B-Schooled: Get Your MBA Admit

Final Thoughts After 20 Years of MBA Advising: Part 1 This episode is bittersweet for our longtime podcast co-host, Chandler. Chandler is preparing to step away from his co-hosting responsibilities in order to care for his aging parents and launch a new venture for philanthropists. He would like to share how much he has enjoyed co-hosting and wants to say a HUGE thank you to Stacy, Erika, Yvonne, Esther, Alex and the entire SBC team for their amazing friendship and support along the way. As Chandler thought about how to frame his last podcast, he ultimately decided to take my own advice. As our loyal listeners know, Chandler has closed each of his podcasts over the past four years with the words "be authentic, be bold, and to have a solid plan". To that end, he will conclude his four years as co-host (and 20 years of advising MBA applicants) with a three-part series in which he gets very authentic and very bold in order to help you create a solid application plan. In this first of three episodes, Chandler takes a no-holds barred look at the first phase of the application process, and shares his biggest pieces of advice in each of the following categories: Planning your application (including the very best place to begin, which most people miss) Defining career goals, Addressing lower-than-desired quant scores, Quantifying your resume, Using the data forms strategically, and … a special surprise at the end of the episode he hasn't shared before.

This episode gives applicants 10 things to think about in the days before submitting their applications. This is not intended as something to listen to an hour before you submit… but it does offer incredibly useful information to think about a day or two before the application deadline. As we always say: you want an application that is authentic, bold, and that offers a clear and consistent narrative. You want this narrative to come across cohesively via all elements of your application: your essays, your resume, your recommendations, and your interviews. To help set you up for success, today we offer ten suggestions touching on the following topics: Thinking through your overall application narrative to make sure this boldly and authentically represents who you are Reviewing your essays for common typos and other errors Asking your proofreader to help you by looking for the right things Bolstering quantitative results metrics—as well as adding useful context—to your resume Following up with your recommenders Reviewing your social media footprint When to actually hit submit (and when not to)

AI AND THE MBA APPLICATION Today we are talking about ai and the MBA application with SBC expert, Yvette. After graduating from HBS, Yvette led the HBS Alumni Circle and served as VP of HBS alumni club. Unique among MBA admissions consultants, Yvette also has extensive experience in the AI space and is the architect of MBA AI, an AI specifically focus on MBA admissions. In this segment Chandler and Yvette sit down to discuss: · What top MBA programs are saying about AI with regard to their application processes, · Things you should DEFINITELY AVOID with regard to ChatGPT and AI regarding your application, · Several AI usages that generally seem to be compliant and effective with regard to improving your application, · A useful overview AI detectors (and how they can help you), · and a final tip that everyone should keep in mind when applying.

In this episode, we cover how to make the most of a program's data form—the actual online application itself—which is made up several informational data fields, dropdowns selections and short-answer fields. Too many applicants overlook the opportunities in this unassuming form! We'll cover: • Optional fields • Common questions applicants have about certain fields and dropdowns • The awards section(s) • How you can use the data form fields to strengthen your candidacy

The Benefits of an MBA During Uncertain Times Today's guest, Dawn, graduated as a PepsiCo Scholar from Harvard Business School with concentrations in finance and marketing. Dawn was also admitted to the Stanford GSB. Dawn is a full-time advisor and senior consultant with SBC who has 18+ years of experience getting clients from around the world admitted into full-time, deferred and executive MBA programs. Dawn has a high success rate having clients admitted every year. 99% of clients who work with her on four or more schools have gained admission. She has had several double admits to Harvard and Stanford. Outside of her work in admissions consulting, Dawn has experience at companies such as: Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, Pepsi, the Carlyle Group and Warner Bros. In this episode Chandler and Dawn talk about a range of topics related to the value of an MBA during uncertain times, including: The value of an MBA in today's changing world, Whether or not an MBA really matters if you are doing well in your current career, The benefits of earning an MBA for mid-career professionals, How AI will influence job and career opportunities in the coming years, and a range of other topics. Chandler and Dawn will also share a number of specific client examples and lessons learned from recent application cycles. Listening to this episode is a must for any applicant considering the value of an MBA in today's rapidly evolving world.

