B-Schooled

This episode will motivate you to get going on your Round 1 MBA materials, and will cover what makes the most sense for you to be working on right now before applications are released.

Memorial Day weekend in the United States represents the unofficial kickoff of the 2025-26 business-school application year! What's the number one thing you should be doing right now if you plan to apply?

This replay episode covers 5 MBA applicant pitfalls – as in, traits, attitudes or approaches that some MBA applicants take that can ultimately derail their chances of success.

Have you bounced around in your career a bit? If so, you'll need to be strategic in how you communicate your career story — and future career goals — to MBA admissions committees. This replay episode discusses what to do if your career moves don't look exactly logical “on paper.”  We'll also cover how to write about being laid off or being fired, as well as what to do in your applications if you've worked somewhere for less than a year.

After working so hard on your MBA materials for months on end, it can be shocking and devastating if you're not accepted anywhere. What should you do now? This episode discusses 5 paths forward for MBA hopefuls who were dinged. 

Many interviewers report that they make up a big percentage of their mind about applicants during the first few minutes of an interview. This episode replay shares a number of very specific suggestions and tips to make yourself stand out during these first interactions, now that we're in the thick of Round 2 interview season. Our host Chandler shares his suggestions for something he calls a “personal MBA soundbite” – including how you can create this soundbite, how you can incorporate it into the beginning of your first question, and how you can use this language to provide a framework for your entire interview.  While each is different, the main goals of a personal MBA soundbite are to: summarize who you are in an interesting/memorable/dynamic/compelling way at the start of your interview, create a framework for the first part of your conversation so that the interviewer understands your life and work experiences in the appropriate context given your future goals, and   develop a short *elevator pitch* that can not only be useful as you prep for your interviews… but also in terms of other elements of your admissions journey–from speaking to current students, to alums, to admissions officers, etc.  This episode is perfect for anyone wanting to start off on the right foot for that all-important MBA admission interview. 

After you've celebrated the huge achievement of getting into an MBA program, you have to figure out how you're going to pay for it! This episode replay focuses on the details of paying for your MBA with your own money, with "free" money, or with loaned money. It also includes what the FAFSA is used for and what your program's financial aid office can assist with.  

It can be devastating to receive a ding after months of hard work on your MBA applications. This episode replay focuses on what a ding from any given program may or may not mean, and also gives advice on how you might choose to move forward.  

In this replay episode of B-Schooled we sit down the Recy Dunn. Recy currently serves as the CEO of Ascend Public Charter Schools and oversees a network of 16 schools serving 6,000 students in grades K-12 across Brooklyn, NY.  Prior to his role with Ascend, Recy served as the Chief Strategy Officer of the NYC Department of Education as well as a variety of other education leadership roles at both the local and national levels.   Recy earned his MBA and his MA in Education from Stanford. In this episode, Recy and host Chandler Arnold share:  Suggestions for MBA students interested in the field of education Thoughts focused on how education is a central civil rights issue of our time  The value of an MBA for those working within school districts, drawing from Recy's experiences in California, DC, and New York The value of an MBA for those running education-focused social enterprises, drawing from Recy's experiences leading Ascend Public Charter Schools The value of an MBA for those working with philanthropists, drawing from Recy's experiences with the Broad Foundation and receiving an $11M gift from MacKenzie Scott Thoughts on diversity, equity and inclusion in the field of education Tips for current MBA students who are passionate about education We can't thank Recy enough for joining us. Listening to this podcast is a must for anyone passionate about education, equity or leading social enterprises.  

In part 2 of this duo of popular past episodes, Cathy, an INSEAD graduate, answers frequently asked questions about MBA programs outside of the US. Topics include the differences between European and US-based MBA experiences, the visa process, the interview process, recruiting information, and more.

In this replay episode, our host Erika talks with Cathy, an SBC consultant and INSEAD grad, about some of the major European MBA programs and how they compare to US-based programs in terms of the admissions process, acceptance rates, campus experience, post-graduation employment opportunities and more.  

During Round 2 interview season, this episode replay covers 3 reasons why candidates who seem similar on paper could end up with drastically different MBA admissions results.   

