If you’re just joining us: Why applying to Columbia now is not the best idea… But if you’re going to do it, do it NOW!
($) When should a Columbia Regular Decision MBA app get submitted?
More on rankings (Columbia and undergrad)
($) One of the downsides of submitting an application too early
($) Even if Harvard’s essay length is unlimited, the adcom reviewer’s attention is not.
($) Short term goal, long term goal, dream job – OH MY!
($) Timing of interview invitations
($) “If all my other Rd 1 apps are crap shouldn’t I go ahead with Columbia ED anyway?”
($) Explaining Early Action, Early Decision, Early Admissions, and all these confusing options
"achievement" essays
($) “How much should recommenders material overlap with the stories I relate in my essay?”
($) When you’re asked to identify a weakness
($) Another warning about tone.
($) What are “Awards and Honors” in an MBA app?
($) What your HBS essay should not be.
($) Writing essays for complex environments: When is a deep dive beneficial?
($) Stanford GSB: Optional (not optional!) stories of impact
"contribution" essays
"failure" essays
($) When you’re asked to identify a weakness
Super Secret SnarkStrategy: How to write a multidimensional essay
We were gonna talk about getting into Columbia today but
($) “Lessons learned” in MBA essays
($) Columbia’s MBA essay 3 – “team failure”
($) How not to confuse your adcom reader
($) Lessons learned in essays: “This experience taught me…”
($) Darden’s “most important professional feedback” essay
($) essay critique/recommendations: The most important piece of constructive feedback…
"personal interest/life experience" essays
($) A common mistake when writing essays for Stanford.
($) UCLA essay on “recent events”
($) What your HBS essay should not be.
($) “Should I write about this horrible personal experience in my essays for business school?”
($) “Should I write about my ADHD in my essays for business school?”
($) essay critique: Booth “who you are” essay
($) A question to explore before starting to understand why you want an MBA
"show don't tell"
($) The most important technique you need to learn to write a good MBA admissions essay
We really just need to be reminding y’all: SHOW, DON’T TELL
($) When do you need to provide proof for what you are saying in your essays and apps?
($) Stories of change and personal transformation in MBA essays
($) Here’s a vivid (we hope!) explanation of the critical essay-writing technique of show don’t tell
($) Writing essays for complex environments: When is a deep dive beneficial?
($) Identifying stellar stories of leadership and impact for MBA apps
($) “Should I write about this horrible personal experience in my essays for business school?”
"why MBA" essays
($) The importance of explicit “why MBA” content
Interested in moving from engineering to business?
($) Already have a Master’s degree? Why do you also need an MBA now?
($) What you’re optimizing for
($) Backup plans and next steps: What if it’s looking like you might not get in?!??
($) WRITING WEEK! Day 4: The problem of the parrot.
($) essay critique: Wharton “What do you hope to gain professionally?”
($) In your career goals / why MBA essay, everything needs to line up just so.
($) A question to explore before starting to understand why you want an MBA
1-year MBA
($) Stanford Admissions gives older BSer the best option in the world.
What if you work for a no-name company? Can you still get in to bschool?
Success Story! The roundabout route – the finale!
($) The CFA could give you a headstart.
($) “Is a 2-year MBA better than 1-year for someone from IT?”
($) If Kellogg said ‘no’ to you…
announcements
Heads-up on availability here in Snarkville for the holidays
It’s not too late to join The Countdown!
2022 MBA Application Guides available!
The Countdown has launched – the admissions season is here
app dataset
($) The submit-then-retest strategy for your GMAT or GRE
($) More guidance on random puzzling aspects of the MBA app datset
($) The MBA app dataset: A real opportunity
($) “Why do I have to say that in the essay when I’m already telling them that in the app?”
($) Planning to try for the Class of 2025? Here’s a good first step.
application rounds
($) To Round 3 or not to Round 3?
($) You can have 2 of these 3.
($) Just In Time MBA App Prep: What if you JUST decided to apply to bschool? Like, NOW?
($) “Should I even try this year?”
($) Positives about lower-ranked programs
($) “How many apps should I be doing?” – Round 2 Edition
($) “I did 4 schools in Rd 1. Should I really be thinking about Rd 2?”
branding and theme
($) How to show your authenticity: Storytelling
($) Identifying the purpose and function of each part of your pitch
($) What are “extracurriculars”?
