Understanding the Key Differences Between MBA Books and an Expert MBA Consultant
A lot of times, in so many aspects of business, it’s not about “doing the thing.” It’s a combination of that, knowing what matters to the person receiving your efforts, and knowing how to better interact with the other people who you don’t think about immediately.
In the world of MBA admissions, you’re aiming for not just the grades, not just a great essay, not just ANY old recommendation letters. People are looking for specifics on those. Petia told me there are all kinds of “hidden” red flags that keep you in the “maybe” or rejected pool that people just don’t know until they’ve been there.
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Navigate the New GMAT Focus Edition for MBA Success
The changes to the GMAT exam, announced earlier this year, created waves of speculation and anxiety in MBA candidates. As if a change in the format itself wasn't enough, what's also changing is both the score scales AND the score scale distribution.
All of a sudden, you're being told your 730 GMAT, the same one that put you solidly near the average for just about any of the very top MBA programs, is now being equated to a mere 675.
Is this true? What do the changes really mean?
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The new shorter GRE: Should you prepare differently?
Earlier this year, ETS announced the launch of a new, shorter version of the GRE exam. The GRE general test now takes less than two hours to take! This makes the GRE General Test the shortest and most efficient test for business school admissions. What, if anything, should MBA candidates do differently to prepare for the new GRE? Find out the most important tips about your GRE test prep.
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2023-2024 MBA Admissions Insights and Strategies for Success
“Can we identify trends on Round 1 application volumes compared to the previous cycle?”
The questions started popping up in online forums before the Round 1 deadlines were in even in our rearview mirror!
You MBA hopefuls are a data-driven bunch!
You want to be in the know – especially about MBA application volumes and how they might impact your odds.
I get it! The MBA application process always includes hope intertwined with doubt: “How strong is my candidacy? Do I have a shot?”
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MBA Story Differentiation Dos and Don’ts
Creating an outstanding MBA story is an art of omission. What you leave out is just as important as what you leave in.
Your job is to NOT throw shovelfuls of details at the MBA AdCom reader.
Your job is to mercilessly remove the details that weigh your narrative down and only leave the ones that let the “so what?” of your story shine through.
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The Essential Steps for Creating Exceptional MBA Essays
A high stakes circus act. That’s what the execution of your MBA application can feel like sometimes. Before you dismiss this admittedly ridiculous metaphor, consider the similarities. As an MBA candidate, you will need to juggle multiple responsibilities, balance your strengths and weaknesses, and demonstrate adaptability and resilience.
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Unveiling the Evaluation Process: Decoding MBA Admissions
Have you ever wondered how MBA AdComs determine the competitiveness of candidates? In this article, we will delve into the evaluation process used by top MBA programs to identify promising applicants. By understanding what makes an MBA candidate stand out, you can navigate the MBA admissions journey with confidence. Let's lift the curtain and explore the intricacies of the MBA evaluation process together.
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MBA Admission Myths: Dispelling Misconceptions That Jeopardize Your MBA Application
As a former Dean of MBA Admissions with over 15 years of experience, I have seen many misconceptions about the MBA admissions process that can hinder your progress towards creating a strong MBA candidacy. Let's explore some of the most common misconceptions about the MBA admissions process and help you learn how to approach the process with a sense of curiosity, possibility, and authenticity.
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Essential MBA Candidacy Stories for Aspiring Students
Applying for your MBA can be a daunting and challenging task. MBA hopefuls often wonder how they can stand out from the competition. While statistics, such as GMAT or GRE scores, GPA, and years of work experience are necessary for admission, they are only the first hurdle. In this article, we will explore the four essential narratives of leadership, accomplishment, challenge, and growth and how they can help you craft compelling MBA application stories.
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Engage, Lead, and Succeed: The Importance of Extracurriculars in Your MBA Journey
Extracurricular activities may end up being the perfect way to showcase your leadership, teamwork, and time management skills in your MBA application. What you do with your free time can make all the difference and might just nudge you from a good applicant to a “must admit”.
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Key Insights for MBA Candidates
You might think that your GMAT or GRE test score is the ultimate determining factor for MBA admissions. But what if I told you that the real secret to success lies in understanding the MBA application process? And what if we threw in some data-driven insights to spice things up?
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Don't get caught up in the GMAT Focus Edition noise
As an MBA candidate, you need to know how the GMAT Focus Edition will affect your candidacy. Will the new GMAT format be easier? Should you wait until the GMAT Focus Edition becomes available? Here’s how to think of the change in the GMAT exam as it affects your MBA candidacy.
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The weight of the MBA application components
Understand the weight of your GMAT or GRE in the MBA admissions process. Learn why the resume is so important and how all MBA application components in the MBA admissions process are evaluated. Discover more about the holistic nature of the MBA admissions process.
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The biggest mistake MBA candidates make about "fit" - and how to avoid it
The biggest mistake I see MBA candidates make again and again is misunderstanding the concept of “fit” between their candidacy and their dream MBA program.
An astonishing number of candidates fail to properly research and engage with the programs they are applying to. They miss the opportunity to understand how the MBA adcoms at these programs think of “fit”. And falling short in demonstrating fit in your MBA application is one of the biggest reasons candidates fail.
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The ultimate guide to the GPA in the MBA admissions process
Should I worry about my undergraduate GPA? How do I build an alternative transcript? How are international GPAs converted in MBA admissions?
The GPA and the ways to overcome a weak one when you are applying to top MBA programs are among the challenges MBA candidates most frequently need help with. Let’s dive into the ways in which you can make up for a below average undergraduate GPA and how to show the academic readiness MBA programs look for.
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The optional MBA essay – and how to best opt in
How could I use the optional MBA essay to strengthen my candidacy? This is the smart question successful MBA candidates ask themselves. This framework will help you decide when and how to opt into the optional MBA essay to enhance your profile.
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You made an error in your MBA application – and only realized after you hit “submit”. Now what?
It’s the stuff nightmares are made of for any MBA hopeful. After months of hard work, you have submitted your MBA application. Then you suddenly realize there is an error in it. What do you do?
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The 7 essentials of a successful MBA application strategy
If there is a magic ingredient to how a compelling MBA application is built, it lies in a candidate’s ability to balance the essential components of an MBA application and weave them into an overarching story, infused with passion and purpose.
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Rules of engagement – how to interact with business schools the right way
MBA candidates frequently ask how important school engagement is for getting admitted. Too often they approach it as just another checkbox. School engagement is an important part of the MBA application process but not simply to guarantee you have covered the minimum requirements for demonstrating school interest.
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Crafting a Compelling MBA Story
You often hear how you need to have “an MBA story”, how your MBA story is the most critical component of your candidacy, much more important than your statistics. Learn what this concept means and how to develop that story for yourself.
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