While there are deferred-admissions programs for MBA hopefuls who are still in college, is it possible for someone with just 1 or 2 years of work experience to get into an MBA program "the normal way"? It's not impossible, but it's pretty rare. This episode replay explains why, and gives advice for MBA applicants who are less than 3 years out of college. 

Considering this week's surprises in AI advancement, we're replaying Chandler's talk with Futurist Dr. Nathan Walworth. Futurism is a broad term referring to the advancement of disruptive technologies across industries. These exponential technologies are rapidly emerging in the fields of genetics, robotics, artificial intelligence, synthetic organisms, nanotechnology, 3D printing, virtual reality, big data, cybernetics and many other areas. Cross-disciplinary by nature, Futurism is growing in popularity among business school applicants. But what does Futurism mean in the MBA context? How do applicants passionate about these areas stand out? What roles can applicants from non-scientific backgrounds play in this rapidly expanding arena? Perhaps most importantly, is it true that futurist MBAs just might save the world? Chandler Arnold sits down with Futurist Dr. Nathan Walworth to discuss all of this and more. Listening to this podcast is a must for anyone interested in exponential technologies, tech for good, and interdisciplinary approaches to systematic change.

In this replay of co-host Chandler Arnold's very first B-Schooled episode, he welcomes SBC colleague Christina to have an extraordinary conversation about a hot topic in the world of MBA applications: authenticity.  Chandler and Christina share several excerpts from past admissions consulting clients' essays as examples of how to use candor, vulnerability and boldness effectively.

Are you interested becoming a McKinsey/Bain/BCG (MBB) consultant after business school? Or are you a pre-MBA consultant interested in applying to a top business school? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, this is the podcast is for you. Today we welcome Will Bachman back to the pod. Will is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Umbrex, a firm providing rapid access to independent management consultants with experience at top-tier consulting firms. Today, Will and his team manage more than 1,000 independent consultants, over 90% of these consultants are alums of McKinsey, Bain, or BCG. Prior to founding Umbrex, Will spent four years as an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company eight years as a Submarine Officer in the U.S. Navy. Will also graduated from Harvard and earned his MBA from Columbia Business School. In the second part of this two-part segment, Will and host Chandler share advice for MBA students hoping to land a top-tier consulting internship or full time job during or after B school.  In this wide-ranging discussion Will and Chandler discuss:  Specific pieces of advice for MBAs wanting to land a MBB internship or full time offer, Several things Will and Chandler know today that they wish they'd known when applying for their first consulting positions,  Suggestions for those from non-consulting backgrounds, and Other tips from Will, who currently works with thousands of MBB alums In addition to all kinds of great tips and suggestions in the podcast, Will has also been kind enough to share a free Consulting Skills Self-Assessment module with podcast listeners. Will developed this module with other Umbrex consultants, which helps you rate your consulting skills across more than 50 areas:  https://umbrex.com/resources/consulting-skills-self-assessment/

Are you interested becoming a McKinsey/Bain/BCG (MBB) consultant after business school? Or are you a pre-MBA consultant interested in applying to a top business school? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, this is the podcast is for you. Today we sit down with Will Bachman. Will is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Umbrex, a firm providing rapid access to independent management consultants with experience at top-tier consulting firms. Today, Will and his team manage more than 1,000 independent consultants, over 90% of these consultants are alums of McKinsey, Bain, or BCG. Prior to founding Umbrex, Will spent four years as an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company eight years as a Submarine Officer in the U.S. Navy. Will also graduated from Harvard and earned his MBA from Columbia Business School. In the first part of this two part segment, Will and host Chandler share advice for pre-MBA consultants interested crafting applications that stand out when applying to top-tier MBA programs. In our next podcast, Will shares advice for MBA students hoping to land a top-tier consulting internship or full time job during or after B school.  In this wide-ranging discussion Will and Chandler discuss:  Advice for pre-MBA consultants applying to B school, Ways to make applications from consultants stand out from the crowd, Suggestions about how to make your MBA application stand out from other consultants, Ways to complement the traditional consultant skillset, Suggestions for those wanting to explore their passions—and expand their business acumen—prior to business school, Tips for how to combat self-doubt during the MBA application process, In addition to all kinds of great tips and suggestions, Will has also been kind enough to share a free Consulting Skills Self-Assessment module with podcast listeners. Will developed this module with other Umbrex consultants, which helps you rate your consulting skills across more than 50 areas:  https://umbrex.com/resources/consulting-skills-self-assessment/

Happy holidays and Merry Christmas to those celebrating today. In this replay episode we share another extensive profile of an applicant Stacy Blackman Consulting worked with. We explain how the former admissions committee members on our staff assessed his candidacy and what ended up happening.   

