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Online degrees don’t have the stigma they once did. In fact, many universities are pouring money into their online degree programs because it’s such a practical option for so many people looking to go back to school. What’s not to like about it? It’s cheap. It’s convenient. But when you’re aiming for an MBA, how does it work? Does it differ at all from an “in-the-classroom” MBA?

Many students worry about two aspects of the online MBA: its accreditation system and whether or not their degree will specify they received an online degree as opposed to an in-person degree. In general, MBAs require 36 credits, usually divided into two years: one for generalized business study, the other for specialized study. The online MBA works no different. A slight alteration, however, is discussion in the classroom is replaced by forums and message boards through the Internet. In terms of your degree, most degrees don’t actually say where the degree was obtained. According to “OnlineMBADegrees.net,” the only way a potential employer would know you received an online degree was if you received it from a school that only functioned online.

Students also wonder if it takes longer to complete an online MBA versus that of an MBA at a university. Actually, students can finish their degrees in less than the two years it normally takes to do so in person since so much of the work you do in the online degree program is self-motivated.

Another major concern about the online MBA is whether it assists candidates in increasing their salaries like traditional MBAs are advertised to do. According to “elearners.com,” online MBA degree candidates hold all sorts of positions after graduation – including vice presidents and CEOs. The GMAC averaged in 2005 that all MBA graduates (online and off!) could expect to earn an average of $106,000.00. Wanting an even better bet?

What are some top schools to get an MBA from? Check out MacQuil and Onlinembaguide.

In summary: an online MBA is no less legitimate than an “in-person” MBA. Pursue the MBA program that’s right for you.

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Okay. So without a doubt, the integrated writing section on the TOEFL is approached with apprehension by students worldwide. How can I possibly understand the lecture? How do I link the reading and the listening? How on Earth am I going to finish this essay in 20 minutes?

Fear not. Let’s take a look at some of the aspects of the integrated writing section and break down some myths that might surface around this topic.

Aspect #1: Reading vs. Listening: Which one matters the most?

Many students are often thrown off by this question. After all, isn’t it an equal divide in terms of both the reading and the listening? Well – almost. To be quite honest, the prompt for the integrated writing will always go as follows:
“Summarize the lecture, making sure to cast doubt (or compliment) points made in the reading.”
Remember – this means your primary task is to summarize the lecture, bringing in information from the reading when it’s relevant and worthy to do so. All in all, the lecture tends to make up the bulk of your essay, as it’s what you’re summarizing. The reading is brought in only when it makes sense to do so. So, I would say the integrated essay, in terms of a breakdown of actual information, goes as follows:
Lecture: 60%
Reading: 40%

Again, always make sure to refer back to the directions. “Summarize the lecture” is always the first three words of the integrated writing task prompt.

Aspect #2: Point by Point vs. Block Format

Which way is the best to write your TOEFL essay? Well, there are two ways to do so: point by point and block. What are the differences? Let’s see:

• Point-by-point structures the essay according to points, or specific facts and details taken from both the reading and the listening. For example: you make one statement about the lecture and provide either a point of similarity or contradiction to that point from the reading in the first paragraph. The same for the second paragraph, the third, etc… This is an essay structured around shared information.
• Block format is a bit easier in that it structures half of your essay about the lecture and half about the reading. The details, or specific bits of knowledge from each are not juxtaposed against one another as in the point-by-point.

Which is better, you may ask? Here’s my advice: If you have a relatively good grasp of both the content of the lecture and the reading – go for point by point. If you are unclear about both the reading and the listening and you are hesitant to attempt to structure such an essay – block format is viable.

Words of wisdom: Block format is a last resort. Strive for an integrated essay that’s point by point; the mark of an advanced writer!

Aspect #3: How should my Essay be Structured?

Technically, your essay should be anywhere from 150 – 225 words. That totals to about two long paragraphs, or three moderately short ones. Do you need an introduction? Absolutely. But, my advice is to keep it brief. A common way to begin the integrated essay is: “Both the reading and the listening talk about ______.” Give us a general idea of what the topic is before we get into points of similarity or contradiction.

