Clear Admit MBA Admissions Podcast

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MBA Wire Taps 450: From the Railroads to CPG, Chemical Engineering to Finance. Top candidate, fuzzy goals. Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season. Last week, Harvard released all its Round 1 interview invites. This week, UNC / Kenan Flagler and Georgia / Terry have Round 1 application deadlines. Cambridge / Judge and SMU / Cox have Round 2 application deadlines, and London Business School and IESE are scheduled to release their Round 1 interview invites.

Graham highlighted several upcoming events being hosted by Clear Admit in October, including a Real Humans series and a series focused on MBA programs in different regions of the United States. Signups for all these events are here, https://www.clearadmit.com/events Graham also highlighted our next livestream AMA, scheduled for Tuesday, October 28; here’s the link to Clear Admit’s YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/cayoutubelive.

Graham noted two recently published MBA admissions articles. The first focuses on the ongoing topic of H-1B visas, and the second summarizes all the top MBA programs' in-person events for October. Graham also highlighted two admissions tips that focus on the key interview questions all MBA candidates should be ready for, and a best practice for preparing (hint: don't script your responses!).

Finally, Graham highlighted a Real Humans piece that focuses on MBA students in Wharton's Class of 2027.

For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries:

This week’s first MBA admissions candidate is trying to use the MBA to transition from a transportation-related role to a career in consumer-packaged goods. They also want to switch geographies within the U.S.

This week’s second MBA applicant is a chemical engineering graduate who now works in Wealth Management. We worry their 655 GMAT does not fully represent their aptitude.

The final MBA candidate has a very strong profile, overall, but their post MBA goals need more development.

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 449: 331 GRE, Tokyo goal. 2.76 GPA, can it be overcome. 335 GRE from Pakistan. Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season. This week, MIT / Sloan, Duke / Fuqua, CMU / Tepper, UVA / Darden, UCLA / Anderson, Emory / Goizueta, Georgetown / McDonough, Washington / Foster, Vanderbilt / Owen, Georgia Tech / Scheller, Maryland / Smith and Minnesota / Carlson have Round 1 application deadlines. Oxford / Said has its Stage 2 application deadline.

Graham highlighted several upcoming events being hosted by Clear Admit in the upcoming months, including a Real Humans series, a deferred admissions series and a series focused on MBA programs in different regions of the United States. Graham also highlighted our next livestream AMA, scheduled for Tuesday, October 28; here’s the link to Clear Admit’s YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/cayoutubelive.

Graham noted that two new business-related academic programs were announced last week: Wharton’s MS in Quantitative Finance and Georgetown’s MS in Business Analytics. Graham then noted two recently published admissions tips, focused on MBA interview etiquette and the role of letters of support.

Graham discussed the recently published Real Humans series focused on NYU / Stern. This led to a brief discussion on GMAT preparation. We then discussed the Class of 2027 admissions profile from Wharton, within the context of class profiles from Anderson and Johnson.

For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries.

This week’s first MBA admissions candidate has a strong international focus and can speak several languages. They have a super GRE score of 331.

This week’s second MBA candidate is a West Point graduate with a 2.76 GPA. We discussed potentials for mitigation, which might include retaking the GRE. They currently have a 321 GRE score.

The final MBA candidate is from Pakistan and has a terrific GRE score of 335. They are working in energy sector consulting and looking to switch to a more health-care focused career.

MBA Wire Taps 448: Naval Academy graduate. Mexico to Canada, or Tuck. Fourteen-month break. Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the upcoming MBA admissions season. This week, Dartmouth / Tuck, IESE and Imperial Business School have their Round 1 application deadlines; Duke / Fuqua is scheduled to release its interview invites for its Early Action Round.

Graham noted that our second livestream AMA is scheduled for this Tuesday on YouTube; here’s the link to Clear Admit’s YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/cayoutubelive. Graham then highlighted the ongoing September series of admissions events. The third session is on Wednesday, and includes Berkeley / Haas, INSEAD, London Business School, Michigan / Ross and UNC / Kenan / Flagler. Signups for this series are here: https://bit.ly/cainsidemba

We then had a detailed discussion on the recently released 2025-26 MBA rankings from LinkedIn and Bloomberg / Business Week.

Graham noted two recently published MBA admissions-related tips that focus on completing the business school application data forms, and whether it is advisable to skip the GMAT or GRE and seek a test waiver. We continued our series of profiling star MBA professors. This week we feature two professors from Columbia Business School and Northwestern / Kellogg. We then discussed our first student-focused Real Humans for this season, from UNC / Kenan Flagler.

Finally, we had our first class profile to review, from the Duke / Fuqua Class of 2027.

For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries:

This week’s first MBA admissions candidate graduated from the Naval Academy and was a division 1 athlete. They appear to have a very decent career in the navy. Unfortunately, they have a low GPA and a modest GRE score.

This week’s second MBA candidate is from Mexico and targeting Dartmouth / Tuck and several Canada-based programs. They are a chemical engineer graduate with several years of business experience.

The final MBA candidate has recently had a fourteen-month break from work. They also want to waive the GMAT. They do appear to have strong prior experience and academics, but we caution against the waiver.

