Clear Admit MBA Admissions Podcast

Latest Episodes:

MBA Wire Taps 340—First gen, from Mexico. Auditor, seeking test waiver. Anderson vs Tepper Feb 26, 2024

Show notes

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began with our usual rundown of the latest MBA application deadlines and interview releases. Interview invites continue for many top MBA programs. We predicted that MIT / Sloan will have released their interview invites towards the end of last week; Sloan is the last leading MBA program to release interview invites in batch form.

On Wednesday, this week, Clear Admit continues its event series for Masters in Management programs, signups are here: https://bit.ly/camimfeb The following Wednesday, March 6, Clear Admit will be hosting an AMA with NYU / Stern, signups are here: https://canyuama

Financial Times released its MBA rankings for top MBA programs from all around the world. UPenn / Wharton took the top spot, INSEAD was ranked number two. Missing from the top-10 were Harvard and Stanford, which really harms the credibility of the resource.

Graham highlighted a recently published admissions tip focused on couples who are applying to MBA programs, together. This allowed us to reminisce on an old podcast episode where we featured a couple who came on the show, live.

Graham then highlighted three Real Numbers posts from Clear Admit, which focused on the percentages of minorities, women and international students at top MBA programs. Graham then mentioned two Real Humans pieces, focused on students from Columbia and HEC.

We then discussed the recently published employment reports for Columbia and London Business School. Columbia’s Class of 2023 employment report showed a slight weakening in the percent of MBA candidates with jobs, three months after graduating. LBS’s career outcomes report for the MBA class of 2023 is closely aligned with INSEAD’s, reflecting the slightly lower average starting salaries compared to their U.S. peer schools.

For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry.

This week’s first MBA admissions candidate has a very interesting 'lived experience' and has come very far as a first generation Hispanic candidate. Their academic profile is superb and they have a 740 GMAT score. We think they should be targeting the very best programs.

This week’s second MBA candidate has a very decent profile, as an auditor with a strong academic profile. They are of Asian descent. We worry that they want to waive the GMAT test, and this may harm their overall opportunities for access to their best MBA program.

The final MBA candidate for this week has offers from UCLA / Anderson, with money, Berkeley / Haas, no money, and CMU / Tepper with money. Initially they wanted to do their MBA program in Los Angeles. Now they are debating between Anderson and Tepper.

This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who’ve been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

MBA Wire Taps 339—Wharton’s Team-based discussion Interview Feb 19, 2024

Show notes

In this special MBA Admissions Wire Taps episode, we focused our entire conversation on Wharton’s team-based discussion interview (Wharton TBD). Wharton released it’s interview invites for Round 2 last week, so we thought it would be appropriate to share our deep understanding of this unique interview process.

We discuss the history of the team-based discussion interview, as well as why Wharton has adopted this methodology; it is an attempt to mimic the learning-team experience at Wharton. We highlight some issues with that thinking.

We also discuss the topic of this season’s team-based discussion interview, and then detail approaches in order for candidates to be most effective in the interview. We then walk through best practices for the brief one-on-one interview that occurs after the team-based interview is complete.

Our hope is that this episode provides invaluable and timely advice to those interviewing at Wharton, as well as those curious about the school's unique process - or team dynamics in general. Best of luck!

MBA Wire Taps 338—Army captain, 323 GRE. Indonesian transportation buff. Wharton vs Haas and Scholarship Feb 12, 2024

Show notes

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we kicked things off with a discussion around the fact that we are now starting to see more interview invites for Round 2 candidates, specifically for programs like Columbia, Michigan / Ross, London Business School, Harvard, Chicago / Booth, Yale SOM, Dartmouth / Tuck, UVA / Darden and Northwestern / Kellogg. This upcoming week, UPenn / Wharton will release its Round 2 interview invites.

On Wednesday, this week, Clear Admit is hosting an event for deferred admissions candidates, signups are here: https://bit.ly/defeb24 On February 21, Clear Admit begins its event series for Masters in Management programs, featuring several top programs. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/camimfeb On March 6, Clear Admit will be hosting an AMA with NYU / Stern, signups are here: https://canyuama

U.S. News released its ranking of online MBA programs. Indiana / Kelley continues to top the list. Michigan / Ross is notably absent from the list, again. Graham then discussed the stars system we have for Clear Admit community members who post comments and like comments on the Clear Admit wires. We are now offering Amazon gift cards to the biggest contributors!

