightly more cultural experience.

For a really cultured night out, you should seek out an authentic Cantonese opera performance. Sunbeam Theatre is one of Hong Kong’s most historic theaters, having been founded in 1972 by a troupe of Shanghai immigrants, and it’s renowned for its Chinese traditional art performances—Cantonese opera in particular. Many of the Cantonese opera stars of note will have trod these boards at one point in their careers, so you’ll certainly find authentic performances here, held most days of the week in its two auditoriums. Another unique theater venue with a proud history is the Fringe Club, one of the city’s foremost art spaces that’s been providing a platform for artists since 1984. There is always something creative going on here, so whether you’re after a Shakespeare rendition, a stand-up comedy show, a live music gig, an art exhibition or a poetry evening, then be sure to look up the Fringe Club’s events calendar while you’re here.

If you’re looking for a more active nighttime activity then head out on the Bowen Road Fitness Trail. Positioned half way up to the Peak, this popular 4-kilometer-long running and walking trail is safe and well-lit at night, with lookout points that furnish vistas across to Kowloon and beyond. Mid-way along the route you’ll discover Lovers’ Rock, a boulder which is said to have the power to grant happy marriages. You’ll often find worshippers making a beeline for this pilgrimage site, which sits loftily above the city. Not only is this trail a great location for a spot of nighttime exercise, but you’ll also find memorable skyline views from here, minus the crowds.

Hong Kong’s nightlife is legendary and you’ll be sure to feel the vibe too after trying some of these suggestions. But whatever you do while you’re here, just be sure to capture the city’s skyline view at night—it’s one experience that will stay with you forever. The special crocodile meat available in the mid-night could be one of the most crowdy place. 

Romantic Bus Ride in TNSTC + 2

I could see your face glittering on reading this post title. Yes, I could surely say it as Romantic Ride on Sunday evening to my mother's hometown without any protocol or stupids behind me. Wanted my car to be picked-up and unfortunately my driver was on leave and more interesting is that I was jobless. It is a very rare occasion to get jobless moments. So decided to pick it up. 

Started from my home at 6.30 PM and reached the bus station point at 6.35 PM. Since the junction is a prominent one, happened to meet most of the VIPs and my school VIPs. With numerous Hi and Hello's was about to board into the bus at 6.55 PM routing to Jipmer. Reached in around 17 minutes. Most of the seats were filled with young couples married and families who were returning after the visit to Beach or Sunday Market which is very famous in Pondicherry. 

This was a the second break and had met almost 12 people including old employees. I really love travelling in the foot board alike my school days / college days from Chennai to Pondicherry and vice-versa. Ignored 2 buses for this reason, but externally resembled as if I was giving priority to the guys who were speaking to me. Got the bus Pondicherry to Chennai Express at 7.35 PM and managed to get-in. Took the tickets and was waiting at the entrance itself. Plugged into my earphones and was waiting for the ticket collector to move off. While crossing KFC, he went to his seat. Sat near the front door stair and peeped out of the door space. To my left I saw a couple (unmarried) in the front seat. 

They were seriously discussing about their future family moves and others. That was literally funny on overhearing it :D :P . I do agree that overhearing is itself a wrong, posting about it into the blog is more seriously bad. But few verses were really funny and made me to laugh. It seems they started from Red Hills area yesterday afternoon 2 and they were returning back. First they started discussing about their religion. One was Hindu and another was Christian it seems. They discussed about their marriage formality and finally said they could run away from the family to avoid confusions. That gal was asking the boy how much he could bring from his family? Was feeling if it was a day robbery. To my surprise the Gal was expecting for a cute girl child like her and the boy was expecting an intelligent boy like him. Aiyo! Nothing was acceptable. Some people were sleeping and some were acting such. Romantic discussions and from the start to end, that guy didn't take the hands off her hands. By the time, they could have rolled the Atta for a marriage itself. 