($) Which school is innovating with its application requirements (and why should you care)
($) Figuring out what the schools want.
($) Developing your application theme
The problem with the idea of “branding” in your MBA application
($) “I have so much stuff, I can’t fit it on a one-page resume.”
cancel strategy
($) Canceling your GMAT score is a bad idea (plus, how many schools should you apply to?)
Positive changes to GMAT score cancellation policies
Now there’s no risk to taking the GMAT lots of times. (Or is there?)
($) “Beware of GMAT Score Cancellations” and the optional essay
($) If you cancel your GMAT score, should you reinstate it?
($) GMAT test strategies: Should you cancel your score? (Part 3)
($) Canceling a GMAT score: Impact and how the schools will perceive it (Part 2)
career changer
($) Are you proposing too big of a change?
Interested in moving from engineering to business?
($) Why pre-MBA experience is so important
($) Reviewing a BSer’s long-term goal
($) “Do I need to have experience in my target industry in order to pitch it in my MBA essays?”
($) Career changer: Anything else into finance
($) Career goals ideas, if you honestly don’t know what you want to do with the MBA
Are you ready to change the world?
($) Changing careers? Think through how you’re ready, even if you think that you’re not
career goals
($) What does “I want to start a company” mean?
($) The importance of explicit “why MBA” content
($) Yet another “be specific!” post
($) Are you proposing too big of a change?
“If I knew what I wanted to do with my life, I wouldn’t need an MBA”
consulting
($) What do consulting firms look for in their candidates?
($) WRITING WEEK! Day 2: Reduce the Fluff Factor
($) Want to go into consulting? Here’s a tip to increase the chances of a successful pitch.
($) essay critique! NYU Stern MBA “short and long-term career goals”
($) “I’m just gonna say ‘consulting’ as my MBA goals.”
($) Why do people end up in consulting?
coronavirus
We’re in a tough time right now.
($) The importance of volunteering in an MBA application (coronavirus edition)
($) Impact on covid for international students ready for bschool right now
It’s April 21, 2021 and here’s what we know.
Should you be planning for pre-MBA travels?
Wherein EssaySnark gets schooled in statistics.
PSA: Even after you’re vaccinated, you still need to mask and socially distance.
culture essays
($) How do you write about diversity on your MBA application?
($) MIT Sloan MBA’s interview-invite essay on the “mission” and creating a welcoming environment
($) The challenge with any “contribution” essay
($) Wharton essay 2: What will you contribute?
($) The simple way to answer Booth’s essay question this year.
deciding on a school (multiple offers)
($) MBA acceptance and deferred admission
($) How to do bschool with a partner
($) If you got into a top bschool and now you’re thinking you’re not going to go
($) “What if School D gave me money but I really want to go to School A?”
($) Deciding on a school: Qualitative factors
($) The BSer’s Dilemma: Deciding between two top MBA programs — what to do, what to do?
($) Deciding on a school: Two good schools, both offering $$
($) The BSer’s Dilemma: Deciding between two highly-ranked MBA programs
deferred admission for college students
($) Explaining Early Action, Early Decision, Early Admissions, and all these confusing options
($) essay critique! Yale Silver Scholars – graduating college senior MBA application
Are you hurting your chances later if you try for an MBA now?
Early Action/Decision
($) “If all my other Rd 1 apps are crap shouldn’t I go ahead with Columbia ED anyway?”
($) Explaining Early Action, Early Decision, Early Admissions, and all these confusing options
Our annual reminder: Ethics matter. (aka: Early Decision at Columbia and Duke are binding)
($) Should you apply Early Action / Early Decision?
Columbia MBA early decision deadline & acceptance rate
We were bummed to have discovered this.
($) Renegging on an Early Decision offer
Ethics and your MBA application
($) Columbia MBA: Early Decision, rolling admissions, when to apply
edtech
energy-cleantech-sustainability
entrepreneurship
($) What does “I want to start a company” mean?
($) Is that entrepreneurial experience you had a job? Or an extracurricular activity?
($) Short term goal, long term goal, dream job – OH MY!
($) Pitching venture capital as your post-MBA goal
($) “I started this thing….” aka When is a startup you’ve created actually a startup
($) Do you still want to be an entrepreneur?
($) Coronavirus and the MBA: What if you’re graduating this Spring?
($) The simplest guide to MBA career goals. Courtesy of Berkeley Haas.