Graham highlighted a recently published admissions tip focused on the seven hardest MBA interview questions. Graham also noted the publication of our Real Numbers series, which last week focused on MBA class sizes and the costs of US MBA programs. He then highlighted a Fridays from the Frontlines piece, which focused on the African American Union at Harvard Business School.

For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry.

This week’s first MBA admissions candidate was enlisted in the military and exited as a Captain before joining a government agency in the software engineering domain, they are applying next season. They have a strong GPA, as well as a very decent masters degree. We wonder if their 323 GRE score is their best score, or should they retake the test.

This week’s second MBA candidate is also applying next season, and has yet to take the GMAT. They appear to have a very interesting professional background, with a strong focus in the transportation sector in Indonesia. Their long term goal is to return to Indonesia and return to the transportation sector.

The final MBA candidate for this week has several offers from top MBA programs, with many including significant scholarship offers. They are weighing whether Wharton is worth the risk, with no money, versus Haas, with a large scholarship. Their principle goal is VC in Los Angeles.

Episode 337: Leadership Education at Georgetown McDonough Feb 08, 2024

Show notes

Take a deep dive into leadership education. Host Graham Richmond welcomes special guests from Georgetown McDonough, Professor Evelyn Williams and Matt Gallo (MBA '21), who share their experiences and perspectives on leadership development in business education. Tune in to explore the leadership training at Georgetown McDonough, including the "Leadership Communications" course, the transformative Executive Challenge, the invaluable contributions of Leadership Fellows and more.

MBA Wire Taps 336—Army JAG, 740 GMAT. Classical Music buff. Stern vs Kenan Flagler and Scholarship Feb 05, 2024

Show notes

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing interview invite news out of Harvard and Duke. As we get further into the R2 cycle, we are now starting to see more invites for candidates, specifically for aforementioned programs like Harvard and Duke, but also for the likes of Chicago / Booth, Yale SOM, Dartmouth / Tuck, UVA / Darden and Northwestern / Kellogg. This upcoming week, London Business School will release its Round 2 interview invites.

Clear Admit is hosting is its monthly Clear Admit+ webinar later today, Monday, February 5. Alex and Graham will take all questions related to MBA admissions. A big focus of the event will be on MBA interview preparation. On Wednesday, February 7 (and again February 14), Clear Admit is hosting events for deferred admissions candidates, with several leading MBA programs; signups are here: https://bit.y/defeb24 On Thursday, February 8, Clear Admit is hosting an AMA with UC / Irvine. More details on our website.

Graham highlighted Real Humans pieces for Maryland / Smith and ESCP that were recently published on Clear Admit. We then discussed a Fridays from the Frontline feature on a student at Duke / Fuqua, who is pivoting from digital marketing to brand management.

Because we have moved into interview season, we are seeing more interview tips being published on Clear Admit; last week the focus was on interview etiquette. Graham then highlighted a recently recorded podcast episode with Georgetown / McDonough that focused on leadership...stay tuned for details!

For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry:

This week’s first MBA admissions candidate is an army veteran, with a legal background. They have really good numbers, too. Because they have worked for 10 years, we think they need to focus on fit, as well as articulate a firmer long-term goal.

This week’s second MBA candidate has a really interesting background in the performing arts. Their numbers are very decent, although the quant section of their GRE might raise a concern. Doing some additional course work, like GMAC’s Business Fundamentals, might well serve them well.

The final MBA candidate for this week has offers from NYU / Stern and UNC Kenan Flagler with a considerable scholarship at the latter. Because of their personal circumstances, we think that Kenan Flagler may be the better option, but it's clearly a tough call.

