4 steps for applying financial aid

Nhi Huong Huynh- Finance Analyst

Many TMMBA applicants have questions about the financial aid process, so here are the 4 steps for applying the financial aid.

1. Go to http://www.pin.ed.gov to apply for a Personal Identification Number (PIN) from the U.S. Department of Education if you don’t already have one.

2. After you receive your PIN, go to http://fafsa.gov and follow directions to file the File Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – Please file your FAFSA as soon after January 1, 2012 as possible, noting University of Washington, Code # 003798 on the form. The FAFSA should be received at the federal processor by February 28. View the video 7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA to help you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

3. If you missed the deadline, you can still apply for FAFSA. Also, you will need to download a Financial Aid Priority Appeal Form and submit it to financial aid office.

4. Summer aid will have to apply separately by May 15 for priority processing. Summer Aid Application.

What happen next after you got approved for financial aid? See my next blog post.


Posted by tmmba - September 5th, 2012 - 0 comments - Permalink


A Typical Day – Having ONLY 24 Hours in a Day Can Be a Good Thing

Guest post by Ron Cornell, Class of 2013

Eat. Pray, Love? Kids, Family, Career? What words describe your life? No question these days, WORK, SCHOOL, SLEEP describe mine – and in that order!

I knew life would get busier when I started the TMMBA program at Foster last year but I didn’t quite grasp exactly how busy it could get. “Work-life” balance has transformed into “work-school” balance since my life is now all about work and school!  That pretty much sums up my last 9 months and I’m confident the next 9 months will pretty much be the same.

While each day is different and brings new challenges, I have tried to create some “rules” and come across a few “tips” that allow me to maximize productivity and better cope with a busy life.

Sunday Nights are No Longer Mine.
Sunday nights watching True Blood with friends has been replaced with a lot of reading, reviewing lecture notes, working on class projects and discussing homework with classmates. My study group primarily meets virtually, as hectic business travel and distance often makes meeting in person prohibitive. Sundays tend to work best for us and we kind of accept that the day and most of the evening will be dedicated to the group and whatever assignments we have due that week.  At first it was annoying but once you accept that it will only be for 18 months and a necessary component to success in the program it becomes second nature and you adjust.

Manic Mondays.
Monday has become my busiest (and surprisingly favorite) day of the week.  And that’s not due to the “Monday Morning Madness” that typically plagues most of us at work, but because I have class on Monday nights from 6-9:30 pm.  I adjust my entire day (and sometimes week) accordingly – I wake up earlier (4:45 am), schedule all conference calls in the morning, push my morning workout to lunch, turn lunch into a heavy, mid-afternoon snack since I eat dinner (provided by TMMBA before each class) earlier and hit the freeway early enough to avoid rush hour traffic on the East Side.  Monday night dinners before class are a great way to catch up with classmates, finish some reading or put the last minute touches on a class presentation.

Traffic Schmaffic.
Traffic has become my friend and that’s only because I learned to stop fighting it.  And to be clear, I work from a home office so I don’t have a typical commute like many of my TMMBA colleagues.  Getting out of bed on my way to the computer in my home office by way of the coffee machine each morning puts my commute time at a grueling 45 seconds.  However, when I have work meetings in the city or need to get to class I can be in traffic anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours each way.  I try to make the most out of this time and do something productive for class.  Almost every lecture has a few discussion points that should be considered and/or prepared prior to each class and I use this time to think about those or sometimes practice a speech that I am about to deliver.

The 180 Rule.
My TMMBA class photo taken last November changed my life.  I was ridiculously overweight and tipping the scales at over 285 pounds – there, I said it!  Seeing that photo gave me the motivation to lose weight and could not have come at a better time in my life.  I knew that I needed to get back into shape if I was going to have any chance at successfully taking on the rigors of academic life in addition to an already crowded plate.  Believe it or not a MORE hectic schedule now forces me to plan better and that includes eating healthier and working out consistently.  The one non-negotiable task I set for myself every day is exercise – above all else, exercise. I am now down 68 pounds in 9 months and have 37 more to go to get to my goal weight of 180.  More importantly, I am sleeping better, feeling better, waking up earlier and have more than enough energy to dedicate to my class load every quarter. Oh some nice side effects – my blood sugar is no longer at pre-diabetic levels and my jeans fit better!