For this episode Chandler and SBC consultant Dawn talk about key questions to consider when applying during Round Two. Dawn graduated as a PepsiCo Scholar from Harvard Business School with concentrations in finance and marketing. Dawn was also admitted to the Stanford GSB. Dawn is a full-time advisor and senior consultant with SBC who has 18+ years of experience getting clients from around the world admitted into full-time, deferred and executive MBA programs. Dawn has a high success rate having clients admitted every year. 99% of clients who work with her on four or more schools have gained admission. She has had several double admits to Harvard and Stanford. Outside of her work in admissions consulting, Dawn has experience at companies such as: Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, Pepsi, the Carlyle Group and Warner Bros. In this episode Chandler and Dawn talk about a range of topics to help applicants stand out during the Round Two, including: Why do business schools have more than one round for admissions? Do you think there is a difference in applying round one or a later round? Is there any advantage in applying in Round Two? Chandler and Dawn will also share a number of specific client examples and lessons learned from Round Two applications. Listening to this episode is a must for any applicant applying during Round Two.

In the final episode of Erika's three-part conversation with her HBS classmate Rahul Mehendale, they discuss the unique role Rahul has taken on in her graduating class that's brought everyone closer together. It's an uplifting, inspiring talk you don't want to miss, full of great advice for aspiring MBAs.

In part two of this three-part discussion, Erika chats with her HBS classmate Rahul Mehendale about his experience at business school, as well as his consulting and entrepreneurial career to-date.

In part one of this three-part discussion, Erika chats with her HBS classmate Rahul Mehendale about what he did to differentiate himself from thousands of other Indian male engineers applying to business school.

Overcoming MBA Anxiety With The Help of an HBS Admissions Officer Part Three: Three Meditations For Your MBA Application Journey For the final episode of this very special three-part series, we are joined by SBC Consultant Pauline. Pauline holds an MBA from the Wharton School of Business, worked for years as an HBS Admissions Officer, and has presented/lectured at Stanford, Tufts and Villanova. Pauline is uniquely positioned to speak about anxiety as it relates to the MBA application process. Pauline is passionate about Business, Education and Spirituality and worked as a Level 1 Hospital Trauma Chaplain. She also holds a Divinity degree in Pastoral Counseling and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. In episode one of this series we talked about anxiety in the MBA context: what anxiety is, where it comes from, and discussed very specific strategies for what to do when anxiety strikes in the present moment. In our second episode we dug deeper and talked about how you can HARNESS this worry and anxiety in healthy and productive ways to IMPROVE your application. In today’s episode we talk about how meditation can help you release worry and anxiety as well as tap into deeper parts of your own lived experiences. In this episode Pauline: Talks about how meditation can be helpful to anyone during times of worry and anxiety (or anytime, really). Chandler and Pauline also share specific suggestions about how meditation can be a useful aspect of your MBA application journey. Walks our listeners through three meditations specifically centered around the MBA application process: Getting into a positive state of mind The use of mantras in meditation And a breathing excercise Shares her own advice about how her clients have used meditiations Suggests other free online meditation resources our listeners might be interested in. Chandler and the entire SBC team would like to thank Pauline for this very special three-part series; a must for anyone facing worry or anxiety as a part of their MBA journey. Additional gratitude to Tiana McCaskill for composing and recording the special music for these meditations.

Overcoming MBA Anxiety With The Help of an HBS Admissions Officer Part Two: How Anxiety and Worry Can Be Helpful To Your Application For this very special three-part series, we are joined by SBC Consultant Pauline. Pauline holds an MBA from the Wharton School of Business, worked for years as an HBS Admissions Officer, and has presented/lectured at Stanford, Tufts and Villanova. Pauline is uniquely positioned to speak about anxiety as it relates to the MBA application process. Pauline is passionate about Business, Education and Spirituality and worked as a Level 1 Hospital Trauma Chaplain. She also holds a Divinity degree in Pastoral Counseling and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. In last week's episode we talked about anxiety in the MBA context: what anxiety is, where it comes from, and discussed very specific strategies for what to do when anxiety strikes in the present moment. Today, we are going to dig deeper and talk about how you can HARNESS this worry and anxiety in healthy and productive ways to IMPROVE your application. In this segment Chandler and Pauline: Share specific examples of how previous clients have harnessed worry and anxiety to improve their MBA essays, Discuss how thinking through your own “worst case scenarios and greatest fears” can help you prepare for your interviews, Roleplay specific scenarios in which applicants transform what they consider to be their greatest weaknesses as an applicant into strengths Provide a template to use when discussing failures or things you are not proud of in the MBA context This episode is a must for anyone grappling with worry, anxiety, or self-doubt along their MBA journey.