A conclusion? Well, only if you have time. This essay is roughly half the length or two thirds the length of your independent essay, so a conclusion several sentences long is not all that realistic in twenty minutes. If you have time and are not sacrificing seconds from the editing stage, feel free to include a general concluding sentence restating what you said in your introduction with more specifics. However, if you’re running out of time and want to make sure and leave two minutes to edit – simply end your integrated essay with your final point of similarity or contradiction.

Above all – draw connections from the reading and the listening whenever possible.

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New York and Chicago’s 2009 MBA Gate turned out to be a real hit with both schools and prospective students. MBA applicants in both the “Windy City” and “Big Apple” had the opportunity to converse with US and international business schools in New York on September 9^th and Chicago on the 12^th. This four-hour event gave schools the opportunity to explain their MBA programs while allotting time for some valuable Q&As from students.

It seemed the big advantage this year was the unique, closed round-table format that gave prospective students the chance to have genuine one-on-one time with business school representatives. Not only did students have an opportunity to learn more about each school – but schools had time to learn more about students. In addition, students have found dedicated school presentations helpful to enhancing their knowledge about the programs.

Another big plus at MBA Gate this year? Seminars. In both Chicago and New York, MBA Gate offered a GMAT Strategy Workshop, MBA Admissions Strategy Seminar and an Interview Skills Seminar. Many participants thought these were particularly enlightening when planning for their application process, giving them a sound step with which to move forward.

Overall, the rave reviews are in for both Chicago and New York’s ’09 MBA Gate, only fueling the fire for an even better experience next year!

If you want to be part of our tour next spring and/or fall, we would love to have you at our fair. For our upcoming MBA Gate tour schedule, please visit us online or email us at info@manhattanreview.com.

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Is the GMAT on a slow decline due to some heated competition from the GRE? There have been rumors floating around for several years now that the GMAT is declining in importance, not only because of a GRE alternative but also because it doesn’t focus on finance, accounting or business strategy. Could this be true? Let’s look at the facts.

Over 1,800 graduate business schools accept the GMAT and as a whole, it’s been the standard admissions tests for business schools for the past fifty years. The GRE, on the other hand, is taken by more than 600,000 students annually and it’s good for a five-year period. Let’s not forget cost: the GMAT costs $250.00 and the GRE significantly lower at a mere $150.00 (for the US only & effectively as of July 1, 2009).

Now, when compared back to back, the GMAT is the harder exam in terms of both the reading and math sections. For native English speakers, the GRE’s reading is slightly easier, although it could be cause for alarm for non-native English speakers due to the complexity of the vocabulary. As a whole, the GMAT is used for business schools and some economic schools while the GRE is used for more general graduate degree programs.

So with all this information laid out, one can’t help but wonder – where did the controversy come from?

ETS actually lost the rights to the GMAT in 2006, so since then they’ve encouraged schools to take the GRE instead. About 115 schools have complied, including Stanford, Johns Hopkins and MIT. The GRE seems to have added bonuses that the GMAT doesn’t. In fact, there is a new section on the GRE called the Personal Potential Index, where a mentor can fill out sections in regards to creativity, integrity and communication. Is the general consensus among graduate school professionals that the GRE is stamping out the GMAT?

Evidently not, according to David A. Wilson, head of the Graduate Management Admissions Council, who was quoted in a recent New York Times article on the topic. “Schools turn to the GMAT because it is a valid, trusted and robust assessment. One way to think about it is that you don’t want your dentist to buy drill bits at Home Depot.”

Where does that leave us on the subject? Our general advice is the following: know what schools you want to apply to before you go about preparing for standardized tests. Know which tests your universities prefer. Keep in mind, the MBA is still accepted by all major business and economic schools around the world. If you know you want an MBA, brush up on the GMAT. However, if you are leaning more towards a general graduate degree, the GRE is probably your best bet.

To read more on the detailed comparison between two tests, please subscribe to our free Manhattan Review email newsletter and read our GMAT vs GRE Part I and GMAT vs GRE Part II newsletters.

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