Blog:
Applying to MBA Programs When You Have an Untraditional Background
September 20, 2024
Over the past 10–15 years, top MBA programs have accepted more students from untraditional backgrounds, including education (e.g., Teach for America), the Peace Corps, PR/media/communications, and the government/public sector. Having students from a range of different backgrounds adds to the diversity of business school classes. In all types of programs, but especially those that use…
Should I Write the Optional Essay?
September 19, 2024
When applying to top MBA programs, you’ll likely encounter an “optional essay” as part of the application process. It can be tempting to skip this essay, especially if you feel your application is already strong. But should you? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends on your circumstances and the specific guidance provided by each school. Let’s…
Five Reasons to Pursue an MBA Along with the CFA Designation
September 18, 2024
Here are five ways an MBA and the CFA® Program work well together and can help you achieve your career goals in the investment industry. Earning a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) charter is indeed a time commitment: the average charterholder spends around 300 hours studying for each of three levels of the exam, and fewer…
Six Tips for the Wharton Team Based Discussion Interview
September 17, 2024
Congratulations on being invited to interview at Wharton! Making it this far in the business school application process is a huge win (fewer than half of applicants are invited), but preparing for the Wharton Team Based Discussion (TBD) presents new challenges. As you likely know by now, Wharton’s interview process is unlike any other MBA…
Is a Tech MBA for Me?
September 13, 2024
Technology is everywhere these days—and careers revolving around technology are the focus of many MBA programs. Although a general-management MBA will help you build strong management and business skills, if you are looking to pivot specifically into technology, there are tech-focused programs designed to help you get there. In addition, all tech MBA programs are…
Six Keys to Successful MBA Application Essays
September 12, 2024
In today’s competitive admissions climate, a successful MBA application requires significant time, planning, and self-reflection. One of the most important elements of that application is the essay, which is where you set yourself apart. The right essay can have a positively transformative effect on your profile—and, with it, your admissions decisions. Given our decades of…
Tips for Your Consortium Application Essays
September 10, 2024
Consortium Application Essay Tips, 2024-2025 The Consortium’s mission is to increase representation of African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans in top MBA programs and throughout the US workforce. For more than 50 years, The Consortium has provided a streamlined application process to leading business schools. The Consortium’s ranks continue to grow with the addition…
Three Tips as You Consider the ROI on an MBA
September 9, 2024
In its most recent Application Trends Survey, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) reported that application volume at graduate management education programs dipped by 5% between 2022 and 2023. This may lead some to question their confidence in their return on investment (ROI) for an MBA degree. However, a 2023 GMAC survey reported that 90%…
Showcase Your “Spike Factor” in Rotman MBA Application Essays
September 4, 2024
Rotman Application Essay Tips, 2024-2025 Rotman is all about “spike factor,” asking you to use 500 words to explain your “spike” and offering you the option to upload up to three of your “spikiest” pictures to support your claims. On campus, you can feel the excitement and positive momentum of this program firsthand. From the…
September To-Do list for Round 1
September 3, 2024
September is a crucial month for MBA applicants targeting top programs. It’s the final stretch before Round 1 deadlines, and there are several key tasks to complete to ensure your application is polished and ready to go. Here are some essential things to focus on this month: 1. Put the finishing touches on essays. Your…
Tips for Your UNC Kenan-Flagler Application Essays
August 30, 2024
UNC Kenan-Flagler Application Essay Tips, 2024-2025 UNC Kenan-Flagler is bucking tradition this year by not changing its essay prompts. The school’s first essay question has stayed remarkably consistent over many years and asks you to outline your short-term professional goal, explain how a Kenan-Flagler MBA will help you, and offer a “backup” plan in the…
The Best MBA Programs for Real Estate
August 30, 2024
An MBA with a focus in real estate can help hone your skills across development, property law, and market analysis. Those graduating with a focus in real estate might go on to work as a real estate or community developer, at a construction company as a project manager, or at commercial real estate lenders or…