Said Business School

Sa?d Business School Answer:

The Sa?d Business School regularly holds open days and information events in Oxford and overseas. We attend MBA fairs worldwide and advertise in key global business publications. We have an active alumni network with "country champions" who are happy to answer any questions about the School, student life in Oxford and their subsequent career.

WCW Question:

2. Who reads the applications once they arrive at the business school?


Are students involved in this process?


Is it an individual or Board decision?

Sa?d Business School Answer:

Members of faculty that make up the MBA Committee will read all complete applications for an initial decision on whether to reject or interview. Students are not involved in this process.
Any applications that are considered marginal at this stage will require a decision from the Committee rather than individuals.

WCW Question:

3. How would you describe the decision making process?

Sa?d Business School Answer:

On receipt of an application the admissions team will conduct an initial assessment on complete and incomplete applications. The MBA Committee will then look at complete applications and make decisions on whether to invite for interview or not. A final decision is made after interview.

WCW Question:

4. What criteria are used to evaluate good prospective candidates?

Sa?d Business School Answer:

All elements of the application - education, work experience, GMAT, TOEFL, essays and references.

At interview we try to evaluate the likely contribution of the candidate to the class and their reasons for wanting to undertake an MBA at Oxford.

WCW Question:

5. How important are GMAT & TOEFL scores?

Sa?d Business School Answer:

The GMAT and TOEFL are considered to be of equal importance to an application as all other elements.

WCW Question:

6. Is there a minimum needed before a candidate should consider applying?


Does it matter how many times a candidate sit these exams?

Sa?d Business School Answer:

We do not have strict minimum requirement for GMAT although we suggest that applicants should be aiming for a minimum of 630 - the current average is 676.

The University has a minimum TOEFL requirement of 600 although exceptions have been made if at interview for example, a candidate's use of English is clearly better than the score suggests. In some circumstances, we make an offer on the condition that the candidate completes an intensive English language course before the start of the MBA programme.

It does not matter how many times a candidate sits these exams.

WCW Question:

7. Does the school expect particular profiles from international students?

Sa?d Business School Answer:

No. The MBA programme attracts a very diverse group, currently 92% from outside of the UK. The expectation of international students is no different to any others.

WCW Question:

8. How many international exchange programmes do you operate?


How and why were these partners chosen?

Sa?d Business School Answer:

We do not operate any international exchange programmes.

WCW Question:

9. What is the breakdown in diversity according to geographic region?


Does the school employ a quota system?

Sa?d Business School Answer:

Our current MBA class is made up of 225 people from 48 different countries. North America and Asia both make up about 30% of the class, 25% are from Europe, with the remainder from Latin America, Africa, and Oceania. We aim for a well-balanced and diverse class but do not employ any sort of quota system.

WCW Question:

10. What is the male/ female ratio?

Sa?d Business School Answer:

Currently 23% female.

WCW Question:

11. How many years of professional experience does the school prefer applicants to have?

Sa?d Business School Answer:

Again, we do not have rigid requirements - each application is judged on its own merit. However we suggest that candidates should have a minimum of two years work experience - the average for the last few years has been six years.

WCW Question:

12. What are the professional backgrounds of the students who are accepted?

Sa?d Business School Answer:

There is no "typical" background of Oxford MBA students however the one thing that they all have in common is a track record of achievement and excellence in their chosen fields. We currently have financiers, IT entrepreneurs, film & TV producers, social entrepreneurs, a neurosurgeon and even a former White House director of communications on the MBA course.

WCW Question:

13. What is the percentage breakdown of industry sectors, which the students seek to enter?

Sa?d Business School Answer:

The most recent stats for the MBA class of 2004 break down as follows: 35% were placed within banking and finance; 33% in diversified industry; 20% in consulting and services; 9% in new business ventures, and others made up the remaining 3%.

WCW Question:

14. How would the administration describe the strengths of the school?


What makes the programme unique when compared with other programmes?

Sa?d Business School Answer:

Established in 1996 the Sa?d Business School is Europe's newest and fastest growing business school. An integral part of historic Oxford University the school embodies the academic rigor and forward-thinking that has made Oxford a world leader in education. The school is able to draw on faculty and resources of the wider establishment, and MBA students play a full role in the collegiate life of which the university is famous. The school is dedicated to developing a new generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs and conducting research not only into the nature of business, but the connections between business and the wider world.

WCW Question:

15. How would the current students describe the school and the programme?


Are they content with the career services department?

Sa?d Business School Answer:

To quote our students:
"The MBA at Oxford was a hugely rewarding experience, both in terms of the caliber of teaching and the friendships I made with students from a wide range of nationalities. This experience has continued since I graduated as I have been able to use the School's and University's alumni network to create invaluable business relationships."

Alisher Djumanov (MBA 01/02)

"The Oxford name enabled us to gain access to executives in companies such as Oracle, Rolls Royce and DuPont. Interacting with such professionals provided us with more than just the information needed for our project. It gave us the opportunity to network and establish a rapport with executives in multi-national companies."

Neal Chazin (MBA 02/03)

"The exhilarating MBA experience has gone beyond my wildest expectations and has definitely been a heavy contributor to leapfrogging my professional career as I had envisioned."

Isabel Pascual-Olarte (MBA 01/02)

WCW Question:

16. Who are the major recruiters on campus?

Sa?d Business School Answer:

The top ten recruiters are:

• McKinsey & Company
  
• Macquarie Bank
  
• World Economic Forum
  
• Citigroup
  
• Deloitte
  
• Booz Allen Hamilton
  
• Accenture
  
• Morgan Stanley
  
• Vodafone
  
• Johnson and Johnson
  

WCW Question:

17. What guidelines should candidates adhere to for the essays? 'Do's & Don'ts'

Sa?d Business School Answer:

Candidates should answer the questions in the best way they feel is appropriate. We are asked frequently 'how' to answer the questions but the Committee will assess the individual's interpretation.

WCW Question:

18. How important is it to stay within the designated word limit?

Sa?d Business School Answer:

A minimal increase is acceptable but anything that adds considerable time to the assessment of an application is not encouraged.

We would not anticipate that applicants would need much less than the word limit to provide an adequate answer.

WCW Question:

19. What role do the 'Letters of Recommendation' play?

Sa?d Business School Answer:

References are an important part of an application giving an indication of the candidates' strengths, weaknesses, ability to work as part of team and suitability for an intellectually demanding course of study.

WCW Question:

20. What is the function of an interview at your school, and what role does it play in the admissions process?

Sa?d Business School Answer:

All interviews are conducted by members of faculty and are considered to be a key part of admission to the School. It provides the opportunity to discuss with each candidate elements of their application, their depth of knowledge, their objectives, and their likely contribution to the class.

WCW Question:

21. Are there unofficial / official quotas allocated by country or region?

Sa?d Business School Answer:

We do not have a quota system.

WCW Question:

22. Does your school have 'rolling' admissions or admissions 'rounds'? When is the best period for a candidate to apply? Are candidates penalized for applying in the last round?

Sa?d Business School Answer:

The MBA programme has staged admissions. There are equal places available in each round but candidates are encouraged to apply early to secure accommodation and college places.




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