MBA Wire Taps 447: Software engineer to PM. Engineering to real estate investing. From India, space career. Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the upcoming new MBA admissions season. This week, NYU / Stern, Chicago / Booth, INSEAD and Cornell / Johnson have their Round 1 application deadlines.

Graham highlighted the ongoing September series of admissions events, where Clear Admit hosts the majority of the top MBA programs to discuss Round 2 application strategy. The second session is on Wednesday, and includes Chicago / Booth, Columbia, Texas / McCombs, Toronto / Rotman and Yale SOM. Signups for this series are here: https://bit.ly/cainsidemba Our second livestream AMA is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23rd on YouTube; here’s the link to Clear Admit’s YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/cayoutubelive.

Graham then noted a recently published MBA admissions-related tip that focuses on polishing your business school application essays. He also reminded listeners about the 25 videos in our free Admissions Academy video series, of which five videos are exclusively about the essay writing process. We also continue our series of Adcom Q&As; this week we hear from IMD's Francesco Farné.

For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries:

This week’s first MBA admissions candidate works for Microsoft as a software engineer. They want to switch into product management.

This week’s second MBA candidate has already completed one major career pivot from engineering and sales to real estate investing. They want to use the MBA to explore the latter, further.

The final MBA candidate is from India, has a 755 GMAT score and works for the space agency. They also have quite significant activities outside of work.

MBA Wire Taps 446: 655 GMAT, Indian. Masters in International Relations. 337 GRE, Military Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the upcoming new MBA admissions season. This week, Michigan / Ross, Stanford, Northwestern / Kellogg, Yale SOM, Toronto / Rotman and Berkeley / Haas have their round 1 deadlines. Georgetown / McDonough and John’s Hopkins / Carey have their Early Action round deadlines.

Graham highlighted the upcoming September series of admissions events, where Clear Admit will host the majority of the top MBA programs to discuss Round 2 application strategy. The first session is on Wednesday, and includes Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua, Georgia Tech / Scheller, UPenn / Wharton and UVA / Darden. Signups for this series are here: https://bit.ly/cainsidemba Our second livestream AMA is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23rd on YouTube; here’s the link to Clear Admit’s YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/cayoutubelive.

Graham then noted two admissions-related tips. The first focuses on all the in-person events that the top MBA programs are conducting in the month of September, the second focuses on the increasingly popular video essays.

We continue our new series profiling some of the leading MBA faculty at the top MBA programs. For this week, we have profiles on two faculty from Chicago / Booth.

We also continue our series of Adcom Q&As; this week we hear from Vanderbilt / Owen and Indiana / Kelley.

For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries:

This week’s first MBA admissions candidate is from India with a 655 GMAT score. While the remainder of their profile looks very decent, we wonder if they can increase their GMAT score.

This week’s second MBA candidate is targeting Round 2 and has not yet completed the GRE test. They also have an International Relations masters degree.

The final MBA candidate has a 337 GRE score. They began their career in the private sector then enlisted in the military.

MBA Wire Taps 445: 685 GMAT, South Korea. Take or waive the GMAT. 330 GRE, Product Manager. Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the upcoming new MBA admissions season. This week, Duke / Fuqua, UVA / Darden and Notre Dame / Mendoza have their Early Action deadlines. Harvard, UPenn / Wharton, Columbia and London Business School have their round 1 deadlines, and Oxford / Said has its Stage 1 deadline.

Graham then noted two stories covered on Clear Admit this week. The first looks at the ever-evolving picture of DEI in MBA admissions. The second focuses on a new climate-related program from Duke / Fuqua. Graham also highlighted three MBA admissions tips. The first focuses on the constraints of word and character counts, the second focuses on the optional essay, and the third tip focuses on the importance of avoiding the “comparison trap”.

We continue our new series that Clear Admit is publishing this season, which focuses on profiling some of the leading MBA faculty at the top MBA programs. For this week, we have profiles on two faculty from Stanford GSB.

We continue our series of Adcom Q&As; this week we hear from Berkeley / Haas and IESE.

For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries:

This week’s first MBA admissions candidate is from South Korea, with an undergraduate degree from the London School of Economics. They have a 685 GMAT score and several years of work experience.

This week’s second MBA candidate is debating on whether to take the GMAT or try to waive the GMAT.

The final MBA candidate is a tech product manager, based in New York. They have a 330 GRE.

This episode was recorded in Philadelphia, USA 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 444: Low GPA, from India. 740 GMAT, first generation. 332 GRE, from Nigeria Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the upcoming new MBA admissions season. Cambridge / Judge leads the way with its first-round deadline next week! Graham and Alex plan to host monthly AMA-style webinars, as this new admissions season gets underway. The first is scheduled for this Tuesday, on YouTube; here’s the link to Clear Admit’s YouTube channel so you can subscribe and not miss any of the streaming: https://bit.ly/cayoutubelive.

