Kaneisha Grayson's Blog, page 24

Opportunity Spotlight: SEO Law (Sponsors for Educational Opportunity)

Hello, and welcome back to the blog!

We’ve been sharing  some incredible opportunities  over the last few weeks for those of you who are interested in business school. We spotlighted both The Consortium and the Forte Foundation, which if you haven’t read yet, be sure to catch up!

This week, we’re shifting our focus to those of you who are interested in law school. Without further ado, we present the…

SEO Law Fellowship Program

The Sponsors for Educational Opportunity Law Fellowship Program is an academic fellowship and internship program that targets Black, Latino, and Native American incoming law students who show both exceptional promise and demonstrated accomplishments in their undergraduate and professional careers.

By becoming a SEO Law Fellow you will have access to:

A paid internship at a top law firm with a salary up to $1,625 per week
Experiential learning that provides a hands-on look at the practice of law
Increased confidence going into law school stemming from first-hand exposure to the practical side of law through workshops, mentorship, panel discussions and networking opportunities with attorneys from SEO’s partner law firms
Academic prep through SEO’s Law Institute, which is an intensive law school preparatory program designed to support academic performance in law school
Orientation and training that provides guidance on corporate etiquette, law firm culture, legal writing and more

The Fellowship

The SEO Law Fellowship program is a 10-week program that takes place during the summer from late May-late July/early August depending on the start date. Accepted students will spend two weeks in New York City learning the ins and outs of law at the SEO Law Institute. The Institute is an intensive program that is designed to prepare Fellows for law school and entry into the field of corporate law.

Once the two weeks has come to an end, all students will begin an eight-week internship. Following the conclusion of the internship, students will head off to law school!

The Internship

SEO Law Fellows will observe and experience first-hand the day-to-day duties and responsibilities of attorneys at some of the top law firms in the country. SEO places Fellows at prestigious law firms in Atlanta, Chicago, Columbus (OH), Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Orange County/Newport Beach (CA), New York, San Francisco/Palo Alto/Menlo Park, Washington D.C. and Wilmington (DE).

During these internships Fellows will learn the important skills necessary to become a corporate lawyer, including attention to detail, superlative communication skills, as well as the analytical ability to understand the application of the law to a client’s business objectives.

Fellows will also gain experience as both transactional attorneys, as well as litigators, as most corporate lawyers are categorized in either field.  

And as if comprehensive preparation to excel in your legal studies and career wasn’t enough of an incentive to apply, please read on!

The Scholarship

SEO Law also offers three scholarships per year to promising Black, Latino, and Native American incoming law students to attend the school of their choice. Awards are as follows:

$10,000
$5,000
$5,000

There are certain requirements to be considered for a scholarship from SEO.

Minimum LSAT: 155
Minimum Undergraduate GPA: 3.50
Must answer the following essay prompt in 500 words or less:

One of SEO’s values is giving back. It is not about you, but those who came before you, and those who will come after you. Please explain how you’ve applied this principle to your life to date. (Note: This essay prompt may change from year to year so be sure to check on SEO’s website for the most current information)

The Application

If SEO sounds like something you might be interested in (which let’s face it, who wouldn’t be?), then we’ve got the information on who should apply.

Although all Black, Latino, and Native American students are encouraged to apply, all students must have:

Graduated from or be graduating from an accredited, four-year, U.S. College or University, or foreign equivalent.
Taken the LSAT and plan to attend law school in the U.S. starting in the fall of the year in which they plan to do the internship.
A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
Although students do not need to be admitted into a law school by the time they apply to SEO, students do need to submit proof of enrollment prior to acceptance into the Fellowship Program.

SEO looks for the following qualities in candidates:

A drive to succeed as evidenced by academic achievement, professional experiences, and campus involvement
A willingness to learn and take on new challenges
A leadership orientation, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to thrive in team environments
Professionalism, maturity, and strong communication skills
Business acumen, attention to detail, and comfort with financial and economic concepts
Analytical thinking and problem solving capabilities

SEO gives students of color the opportunity to  excel in law school as well as in the field of corporate law postgraduate school. SEO also gives students an impressive network of over 1,300 alumni, including over 600 who have graduated from law school in the last 10 years.

If you’re ready to get started on your law school applications as well as your application to SEO, our team would love to speak with you. Click here to apply for your free 90-minute Breakthrough Call today!

The post Opportunity Spotlight: SEO Law (Sponsors for Educational Opportunity) appeared first on The Art of Applying.

Opportunity Spotlight: Forté Foundation

Hello, and welcome back to the blog!

Last week, we introduced you to some of the fantastic fellowship and scholarship opportunities at UCLA Anderson, with a focus on The Consortium.  For this week, we wanted to continue to share more fellowship opportunities.

This one is specifically for women who are interested in attending business school.

Sound like you?

Then read on as we introduce you to the Forté Foundation!

Forté Foundation is a non-profit consortium comprised of leading companies and top business schools who are working together to help launch women into fulfilling careers through access to business education, opportunities, and a community of successful women.

Forté achieves these goals by:

Motivating young women to prepare for a business career
Increasing women’s access to education and business networks
Educating women on the value of an MBA
Supporting women financially in their advanced business education through the
Raising awareness of the impact women can make on business and on society, culture, environment, and the economy
Encouraging and supporting cutting-edge research on relevant topics

Although the Forté Foundation works with students in all stages of the MBA process, we wanted to focus specifically on the Forté Fellows Program.

Forté Fellows Program

This program was designed to increase the number of women applying to and enrolling in MBA programs by offering fellowships to women who are pursuing full-time, part-time, or executive MBA programs at one of Forté’s participating schools.

