08-18-2016, 06:42 PM
(This post was last modified: 08-19-2016, 12:01 AM by SweetSecret.)
I'm conferring with the BA Liberal Studies from TESU in September, and I want to try for graduate school. My big issue right now is since leaving the other line of work in 2012 I've become a bit of a hermit, and the people I worked with in the regular world before that are all now retired and no longer in contact. I need to rebuild my social network and will be struggling to even find people to write recommendation letters.
The online coursework has been nice because I moved around so much since I first started college over a decade and a half ago. I feel like even though the online coursework is flexible enough for me, I could see major advantages to going to a brick and mortar school to rebuild my network... which I really need to do. I seem to need to surround myself with high energy people, because I need to take advantage of my energy when I'm inspired, and without having a really supportive network I get frustrated with the lack of enthusiasm around me an fizzle out. I think that had a lot to do with some of my low grades in undergraduate too, because when I went back to TESU even with all the stress I still did better. I'm also at a point where I realize the 5yr relationship I'm in is never going to work... so it's time for me to figure out what to do with my life. I always wanted to have a family (I'm in my mid 30's), but time is slipping by quickly and if I can't be successful in that arena I feel like I better at least get moving towards doing something that I can look back on and see the value in. I've already been through the period of crazy partying and doing everything that makes for good stories when a person is old. Now I want to work more on valued work with a legacy. I'd love to get a combination degree focusing on social entrepreneurship and social work, but I know doing both would probably ridiculously long... and I doubt I could hang. I feel like I could help more people by building businesses, but I need the foundation knowledge and a much better network.
Here are the potential options I am considering:
1. Harvard Business School - MBA Social Enterprise - $250 application fee
I know, crazy, right? I need a really strong network though, and I know I could build that there. I also think that while my grades aren't amazing, my story and background of what I've been through is pretty amazing. Granted, I'm no Liz Murray... but my story is part way between her's and Tatum Channing's (Magic Mike) - who also was accepted to a Harvard program. I've been studying the schools, how much financial aid they offer, the number of millionaires/billionaires from each school (particularly self-made women) etc. Harvard constantly comes out on top, and many of their graduates are very inspiring.
Plus: I think I would be more likely to establish a solid network there & I value history, I've never lived in that part of the country which could be fun, it would make me a lot more employable, and they have accepted some students with very diverse backgrounds including pro athletes like Maria Sharapova who admitted to making a mistake that disqualified her from pro-tennis for two years. In other words people can do things that aren't socially acceptable, own their choices/mistakes, and still get in.
Minuses: I hate cold weather & snow but I know I can deal with it.
I really want to go for this, but I'm also sort of nervous about my chances because it's not like I'm rolling in money at all - $250 is a lot to me these days... which is sad considering how I didn't feel like that at all prior to the recession and my injury. What do you all think? Would it just be a waste of money?
2. Harvard Extension - Online Master of Liberal Arts Management - MBA Comparison $50 application fee
The plus side is I could live literally anywhere with an internet connection, which is very appealing. I've been really wanting to learn to sail so I could travel. The down side is once again I'm not so sure that this would be as good for re-building my network. I could also start classes without the recommendation letters or even applying, since they require students to take 3 courses maintaining a 3.0 prior to applying. If I do this though my understanding is I'd be locked in, so I couldn't later decide I want to go to Harvard Business School.
3. UPenn Wharton - MBA Entrepreneurial Management $265 application fee
The plus side of the program is I already taken their coursera program on social entrepreneurship, completed with honors, and felt like I learned a lot... so I'm pretty confident in the program. The instructors seem really amazing, but when I compare the alumni of Harvard versus Wharton... I feel like I would fit better with the alumni at Harvard. Wharton seems a lot more straight business to me, whereas Harvard seems to focus more on helping people. I also think it would make finding employment much easier.
Minus: Super competitive, which based on some of the alumni I really worry about the ethics among the students and how that would play into the competitiveness.
4. U. of S. California Marshall - Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship - $150 application fee
Plus sides: shorter (1 year) program, I really like what it looks like the format is, and it's in Los Angeles where I know a lot of people from my previous line of work, and have some family - but we never talk. Lots of opportunities for work though. They also have an MSW program that doesn't require the GRE. As a matter of fact I don't think either of their programs I am looking at require the GMAT or GRE.
Minuses: Relatively new program, admittedly Marshall doesn't have as high of a reputation as HBS or Wharton, it's in L.A. and I'd despise the traffic but love the weather.
I'm open to studying other places, and I haven't fully ruled out still just doing WGU or something else that can be done fast and then a certificate in social entrepreneurship. I'm just worried going that option though that I won't really be re-building a social network that I know I'll need.
