Imagine this: You Got In.
Shortly after you receive your acceptance letter, you get to be the guest of honour for one of those fun-filled family celebration dinners, your best friend gives you a high five and you no longer have to dream about data sufficiency problems. And then, one day, sometime closer to the start of the first day of school, a slow panic overcomes you. You wonder, “How do I know what to expect?”
You can always search on MBA forums and try to contact people who have already gone through the program for more information. However, their description of their experience almost always leaves your curiosity unsatisfied. Fear not! We’ve got some tips for you that my help ease your mind.
Myth #1: I won’t make any friends
Contrary to popular belief, your fellow MBA classmates are not as competitive as you think. In fact, everyone wants to make friends and usually about a month into the program, you actually become more like family. You create a special bond between each other because you are all going through the same work load pressures. You unite with the same goal of trying to get through the program together and often begin to spend time with each other in social settings too.
Myth #2: My professors don’t really care about me
While it is true that you must work hard for your grades, most professors are genuinely concerned about your education. The projects they assign you to do are carefully considered for their relevance to the course, but also are meant to develop transferable skills that you can take into the real world. They know your name because you are required to contribute to class discussions and they open their doors to any questions or concerns you have about the class.
Myth #3: I won’t have a life outside of school
Not to scare you off, but an MBA program requires much more dedication and effort than the 9 to 5 job you have become accustomed to. Assignments and group projects take up a lot of your time and any extra time you have is usually spent with volunteer, networking, or recruiting events. However, going on with the rest of your life, whether it be a part-time job, going to the gym or spending time with your family (kudos to the parents in the program), is the only way you can keep a balance. Remember these aspects of your life when you start to feel the stress.