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Each school grants awards to full-time students, and part-time and executive awards are available at select schools only.

Benefits

So what else can Forté provide outside of funding? Once chosen as a Forté Fellow, you will gain immediate exposure to leading companies that are a part of Forté’s network, as well as a peer network of other fellows.

Other opportunities include:

Participation in Forté’s as well as the which includes networking opportunities with lead executives and with MBA students from sponsor schools, along with panel discussions and workshops that foster professional and personal development
Exclusive access to Forté Connect, the online networking community for Forté Fellows
Inclusion in the Forté Fellow resume book, which is distributed each fall to
Exclusive access to the Forté Corporate Recruiter list
Special invitations for job-openings and leadership programs at Forté sponsor companies
Access to Forté Fellow LinkedIn group and Facebook groups
Free lifetime Premium Access Pass to Forté
Mentoring and special opportunities to connect with other Fellows and Forté representatives at your school
Leadership development opportunities via your role in planning your school’s Forté outreach program to undergraduate women
And a lifelong connection with the Forté Foundation community

Have we caught your attention yet?

All schools will decide individually who will represent them as Forté Fellows, and students must apply to each school they wish to be considered for. Once offered admission, the student will then be placed under consideration for the Forté Fellows Program.

Criteria

Candidates should exhibit exemplary leadership in one or more ways: academic leadership, team leadership, community leadership, and creative leadership.
Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to women and girls via personal mentorship or community involvement.
Schools are encouraged to nominate fellows from their schools who represent diverse educational and work backgrounds, career goals, ethnicities and citizenships. (Note: Students of all nationalities will be considered)

Forté Fellow Profile: Class of 2019

Citizenship

U.S. Citizen and Permanent Residents: 70%
Other Countries: 30%


Average GMAT: 703
Average GPA: 3.50
Average Years Work Experience: 5.04
Ethnicity

White (Non-Hispanic): 55%
Asian, Pacific Islander: 15%
Black, African American: 9%
Multiracial or Multiethnic: 4%
Other: 1%


Undergraduate Major:

Business: 25%
Economics: 13%
Engineering: 15%
Humanities/Social Science: 26%
Information Systems/Computer Science: 2%
Mathematics/Physical Science: 6%
Other: 13%

Because of all of the incredible benefits, we highly encourage all women who are thinking about business school to apply to Forté Foundation schools!

If you’re ready to get started on your applications, click here to schedule your free 90-minute Breakthrough Call and speak with our team today!

The post Opportunity Spotlight: Forté Foundation appeared first on The Art of Applying.

Opportunity Spotlight: The Consortium

Hello and welcome back!

Last week we spotlighted UCLA Anderson and showed you the flexibility it offers to tailor your education. For this week, we’re shifting directions and want to talk to you about options for financing your education at UCLA Anderson.

UCLA Anderson has many types of financial aid, and offers a wide variety of fellowships to students.

Some fellowships are offered to students upon admission. The first are merit fellowships, which are awarded to students based on the strength of their application. UCLA Anderson also awards donor fellowships to admitted students. These are generally given to students based on criteria such as professional development, intended career, community involvement, and/or financial need.

UCLA Anderson also encourages students to apply for external funding opportunities and offers the GRAPES database for students to search for scholarships they can apply to outside of the university.

One of the main sources of funding that is offered for admitted UCLA Anderson students however, and the focus of our post today, is The Consortium.

What is The Consortium and what do they do, you might ask?

The Consortium’s Mission

The Consortium is a nonprofit alliance of select U.S. business schools that is committed to increasing the number of underrepresented minorities in MBA programs and corporate leadership.  They pursue their mission by offering prospective students the opportunity to apply to member schools at discounted rates. Additionally, they offer merit-based scholarships to top MBA candidates who have a proven record of promoting inclusion in school, careers, or personal lives.

The Consortium will soon add its 20th school, so chances are their membership includes one or more of your dream programs!

The Consortium’s Members

The Consortium is made of member schools which can vary slightly year by year. Currently the member schools include:

University of California – Berkeley, Haas School of Business
University of California – Los Angeles, Anderson School of Management
Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business
Cornell University, Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management
Dartmouth College, Tuck School of Business
Emory University, Goizueta Business School
Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business
Indiana University – Bloomington, Kelley School of Business
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Michigan Ross School of Business
New York University, Leonard N. Stern School of Business
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan-Flagler Business School
Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Business
University of Rochester, Simon Business School
University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business
The University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business
University of Virginia, Darden School of Business
Washington University in St. Louis, Olin Business School
University of Washington, Foster School of Business (effective July 1, 2018)
University of Wisconsin – Madison, Wisconsin School of Business
Yale University, Yale School of Management

You may apply to up to six of the member schools through The Consortium in one single streamlined application.

Sounds great, right? But how do you get chosen for membership?

Selection is based on both your academic records and evidence of your commitment to The Consortium’s mission of promoting the inclusion of African Americans, Latinos and Native Americans in business. This means that selection is based on your community activism, professional involvement, and life experiences which should be documented in both your application essay, as well as at least one letter of recommendation.

Typically 60-70% of those admitted to The Consortium will receive funding.

However, students who are admitted to The Consortium but do no receive funding still receive incredible benefits. Consortium fellows will join a community of 70+ corporate partners that send representatives to the Annual Orientation Program & Career Forum.

The Annual Orientation Program & Career Forum is an intensive, hands-on opportunity for students to gain real career development advice from some of the best educational institutions and corporations in the country. Many students who attend leave with early internship opportunities, which can lead to employment offers after graduation.

As we know you’ll agree, The Consortium is an exceptional opportunity to finance your MBA and expand your professional network.  We’d love to help you get there! If you’re planning on applying in the next 12-18 months, click here to book your free 90-minute Breakthrough Call with our team!

The post Opportunity Spotlight: The Consortium appeared first on The Art of Applying.

School Spotlight: UCLA Anderson School of Management

Hello, and welcome back to our Schools and Scholarships spotlight series!

Throughout the last few weeks we’ve shown you top business, policy, and law schools around the country, as well as scholarships that are available from each of the schools. If you aren’t caught up, check them out on our blog!

For this week, we’ve decided to give you B-school applicants one more bonus spotlight. So join us as we introduce you to:

UCLA Anderson School of Management

Degree Programs:

UCLA Anderson offers many different types of degree programs, so you can be sure that there’s a masters program that will fit your needs.

Full Time MBA → The UCLA Anderson MBA Program offers a world-class academic experience, a highly collaborative student culture, real-world business research and consulting experience, and a proven record of success in career advancement. The personal transformation and advancement achieved by their MBA graduates is reflected by the impressive accomplishments of the MBA alumni, including Larry Fink (‘76), founder, chairman and CEO of BlackRock, and Susan Diane Wojcicki (‘98), CEO of YouTube.

Fully Employed MBA → The UCLA Anderson Fully Employed MBA (FEMBA) Program is a flexible 3-year part-time MBA program for working professionals looking to take the next step in their careers. Taught by the same world-renowned UCLA faculty, pursue an MBA while working full time and surrounded by classmates from a diverse set of backgrounds and industries.

Ph. D. Program → The UCLA Anderson Ph. D. Program prepares students for careers in university teaching as well as research.

Executive MBA Program → The EMBA Program is a two-year program designed for mid-career executives who are seeking to obtain an advanced management education while continuing in their professional roles.

Global EMBA for Asia Pacific → The UCLA-NUS Global Executive MBA Program for Asia Pacific is offered jointly by UCLA Anderson School of Management and National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School to prepare and develop senior managers for top management positions in large multinational operations.

Master of Financial Engineering → The Masters of Financial Engineering Program prepares students for positions as risk managers, investment bankers, asset managers, derivative traders and developers of specialized securities.

Master of Science in Business Analytics → Students will be prepared to use large databases combined with descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics to find answers to fundamental business problems.

So just what does UCLA Anderson look for in their students?

UCLA Anderson looks for three unique qualities in their applicants, including:

Share Success: “By Share Success we mean our students should be collaborative and supportive of one another, fully engaged in academic explorations, and be thoughtful when they achieve success”.
Think Fearlessly: “When we say Think Fearlessly, we’re looking for people who are passionate, inquisitive, and analytical while striving for innovation”.
Drive Change: “We’re also looking for those who Drive Change by being original and productive in pursuit of meaningful impact. This means maintaining an optimistic viewpoint during challenging times, employing strategic thinking and, most important, being resilient”.

Does this sound like you? We thought it might!

Source: https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/full-time-mba/admissions

UCLA Anderson Academics – Education By Your Design

Are you wondering what makes UCLA Anderson stand out from the crowd in terms of their academics?

Your schedule is fully customizable for both years!

During your first year, you will take nine core curriculum classes, but when you take them is entirely up to you.

Your second year schedule is designed by you, in order to focus on the electives of your choosing. You will also complete your Capstone Project during the second year.

Take a look at the course catalog to see the endless opportunities for your education!

As with some of our past school spotlights, we wanted to show you what the class of 2020 looks like:

44 Countries Represented
28% Minorities
38% Women
30% International Citizen
163 Undergraduate Institutions
3.2-3.8 Middle 80% GPA Range
716 Average GMAT
680-750 Middle 80% GMAT Range

UCLA Anderson Career Impact

UCLA Anderson takes great pride in their Parker Career Management Center. Parker has been named a top career center in student satisfaction by The Economist and are able to place 100% of students who are seeking a professional internship.

Full Time Employment Industry Summary:

Full-Time Employment Function Summary:

UCLA Anderson offers more information on many specific career paths that their students end up taking such as:

For more information on these career paths visit: UCLA Anderson Career Impact

So what are you waiting for?

If you’re ready to start working on your applications in the next 12-18 months, then we want to speak with you! Click here to schedule your free 90-minute Breakthrough Call with our team today.

(Note: We are not affiliated with any of these universities in any way, and make sure you double check the information we have posted. Sometimes things may change, so be sure not use us as your only source!)

The post School Spotlight: UCLA Anderson School of Management appeared first on The Art of Applying.

Scholarship Spotlight: Penn Law School Merit Scholarships

Welcome to our final blog in our Schools and Scholarships Spotlight series!

Over the last five weeks, we’ve showcased some of the top programs in business, policy, and law, as well as the scholarship and fellowship opportunities offered at these schools. For this week, we’re showing you some of the merit based scholarship opportunities at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, which we spotlighted just last week!

The best part about these merit scholarships?

Most do not require a separate application. Although candidates nominated by the Admissions committee may be asked to complete an interview or supplementary essay, students admitted to Penn Law will automatically be considered for a variety of different merit scholarships.

Penn Law offers different merit scholarship opportunities ranging in award amount, so we’ve compiled a few that are sure to pique your interest.

Up first:

The Levy Scholars Program

The Levy Scholars program was founded in 2002 by Paul Levy (class of 1972) and his wife Karen.

This prestigious program offers a full tuition and fees scholarship for three years of study. It also includes mentorship opportunities with faculty who are involved in the recipient’s areas of interest, specialized programmatic support, research assistant opportunities, and more. The Levy Scholars program gives students unique access to faculty as well as the opportunity to attend exclusive programs in their respective areas of academic interest.

Although it’s not a requirement of the Levy Scholars program, cross-disciplinary study is highly valued. Scholars are encouraged to pursue a joint degree or take part one of Penn’s many certificate programs.

The Robert and Jane Toll Public Interest Scholars Program

This program was created by Robert Toll (class of 1966) and his wife Jane, for students who are seeking academic training and practical experience in public interest law. These scholars are selected based upon a student’s demonstrated commitment to public service, their academic record, as well as their potential for leadership in the legal community.

The Program’s graduates have gone on to serve in leadership roles at a variety of agencies including the United States Department of Justice, the Legal Aid Society of New York, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the Bronx Defenders, and other leading public service organizations.

The Toll Public Interest Scholars Program awards a full scholarship for all three years of study to five students each academic year. In addition to financial assistance, the Toll Scholars program also helps to cultivate leadership in service through robust advising and mentorship as well as coursework and scholarly activities. Toll Scholars will benefit from a formal orientation program, guidance from their Toll Scholar families and faculty advisors, and classes that culminate in a scholar capstone project.

Toll Scholars must also commit to public sector employment during all law school summers, as well as for the first three years after graduation. This can include work in the non-profit sector or an institution whose primary purpose is to serve or advocate on behalf of individuals or organizations whose interests are not adequately represented by the private sector or government; federal, state, or local government, other than as a judicial clerk; clinical law teaching; and private employers whose primary mission is to serve the public interest.

Curious about what kind of students are receiving the Toll Public Interest Scholarship? Click here to read both current and alumni scholar profiles.

Any admitted student to Penn Law may apply to the Toll Public Interest Scholars Program. The office of financial aid will send out application details in February, with interviews taking place in late March or early April.

These are just a few of the many merit scholarship opportunities that are available to those who are admitted to Penn Law! Penn Law also has a needs-based grant program that seeks to make their education as affordable and as accessible as possible.

So what are you waiting for?

Book your free 90-minute Breakthrough Call with us, and get started on working towards your future at Penn Law!

The post Scholarship Spotlight: Penn Law School Merit Scholarships appeared first on The Art of Applying.

School Spotlight: University of Pennsylvania Law School

Hello and welcome back to our Schools and Scholarships Spotlight series  exploring top-tier graduate schools and fellowship opportunities!

We’ve highlighted some of the top graduate schools in the country, including Stanford Graduate School of Business and Chicago Harris for you business and policy school applicants. If you haven’t read about them, check them out on our blog!

For this week, we’re talking to those of you who are dreaming of going to law school and introducing:

The University of Pennsylvania Law School

Whether you are just starting on your journey to becoming an attorney, if you’ve received your legal education outside the U.S., or even if you are a graduate student in a different field of study but still have an interest in gaining knowledge of U.S. legal practices related to your field of study, Penn Law has a program for you.

Full Time Programs:

JD (Juris Doctorate) → The JD is a three year program that combines U. Penn’s interdisciplinary curriculum with various co-curricular activities and pro-bono responsibilities, all while preparing students for admission to the bar to serve as effective, ethical and responsible members of the legal profession.

LLM →  U. Penn’s LLM program is over a century old. This program is designed as a one year study in advanced legal topics for lawyers that have been trained outside the United States. Penn Law has a general LLM curriculum which allows students to design their own path and focus on a particular topic. The LLM also takes classes with upper level JD students including the 5-week summer program.

LLCM → This one year program is an advanced course of study designed for those who have already completed their LLM degree. LLCM students have the opportunity to gain US legal experience and participate in four clinical programs focusing on Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property and Technology, International Human Rights and Immigration, or Mediation.

SJD (Doctorate of Juridical Science) → The SJD is the highest level of degree offered at Penn Law and requires students to write a dissertation that makes an original and substantial contribution to legal scholarship. You must already have earned an LLM, JD or equivalent degree from Penn Law or a comparable institution to be eligible for this program.

ML (Master’s in Law) →  This program is currently offered exclusively for Penn graduate students and staff and is designed to give students a solid understanding of how the U.S. legal system functions in general as well as having specific knowledge of law in their areas of interest. This program also allows students to grow a deep professional network as students from all disciplines coexist in the same space.

Joint Degrees → Penn Law offers students the chance for cross-disciplinary studies with 36 specified joint degrees ranging from Business, Social Policy, Education, Criminology and more. They also offer joint degree programs in conjunction with a few select undergraduate programs for students to complete their desired undergraduate degree while also working towards their JD.

Cross Disciplinary Focus

Penn Law believes that the next generation of lawyers should not only be trained in law but should also having training in related fields such as business, communications, health, technology, international studies, social work, and education. Click here to watch cross-disciplinary innovation in action at Penn Law.

Students at Penn Law also have the opportunity to pursue one of several certificates of study as part of their JD degree. Interesting in working at the intersection of business and law? Then check out the Wharton School’s certificate in business economics and public policy. Or perhaps you want to run your own nonprofit one day? Then consider the certificate in nonprofit administration.   Maybe environmental protection is your calling. If so, the certificate in environmental science will help prepare you to have a positive impact. If we didn’t mention your particular interest, please do check out their certificates program website as there were too many offerings to list them all here!

