I often receive emails from students and professionals in China and other parts of Asia interested in our MBA program. Often, but now always, I am struck by how much they know, and, how much they do not know. The latter particularly with regard to what they need to do to apply and be competitive. See the below email I received a few months ago as an example (I have edited it to protect the person’s identity).

Yes, Chinese students and professionals desperately want success, but as the below illustrates they have a ways to go in understanding how this part of the game is played with respect to the gold standard American education they seek. It turns out that all of the below information is on our web site (and other grad program across the USA list said info as well).

Yet, email exchanges like these have taught me several things: (1) American programs like mine need to put on our customer hats more if we wish to diversify and attract more students from Asia — we could make said info more accessible, more clear, more user friendly, etc. I.e., from a business standpoint, and all of the educational fairs and services in China to help us address this notwithstanding, we have not done a very good job of localizing our product, message and availability for the Chinese market and we are losing out on some high performing students, customers and alumni as a result; (2) how different our two educational systems and perspectives are; (3) American students worry about GMAT and the like; but Chinese students have to worry about the same, and much more (see below example for the list) so their stress level is correspondingly significantly higher and kudos to those who apply, persevere and succeed; and (4) once the Chinese university system becomes more westernized (e.g., through things like business school accreditation), these hurdles will fade away, we will all be talking about (more of) the same things, and then some of the educational magic and learning between our two countries can move to the next level.

Now, if I just had time to work on all of this and the budget necessary to effectively attack the challenge ….

>Dear Dean Carr,

So glad to meet you.

I am sorry that it took so long to reply to you — because of the starting of school. And I am so lucky that I can ask you whatever questions that puzzle me a lot.

Well, I am a Grade 2 student in xxxx University in China. I major in International Trade and Economics. And, I want to apply for the MBA of Cal Poly in a few years after I get some work experience.

But what the proper time I should start to apply for? And how to apply for it? Which tests should I pass? What scores do I need? And how about the tuition? I haven’t found on the net yet. Also, what about transcripts? Do I need to get my Chinese transcripts translated and evaluated? How much does that cost? How long does it take? How many Asian students are in your program and at your university? Do they come from rich families, or poorer families like my own? Do most students stay in California or move to China to develop their careers? I am also unclear on the visa rules and requirements — can you give me some advice on this? And what type of TOEFL score do I need to get?

Thanks very much. I hope to see you in China

Best regards,

zzzz