Every fall, the same thing happens: the new GMAC Application Trends Survey drops, and the headlines start flying. Applications are down! Asia is booming! The MBA is dead! The MBA is back!

But beyond the noise, the data tells a more grounded story. Applications to graduate business programs rose again in 2025—up 7% after last year’s surge—but growth wasn’t evenly spread. Full-time, two-year MBAs are doing well, selective schools are getting even more competitive, and international enrollment patterns are shifting under visa pressure.

Here’s my analysis of what’s really driving these trends—and what it means if you’re applying in the 2025–2026 MBA cycle.

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How you use AI in your MBA application matters. Let’s unpack the biggest mistakes and the smart way to use tools like ChatGPT without losing your voice.

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Wharton may be known for finance, but its MBA community is far more diverse, in background, ambition, and impact. This guide breaks down what Wharton truly looks for in MBA applicants, how to approach its essays with clarity and depth, and how to show you’ll thrive in its collaborative, high-performance environment.

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Skeptical about MBA consultants? You’re not alone. This post unpacks who actually works with MBA admissions consultants, why they do it, and how to choose between hourly and comprehensive MBA application support.

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Before they read your essays, MBA AdComs review your resume. What are they scanning for in those first 60 seconds? Find out here.

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If you're seriously considering applying to HBS, what you really need isn’t another factsheet or brochure recap. And it definitely isn’t yet another article that promises to be the ultimate guide but only scratches the surface before it starts selling you a comprehensive package.

This guide walks you through what actually moves the needle at HBS — and what that means for you as an applicant.

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Not all MBA admissions consultants are created equal. Learn how to spot real admissions expertise, avoid common traps, and invest in guidance that truly moves the needle.

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Being waitlisted for an MBA can feel like a waiting game, but there’s a strategy behind when and how schools make decisions. Understanding the timeline—and knowing what steps you can take—can make all the difference. In this post, I break it all down. If you’re on the waitlist, you’re still in the game. Here’s how to play it smart.

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Round 3 MBA deadlines are looming, but is applying now a smart move—or a risky gamble? By this stage, most top programs have filled their seats, and competition is fiercer than ever. In this post, we break down who should apply, who’s better off waiting, and the key questions to ask before making your move.

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The Stanford MBA program is among the best in the world. Learn what it takes to succeed with our step-by-step guide.

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Learn what top MBA programs look for in applicants, including academic background, leadership experience, and personal qualities that stand out.

 

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Discover the fine line between impressing and turning off in MBA applications. Learn how to craft compelling essays that resonate with admissions committees by balancing authenticity and impact. Avoid common pitfalls like over-dramatization and inauthentic storytelling.

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Often, MBA candidates overlook or misunderstand the importance of the LORs in the MBA Admissions process. It can be a costly mistake. The LORs serve as a tool to validate all the claims you make about yourself in your resume, essays, and overall MBA application. They also provide additional color and context for your accomplishments.

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Gain valuable insights from the 2024 AIGAC Conference on the latest trends and strategies for MBA admissions. Discover how to navigate AI tools, understand changes in MBA essays, choose the right GMAT format, and craft compelling career goals to boost your candidacy in the competitive 2024-2025 admissions cycle. Learn from top MBA program directors and stay ahead in your application journey with expert advice.

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Discover the real importance of GMAT and GRE scores for top MBA programs like Harvard and Stanford. Learn how over-focusing on test scores might backfire and what truly matters in your application.

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Why do so many MBA candidates with impressive statistics miss the mark and get denied by Harvard Business School and Stanford?

I want to share with you something that I see MBA candidates do wrong again and again. And I want to give you a tool to help you avoid making this same mistake.

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In the current reality, marked by relentless change, with a job market that in the last year has shifted to present massive hurdles for new graduates, does the MBA degree still retain its value and relevance?

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Creating a standout MBA resume that quickly and effectively presents your candidacy to the MBA AdComs readers is imperative for MBA application success. Adopt a powerful strategic shift: not simply showcasing your accomplishments but highlighting your strategic contributions to your organization's overarching goals.

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Explore 2024 MBA admissions trends and insights: Decreased applications at top schools, increased median GMAT scores, and the value of leadership in your application. Stay ahead in a competitive landscape with expert strategies for success.

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Can Round 3 be a viable option for you when applying to a top MBA program? 

Explore the realities of Round 3 MBA admissions with insights from a former Dean of MBA Admissions. Learn about the lower acceptance rates and the types of candidates who typically succeed. Discover strategies to overcome perceptions of hasty decisions and the challenges of weak academic or professional profiles.

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