Blog:

MBA Admissions Blog

Five Tips for Oil and Gas Professionals Applying to MBA Programs

Given the current state of the oil and gas industry, many professionals in this vertical are looking to refocus their career on a less volatile field, while others want to reform the industry from within. An MBA may be a good option either way. If you are currently working in oil and gas and are…

Read More

GMAT, GRE, or Even EA: Which Test Should I Take?

MBA applicants have a lot of options with regard to standardized testing. The choices range from the GMAT to the GRE and even the Executive Assessment (EA). Additionally, several schools offer test waiver options. Although the GMAT used to be the only game in town, the GRE and EA have grown in popularity over the…

Read More

Seven Things to Do in February to Prepare for Round 1 MBA Applications

If you are reading this thinking, “I’ve got lots of time before the Round 1 2025–2026 deadlines,” think again! Although September may seem far away, preparing now for Round 1 applications will enable you to develop a well-thought-out and comprehensive application by reflecting on your story and creating the strategy to pull out all of…

Read More

Part of a Family Business An MBA Could Be Right for You!

Part of a Family Business? An MBA Could Be Right for You!

An estimated 80% of all businesses are considered family businesses to some degree. Unsurprisingly, the vast majority of business schools offer one or more courses focused on the unique challenges of running a business that means a whole lot more to you than just making money. If you are already working in a family business,…

Read More

Finance to MBA: Five Considerations for Applicants

Finance to MBA: Five Considerations for Applicants

Finance is one of the largest industries that business schools draw from. Here, I use the term “finance” broadly, including corporate finance, investment banking, equity research, private equity, asset management, and others. MBA admissions committees like candidates with experience in finance, as they generally have the quant skills needed to succeed academically. The flip side…

Read More

How to Thank Your MBA Recommenders

Applying to MBA programs involves asking one, two, and sometimes even three people (perhaps if you’re applying to joint programs) who are typically very busy to spend time writing you a customized letter of recommendation. Although the Common Letter of Recommendation does save recommenders some time, they still need to tweak each letter for word…

Read More

Five Tips for Business School Virtual and Campus Visits

There is no better way to get to know an MBA program (and for an MBA program to get to know you) than to make an on-campus visit. However, you can also learn quite a bit about a program from online research. If, for whatever reason—distance, a busy work schedule, or cost restraints—you find that you…

Read More

Preparing for Your HBS Interview

Congratulations! You’re one of the roughly 20% of applicants to Harvard Business School (HBS) each year who have been invited to interview. Of those, about 50% are admitted to HBS. HBS interviews are different from those of other schools, so it’s important to prepare for those differences to increase your chances of acceptance. Here are…

Read More

Tips and a Template for Prepping Your MBA Recommenders

Letters of recommendation understandably tend to give applicants more anxiety than the rest of the MBA application, since it’s the only element out of one’s control. Luckily, this can be one of the more straightforward parts of the application. I encourage applicants to get their recommendations out of the way as soon as they decide…

Read More

Tips for International Candidates Applying to Top US MBA Programs

International candidates submit more than half of MBA applications, yet the international student population across the top 20 US MBA programs is roughly 35%. Do the math—it is super competitive. If you are an international candidate, here are ten things to consider as you prepare to submit your MBA applications: 1. Timing Most top MBA programs have…

Read More

UW Foster Essay Guide

Tips for your UW Foster School of Business Application Essays

UW Foster School of Business Essay Tips, 2024–2025  The University of Washington’s Foster School of Business attracts MBA candidates who are not just accomplished leaders in both their personal and professional lives but are also individuals who seek a collaborative, innovative culture and possess an innate desire to solve the most challenging problems of our…

Read More

January Tips to Prepare for Business School

As you flip the calendar to 2025, perhaps you are putting finishing touches on Round 2 MBA applications so you can attend your dream business school later this year. If that’s you, get back to work! But if one of your new year’s resolutions is to take the next step in your career, read on….

Read More