($) MBA career goals are goals for your career (“Well duh EssaySnark”)
essay critique
($) essay critique! Stanford “What matters most?” with pointers of what’s not helpful
($) essay critique! Yale Silver Scholars – graduating college senior MBA application
($) essay critique! NYU Stern MBA “short and long-term career goals”
($) essay critique: Wharton “What do you hope to gain professionally?”
($) essay critique: Booth “who you are” essay
($) essay critique! Meaningful leadership experiences…
($) essay critique! Yale “biggest commitment” essay
($) essay critique! Northwestern Kellogg MBA essay on “values”
($) essay critique! Harvard’s “What else should we know?” essay
essay types
($) School research idea: What about talking to professors?
($) The submit-then-retest strategy for your GMAT or GRE
($) The importance of explicit “why MBA” content
($) The very best messaging for handling an issue with low GPA
Mental health and top universities
($) “How much should recommenders material overlap with the stories I relate in my essay?”
($) When you’re asked to identify a weakness
($) One bad grade: Dealing with a D or an F on your transcript.
EssaySnark products & services
Weekend availability and Speedy Review!
It’s not too late to join The Countdown!
The Round 1 Countdown is coming!
How to start working on your apps now (even though the apps aren’t out yet)
Our most useful services and how to best take advantage of them
Explaining the Essay Ideas App Accelerator
Starting on Monday: The MBA App Countdown!
EssaySnark’s pro bono initiatives in support of BIPOC MBA candidates
European schools
Some cool schools give feedback
($) International applicants: Should you even be focusing on USA for your MBA?
($) What MBA programs are still viable for Round 3?
What do you do if you missed Round 2 AND YOU STILL WANT TO APPLY SOMEWHERE NOW?
($) essay critique! LSE Personal Statement
($) essay critique! LBS post-MBA goals
Executive Assessment
($) Should you take the Executive Assessment if you’re trying for a top MBA program?
($) GMAT or GRE – or Executive Assessment???
Our quasi-annual predictions on the coming MBA application season
There’s a new test in town: Should you take the Executive Assessment?
Executive MBA/EMBA
($) Can you make too much money to get into an MBA program?
Some cool schools give feedback
Education is changing – especially the MBA
($) Are you too old to get into business school?
($) GMAT or GRE – or Executive Assessment???
Getting input from admissions BEFORE you apply
Since we’ve been talking about the Executive MBA…
Success Story! A post-MBA retrospective (part 2)
($) Older applicant? Why you may not WANT to go to a full-time program.
family business
($) Who / what situations are greenlit for an MBA app in Round 3?
($) Short term goal, long term goal, dream job – OH MY!
($) MBA career goals are goals for your career (“Well duh EssaySnark”)
($) “I saw my [friend/mother/grandfather] go through this experience and now my ambition is to…”
Who’s a good fit for the Columbia J-Term?
The importance of career goals
A bschool that seems to be upping its game.
($) Getting an MBA to go back to the family business
finance
($) Career changer: Anything else into finance
($) Pitching venture capital as your post-MBA goal
($) Applying where the scholarships are (wherein we talk up Ross, Cornell, Darden, and others)
($) How does venture capital actually work? (Or, how much do you know?)
($) How to break out of the pack
($) “bonkers” Part 2 (can an Engineer really switch over to Finance?)
Guest Post! What Kind of Life Do You Want?
($) essay critique: Columbia essay 1 (background and goals) for finance candidate
flavors of MBA
($) “What about an accelerated MBA like Columbia?”
($) Pros and cons of a part-time MBA
If the full-time option hasn’t panned out, what about a part-time MBA?
($) Positives about lower-ranked programs
“School rankings are stupid” post #28529
($) How MBA admissions works at lower-ranked bschools (aka, the advantages of a higher GMAT score)
($) We know YOU won’t make these basic interview mistakes.
($) Can you make too much money to get into an MBA program?
($) Explaining Early Action, Early Decision, Early Admissions, and all these confusing options
for further reading
Mental health and top universities
It’s Juneteenth and this is important.
Interesting clues to getting more out of life (and essays)
Rankings aren’t real (2022 edition)
What impact will the Great Resignation have on MBA hiring?
Do you work best under deadline?
Maybe it really is all in your head
Want to go to work in Big Tech? The FANG story is evolving. (Or devolving.)