Making Choices.
The old saying “too much to do, not enough hours in the day to do it” was certainly true before I decided to go back to school.  I’ve always been obsessed with “to do” lists and now that obsession has become a critical tool for me to get through the day.  The BEST days are when I get through the entire list, the WORST when I get through none but MOST consist of getting through some but not all. I am 100% ok with that now.   Adding business school to my life, it is impossible to get through everything that I used to which forced me to learn the art of making choices. The first thing I do when I sit down at my desk is take everything on yesterday’s list that didn’t get done and write them on today’s “to do” list. I add everything else I’d like to accomplish that day, re-prioritize it whole list and begin my day.  I make a point of handwriting this out so that it becomes ingrained in my head.  I keep the list taped to a corkboard behind my monitor so that I am able to visually see the list get smaller as the day progresses.  Seeing the big picture allows me to make choices, separating “nice to get done” tasks from “need to get done” tasks. TMMBA blog now crossed off the list!

Oh, I forgot to mention coffee – lots and lots of coffee…


Posted by tmmba - August 30th, 2012 - 0 comments - Permalink


Monday Myths: Part III

Ally Wewers, TMMBA Program Coordinator
 
TMMBA Mythbusters

It’s the Monday you’ve all been waiting for- our final Mythbuster post of this series. Our first Monday Mythbuster post covered GMAT Scores and when to submit your application, while last Monday’s post tackled misconceptions about managerial experience and letters of recommendation. To wrap it all up, I’ve got three more TMMBA Myths for you- right in time for our September 1 final application deadline. If you’re still thinking about applying, we look forward to reviewing your application. Waiting for next year? That’s fine too- hopefully these myths help you get to the bottom of the application process.

TMMBA Admissions is a science guided by formulas:

 “ [ (GMAT x 3) + (50 - Work Experience) + (Recommendations/2 + GPA) ] / 3.333”

Truth: That equation above is not our formula – and you won’t find one here at TMMBA. We don’t believe in complicated ranking scales and unintelligible formulas to choose an incoming class. Admission is not a science. There are too many obscure, qualitative, immeasurable aspects to arrive at a simple number. Besides, if we could do that, wouldn’t the Admissions team just be replaced by automated computing systems?

Bottom Line: Prospective students aren’t reduced to simple stats during the application process. Every application is different, and has different strengths and weakness which are not explained by numbers and formulaic criteria. The TMMBA selection process is holistic, and based on a variety of factors.

English Majors need not apply

 

Truth: Who is going to write the papers if we don’t admit English majors?   We’ve had students who have studied English, History, Communications, Archaeology, Theatre & Film and over 15 other major fields of study.  Varied educational backgrounds enrich the class as a whole, and we strive for diversity with every class we admit.

Bottom Line: One certain major won’t prevent you from getting into the program. Rather, it is your performance while obtaining that major, and what you’ve done with your degree, that will truly influence your admissions decision.

Admissions interviews don’t really count- they already know enough about me from my file.

 

Truth: Not so- there’s a large interpersonal component that doesn’t come through in your paper application. We spend time to meet with prospective students for a reason! Your interviewer is paying close attention to your interpersonal skills, the answers to your questions, your ability to explain your achievements, and much more. TMMBA is a very personal MBA program- and the interview is a critical, personalized aspect to compliment your application.

Bottom Line: Put your best foot forward in your interview. It’s an essential component to a strong application and admittance into the program.

 

And with that, it’s time to put the myth-busting to rest for a while. I hope these past few Mondays have given you some insight into the “truth” about TMMBA admissions. Don’t forget: if you ever have a question about the Admission process- or anything TMMBA for that matter- feel free to send us an email (tmmba@uw.edu) or give us a call (206.221.6914). We’re always here to straighten out the truth.