If I go the other direction for an MSW focusing on social entrepreneurship the following could be options:
1. Brown - MSW Social Entrepreneurship
2. Boston College MSW Macro: Social Innovation + Leadership
So right now I have about $600 that I can use to pay for the GRE and apply to colleges. If you all were in my shoes, what would you do? I know social work won't pay well, which is part of my hesitation with it, but it would benefit me in terms of employ-ability for currently operating organizations I might be interested in working for.
Also, the Harvard essay is super open-ended, and I'm thinking how to answer:
[INDENT]"As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program?"[/INDENT]
I'm debating how to go about discussing my background. It's obviously a touchy subject ethically speaking, and many people won't be comfortable with it, but those experiences made me who I am today. I don't want to come across as someone who became a victim of various issues due to making half-hazard decisions. I did think things through, and while maybe the decisions weren't the best they were far from the worst. I don't want to come across as gloating about the duration or success I did achieve within the field either. I just don't feel like people understand it, like it's not all terrible but it's not always glamorous either. I met a lot of people from very opposite walks of life, and that gives me a very different perspective on the world. I feel like I'm obligated to discuss my past, because if I don't it's like the big elephant in the room that someone is bound to find out about especially with the advent of the internet, and all the photos/videos. I prefer to just deal with the issues head on. Plus, I'm not really a risk taker so I don't want to take the chance that I'd get into a good school, then have my background come up and suddenly be dismissed. Thoughts?
Also, I am beyond horrible at math (I can't remember even high school math) and really need to brush up on my English composition. How long should I plan to study for the GRE + AWA? I feel like I should go ahead and register now to get the money out of my account before I'm tempted to spend it on something else, and so I feel committed. Any really great suggestions for preparing? I'm leaning towards GRE because they apparently don't get reported into the average student gmat scores when colleges are ranked, and since I'm pretty sure my scores won't be stellar I figured the schools might be more willing to over-look that if they feel like my scores won't lower their accepted gmat average.
Any other things I should be aware of or programs I should consider? I'm having one of those feelings like the next year could be a really pivotal time in my life, and while I am loving the environment since moving to the Pacific NW/South Pudget Sound, I'm also very willing to relocate. I also need to start really putting effort into applying for scholarships and fellowships, because right now I know won't be eligible for loans.
The online coursework has been nice because I moved around so much since I first started college over a decade and a half ago. I feel like even though the online coursework is flexible enough for me, I could see major advantages to going to a brick and mortar school to rebuild my network... which I really need to do. I seem to need to surround myself with high energy people, because I need to take advantage of my energy when I'm inspired, and without having a really supportive network I get frustrated with the lack of enthusiasm around me an fizzle out. I think that had a lot to do with some of my low grades in undergraduate too, because when I went back to TESU even with all the stress I still did better. I'm also at a point where I realize the 5yr relationship I'm in is never going to work... so it's time for me to figure out what to do with my life. I always wanted to have a family (I'm in my mid 30's), but time is slipping by quickly and if I can't be successful in that arena I feel like I better at least get moving towards doing something that I can look back on and see the value in. I've already been through the period of crazy partying and doing everything that makes for good stories when a person is old. Now I want to work more on valued work with a legacy. I'd love to get a combination degree focusing on social entrepreneurship and social work, but I know doing both would probably ridiculously long... and I doubt I could hang. I feel like I could help more people by building businesses, but I need the foundation knowledge and a much better network.
Here are the potential options I am considering:
1. Harvard Business School - MBA Social Enterprise - $250 application fee
I know, crazy, right? I need a really strong network though, and I know I could build that there. I also think that while my grades aren't amazing, my story and background of what I've been through is pretty amazing. Granted, I'm no Liz Murray... but my story is part way between her's and Tatum Channing's (Magic Mike) - who also was accepted to a Harvard program. I've been studying the schools, how much financial aid they offer, the number of millionaires/billionaires from each school (particularly self-made women) etc. Harvard constantly comes out on top, and many of their graduates are very inspiring.
Plus: I think I would be more likely to establish a solid network there & I value history, I've never lived in that part of the country which could be fun, it would make me a lot more employable, and they have accepted some students with very diverse backgrounds including pro athletes like Maria Sharapova who admitted to making a mistake that disqualified her from pro-tennis for two years. In other words people can do things that aren't socially acceptable, own their choices/mistakes, and still get in.
Minuses: I hate cold weather & snow but I know I can deal with it.
I really want to go for this, but I'm also sort of nervous about my chances because it's not like I'm rolling in money at all - $250 is a lot to me these days... which is sad considering how I didn't feel like that at all prior to the recession and my injury. What do you all think? Would it just be a waste of money?
2. Harvard Extension - Online Master of Liberal Arts Management - MBA Comparison $50 application fee
The plus side is I could live literally anywhere with an internet connection, which is very appealing. I've been really wanting to learn to sail so I could travel. The down side is once again I'm not so sure that this would be as good for re-building my network. I could also start classes without the recommendation letters or even applying, since they require students to take 3 courses maintaining a 3.0 prior to applying. If I do this though my understanding is I'd be locked in, so I couldn't later decide I want to go to Harvard Business School.