($) Are you a foreign student coming to study in the U.S.? GREAT! Now be careful.
gaps in the resume
($) Explaining gaps in the resume on your MBA apps
Nobody sets out to be a bad person.
($) “I’ll just explain this situation about my background in the interview.”
general snark
What if you don’t get in? Planning your Plan B.
There is ALWAYS a spot for you somewhere.
Rd 1 decisions are starting to come out and IT IS SO EXCITING!
This post is for everyone who INTENDED to do Round 1…
This might be where that sucky situation starts to materialize for some of you… :-(
general tips
($) “I got into bschool! When can I quit my job????”
($) How to get the most of your MBA
If you tell the adcom you’re going to do something…
Unintentionally blurring things
($) What does authenticity mean: For Stanford?
($) “Do the adcoms *really* look at the whole package?”
Applying to Bschool: The Strategy of Authenticity
getting started
($) Planning to try for the Class of 2025? Here’s a good first step.
($) Maximize opportunities, and optimize your time. Be intentional.
($) Start now but don’t finish yet
($) Brainstorming essay topics
Your cat litter box will be very clean this summer.
GMAT/GRE
($) To Round 3 or not to Round 3?
($) Updating the admissions office on changes to your profile post-submit: GMAT/GRE/classes
($) Just In Time MBA App Prep: What if you JUST decided to apply to bschool? Like, NOW?
($) The submit-then-retest strategy for your GMAT or GRE
($) How to get off the waitlist
($) What if a high GMAT score is a liability?
($) How MBA admissions works at lower-ranked bschools (aka, the advantages of a higher GMAT score)
($) Why you can’t really rely on class profile data in understanding your own chances
GPA and grades
($) Updating the admissions office on changes to your profile post-submit: GMAT/GRE/classes
($) How to get off the waitlist
($) The very best messaging for handling an issue with low GPA
($) One bad grade: Dealing with a D or an F on your transcript.
($) More guidance on random puzzling aspects of the MBA app datset
($) Already have a Master’s degree? Why do you also need an MBA now?
Transcripts, transcripts, transcripts
International applicant? Plan ahead for your MBA application requirements
GRE specific info
($) How do you evaluate GRE scores? Is “GRE combined” a thing?
($) Demystifying the differences between the GRE and the GMAT in MBA admissions
($) What GRE score is considered competitive this year?
($) GMAT? or GRE? 2019 edition
($) Explaining a low GMAT or GRE score in your MBA apps
($) GMAT vs GRE strategy questions: Which to take for an MBA?
Just because the schools ACCEPT the GRE does not mean it’s THE SAME.
healthcare
($) Applying where the scholarships are (wherein we talk up Ross, Cornell, Darden, and others)
($) Post-MBA career trends at Kellogg
So you want to change the world.
($) The healthcare MBA: Which business schools are best?
($) The MBA and a healthcare career
($) essay critique! Tuck career goals
($) “Should I apply to Wharton’s Health Care Management track?”
If you want to go where the MBA jobs are, go into healthcare.
innovation
internships
You are being brainwashed and used.
($) The pre-MBA internship: Pros and Cons (Part 2)
($) Offers and on-campus recruiting
What salary can you expect if you want to go work at a startup?
interviewing
A smattering of interview tips
($) Should you contact admissions about a bad interviewer?
($) How to mention a personal or “convenience factor” reason for choosing a school
($) The worst question you can ask your interviewer.
($) What should you wear to a Zoom interview?
($) “When should I start practicing for my interview, and how?”
More advice for interviewing — and any other high-stakes professional interaction
J-Term/accelerated MBA
($) “What about an accelerated MBA like Columbia?”
Who’s a good fit for the Columbia J-Term?
($) Columbia MBA: Early Decision, rolling admissions, when to apply
JD/MBA
“School rankings are stupid” post #28529
($) The joint MBA/Master’s app including JD/MBA: How do the schools decide?
($) The joint-degree “MBA+” application strategy
($) If you thought you’d go to law school and now…
just for fun
Today is Labor Day! And that means…
A fun exercise to be intentional
Should you be planning for pre-MBA travels?
Merry Merry! Enjoy your day off!
($) Pro Tip: How to pronounce (and spell!) business school names
law
($) OH NO! Bschools in trouble! (aka, Are MBA applications REALLY tanking?)
leadership
Making meaning out of a great leader
($) If there is a secret to getting into a top MBA program, this is it.
