Ross event

I attended Ross event recently and i find it pretty useful and informative. Unlike other events where we find huge crowds, this event is attended only by few souls who look very interested in Ross. The event started with alumni introduction followed by a presentation on Ross. As expected, they highlighted their MAP program and really thinks that it is their USP. They also explained about the I-MAP and the other internship opportunities available at Ross. I came to know about the william davidson institute where students get a chance to work with profs on certain projects.
I asked one lame question on GMAT. Hold on.. Its not that i gave them my GMAT score and asked for my chances. I asked them how schools will look at multiple scores, does it have any negative impact on your application. I know the answer even before asking this question. But just wanted to get the answer straight from the horse's mouth.

Key points:
1. Ross alumni are quite excited about their school. I mean they really like their school and are passionate about it. It shows when they talk about it.
2. They liked the life in Ann Arbor. Simple college town, close knit community and the Football.
3. Whenever you go to any fair/event, you will find some guyz who ask really really meaningless stupid questions. Its really irritating and even in couple of occassions the alumni simply ignored to answer him.
4. They patiently answered all the questions on the Post MBA career and i appreciate that.

Finally i got drunk(for the first time) and spoke with alumni for some time. Didnt really remember what i asked them.
Attending this event only bolstered my interest in Ross. Now i feel more eager to work on Ross essays. Expect third essay i finished the first draft of remaining three essays. Essay3 is a real stumper. Gotta think carefully and write this.

Public vs Private schools

Our selection of schools is based on various criteria like GMAT avg score, class size, location, program curriculum, Weather, Placements to name a few in no particular order. But i never put much emphasis on whether a school is a public or private school. I don't know how it is going to make difference. For example, Emory is a private school which i am planning to apply in R1, while Ross and Darden are public schools (R1).

There are few questions for which i am still looking for answers
1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of private/public school?
2. Do private schools look for higher GMAT scores (though they won't explicitly mention it) to improve their avg gmat scores and hence the rankings?
3. Do private schools are more generous in scholarships?
4. Do public schools have less funds to disburse money in the form of scholarships?
5. How do companies look at a public/private school? Do they favour public schools?

If you are aware of these, please help me out.

Isn't it boasting

I started to read essays of successful candidates from various backgrounds who got admitted to different schools. Some of the essays are really well written. The moment i read them, i felt like.."Yeah. i should admit this guy". They have a clear vision (at least looks like) of what they want from their MBA. Their long term and short term goals are clearly laid out. They know what they want from that particular school and how they are going to contribute to that school. All their accomplishments are deftly interwoven with lucid explanations. Some start their essays with catchy statements and for some its bland. Nevertheless they filled their essays with interesting anecdotes and crafted a beautiful story.

BUT, there is something which i felt is awkward. Plainly most of the statements in their essays looks like a total boasting. Here are the few sentences which led me to make this statement...

- I did everything from managing campaigns, schedules and marketing. (What does it sound like, if you say you did everything?)
- I am responsible for motivating, empowering, creating team structure and ensuring quality delivery to the client. (Not too much, but sounds like a little show-off)
- I am an industrious and ambitious person who is not afraid to challenge the status quo. (I think it is better to tell the adcom that you are industrious and ambitious by providing them with real life examples, rather than simply making a direct statement that you are industrious and ambitious).
- I am an accomplished multi-tasker who will fit seamlessly into X and can enrich the environment with my maturity, enthusiasm, problem solving ability blah blah blah...

There are many others but i forgot them. It was told many times by sages that mba essays are nothing but marketing yourself. The lesson is "it is better to boast rather than being humble".

Notes:
1. After reading these essays, i am clear with one thing, you can't write your essays in a day or two. Like i read in one of the blogs that you should write your essays daily (atleast for a one to one and half months). You never knew when you will be hit a kickass idea.

2. When the essay question is about the long term and short term goals, many of the applicants wrote their long term goal first and later explained their short term goals. Is it a norm or some kind of strategy. I don't understand this.