Terror Attacks in Mumbai

This was one of the most ridiculous attacks that happened in India. There have been so many attacks before but this was outrageous. It was such a heinous act, cold blooded shoot out, killing hundred people, injuring a thousand and terrorizing a billion.
What is going on? Terror everywhere, economy doomed, no trust, no faith among people. Where is this world going?
Why is our country not able to handle these people? How can these terrorist just go about doing things as they want? Doing bomb blast as if lighting fire crackers. Going anywhere and open fire, putting hand grenade, taking hostages. What has happened to security, what is our government doing?

I am deeply hurt. I am utterly shocked. I am feeling so helpless. I really feel for people who suffered.

Ding from ISB

Looks like my dream of returning to India is not going to happen soon. ISB declared its R1 result today and I am NOT in!!!!
I do not know what else I can do. My interview went well, except one estimate question. I am really really sad today. I think I should change my blog url from happylibran to sadlibran.

This has created a doubt in my capabilities and do not know whether I have it in me to do an MBA.
I do not know what is missing. Whoever looked at my essays and profile, gave me thumbs up. I even spoke to few current students and alums and they were pretty happy with my application. Only ad com does not seem to like me. First IIMA and now ISB.
I used to be a good interviewee. I have cleared all except one(that too missed at the last stage) of my job interviews so far. But this application season, I failed 100%.

I know its not the end of the world, but I really feel sad and am cursing my luck. Another gloomy day.

I seriously need to look for R2 application which I thought I will skip if I get into ISB. Now even ISB did not admit me, donno what will happen to US schools.

When will my day come? God, are you listening!!!

UCLA Anderson interview invite

First good news on my US school apps!
Anderson has invited me for interview!!!!!

I am going to choose on-campus interview. Still deciding whether to fly or drive.

Haas Submitted

Continuing with my trend of submitting application on the deadline day, I submitted Haas on Nov 4th. I am happy with my application overall, except the first question - what would I change. I think it is little weak as my other reviewers also pointed out. But my other essays are very strong, so I hope it will compensate.

I think this is the most essays I have written for one application. 4 short questions, 2 long, 2 optional. Phew - 8 essays! Haas really want you to work hard on the application to show your interest. Anyways, I am glad I am done and able to pull off both Stanford and Haas.

What next !!!

I am thinking of looking at UT-Austin and ASU -- hmm why suddenly ASU - well, I want to have some safe schools in my list, and they are offering me quick turn around, app fee waiver, I liked ASU (I went there for my grad school) and it is still in top 25 schools.

I am thinking of taking off USC from my list - they are really insistent on TOEFL. No other school wants me to take TOEFL, if I have Graduate degree from US. I do not understand their policy. And I am in no mood to take another exam at this point of time!

IIMA ding

IIMA pgpx dinged me! I am very sad!

ISB wants to talk to me

Finally, after a long wait, got an email from ISB and they want to interview me :)
However, unlike others, they gave me a very very short notice of 3 days.
Aah, another mini battle within this MBA battle. I wish it was after 4th nov. But anyways, I have to live with it.
Some will say, what will you have to prepare for ISB. Well, I think it's just the mind-set. Writing Haas essay, I am totally in Haas mode, but if I need to take ISB interview, I should show my passion for ISB as well :)

My Haas essays are coming along well. I am fine with the content of all my essays and they are not in bad state anymore. All are around 80-90% complete. Need to polish them to make it 100%. I finished writing about my supplemental questions as well. I think I will complete the online application today. I missed out on one critical and dear to heart community service stuff. Did not find appropriate space. I am right now in dilemma about using optional essay. I love UCLA and Stanford essays. They gave me lot of space to write about my passions, and my community service (my strength). Did not get that opportunity to discuss in Haas essays.

Anyways, all I have to do for next three days will be to polish the essay and prepare for ISB interview.

I think I am learning much needed time-management skills even before going to B-School.