($) What does it mean to be “differentiated” in the context of your MBA applications?
($) Which school is innovating with its application requirements (and why should you care)
Being a leader: Tending to language.
($) Kellogg essay 1: Leadership and creating value
($) essay critique! Meaningful leadership experiences…
($) MIT Sloan MBA’s interview-invite essay on the “mission” and creating a welcoming environment
lessons learned
($) When you’re asked to identify a weakness
We were gonna talk about getting into Columbia today but
A BSer’s Journey: Round 1 Update!
low GMAT
($) All schools do a “holistic review.” But…
($) “My test score is not reflective of my abilities.”
($) One easy way to tell how bad you want this
($) Which future career paths are not going to care if your GMAT is lower?
($) Low GMAT Round 2 application tactics: Remediation
($) “My GMAT (or GRE) score is not what I wanted. What do I do now, since Rd 2 is happening?”
low GPA
($) The very best messaging for handling an issue with low GPA
($) Optional essay for low GPA: “I have proven myself since then by excelling at my job.”
($) MBA app strategies: Making excuses for low GPA in college
($) All schools do a “holistic review.” But…
($) Should you get a graduate certificate?
($) What’s a good undergrad GPA?
($) Low GMAT? Low GPA? Please don’t say these things in your essays.
lower-ranked schools
($) Positives about lower-ranked programs
($) How MBA admissions works at lower-ranked bschools (aka, the advantages of a higher GMAT score)
($) We know YOU won’t make these basic interview mistakes.
($) What MBA programs are still viable for Round 3?
What do you do if you missed Round 2 AND YOU STILL WANT TO APPLY SOMEWHERE NOW?
By request: Our thoughts on Arizona State
The value of a lower-ranked bschool.
($) “Why don’t you ever talk about my school?”
($) Well-known schools with MBA programs you can actually get into (even with your shaky GMAT)
($) If your GMAT was over 730 and you didn’t make it into a school like Emory…
Master's programs
Applying to Grad School: Personal Statement vs Statement of Purpose
($) The joint MBA/Master’s app including JD/MBA: How do the schools decide?
($) The joint MBA/Master’s app: Is it easier to get in?
($) The joint-degree “MBA+” application strategy
($) essay critique! LSE Personal Statement
Success Story! With a different ending than you might expect!
($) If the main reason for getting the MBA is financial…
If you really want to go to Harvard…
Off-the-beaten-path programs, and the school in your backyard
media
($) A comparison of NYU and Ross from one BSer’s perspective
($) The BSer’s Dilemma: Deciding between Michigan Ross and NYU Stern MBA (international student)
miscellaneous
Quick application dos and don’ts
($) What is the visa situation for potential international MBA students in 2021?
What changes are you making due to coronavirus?
Why you may want to keep coming back to the EssaySnark blahg even though all your apps are in.
From the ‘Snarchives: The Importance of Accomplishments
number of apps
Round 2 Crunch Mode: How many apps should you do?
($) “Should I even try this year?”
($) Pro Tip: Applying to just one school (or claiming that you are)
($) “How many apps should I be doing?” – Round 2 Edition
($) Be prepared for this to take awhile
($) MIT and NYU are not safety schools
($) Please don’t paper the country with apps
($) So you got that application in. What happens next?
($) It’s not a numbers game. (aka “How many apps should I submit?”)
online MBA
Education is changing – especially the MBA
Most folks don’t want an online-only degree. But if you did…
($) Which schools were already online?
By request: Our thoughts on Arizona State
optional essay
($) The submit-then-retest strategy for your GMAT or GRE
($) The very best messaging for handling an issue with low GPA
Mental health and top universities
($) One bad grade: Dealing with a D or an F on your transcript.
($) Optional essay for low GPA: “I have proven myself since then by excelling at my job.”
($) MBA app strategies: Making excuses for low GPA in college
($) Already have a Master’s degree? Why do you also need an MBA now?
($) “My test score is not reflective of my abilities.”
($) When informing the adcom about a new GMAT score (waitlist, optional essay)
part-time MBA
($) Pros and cons of a part-time MBA
If the full-time option hasn’t panned out, what about a part-time MBA?
Education is changing – especially the MBA
($) What MBA programs are still viable for Round 3?
What do you do if you missed Round 2 AND YOU STILL WANT TO APPLY SOMEWHERE NOW?
No cross-referencing, and some comments on applying for a part-time MBA
personal expression
($) How do you write about diversity on your MBA application?
($) Here’s a test for Stanford “What matters most?”
($) “Is a regular text essay OK for Booth?”
($) If you’re doing a PowerPoint for Stern, Booth, or MIT
Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose
($) School research idea: What about talking to professors?
Applying to Grad School: Personal Statement vs Statement of Purpose
($) Applying to The Kennedy School MPP/MBA
($) A question to explore before starting to understand why you want an MBA
planning your strategy
($) How to do bschool with a partner
($) What to do if it looks like you’re not making it in this year
($) “What can I do to increase my chances after submitting?”
Round 2 Crunch Mode: How many apps should you do?
($) “Should I even try this year?”
product management
“If I knew what I wanted to do with my life, I wouldn’t need an MBA”
($) A smattering of random ideas that relate to post-MBA careers and recruiting
($) “Do I need to have experience in my target industry in order to pitch it in my MBA essays?”
($) “Good” post-MBA career goals for your business school application
Want to go to work in Big Tech? The FANG story is evolving. (Or devolving.)
($) “I want to work at Google” aka career goals and interviewing
profile assessments
($) How do you know if you’re “Harvard material”?
($) “No really. What are my chances???”
($) Can you be too old to get into an MBA program?
($) Can you make too much money to get into an MBA program?
($) Our annual “But what REALLY does it take to get into Harvard Business School??” post
Trying for H/S/W? Why “Is my GMAT good enough?” is not the right question.
reapplying
($) What to do if it looks like you’re not making it in this year
($) When informing the adcom about a new GMAT score (waitlist, optional essay)
($) The first place to look at your reapplicant strategy
If you’re starting to feel like uh-oh…
($) More thoughts on the possibilities and problems with a Round 3 application.
($) Critical advice for reapplicants
($) “Will I be canceled if I change my mind after accepting a school’s offer?”
recommendations
($) “No extracurriculars after college” continued
($) “Request for help: No extracurricular after college”
($) Letters of support for your waitlisted application.
($) What if your recommender still hasn’t submitted the rec yet?
($) “How much should recommenders material overlap with the stories I relate in my essay?”
($) Sophisticated application strategies: Who says what?
($) Title-chasing and your Letters of Recommendation
recruiting
($) Which bschool you go to matters FOR YOUR FIRST JOB ONLY
($) A smattering of random ideas that relate to post-MBA careers and recruiting
($) Which future career paths are not going to care if your GMAT is lower?
($) If you’re hoping to be a Class of 2022 graduate, please read this.
($) International MBA Wanna-Be? Darden has given you a goldmine.
($) International MBA students and post-MBA employment in the U.S.
($) Trends in recruiting international MBA graduates
($) Offers and on-campus recruiting
rejection
Why it hurts so much to get rejected from bschool
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: All MBA decisions are independent events.
What Harvard says to you on Thursday is near-meaningless
($) How to interpret feedback from the adcom
Remember that some schools offer feedback to unsuccessful applicants!
($) Can you be too old to get into an MBA program?
This might be where that sucky situation starts to materialize for some of you… :-(
($) One of the most under-recognized challenges in the entire process of applying to business school
($) Be sure to update your recommenders on outcomes – even if you don’t get in.
($) What does being rejected really MEAN and how can you process it?
resumes
($) Job titles can be their own form of jargon!
($) The difference between a resume and a CV and which is best for an MBA application
($) HOW you present is in some ways as important as WHAT you present
($) “How much should recommenders material overlap with the stories I relate in my essay?”
Unintentionally blurring things
($) How far back is too far back, and are there exceptions?
($) Pro tips for constructing incredible soundbites on your MBA resume
($) “I can’t fit it all in so I’m just gonna leave this college internship off the resume”
retest strategy
($) Can you take the GMAT or GRE too many times?
($) When to update the adcom after they have your app
($) Taking the GMAT: How many times is too many? 2019 edition
($) If you don’t think you can do better on the GMAT
($) How many times taking the GMAT is too many?
($) Multiple GMAT attempts. All of them low.
($) Taking the GMAT: How many times is too many?
(Re)taking the GMAT? Be as prepared as possible – in every way
rolling
($) When should a Columbia Regular Decision MBA app get submitted?