In this replay episode, we share an extensive profile of an applicant Stacy Blackman Consulting worked with. We explain how the former admissions committee members on our staff assessed her candidacy, what advice they gave to strengthen her materials, and what ended up happening.   

Today we are joined by Brian Plemmons, Director and Global Process Owner for BD, a global medical technology company advancing the world of health.     After graduating from high school, Brian joined the United States Navy. During his military service Brian also earned his Associate's Degree, then went on to earn his Bachelor's degree and a law degree. Brian practiced law for seven years before transitioning to corporate America with a global medical device company.   After working in the corporate world for some time Brian then decided to return to school, earning his MBA from Kenan-Flagler in his late 30s/early 40s. In this wide-ranging discussion Brian and Chandler discuss a range of topics, including: How to leverage military experience in your MBA application (and in the classroom),  The importance of "giving yourself grace" when applying to business school and planning your career,  Suggestions for those interested in earning an MBA in addition to another advanced degree, Advice for older-than-average applicants,  Advice for applicants with children,  Tips for those interested in earning an MBA part-time, and real-world advice for running your own cost/benefit analysis on whether or not an MBA is the right choice for you. This podcast is a must for anyone--regardless of your age--interested in hearing thoughtful tips regarding the MBA application process from a global leader with lots of kindness and wisdom to share.  

In this replay episode, our host Erika welcomes Bill Chionis, one of Stacy Blackman Consulting's experts on part-time (PT) MBA programs. They have a discussion about: Whether or not we've seen an increase in interest in PT programs since COVID hit in 2020 The benefits of PT program vs. a traditional 2-year MBA Similarities and differences between part-time and full-time MBA programs    How employers look at PT programs How (and if) PT MBAs can pursue a career switch Part-time MBA application criteria and guidance

Friends, Lovers, and Entrepreneurship: Starting a business with a Friend or Spouse Have you ever dreamed of starting a business with a friend? Or maybe launching an enterprise with your significant other?  If so, this episode is for you... Today we sit down with Purvi Mody, Co-CEO of Insight Education. Insight Education is an educational consulting company Purvi and her husband acquired, run, and have expanded dramatically--both in the US and overseas. This wide-ranging discussion touches on a number of topics, including: combining a passion for two different fields,  embracing a nontraditional career journey,  the pros and cons of starting a business with a friend or loved one,  embracing authenticity in the application process, successfully drawing lines between "work" and "home", thriving in business school as an introvert,  exploring the important ways applying to business school can "tear you down", and one special piece of advice Purvi likes to share with applicants.  Whether or not you are thinking of starting a business, this podcast is perfect for anyone wanting to take risks, boldly follow their dreams, and embrace authenticity in their MBA application.   

In this two-part series we are going to talk about fear. In the first episode our host Chandler unpacked three of the most frequent MBA application fears clients and other applicants have shared with him over the years. This included fears around: Not applying to enough “stretch” or “safe” schools, Letting parents (or others) overly influence your school selections decisions, and the challenges of paying for business school In this episode we will continue the conversation by unpacking fears related to: not being real/authentic/vulnerable enough in your essays, being too vulnerable or personal in your essays, and doubts that an MBA might not be the right degree for you in the first place In addition to the points above, Chandler also points listeners to a number of other useful podcasts about related topics you might want to check out as well. Our hope is that—after closely examining and learning from your own fears—that you will be able to use these fears to dramatically improve your application.  This series is a must for anyone experiencing fears or doubts along their MBA application journey.