Posted by Ally Wewers - August 27th, 2012 - 0 comments - Permalink


Where In the World Will TMMBA Go – 2013 International Study Tour

Mikaela Houck, Manager of Academic & Student Services

The Destination
As part of the TMMBA Program, students have the unique opportunity to attend an optional international global immersion during their 2nd year of study. The TMMBA Program is pleased to announce that Dubai & Abu Dhabi will be the 2013 TMMBA International Study Tour (IST) destinations.  Bigger, brighter and better – the United Arab Emirates is fast expanding and offers a fascinating economic and cultural climate for our TMMBA students to explore.

The Details
The Study Tour, slated from March 10-18, 2013, allows students to experience business and culture in these two cities first-hand through personal meetings with executives and senior managers, entrepreneurs, company visits, academic institutions, government agencies and cultural excursions.

The Study Tour is a 2-credit C/NC course (TMMBA 549: International Business & Cultural Immersion) and participants are required to complete one pre-trip assignment, two-to-three IST course meetings during winter quarter 2013 and attend all required company and cultural visits.

The Reward
Often touted as a highlight of the TMMBA program, students have a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn the dynamics of international business while enjoying the rich historical, cultural, and aesthetic dimensions of two “world class” cities.

Students can utilize business concepts, skills and strategic insights in a new cultural context and market economy, and bring this new knowledge to their workplace. Lastly, it’s a great way to have fun and for students to deepen their TMMBA network!

“The experience really is one of the most fulfilling activities one can participate in during the TMMBA program.  The company visits, the strong relationships formed with classmates, and the cultural immersion is well worth it”  Matt Muoio, TMMBA Alum, Class of 2006

Read about past International Study Tours on TMMBA Talk 


Posted by tmmba - August 26th, 2012 - 0 comments - Permalink


Networking on the Ultimate Field

Sara Jones, Class of 2012 and TMMBA Assistant Director

This summer I played on the TMMBA Alumni Ultimate frisbee team in the DiscNW Summer Corporate League. This was my first time playing Ultimate and I captured my initial thoughts in this earlier post.  The season wrapped up two weeks ago and it’s time for an update.

There were lots of opportunities during the season to improve my actual frisbee skills, but the game stretched me to grow in other areas as well. On the field you need to be adaptable, deal with ambiguity, and learn to read your own team members as well as the other team. Of course, communication with your teammates can make or break the game. These skills are important in the workplace and also as a student in the TMMBA program.  It was great to work those muscles in a new setting!

That said, the best part of my experience this summer was the people.  I got to know more of my fellow alums (post-game celebrations helped), their family members that came to cheer us on, and met some really cool folks from the other teams. We played teams from REI, Microsoft, Google, King County, Fred Hutch, Tableau Software, Apex Learning, and Boeing. The sidelines and post-game cheers were great opportunities for casual networking.

All-in-all it was a great experience and I’m looking forward to next season. We’re even talking about some TMMBA pick-up games this fall.


Posted by Sara Jones - August 22nd, 2012 - 0 comments - Permalink


Monday Myths: Part II

Ally Wewers, TMMBA Program Coordinator
 
TMMBA Mythbusters

Happy Monday Mythbusters! Today we tackle two more common TMMBA Myths- one regarding leadership experience, and the other about the letters of recommendation. Take a look at last week’s Myth #s 1 and 2 for even more myth de-bunking. As always, leave us a comment or e-mail (tmmba@uw.edu) if you have any myths you need solving.

 Masters of Business Administration? I won’t be admitted unless I have managerial experience!

 

Truth: While it may seem contradictory, formal management experience is not required for admission into TMMBA. To us, applying for your MBA signals a desire to gain the tools necessary for effective leadership. We do strongly encourage showing examples of leadership in your application; whether it is in your career, in a volunteer capacity or in other areas. As criteria for admission, we look at leadership potential and the motivation to develop these skills.

