Podcasts about mba admissions

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing some of the recent activity on LiveWire; we followed this by highlighting a new article published by Clear Admit that summarizes the current situation for international students seeking visas to study in the United States. Graham noted Clear Admit's summer series of webinars, which focuses on top MBA programs' admissions essays, which will be attended by more than 20 of the top MBA programs. The second event is on Wednesday of this week, and includes Georgetown / McDonough, Michigan / Ross, UNC / Kenan Flagler, Vanderbilt / Owen and Yale SOM. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/mbaessay0725 Graham then noted four admissions tips; the first focuses on the importance and value of volunteering; the next three, part of Clear Admit's “Myth Busters” series, discuss whether only the very top MBA programs (M7) will help you succeed, whether being honest means you need to share all your weaknesses, and the desire for applicants to seek out what admissions officers want to hear. We continue our series of Adcom Q&As, which is a yearly series where we interview the admissions leaders at all the top MBA programs; this week we have Q&As from Emory / Goizueta, Chicago / Booth and Duke / Fuqua. Finally, Graham highlighted a recently published podcast, the MBA Decoded. This is a recording from a panel discussion from our MBA Fair event in Boston. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is from Georgia and works in Private Equity. They also have a 705 GMAT score. This week's second MBA candidate is an architect in London and wants to transition into real estate private equity. They still need to take the GMAT or GRE. The final MBA candidate was enlisted in the military and now works in banking. Their short-term goal, post MBA, is investment banking. They have a 332 GRE score. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

Whether you're just beginning to explore the MBA path or are deep into your application journey, this panel from the 2025 Clear Admit MBA Fair is designed to break down the essentials of business school and answer the questions every prospective student has—but might be too afraid to ask. Representatives on this panel include Melissa Rapp, Associate Dean, Graduate Admissions, at Emory Goizueta; Dawna Levenson, Assistant Dean, Admissions at MIT Sloan; Alex Lawrence, Assistant Dean of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at UCLA Anderson; and Amber Walsh, Senior Associate Director of Yale School of Management. Who actually goes to business school? Do you need a business background to be competitive? What will you study—and how will you learn it? From core curriculum and teaching methods to timing your application and choosing the right program, we'll demystify every step of the process.

For this two-part conversation, Chandler sits down with SBC Consultant Dawn Clare to discuss her "One Minute Method" for identifying underrecognized individual strengths.  As many of you know, Dawn is no stranger to the podcast and brings so much to this conversation. 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 Bros. In part one of this conversation, Dawn described her “One Minute Method” for identifying strengths. This methodology really is about focus – helping you to identify and focus on your own superpowers and how best to make these central to your MBA application. In part two of this conversation, Dawn shares how to apply this methodology to application time management especially during periods of stress or anxiety. In this segment Dawn focuses specifically on: Helping you improve your own productivity, Managing your workload during times of stress and anxiety, Figuring out what to do when you get stuck on essays and/other parts of their application, Using this methodology to "stand out from the crowd" -- especially if you are a part of an over-represented demographic, Moving from overwhelm to productivity when the application becomes too daunting; breaking down big application elements into smaller manageable pieces in order to move forward. Dawn and Chandler also discuss how many applicants are currently overwhelmed by all that is going on in the world… and how to use this methodology to move from overwhelm to excitement by identifying new strengths they hadn't thought about before.

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing some of the recent activity on LiveWire, which did include more waitlist movement last week. There is still some considerable uncertainty with respect to enrollments of international students who are waiting for their visa interviews.! Graham highlighted Clear Admit's summer series of webinars, which focuses on top MBA programs' admissions essays, which will be attended by more than 20 of the top MBA programs. The first event is on Wednesday of this week, and includes Berkeley / Haas, Cornell / Johnson, Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua and UPenn / Wharton. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/mbaessay0725! Graham then noted three admissions tips; the first focuses on younger candidates who are targeting top MBA programs; the next two, part of Clear Admit's “Myth Busters” series, discuss applying to b-school if you're over thirty, and whether there is a need for an MBA if you already have a successful career.! We continue our series of Adcom Q&As, which is a yearly series where we interview the admissions leaders at all the top MBA programs; this week we have Q&As from Katy Radoll at UNC / Kenan Flagler and from Naz Erenguc at Florida / Warrington.! Finally, Graham highlighted a Real Humans alumni spotlight focusing on an alum from Yale SOM working as a program manager at Google.! For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries: This week's first MBA admissions candidate has a 335 GRE score and is an entrepreneur. They now want to use the MBA to pivot into investment banking.! This week's second MBA candidate has a 3.84 GPA but their GRE is only 312. We discussed the advantages and disadvantages of waiving the test.! The final MBA candidate is a software engineer with a 3.94 GPA. They have a 710 GMAT score, and we are hoping they might retake the GMAT.! This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

For this two-part conversation, Chandler sits down with SBC Consultant Dawn Clare to discuss her "One Minute Method" for identifying underrecognized individual strengths.  As many of you know, Dawn is no stranger to the podcast and brings so much to this conversation. 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 Bros. In part one of this conversation, Dawn shares her framework the "One Minute Method" for identifying individual strengths and how she uses it with her clients. This exercise focuses on taking one minute to focus on what they do that is AMAZING. This exercise sounds simple, but when done correctly a series of times is incredibly powerful.   This exercise is designed to be simple to support you with limited time. You can do it as many times as you would like and it is incredibly powerful. In this segment Dawn focuses specifically on: helping applicants who might be stuck on essay topics, potential interview questions, or other elements of the MBA application, focusing on your instinct and intuition for a brief time rather than over-analyzing or comparing yourself to others, centering who you are at core, clarifying your own internal intrinsic value, and harnessing that to make your application as strong as possible, offering specific and actionable tips on how to think about yourself in new ways or “break out of the box” that others might have put you in. Numerous applicants have found this exercise to be especially useful, when “stuck” or during times of application stress and anxiety. If you enjoy this conversation, we hope you will join us next week for part two of this series.

Season 5 is on the way! In this quick update, host Zach shares what's coming in the next season of Inside the GMAT, how you can get involved, and one big announcement: the Official Guide 2025–2026 is out now! Whether you're prepping for the exam or just starting your journey, this is your moment to get ahead.

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing some of the recent activity on LiveWire, which is now becoming quieter as we move into the summer season. We then continued our discussion on the recent U.S. Government decisions as they pertain to international MBA students; Harvard appears to have won a recent decision in their fight with the U.S. Government in terms of being able to enroll international students.. Graham highlighted Clear Admit's summer series of webinars, which focuses on top MBA programs' admissions essays, which will be attended by more than 20 of the top MBA programs. The first event in the series includes Berkeley / Haas, Cornell / Johnson, Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua and UPenn / Wharton. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/mbaessay0725. Graham then noted two admissions tips; the first focuses on the importance of post MBA career goals, the second, part of Clear Admit's “Myth Busters” series, discusses the differences between targeting Round 1 and Round 2.. We continue our series of Adcom Q&As, which is a yearly series where we interview the admissions leaders at all the top MBA programs; this week we have Q&As from NYU / Stern and Georgetown / McDonough.. Finally, Graham highlighted a Real Humans alumni spotlight focusing on an alum from IESE working at PwC.. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries:. This week's first MBA admissions candidate has a 329 GRE score and a 3.4 GPA. They are working in the biotech sector, and plan to remain in that sector, post MBA. They want to do investment banking in the short term.. This week's second MBA candidate has a 3.86 GPA but has not taken the GMAT or GRE yet. They are also focused on the health care sector.. The final MBA candidate is from South Korea and has 10 years of experience in the tech sector, focusing on AI and robotics. They have a 685 GMAT score. This episode was recorded in Kansas City, Missouri and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

In this episode replay, Chandler dives into 6 tips for MBA essays that even the most confident writers might miss. 