Graham also highlighted the upcoming September series of admissions events, where Clear Admit will host the majority of the top MBA programs to discuss Round 2 application strategy. Signups for this series are here: https://bit.ly/cainsidemba

Graham then noted four admissions tips, which focus on areas of key importance for those targeting the first rounds. These include how to engage with representatives of the top MBA programs, the students, alumni and faculty, and how to show that you have done the research for each of your target programs. We also cover the differences in applying in Round 1 and 2, as well as the importance of understanding who reads your business school applications. We also covered a common myth - the higher the rank of the program, the better the fit for all candidates.

Graham also highlighted the new series that Clear Admit is publishing this season, which focuses on profiling some of the leading MBA faculty at the top MBA programs. For this week, we have profiles on two faculty from Harvard Business School and from MIT / Sloan.

We continue our series of Adcom Q&As; this week we hear from Dartmouth / Tuck, Cornell / Johnson and Northwestern / Kellogg.

For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries:

This week’s first MBA admissions candidate is from India and has a modest undergraduate GPA, with a positive trend. They have not yet taken the GMAT.

This week’s second MBA candidate has a 740 GMAT, and is from rural India. Scholarships are a key concern from them.

The final MBA candidate is from Nigeria and has a GRE score of 332. They have some NGO experience and now work as a chartered accountant. They are targeting a nice spread of MBA programs.

This episode was recorded in Anse Saint-Jean, Quebec 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 443: Wealth Management to VC. Mechanical Engineer, from India. 625 GMAT, retaking Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing upcoming webinars that Clear Admit is hosting. Graham and Alex will be hosting an AMA-style webinar on August 26th via YouTube, as the new admissions season gets underway! Here’s the link to follow us on YouTube and join the livestream: https://bit.ly/cayoutubelive. Graham also highlighted the upcoming September series of admissions events, where Clear Admit will host the majority of the top MBA programs to discuss Round 2 application strategy. Signups for this series are here: https://bit.ly/cainsidemba

Graham then noted an admissions tip which provides general guidance for MBA application essay writing. This also includes a section on how to use AI in helping to craft those essays. Graham also highlighted a new series that Clear Admit is publishing this season, which focuses on profiling some of the leading MBA faculty at the top business schools. For this week, we have profiles on two Wharton faculty.

We continue our series of Adcom Q&As; this week we hear from Texas / McCombs and Michigan / Ross.

For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries:

This week’s first MBA admissions candidate has an interesting European background and now works in Wealth Management in Switzerland. They want to move into venture capital, in the United States.

This week’s second MBA candidate is a mechanical engineer from India. They have a 740 GMAT and 8.35 GPA.

The final MBA candidate works in London, and while they have a very good undergraduate record, their GMAT is currently 625. They do plan to retake the test before applying.

MBA Wire Taps 442: Comedy to MBA, Data scientist to MBA. 331 GRE, 2.75 GPA. Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing a couple of webinars that are in the works. Graham and Alex will host an AMA-style webinar, as the new admissions season gets underway on August 26. More details to follow, but it will be livestreamed on YouTube! Graham also highlighted the September series of admissions events, where Clear Admit will host the majority of the top MBA programs to discuss Round 2 application strategy. Sign ups for this series are here: https://bit.ly/cainsidemba

Graham then noted a few new publications on the Clear Admit site. We have a post that covers all the top MBA programs’ in-person admissions event activities for the month of August. We also cover all the early and Round 1 application deadlines for the top MBA programs in a useful guide, and have a timely admissions tip on how to best prepare recommenders.

We continue our series of Adcom Q&As; this week we hear from CMU / Tepper.

For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries:

This week’s first MBA admissions candidate has a career in undergraduate admissions, and a side-career in comedy. They want to use the MBA to pivot into the entertainment industry.

This week’s second MBA candidate is a data scientist who also plays a rock guitar. They have a 695 GMAT.

The final MBA candidate is a reapplicant. They have a low GPA of 2.75 but have now completed MBA Math. They do have a super GRE score of 331.

MBA Wire Taps 441—Super GMAT, poor GPA. Indian candidate, non-US programs. Super profile, small firm. Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by highlighting the upcoming webinar on Thursday, hosted by Alex, which will cover the application process for those targeting the M7 MBA programs and feature admissions coaches from our friends at Leland. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/m7clearadmit

Graham then noted the weekly refresh series that Clear Admit publishes during this time of year, which is designed to keep MBA applicants updated with admissions-related updates at the leading MBA programs. Graham also discussed a new admissions tip which focuses on all the standardized tests that non-English language MBA candidates might use to demonstrate English proficiency in the admissions process.

We continue our series of Adcom Q&As, and this week we have two Q&As, from Harvard Business School's Rupal Gadhia and Maryland / Smith's Maria Pineda.

Finally, Graham highlighted a recently published podcast that focuses on the strategy consulting industry and its importance for MBA candidates. This is a recording from a panel discussion from our spring event in Boston and includes a representative from Bain Consulting.

For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries:

This week’s first MBA admissions candidate has a superb 795 on the GMAT, but a very modest GPA. We discussed the impact of this GPA on their overall profile.

This week’s second MBA candidate is from India and has not yet taken the GRE. They are targeting top MBA programs outside the United States.

The final MBA candidate has a 745 GMAT and 3.95 GPA in chemical engineering. They work at a small firm, with no title change. We do think this is a very strong candidate.

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