Blog Posts

School-specific video essays are becoming increasingly popular in MBA admissions. They give the committee a chance to assess something they can’t capture on paper — your communication style, authenticity, and presence. The most effective approach is to deliver concise, well-structured responses that reflect both your personality and your fit with the program. This means thinking […]

If you’ve held two positions at the same time — whether due to a promotion, a side role, or simultaneous projects — it’s important to present them clearly in your résumé. The best approach is to list each role separately, with accurate dates and distinct achievements for each. This transparency shows admissions reviewers not only

Campus visits can be a great way to get a feel for an MBA program’s culture, meet current students, and gather insights for your essays. However, when it comes to determining your actual competitiveness for admission, they carry far less weight than academic and professional factors. Your GMAT or GRE score, the quality of your

The “Tell me about yourself” question may seem simple, but in an MBA interview, it’s your first and best opportunity to shape the conversation. The strongest approach is to share a concise career narrative that connects your past experiences, your current role, and your future goals. This isn’t about reciting your résumé — the interviewer

When top MBA programs talk about “leadership potential,” they’re not just looking for candidates with impressive titles or long lists of direct reports. Instead, they focus on evidence of influence, decision-making, and tangible results — regardless of your formal role. You can show leadership through moments when you took initiative, navigated complex challenges, or inspired

If you’re aiming to change industries after your MBA, admissions committees want proof that your goal is realistic. The most persuasive way to do this is by highlighting transferable skills that connect your current experience to your future ambitions. For example, if you’re moving from engineering to investment banking, you could emphasize your analytical problem-solving,

While every MBA interview format has its own challenges, group discussions or team-based exercises require the most preparation for collaborative skills. In this setting, you’re not just answering questions — you’re being observed in real time as you interact with peers. Admissions committees use this format to evaluate how well you listen, communicate, influence, and

A strong recommendation letter can be a game-changer in your MBA application — but only if your recommender has the right context to write a compelling and specific endorsement. The best approach is to equip them with your résumé, a summary of your career goals, and concrete examples of your work and impact. This helps

When choosing between two MBA programs, it’s tempting to focus on rankings, cost-of-living, or even climate. While these factors have their place, one often-overlooked element can have a far greater long-term impact: the strength and reach of the alumni network in your target industry. A well-connected, engaged alumni network can open doors to job opportunities,

In a competitive MBA admissions pool, facts and figures alone won’t make you stand out. What admissions officers remember are stories — vivid, specific accounts that reveal your values, decisions, and personality. Rather than cramming every achievement into each essay, focus on a few well-chosen examples that bring your experiences to life. Describe the setting,