($) One of the downsides of submitting an application too early
What “rolling admissions” means right now
($) Coronavirus and the MBA: International applicants and admits
($) “What’s the latest I can submit to Columbia Regular Decision and still have a shot?”
Columbia MBA early decision deadline & acceptance rate
What do you do if you missed Round 2 AND YOU STILL WANT TO APPLY SOMEWHERE NOW?
($) Columbia MBA: Early Decision, rolling admissions, when to apply
($) If you’re aiming at Columbia Regular Decision… when to submit?
Round 3
($) To Round 3 or not to Round 3?
($) You can have 2 of these 3.
($) Just In Time MBA App Prep: What if you JUST decided to apply to bschool? Like, NOW?
($) Positives about lower-ranked programs
($) Who / what situations are greenlit for an MBA app in Round 3?
($) Thinking about trying in Round 3… Which schools?
($) More thoughts on the possibilities and problems with a Round 3 application.
school fit
($) School research idea: What about talking to professors?
($) How to mention a personal or “convenience factor” reason for choosing a school
($) The importance of explicit “why MBA” content
($) “I thought I was supposed to talk about the buzzwords.”
($) How far back is too far back, and are there exceptions?
($) “Why do I have to say that in the essay when I’m already telling them that in the app?”
($) What do these things have in common?
($) If there is a secret to getting into a top MBA program, this is it.
school reviews & insights
($) How do you know if you’re “Harvard material”?
More on rankings (Columbia and undergrad)
($) The secret to how to get into HBS
($) Taking a non-traditional approach to Stanford Essay B “Why Stanford?”
Head’s up if you are thinking about Tuck for Round 2
From a BSer of years past, helping you with Harvard in small ways
($) WRITING WEEK! Day 4: The problem of the parrot.
($) More commentary on our EssaySnark Unranked list
($) EssaySnark Unranked: Our list of top schools based on how hard it is to get in
Tracking the system: How are schools changing in terms of diversity and inclusion?
school visits
Are you thinking about trying for an MBA this year? Here’s a useful step to consider.
Duke’s admissions policies in the face of coronavirus are … what? (UPDATED!)
($) So how do you research a bschool?
Success Story! A post-MBA retrospective (part 3)
Handy Guide to How to Ask Questions at an Info Session!
($) You need to get out of your pajamas.
The best thing you can do if you haven’t done it yet.
The reason why MIT’s adcom is rad and a big tip for everyone interested in going to bschool
Success Story! “Did I get in because of the things I did…or in spite of them?”
selecting schools
($) The main argument in favor of a larger school
($) How to do bschool with a partner
($) You can have 2 of these 3.
($) Positives about lower-ranked programs
($) “I’m so excited! I got into my safety school!”
($) The main way rankings are useful.
($) Another reason Round 1 can be particularly advantageous: Scholarships
($) Thinking about trying in Round 3… Which schools?
($) When your safety school is actually a stretch school.
($) Talking to current students about their bschool experience
social enterprise
Success Stories
Success Story! Why you’re going through all of this stress and upheaval in your life
Success Story: A former BSer shares the experience of applying — and getting in!
More experiences from a Round 1 admit!
Advice from a Success Story! Experiences from a Round 1 admit
Success Story! To round out the year and the decade on the happiest of notes
Success Story! That tells you about the hardest part of the process!
EssaySnark’s admittedly self-serving posting of comments from a former BSer
switching jobs before applying
($) If you get fired, do you need to tell the adcom?
($) What you’re optimizing for
($) Ethics & Professionalism: Changing jobs during the MBA app process
($) “Will I be canceled if I change my mind after accepting a school’s offer?”
($) Updating the adcom on a job change
“I want to quit my job and go to bschool”
($) In the middle of applying to bschool, you get this fabulous new job opportunity…
($) Question from a waitlisted BSer: “I hope the adcom does not take this negatively…”
technology
Interested in moving from engineering to business?
Want to go to work in Big Tech? The FANG story is evolving. (Or devolving.)
($) “I want to work at Google” aka career goals and interviewing
($) Post-MBA career trends at Kellogg
($) essay critique! LBS post-MBA goals
test waivers
the admissions consulting industry
“School rankings are stupid” post #28529
($) Most competitive season ever?