Now, it was my time to get down. Got down and had few minutes to refresh. Got another bus from Tindivanam to my mother's hometown. There a guy seated next to me started texting. For almost 16 kilometers, he would have texted that gal Priyadarshini by 400+ conversations. "Sollu di" which means SAY SOMETHING was the recursive text from him. I was burning internally  because I wish to call someone with DI, but that guy called her more than 100 times. And, all sorry for overhearing and peeping into the another guy's mobile. Though it was funny, it has its implications. 

Finally, decided not to travel anymore in bus as I am not eligible to travel. 

Visit to Chennai Besant Nagar Beach - Offshore Onshore

Bay of Bengal, known as the largest bay of the world forming  a triangular shape touching the borders of India, Burma, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. I happened to meet it out yesterday after a long time in a casual move without any action plan for almost 30 minutes. When I was a kid in school my mom and dad use to take me to Beach located in Pondicherry, it was a divine at that time. After spending few hours, we use to reach back home and my mom will scold me for carrying sands into trousers fleet. During the tenure of my matriculation examinations, I was not allowed or literally taken to the beach showing the justification of examinations and securing the marks. The gap between Kokula Krishna Hari K and Bay of Bengal started there. 

It was a big pain of not visiting it although my residence is just 2kms away from the Bay of Bengal (BoB). Time went on, after completion of my school days, I planned to visit BoB again my new venture and business works stopped me. After 2011 stabilization of the business stature, I planned to visit; now when I step-in into the beach road at Pondicherry, tons of Hi's and Hello's from all the known and unknown contacts. It literally takes out of my time like to cover 500 meters it will be around 3 to 4 hours. I started ignoring it deliberately. When I landed-up at Chennai, I was advised to visit Marina, the second largest beach. My thoughts were striking on my mom and dad of ignoring them and visiting the beach. Hesitated to visit Marina also. She lost the opportunity of meeting me. 

BoB on crisp status, has met me in numerous occasions enroute to Pondicherry from Chennai or the vice-versa. Certain complicated decisions of my life and my organization were made while I was standing near Muttukadu, Auroville and other locations. It is not a proper beach ofcourse and my visits were also not on proper time; usually 2 AM or 3 AM will be the time of visit. I do see people in those areas who are drunk totally and flat. With a small quantum of pity on them and their family either parents or spouse, used to ignore them and move on. Sometime during Operation Alma use to go to certain spots of the BoB with a gang of people. But all these times, it was either  Professional or Purposeful or with a Sub Code as X or Y or Z. It didn't give me a feel as like my school days like without a purpose going to beach and spending time.

Yesterday, Saturday 28th March, 2015 I was little bit crazy. Wanted to spend my time lavishly out of all Governmental Work and others as soon as I was returning from Malaysia. Asked my bro Vignesh Ramakkrishnon to finalize the agenda. I wasn't sure if he had some plan or schedule, around some 9 PM started going around Chennai and the craziness sprawled there of visiting BoB. Initially thought of visiting BoB at Marina junction, but in consideration of certain factors, we moved the decision to Beasant Nagar stuff. Considerably, it was my first time visit to Beasant Nagar beach. Some unmonitored food with Burmese taste and potato scroll sorted properly with spiciness and cheese were also tasted by me. Probably, I may surely go back to eat those potato cheeks again. I loved it and thought of moving inside sand-steeps, suddenly stroke the scoldings of my mom  while I was a kid for getting sea-sand into my trousers. Stopped few yards away from the touch point was standing facing the sea and was chatting without a gap. And this was the time which I was expecting after my 9th grade. More than 30 minutes, without any purpose or solemn cause standing and admiring the beauty of the shore. Almost after 30 minutes or even around that few cops instructed to leave the locality on consideration of safety guidelines, thought of arguing initially while entering into the shore but somehow I was pushed not to fight or argue hindering them to perform their duty. 