In this two-part series we are going to talk about fear. Fear--and admitting you are afraid--has gotten a bit of a bad rep in our world, especially in the world of MBA applications. However facing your fears fears can offer you a very real opportunity to learn about yourself and dramatically improve your MBA applications.  In this episode our host Chandler unpack three of the most frequent MBA application fears that clients and other applicants have shared with him over the years. We will unpack each of these and examine: What these fears might REALLY be telling you about yourself, How you can lean into these fears, and What you can learn about yourself – and, therefore, make your application stronger – from this process.  Chandler also shares a number of other useful podcasts about related topics that you might want to check out, including: Episode 125 – Where we share 5 things applicants are often scared to talk about (and why you really should), including: A low GMAT/GRE score A mistake you made or something you regret (such as a DUI or an honor code violation) The need to *stand out* from the crowd (especially if you come from an overrepresented demographic) Episode 126 – Where we continue the discussion and talk about: Failing grades or low GPA Being a candidate that is significantly “older” or “younger” than other applicants A sneaking suspicion that your school selection is way out of reach Episodes 137 – Where we talk about five specific ways to combat self-doubt during the MBA admissions process, including: Facing your doubts head on Developing a plan to address each of your doubts Role-playing “worse case” interview questions Clearing your mind Asking yourself, what can I learn from this doubt? Episode 138 – Where we talk about five more tips and suggestions for dealing with self-doubt, including: Don't compare yourself to other people Develop a realistic post-MBA plan Identify a “career path exemplar” Find an MBA mentor Ignore your inner saboteur NOTE:  We apologize for the lesser audio quality of this episode related to a one-time recording complication. 

If there's one question nearly every school asks somewhere in the application process, it's a version of “What are your short- and long-term career goals?” Not only is this question essential to nail, but tackling it in the right way can provide a “north star” for your entire application—linking together who you are, what you've done, where you want to go, and how an MBA will help you get there.  In this replay, host Chandler Arnold sits down with MBA admissions expert Christina Fu to dive into what works and what doesn't when thinking about short- and long-term career goals. This episode is especially helpful for those who: Already have a clear idea of their post-MBA goals and want to articulate them in the most powerful way, Are still deciding between two possible career paths, or Have no idea what they want to do after B-school (this group is larger than you'd think, so if this is you, you're not alone!)

This week our host sits down with Emma from the SBC team. Emma comes from the MBA Admissions Office at Columbia Business School (CBS), where she was Associate Director. She's also worked with BCG, Teach For American and so many other amazing groups. Emma and Chandler sit down to talk about a critical—but often overlooked—element of the application process: how to have meaningful interactions with the Admissions Committee during your application and journey. Emma shares a number of incredible pieces of advice, including: Two important things to be sure to do or keep in mind when interacting with the admissions office, Two important things to be sure to AVOID during your interactions with the admissions team, A great suggestion about keeping a positive attitude during the admissions process, and A special behind-the-scenes advice for our listeners based on her time as an admissions officer.

You've all heard the expression all work and no play makes Jack (or Julia) a dull sport.  The same is true with MBA applications. Simply having an amazing set of  professional accomplishments is not enough to get you into a top MBA program. Setting aside scores and academic achievements for another podcast, this podcast will dive into five different aspects of your life you might explore applications, including a few you probably have not previously considered. Question: Why are we talking about this? And why do business schools even ask you to write essays in the first place?  Answer: These schools are interested in much MORE than your test scores, academic transcript, and professional accomplishments. More than almost anything else these schools are interested in learning what lessons you have learned about yourself and your leadership style, and—critically—how you will harness those learnings in order to drive impact in the world.  Listening to this podcast is a must for anyone who wants to: Present a full and complete picture of them to the admissions office, Stand out from the crowd by sharing unique and attention-grabbing stories and examples, and/or Identify memorable and authentic ways to share what makes YOU tick, how YOU think, how YOU have grown and changed over the years, and (very importantly) what lessons you have learned about yourself along the way.  This B-Schooled episode can be found here, or take a listen on any of the major podcast platforms below.

In this replay of a past episode, Erika talks with Anthony Penna, a fellow SBC admissions consultant who spent 10 years with the Wharton School in Career Management and as Associate Director of Admissions for the full-time MBA program. As Anthony served on the implementation and design team for Wharton's Team Based Discussion (TBD) interview format, this episode focuses on his insight advice for MBA candidates who will be interviewing with Wharton.  

As many of our listeners already know, Kellogg recently updated its MBA application. For this episode, our host Chandler sits down with former Kellogg Admissions Officer—and longtime SBC Consultant—Caryn to talk about all the changes… and how to tackle them.  Caryn not only holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, she also worked as an Admissions Officer for Kellogg before joining SBC. In this role Caryn read and evaluated thousands of applications. For this podcast Caryn touches on a range of topics, including: SBC's recent conversations with the Kellogg Admissions Team about a range of topics of interest to current and future students, The fact that Kellogg is much more than a marketing school (in fact you might be surprised what most students are focusing on), and A deep dive conversation about Kellogg's wide range of MBA program options, including their—two year program, one year program, MBAi program, joint degree offerings, and other program options.   Caryn also shares specific advice on the updated Kellogg application, including specific suggestions regarding: Two new essay questions, what you should focus on (and what you shouldn't),  Possible ways to approach each of these questions, Ways you might structure your essays, Potential pitfalls applicants should be aware of, and How to tackle all of these things within a very tight word count. Caryn then closes out the podcast with a few pieces of personal advice from her position as a former Kellogg MBA admissions officer that we promise you don't want to miss. 

Round 1 of the 2024-25 MBA application cycle is soon drawing to a close, and along with those deadlines comes a surge in self-sabotaging applicant behavior. This episode covers 3 things you should do before submitting, as well as 3 mistakes you should avoid making after your materials are in.  

In May, B-Schooled co-host Chandler returned to the Bay Area for his 20-year Stanford GSB reunion.  During the weekend, Chandler kept a notebook at his side and wrote down a number of thought-provoking quotes and notes from classmates and friends. In the second part of this two-episode arc, Chandler shares 5 additional reflections related to his MBA experience and intervening 20 years.  These reflections--coming both from his own experience as well as those of his classmates--touch on a range of topics, including why: one big problem with perfection,  why changing your own narrative is not only ok but essential,   the double-edged sword of social media, and   several very specific dangers of the very successful. Whether you're targeting Stanford or are just curious to hear how Stanford GSB grads reflect on their experience, this podcast provides a unique sneak peek into the reunion experience at one of the world's top business schools.

In May, B-Schooled co-host Chandler returned to the Bay Area for his 20-year Stanford GSB reunion.  During the weekend, Chandler kept a notebook at his side and wrote down a number of thought-provoking quotes and notes from classmates and friends. In the first part of this two-episode arc, Chandler shares 5 reflections related to his MBA experience as intervening 20 years.  These reflections--coming both from his own experience as well as those of his classmates--touch on a range of topics, including why: focusing on what you are “supposed to do” is only valuable up to a point,  the power of being “joyfully irritated” shouldn't be ignored,   the “write your own obituary” exercise isn't necessarily the way to look back on your life.   Not enough people are discussing a little secret about imposter syndrome, and  two specific criteria to look for in friends during business school (and beyond) Whether you're targeting Stanford or are just curious to hear how Stanford GSB grads reflect on their experience, this podcast provides a unique sneak peek into the reunion experience at one of the world's top business schools.  

In this replay of a popular past episode, we discuss how your social media behavior could affect your MBA candidacy — both positively and negatively. We cover what admissions committees might be looking for that could be problematic, as well as what kinds of social media posts might actually end up strengthening your profile. We also talk about how reviews of your social media accounts don't end with the adcom once you're admitted.

For the first time in more than a decade, Harvard Business School has updated its essay questions. In this much-anticipated series, we sit down with HBS alum and longtime SBC consultant Yvette to talk about each of these questions and share suggestions, tips and strategies regarding how best to approach these new essay prompts. In this segment, we tackle the third question: Growth-Oriented Essay: Curiosity can be seen in many ways. Please share an example of how you have demonstrated curiosity and how that has influenced your growth. (up to 250 words) In this episode, we discuss: What this question is REALLY asking (and what it isn't), A discussion of what "curiosity" means in the context of this question and what curiosity-related experiences might be appropriate for this essay Possible ways to structure your essay response, Specific things you should do when answering this question, Possible pitfalls you should avoid when answering this question, and  How this essay fits into your larger application  This essay is a MUST for anyone thinking of applying to HBS. Special thanks the many SBC consultants and former admissions officers who shared useful advice and guidance that informed this episode. 