World Class Education

Needless to say, at Penn Law you’ll learn from distinguished faculty in a state-of-the-art campus. If you have a chance, be sure to check out Penn Law’s virtual campus tour which highlights some of the incredible buildings that make up Penn Law and the beautiful University of Pennsylvania campus as well. Penn sits in the heart of Philadelphia, PA: home of the Liberty Bell, the world-class Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the best cheesesteaks you will ever eat.

To learn more about Philadelphia and the incredible opportunities that await there check out Penn Law’s Guide of Things to Do, Where to Live, and How to Get Around.

If you’re wondering  just what does the incoming class look like at Penn Law? Look no further, we’ve got you covered.

Penn Law Class of 2020:

Applicants: 5,601
Enrolled: 244
LSAT Score Median: 169
GPA Median: 3.89
Women: 48%
Students of Color: 34%
LGBTQ: 12%
Out of College One or More Years: 72%
Advanced Degrees: 7%
Age Range: 20-35
Average Age: 24
First Generation College Student: 10%

So do you see yourself fitting in to Penn Law but aren’t sure where to start? Book your free 90-minute Breakthrough Call with our team and start moving forward towards your dreams.

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Scholarship Spotlight: Obama Foundation Scholars at Chicago Harris

Welcome back to our Schools and Scholarships Spotlight series, where we’ve been introducing you to top-tier graduate schools as well as fellowship opportunities!

If you’ve been following along, we introduced you to the University of Chicago Harris Public Policy School last week. If you fell in love with not only the programs, but the city of Chicago as well, then we’re right there with you.

This week, we want to introduce you to a brand new ( 2018 is the first year they’re offering it), fellowship opportunity available only at Chicago Harris.

Do you dream of creating positive change on a global scale? If yes, read on as we tell you about:

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program allows students to combine both a Master of Arts in Public Policy with a focus in International Development,  through a truly one-of-a-kind scholarship. The opportunity includes access to exceptional experiences outside the classroom in conjunction with the Obama Foundation. This scholarship was built to set you on the path to change the world!

About the degree:

As we mentioned, the Obama Foundation Scholars program at Chicago Harris has created a new graduate degree  program that is designed specifically for promising international leaders: the Master of Arts degree in International Development and Policy (MA-IDP). Pretty cool right?

The MA-IDP draws from Harris’ evidence-based analytical approach to the world’s most pressing problems, along with their cutting-edge tools for on-the-ground practical policy innovation. This one year degree will give you a solid foundation in policy analysis and design, with a particular focus on international development and policy.

The degree has been tailored to students’ goals as rising international leaders. You will have the opportunity to study topics that are focused on your background and interests, including but not limited to international development, global conflict studies and resolution, energy and the environment, health, human rights, and more.

There are nine courses throughout the MA-IDP program that encompass three categories: foundational skills for policy analysis, international development and policy, and your choice of electives.

And here’s the pièce de résistance: if you are accepted into the MA-IDP program as an Obama Scholar, you not only will receive a full scholarship, you’ll also be granted access to one-of-a-kind programming outside the classroom through the Obama Foundation.

Ready to apply yet???

About the scholarship:

So just what are these out of classroom experiences?

They may include opportunities such as a leadership week in Chicago before classes begin, personalized mentoring, access to some of the world’s most innovative thinkers, values-based leadership training, internships, and immersive activities in Chicago, New York, and Washington D.C.  Some opportunities will also include experiences in Chicago and the South Side (Michelle and Barack’s old neighborhood!). This will allow students to interact with the local community in Chicago, and develop unique perspectives on the city.

Throughout your year at Chicago Harris, you will be developing an action plan that can be implemented when you return to your community. And as an alum, you’ll have the opportunity to provide support for Obama Foundation programs in your community. You’ll also enjoy continued access to the Obama Foundation network and regionally focused programming and events.

So are you ready to change the world and apply?

We thought you might be!

Here are the qualifications:

The Obama Foundation is looking for emerging leaders from around the world with the following criteria:

Significant work experience (typically 3-5 years or more) and professional accomplishments with a clear trajectory of increasing impact.
Demonstrated record if community service or working for the public good, either through a full-time professional role or significant engagement outside of primary employment.
Possess a clear focus on global challenge or policy issue.
A clear commitment to return to or reinvest your new skills in your community after the program concludes.

If this sounds like a dream come true (and really how could it not be??), here’s how you apply:

Application Requirements

(Note: These are from the 2018 application, which will be updated as the 2019 application details are released.)

All applicants must complete an online application that includes the following:

Transcripts
Test Scoresss

TOEFL scores are required for international students
You will have the option of submitting other test score, but the GRE is not required.


Work Experience
3 Letters of Recommendation

They prefer to have at least one reference from a previous professor who can speak to your academic background and preparedness for graduate studies.


Motivation Statement

Prepare a brief and articulate response to a question regarding your motivation to pursue graduate studies in public policy (300 words).


2 Essays

Tell us about your current work (which may be your paid employment or a significant volunteer activity). In answering, please describe the concrete impact – however you define impact – that your current work is having. Why have you chosen this work? What are the challenged you have faced in this work and how have you sought to overcome them? (400 words or fewer)
What impact do you want to have on the world? How would becoming an Obama Foundation Scholar help you achieve this? What do you plan to do after the Obama Foundation Scholars Program? What will you do if you are not selected? (300 words or fewer) 

Are you ready to turbo-charge your dreams of creating positive change, but not sure where to begin with your Obama Foundation Scholars application? Our team would love to speak with you. Click here to schedule your free 90-minute Breakthrough Call.

Come back next week as we explore one of the top law schools in the country, and let us know what you would like to see spotlighted next with a comment!

(Note: We are not affiliated with any of these universities, so make sure you double check the information we have posted. Sometimes things may change, so be sure not to use us as your only source!)

The post Scholarship Spotlight: Obama Foundation Scholars at Chicago Harris appeared first on The Art of Applying.

School Spotlight: The University of Chicago Harris Public Policy School

Hello and welcome back to our Schools and Scholarships Spotlight series exploring top-tier graduate schools and fellowship opportunities!

Over the last two weeks we’ve focused on Stanford Graduate School of Business, and we’ve told you all about their signature fellowship program, Knight-Hennessy Scholars. If you aren’t caught up, be sure to check them out!

For this week, we’re moving out of sunny California into the Windy City, and shifting our focus from Business School to Public Policy.

Are you passionate about social change and creating a lasting impact?

If you’re answer was yes, then read on as we introduce you to:

The University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy

Whether you’re looking to develop some hardcore analytical skills, or acquire expertise in data science, public health, international development or environmental policy, Harris has a program for you!

Full Time Academic Programs:

MPP (Master’s in Public Policy) → Harris Public Policy’s flagship program. The MPP is a two-year program for students interested in developing the analytical skills needed to take on today’s pressing policy challenges.

MSCAPP (MS in Computational Analysis and Public Policy) → This two-year program prepares you for a career at the intersection of data science and public policy. If you want to apply big data to big problems, this could be the program for you.

MSESP (MS in Environmental Science and Policy) → Want to create policies that protect the environment and fight climate change? This two-year program, offered in conjunction with Argonne National Laboratory, combines science with public policy to address environmental issues.

MA – IDP (MA in International Development and Policy) → Want to focus your education on economic development within a global context, but don’t want to be away from the workforce for two years? This one year degree is designed for promising international leaders focusing on policy design and analysis in international settings. It is also part of the Obama Foundation Scholars Program (more on this exceptional opportunity next week!)

MACRM (MA in Public Policy with Certificate in Research Methods) → If you’re looking to prepare yourself for a career in research or a rigorous PhD program, this could be the program for you. This 15-month course is part Public Policy degree, part research apprenticeship, and part intensive training in research methods.

MA in Public Policy → Already have an advanced degree and interested in a full-time program? This one-year program will complement your existing advanced degree by providing a fundamental understanding of the public policy aspects of your field. The program is also available to students enrolling in other master’s degrees in the University.

Joint Degree → Harris also offers a variety of joint degrees that can be completed in conjunction with other schools within the University, including Business, Law, International Development, Social Services and Divinity Studies.

Design Your Path:

Are any of those degrees speaking to you? Harris encourages their students to use their resources in order to acquire the knowledge they need to succeed in the policy arena. By offering a range of degrees, a strong core curriculum, and a focus on career development, Harris has something for everyone.

Harris also has five important guiding principles that they follow in order to develop knowledgeable leaders who put evidence first:

Harris strives to train a new generation of leaders who are driven to change the world. They know that to create social impact, fresh thinking is required in order to develop different innovative approaches.

Source: https://harris.uchicago.edu/about/who-we-are/our-principles

So what does this mean for you?

Harris Policy Labs:

One thing that sets Harris Public Policy apart from other programs is their Policy Lab.

Harris Policy Labs is a unique initiative in which teams of second year Harris students apply their rigorous core education to real-time public policy challenges facing client organizations. Through the programs students gain hands-on experience with analyzing, developing, advocating for, and implementing policy in “real world” contexts.

Be sure to check out this podcast, which spotlights the experience of three students who all recently participated in the Policy Labs.

Interested in making a difference at the municipal level? The city of Chicago offers students a unique experience for hands-on learning across the city’s 77 distinct neighborhoods. Opportunities exist in a variety of different platforms including private, public, and non-profit sectors.

Just in case you need some time away from the books in order to recharge, there is never a shortage of activities to participate in given the world-class museums, the lake, downtown (Skydeck Chicago anyone?), and sporting events (go Bulls!). We also have to admit, the pizza really is fantastic.

Is Harris sounding like a great fit for you? We thought so.

Now you might be thinking, how do I compare to current students? No worries. We’ve combined their data from the Class of 2017 for you!

Harris by the Numbers:

53% Female
47% Male
298 Master’s Students
7 PhD Students
22 Countries Represented
26 Languages Spoken
Years of Work Experience

38% with 0-1 years
33% with 2-4 years
29% with 5+ years
Students with advanced degrees 14%


23% Domestic Underrepresented Minority Students
50% International Students

 

Harris values diversity, and prioritizes an atmosphere of different cultures, ideas, and ideologies that allow for a more holistic educational experience for their students.

Combining this with the metropolis of Chicago, Harris offers a truly unique experience.

Have we successfully convinced you that Harris is the right school for you but now you’re wondering how to get in? We’d love to help you get there. If you’re applying within the next 12-18 months our team would love to speak with you! Book your free 90-minute Breakthrough Call with our team by clicking here.

(Note: We are not affiliated with any of these universities in any way, and make sure you double check the information we have posted. Sometimes things may change, so be sure not use us as your only source!)

The post School Spotlight: The University of Chicago Harris Public Policy School appeared first on The Art of Applying.

Scholarship Spotlight: The Knight-Hennessy Fellowship

Hello and welcome back to our Schools and Scholarships Spotlight series  exploring top-tier graduate schools and fellowship opportunities!

Last week, we introduced you to Stanford Graduate School of Business. We told you all about what Stanford GSB has to offer in terms of defining your own path, gaining a truly global perspective, and let’s be honest, the stunning California weather.

Along with spotlighting some of the best graduate schools around the country, we also want to let you know about scholarship and fellowship opportunities that can help you pay for your education.  