I had been many times at Pattaya Beach (Thailand), Hyeopjae Beach (Jeju Island), Hammamet Beach (Tunisia) and many such, but it was full of professional life and calculative moves. Almost accompanied with guards or Professors or Senior most people who care for me. Even I wasn't allowed to remove my shoes during those visits. I remember my Professor advising me not to remove the shoes as the seawater will bring in more unwanted stuffs and it may affect your health while visiting Barafundle Bay beach at Britain. Was literally happy and am unsure if could get such leisure times to make such visits but will always attempt such. Almost finalizing a wish-list which needs to be covered; which actually I have missed them.

And this beach visit was one among them, this item will not be stroken down from the list but will follow it. 

Andreas Guenter Lubitz - The Slider of GermanWings

The co-pilot responsible for the Germanwings plane crash was today named as Andreas Guenter Lubitz.

The 28-year-old was from Montabaur, a town in the district seat of the Westerwaldkreis in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, according to a local flight club.

Acquaintances said he was in his late 20s and showed no signs of depression when they saw him last autumn.

His Facebook page lists his interests, including German electronica band Schiller, French superstar DJ David Guetta, his local Burger King, 10-pin bowling, aviation humor and a technical website about the A320 model of aircraft he flew into a mountainside.

Today, at the house believed to be his parents', the curtains were drawn and four police cars were parked outside.

"He was happy he had the job with Germanwings and he was doing well," said a member of a glider club, Peter Ruecker, who watched him learn to fly.

"He gave off a good feeling."

Ruecker said Lubitz had a girlfriend but did not have many more details about his life.

Lubitz had obtained his glider pilot's license as a teenager and was accepted as a Lufthansa pilot trainee after finishing a tough German college preparatory school, Mr Ruecker said.

He described Lubitz as a "rather quiet" but friendly young man.

Marseille prosecutor Brice Robin said the co-pilot "never said a word" in the 10 minutes before the crash, which killed 150 people.

He said he never answered a question or opened the door before the plane hit the ground and the plane's descent was "voluntary".

Reuters

Crash: Screenshot shows the Facebook page of co-pilot Andreas Lubitz

The Federal Aviation Administration praised Lubitz's skills and included him in the prestigious FAA Airmen Certification Database.

The database contains the names certified pilots who have "met or exceeded the high educational, licensing and medical standards established by the FAA".

Aviation Business Gazette announced the award in September 2013, writing: "Pilot certification standards have evolved over time in an attempt to reduce pilot errors that lead to fatal crashes.

Andreas Lubitz at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

"FAA pilot certification can be the difference between a safe flight and one that ends in tragedy.

The highest level of certification is the Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, which is required to fly a commercial airliner.

To obtain it, pilots must possess a commercial pilot license, have more than 1500 hours of experience in aircraft and be at least 21. They are also required to pass a physical examination.

Lubitz's medical was done in 2010 and was due to run out in June 2015. He had undertaken 630 hours of flight time in an A320, according to Germany's Bild.

Mr Brice said earlier that co-pilot Lubitz directed the plane into the ground but the passengers only realised what was happening "in the last moments".

"He took this action, for reasons we still don't know why," he said.

"We can only deduce he destroyed the plane. He voluntarily allowed the plane to lose altitude.

"I think the victims only realized at the last moment because on the recording you only hear the screams on the last moments."

Germanwings - a StopStone in Aviation Industry

The co-pilot blamed for deliberately crashing a passenger jet with 150 people on board into the Alps used post-9/11 safety mechanisms to carry out his plan. 

Andreas Guenter Lubitz, 28, waited for his captain, Patrick Sondenheimer to leave the flight deck and go to the toilet before commanding the Airbus A-320 to descend.  

Once out of the cockpit, the door locked automatically. Ironically, this auto-lock feature, which led to Lubitz having sole control of the plane, was introduced as a way of improving flight safety in the wake of 9/11.