For the first time in more than a decade, Harvard Business School has updated its essay questions. In this much-anticipated series, we sit down with HBS alum and longtime SBC consultant Yvette to talk about each of these questions and share suggestions, tips and strategies regarding how best to approach these new essay prompts. In this segment, we tackle the second question: Leadership-Focused Essay: What experiences have shaped who you are, how you invest in others, and what kind of leader you want to become? (up to 250 words) In this episode, we discuss: What this question is REALLY asking (and what it isn't), A discussion of what "leadership" means in the context of this question and what leaership experiences might be appropriate for this essay Possible ways to structure your essay response, Specific things you should do when answering this question, Possible pitfalls you should avoid when answering this question, and  How this essay fits into your larger application  This essay is a MUST for anyone thinking of applying to HBS. Special thanks the many SBC consultants and former admissions officers who shared useful advice and guidance that informed this episode. 

For the first time in more than a decade, Harvard Business School has updated its essay questions. In this much-anticipated series, we sit down with HBS alum and longtime SBC consultant Yvette to talk about each of these questions and share suggestions, tips and strategies regarding how best to approach these new essay prompts. In this segment, we tackle the first question: Business-Minded Essay: Please reflect on how your experiences have influenced your career choices and aspirations and the impact you will have on the businesses, organizations, and communities you plan to serve. (up to 300 words)  In this episode, we discuss: What this question is REALLY asking (and what it isn't), One possible way to structure your essay response, How to decide which experience(s) from your own life to share (and the importance of sharing what you LEARNED), Specific things you should do when answering this question, Possible pitfalls you should avoid when answering this question, and  How this essay fits into your larger application  This essay is a MUST for anyone thinking of applying to HBS. Special thanks the many SBC consultants and former admissions officers who shared useful advice and guidance that informed this episode. 

Perhaps more than any MBA acceptance pair, many applicants dream of being admitted to both the Stanford Graduate School of Business (the GSB) and Harvard Business School (HBS). In this three-part series, two GSB + HBS dual admits -- host Chandler and SBC consultant Dawn -- sit down for a series of VERY candid conversations about gaining admission to these two schools.  In the first segment, our hosts start by sharing some important context for how this podcast should be used (and how it shouldn't). Afterwards they share their personal takes on what types of students tend thrive in each environment. In the second segment, our host are more data driven, with Dawn and Chandler reviewing successful applicant profiles from each school. In this final third segment, Dawn dives deep into what some call the "unicorn" of the MBA applicant world... those applicants who are fortunate enough to earn admission to both programs.    This episode is a must-listen for any applicant applying to either of these schools.

Perhaps more than any MBA acceptance pair, many applicants dream of being admitted to both the Stanford Graduate School of Business (the GSB) and Harvard Business School (HBS). In this three-part series, two GSB + HBS dual admits -- host Chandler and SBC consultant Dawn -- sit down for a series of VERY candid conversations about gaining admission to these two schools.    In part one, Chandler and Dawn start by sharing some important context for how this podcast should be used -- and how it shouldn't. To that end, will listening to this podcast ensure that you get into both of these schools? No. But we can assure you that listening to this podcast will help you think about how you as a unique applicant can apply most thoughtfully to each of these schools... potentially increasing your chances of admission significantly.  In part one Dawn and Chandler also share their personal opinions about what type of students flourish in these somewhat different MBA environments. This episode is full of behind-the-scenes information based on the speakers' unique experiences as well as information they've each gathered over decades of working with applicants applying to both schools.    Part two of this series (episode 212) will be more data driven, with Dawn and Chandler reviewing successful applicant profiles from each school. In the third and final episode of this series (episode 213), Dawn will dive deep into what some call the "unicorn" of the MBA applicant world... those applicants who are fortunate enough to earn admission to both programs.    This episode is a must-listen for any applicant applying to either of these schools.       