3. UPenn Wharton - MBA Entrepreneurial Management $265 application fee
The plus side of the program is I already taken their coursera program on social entrepreneurship, completed with honors, and felt like I learned a lot... so I'm pretty confident in the program. The instructors seem really amazing, but when I compare the alumni of Harvard versus Wharton... I feel like I would fit better with the alumni at Harvard. Wharton seems a lot more straight business to me, whereas Harvard seems to focus more on helping people. I also think it would make finding employment much easier.
Minus: Super competitive, which based on some of the alumni I really worry about the ethics among the students and how that would play into the competitiveness.
4. U. of S. California Marshall - Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship - $150 application fee
Plus sides: shorter (1 year) program, I really like what it looks like the format is, and it's in Los Angeles where I know a lot of people from my previous line of work, and have some family - but we never talk. Lots of opportunities for work though. They also have an MSW program that doesn't require the GRE. As a matter of fact I don't think either of their programs I am looking at require the GMAT or GRE.
Minuses: Relatively new program, admittedly Marshall doesn't have as high of a reputation as HBS or Wharton, it's in L.A. and I'd despise the traffic but love the weather.
I'm open to studying other places, and I haven't fully ruled out still just doing WGU or something else that can be done fast and then a certificate in social entrepreneurship. I'm just worried going that option though that I won't really be re-building a social network that I know I'll need.
If I go the other direction for an MSW focusing on social entrepreneurship the following could be options:
1. Brown - MSW Social Entrepreneurship
2. Boston College MSW Macro: Social Innovation + Leadership
So right now I have about $600 that I can use to pay for the GRE and apply to colleges. If you all were in my shoes, what would you do? I know social work won't pay well, which is part of my hesitation with it, but it would benefit me in terms of employ-ability for currently operating organizations I might be interested in working for.
Also, the Harvard essay is super open-ended, and I'm thinking how to answer:
[INDENT]"As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program?"[/INDENT]
I'm debating how to go about discussing my background. It's obviously a touchy subject ethically speaking, and many people won't be comfortable with it, but those experiences made me who I am today. I don't want to come across as someone who became a victim of various issues due to making half-hazard decisions. I did think things through, and while maybe the decisions weren't the best they were far from the worst. I don't want to come across as gloating about the duration or success I did achieve within the field either. I just don't feel like people understand it, like it's not all terrible but it's not always glamorous either. I met a lot of people from very opposite walks of life, and that gives me a very different perspective on the world. I feel like I'm obligated to discuss my past, because if I don't it's like the big elephant in the room that someone is bound to find out about especially with the advent of the internet, and all the photos/videos. I prefer to just deal with the issues head on. Plus, I'm not really a risk taker so I don't want to take the chance that I'd get into a good school, then have my background come up and suddenly be dismissed. Thoughts?
Also, I am beyond horrible at math (I can't remember even high school math) and really need to brush up on my English composition. How long should I plan to study for the GRE + AWA? I feel like I should go ahead and register now to get the money out of my account before I'm tempted to spend it on something else, and so I feel committed. Any really great suggestions for preparing? I'm leaning towards GRE because they apparently don't get reported into the average student gmat scores when colleges are ranked, and since I'm pretty sure my scores won't be stellar I figured the schools might be more willing to over-look that if they feel like my scores won't lower their accepted gmat average.
Any other things I should be aware of or programs I should consider? I'm having one of those feelings like the next year could be a really pivotal time in my life, and while I am loving the environment since moving to the Pacific NW/South Pudget Sound, I'm also very willing to relocate. I also need to start really putting effort into applying for scholarships and fellowships, because right now I know won't be eligible for loans.
MBA, Walden University (In progress - 60% done)
2016 TESU, BA-LIBST, Emphases in Multimedia Comm./Human & Social Services
TESU TECEPS: Abnormal Psych PSY-350, Psych of Women PSY-270, Sales Mgmnt MAR-322, Advertising MAR-323, Marketing COM-210; Capstone w/ Ciacco
Other Sources: CLEP, Art Portfolio, 3 Comm. Colleges, 2 Art Colleges, FEMA, AICPCU Ethics
2016 TESU, BA-LIBST, Emphases in Multimedia Comm./Human & Social Services
TESU TECEPS: Abnormal Psych PSY-350, Psych of Women PSY-270, Sales Mgmnt MAR-322, Advertising MAR-323, Marketing COM-210; Capstone w/ Ciacco
Other Sources: CLEP, Art Portfolio, 3 Comm. Colleges, 2 Art Colleges, FEMA, AICPCU Ethics