Overcoming MBA Anxiety With The Help of an HBS Admissions Officer Part One: Understanding What Anxiety Is In The MBA Application Context For this very special three-part series, we are joined by SBC Consultant Pauline. Pauline holds an MBA from the Wharton School of Business, worked for years as an HBS Admissions Officer, and has presented/lectured at Stanford, Tufts and Villanova. Pauline is also uniquely positioned to speak about anxiety as it relates to the MBA application process. Pauline is passionate about Business, Education and Spirituality and worked as a Level 1 Hospital Trauma Chaplain. She also holds a Divinity degree in Pastoral Counseling and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. This episode starts with a bit of radical candor about the fact that there are LOTS of things that applicants can find themselves worrying about. This includes the test taking process, starting your application, writing (and rewriting) those essays, pressing send, preparing for interviews, managing worries while waiting for your decision, wrestling with imposter syndrome, and so many other topics. In this episode, Pauline draws from he work as an HBS Admissions Officer—as well as her masters and doctoral work—to: Dive into the scienctific underpinings of anxiety, what it is, and where it comes from Share perspectives from various experts about phsiology of anxiety Discuss the neurocognitive components, including the way anxiety affects the way you process information And there is good news—so much good news. Chandler and Pauline also share: a reminder that ALL applicants face axiety at some point in their application process the benefits of "leaning in" to the discomfort anxiety sometimes brings understanding your own "window of tolerance" as it relates to anxiety ways procrastination and anxiety are often interconnected specific tips and tricks to implement IN THE MOMENT when anxiety strikes the difference between "self-care" and "self-preservation" on your application journey powerful things you can learn about yourself by facing anxiety head-on This podcast is a must for anyone struggling with anxiety, worry, or self-doubt on their MBA journey.

After you submit your MBA applications, should you contact the admissions committee with updates on your candidacy? What should you do if you find an error in your materials? Should you start preparing for your interviews now? This episode answers those questions and more, and advises listeners on the best way to make use of their time between submission deadlines and their interviews.

Life Lessons I'd wished I learned 20 Years Ago – Part 2: B-Schooled Episode 260 For this occasional ongoing podcast series, our host Chandler speaks with a number of corporate executives, nonprofit leaders, and wellness icons and asks the question: what life lessons do you know today you wish you’d known 20 years ago? In this episode, Chandler shares 5 pieces of wisdom that stood out – including a personal piece of advice from Stacy Blackman, our founder. Some of these lessons are narrowly focused on applying to business school. Some lessons are about making the most of the magical period of time you are actually *in* business school. And some lessons center the many years that come after… as you use what you have learned to build a life that is hopefully full of meaning, joy, and impact. Whether you are applying to business school, in business school, or working as a professional post business school – this is a very special episode not to be missed.

For this episode our host Chandler spoke with a number of corporate executives, nonprofit leaders, and wellness icons and asked the question, what life lessons do you know today that you wish you’d known 20 years ago? In this episode Chandler shares 5 pieces of wisdom that stood out. Some of these lessons are narrowly focused on applying to business school. Some lessons are about making the most of the magical period of time you are actually *in* business school. And some lessons center the many years that come after… as you use what you have learned to build a life that is hopefully full of meaning, joy, and impact. Whether you are applying to business school, in business school, or working as a professional post business school – this is a very special episode not to be missed.

In order to stand out from your MBA competition, you need to take a step back and assess your candidacy from the admissions committee's point of view. This episode explains what they're looking for, how to differentiate yourself if you're in an over-represented demographic or industry bucket, and generally what types of themes successful applicants focus on in their essays.

Sometimes “Why do you need an MBA now?” is an essay question that programs ask directly, but more often than not it’s something applicants should end up covering in an essay response even if there isn’t a question about it. Questions around the timing of an applicant's MBA pursuit could also be asked in an interview. This episode covers common reasons why applicants need an MBA now versus earlier or later in their careers, and suggests exercises to help articulate a strong response to questions about MBA timing.

In this replay of one of our most popular episodes, Meg — a former University of Chicago Booth admissions committee member and current SBC admissions consultant — joins Erika to discuss some of the biggest things they see MBA candidates wasting their precious time on during the application process. They address: Their most-hated question MBA candidates often ask *Why* it doesn't make sense to worry about certain things in the admissions process What applicants' time is better spent on What waitlisted candidates should do (and not do) to strengthen their position The pros and cons of MBA message boards What MBA candidates should do if/when they find themselves filled with doubts

Your resume is perhaps the single most important part of your application materials. This episode covers how to maximize that one precious page.

In this new episode, our host Erika and fellow SBC admissions consultant (and former Kellogg adcom) Caryn have a discussion that covers: Multiple tactics applicants can use to raise their quantitative profiles, especially if they don't work in finance- or numbers-heavy roles Insight into who might want to consider the GRE or EA instead of the GMAT for their admissions test How to use the Additional Info field/essay to address any quantitative weaknesses in your candidacy