Perhaps more than any MBA acceptance pair, many applicants dream of being admitted to both the Stanford Graduate School of Business (the GSB) and Harvard Business School (HBS). In this three-part series, two GSB + HBS dual admits -- host Chandler and SBC consultant Dawn -- sit down for a series of VERY candid conversations about gaining admission to these two schools.    In last week's segment, Chandler and Dawn start by sharing some important context for how this podcast should be used (and how it shouldn't). Afterwards they share their personal takes on what types of students tend thrive in each environment.  This segment--part two in the series--is more data driven, with Dawn and Chandler reviewing successful applicant profiles from each school. In the third and final episode of this series, Dawn will dive deep into what some call the "unicorn" of the MBA applicant world... those applicants who are fortunate enough to earn admission to both programs.    This episode is a must-listen for any applicant applying to either of these schools.   

If you know you want to pursue an MBA in the future, but that future is still at least a few years away, what could (and should) you do now to build a strong candidacy? This replay episode gives actionable advice for all aspects of an eventual-applicant's profile.   

This episode is specially designed for applicants from military backgrounds… but if you think this is JUST for applicants from military backgrounds, you are WRONG.  This episode is for *anyone* applying to business school from a nontraditional background. Today our host Chandler will be joined by SBC Consultant Margaret who has been working with MBA applicants—with a special focus on military applicants—since 2000. Margaret has successfully worked with every type of client imaginable, with a very high percentage receiving merit scholarships. Her clients can now be found on the alumni rosters of every top school. Last week -- In part one of this conversation -- Margaret and I discussed:  Common misconceptions applicants from military backgrounds have about applying to business school, Unique application assets many military applicants have (and how to leverage these), and Common pitfalls applicants from military backgrounds should avoid. And today – in part two of this conversation – we will continue the conversation to cover a range of additional topics, including: The best advice Margaret has for applicants from military (and other nontraditional) backgrounds, Success stories from military applicants (and how these can help you in your own applications), and Some special secret advice for applicants from military backgrounds. This is a "must-listen" episode for military applicants... or any applicant from a "non-traditional" MBA background. 

This episode is specially designed for applicants from military backgrounds… but if you think this is JUST for applicants from military backgrounds, you are WRONG.  This episode is for *anyone* applying to business school from a nontraditional background. Today our host Chandler will be joined by SBC Consultant Margaret who has been working with MBA applicants—with a special focus on military applicants—since 2000. Margaret has successfully worked with every type of client imaginable, with a very high percentage receiving merit scholarships. Her clients can now be found on the alumni rosters of every top school. In part one of this conversation, Margaret and Chandler will discuss: Common misconceptions applicants from military backgrounds have about applying to business school, Unique application assets many military applicants have (and how to leverage these), and Common pitfalls applicants from military backgrounds should avoid. In part two of this conversation, we will continue the dialogue to cover a range of additional topics, including: The best advice Margaret has for applicants from military (and other nontraditional) backgrounds, Success stories from military applicants (and how these can help you in your own applications), and Several pieces of secret advice for applicants from military backgrounds.

In this replay episode, we welcome Stacy Blackman Consulting's EMBA expert, Bill Chinois, to discuss all aspects of executive MBA programs, including why someone might want to consider an EMBA over a part-time or full-time program.  

Are you considering transitioning from the private sector to the nonprofit/social sector? If so, this episode is for you! In this episode, Chandler sits down with Becki Last, whose career includes leading major initiatives for both Fortune 500 companies as well as leading nonprofit social enterprise organizations. In this engaging conversation Becki and Chandler share: Suggestions identifying the right social impact organization/role for you, Tips for “selling” your corporate skill set to a nonprofit/social impact employer, Advice for easing your easing your transition from the private sector to the public sector, Suggestions for thriving in the public sector once you land your dream job, and Lessons from their own MBA and early work experiences they still use today.

In this episode your host Chandler pulls together a range of suggestions from other SBC podcasts along with a range of new insights – to give you all the tools you need to not just survive your time on the waitlist but, hopefully, thrive.  Insights from this episode include: What being on the waitlist means (and what it doesn't),  The importance of developing an individualized waitlist strategy, Specific guidance about following your school's waitlist process (which varies from program to program), What to do if your school allows students on the waitlist to send follow-up materials and updates, Tips for asking about feedback regarding your application if appropriate, Tips for developing a relationship your waitlist point of contact, Possible benefits of playing the “waitlist long game”, and Suggestions for how to stand out on the waitlist (in good ways) and how to avoid standing out on the wait list (in bad ways).