More on rankings (Columbia and undergrad)
($) All schools do a “holistic review.” But…
($) Evaluating MBA admissions consultants: Why “client success rate” is not to be trusted
($) Does it help to go with an MBA admissions consultant who has worked in MBA admissions?
Does your MBA admissions consultant need to have an MBA in order to be any good?
($) The secret to how to get into HBS
($) What does diversity mean in the context of MBA admissions?
the world
Mental health and top universities
Work doesn’t make you happy. But meaningful work might.
International candidates: Changes in U.S. student visa policies
Should bschools go test-optional?
TOEFL
($) MBA programs that don’t require the TOEFL for international applicants
EssaySnark’s 2016 Radcom Award
Success Story! “One admit is all you need”
($) The best timing for a TOEFL
($) The TOEFL is not the most important part (unless it is).
tuition
Start planning for your admit!
($) To Round 3 or not to Round 3?
($) Another reason Round 1 can be particularly advantageous: Scholarships
How are you going to pay for it?
($) If you’re waitlisted and you’ve also been accepted somewhere else…
($) Can you make too much money to get into an MBA program?
($) One weird trick (no really!) about financing your MBA
Will you be looking more closely at affordability as part of your MBA plans?
Uncategorized
($) Changes schools are making in response to ChatGPT and AI
($) Should you use ChatGPT to write your MBA admissions essays?
($) How do you talk about “the network” in your MBA essay?
($) Case, case study, and case method
No, EssaySnark is not on reddit (much).
values
Making meaning out of a great leader
($) Writing tip for authenticity: Handling memories accurately
More on rankings (Columbia and undergrad)
($) UCLA essay on “recent events”
($) Authenticity and values: Your most important guideposts.
video essays
($) Should you include a picture?
($) If you’re doing a PowerPoint for Stern, Booth, or MIT
($) Video essay/short-answer interview tips
So you’re gonna do a video essay
volunteering
($) “No extracurriculars after college” continued
($) “Request for help: No extracurricular after college”
Authenticity means sharing who you are.
($) What are “extracurriculars”?
($) The value of volunteering on an MBA app
($) The importance of volunteering in an MBA application (coronavirus edition)
Volunteering and MBA applicants from the non-profit world
($) Exploring the BSer’s claim: “I work too much to do any volunteering.”
($) “What can I do to improve my chances?” Volunteering edition
waitlist/deferred decision
($) Letters of support for your waitlisted application.
($) How to mention a personal or “convenience factor” reason for choosing a school
($) What to do (and not do!) in waitlist update letters
($) What to do if you landed on the waitlist
($) How to get off the waitlist
($) Be prepared for this to take awhile
($) When informing the adcom about a new GMAT score (waitlist, optional essay)
($) If you’re waitlisted and you’ve also been accepted somewhere else…
“I’m waitlisted, and the adcom wants me to retake the GMAT…”
word limits
($) Is it OK for your essay to be overlimit?
($) What if your essays are underlimit?
($) Formatting your MBA application essays
($) “I’ll just explain this situation about my background in the interview.”
($) Reapplicants and the optional essay: What goes where?
($) The big problem with Columbia’s choose-your-own-length essays
($) The other MAJOR problem with Columbia’s essays this year
A guiding principle in essay strategy: Don’t outstay your welcome.
work history
($) When to update the adcom after they have your app
($) “Will they call my old boss to ask why I was fired?”
($) Updating the adcom on a job change
($) In this competitive season… Warnings to the stereotypical finance-guy applicant
No, you don’t need to work for a big company to get into a top school. But there is one advantage.
writing essays
($) For HBS especially: Essays reveal so much.
Clouds. Marshmallows. Bunnies. Not essays.
($) Stories and your MBA essay
($) How to make your essays more powerful. (With whiskey.)
Essays are not a writing test. They’re a thinking test.
($) The most important technique you need to learn to write a good MBA admissions essay
($) A big risk with your MBA essays (that’s a little tough to detect)
($) Writing tip for authenticity: Handling memories accurately
writing tips
Proofread, people. (Like, with your own eyes and brain.)
“I will exploit this opportunity to go on to build greater success.”
($) Job titles can be their own form of jargon!
($) What happens when you don’t answer the question
($) Yet another “be specific!” post
Watch for throat-clearers (and apparently wan intensifiers? whatever they are?)
($) Writing tip from the trenches: “When something feels forced…”
Simple writing suggestions to make your essay more readable.