One of the things UCLA Anderson is known for is our highly supportive and active student community. Part of my job as an admissions officer is to convey the richness of our student body and the amazing culture we have, which quite honestly isn't too difficult once you get to know these folks. I'm always amazed by what our students undertake during the MBA program - from running the annual EA conference to juggling several club leadership positions to showcasing their athletic/dance/vocal prowess at the annual C4C weekend in Stanford, all while balancing schoolwork and recruiting activities. They challenge one another to excel academically and professionally, but are just as quick to offer a helping hand to anyone who needs it. Our students are driven and focused, but humble and fun at the same time. Who wouldn't want to hang out with a group like that?!
A photo break with five student volunteers at an MBA fair this summer
So how do I meet these folks, you ask?
Getting to know a school's culture to assess its fit with you and your goals is an important part of the MBA research process. Not only that, integrating what you learn into your application can also help make you a stronger candidate by showing that you've done your research and are genuinely enthusiastic about our program. At UCLA Anderson, there are multiple student touchpoints and we encourge you to utlize as many as you can:
- Campus visits - Not only do you sit in on an actual class, you also connect with lots of students and get a mini-tour of campus
- Group Info Sessions (GIS) - Led by 2nd year students during the academic year, it's an interactive and detailed overview of UCLA Anderson
- Student Clubs - Students are highly engaged in activities outside the classroom, and the officers in our 40+ clubs can provide more details about their organization's mission and activities
- The MBA Student Voice - With around a dozen active bloggers, the blog brings the Anderson culture alive through the chronicles of current students (plus a significant other too!)
Let us know your thoughts about our culture in the comments below!