Bottom Line: You may not have the title or the legions of direct reports, but that’s not a problem for your TMMBA application. Getting your MBA means you’re working towards becoming a leader- show us your potential in the TMMBA application.

 

Getting a CEO to write my letter of recommendation means a lot more than a lower level manager.

Truth: There’s no checkbox that we mark for “esteemed status” when we see your recommender’s name and title. We only require a recommendation from your current supervisor and a professional reference. To the admissions team, status and title don’t matter as much as quality of the recommendation. It’s not who you know- but who really knows YOU. We’d rather have Joe Smith- your colleague for seven years- write a thorough and detailed recommendation than a short, vague statement by Jeff Bezos.

Bottom Line: Don’t get hung up on the name and title of your recommender. Select someone who will give the most comprehensive insight about you as an applicant.

 

Still have questions about the application process? Take a look at the Application Requirements for more information. See you next week when we straighten out two more common admissions myths!

 


Posted by Ally Wewers - August 20th, 2012 - 0 comments - Permalink


Sage Advice about Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are an important part of the job search process, but many people shy away from them or feel uncomfortable reaching out.  Here are 4 good points to remember about informational interviews,  from Jennifer Vancil in her post “The Informational Interview: It’s Just About Having Coffee”.

  1. It sounds a lot like asking for a job interview and it certainly feels like a big thing to ask.  Asking for a meeting with someone you barely know (or don’t know), when you don’t know if a job exists, or whether you would be a good fit for an available position, is enough to send most job-seekers back to the online job boards to continue sending resumes into the void.
  2. An informational interview is not a sales call or an interview.  Bringing a resume to an informational interview is like bringing a wedding ring on a first date.  It puts too much pressure on that first meeting.The goal is to have a conversation that leads to finding a great job in a field you are excited about.   It’s simply “I’m interested in learning more about you and your company.  Would you be   willing to meet with me for 20 minutes?”  You don’t talk marriage before you’ve gotten to know each other and it’s the same in an informational interview.  You’re not at the commitment stage yet.
  3. You should be genuinely interested in the other person and the discussion should center on asking questions, not your needs and trying to “sell” yourself.Someone who asks good questions is considered engaging and interesting – just the kind of person they would like to work with.  Someone who is genuinely curious about them and open to advice would make a wonderful colleague.
  4. Often an informational interview will lead to a great referral and insider information about the company or upcoming projects or positions.  This is a great outcome of lowering the stakes and removing the pressure of a first meeting.

Posted by tmmba - August 15th, 2012 - 0 comments - Permalink


Monday Myths: Part I

Ally Wewers, TMMBA Program Coordinator
 
TMMBA Mythbusters

Who doesn’t love to start their Monday with a little myth de-bunking? At TMMBA, we want to help applicants get beyond the rumors and misconceptions to help them submit their best application. Over the next few Mondays, I will be posting some of the most frequent myths that we hear from applicants and prospective students, and in response-  the TMMBA truth.

 A perfect GMAT score guarantees I’m in.

 

Truth: Achieving the “holy grail” of an 800 (or even a 750-790) GMAT score doesn’t guarantee you anything, besides maybe bragging rights around your cubicle.  While the GMAT is a required portion of the application, the admissions team uses that number in conjunction with many other factors to determine if a student should be admitted. For TMMBA, we’re looking for more than just numbers and off-the-charts intellectual ability. It’s also important that you are well rounded both professionally and personally- showing the ability to interact with others, contribute to your class, and handle the rigors of the program.

Bottom Line: The GMAT is one component of the holistic selection process for TMMBA. A perfect score doesn’t give us any information about your interpersonal skills, leadership ability, or professional experience.

 

I have to wait until my entire application is completed online before hitting “submit”.

 

Truth: You can submit your application anytime that you have filled out your online profile, uploaded your resume and essays, and designated your recommenders. In fact, by submitting with an incomplete application, it helps us to keep in touch with you and get your application processed faster, once complete.

