Done with MBA applications!

At the end of 2013, just before the holidays, I started thinking of returning to school, debating between an MBA or a Masters in Statistics. I started thinking of why I wanted to change industries, where I'd like to be, and the possibility of moving from Seattle, where I've lived for the last 15 years. I've greatly enjoyed my time at Amazon and the opportunity I had to work with incredible people. But I knew it was time to move on, and chase an industry I was much more passionate about, sports.

I started 2014 by studying for the GMAT. I wanted to get a sense for how I'd do on the test before falling in love with a program I couldn't get into. That strategy didn't work out too well since I'm terrible at taking standardized tests. Here's to hoping that the admissions committee really do look at the whole package.

Next I began looking at schools. I was very diligent in my school research. I didn't want to choose a school based on a number, just as I wouldn't want them to make a decision based on a score. I looked into classes, clubs, location, personality, and recommendations for the "top 50" programs in the US. I knew that wanting to study analytics or statistics with a sports and entertainment focus would make choosing a school difficult, as it's not exactly offered as a track. So I spent a lot of time looking through the classes offered by each school to determine if I'd be able to set up my own concentration from it. From that research, I narrowed my list to 11 schools.

A few weeks later, while studying for a second round of the GMAT, I attended a Forte Forum in Seattle, an experience I'm greatly thankful for having. All but two of the schools I was interested in were present at the forum. It was a great opportunity to interact with admissions counselors, current students, and alumni. It greatly helped me further narrow down my list based on my interactions with each representative.

In the end I applied to Anderson, Kelley, Kellogg, Stern, and Tepper. After researching these programs, having numerous interactions with current students, and speaking to alumni, I thought these schools and the environment each one creates would be the best option for me. I think each one has an extremely unique characteristic, and I'm drawn to each one for numerous reasons. I have been fortunate to visit Kelley, Kellogg, and Tepper so far in my application process, and have loved every minute of being at each school. Having the opportunity to meet other prospective students, sit in on a real class, and roam around the campus creates a much more realistic picture for what it would be like to be a student at each place. While I look forward to hearing from Anderson and Stern for a possible interview invitation, I know that all five programs are exceptional, and that my experience will be unforgettable anywhere I end up. I can't wait to find out where that'll be.