Access to the cockpit door on the Germanwings Airbus A320 (like the one above) can be disabled from inside the flight deck to prevent hijacking

In normal flight, the door to the flight is closed and locked. Cabin crew can use a code and gain access to the flight deck. 

Entry is controlled by the flight crew, in case of a possible hijack attempt.

The Cockpit Door Locking System (CDLS) according to the flight manual 'provides a means of electrically locking and unlocking the cockpit door'.

The CDLS is located in the central pedestal between both pilots and has a toggle switch which controls the door. 

They also have a CCTV camera so they can see who is seeking access, and if they are under any form of duress.

Pilots can restrict access to the flight deck although cabin crew can gain entry in an emergency. 

However, this emergency access can be over-ridden by the pilot for between five to 20 minutes.

The limited time to keep the door closed is itself a safety feature, in case the flight crew become incapacitated. 

After the predetermined time, the keypad on the outside of the cockpit door will become operational again, unless the pilot actively restricts access again.

Also the cockpit door has several other safety features in case of a sudden decompression which will cause the door to open.

According to the flight manual there are 'routine' and 'emergency' access requests.

 

The door locking mechanism is on the centre console, pictured,  so it can be operated by either pilot  

 

The pilot has to flick one simple switch, pictured,  to lock the cabin door for between five and 20 minutes 

'The toggle switch enables the flight crew to lock or unlock the cockpit door, following an access request, thereby allowing or denying the entry to the cockpit.'

The flight manual states that the control unit is responsible for:

• Locking or unlocking the door latches, upon flight crew action
• Unlocking the door i, in case of cockpit decompression (the door then opens towards the cockpit under differential pressure)
• Indicating system failures of electrical latches and pressure sensors
• Activating the access request buzzer and turning on the keypad LEDs

On the Airbus A320, there are three settings:

• Unlock: This position is used to enable the cabin crew member to open the door. The switch must be pulled and maintained in the unlocked position until the door is pushed open.
• Normal: All latches are locked, and EMERGENCY access is possible for the cabin crew
• Lock: Once the button has been moved to this position, the door is locked; emergency access, the buzzer, and the keypayd are inhibited for a preselected time (5 to 20 min)

School friends said that Lubitz paused his pilot's training in 2008 after suffering from 'burnout' and depression.

1 or 2 | 30 or 40 – Selection of Friends – Importance / Curse of Life

Yes, seeing the heading I am sure that out of my 4000+ Friends in Facebook, few may unfriend me. That’s OK! Even I find it very difficult to remove them. Because judging amongst the best or 1st circle or 2nd circle or nth circle is difficult. In my Facebook before few minutes I saw 4199 friends into my list. Am happy about seeing the count, but actually how many are close enough to me? Do they know atleast something or a step greater than my Private Secretary?

Having 30 or 40 would be highly devastating our identity. A recent incident, few days ago I was added up into a group through WhatsApp. Ofcourse, I wanted to stay in that group for a long time as that group was my mother school friends reunion. We were sharing few old memories and to my surprise the name of the group was changed to my old nick name. Was really delighted up and felt like flying in the sky without wings. I responded almost all the threads which was running for a count of 900+ along with my PS and others. Around 40 were there in the group (I am not sure about the exact count) as I was preparing some class notes. Things were going on casually, at a point of time, the storm came into. Someone started talking in double meaning words. And almost at 2 AM, the actions were also into the wrong intention and illegal as of legislation. That wasn’t tolerable and acceptable. And, finally I decided to quit the group inorder to maintain the Bureaucracy.

Not only this instance, there are many such instances where we decide to maintain a small group. I understood this while growing up that having many friends is highly disadvantage. Though professionally I have many friends, sharing my inner feelings and other confidential may be with one or two. And moreover everyone isn’t such loyal which we expect. Although I was highly maintaining the regards with my close circle, I started moving away from them for various reasons and still exploring the root cause, the thing which de-iterates could be my EGO also. But in the same motion scale, we expect the guy who sits opposite to us also.

Now, am quite happy!