Over the next several weeks we will be giving you insight into incredible financial aid opportunities at top graduate schools and compiling them all in one convenient place!

We heard from many of you that Stanford GSB is your top choice for business school, so we’d like to introduce you to Stanford’s:  

Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program!

Knight-Hennessy Scholars develops a community of future global leaders to address complex challenges through collaboration and innovation. Every year, up to 100 high-achieving students from around the world  receive full funding to pursue any graduate degree at Stanford, including the JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MS, and PhD Programs, as well as all joint- and dual- degrees.

In short, no matter which degree you want to achieve , you will be eligible for this scholarship program.

As a Knight-Hennessy Scholar you will develop both the depth and range of subject expertise to confront the numerous grand challenges and opportunities of the future. You will be part of a unique community of change agents from a diverse range of backgrounds. This is a community that will support you, motivate you, and hold you accountable for achieving your goals.

The program focuses on three main areas :

Leadership Development
Mentorship
Experiential Learning

The application for enrollment in the fall of 2019 opened  May, 1st 2018.

So what does eligibility look like for the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship program?

Eligibility:

– Citizens of any nationality are welcome to apply

-Any graduate program at Stanford qualifies for consideration

-Received first bachelor’s degree in 2014 or later; Enrolling at Stanford in 2019 or later

If you aren’t sure if you qualify please click the link below for more information.

Source: https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/admission/eligibility

We know we’ve piqued your interest in this incredible opportunity, so what exactly is Stanford looking for in terms of applicants?

Criteria:

Independence of Thought

Mental sharpness
Seeks out knowledge and new experiences
Full of original ideas
Makes sense of ambiguous situations
Can hold a contrarian or dissenting point of view




Purposeful Leadership

Ambitious, in the best sense of the word
Driven to improve self
Willing to take risks
Self-aware
Persists and bounces back from adversity




Civic Mindset

Personally humble and kind
Inclusive
Respects differences
Concerned for and helpful to others
Low ego

If this sounds like you, here’s what you need to know to apply.

Application Requirements and Deadlines:

Online Application
Transcript
Standardized Test Scores
One Page Resume
Two Recommendation Letters Addressing the Following:

Please explain how you know and interact with the candidate.
Tell us about a time the candidate did something that benefited others.
Tell us about a time the candidate did something that surprised you.
Is there anything else (positive or constructive) that we should know about the candidate?


Essays (a maximum total of 1,750 words for both essays combined)

Connect the dots. How have the influences in your life shaped you?
How will you pursue your life’s calling? How will your Stanford education and your Knight-Hennessy Scholars experience shape this?


Two Short-Answer Responses

Please tell us eight improbable facts about you.
Please list three goals/objectives that you are working towards right now. (No, being admitted to Stanford and/or being selected as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar can’t count as one of these goals.)


Video Story – no longer than two minutes

Teach something to your cohort of fellow Knight-Hennessy Scholars.


In-Person Assessment

Up to 150 finalists will be invited to visit Stanford for an Immersion Weekend , at Stanford’s expense, from February 9-11, 2019.

Deadlines: Open May 1st, 2018 -September 12th, 2018 at 1:00 PM PST.

It is important to note that the application for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is separate from your application into Stanford University which also must be completed in full.

Those applications open:

To give you a little context on who founded this Scholars program, we wanted to give you a background on Knight and Hennessy!

Founders:

Philip H. Knight – MBA 62’ provided the founding gift to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program. He was excited by the opportunity to partner with Stanford to launch a transformative program and wished to honor John Hennessy’s 16-year tenure as President of Stanford University. Co-founder and Chairman emeritus of Nike, Inc.,  Knight wrote his business plan for Nike while a graduate student at Stanford (pretty cool right?). He has since been actively engaged at the university and a generous contributor to its programs.

John L. Hennessy – The 10th President of Stanford University is the academic architect and visionary behind the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program. Building upon the major academic initiatives advanced during his presidency, Hennessy fought to create an enduring and unmatched education program that would have significant impact on global challenges in the 21st century and beyond. Upon stepping down from the presidency, he began serving as the inaugural Shriram Family Director of Knight-Hennessy Scholars. He also serves as non-executive chairman of Alphabet.  

Source: https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/

Does the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program sound like something you’d like to apply to? We’d love to speak with you about your applications! Book your free 90-minute Breakthrough Call with us today!

Be sure to come back next week to see more school and scholarship spotlights and let us know with a comment if there’s any that you would like to see!

(Note: We are not affiliated with any of these universities, and make sure you double check the information we have posted. Sometimes things may change, so be sure not use us as your only source!)

The post Scholarship Spotlight: The Knight-Hennessy Fellowship appeared first on The Art of Applying.

School Spotlight: Stanford Graduate School of Business

Welcome back, everyone! This week we’re shifting to a topic that we know is on your minds: which schools should I apply to???  We’ve been there. It can seem that there’s an endless pool from which to pick, so for the next few weeks we’ll be highlighting some fantastic programs across multiple disciplines, including business, public policy, and law.

First up we have Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB).

Students at the school benefit from its deep connections to Silicon Valley’s tech industry and its focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability, and personal growth (Touchy Feely, anyone?)

Whether you’re a fresh-faced college senior, a young professional looking to take your career to the next level or a mid-career leader looking to expand your skill set and network, Stanford GSB has a program for you.

Full Time Academic Programs:

MBA →  The two-year Stanford MBA Program is a full-time, residential course of study that leads to a general management degree while helping you develop your vision and the skills to achieve it.

