Author: mbaapply

  • Why MBA Programs Care About Diversity (and What It Means for You)

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    This started as a response I wrote on the old BusinessWeek forums after a few understandably frustrated PE guys got their dings. But the topic comes up every year, so here’s the broader explanation. MBA programs build their incoming classes with intention — and diversity plays a central role. Not for performative or political reasons,…

  • What is good writing (at least for MBA applications)?

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    A common question I get from applicants is, “What makes a good MBA essay?” The answer isn’t what most people think. Good writing—especially for business school—has nothing to do with style, polish, or sounding “professional.” In fact, those habits from corporate life often hurt your writing more than help. If you’re used to writing polished…

  • How Much Does Brand Really Matter in an MBA?

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    For a lot of applicants, getting a big-name MBA is part of the draw. That shiny school logo on the resume? It carries weight. But how much does it actually matter in the long run? Like most things in the MBA world, the answer is: it depends. The Less Experience You Have, the More Brand…

  • What Can We Learn About the Job Market from Previous Downturns?

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    With application volume climbing and a tighter job market looming, the next few years aren’t going to be a cakewalk for MBA applicants—or for newly minted grads. It’ll be harder to get in. And it may be even harder to land the job you want. But here’s the thing: this isn’t the first time. It’s…

  • How to Prepare for an MBA After College (Without Selling Your Soul)

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    If you’re a recent grad and already thinking about business school a few years down the line, you’re ahead of the curve. But don’t fall into the trap. One of the most common questions I get is: “How should I position myself now to get into a top MBA later?” Translation: What checklist should I…

  • Is a Full-Time MBA the Right Move for Mid-Career Professionals?

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    If you’re in your 30s or beyond and thinking, “I’ve done everything I can in [insert industry here], and I’m ready for something new,” you’re not alone. This is a common inflection point. You’re not 24 and trying to “level up.” You’re looking to pivot, reinvent, or just get unstuck. And for many, the full-time…

  • Why MBA Career Goals Matter – Even If You’re Undecided

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    A question I hear all the time: Why do MBA applications make such a big deal about career goals? Isn’t the whole point of business school to figure that out? Yes. And adcoms know that. But here’s the nuance: they’re not expecting you to have your future locked in. They just want to know that…

  • Does age matter for MBA admissions?

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    Short answer: Yes. Long answer: It’s complicated — and also kind of strategic. Business schools will tell you they want diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and ages. Technically, that’s true. But behind the marketing, most top MBA programs are trending younger — deliberately. Let’s unpack why. Some of the reasons make sense. Others are about branding,…

  • What kinds of people get into HBS, Stanford and Wharton?

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    One of the most common questions I get: “What are my chances at Harvard, Stanford, or Wharton?” Or some version of: “What kind of people do they admit?” This “H/S/W” trifecta — Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, and Wharton — has become the holy grail for many MBA applicants. For some, it’s the brand dream.…

  • What Is the Next Hot Sector That MBA Graduates Are Coveting?

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    Every decade or so, one shiny new career path becomes the obsession of MBA students everywhere. It’s the job everyone wants, the sector that makes people whisper “oh wow” when they hear what you do. It’s not really about passion or purpose—it’s about glory, status, and the kind of compensation that makes your classmates jealous.…