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing some of the recent activity on LiveWire, which includes a little movement on wait lists. We then continued our discussion on the recent U.S. Government decisions as they pertain to international MBA students; visa interviews are now available again. No doubt this whole situation is causing great anxiety. Graham highlighted Clear Admit's new summer series of webinars, which focuses on top MBA programs' admissions essays, which will be attended by more than 20 of the top MBA programs. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/mbaessay0725 Graham then noted two new articles, posted on Clear Admit, regarding Chicago / Booth. The first addresses a generous donation for their health care focus, the second addresses an entrepreneurial contest which awarded more than $2 million to the top 10 finalists. Graham also highlighted three admissions tips that focus on addressing gaps in unemployment, and two “myth busters” that dispel the notions that you need to have experience in finance or consulting to apply for a top MBA, or that you need perfect test scores for the very top MBA programs. We continue our new series of Adcom Q&As, which is a yearly series where we interview the admissions leaders at all the top MBA programs; this week we have Q&As from Washington / Foster, Cambridge / Judge, and Michigan State / Broad. Finally, Graham highlighted two Real Humans alumni spotlights, alums from Emory / Goizueta working at BCG, and Duke / Fuqua working at Accenture. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry. This week's first MBA admissions candidate has two years of work experience to date and is originally from Japan. They have yet to complete the GMAT test. This week's second MBA candidate has five years of experience with a GRE of 326. We believe their overall profile is very strong, but we discussed the merits of retaking the GRE. The final MBA candidate is deciding between London Business School and INSEAD. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing some of the recent activity on LiveWire, which includes some movements on wait lists. We then continued our discussion on the recent U.S. Government decisions as they pertain to international MBA students, and the consequences for U.S. citizens who remain on the summer waitlists. Graham then noted a deep dive article, published last week by Clear Admit, that summarizes the sequence of events that has led to where we are with international students seeking an MBA in the United States. Graham highlighted Clear Admit's new summer series of webinars, which focuses on top MBA programs' admissions essays, which will be attended by more than 20 of the top MBA programs. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/mbaessay0725 Graham then noted a new article, posted on Clear Admit, regarding a Stanford podcast episode which covers recent research that uses AI to investigate the source of innovation, investigating whether innovation generally comes from the center of a firm, or from its fringes. It appears to be the latter.  Graham also highlighted an admissions tip that offers advice on evaluating campus facilities, atmosphere, and location at the top MBA programs. We have also begun our new series of Adcom Q&As, which is a yearly series where we interview the admissions leaders at all the top MBA programs; the first in this series is from Stephanie Kluth at ESMT Berlin. Finally, Graham highlighted two Real Humans alumni spotlights, alums from Ohio State / Fisher working at Uber Freight, and Washington / Olin working at Google. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is a Canadian citizen, originally from South Asia. They have an engineering degree and have eight years of work experience, for the government. They have a GRE score of 337. This week's second MBA candidate has a 3.8 GPA, 327 GRE, and nearly five years of work experience. We think they might want to aim a little higher with their target programs. The final MBA candidate is deciding between Chicago / Booth and UVA / Darden with a scholarship. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

For our milestone 250th (!!!) episode, our host Erika shares her thoughts on if applying to business school still makes sense in these tumultuous times.    

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the recent U.S. Government decisions as they pertain to international MBA students, and specifically those who are applying and are admitted to Harvard's MBA program. Graham then discussed the recent Paris-based MBA admissions event he helped moderate, which brought 10 of the best U.S.-based MBA programs to Paris. Graham noted three articles that have been recently published on Clear Admit. The first focuses on a program CMU / Tepper offers that places Tepper MBA students with non-profit boards in the Pittsburgh area. The second is a Fridays from the Frontlines article written by an NYU / Stern MBA student who participated in a Stern Signature Project that led to an experience in Brazil. Graham then highlighted an article that summarized many of the Commencement speakers for MBA programs this year. Graham then noted two admissions tips. The first tip focuses on helping early-bird MBA candidates develop their target list of MBA programs; the second is a roundup of June MBA admissions events in which top business schools programs are participating. Graham also highlighted three Real Humans alumni spotlights, alums from IESE working at American Express, UPenn / Wharton working at their own business, Groov, and Berkeley / Haas working at Google. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is targeting part-time MBA programs and is seeking to transition to big tech product management. We discussed whether a full-time MBA program would be a better option. This week's second MBA candidate is reapplying this season. They are from India and work in the public sector, although they have several gaps in their career history, to date. The final MBA candidate is deciding between Cambridge / Judge and London Business School. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

This episode was originally published on September 7, 2023. GMAC's Eric Chambers is joined by Charles Bibilos, Founder of GMAT Ninja, where they do things a bit differently by tackling your test anxiety head on. Charles talks all things assessment anxiety, from how it can manifest in an exam environment to how to overcome it, with a lively discussion about how the latest edition of the GMAT helps reduce your chances of experiencing anxiety on test day. Tune in to get over your testing jitters! References:  GMAT Ninja How GMAT™ Reduces Test Anxiety

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the recent events and activities in the news; specifically, we discussed the recent U.S. administration's decisions around visa interviews for international MBA students. These are, frankly, very disturbing times, which can seriously harm the MBA experience at for all candidates at top MBA programs in the United States. We are hoping that good sense will prevail, in the near future. Graham highlighted an admissions event he is helping to moderate in Paris this upcoming week, which includes ten of the top MBA programs from the United States. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/paristopmba Graham noted three articles that have been recently published on Clear Admit. The first focuses on the costs of applying to Business School, from application fees to test prep, campus visits, and beyond. The second focuses on which top MBA programs allow for test waivers of the GMAT and GRE. This list appears to grow each season. Graham then highlighted a report from Forte which Clear Admit covered, that illustrates significant gender pay gap differentials. Graham highlighted three Real Humans alumni spotlights, alums from UNC / Kenan Flagler working at their own business, Grantease, Rice / Jones working at McKinsey, and Emory / Goizueta working at Morgan Stanley. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry: This week's first MBA admissions candidate has a 675 GMAT and 3.5 GPA. They are from China, and we discussed whether they should apply in Round 1 or Round 2, and whether they should retake the GMAT. This week's second MBA candidate has outstanding numbers and is from Africa. We think they are likely to be a very strong candidate but need to work on their story and connect it to their goals. The final MBA candidate is deciding between Columbia and Yale, with a significant scholarship. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

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.

