Dear customer,

Welcome to the October edition of ICON+’s MBA Access Newsletter. You are receiving this e-newsletter because you inquired about our test prep and/or admissions consulting services.

Remember to participate in our online forums by following this link to discuss all your pressing test prep and MBA admissions queries.

Good luck with tackling your Round II applications.

1. Our Stamford Court, City Hall branch opened on September 1!

Visit us at:
61 Stamford Road
Stamford Court #01-01

2. Win a $25 book voucher by submitting an answer to our Question of the Month!
 

Choosing the right course starts with a look at yourself

How do people decide whether to take an MBA and which school to attend? One good strategy is to adopt the following five steps in making a decision. These steps encourage candidates to take their time, assess their own personal strengths and objectives, and do their research to ensure they make the right choice.

Step 1: career goals and feasibility

Try to narrow down the types of career you might like to pursue. Understanding what employers want and where opportunities will be plentiful should figure in your thinking. Are you geographically mobile? Do you have a strong first degree and two or more years of successful work experience? Do you have a vision of how you can progress in your current industry or function? Or are you just hoping an MBA will help you to do something new without any real plan (risky in current markets). Talk to HR managers at target companies to gain their input.

For all the steps, click here

Q: You graduated with a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from NUS and yet you never proceeded to look for work in engineering. Why did you choose your course at NUS? How has it helped you in your banking career?

A: When I enrolled for university, I wanted to do a course that would train my mind well. I was inclined to study engineering because the subject trains you in quantitative and analytical skills, which are important in both career and in life. This is why I chose to study an engineering degree even though I knew that I would not practice as engineer.

After graduating, I went into banking because I wanted to be in a business role. I work in product management, a role that requires me to employ quantitative analysis in many arenas, for example in customer data analysis, various marketing initiatives, and product capability development.  

Q: Now you are looking to get an MBA in the USA. What programs are you applying to and why did you choose them?

A: I am applying to Wharton, Stanford, and tentatively, Darden with the objective of transforming myself. I have a decent base of knowledge in terms of business concepts and qualitative skills. However, I have ample potential to grow in leadership capabilities and a more integrated approach to the various business concepts I possess. I chose programs that have a strong focus on developing you as an individual and thus draw out your leadership skills. They also focus on integrating business concepts so that I can apply them in a practical business world.

To read the full interview, click here.

Can you write effective text messages?

Of course! Short-forms, exclamation marks, emoticons -- you know the works, and you know them well. When someone texts you – you’re quick, clever, and you’ve always got the answer:

Omg really? No way!

Ok, c u soon! J

Busy, ttyl?

But does your mobile phone prowess mean you can produce an effective Prompt Writing Essay?

Now, that’s a good question.

Like all other languages, written English is complex: it has grammatical rules and stylistic preferences; it requires organization, proper sentences: fully developed ideas.

Writing a good English essay within 30 minutes is hard. You’re not alone on this. Even native speakers have trouble putting their thoughts on paper. 

For full article, follow this link.

*Tips to raise your GMAT Test Score

*Common errors by GMAT Candidates Revealed

*Scheduling of Time to Maximize Scores

Aspiring business school MBA students may find the thought of having to prepare for a benchmark exam and going back to school all over again daunting. However, the good news is that the GMAT Test is an exam that you can prepare for and there are tips and techniques that will raise your score significantly.

Here are some tips found to be especially useful!

1. Believe that you can do your best

Don’t let a previous disappointing score get you down. Rather, concentrate on putting your best efforts into this one and sincerely believe that you can do well. Putting your mind to it and believing is almost half the battle won!

2. Idealistic expectations

With the first point said, do also be realistic about your expectations and desired GMAT test score. Set a score that you believe poses a challenge to yourself, yet is achievable. While GMAT books or GMAT courses can offer much-needed help, ultimately, it is up to you to determine your score.

To read all the tips, click here.