Letter to the Editor
Question of the Week: Why did you choose to attend U of M B School?

Letter to the Editor:

Setting the record straight:

M-Track doesn't schedule interviews randomly.

I read the MSJ article this morning entitled "What to do about MBA1, Winter Term A? I want to take this opportunity to set the record straight regarding M-Track and how interviews are scheduled.

The interview portion of M-Track was designed with the help of a student focus group back in 1992. This team understood the fine balance between on-campus interviews and regular classes. A key design goal was to make this process very flexible so student and faculty needs would be accommodated. I think we have done that as best as is possible. The process and algorithms for obtaining an interview have not changed since.

The article makes the statement that M-Track interviews are "scheduled at random." In fact, the algorithm M-Track uses is very rigorous and not at all random. As was proposed in the article, M-Track takes all high bidders and iteratively tries to place these students in a slot where there are no conflicts. Only after a complete examination of all possible combinations of high bidders and slots does M-Track assign some to the wait list (by each student's choice) because of time conflicts.

I hope this brief explanation clarifies that M-Track does not schedule interviews randomly.

Ed Adams

Director, Computing Services

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MSJ's Question of the Week

"What was the primary factor in your decision to attend UMBS instead of another business school?"

A number of people mentioned the weather as the primary reason they came to UMBS. We're sure they were quite disappointed with this years unnaturally warm and snow-free winter! Seriously, though, the MSJ received the following responses to this Question of the Week:

Michigan had the right combination of things for me. The best in terms of professors, students, facilities and organization. In addition, Ann Arbor is a great college town.

--Chopo Gomez-Zoebisch, MBA2

My number one reason for coming to UMBS was the diversity of the student body. I think it is a great opportunity to work with people from all over the world with such a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. I was also attracted to the collaborative work environment, the global opportunities, and the MAP program. (Yes, I had a very positive MAP experience!)

--Tiffanie Boyd, MBA2

Two things about Michigan set the school apart in my mind: (1) the innovative nature of its curriculum and (2) the people.

About the curriculum: MAP, Executive Skills, classes (such as Venture Capital and Start-Up Ventures), and international consulting-based opportunities (such as I-MAP, William Davidson Institute, African Business Development Corps, and Global Projects) proved to me that Michigan is serious about applied education. The fact that Michigan MBAs have numerous opportunities to take knowledge gleaned from coursework and generate value for real companies left me with the impression that a Michigan education offers tangible, unique benefits that you can't find elsewhere. And that impression has rung true in my almost two years here.

In the end, the people here at Michigan--faculty, administration, students, and staff--have made this experience so exceptionally worthwhile. As I gathered impressions of Michigan during my decision-making process, I found Michigan people to be more "down to earth" than at other B-schools. The last thing I wanted to do was to attend a B-school where, in general, the people basically did not have good hearts. To say the least, my expectations have been surpassed. The people I know here are genuine, sharp, diversely talented, and a h*** of a lot of fun. They're the type of people you learn from everyday ... want to surround yourself with ... and are proud to know.

--Steven Pessagno, MBA2

I actually have three factors: quality, reputation, and proximity to Dominick's.

--Christine Shea, Evening MBA

"Simply stated: To be part of the best joint business/environmental program in the country. Period."

--Tim Reed, MBA1/CEMP

My primary reason for attending UMBS was a combination of two things. The first half was for convenience sake. Being from Detroit, I did not have the hassle of having to fly here to view the campus and it was also very easy to find alumni to speak with. Second, it's standing within the business community. UMBS has steadily increased in the B-school rankings, as has its national reputation. So it was a no-brainer for me, having a great school in my backyard really made it easy.

--Mitch Mitchell, MBA1

Because it's the only school that I know where is more important WHAT you do than HOW MUCH you are paid for it. We are here to build something in our life, not just to accumulate money. Quality of life is the first concern. As a consequence, students here help each other and the atmosphere is great. I am learning a lot from my classmates from all over the world.

--Riccardo Cesarei, MBA2

It definitely has to be the football team.

--Ryan Perrone, BBA1

The business school newspaper.

--Daniel Gomes, MBA2

I wanted to go to a school where I wasn't surrounded by just consultants, I-bankers, and brand managers. I liked the fact that people here pursue careers in many different fields--it broadens my perspective.

--Sonia Verma, MBA1

One of the strongest alumni networks in the world. Good contacts + good networking = opportunity.

--Ben Lin, Evening MBA1

Within the Top-10 of Business Week's Ranking, team orientation, OB/HRM department's reputation, good reputation for the general management approach to the core courses, large catalogue of electives.

--Til Roquette, MBA2

Acceptance.

--Gary Schanman, MBA2

Reasons I decided to attend Michigan: That's easy. The ranking, the people, and football, baby. Football!

--D. Greg Krikorian MBA 1

There are many reasons why to attend Michigan: 1) My sponsor will only pay for a program in the top 10 Business Week ranking; 2) Having a bachelor degree in science, I was looking for a well-balance program to acquire a general management background (Michigan is in the top rankings in each field of specialization) with cases & non-cases teaching system; 3) Competitiveness is welcome but not harmful; 4) The extra-curricular activities you'll find in and out the school; 5). The quality of life in Ann Arbor is good and I was looking for some thing different from a big city; and 6) After interviewing at the school (including six other top-ten business schools interviews) the overall environment was the best.

--Miguel A. Sanchez, MBA2

The Corporate Environmental Management Program (CEMP) is the best joint degree program between a top business school and a top environmental school in the country. 'Nuff said.

--Lewis Garvin, MBA1/CEMP

The factor was MAP and a very original innovative curriculum as well as overall strengths. I also felt UMBS was an upcoming school strongly on the uptick (BusinessWeek's # 2 ranking) compared to Kellogg or Chicago.

--DJ Phukan, MBA1

Michigan was the only place I applied. Why was it the only place I applied? I couldn't imagine being anything but a Wolverine...

--Michael Ferrante, MBA2

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