It's the season finale, and we're going deep! In this solo episode, host Zach breaks down everything you've ever wanted to know about the GMAT exam. Whether you're just starting to explore business school or already deep in prep mode, this is your all-in-one explainer for what's on the exam, how it's scored, how to prepare, and how to use your score to stand out. Zach walks through each section of the exam, plus testing options, prep resources, accommodations, and what your score report actually tells you. You'll also get the facts on percentile rankings, test day logistics, and why a GMAT score is more than just a number. No hype, no gimmicks—just real talk about the #1 test in business school admisions. WATCH ON SPOTIFY OR YOUTUBE TO SEE ACCOMPANYING SLIDES & VISUALS Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register Chapters: 01:02 - Exam Overview & Features 03:48 - Scoring Explained 08:06 - Quantitative Reasoning 10:08 - Verbal Reasoning 13:06 - Data Insights 20:22 - Accessing & Sending Your Score 25:22 - Planning for Test Day    

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the recent events and activities that Clear Admit has been involved in, including our MBA Fair in Boston, and online admissions events series that wrapped up last week. More than 600 attendees participated in our most recent virtual event, which included admissions representatives from UPenn / Wharton, Stanford, Texas / McCombs, Columbia and Yale SOM. Graham noted two articles that have been recently published on Clear Admit. The first focuses on the different teaching methods that are used in top MBA programs. The second focuses on financial aid issues relevant to U.S.-based candidates, including FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Graham then highlighted two Real Numbers articles that focus on Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) and Health Care placements. Graham highlighted five Real Humans alumni spotlights, alums from Yale SOM working at Amazon, IMD working at Disney, Cornell / Johnson working at Invenergy, UPenn / Wharton working at Aepnus Technology, and Chicago / Booth working at American Express. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry: This week's first MBA admissions candidate has a 695 GMAT and 3.8 GPA. They are seeking a top MBA with goals to pivot to the entertainment industry. This week's second MBA candidate has not yet taken the GMAT, but everything else about their profile looks very strong. Their long-term goal is to develop a chain of dental practices. The final MBA candidate is deciding between Northwestern / Kellogg, with a significant scholarship, and Harvard. They want to work in venture capital or private equity. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

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?

Artificial intelligence is here, but how much is too much when it comes to your MBA application? This week, host Zach Fernebok sits down with Loubna Bouamane, founder of Admission Concierge and former Director of MBA Admissions, to explore the nuanced role AI now plays in business school applications. From brainstorming essays to managing deadlines, AI tools like ChatGPT can support candidates, but there's a fine line between using AI and outsourcing your voice. Loubna shares the real risks of overrelying on AI, explains how admissions teams are adapting to this new landscape, and offers actionable advice on preserving authenticity in an increasingly automated world. If you're considering using AI in your MBA journey (or already are) this episode is your guide to staying smart, ethical, and unforgettable. Admission Concierge: https://admissionconcierge.com/ Key Takeaways 1. AI can help, but it can't (and shouldn't) tell your story. Using AI for structure, grammar, and idea generation can be helpful, but outsourcing your personal voice leads to generic, shallow, and forgettable applications. 2. Authenticity is your biggest competitive edge. Admissions officers can spot essays that lack real reflection. What stands out isn't perfect prose. It's self-awareness, emotional honesty, and clarity of purpose. 3. Schools aren't anti-AI. They're anti-fake. Top programs are updating their policies to emphasize ethics. Many condone AI for brainstorming, but warn against using it to write essays or letters of recommendation. 4. Interviews and real-time assessments are gaining importance. Expect more behavioral, values-based, and spontaneous prompts as schools look to assess consistency between your written and spoken narrative. 5. Use AI wisely: treat it like a project assistant, not a ghostwriter. Smart uses include organizing deadlines, shortening essays, or improving clarity, not generating full drafts or making up content. Chapters 00:55 - The Beginning of AI in Applications 02:48 - The Role of AI in Application Strategy 05:29 - Common Uses of AI by Applicants 09:45 - Business School Response to AI 12:03 - Smart and Responsible AI Usage 12:54 - The Risks of AI in Applications 15:09 - The Importance of Authenticity 17:45 - Strategies for Authentic Writing 18:51 - Exercises for Developing Personal Narratives 20:50 - Real-Life Examples of Authenticity 22:53 - Future of Admissions in the Age of AI 24:31 - Final Thoughts

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the Round 3 activity on LiveWire; interview invites and final decisions continue to roll out for this shortened application round; next week Chicago / Booth and Imperial Business School are scheduled to release final decisions. Graham noted the Clear Admit promotion, where for every new entry we receive on DecisionWire, that maps out a candidate's entire application journey, Clear Admit will donate $10 to the Forte Foundation. Graham highlighted the remainder of Application Overview events series that will be hosted this week on Tuesday (Berkeley / Haas, UVA / Darden, Washington / Foster, UNC / Kenan Flagler, and Georgia Tech / Scheller) and Wednesday (Columbia, Stanford, UPenn / Wharton, Yale SOM, and Texas / Austin). Signups for those events are here: https://bit.ly/appoverview25 Graham also mentioned an event on Thursday for London Business School's One Year MBA program. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/lbs1year Graham noted a deep-dive analysis article on MBA tech career placements for the most recent graduating classes. Not surprisingly, Big Tech placement has dropped off at most top MBA programs. Graham highlighted two Real Humans alumni spotlights, alums from Duke / Fuqua working at EY-Parthenon, and UCLA / Anderson working at Google. Finally, Graham noted the recently recorded podcast featuring the leader of career services at Georgetown / McDonough, talking about the triple jump - changing industries, functions and geographies. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry: This week's first MBA admissions candidate works in investment banking and is from Ghana. They have a 325 GRE score. This week's second MBA candidate is from Argentina and appears to have a very interesting profile, but their GRE score of 309 is going to be an issue. They plan to retake. We also think they should reconsider their school targeting. The final MBA candidate is deciding between Chicago / Booth and Michigan / Ross, with scholarship. This episode was recorded in Boston, USA and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

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.

