New Beginnings

Just starting a new blog to document and help me reflect on my 3 year journey through the UCLA Anderson Fully Employed MBA (FEMBA for short) program. I got the idea from reading this great blog post: A letter to an incoming MBA student. A recommended read for all, not only MBA students. I know I will be revisiting that post from time to time.

I hit submit on my application the very last day April 29th. I was waiting for my final letter of recommendation to come in. As soon as I finished, I got an automated e-mail inviting me for an optional interview at the UCLA campus on May 9th. Super Saturday they call it. I couldn't find a statistic for the current admission season, but in 2013/14 they conducted over 5000 interviews! For my interview, I was paired up with a FEMBA alumni who is currently a general manager of a winery. The premise of the interview was basically to get to know me, my work experience, why an MBA now and why UCLA. Pretty much what I had assumed. I left the interview feeling pretty good about the experience.

On May 22nd, while on vacation with my family I received a rather surprising e-mail with the subject line: UCLA Femba Admissions decision available now. Decisions were not supposed to be available until June 12th. I immediately thought I was declined since the decision came so quickly. I nervously opened up the link and become overwhelmed with happiness.

"...I am pleased to notify you that you have been recommended for admission to the UCLA Anderson School of Management Fully Employed MBA (FEMBA) Program. You will be a member of the Class of 2018..."

I received a follow up e-mail from Dylan Stafford (Assistant Dean), congratulating and welcoming me to the program. Apparently I was a part of a small batch of early decision notifications for Round 3.

After considering the pros and cons between UCLA and other programs, I decided to commit and paid my $1500 deposit yesterday.

I'm going to be a Bruin!