Bottom Line: If you’re waiting on your GMAT, recommendations, or an English proficiency test, click submit anyway! That way, we can get your file in order so it’s ready to be evaluated as soon as your final component is in.

 

Stay with us Mythbusters- next Monday we’ll tackle two more myths on our road to the TMMBA truth. In the meantime, let us know what questions you may have regarding TMMBA misconceptions. We’ll do our best to get the truth out there!


Posted by Ally Wewers - August 13th, 2012 - 2 comments - Permalink


Building Effective Teams

Professor Greg Bigley has taught in the TMMBA Program since its inception in 2001. He teaches Building Effective Work Teams at the start of the program and Leading Organization Change during the fifth quarter.  Bigley is a high-energy instructor and his classes are fast-paced, challenging, and extremely relevant. As a result, he has been recognized by students several times for his excellence in teaching.

In his classes, Bigley focuses on the relationship of people, structure, and culture on organizational and team performance. In this short video, he shares more about building effective teams.

 


Posted by Sara Jones - August 10th, 2012 - 0 comments - Permalink


The SWOT analysis essay and the four questions we are (really) asking – Tracy Gojdics, Director & Class of 2007

SWOT image

One of the application essay questions asks applicants to analyze their career using the SWOT technique.   As a student you’ll become quite comfortable with SWOT analyses, but as an applicant it can be a bit confusing.  The information below is provided to help you as you think about to write for this required essay question.   We’ve taken the S, W, O and T and translated them to the four questions we are really asking.   I hope this helps as you contemplate your essay.   Upon completion you’ll not only feel better about having the essay done, but you’ll have a great career analysis to boot!

 

 

1.    S = your strengths.   Your strengths = what are your competitive advantages?

You will want to convey what you think your 3-5 competitive advantages/strengths are in thinking about your career and where it is today.  Be sure to explain each.

Ex:  I am a skillful negotiator.  I have negotiated numerous important contracts for my organization, which have resulted in lower costs and increased services from our vendor partners.   While negotiating contracts is part of my job, it is also something I enjoy doing and have mentored others in my organization through the negotiating process.

2.   W = your weaknesses.  Your weaknesses = What do you need to improve?

The admissions committee isn’t looking at your “weaknesses” so much as they are looking for whether or not you know what you need to improve as it relates to your career.   You should discuss 3-5 areas for improvement.

Ex:   I’m not a strong public speaker.   Giving presentations is something that I have been working on for the past year as I am sometimes asked to give presentations to various groups.  I get very nervous and am not super comfortable presenting, but recognizing this I have enrolled in a corporate class on giving better presentations.  

3.  O = Opportunities.    Your opportunities = how can you enhance or advance your career?

Unlike strengths or weaknesses, opportunities come from your external environment. You might think that “getting an MBA” is the answer we are looking for, but you’d be wrong.  Advancing your career means being proactive.  How are you being proactive with your career?  Discuss 3-5 things you are doing or could do to enhance or advance your career.

Ex:  Attend targeted association meetings.   Because I am interested in Product Management I have attended several speaker events and workshops through the Product Management Consortium.  Attending these events has also broadened my professional network.  

4.  T = Threats.   Threats = what could derail your career?

Just as with opportunities, threats come from your external environment.   The economy may always be a threat, but how is it a threat?  What else might be a threat?  Think about your product or service, your competitors, your customers, the global landscape or your industry as a whole.  These are just a few ideas to help get you started.  List and discuss 3-5 things that have or could derail your career.

Ex:   Our customers decide to go with another provider.  As budgets get tighter and margins begin to shrink, many of our corporate customers are talking with multiple vendors and are no longer willing to stay with our company just because that is what they have been doing.   The competition is fierce and losing customers would mean deep cuts to our organization and my unit in particular.


Posted by tmmba - August 7th, 2012 - 0 comments - Permalink


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