What the Strongest Applicants Actually Do There’s a misconception in MBA admissions that only candidates who are struggling or insecure seek out help from admissions consultants. That if you’re smart enough, you should be able to do it all on your own. But here’s what actually happens: The strongest candidates are the ones who are most likely to bring in outside expertise. They know they have a shot at top programs, and they’re not about to leave things to chance. So they seek...
about 1 month ago • 4 min read
Happy New 2025! I’m not much for New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I like to reflect — on the choices we make, the paths we take, and the questions that guide us along the way. In the last days of 2024, I had the joy of celebrating with one of my Round 1 MBA ABC stars. She had just ended her year with the ultimate champagne problem: deciding between Stanford and HBS. (Yes, both.) A Space to Ask, Refine, and Shine In our conversation, she shared something that stuck with me. What drew her to...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Are you lost in a sea of essay prompts? Or picked one, only to be stared down by a blank page for days? You’re not alone. But the MBA application is a job to be done, and today is November 10. The first Round 2 deadlines are 55 days away. It’s time to cover some ground. Or should I say, it’s time to generate some word count? Start with your “Why” If you’ve been in my orbit for a while, you know how often I talk about how you need to start with your "why". Defining your “why” means taking...
5 months ago • 2 min read
There’s a myth swirling around the MBA forums—that you should tweak (read: change) your career goals just to give the admissions committee what you think they want to hear. I’ve seen it. You’ve seen it. Maybe you’ve even been tempted by it. Here’s the thing: If you’re adjusting your career vision just to check some imaginary box, stop right there. I get it—you want to seem like the perfect fit. It’s easy to fall into the trap of tailoring your vision to appear flawless. But I will never tire...
6 months ago • 2 min read
What do MBA Admissions Committees really want? Ask a group of MBA AdComs to name the number one quality they look for in candidates, and one word will rise to the top: Self-awareness. It’s no coincidence that the entire MBA application process is designed to test this very quality. After all, how else would you answer essays like the HBS one asking, "What experiences have shaped who you are, how you invest in others, and what kind of leader you want to become?" But this leads to an important...
6 months ago • 1 min read
Today, I have both good news and bad news for you, MBA hopefuls. The good news is if you are applying in Round 2, you have four beautiful months ahead of you. Four months to build the strongest MBA application possible. Four months to become an MBA candidate who is competitive and stands out. The bad news? Unlike Round 1, where pushing your application to the next round is a safe bet, there’s no good back up option for Round 2. What’s the best time to kick off your Round 2 MBA applications?...
7 months ago • 2 min read
This last week, I had many conversations with candidates who are eager to submit in Round 1 even though their applications are gently whispering "I'm not ready".From weak test scores to weak answers to "What matters most to you and why?", their applications weren’t quite ready to make the strongest impression. It’s understandable to feel the pressure to apply early But unless you are fully confident this is the strongest possible MBA application you are capable of, please take a deep breath...
7 months ago • 1 min read
“This was incredibly helpful.” Yesterday, I heard that a lot. If you’ve ever worked with me, you’ve likely heard me preach: “We don’t praise our own work!” That’s what I say to candidates who try to sneak “I’ve worked tirelessly” or “My dedication and hard work have allowed me to…” into their essay. But “incredibly helpful” was literally used by Every.Single.Candidate who had a Get Unstuck session with me yesterday. So, I’m allowing myself to break my own rule. Now, the most important part is...
7 months ago • 2 min read
“Wow!” or “Wow…” Let’s be honest. You’ve dreamed of that elusive 'Wow!' moment, haven’t you?" The one where the MBA AdCom sits up, takes notice, and remembers your name. But what if I told you that chasing that 'Wow!' is where many MBA candidates stumble? In their quest to dazzle, they lose sight of what truly matters: authenticity and relevance. MBA admissions committees aren’t impressed by theatrics—they’re looking for depth. They want to see your real track record, not a performative...
8 months ago • 2 min read