Author: mbaapply
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How Cultural Differences Can Impact MBA Admissions
I don’t often write articles aimed at specific cultural groups. That’s because MBA admissions criteria tend to transcend nationality or profession. Regardless of where you’re from, you’re expected to demonstrate three core things: But after reading thousands of applications—and watching how Indian and other Asian applicants often stumble despite excellent test scores and solid work…
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What MBAs Can Learn from Wall Street’s Collapse of Empathy
A version of this article first appeared in BusinessWeek. When the financial crisis hit, the fury wasn’t just about subprime loans or executive bonuses. It was about tone-deafness. A total inability—or unwillingness—to understand why the public was enraged. That lack of self-awareness wasn’t limited to a few bad actors. It was systemic. And for MBA…
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How to Prepare for Your MBA Interview (Hint: It’s Not Just in Your Head)
Now that some of you are starting to get interview invites, one of the most common questions I get is: “How do I best prepare for my MBA interview?” Here’s the short answer: Talk. Out loud. A lot. It sounds almost too simple. But the best interview prep is vocal, not mental. It’s a physical…
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Should MBAs Take an Ethics Oath? Here’s Why It’s More Than Symbolic
A few years ago, Harvard Business School students made headlines for something unexpected: They took an ethics oath—a public pledge to lead with integrity and act in good faith. It made waves. The Huffington Post ran with it. NPR interviewed a few students. Even Michael Lewis dropped a reference during a CNN appearance. On the…
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Business as a Service Profession: Why the MBA Ethos Needs a Rethink
I normally don’t post rants, but this one has been a long time coming. And it stems from something I think many of us in the MBA and business world avoid talking about: The absence of service in MBA culture. Let me explain. The Moment That Sparked This Post Someone once reached out asking if…
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Why MBA Programs Care About Diversity (and What It Means for You)
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,…
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What is good writing (at least for MBA applications)?
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…
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How Much Does Brand Really Matter in an MBA?
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…
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What Can We Learn About the Job Market from Previous Downturns?
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…
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How to Prepare for an MBA After College (Without Selling Your Soul)
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…