MBA Wire Taps 335—3.66 GPA, test waiver. Military candidate, 750 GMAT. Booth vs Stern full-ride. Jan 29, 2024

Show notes

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the MBA application deadlines and interview releasesfor Round 2. We are now starting to see a few interview invites for Round 2 candidates, specifically for programs like Chicago / Booth, Yale SOM, Dartmouth / Tuck, UVA / Darden and Northwestern / Kellogg. This upcoming week, Duke / Fuqua and Harvard Business School will release their Round 2 interview invites.

Clear Admit is hosting is next Clear Admit+ virtual event on Monday, February 5. Alex and Graham will lead this event, and will take all questions related to MBA admissions. A big focus will be on MBA interview preparation. Graham also briefly mentioned upcoming events in February for Deferred Admissions candidates and Masters in Management candidates.

Graham highlighted a Real Humans piece for Harvard, recently published on Clear Admit. This included a discussion about the academic profiles of incoming students at Harvard. We then discussed employment reports from INSEAD and Texas / McCombs. What is striking is the gap in average starting salaries for top MBA programs based in the United States and their counterparts in Europe. This led to a discussion about how firms offer different salaries based on different geographies.

For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry.

This week’s first MBA admissions candidate has applied to 12 programs, via The Consortium. They have a very good GPA (3.66) but they have waived the GMAT. Because they are seeking scholarship offers from the programs they are targeting, we suggest they still try to take the GMAT or GRE.

This week’s second MBA candidate is planning to apply next season, and has a strong profile from the military. They also have a good GPA from one of the Service Academies, as well as a great GMAT of 750. We think they will be a very strong candidate, but we provided some thoughts on their post MBA plans.

The final MBA candidate for this week has offers from Chicago / Booth, Columbia Business School, and NYU Stern. Their offer from Stern is a full-ride, which makes their decision very difficult. They would like to go into venture capital, but that may be a tough industry to break into, wherever they attend.

This episode was recorded in Philadelphia, USA and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in glorious West Philadelphia. Thanks to all of you who’ve been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

MBA Wire Taps 334—Vietnamese teacher. Finance candidate, lack of goals. Boston or bust. Jan 22, 2024

Show notes

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the latest news from Round 2 MBA applications. We are now starting to see a few interview invites, specifically for programs like Yale SOM, Dartmouth / Tuck, UVA / Darden and Northwestern / Kellogg. DecisionWire also remains popular, as Round 1 MBA candidates start making decisions as to which MBA program they will enroll.

Clear Admit is hosting a Real Humans admissions event, scheduled for this Wednesday, January 24 at 8 pm ET. This event will bring together students from a variety of top MBA programs, including Dartmouth / Tuck, NYU / Stern, Georgetown / McDonough and Washington / Foster, ready to answer questions from MBA aspirants. Signups for this event are here: https://bit.ly/carealhumans

Graham highlighted an Adcom Q&A for NYU / Stern’s one year program in Abu Dhabi, as well as a recently published Real Human’s story that focused on six students at Manchester / Alliance.

Graham then highlighted a story on Dartmouth / Tuck, which focuses on three MBA alumni who work in Investment Banking.

For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry.

This week’s first MBA admissions candidate is a female from Vietnam who has worked in a non-traditional field. She also has very strong stats, and we like her overall profile. We think she should be targeting some additional programs from higher tiers.

This week’s second MBA candidate is from India, but was educated in the United States at the undergraduate level, and then received a Masters from the U.K. They’ve worked in the risk area of finance for two years. We worry that their post MBA goals could be better developed, we also would like to see more additional interests, outside of work.

The final MBA candidate for this week has several MBA offers, and wants to remain in Boston, after her MBA, while pivoting into Marketing. She also has a young family. Should she explore her options with programs from a higher MBA tier, or remain in Boston for her MBA? This was the question we discussed.

MBA Wire Taps 333—710 GMAT, is it enough? ORM, does it matter? Is Harvard always best? Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by noting that the Round 2 admissions process continues with a few key deadlines remaining at MIT / Sloan, NYU / Stern, and INSEAD and many applicants who applied to programs with early-January deadlines turning their attention towards admissions interviews. DecisionWire also remains popular, as Round 1 MBA candidates start making decisions as to which MBA program they will enroll.