This replay of B-School's one-year-anniversary episode features Stacy Blackman herself! Stacy will talk about her entrepreneurial career and how an MBA helped her (and continues to help her) start three companies. She'll also share advice for MBA hopefuls who are looking to run their own firms at some point after graduation, as well as for those who might be approaching the application process with entrepreneurial experience already under their belt.  

For this podcast Chandler sits down with SBC Consultant Dawn, who is no stranger to the podcast. Dawn graduated as a PepsiCo Scholar from Harvard Business School with concentrations in finance and marketing. Dawn was also admitted to the Stanford GSB. Outside of her work in admissions consulting, Dawn has experience at a wide range of companies, including Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, Pepsi, the Carlyle Group and Warner Brothers.  A few weeks ago Dawn approached Chandler with a unique podcast idea: in this episode Dawn and Chandler discuss the recent Grammy performance featuring Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs. Dawn uses this unique collaboration as a jumping off point to talk about a range of topics of interest to MBA applicants, including: Embracing authenticity and vulnerability Celebrating diverse perspectives Knowing how to play to your strengths The power of collaboration The benefits of surprising your audience Modestly shining the spotlight on your excellence Connecting with your audience on a personal level The benefits of starting early Listening to this podcast is a must – not only for artists and performers – but for anyone interested in crafting an application that allows you to really connect with your reader. 

This replay of a two-part series of episodes outlines 12 things that admitted MBA applicants should do between now and matriculation. This week's Part 2 covers budgeting for your MBA, planning to relocate, and figuring out how to best spend your time between now and matriculation (when you aren't attending to all of the other to do's!). As a reminder, last week in Part 1 (episode 201) we discussed how to head off possible issues with your background check after you're admitted. If that's something that concerns you, be sure to check out  (on our website under "Work With Us").

This replay of a two-part series of episodes outlines 12 things that admitted MBA applicants should do between now and matriculation. Part 1 covers To Do's related to an applicant's current and future networks, as well as other important actions to take before leaving a job. We also discuss how to head off possible issues with your background check after you're admitted. If that's something that concerns you, be sure to check out  (on our website under "Work With Us").

Four our special 200th podcast episode we are sitting down with an early SBC client – Stephen Frayne, Jr. -- who worked with SBC almost 20 years ago. Chandler and Stephen talk about a number of important topics of interest to any MBA applicant, including:  How to think about the value of investing in working with an MBA consultant, The ways in which an MBA consultant can serve as a mentor, Advice from a re-applicants who don't get in the first time… but ended up getting into his dream school the second time, Lessons learned from that same applicant who ended up TURNING DOWN his dream school for reasons he never would have expected, Suggestions for MBA applicants interested in the intersection between entrepreneurship and intellectual property, Lessons learned from standing up for yourself early in your career, The benefits of asking for help and coalition building, The power of taking a “portfolio approach” to life, Keeping a “beginner's mindset” throughout the course of one's career, and The perils of thinking small.    Special thanks to Stephen for this very honest and candid conversation.

For the past two years our co-host Chandler has ended each of his podcasts with the same 9 words: “Be authentic, be brave, and have a solid plan”.    In the first segment of this series Chandler talked about WHERE YOU ARE NOW as an applicant what you have learned thus far in life.   In the second segment he discussed how to articulate bold goals for where you ultimately WANT TO BE.    In this critical third segment we connect the dots by discussing how to you GET FROM HERE TO THERE in ways that are specific, tangible, and – perhaps most importantly – realistic.   In this episode, Chandler discusses how to: Articulate what you want to get out of your MBA experience, Describe your short and long term career goals, Detail the career stepping stones connecting your MBA experience to your ultimate career objective, Identify and describe your own “career exemplar”, and Pressure test your career plan with an industry expert. Chandler closes the episode by pointing listeners to a range of other free SBC resources for those interested in additional career planning support.