MSx Program →  The Stanford MSx Program offers leaders with at least 8 years of successful professional experience a one-year, full-time, accelerated master’s degree program at Stanford Graduate School of Business.

PhD Program → The doctoral program is designed to develop outstanding scholars for careers in research and teaching at leading academic institutions throughout the world.

Deferred Enrollment → Designed for those who are about to complete their undergraduate degrees, this program allows admitted students to work for (typically) 2 years to develop their business skills and professional judgment before beginning their coursework at Stanford.

Learning at Stanford GSB:

As you might expect, the learning process at Stanford GSB is second to none.  Their students benefit from a myriad of knowledge-building and personal development opportunities, including:

Access to Experts and Risk-Takers – You will learn from world-class faculty, recognized experts in the global-business community, and from business and world leaders who are invited to speak to classes and in larger settings.

A Personalized Experience:

Design Your Path – The intimate class sizes support close peer-to-peer interaction, small-group collaboration, and one-to-one coaching. You can pursue coursework and experiential learning opportunities in specific areas such as leadership, communication, social innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Global Perspective – Faculty teach management in the context of the international economy. Your awareness of global issues will be developed through coursework, international study trips, internships, or programs offered worldwide. Stanford’s programs draw applicants from around the world, so you will join an international student body that shares diverse insights and different perspectives.

All That Stanford Has To Offer – You will draw on resources from all of Stanford University’s world-class schools, including law, engineering, medicine, education, earth sciences, and humanities and sciences. This collaborative, cross-disciplinary culture is evident in all Stanford GSB programs. One in six MBA students chooses to pursue a joint or dual  degree.

Source: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/stanford-gsb-experience/learning

Life at Stanford GSB:

California may be known for its laid-back lifestyle, but Stanford GSB students are constantly on the go. They are busy pursuing challenging coursework, managing the recruiting process, organizing conferences, participating in business plan competitions, the list goes on and on. Hey, you can sleep after you graduate, right? Here are a few of the advantages to studying at this phenomenal school:

The Unique Environment – The year-round sunshine and balmy climate allow for outdoor living, and bringing people together in outdoor spaces. Stanford’s new classrooms, study spaces, and other facilities were constructed with an emphasis on technology, collaboration, and sustainability.

A Diverse Student Population – Students hail from more than 50 countries, with many different educational, professional, and social backgrounds. Stanford’s  collaborative education process benefits from these diverse backgrounds, encouraging a range of perspectives and approaches to real-world problems. This diversity encompasses personal experiences and goals, culture, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, and more.

Student Support – International students seeking assistance with visas or students looking for an affinity group or other support will find the resources and services they require.

A Full Life Beyond the Classrooms – Energetic and engaged students organize and participate in a variety of social and interest – or career – oriented activities. Students also have access to groups, events, and facilities across the larger Stanford University campus.

Integrated Living and Working – A range of residential options encourages collaboration and enables students to benefit from the diverse community. Single students, married students, and students with families will all find a living space that’s right for them.

Extraordinary Surroundings – Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, south of San Francisco, there’s no better place to study business. The San Francisco Bay Area provides endless opportunities for cultural enrichment, easy access to the outdoors, and fun.

Now that we’ve piqued your interest in Stanford GSB, we’re sure you’re wondering what their students are like. Below we’ve included some information on the Class of 2019 for the 2-year MBA program. You’ll notice that Stanford prioritizes building a diverse class that offers a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives.

Entering Class Profile:

(Note: this information is updated annually. Check Stanford’s website for the most up to date statistics.)

Class of 2019 Overview

Total Applicants – 8,173
New Students – 418
Women – 40%
International – 41%
U.S. Minority – 29%

Years of Work Experience

Range – 0-14
Average – 4 years

Previous Industry Experience

Arts/Media/Entertainment – 4%
Clean Tech/Energy/Environmental – 3%
Consumer Products and Services – 7%
Consulting – 19%
Financial Services – 7%
Government/Education/Non Profit – 8%
Health Care – 4%
Investment Management/Private Equity/Venture Capital – 21%
Manufacturing – 4%
Military – 3%
Real Estate – 1%
Technology – 15%
Other – 4%
Organizations Represented – 301

Test Scores

GMAT
Range – 610-790
Average – 737
TOEFL (internet-based)
Range – 104-119
Average – 112

Education

Undergraduate Majors

Business – 19%
Engineering/Mathematics/Natural Sciences – 37%
Humanities/Social Sciences – 44%
Advanced Degree Holders – 15%


GPA Average – 3.74

Schools and Countries

U.S. Institutions – 76
Non U.S. Institutions – 88
Countries (including U.S.) – 61

Source: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/programs/mba/admission/evaluation-criteria/class-profile

While Stanford GSB is one of the most competitive MBA programs in the U.S., they really do value more than just your GPA and standardized test scores. To differentiate yourself from the roughly 8,000 other people who apply each year, your application should convey who you are and what motivates you: your passions, beliefs and ambitions.  In terms of qualities they look for in all applicants, Stanford wants to recruit people with intellectual vitality and demonstrated leadership potential.

We know that sounds like a lot to pack into one application, so why not work with the experts who know exactly what you need to  create applications that include all the elements that top-tier schools look for?

If you’re applying to grad school in the next 12-18 months, my team would love to talk to you! Click here to schedule a free 90-minute Breakthrough Call.

(Note: We are not affiliated with any of these universities in any way, and make sure you double check the information we have posted. Sometimes things may change, so be sure not use us as your only source!)

The post School Spotlight: Stanford Graduate School of Business appeared first on The Art of Applying.