Thinking about business school? Don't go it alone. In this episode, we're hitting the road as we explore GMAC Tours, the global events that bring top business schools and aspiring students together under one roof. Host Zach is joined by Maggie Cooley, Director of Events and Marketing for GMAC Tours, to unpack why these MBA & Masters Tour events are more than just information sessions. They're networking goldmines, resume-boosting bootcamps, and overall application game-changers. You'll hear what really happens at a Tour event, how to make a lasting impression, and why attending one could help you discover your best-fit program (especially one you've never considered before). Whether you're years away from applying or finalizing your target school list, this episode will help you make the most of one of the most impactful tools on your business school journey. Find a Tour near you: https://www.mba.com/connect-with-schools/gmac-tours/events-calendar Key Takeaways 1. GMAC Tours are free, curated events designed for every stage of the b-school journey. Whether you're exploring your options or ready to apply, there's value for everyone—from keynotes and meetups to resume clinics and GMAT info sessions. 2. The biggest asset? Face time with admissions reps. Attendees meet directly with decision-makers from top global business schools, building authentic relationships that can strengthen applications and inform school selection. 3. Thoughtful preparation goes a long way. Doing research ahead of time, preparing smart questions, and showing genuine curiosity helps you stand out, both in scheduled meetups and casual booth chats. 4. Be open to discovering new schools. 80% of attendees consider a new program they hadn't previously thought about. Don't just target the usual suspects—use the event to explore your full range of options. 5. Your application can benefit directly. From resume feedback to application tips and admissions insights, the information (and impression) you gain at a Tour event can translate into a stronger, more personalized application. Chapters 01:12 - What is a Tour Event? 03:25 - Who Should Attend? 05:24 - Overview of Activities 06:55 - About School Meet-Ups 10:04 - About Resume Review Clinics 11:20 - About B-School Talks 12:01 - About the GMAT Info Session 13:16 - Planning Your Schedule 14:52 - Benefits of Attending 16:57 - Using the Event to Strengthen Your Application 17:56 - Success Stories 21:07 - Tips for Attending 23:06 - Making a Great Impression at Networking Events 25:07 - Common Mistakes to Avoid 28:42 - Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

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.

In this episode, Zach sits down with friend and colleague Andrew Walker, Director of Industry Communications at GMAC, to unpack the latest insights from the 2025 Prospective Students Survey. They dive into what 5,000 prospective business school candidates around the world are thinking about today — from the growing demand for hands-on AI experiences to the rising importance of human skills, like grit and adaptability. You'll hear why more candidates are prioritizing ROI over program rankings, how financial planning is evolving, and why in-person programs are making a surprising comeback. Whether you're actively applying, just starting to explore your options, or simply curious about what's shaping the future of graduate management education, this conversation offers data-backed insights and practical takeaways you won't want to miss. Takeaways: 46% of business school candidates prioritize AI experiences in their curriculum. Employers value human skills like emotional intelligence and adaptability alongside technical skills. Cost remains a significant barrier for candidates considering business school. Only 29% of candidates prioritize program rankings first when researching schools. Candidates are increasingly looking for direct information from school websites, not AI. The MBA remains the most preferred degree, but interest in business master's programs is growing. Candidates prefer full-time in-person programs over hybrid or online formats post-pandemic. Financial aid is becoming a more significant part of funding education for candidates. Candidates are considering a multi-dimensional approach to their return on investment from business school. Chapters: 01:04 - What is the Prospective Students Survey? 03:00 - The Role of AI in Business Education 07:28 - Financial Considerations for Business School Candidates 11:49 - The Importance of Program Rankings 15:43 - Shifting Preferences in Business Degrees 18:09 - Program Delivery Formats and Trends 22:23 - Key Takeaways and Future Insights

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the Round 3 activity on LiveWire; interview invites and final decisions continue to roll out for this shortened application cycle; next week Emory / Goizueta, Berkeley / Haas and Duke / Fuqua are scheduled to release final decisions. Graham noted a new Clear Admit survey, where we are trying to understand the issues and concerns that international students may have, with regards to coming to the United States for an MBA. The survey link is here: https://bit.ly/mba25usa Graham highlighted Clear Admit's Application Overview May series of events that begin this week on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday's event includes Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua, INSEAD, London Business School and Michigan / Ross. The remainder of events in this series will be hosted on May 20 and 21. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/appoverview25 Sandwiched in the middle of this series is Clear Admit's MBA admissions fair in Boston, on May 14th. This event includes panel discussions, one of which is focused on Consulting hiring and is led by Bain. Twenty-four of the top 25 U.S.-based MBA programs are planning to attend, along with London Business School. Signups for this event are here: https://bit.ly/mbafair2025 Graham noted three articles recently published on Clear Admit. The first details the best laptops for MBAs as they plan to begin their program. The second article is part of Clear Admit's Real Numbers series and looks at the percentage of MBA students who go into Consulting after business school. The final article is a deep-dive research piece that examines placement statistics of the top US MBA programs, by geography. This helps us understand the regional nature of many of the leading MBA programs. Graham highlighted five Real Humans alumni spotlights, alums from Michigan / Ross working at PepsiCo, Emory / Goizueta working at Accenture, IESE working at BCG, Irvine / Merage working at Disney, and Columbia working at their own company, Small Bear. Finally, Graham discussed a recently published podcast episode about careers and impressive growth at SMU Cox with Shelly Heinrich. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry: This week's first MBA admissions candidate has a 695 GMAT score and a strong GPA. They are working in Australia and received their undergraduate degree from New Zealand. This week's second MBA candidate is from India and has 8 years of work experience. They are targeting a 330 on the GRE and have extensive experience building online communities. The final MBA candidate is deciding between Chicago / Booth and Berkeley / Haas. They are seeking a career in tech. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

In this episode, Shaifali Aggarwal, founder and CEO of Ivy Groupe MBA Admissions Consulting, dives deep into MBA application essays and school interviews. She discusses the importance of each in the application process, emphasizing the need for authenticity and self-reflection. Shaifali also shares practical tips for writing compelling essays, common mistakes applicants make, and how to manage stress during the writing process. The second half of the conversation covers the role of interviews, the types of interviews, the most common questions asked, and strategies for effective preparation. Takeaways: Authenticity and reflection are key to standing out. Understanding the intent behind essay questions is crucial. Storytelling should connect experiences to larger themes. Avoid writing what you think admissions committees want to hear. Generative AI can assist in research but not in writing essays. Start with self-reflection before writing your essays. Practice common interview questions out loud for confidence. Know your application inside out for interviews. Follow up with interviewers to express gratitude. Chapters: 01:21 - Meet Shaifali03:05 - What are MBA Essays?05:06 - Different Types of Essay Questions07:57 - Types of MBA Essays and Their Purpose10:58 - Storytelling in Essays12:19 - AI in Essay Writing13:42 - Common Mistakes in Essay Writing15:05 - Adding a Personal Touch18:03 - Practical Writing Tips20:27 - Incorporating Feedback Effectively22:30 - Managing Stress While Writing23:47 - The Role of Interviews in MBA Applications25:37 - Types of MBA Interviews28:20 - Common Interview Questions and Strategies32:36 - Job vs. MBA Interview33:41 - Interview Preparation Essentials36:44 - Managing Interview Stress38:58 - Post-Interview Follow-Up and Reflection39:55 - Outro    

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the Round 3 activity on LiveWire; interview invites continue to roll out for this shortened application round; next week several schools are scheduled to release final decisions. Graham noted Clear Admit's Application Overview May series of events. These online events will be hosted on May 6 and 7, and May 20 and 21. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/appoverview25 Already, we have hundreds of signups for each event! Sandwiched in the middle of this series is Clear Admit's MBA Fair in Boston, on May 14th. This event includes panel discussions, one of which is focused on Consulting hiring and is led by Bain. Twenty-four of the top 25 U.S.-based MBA programs are planning to attend, along with London Business School. Signups for this event are here: https://bit.ly/mbafair2025 Graham noted two finance-related articles that were recently published on Clear Admit. The first looks at the number and percentage of students who go into finance from each of the top programs. The second article does a deeper dive into buy-side finance and elite finance careers. Graham then noted an admissions tip, focused on pre-MBA coursework, which may be necessary for those with less traditional undergraduate degrees, or those who need to “repair” their transcript. Graham highlighted three Real Humans alumni spotlights, alums from Berkeley / Haas working at Morgan Stanley, Rice / Jones working at energyRe and Washington / Foster working at Amazon. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry. This week's first MBA admissions candidate has a 675 GMAT score and a strong GPA. They are from Peru and working in Chile. They have six years of work experience, which does include a five-month gap. This week's second MBA candidate is from Central Asia, now working in Dubai. They have a 330 GRE score, but we are unsure how strong their academic experience has been. The final MBA candidate has an offer from CMU / Tepper and is on the waitlist at several other top MBA programs. They are debating whether they should take the Tepper option, if not admitted from the waitlists, or reapply next season. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

In this episode, Zach is joined by Melody Jones from Vantage Point MBA to discuss the often-overlooked period between MBA acceptance and the start of classes, sometimes referred to as the 'Dead Zone.' They explore various strategies for academic readiness, networking, and personal development, as well as the logistical considerations for incoming students. The discussion highlights the significance of using this time wisely to set the stage for a successful MBA experience. Melody also touches on the emotional journey of dealing with rejection and the importance of self-reflection. The conversation ends with common mistakes applicants make during the 'Dead Zone' before starting school. Takeaways: Start building momentum as soon as you're accepted. This can include networking, traveling, or working on personal projects. Understand the recruiting timeline for your industry and leverage your new school email address for networking. Reading can enhance self-awareness and leadership skills. On housing:  It's important to understand housing application deadlines, and “Accepted Student Weekends” are a great place to find your roommate. MBA budgets often underestimate true costs; Melody suggests increasing yours by 20-40%. Weekend travel and social events can significantly impact your budget (traveling with classmates can enhance your MBA experience). International students should use this time to fully understand banking and health insurance. If you were rejected from your top choice school, use this time to strategize how to strengthen your profile if you want to reapply. Avoid comparing your pre-MBA journey to others; focus on your own path. Overall, business school is a transformational experience beyond just education.

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the Round 3 activity on LiveWire; interview invites are now starting to roll out for this shortened application round. Next week Harvard and UPenn / Wharton have deadlines for their deferred admissions programs. Graham noted Clear Admit's Application Overview May series of events. These online events will be hosted on May 6 and 7, and May 20 and 21. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/appoverview25 Sandwiched in the middle of these events is Clear Admit's MBA admissions fair in Boston, on May 14th. This event includes panel discussions, one of which is focused on Consulting hiring and is led by Bain. Twenty-four of the top 25 U.S.-based MBA programs are planning to attend, along with London Business School. Signups for this event are here: https://bit.ly/mbafair2025 Graham noted a recently published article on Clear Admit that focuses on three alumni from Dartmouth / Tuck who are focusing on areas of social impact. This does help illustrate the broad relevance and impact of a top tier MBA. Graham highlighted three Real Humans alumni spotlights, alums from Maryland / Smith working at JPMorgan Chase, Harvard working at Disney+, and Yale SOM working at Microsoft. Finally, we discussed two late-arriving 2024 career reports, from UCLA / Anderson and USC / Marshall. Both programs are showing similar trends that we have seen from other top programs this season. This includes a slight dip in the percentage of those who have offers, that were seeking jobs. Both programs do show some very similar statistics, overall. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected one ApplyWire entry and two DecisionWire entries: This week's first MBA admissions candidate has an undergraduate degree in accounting, a master's in accounting, and is now pursuing a master's in finance, part-time, while looking at MBA programs. This led to a discussion on the dangers of being considered a degree-collector. This week's second MBA candidate is choosing between UVA / Darden or waiting a year to reapply. They are seeking a career in consulting. The final MBA candidate is choosing between INSEAD and NYU / Stern's one-year Tech MBA. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

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. 

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the Round 3 activity on LiveWire; interview invites are now starting to roll out for this shortened application round. Graham then announced the recent partnership Clear Admit has now established with Leland, which will now become our partner for MBA admissions coaching, test prep, and career counseling. Graham noted Clear Admit's Application Overview May series of events. These online events will be hosted on May 6 and 7, and May 20 and 21. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/appoverview25 Sandwiched in the middle of these events is Clear Admit's MBA admissions fair in Boston, on May 14th. Twenty-four of the top 25 U.S.-based MBA programs are planning to attend, along with London Business School. Signups for this event are here: https://bit.ly/mbafair2025 Graham noted a Clear Admit admissions tip focused on what candidates need to do, if they were not able to secure admissions at the targeted MBA programs. Graham then highlighted two recent articles from Clear Admit that focus on NYU / Stern's new dean, and UPenn / Wharton's new AI major. We then discussed the recent publication of 2025 US News's rankings, which led to a discussion on their overall methodology. Graham highlighted four Real Humans alumni spotlights, alums from IMD working at Johnson & Johnson, Cornell / Johnson working at Elephant Energy, Vanderbilt / Owen working at Amazon, and London Business School working as an entrepreneur. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected one ApplyWire entry and two DecisionWire entries: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is clearly non-traditional; for that reason, we discussed some of the approaches that non-traditional candidates need to pursue, including a strong focus on “why MBA” and their goals. This week's second MBA candidate is choosing between Berkeley / Haas and Northwestern / Kellogg's MBAi. They want to do product management in tech, in Texas. The final MBA candidate is choosing between UVA / Darden and NYU / Stern. They have a full-ride scholarship at both and want to purse MBB consulting. This episode was recorded in Atlanta, Georgia and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

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.  

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the Round 2 activity on LiveWire; Stanford, UPenn / Wharton and MIT / Sloan were among the top MBA programs releasing decisions last week. For this upcoming week, Round 3 admissions deadlines are rolling on, while Oxford / Said and Ohio State / Fisher have decision deadlines. Graham noted Clear Admit's Application Overview May series of events. These online events will be hosted on May 6 and 7, and May 20 and 21. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/appoverview25 Sandwiched in the middle of these events is Clear Admit's MBA admissions fair in Boston, on May 14th. Twenty-four of the top 25 U.S.-based MBA programs are planning to attend. Signups for this event are here: https://bit.ly/mbafair2025 Graham noted a Clear Admit article from the Friday's-from-the-Frontline series from an LBS MBA student, discussing the EQUALL conference, which is focused on gender equality. Graham also noted a recently published admissions tip that focuses on how to negotiate scholarships with business schools. Graham highlighted three Real Humans alumni spotlights, alums from UPenn / Wharton working at Pfizer, Ohio State / Fisher working at Deloitte, and Chicago / Booth working at Nike. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected one ApplyWire entry and two DecisionWire entries: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is from Brazil, and has an undergraduate degree in civil engineering, and is now working at a bank, focused on data. They have a 710 GMAT score and are targeting next season. This week's second MBA candidate is choosing between several top MBA programs, including Chicago / Booth and Northwestern / Kellogg. They want to work in consulting in Chicago, post MBA. The final MBA candidate also has several choices, but has narrowed down their decision to be between Indiana / Kelley, with a full scholarship, and Michigan / Ross. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

Summary In this episode, Petia Whitmore from My MBA Path delves into the intricacies of the MBA application process, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, clarity of purpose, and the evaluation criteria used by admissions committees. Petia shares insights from her experience as a former Dean of MBA Admissions, outlining the two phases of the application process: evaluation and selection. She highlights the significance of crafting a unique narrative that showcases a candidate's impact and authenticity, while also addressing common misconceptions about test scores and work experience. The discussion culminates in practical advice for prospective applicants on how to approach their applications with curiosity and a sense of possibility. Takeaways Your application is more than just numbers. Craft a narrative that tells your unique story. Evaluation determines admissibility; selection determines desirability. Clarity of purpose is crucial in your application. Demonstrated impact can come in many forms. Authenticity is key to standing out. Quality of experience is more important than quantity. Test scores indicate academic preparedness but are not the sole factor. Timing your application can influence your chances of admission. Approach the application process with curiosity and openness. Chapters 01:38 - Overview of the MBA Application Process 05:34 - About Admissions Committees 07:26 - Three Pillars of a Strong Application: Clarity, Impact & Authenticity 10:34 - Demonstrating Impact 12:03 - Applicant Authenticity 14:45 - Defining Program "Fit" 17:51 - Introspection and Self-Discovery 23:44 - Quality vs. Quantity 27:26 - Understanding the Role of Test Scores 30:00 - Navigating Test Waivers and Their Implications 32:22 - Timing Your Application: Round One vs. Round Two 36:15 - The Value of Starting Early in the Application Process 38:42 - The Interview Process: What to Expect 45:31 - Finding Your Why: The Key to a Strong Application

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the Round 2 activity on LiveWire; Harvard, Northwestern / Kellogg, Chicago / Booth, Berkeley / Haas, Washington / Foster, UCLA / Anderson, Texas / McCombs and London Business School were among the top MBA programs releasing decisions last week. For this upcoming week, Stanford, UPenn / Wharton, MIT / Sloan and Cornell / Johnson are scheduled to release their final decisions. Graham highlighted the Spring Survey that Clear Admit conducts each season. These surveys are important to understand the decisions of each applicant-cohort. Here is the link for this season's survey: https://bit.ly/casurvey25 Graham noted Clear Admit's Application Overview series of events scheduled for May. These online events will be hosted on May 6 and 7, and May 20 and 21. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/appoverview25 Sandwiched in the middle of these events is Clear Admit's MBA admissions fair in Boston, on May 14th. Twenty-four of the top 25 U.S.-based MBA programs are planning to attend. Signups for this event are here: https://bit.ly/mbafair2025 Graham noted a Clear Admit article that shines the spotlight on ESADE and their work to become carbon neutral. He then highlighted the first in a series of Clear Admit career trends articles, focused on Class of 2024 consulting placements at leading MBA programs. As we have reported over several episodes this season, consulting placements are generally down across the top MBA programs. However, consulting remains a critical industry for top MBA graduates - with most schools sending a third of their class into the domain. Graham then noted a Fridays-from-the-Frontlines feature that focuses on MBA students from London Business School who traveled to Singapore and explored sustainability efforts. Graham highlighted four Real Humans alumni spotlights, alums from Duke / Fuqua working at McKinsey, Indiana / Kelley working at Microsoft, Michigan / Ross working at JP Morgan and Columbia working at Netflix. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is from the UK and now lives in the US. They have a 675 GMAT score, and a 3.1 GPA undergraduate degree, followed by a 3.8 GPA master's degree in finance. Their focus is on real estate. This week's second MBA candidate is an electrical engineer who also has a master's degree. They work in the semiconductor industry as a product manager; they also have a 675 GMAT score. The final MBA candidate is deciding between Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua (with a $40,000 scholarship), and Georgetown / McDonough. They are seeking a consulting career. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

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 week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the Round 2 activity on LiveWire; UNC / Kenan Flagler, Yale SOM and Georgetown / McDonough were among the top MBA programs scheduled to release Round 2 decisions last week. For this upcoming week, IESE, Harvard Business School, Northwestern / Kellogg, Columbia, Chicago / Booth, Berkeley / Haas, UCLA / Anderson, Texas / McCombs, Washington / Foster, Boston College / Carroll, Michigan State / Broad, Imperial College and London Business School are releasing their final decisions. Graham highlighted the Spring Survey that Clear Admit conducts each season. These surveys are important to understand the decisions of each applicant cohort. Here is the link for this season's survey: https://bit.ly/casurvey25 Graham noted that we have now nearly finalized the line-up for our Application Overview series of virtual events in May. These events will be hosted on May 6 and 7, and May 20 and 21. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/appoverview25 Sandwiched in the middle of these events is Clear Admit's MBA admissions fair in Boston, on May 14th. Twenty-four of the top 25 U.S.-based MBA programs are planning to attend. Signups for this event are here: https://bit.ly/mbafair2025 May truly kicks off the new season of MBA admissions at Clear Admit! Graham mentioned a recently published admissions tip that offers a primer on the Executive Assessment test. This article is a result of the queries we are seeing on the Ask Clear Admit AI bot tool. Graham then highlighted a Real Humans alumni spotlight, an alum from NYU / Stern working at PepsiCo. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three DecisionWire entries: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is choosing between Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua, and UVA / Darden. They want to work in consulting on the west coast after business school. This week's second MBA candidate is choosing between Chicago / Booth's EMBA program and Cambridge / Judge's full-time program. They are from Japan and wish to begin a career in the United States. The final MBA candidate is deciding between Cornell / Johnson, Dartmouth / Tuck, and Michigan / Ross. They want to work in tech in New York City. They have a $100k scholarship offer from Ross, and a $30k offer from Johnson. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

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 this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the Round 2 activity on LiveWire; Dartmouth / Tuck, Emory / Goizueta, UVA / Darden, Michigan / Ross, Rice / Jones, Indiana / Kelley and Vanderbilt / Owen were among the top MBA programs releasing Round 2 decisions last week. For this upcoming week, UNC / Kenan Flagler, Yale SOM, Georgetown / McDonough and INSEAD are releasing their final decisions. Graham highlighted the Spring Applicant Survey that Clear Admit conducts each season. These surveys are important to understand the decisions of each applicant cohort. Here is the link for this season's survey: https://bit.ly/casurvey25 Graham also mentioned an AMA event that Clear Admit is hosting with NYU / Stern this week, on Wednesday. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/nyusternama Graham noted that Clear Admit now has several admissions-related events for the month of May available on the website; this includes the MBA admissions fair Clear Admit is hosting in Boston, on May 14th. Twenty-four of the top 25 U.S.-based MBA programs are planning to attend. Signups for this event are here: https://bit.ly/mbafair2025 Graham mentioned two recently published articles by Clear Admit that focus on fellowships and community for women targeting business school and a similar piece highlighting support and funding options for minorities at the leading MBA programs. These articles also address the wider political context, in the United States, that makes these efforts more important. Graham then noted an admissions tip that focuses on choosing between MBA program options, post admissions decisions. Graham also highlighted four Real Humans alumni spotlights, alums from Emory / Goizueta working at Deloitte, Rice / Jones working at Pfizer, Berkeley / Haas working at JP Morgan and UCI / Merage working at Microsoft. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected one ApplyWire entry and two DecisionWire entries: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is a military candidate who has a 331 GRE score. Their overall profile looks very strong; we want them to focus a little more on their short-term goal. This week's second MBA candidate is choosing between Arizona / Carey and USC / Marshall. They have a better scholarship offer at Carey. The final MBA candidate is deciding between Northwestern / Kellogg and Berkeley / Haas. They are looking to a career in consulting or tech. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel, former Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at UPenn's Wharton School, delves into the pivotal role of extracurricular activities in the college admissions process—a topic frequently requested by students and parents alike. Thomas emphasizes the importance of aligning extracurriculars with genuine interests, moving beyond the traditional checklist mentality to create a cohesive and authentic application narrative. Key Takeaways:  Why Extracurriculars Matter: Families often approach extracurriculars as a series of obligations rather than opportunities for genuine engagement. Thomas advocates for a shift in perspective, encouraging students to identify and pursue activities that truly resonate with their passions and tell their story. Blurring The Lines: Extracurricular involvement shouldn't be confined to the academic calendar. Thomas highlights that authentic interests should extend beyond the school year, painting a comprehensive picture that admissions officers value. Creating Opportunities: Drawing from successful Admittedly students, Thomas shares innovative approaches to extracurriculars.  From community involvement to practical work experiences, the emphasis is on proactive and thoughtful engagement. Leadership and Impact: Beyond holding titles, demonstrating leadership through tangible contributions and positive changes in chosen activities is crucial. Navigating extracurricular choices can be challenging, but centering them around genuine interests leads to a more fulfilling and impactful experience. By authentically engaging in activities that matter, students not only enrich their personal growth but also present compelling narratives to admissions committees. Follow Thomas on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco for more insights and updates! Visit www.admittedly.co to discover how Admittedly can support you in your college admissions journey.

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 week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing Round 2 activity on LiveWire; CMU / Tepper was among the top MBA programs releasing Round 2 decisions last week. For this upcoming week, Rice / Jones, UVA / Darden, Emory / Goizueta, Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua, Michigan / Ross, Vanderbilt / Owen, Notre Dame / Mendoza, Georgia / Terry and Indiana / Kelley are releasing their Round 2 decisions. Minnesota / Carlson is releasing their Round 3 decisions. Graham noted that Clear Admit now has several admissions-related events for the month of May; this includes the 2025 MBA Fair Clear Admit is hosting in Boston, on May 14th. Twenty-four of the top U.S.-based MBA programs are planning to attend. Signups for this event are here: https://bit.ly/mbafair2025 Graham mentioned two recently published articles by Clear Admit that focus on leading MBA programs' efforts to support students who are focused on sustainability and social impact, both really important fields in the world in which we now live. Graham then highlighted a Real Humans alumni spotlight on an HBS alumni who is now working at American Express. He notes the real value of all the case studies he was exposed to during his MBA. Graham also highlighted two Real Numbers features, that focus on average GMAT scores for European MBA programs, and average GRE scores for U.S.-based MBA programs. Graham then mentioned the publication of an admissions tip that focuses on Welcome Weekend events that top MBA programs host, once they have released their Round 2 decisions. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is a military veteran who is looking to transition from the military after 20 years of service. This led us to discuss which is the right format of MBA to pursue. This week's second MBA candidate is still in college and is applying via the deferred admissions process. They have outstanding credentials, despite their 48th percentile in the verbal reasoning section of the GMAT. The final MBA candidate is deciding between Duke / Fuqua and Indiana / Kelley. They have a Forte Fellowship and are pursuing an MBA in health care. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel, former Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at UPenn's Wharton School, tackles the topic of safety schools. Thomas explores how the concept of a safety school has evolved—from a carefully chosen handful of applications to a broader strategy in today's Common App era. He dives into the potential pitfalls of this mindset and offers alternative perspectives, including the benefits of community college transfers and the critical importance of genuine interest when applying to any school. Key Takeaways: What Is a Safety School? In short, a safety school is a "fallback school." However, this mindset carries risks—applying to a school you have absolutely no interest in, even if you're accepted, may not be the best strategy. Rethinking Your Fallback Options: Consider that a community college might be a safer bet than transferring from a low-ranked school. In states like California, transferring from a community college can even come with preferred admission status at some top-tier schools. Why Safety Schools Might Reject You: Schools can detect when they're being treated as mere backups. They seek students who will thrive on campus—not just use the institution as a stepping stone to another university. They want applicants who genuinely like their school. When a Safety School Is Your True Choice: If you actually want to attend a school traditionally considered a safety school, demonstrated interest becomes crucial. Genuine outreach and expressed enthusiasm can set you apart and improve your chances. Broader Horizons: Remember to broaden your thinking and consider factors beyond prestige and brand.  Explore international opportunities, weigh the return on your investments, and consider your long-term goals to choose a path that sets you up for success. Navigating college admissions is about more than just having a fallback plan—it's about finding the right fit and investing in opportunities that truly resonate with your goals. Embrace the journey, be intentional in your choices, and stay open to all possibilities. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @admittedlyco for more insights and updates! Visit www.admittedly.co to learn how Admittedly can help you achieve your dreams.  

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.  

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing Round 2 activity on LiveWire; a few MBA programs are still releasing a few interview invites, but we are getting closer to the end of the Round 2 cycle; CMU / Tepper, Johns Hopkins / Carey and Ohio State / Fisher are scheduled to release final decisions for R2 candidates this upcoming week. Graham highlighted the MBA Fair Clear Admit is hosting in Boston, on May 14th. Twenty-four of the top 25 U.S.-based MBA programs are planning to attend. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/mbafair2025 Graham then mentioned the publication of an admissions tip that focuses on strategies for those on a waitlist. Graham then discussed a new Real Humans piece that focuses on students at Harvard Business School. Graham also highlighted two Real Numbers features, that focus on average GMAT scores at leading b-schools and the percentage of international students in MBA programs. We then discussed the Class of 2024 career report released by Texas / McCombs. They did see an uptick in recruiting for tech-related jobs, which bucked a trend we are seeing with other top MBA programs. This may be a function of another recent trend - tech firms moving to Texas. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is applying next season, and had experience in the military in special operations, as well as more recent role as a financial advisor. They have a total of 13 years of experience, but we worry their current GRE score of 315 is a little low. This week's second MBA candidate applied in Round 2, is from India and works in the tech space. Despite being potentially over-represented, they have received several invitations to interview, including from Stanford. The final MBA candidate is deciding between Northwestern / Kellogg, with a scholarship, and UPenn / Wharton. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing Round 2 activity on LiveWire; UPenn / Wharton and MIT / Sloan released their interview invites last week; Washington / Olin, Georgia Tech / Scheller, SMU / Cox and Oxford / Said are scheduled to release final decisions this upcoming week. We then discussed the “user behavior” of Ask Clear Admit, Clear Admit's new AI chatbot. The bot has received nearly 1,500 prompts since its launch. Graham then highlighted the webinar series for Master's in Management candidates; the final webinar in this series is on Wednesday, and features Chicago / Booth, Emory / Goizueta, Indiana / Kelley, Duke / Fuqua and London Business School. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/mim0225 Graham noted the continuation of Clear Admit's articles about great podcast, where we place the spotlight on podcasts from the leading MBA programs. This final spotlight features podcasts from leading business schools in Europe. We then had an animated discussion on the recently published Financial Times 2025 global MBA rankings. One key point we made is that a ranking of top MBA programs really does need to include Stanford... Graham then mentioned the publication of two admissions tips that focus background checks and applying to MBA programs as a couple, as well as two Adcom Q&As, from INSEAD and Babson / Olin. Finally, Graham highlighted a Real Numbers feature on US minority representation at top MBA programs, and a recently recorded podcast episode featuring the GM of the Philadelphia Phillies, who is doing an Executive MBA at Wharton. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is planning ahead but needs to retake the GRE (score of 292) and also consider taking additional coursework to counter their 3.0 GPA. This week's second MBA candidate is also planning ahead in terms of their applications, is a first-generation college graduate, who appears to have a strong career and activities record. They will also need to perform well on the standardized test. The final MBA candidate is deciding between USC / Marshall, Texas / McCombs and Washington / Foster, with very similar scholarship offers. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing Round 2 activity on LiveWire; interview invites continue to roll out for Round 2 candidates; UPenn / Wharton and MIT / Sloan have yet to release their Round 2 interview invites. Alex discussed the release of a “Prompt Guide” for Clear Admit's new Ask Clear Admit admissions bot. This guide is designed to help candidates get the most out of their engagement with the chat bot. So far, we have seen more than 1,000 prompts. Graham then highlighted the upcoming webinar series for Master's in Management candidates; the first of these webinars features Michigan / Ross, CMU / Tepper and Georgetown / McDonough.  Signups are here: https://bit.ly/mim0225 Graham noted the continuation of Clear Admit's series of articles about podcasts, where we place the spotlight on podcasts from the leading MBA programs. Graham then mentioned the publication of an admissions tip focused on post interview activities. This led to a plea for MBA interview reports, in order to support Clear Admit's comprehensive MBA interview archive. Graham then highlighted two real numbers stories, focused on female enrollment (very well done, Johns Hopkins / Carey!) and tuition costs for European-based MBA programs. Finally, we discussed one more MBA career report from London Business School. Their career statistics generally follow similar patterns we have identified with prior career reports that we have published this season, although they were able to gather data from an impressive 100% of the graduating class. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is from Brazil and is looking ahead for the MBA applications. They have still to take the GMAT, and they are seeking other areas they can strengthen before they apply. This week's second MBA candidate has a 334 GRE and strong legal experience from London. They also appear to have interesting activities outside of work and could be a very strong candidate. The final MBA candidate is deciding between Chicago / Booth and Northwestern / Kellogg, with very similar scholarship offers. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

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.   

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing Round 2 activity on LiveWire; interview invites continue to roll out for Round 2 candidates; last week, Chicago / Booth, Columbia, and Michigan / Ross released interview invites, along with those programs which trickle out invitations across several weeks (e.g. Stanford, Yale, et al). This week, INSEAD is scheduled to release their Round 3 interview invites. Graham highlighted the second webinar for Deferred Admissions candidates, scheduled on Wednesday, which includes CMU / Tepper, Chicago / Booth, Columbia, Yale SOM and UVA / Darden. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/de0225 Graham then mentioned the upcoming webinar series for Masters in Management candidates, taking place later this month, with signups here: https://bit.ly/mim0225 Graham mentioned several MBA news stories: London Business School is launching a Smart EMBA, which takes a blended learning approach. Clear Admit published two podcast-related posts; the first focuses on podcasts from some of the top-16 MBA programs, and the second looks at UPenn / Wharton's Ripple Effect podcast. Finally, Clear Admit also published a story regarding Duke / Fuqua students doing a career trek in Silicon Valley. Graham then highlighted two admissions tips. The first focuses on the versatility of the MBA, the second looks at questions a candidate might want to prepare, ahead of their MBA interview. Clear Admit's Real Numbers series is now back; the first two articles in this series focus on class sizes across the top US MBA programs, and the yearly cost of attendance at American b-schools. Finally, we discussed one more MBA Class of 2024 career report from Berkeley / Haas. Their career statistics follow similar patterns we have identified with prior career reports that we have published this season. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is applying through the deferred admissions process, so is still an undergraduate student. They have a 3.9 GPA and a 730 GMAT score. This week's second MBA candidate is planning to apply either next season, or the season after. They have a 3.2 GPA, with a positive upward trend. They have a 322 GRE, which we think they might want to retake. They are also still determining between post-MBA goals in finance or consulting. The final MBA candidate is deciding between Dartmouth / Tuck and Berkeley / Haas, and they are seeking a short-term goal in private equity. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing Round 2 activity on LiveWire; interview invites continue to roll out for Round 2 candidates; Harvard was one of the top MBA programs to release their interview invites last week. This week, London Business School is scheduled to release their Round 2 interview invites. We then had a quick discussion regarding our new admissions bot, “Ask Clear Admit”. It is very interesting to be able to see what types of prompts MBA applicants are using for the bot, some of which are a little unexpected. We are now planning to write a prompt guide, to help users get the most out of their bot experience. You can find the chat bot here: https://ai.clearadmit.com Graham noted two upcoming webinar series. The first is for Deferred Admissions candidates, with signups here: https://bit.ly/de0225 The first webinar in this series, on this Wednesday, features Berkeley / Haas, UPenn / Wharton and Stanford. Next week we have CMU / Tepper, Chicago / Booth, Columbia, Yale SOM and UVA / Darden. The second webinar series is for Masters in Management candidates, with signups here: https://bit.ly/mim0225 Graham highlighted two MBA news stories. The first story covers the best business school podcasts, focusing on podcast from M7 programs. The second looks at an entrepreneurial program at Georgetown / McDonough called “Bark Tank”. Graham then mentioned three admissions tips, each focused on the MBA admissions interview process. Finally, we discussed two more MBA career reports from Cornell / Johnson and INSEAD. Both MBA programs show the same resilience as other top MBA programs, while facing the headwinds of a tighter employment market. That said, it's clear that top European-based MBA programs, like INSEAD, have a lower starting salary than their peer programs in the United States. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected one ApplyWire entry and two DecisionWire entries. This week's first MBA admissions candidate is from India and has a strong GMAT score of 715. They also have solid work experience, but are worried that they have a lower GPA and few outside activities. We were also concerned that they were only able to target Round 2. This week's second MBA candidate is choosing between CMU / Tepper and Texas / McCombs. They have a decent sized scholarship from Tepper. They want to move into tech product management. The final MBA candidate is deciding between Columbia and Kellogg. They are targeting consumer-packaged goods and marketing, but they have a preference for New York City. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!