Clear Admit is hosting a Real Humans admissions event, scheduled for January 24. This event will bring together students from a variety of top MBA programs, including Dartmouth / Tuck, NYU / Stern, Georgetown / McDonough and Washington / Foster, ready to answer questions from MBA aspirants. Signups for this event are here: https://bit.ly/carealhumans

Graham highlighted two recently published admissions tips which focus on application data forms, and resume versus application-based interviews; we are now moving to the interview preparation phase of Round 2.

Graham also mentioned two Real Humans pieces that were recently published, covering students from MIT / Sloan and CEIBS.

We then discussed the recently released Employment Report for the Chicago / Booth Class of 2023. With an average starting salary of $180,000, their report looks very robust. Interestingly, they saw a slight uptick in placements on the west coast, and in tech.

For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry:

This week’s first MBA admissions candidate is from South East Asia, and works in consulting. Their GMAT is 710, and this appears to be the weakest aspect of their overall profile. We really like their work experience and their extra-curricular activities, as well as the fact that they completed their undergraduate degree in the US.

This week’s second MBA candidate is a first-generation immigrant to the United States. They pursued a double major in Engineering, and their GPA is a 3.22. They were also quite busy in outside activities during their undergraduate studies. They have a GMAT of 720, so their numbers combination is not outstanding. They also appear to have interesting work experience, with a focus on entrepreneurship.

The final MBA candidate for this week has some terrific options to consider, which include Harvard, Northwestern / Kellogg and Michigan / Ross. Some financial awards also make the options to consider less clear cut.

MBA Wire Taps 332—Overcoming a super low GPA? Chemical engineer, to strategy. Columbia vs Kellogg Jan 08, 2024

Show notes

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the flurry of Round 2 MBA application deadlines that dominate the beginning of January. This upcoming week, we see several top business schools have their deadlines. DecisionWire also remains popular, as Round 1 MBA candidates start making decisions as to which MBA program they will enroll.

On Tuesday at 12 pm ET, Clear Admit is hosting an event with CMU / Tepper, which focuses on its Data Analytics masters program. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/cmuanalytics Clear Admit is also hosting a Real Humans admissions event, scheduled for January 24 at 7 pm ET. This event will bring together students from a variety of top MBA programs, including NYU / Stern, Georgetown / McDonough and Washington / Foster, ready to answer questions from MBA aspirants. Signups for this event are here: https://bit.ly/carealhumans

Graham highlighted two recently published admissions tips which focus on two key aspects related to finalizing the MBA admissions essays: word counts and essay polishing. One question that is becoming more obvious: how can we best use Generative AI in the essay writing and editing process?

Graham then highlighted two Real Humans pieces that were recently published on Clear Admit, covering students from Yale SOM and Berkeley / Haas.

For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry:

This week’s first MBA admissions candidate has a very solid GMAT score of 730, but their GPA is a very troubling 2.5. They suffered from mental health issues during their undergraduate experience. Their long term goals are in the mental health space. They will need to address concerns surrounding the GPA in the optional essay; we think they really also need to take some additional coursework.

This week’s second MBA candidate has a very decent 720 GMAT score, and has a chemical engineering undergraduate degree, with a 3.67 GPA from their graduating University. We think there’s a lot to like about this profile, but nothing that absolutely stands out. They might want to consider also exploring 1-2 more top 16 tier MBA programs.

The final MBA candidate for this week is deciding between Columbia and Northwestern / Kellogg, while also applying to UPenn / Wharton and MIT / Sloan in Round 2. . They want to be on the east coast, after their MBA, with a focus on healthcare and pharma.

Episode 331: Exploring the Fundamentals of Leadership Development Jan 05, 2024

Show notes

Dr. Mike Christian joins the MBA Admissions Podcast to discuss leadership development. His distinguished research informs this interview about whether leadership can be taught, the skills that employers seek, and what MBA applicants can consider to showcase their leadership. He also touches on the evolving significance of leadership in a world dominated by big data and artificial intelligence, and more. Dr. Christian is the Director of Academic Leadership and Chair for the Organizational Behavior Area at UNC Kenan-Flagler.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Clear Admit MBA Admissions Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected