Ask Personal MBA Coach

To give you a head start and keep you on track in the New Year, Personal MBA Coach has developed a 4-part MBA Planning series!

Check out week 3 today: Planning Ahead for the GMAT/GRE/EA

(In case you missed it, check out Week 1: Make Your Career Work Harder For You & Week 2: Enhancing Your Extracurricular Profile)

If you have not researched standardized tests since you took the SAT or ACT many years ago, a lot has changed. GMAT scores are valid for 5 years AND you can take the exam up to 5 times during a 12-month period. There is also a lifetime max of 8 tests, and you can take the test once every 16 calendar days.

Similarly, you can take the GRE once every 21 days and up to 5 times within any 12-month period. GRE scores are also valid for 5 years. There is currently no lifetime test limit for the GRE.

The Executive Assessment (EA) is a newcomer to the standardized test party. It has been used for EMBA applications, and more full-time schools are beginning to adopt it as well.

At this time (more could join any time) MIT Sloan, Columbia Business School, NYU Stern, Duke Fuqua, and UVA Darden accept the EA for full-time applications. The EA is a shorter test so if you are pressed for time, it may not be a bad option.

If you choose to take the GMAT or GRE, you can cancel your score and the report does not go to the school if you are not happy with the result. This change has led to candidates taking an exam multiple times. Our average candidate now sits for an exam 2 to 4 times (with some giving the test even more tries). While this policy is great on one hand, on the other, it has caused average GMAT/GRE scores to rise as more candidates cancel low scores.

Testing practices have also changed for MBA applicants as online GMAT, GRE, and EA options emerged this past spring due to the coronavirus.

The Graduate Management Admissions Council has adapted its retesting policy, now allowing candidates to take the GMAT Online exam up to two times. These online exams count toward the yearly and lifetime limits for the GMAT, though verifiable technical issues will not count toward this retake limit.

The EA Online can also be taken up to two times, while the GRE General Test at Home has the same retake policies as the in-person GRE.

What does all this mean for MBA hopefuls? The pressure to perform is high and performing well takes advance planning! Personal MBA Coach has 5 tips to ensure you maximize your score.

1) Start earlier than you think you should!

This may seem obvious, but with scores valid for up to 5 years and the ability to retake the test, there is no reason to wait. In fact, the earlier in your career you take the test, the better.

You have mastered most of the skills tested in the GMAT/GRE in undergrad (if not before). That said, the longer you wait, the less you will remember about reading comprehension and math fundamentals.

2) Take a practice test now to see your baseline.

Even if you do not intend to go full force on your studying just yet, take a practice test and see how you stack up. Check this score against your target schools to get a real sense of what it means. Getting a true feel for how much work you have ahead of you will allow you to be more honest with yourself when putting together a study plan.

3) Set a schedule.

Be realistic in terms of how many weeks you will set aside for studying and how many hours in each week you can carve out. Writing out a study plan will make it easier to stick to and make it less likely that you will shortchange your prep time and need to cram last minute.

4) Think about how you learn best and use this to inform your study plan.

You know how you learn best. Do you thrive with personal one-on-one support? Do you do your best learning from books or online? There are countless support options available for the GMAT/GRE/EA so think about what would be best for you and plan accordingly!

Personal MBA Coach’s tutors scored in the 99th percentile and are available to provide you with customized GMAT, GRE and EA tutoring on your schedule and based on your specific needs. Our tutors also can advise which test is best for you.

5) Read short articles in The Economist or Science every week.

This is a great way to sharpen your reading comprehension skills and expand your vocabulary. Pick a few short articles every week and make your life easier come test time with very limited effort.

About Personal MBA Coach:

Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 14 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2, currently holding the #1 ranking in the US on Poets&Quants.

We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing and mock interviews. Our team includes a former M7 admission director and former M7 admissions interviewers.

Last year, our clients earned more than $6M in scholarships!

You also may like these other blog articles:

Your GMAT, GRE & Executive Assessment FAQs

MBA Planning Week 1: Make Your Career Work Harder For You

MBA Planning Week 2: Enhancing Your Extracurricular Profile

Hi MBA Coach,

I was wondering if you could give me some advice on what my chances are of negotiating a scholarship.

For context, I am a white male from the United States with a background in equity research (5 years of experience). I scored 750 on the GMAT, with a 3.85 GPA in my undergrad (non target school).

I’m looking to transition into consulting and then healthcare strategy long-term given a health issue that my wife is currently facing that has opened my eyes to the challenges facing that industry.

I was admitted to Stern in R1 when I had a 730 GMAT, before eventually retaking it to score my 750. I have since been waitlisted at Fuqua, but was admitted to CBS which I am ecstatic about. I applied to HBS and Wharton in R2 so I am still waiting to hear back from them.

My question is, given my admit to CBS and an improved GMAT score, do I have any chance of going back to Stern to negotiate a scholarship? And given my goals, would this even make sense? I know CBS is stronger in both consulting and healthcare, though I’m admittedly very open to pursuing other options as they arise when I’m at school.

Would love your advice on whether there’s any chance of negotiating, and if so, how best to go about it.

Thanks!

Posted from my mobile device

To give you a head start and keep you on track in the new year, Personal MBA Coach has developed a 4-part MBA Planning series!

Check out week 4 today: Expanding Your Network for Long-Term Success

(In case you missed them, check out Week 1: Make Your Career Work Harder For You, Week 2: Enhancing Your Extracurricular Profile and Week 3: Planning Ahead for the GMAT/GRE/EA)

It should come as no surprise that networking is a key part of every long-term career strategy. It is also something that many of our clients struggle with. To get you on the right path this year, Personal MBA Coach has some tips on when and how to start networking.

It is never too early to start networking. Whether you are planning to apply to business school later this year or a few years from now, a strong network will position you for success. You should look to build your network in four areas: at work, with alumni/current students from your target schools, with professionals in your preferred field, and with admissions professionals.

While networking is certainly more of a challenge in the current COVID-19 environment, there are still some actions you can be taking now. In the spirit of MBA planning, we have included one goal for each of these networks to get you started.

1. Network at work.

Find one mentor at work and begin to establish this relationship. Look for someone who knows you well and is more experienced. If the relationship progresses, it can be a source of solid career advice from someone who can identify your strengths and weaknesses. Perhaps this mentor could even write you a letter of recommendation when the time comes.

However, do not force the relationship. Start slowly by asking to schedule a virtual coffee chat (in our current work-from-home environment, many people are anxious to find new ways to connect so this invitation is likely to be well received). Then, ask a lot of questions to see if there is a good fit. Remember, finding a true mentor is a process, so do not get discouraged if it takes time to find the right person.

30-day goal: Schedule one virtual chat.

2. Network with students or alums at your target business schools.

Speaking to current students or alumni at your schools of choice is an important part of the process. Many candidates ask me how many people they should reach out to. We advise two or three per school.

Having a laundry list of current students or alums that you have reached out to is not necessary and including it anywhere in your application would be overkill for most schools. Instead, try to have a few meaningful conversations. Alumni directories from your undergraduate university or current/former firm and your personal network are great places to start.

30-day goal: Locate and email two current students or alums about their business school experiences.

3. Network with professionals in your target field.

Setting up these relationships now is a great way to get a head start for recruiting time. Start small by finding someone who has your dream role and invite them for a virtual coffee. Tell them you want to learn more about their job and how they got there.

Most people love to talk about themselves and are happy to help aspiring professionals. Avoid being too pushy, however. Meet at a time convenient for the professional and do not ask for anything. This is not the time to ask for help getting a job or for a recommendation. Instead, let the relationship grow organically.

Speaking with strangers can be intimidating, but do not let this stop you. Meeting with alumni from your alma mater or friends of friends/family can be an easier place to begin.

30-day goal: Reach out to one professional and ask for a virtual meeting.

4. Network with admissions professionals.

While there are many ways to connect with your target schools, virtual MBA fairs are a great way to start. You can meet multiple admissions professionals in one place and ask any burning questions. You will also get tips from the presentations and other students. Plus, it is easy and low risk.

For those in the United States, Personal MBA Coach will be attending The MBA Tour’s online Western/Mountain North America event on February 9, Central North America event on February 11, and Eastern North America event on February 18.

30-day goal: Locate one event in your area and register/put it on your calendar.

Remember, networking is a skill and one you will perfect throughout your career. But you don’t have to do it all at once. So, start small and take one step today!

About Personal MBA Coach:

Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 14 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2, currently holding the #1 ranking in the US on Poets&Quants.

We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing and mock interviews. Our team includes a former M7 admission director and former M7 admissions interviewers.

Last year, our clients earned more than $6M in scholarships!

You also may like these other blog articles:

The Rise in Deferral MBA Programs

How to Think About MBA Goals

From Berkeley Haas to Yale SOM: MBA Essay Analysis Beyond the M7

Amidst a year of chaos, business schools have proven to be stronger than ever!

It is hard to believe that it has been nearly a year since Covid-19 turned the world upside down. While the pandemic has undoubtedly created a serious strain on the US and global economies, business school education has had a stroke of luck.

Pre-pandemic, MBA applications were slightly on the decline. With such a strong economy, some were finding the degree more difficult to justify from an opportunity cost standpoint. Interestingly enough, however, the MBA is making a comeback due to Covid-19. After a slow start to the 2019-2020 MBA application cycle, a round 3 boost led to overall application increases across five of the M7 schools.

When looking at 4-year application trends, Chicago Booth saw a 5% increase in applications, Wharton’s applications grew by 7%, and MIT Sloan’s applications grew by 9.5%. Even more significant, Columbia Business School saw a 12.7% increase in applications and Kellogg saw a massive 26.5% increase.

In fact, despite the shift to virtual learning and various changes to on-campus experiences, GMAC’s latest annual global survey found that 66% of business schools saw an increase in applications for 2020 enrollment.

These upward application trends apply not only to the M7s but also to other noteworthy business schools. At USC Marshall, MBA applications soared from 1,899 to 3,159. Rice University (Jones) experienced a similar turnaround, with applications jumping to 1,021 from 625.

Some schools also promoted online and flexible degrees. While virtual learning may lack some of the dynamic elements of in-person classes, studies have found that students seem to learn just as much online as in the classroom. And there are ways to maximize online learning experiences, such as choosing the right work environment, asking questions, and avoiding distractions. If students are properly engaged, the rigor and value of an MBA can be equally as strong via remote learning.

The 2020-2021 application season has seen an even stronger boost! While final numbers will not be released for many months, Personal MBA Coach has heard anecdotally that round 1 2020 applications were up 25-30%! We expect that round 2 saw a similar rise in MBA applications.

Thanks to both students’ and business schools’ adaptability, American business school programs are positioned to have a particularly successful year in 2021. Not only is this promising for the MBA job market but it also demonstrates that the MBA experience itself is still highly coveted – even during these unprecedented times.

So how will these changes impact those looking to apply to business school in 2021 and beyond? There is no denying that this heightened interest in the MBA increases the competitive nature of the application process.

Personal MBA Coach suggests that candidates go broad to strengthen their chances of securing an acceptance. Our average candidate applies to at least 5 schools. Make sure that you diversify your list to include some “reach” programs, some “more likely” programs, and some “safer” programs. Since you cannot always predict which business school is seeking someone who fits your profile, selecting a wide range of schools can help increase your chances of acceptance.

While some schools like MIT Sloan went test-optional as a result of the pandemic, strong test scores are another way to enhance your candidacy. Countless sources have published data showing a decline in average GMAT/GRE scores over the past year. However, this data reflected scores for 2020 enrollees.

Personal MBA Coach expects that such a trend will not continue for 2021 matriculations and that average scores will INCREASE for 2021-2022 applicants. If you are looking to raise your score, Personal MBA Coach offers customized tutoring services with tutors who have scored in the 99th percentile on the GMAT/GRE and are graduates of MIT, Harvard, and UPenn.

If you need help positioning yourself for success, check out Personal MBA Coach’s MBA planning guide and find out what you can do now to strengthen your profile.

About Personal MBA Coach:

Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 14 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2, currently holding the #1 ranking in the US on Poets&Quants.

We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing and mock interviews. Our team includes a former M7 admissions director and former M7 admissions interviewers.

Last year, our clients earned more than $6M in scholarships!

You also may like these other blog articles:

Harvard Business School, Wharton, Chicago Booth & Yale SOM Admit With $244K Scholarship

How to Maximize Your Chance for an MBA Scholarship

How to Think About MBA Goals

Wharton Team Based Discussion (TBD) interview invitations will be released on Thursday, February 11. If you are lucky enough to receive an invitation, congratulations!

The harder part comes next – planning for this unique experience. The group interview causes anxiety for many MBA applicants. Candidate apprehension is unfortunately compounded this season by the added complication of a virtual interview.

To help candidates prepare for this unique experience, Personal MBA Coach will be offering à la carte Wharton group interview sessions (see below for details), providing candidates a unique opportunity to practice for this difficult interview. We have a former Wharton Admissions Director and former Wharton TBD interviewers to conduct these sessions! You can practice with an interviewer who has evaluated countless applicants at Wharton and knows exactly how to help you ace the TBD. Last year, 84% of our interviewees were accepted!

While group interviews require additional preparation, with the proper practice and planning they actually can be easier than an individual interview. Personal MBA Coach is here to answer a few of your most pressing questions!

What exactly is the Wharton TBD?

The Wharton TBD is required for all candidates invited to interview and includes the following three components:

1. Each candidate gives a one-minute introduction to the group, providing everyone an opportunity to get to know one another (this is the first 5 minutes).

2. Introductions are followed by a 35-minute team discussion, based on a topic Wharton releases in advance, during which you present the results of your discussion to the interviewers. Part of this is delivering your “pitch” and part is the broader team chat.

3. The group exercise is followed by a brief, individual 1:1 interview to discuss a couple of aspects of your profile and your interest in Wharton.

How should I approach a group interview?

Tip 1. Do not be the loudest one on the screen.

Many candidates attempt to stand out by dominating the conversation. We do not advise this approach. The group interview is a great way for Wharton to assess how a candidate is likely to act in classroom discussions and during group meetings. Admissions committee members are looking for leaders who are able to actively contribute, but they are not interested in someone who will talk over their peers and force their opinions on others.

Tip 2. Do not be a wallflower.

While you do not want to dominate, you also should not be the quietest one on the screen. It is important to ensure that your opinions and voice are heard. This means that you need to strike a delicate (but difficult) balance—which is even more complicated on screen where it is harder to read subtle cues from other participants.

Tip 3. Look for ways to add to an idea as opposed to contradicting it.

You do not have to be the one with the most unique idea or divergent position to stand out. Top leaders collaborate with their teams, and this skill is equally important in the business school classroom. Looking for ways to build off another idea or suggestion will show the evaluator that you know how to work with a team or a group. Think about where you can add the “and” instead of the “but” or the “or” here.

Tip 4. Respect your peers.

Particularly in the current climate, this should go without saying. Remain open to diverse points of view. Bringing in observations does not mean debunking what others have to say. If you disagree with someone in the group, be respectful and politely add another perspective without being critical or rude.

Tip 5. Do your research and plan ahead.

As with any other interview, adequate preparation is key. Wharton will release the topic in advance, giving candidates the opportunity to prepare for the TBD. Heed this advice and arrive with specific and well-researched talking points. However, also be prepared to pivot as needed.

What advice do you have for virtual interviewing?

To help you prepare for some of the unique challenges of a virtual interview, Personal MBA Coach reached out to former MBA Admissions Interviewers on our team, including MJ Shores, a former Wharton Admissions Director and Personal MBA Coach consultant, for their top tips!

1) Look into the camera or webcam, which is often placed higher than the normal vision. In addition, practice your set up with a friend or family member in advance of the interview to make sure the equipment is staged properly and functioning. Finally, be careful when using virtual backgrounds. Depending upon the video capabilities of your system, virtual backgrounds can place a strain on the system and make either the person’s head or the background fade in and out. – MJ, Former Wharton Admissions Director

2) Treat a virtual interview the same way you would an in-person interview – dress as you would if you were going in person, have a quiet and clean space with good lighting in which to conduct your interview, and of course, be on time! – Julie, Dartmouth Tuck, Former Admissions Interviewer

3) It is crucial to emote a bit more on virtual interviews since you do not have the nonverbal cues you would have in person. Be sure to modulate how quickly you are speaking, pause at the right time, smile and express excitement. While using hand motions can be great, avoid too much movement, which can be even more distracting on virtual interviews. – Karys, Yale SOM, Former Admissions Interviewer

Check out the details on Personal MBA Coach’s TBD practice sessions, which will begin on February 15th. These sessions will mirror the actual Wharton interview, providing candidates an opportunity to work together with other applicants during a group session. They then will be followed by one-on-one interviews with former M7 MBA interviewers. Each participant will receive our proprietary interview preparation guide and a personal feedback session.

About Personal MBA Coach:

Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 14 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2, currently holding the #1 ranking in the US on Poets&Quants.

We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing and mock interviews. Our team includes a former M7 admissions director and former M7 admissions interviewers.

Last year, our clients earned more than $6M in scholarships!

Take a look at these blog posts for MBA application assistance:

MBA Application Resume Tips

MBA Essay Writing

MBA Interview Preparation

The Financial Times recently released its 2021 Global MBA Rankings. This year, several international schools rose in the ranks. European schools now hold the top two spots, INSEAD jumping from #4 to #1 to replace Harvard Business School. Similarly, London Business School rose from #7 to #2, taking the second-place spot from Wharton.

This shift in rankings was heavily influenced by the decision not to compete by three of last year’s top five (Harvard Business School, Wharton, and Stanford GSB). The omission of these schools serves as a reminder that rankings can aid in the school selection process but are not the be-all and end-all.

While US MBA programs still dominate the latest FT MBA rankings, only five of the schools in this year’s top 10 are US business schools – down from six in 2020.

Chicago Booth jumped from #10 to #3, and Yale SOM (#14 in 2020) tied with IESE Business School (#13 in 2020) for the #4 spot. Kellogg also moved up considerably from #11 to #6.

CEIBS and HEC Paris tied to secure #7, CEIBS with a two-spot decline and HEC Paris with a two-spot jump. Rounding out the top 10 were Duke Fuqua (#9) and Dartmouth Tuck (#10). Both of these US business schools tied for #16 in the previous FT rankings.

Even before the global pandemic, Personal MBA Coach was guiding an increasing number of clients interested in MBA programs outside of the US. Now, in part due to Covid-19, interest in these programs is growing rapidly. In 2020, European business schools reported a 50.1% increase in domestic applications. While international applications from Europe also increased by 20.8%, 2020 was a particularly strong year for European programs.

As you review these numbers, keep the following advice in mind to better understand how to think about MBA rankings. Personal MBA Coach is a full-service admissions consulting firm, and school selection is a crucial part of the process that we help with!

1) Look at MBA rankings to get the lay of the land.

MBA rankings are useful in showing what schools exist, where they are located and how they stack up. Use these rankings to get a general overview of the business school landscape.

2) Uses statistics as an initial guide.

Statistics such as acceptance rate and average GPA and GMAT/GRE/EA of enrolled students will provide some solid benchmarking data. However, it is important that you use these numbers only as an initial guide since the entire applicant package matters much more.

Plenty of candidates with lower-than-average GPAs or GMAT/GRE/EA scores gain admission each year while others with higher scores do not.

3) Pay attention to average ranking over time.

Average ranking over time is important when evaluating MBA rankings. When you are courting that investor ten years down the road, they will not know what the ranking was when you applied to business school, but they may look at the current standing. This is why it is important to consider average ranking over time—has the school stayed consistently in the top tiers?

4) Look at general trends.

Nearly every ranking scale will show different results. Of course, certain schools will remain in the top ten in nearly every ranking, but the general list tends to vary significantly from one source to the next. Similar to ranking over time, the general trend across different scales is most important.

5) Notice how rankings vary by industry.

While all business schools emphasize strong general management education, each one has a different area of expertise. Therefore, it is important to recognize how schools perform in industry-specific rankings as well.​

About Personal MBA Coach:

Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 14 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2, currently holding the #1 ranking in the US on Poets&Quants.

We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing and mock interviews. Our team includes a former M7 admissions director and former M7 admissions interviewers.

Last year, our clients earned more than $6M in scholarships!

You also may like the following MBA application advice:

Personal MBA Coach's MBA Decision Making Guide E-Book

The MBA Job Market Bounces Back

How to Maximize Your Chance for an MBA Scholarship

I am hoping for a little feedback on my portfolio for a Deferred MBA program and understanding how important taking the GMAT again would be.
I got a 660 on GMAT (Q48, V32, IR: 7).

Graduating senior at Columbia University in Operations Research and have another bachelors degree at
University of Richmond in business administration.
GPA:3.75 at Columbia and 3.90 at University of Richmond

Notable Internships:
1. Internal Controls Intern - Citadel
2. Business Process Analyst Intern - Intel
3. Internal Business Process Consultant - Boeing
4. Sales and Marketing Intern - Keybodo
5. Consulting intern - Spark Mill

Notable Awards/Activities:
-Dean's List all years at University of Richmond
-Presidential Scholar
-Academic Tutor
-Science Paper published in Frontiers Science
-International Math Competition finished with team in top 7%
- Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity
- Chess Club (VA State Chess Champion)

If you have already received an invitation to interview at your target MBA program(s), congratulations! The time and energy you put into your applications has gotten you to this point, but do not relax your efforts just yet.

The MBA interview is an incredibly important component of the application process, and it is critical that you put in the work to prepare for this experience. In addition to practicing, you will want to research each school in detail, know your resume from top to bottom and be ready to clearly explain your goals and why you want an MBA.

Wondering where to begin? Personal MBA Coach is well versed in the intricacies of the MBA interview process. Below, get some of our top tips to ensure that you are ready to ace your interview(s).

Should you want additional support, our team of former M7 interviewers conduct mock interviews every year for all of the top business schools. Clients who use our MBA interview preparation services see a 70-85% conversion rate!

1. Prepare your stories.

Do your research to determine the questions that each business school most commonly asks. This will give you the opportunity to start preparing your stories ahead of time. We find that bulleting is most effective here. This way you can note the skills you want to highlight and will be prepared to pivot your stories as needed.

You should be able to adapt four to five stories to cover most top questions. For instance, a story about stepping up in the office could be applicable to a question about a time you had an innovative idea OR a question about a time you helped a coworker. Try to assign your stories to possible questions in advance.

Avoid spending too much time setting up the scene. Instead, stick to the main steps you took and how you excelled in each example. It can be helpful to break your stories down into situations, actions, and results.

2. Research each school’s interview process.

Each business school treats the interview process differently. While Wharton's group interview is the most distinct, tactics for individual interviews vary as well.

Though fit is always important, some schools will direct their focus more to certain components of your application and background. Through Personal MBA Coach’s interview preparation services, we will provide you with a school-specific guide to help highlight some of these differences. This guide not only contains the latest questions that will be asked but also the kinds of answers schools are looking for and the best way to articulate them.

3. Demonstrate school-specific interests and knowledge.

Knowing, and being able to explain, why you want to attend a particular program is a pivotal part of the MBA interview. Be sure that you are prepared to talk about the aspects that drew you to each school, particularly in terms of the program’s culture.

You should demonstrate a clear understanding of the program and be ready to discuss how you will add value on campus. Business schools want to know how you will make your unique mark!

4. Clearly articulate your MBA goals.

Be prepared to clearly and concisely explain what you hope to accomplish in your career, why you are interested in this path, and how you will be successful. Prepare specific examples that you can use to back up these plans. If you need help articulating your MBA goals, check out Personal MBA Coach’s blog here.

As you share these goals, make sure you are expressing excitement. Since you do not have the nonverbal cues that you would have in person, you want to make sure you are enthusiastic during virtual interviews.

5. Treat the virtual MBA interview like an in-person interview.

Although a virtual interview has its differences, much remains the same. Dress like you are going to an in-person interview and, of course, be on time! Try to ask only positive questions and enjoy the process. Remember that your background got you this far, so be yourself and relax.

As with any interview, practice and planning are key! Personal MBA Coach has former M7 interviewers lined up to do mock interviews with you. Plus, mock interview support is included with all Personal MBA Coach Comprehensive Packages.
Our clients have told us this is one of the most worthwhile steps they have taken to enhance their candidacy, helping them build the confidence they need to excel in the interview.

I utilized the mock interviews, which were definitely a game-changer for me. Post mock interview feedback was again constructive and candid and was a great way to practice that I wouldn't have done on my own. Mocks gave me a lot more confidence going into the real interviews. – Chicago Booth Admit

I can say honestly that without this interview preparation, I would not have been ready for the depth of questions I was asked in my actual interview. This package was a critical part of my preparation and allowed me to go into the interview feeling confident and prepared. – MIT Sloan Admit

One of Scott’s associates who is an ex-Kellogg interviewer took my mock interview. Her feedback on the mock interview was very helpful and she gave detailed question-by-question feedback. She also coached me on how to answer the questions. My confidence post the mock interview increased tremendously. – Dartmouth Tuck Admit

About Personal MBA Coach:

Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 14 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2, currently holding the #1 ranking in the US on Poets&Quants.

We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing and mock interviews. Our team includes a former M7 admissions director and former M7 admissions interviewers.

Last year, our clients earned more than $6M in scholarships!

Take a look at these blog posts for MBA application advice:

The Virtual Wharton TBD Interview

The Resilience of the MBA

Interview with Personal MBA Coach Founder, Scott Edinburgh

Hi abbaman,

Thank you for sharing! Successful deferral applicants will have already demonstrated considerable leadership through internships and extracurricular activities, either on or off campus.

You certainly have strong GPAs and some notable internships, awards, and activities. Great to see some noteworthy company names as well. It is likely that you have gained considerable leadership experience that you can talk about in your applications.

What deferral MBA programs are you looking at? There is no denying that these programs are competitive. This is what makes them a good option for high achievers looking to get a jump on the MBA application process.

That said, you will definitely want to consider boosting your GMAT, as a 660 will not get you into most top programs. We can help you maximize your score through our customized tutoring services with tutors who have scored in the 99th percentile on the GMAT / GRE and are graduates of MIT, Harvard, and UPenn.

Strong candidates also have a clear sense of their career goals. If you need help thinking about these goals, we have shared some of our top tips here.

Happy to connect and further discuss how to enhance your candidacy. Personal MBA Coach works with a lot of deferral applicants and many come from a variety of backgrounds: [email protected].

Regards,
Personal MBA Coach

Were you rejected from business school this year? After getting over the initial disappointment, you likely turned your attention to finding out what went wrong. While there are countless reasons for an MBA rejection (this is why we created our ding report service), Personal MBA Coach has detailed five of the most common problems below to help you improve your applications the next time around!

Problem 1: Lack of a Compelling Story

Your MBA applications must stand out. The reader should have an understanding of who you are, what you are passionate about, and why these passions are significant to you. It should be easy to identify how you are unique compared to your peers.

If your application essays could have been written by any other candidate in a similar role, it will be difficult for you to stand out to the admissions committee. Successful candidates are memorable! This does not mean you need to save the universe, of course. It all comes down to story and execution.

Defining your personal story is an area that Personal MBA Coach’s clients often need the most help with. We work on this extensively with you via our comprehensive packages.

Problem 2: Application Inconsistencies

All aspects of your application should tie together. This includes your MBA essays, resume, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation. The strengths you highlight should match those cited in your recommendations. If your recommenders describe you as a detail-oriented candidate while your essays emphasize your free-spirited nature, the reader will undoubtedly be confused.

Similarly, your activities should align with your passions and expertise, and your weaknesses should be consistent. Any two pieces of your application that do not fit together will raise a red flag about your intentions and sincerity.

Problem 3: Low GPA and/or Test Score

This may be more obvious, but if you do not have a competitive academic record and test score, you may not get into your top choice, no matter how amazing your application. Even though some candidates with lower GPA and test scores may be admitted (and vice versa), you must set reasonable expectations.

As you begin to think about reapplying to business school, consider areas you can improve upon. Can you take classes to develop and demonstrate strong quantitative skills? How can you better prepare for the GMAT/GRE this time around? Personal MBA Coach offers customized tutoring services to help you maximize your score. For those taking the GMAT, our tutors raise clients' GMAT scores 90 points on average.

On top of these measures, you may need to cast a wider net. Our clients apply, on average, to 5 to 7 schools, including reach schools and some safer options.

Problem 4: An Abundance of Applicants with a Similar Profile

For better or worse, sometimes acceptance comes down to numbers. While Personal MBA Coach helps clients from overrepresented backgrounds develop compelling personal stories that stand out, diversity is important to MBA programs. You cannot fill an entire class with former MBB consultants or investment bankers. This “numbers game” is another reason why we advise candidates to broaden their school lists.

Problem 5: Insufficient Leadership Experience

It should come as no surprise that business schools want leaders. While this is particularly crucial for Executive MBA hopefuls, leadership is important for all MBA candidates. Luckily, there are many ways you can demonstrate leadership through work experience and extracurriculars.

Leading a team at work is a more obvious example, but taking on informal leadership within a team, stepping up outside the office, and mentoring junior team members are also great ways to demonstrate leadership. As you begin to plan for next year, think about how you can step up your leadership experience AND better articulate it in your essays.

About Personal MBA Coach:

Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 14 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2, currently holding the #1 ranking in the US on Poets&Quants.

We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing and mock interviews. Our team includes a former M7 admissions director and former M7 admissions interviewers.

Last year, our clients earned more than $6M in scholarships!

Take a look at these blog posts for MBA application advice:

Tackling the MBA Application Reapplicant Essay

How to Think About MBA Goals

How to Maximize Your Chance for an MBA Scholarship

All MBA applications require you to submit a resume. You may be thinking, “No problem, I already have a resume.” However, it is not quite that simple.

An MBA resume differs considerably from a professional one as each accomplishes a different goal. A professional resume shows potential employers that you have the specific skills and experiences they are looking for. You are selling your ability to do the job and should include industry-specific terminology and jargon.

A resume for an MBA application, on the other hand, should provide evidence that you have been successful and demonstrated leadership. You are selling your future potential.

After years of detailing your specific technical and industry expertise, you may be wondering HOW to begin developing your MBA resume.

To guide you, Personal MBA Coach has outlined our four top tips, based (frankly) on the mistakes that we frequently encounter. By focusing on your resume now, you will have one less item on your to-do list when MBA programs release their essay questions this spring.

1. Do not outline your job description

Too often we read resume bullets that list a candidate’s tasks and responsibilities. While this might be great for proving you can do a specific job, it does nothing to differentiate you from other MBA applicants. Anyone in your role could copy and paste these bullets from the job description. Admissions committee members do not need to know each detail of your job.

Instead, focus on your key accomplishments. What initiatives did you lead? What projects did you succeed in? How did you go above and beyond in your role? How did you excel, particularly in relation to your peers?

Focus on the highlights. It is okay to leave out certain tasks and projects you worked on, especially if they would not sound impressive to someone outside of your company or industry.

2. Include results

Learnings, takeaways, and results are the most important items to include in your business school resume. This can and should include both personal growth over time and the impact you have had on your business’s performance. The more specific and measurable your results are, the better. Think of items such as “increased performance 30% over previous year” or “drove $1M in new business by doing x, y, and z.”

3. Focus on leadership and transferable skills

While it may be crucial in your current role that you are an SQL expert, this will be much less interesting to admissions committee members. Instead of detailing the technical skills you have amassed, focus on the transferable skills you have developed. Share how you have emerged as a leader. Leadership comes in multiple forms so even if you have not managed a team or a project, there are many ways to demonstrate your unique leadership. (If you do have management experience, include this!) Teamwork and communication are other important skills to include.

As you select professional strengths to share, prioritize those that are relevant to many industries, for example, analytical skills, strategic thinking abilities, or research experience. Sharing these transferrable skills helps to convince the reader that you can excel in business school and beyond.

4. Show multiple aspects of your profile

Successful business school students are active outside of work: in their communities, in athletics, within organizations, etc. They have hobbies or specific language skills. They win awards or earn certifications. They are involved on their campuses or at work outside the scope of their jobs. These details are important—they show readers another aspect of your candidacy beyond your work experience.

However, keep in mind quality over quantity! A laundry list of activities or an organization you volunteered with once will not help (and including such in your MBA resume might even hurt your credibility).

About Personal MBA Coach:

Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 14 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2, currently holding the #1 ranking in the US on Poets&Quants.

We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing and mock interviews. Our team includes a former M7 admissions director and former M7 admissions interviewers.

Last year, our clients earned more than $6M in scholarships!

You also may be interested in the following blog posts:

How to Ensure Your MBA Letters of Recommendation Shine

The Rise in Deferral MBA Programs

The Resilience of the MBA

Personal MBA Coach started with the premise that everyone has a personal story and that the most successful candidates craft unique and compelling stories. This continues to be a cornerstone of our support and the area where we find our clients need the most guidance.

We advise candidates to start thinking about their stories months, if not years, in advance! The good news? Everyone has a personal story; you may just need help figuring out how to make it shine.

Keep in Mind: This is not the time to tell the admissions committee what you think they want to hear. As an Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants (AIGAC) Board Member and Committee Chair, Personal MBA Coach is fortunate to attend an annual conference with Admissions Directors from 25+ top MBA programs including HBS, Stanford, Booth, Kellogg, Wharton, Ross, Sloan, Yale, Darden, Fuqua and many others. Authenticity is often a key point of discussion.

The most successful candidates do not always write essays about overcoming a horrible tragedy or solving world hunger. Sure, if you have done something impressive or triumphed over a difficult situation, include it—if it fits with your story. But you also can write compelling essays without this.

So, what should you include in your personal story? This answer will differ for every candidate but across the board I can tell you, NOT EVERYTHING!

No one wants to read a long explanation detailing a chronological flow of your life. Instead, you must be focused, logical and unique.

When Personal MBA Coach meets with a new candidate, we start by asking a lot of questions. We talk about everything the applicant has done, often starting from childhood. You should start with a similar process.

1. Make a list of everything you have done in your life and take the time to write it all down. Think carefully about the decisions you have made, activities you enjoy and, most importantly, why you made those choices.
2. Think about your future goals. What do you want to do after you earn your MBA and, again, why?
3. Next, look for a theme! What single idea connects items from #1 and #2? This is the hard part, so give it time.

Here is an example:

One candidate’s passion for education began as a result of a family tragedy. Instead of centering his essay on his misfortunes, however, he barely mentioned the tragedy in his essay as, frankly, it did not say anything about him.

He focused instead on what he did in the face of this situation. He shared his penchant for education starting at a young age. His extracurricular activities, past career choices, and future aspirations laddered up to this. Sharing these highlights led to a compelling statement. His application strength did not come from his career successes but from how his essays were focused, his personal and professional moves were logical, and his career path was unique.

This candidate was accepted to an M7 school.

Business schools want to know how you will make the business world (and the world more broadly) better when you leave their campuses. They also want to know how you will leave a unique mark.

Past behavior is the best predictor of the future, and we all have left a mark in one way or another. No candidate is ever perfect; instead, we chart the best course we can with the hand we are dealt. The best personal statements show this.

As you can see from this discussion, crafting a personal statement is not easy—but Personal MBA Coach is here to help!

About Personal MBA Coach:

Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 14 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2, currently holding the #1 ranking in the US on Poets&Quants.

We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing and mock interviews. Our team includes a former M7 admissions director and former M7 admissions interviewers.

Last year, our clients earned more than $6M in scholarships!

You also may be interested in the following blog posts:

Personal MBA Coach's Take on the 2021 FT Global MBA Rankings

How to Maximize Your Chance for an MBA Scholarship

Berkeley Haas, UVA Darden, Michigan Ross, USC Marshall & Texas McCombs Admit with $70K Scholarship

Founded by a former consultant, Personal MBA Coach helps numerous consultants get into top MBA programs and earn significant scholarships each year. While consulting can be a great industry for starting your career and gaining strong pre-MBA experience and exposure, it is also a competitive field with many MBA applicants.

MBA admissions committees are looking to build well-rounded classes that include students from diverse backgrounds. While most schools could easily fill an entire class with management consultants who have top GPAs, high test scores, and great experience, doing so would not make for very dynamic discussions. Thus, as a consultant, you have your work cut out for you to distinguish yourself from your peers in your MBA applications.

Personal MBA Coach is here to help with our expert advice for current or former consultants. But first, let’s look at the MBA school landscape and see where applicants with a consulting background fit.

Which Schools Admit the Most Consultants?

The breakdown of students by pre-MBA industry across leading full-time MBA programs shows consulting as the #1 or #2 industry at many schools. However, there is a wide range in terms of the percentage of former consultants within the most recently reported MBA classes at leading schools.

Kellogg recently admitted the highest percent of consultants, with 26% of the class of 2022 coming from the industry, as the table below shows. Chicago Booth, Wharton and Dartmouth Tuck also heavily accepted consultants, followed closely by Columbia Business School, Michigan Ross, MIT Sloan and Berkeley Haas, where former consultants comprise over 20% of the class. However, if you are looking at NYU Stern, Harvard Business School or Duke Fuqua, you likely will face even stiffer competition, as consultants make up a smaller percentage of MBA students at these programs.

Full-Time MBA Program - % from Consulting Background (data from class of 2022 profiles)

Kellogg- 26%

Chicago Booth - 25%

Wharton - 24%

Dartmouth Tuck - 24%

Columbia Business School - 23%

Michigan Ross - 22%

MIT Sloan - 22%

Berkeley Haas - 21%

Yale SOM - 19%

Stanford GSB - 17%

Duke Fuqua - 15%

Harvard Business School - 15%

NYU Stern - 10%

So, what can you do to increase your chances of success? Below are five tips that Personal MBA Coach recommends for its consultant applicants. We regularly work with applicants from top consulting firms, including McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company, Deloitte and many more.

1) Embrace your uniqueness

Do not write what you think admissions committee members want to read. There is no “ideal” candidate profile. Instead, your uniqueness will be one of your greatest selling points.

Regardless of your background, show the reader who you are and be sure to cover multiple aspects of your profile. While this does not mean you should provide a laundry list of details, discussing one or two unique skills, hobbies, extracurricular leadership roles, volunteer work or language skills will paint a clearer picture for admissions committee members of who you are and what unique value you can add to their next class.

If you are coming from a less traditional field, call attention to both your unique and your transferable skills. Whether you are a dancer, a coach or a scientist, many of the same skills are essential for success in an MBA program.

2) Show what you have done above and beyond the expectations for your role

Given that many consultants have worked on similar projects, it is crucial to focus on your unique professional accomplishments. Be honest with yourself. If three friends of yours also recommended cost synergies for a recent client, maybe you have something more unique (even if it is not the most impressive) to mention.

Think about projects in which you have gone the extra mile and/or added an innovative point of view. Let your admissions committee readers see how you have stood out as a leader and leveraged analytical and/or out-of-the-box thinking.

Have you taken on extra projects? Signed up to volunteer within the organization? Mentored a junior colleague? Any additional measures that show your strengths and initiative will help ensure that your MBA application stands out.

3) Develop a strong MBA resume

Your MBA resume provides a crucial opportunity to distinguish yourself as a candidate. You may be thinking “No problem, I already have a resume.” You do, but it is not the one you need for a successful MBA application. An MBA resume shows multiple aspects of your profile, not just a chronology of your employment or job functions; it provides concrete evidence that you have been successful and demonstrated leadership.

Unlike potential employers, MBA admissions committee members do not need to know each detail of your job, especially if you are a former consultant. Instead, focus on and highlight your key accomplishments.

That said, you should include specific and measurable results such as “increased performance 30% over previous year” or “drove $1M in new business through x, y, z” to show personal growth over time as well as your impact on business performance.

In addition to their professional strengths, successful MBA applicants are active in their communities, in athletics, within neighborhood organizations, etc. Including these details on your resume shows readers other aspects of your candidacy. This is another way you can both embrace your uniqueness (per point 1) and set yourself apart from your peers.

4) Select and prepare your recommenders carefully

Selecting the right people to write your MBA letters of recommendation will also help your application stand out. Be sure to choose someone who knows you well and who will take the time to write a great letter of recommendation. As a consultant, you want someone who can compare you to other applicants and show how you have distinguished yourself among your peers.

It is crucial that your recommenders be familiar with your work, your character, strengths, your weaknesses and your career aspirations. The best MBA letters of recommendation show an intimate familiarity with the candidate.

An ideal letter of recommendation will complement the rest of your application. You do not want your recommender to repeat exactly what your resume and other materials already say, but you also want to make sure there is no conflicting information.

Take the time to prepare your recommenders by sharing your career aspirations, reminding them of your key accomplishments, and telling them what you plan to discuss in your essays. If you have a skill set your future recommender has not seen yet, model the behavior now that you want them to write about later.

5) Broaden your school list

While Personal MBA Coach writes a lot about the M7 business schools, many other top schools are climbing in the MBA rankings. Further, the MBA application process is something of a numbers game: For example, your profile might be great but if there are too many qualified consultants from your country or region in a given year’s pool, you may struggle to stand out.

This is why our average candidate applies to five or more schools. For some, this means applying to schools from a range of tiers. For others, this means spreading their application eggs across multiple top-tier-school baskets.

Of course, the target list for all candidates must match the candidate profile. Be sure that you have not only a wide enough list but also one that is reasonable based on your GPA, GMAT/GRE score and specific consulting experience. Personal MBA Coach prides itself on offering open and honest feedback on your chances of success at any given school. We want our candidates to reach high but to be strategic and realistic as well.

About Personal MBA Coach:

Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 14 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2, currently holding the #1 ranking in the US on Poets&Quants.

We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing and mock interviews. Our team includes a former M7 admissions director and former M7 admissions interviewers.

Last year, our clients earned more than $6M in scholarships!

You also may be interested in the following blog posts:

The Resilience of the MBA

From Berkeley Haas to Yale SOM: MBA Essay Analysis Beyond the M7

The MBA Job Market Bounces BackFounded by a former consultant, Personal MBA Coach helps numerous consultants get into top MBA programs and earn significant scholarships each year. While consulting can be a great industry for starting your career and gaining strong pre-MBA experience and exposure, it is also a competitive field with many MBA applicants.

MBA admissions committees are looking to build well-rounded classes that include students from diverse backgrounds. While most schools could easily fill an entire class with management consultants who have top GPAs, high test scores, and great experience, doing so would not make for very dynamic discussions. Thus, as a consultant, you have your work cut out for you to distinguish yourself from your peers in your MBA applications.

Personal MBA Coach is here to help with our expert advice for current or former consultants. But first, let’s look at the MBA school landscape and see where applicants with a consulting background fit.

Which Schools Admit the Most Consultants?

The breakdown of students by pre-MBA industry across leading full-time MBA programs shows consulting as the #1 or #2 industry at many schools. However, there is a wide range in terms of the percentage of former consultants within the most recently reported MBA classes at leading schools.

Kellogg recently admitted the highest percent of consultants, with 26% of the class of 2022 coming from the industry, as the table below shows. Chicago Booth, Wharton and Dartmouth Tuck also heavily accepted consultants, followed closely by Columbia Business School, Michigan Ross, MIT Sloan and Berkeley Haas, where former consultants comprise over 20% of the class. However, if you are looking at NYU Stern, Harvard Business School or Duke Fuqua, you likely will face even stiffer competition, as consultants make up a smaller percentage of MBA students at these programs.

Full-Time MBA Program - % from Consulting Background (data from class of 2022 profiles)

Kellogg- 26%

Chicago Booth - 25%

Wharton - 24%

Dartmouth Tuck - 24%

Columbia Business School - 23%

Michigan Ross - 22%

MIT Sloan - 22%

Berkeley Haas - 21%

Yale SOM - 19%

Stanford GSB - 17%

Duke Fuqua - 15%

Harvard Business School - 15%

NYU Stern - 10%

So, what can you do to increase your chances of success? Below are five tips that Personal MBA Coach recommends for its consultant applicants. We regularly work with applicants from top consulting firms, including McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company, Deloitte and many more.

1) Embrace your uniqueness

Do not write what you think admissions committee members want to read. There is no “ideal” candidate profile. Instead, your uniqueness will be one of your greatest selling points.

Regardless of your background, show the reader who you are and be sure to cover multiple aspects of your profile. While this does not mean you should provide a laundry list of details, discussing one or two unique skills, hobbies, extracurricular leadership roles, volunteer work or language skills will paint a clearer picture for admissions committee members of who you are and what unique value you can add to their next class.

If you are coming from a less traditional field, call attention to both your unique and your transferable skills. Whether you are a dancer, a coach or a scientist, many of the same skills are essential for success in an MBA program.

2) Show what you have done above and beyond the expectations for your role

Given that many consultants have worked on similar projects, it is crucial to focus on your unique professional accomplishments. Be honest with yourself. If three friends of yours also recommended cost synergies for a recent client, maybe you have something more unique (even if it is not the most impressive) to mention.

Think about projects in which you have gone the extra mile and/or added an innovative point of view. Let your admissions committee readers see how you have stood out as a leader and leveraged analytical and/or out-of-the-box thinking.

Have you taken on extra projects? Signed up to volunteer within the organization? Mentored a junior colleague? Any additional measures that show your strengths and initiative will help ensure that your MBA application stands out.

3) Develop a strong MBA resume

Your MBA resume provides a crucial opportunity to distinguish yourself as a candidate. You may be thinking “No problem, I already have a resume.” You do, but it is not the one you need for a successful MBA application. An MBA resume shows multiple aspects of your profile, not just a chronology of your employment or job functions; it provides concrete evidence that you have been successful and demonstrated leadership.

Unlike potential employers, MBA admissions committee members do not need to know each detail of your job, especially if you are a former consultant. Instead, focus on and highlight your key accomplishments.

That said, you should include specific and measurable results such as “increased performance 30% over previous year” or “drove $1M in new business through x, y, z” to show personal growth over time as well as your impact on business performance.

In addition to their professional strengths, successful MBA applicants are active in their communities, in athletics, within neighborhood organizations, etc. Including these details on your resume shows readers other aspects of your candidacy. This is another way you can both embrace your uniqueness (per point 1) and set yourself apart from your peers.

4) Select and prepare your recommenders carefully

Selecting the right people to write your MBA letters of recommendation will also help your application stand out. Be sure to choose someone who knows you well and who will take the time to write a great letter of recommendation. As a consultant, you want someone who can compare you to other applicants and show how you have distinguished yourself among your peers.

It is crucial that your recommenders be familiar with your work, your character, strengths, your weaknesses and your career aspirations. The best MBA letters of recommendation show an intimate familiarity with the candidate.

An ideal letter of recommendation will complement the rest of your application. You do not want your recommender to repeat exactly what your resume and other materials already say, but you also want to make sure there is no conflicting information.

Take the time to prepare your recommenders by sharing your career aspirations, reminding them of your key accomplishments, and telling them what you plan to discuss in your essays. If you have a skill set your future recommender has not seen yet, model the behavior now that you want them to write about later.

5) Broaden your school list

While Personal MBA Coach writes a lot about the M7 business schools, many other top schools are climbing in the MBA rankings. Further, the MBA application process is something of a numbers game: For example, your profile might be great but if there are too many qualified consultants from your country or region in a given year’s pool, you may struggle to stand out.

This is why our average candidate applies to five or more schools. For some, this means applying to schools from a range of tiers. For others, this means spreading their application eggs across multiple top-tier-school baskets.

Of course, the target list for all candidates must match the candidate profile. Be sure that you have not only a wide enough list but also one that is reasonable based on your GPA, GMAT/GRE score and specific consulting experience. Personal MBA Coach prides itself on offering open and honest feedback on your chances of success at any given school. We want our candidates to reach high but to be strategic and realistic as well.

About Personal MBA Coach:

Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 14 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2, currently holding the #1 ranking in the US on Poets&Quants.

We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing and mock interviews. Our team includes a former M7 admissions director and former M7 admissions interviewers.

Last year, our clients earned more than $6M in scholarships!

You also may be interested in the following blog posts:

The Resilience of the MBA

From Berkeley Haas to Yale SOM: MBA Essay Analysis Beyond the M7

The MBA Job Market Bounces Back

With the recent release of the 2022 US News and World Report’s Best Business School Guide, MBA rankings are top of mind for all MBA hopefuls. While MBA rankings are just one factor to consider in the MBA decision-making process, Personal MBA Coach would like to share our thoughts on this latest list.

As Personal MBA Coach recently shared with Business Because readers, average ranking over time is far more important than fluctuations from year-to-year. It is important to keep this in mind as you review this year’s changes.

Somewhat surprisingly, given the fluctuations seen in recent years, all of the top 10 schools from the 2021 US News & World Report rankings remained in 2022’s top 10 list. Dartmouth Tuck (now tied with NYU Stern for 10th place) is the only newcomer to this year’s top 10 list.

2022 Full-Time MBA Rankings: What Changed and What Remained the Same

Once again, Stanford GSB has secured the #1 spot in the US News & World Report MBA rankings. This year, however, it is the sole holder of this position. While Stanford GSB and Wharton shared 1st place in the 2021 rankings, Wharton has dropped to #2 this year. Similarly, while Chicago Booth has earned 3rd place again this year, Kellogg (which shared the #3 spot with Chicago Booth last year) has fallen to #4.

Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan round out the top 5. Though the #5 spot is a repeat ranking for MIT Sloan, Harvard Business School celebrates a slight increase from its previous and lowest-ever position of 6th place.

Columbia Business School jumped slightly from 8th to 7th place. Berkeley Haas also secured 7th place, maintaining the same position from the previous year. For the third year in a row, Yale SOM finished 9th. Rounding out the top 10, NYU Stern secured 10th place for the second year in a row, joined this year by Dartmouth Tuck.

Duke Fuqua retains 12th place this year, while Michigan Ross dropped from #12 to #13. UVA Darden shares 13th place with Michigan Ross, falling from its past position of #11.

Cornell Johnson, Carnegie Mellon Tepper, USC Marshall, UCLA Anderson, Texas McCombs, and UNC Kenan-Flagler completed the top 20, in that order, with Tepper and Marshall tying for 16th place, and Anderson and McCombs tying for 18th.

Again, it is important to remember that changes over time are more significant, and these rankings vary from year-to-year and guide-to-guide. For instance, this year’s Financial Times Global MBA Rankings offer very different results than those shared above, in part due to the omission of Harvard Business School, Wharton, and Stanford GSB from their list.

The constant shuffling at the top demonstrates the growing competition among elite business schools. The average GMAT score range among the top 10 schools’ class of 2022 admits was just 13 points (from 720 to 733). Similarly, there was a small variation in average GPA, ranging from 3.5 to 3.8.

There are no longer just a few top programs to consider. While the M7 business schools receive a lot of attention, there are many compelling full-time MBA program options outside of the M7. Personal MBA Coach’s average client applies to five to seven programs to maximize their chances of acceptance.

Beyond MBA rankings, it is essential to consider factors including location, culture, areas of specialization and job placement. Just because a particular business school has a high position in general rankings does not mean that it will better prepare you for your next job. Consider your post-MBA goals and learning style and explore specialized rankings depending on these aspirations.

Finally, available financing also should be a key consideration since you may be able to secure more funding from one school versus another. Last year, Personal MBA Coach’s clients earned over $6M in scholarships. Depending on your personal circumstances, you might be better off selecting a school with a slightly lower ranking if it offers a more favorable financial package. Some M7 schools are very generous with scholarships while others award them much more sparingly.

About Personal MBA Coach:

Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 14 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2, currently holding the #1 ranking in the US on Poets&Quants.

We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing and mock interviews. Our team includes a former M7 admissions director and former M7 admissions interviewers.

Last year, our clients earned more than $6M in scholarships!

You also may be interested in the following blog posts:

How to Think About MBA Goals

Articulating Your Personal Story

How to Maximize Your Chance for an MBA Scholarship

April is upon us! This means that the first Round 1 deadline is likely just five months away.

While the 2021-2022 MBA application deadlines and questions have not yet been announced (stay tuned for more details on this), the first Round 1 application deadline from this past year was in early September. If you are applying to Columbia Business School, they will likely start accepting applications in about two months.

While some of last year’s deadlines were pushed back due to coronavirus, we do not expect as many (if any) delays this year. Regardless of whether you followed our MBA Planning Guide, it is time to kick your MBA application efforts into high gear.

To help you make the most of your time and avoid last-minute cramming (which is never ideal for anyone), Personal MBA Coach has put together our 5-month MBA application timeline.

Months 1 and 2: April and May

1) Look for virtual campus events

While on campus visits are not yet an option, many schools continue to offer virtual campus visits, student chats and more to give students a sense of life on campus. Here are just a few upcoming over the next month:

Yale SOM Community and Inclusion Q&A (April 12th)
Wharton Student-Led Virtual Campus Tour (April 16th)
Zoom In On Booth (April 20th)
Life at HBS Chat with MBA Students (April 28th)

2) Develop or solidify your GMAT, GRE or EA study plan

Many of you may be hard at work studying or have already taken one or two exams. If not, now is a great time to sign up with one of Personal MBA Coach’s tutors. Our tutoring slots often fill up later in the summer. Even if you have a strong score, be sure that you are maximizing your potential!

3) Customize your MBA resume

Your MBA resume should differ from your professional one. While you may need to tweak your resume later this summer, we advise our clients to get most of their resume development work out of the way before schools release their essay questions.

4) Fine-tune your career goals

Reflecting upon and articulating your career goals now will save time when you start to develop your essays. At Personal MBA Coach, we work closely with our comprehensive clients to help them develop compelling goals statements.

5) Narrow your target school lists

Your final list may change (particularly if your GMAT/GRE/EA score is not what you expected), but it is best to have an initial idea of your school list no later than May. We expect another challenging year so be sure to develop a well-rounded list that includes some “reach” schools and some safer schools, particularly if this coming cycle is a make-or-break year for you.

6) Brainstorm essay topics and begin drafting essays

For some schools, the MBA essay questions are not likely to change from year to year. For these programs, you can begin brainstorming, outlining and drafting. For other schools, you can look at past questions to get an idea of potential focus areas for each school on your list. By May, we are working on essay editing with many of our clients.

7) Prepare your personal story

Think through the choices you have made in your life, what drove those choices and what makes you unique. You want to keep this story in mind as you outline your essays.

8) Begin to identify potential recommenders

Think about who can write the most effective letters of recommendation (not just who is the most impressive on paper). Start putting out feelers now to see who is willing to take the time to write a great MBA letter of recommendation.

Month 3: June

1) Draft your essays

Essay development should get the bulk of your attention this month.

2) Finalize and prepare your recommenders

Nail down your recommenders and schedule time to adequately prepare them to ensure your letters of recommendation shine.

3) Take the GMAT/GRE/EA

If you have not already done so, aim to complete your testing by mid-summer. This will give you time to retake the test if needed and not be too rushed. Remember, online tests are viable options.

4) Network with students and alumni

Connect with current students and alumni in your network to learn more about their MBA programs. Doing so not only will help you confirm your interest, but also will give you strong material for your applications. Some schools specifically ask whom you talked to, so do not forget this key step.

Month 4: July

1) Edit, edit, edit

Aim to finish your MBA essays in July. Personal MBA Coach advises our clients to complete their essays at least 3 to 4 weeks before deadlines. Last-minute changes are rarely for the better and you will need the time in August to focus on other application elements.

2) Revisit school lists as needed

Based on your test scores, you may want to critically evaluate and expand your school list. Our average candidate applies to 5 to 7 schools.

Month 5: August

1) Ensure LORs are ready to go

Follow up with your recommenders and make sure they are on track and know your deadlines. Ask your recommenders if they need any additional information from you.

2) Work on short answer questions and video essays

Allocate enough time for short answer questions and other application extras. These sections require a lot of detail and often take longer than you might think. They are crucial components to your application.

3) Proofread, proofread, proofread

ALWAYS get someone unfamiliar with your applications to do a thorough review.

4) Research options for visiting campus, if it is safe to do so

While we do not know whether traveling will be more common by late summer, we certainly hope so! By getting a jump-start on your other application components, you will free yourself up to visit schools later on should this opportunity become available.

Keep in mind that while it is optimal to use the full five months (or more) to prepare, we regularly work with clients who start later in the year and craft custom timelines accordingly.

Similarly, many of our clients (especially those applying to an early decision program) are working well ahead of these timelines!

About Personal MBA Coach:

Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 14 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2, currently holding the #1 ranking in the US on Poets&Quants.

We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing and mock interviews. Our team includes a former M7 admissions director and former M7 admissions interviewers.

Last year, our clients earned more than $6M in scholarships!

You also may be interested in the following blog posts:

Articulating Your Personal Story

How to Think About MBA Goals

How to Maximize Your Chance for an MBA Scholarship

“What do you want to do after you graduate from business school?”

As you begin to reflect upon and articulate your goals, consider these six key pieces of advice.

About Personal MBA Coach:

Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 14 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2, currently holding the #1 ranking in the US on Poets&Quants.

We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing and mock interviews. Our team includes a former M7 admissions director and former M7 admissions interviewers.

Last year, our clients earned more than $6M in scholarships!

Now is the perfect time for class of 2022 MBA hopefuls to begin their GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment (EA) preparation.

If you have not already begun studying for the GMAT, GRE or EA exam, take this opportunity to sign up with one of Personal MBA Coach’s tutors before our slots fill up later this summer.

Even if you already have a strong GMAT, GRE or EA score, you want to make sure that you are fully maximizing your potential!

To help get you started, Personal MBA Coach has shared the answers to the questions that we are most often asked about GMAT, GRE or EA testing.

Visit our blog to learn more.

About Personal MBA Coach:

Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 14 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2, currently holding the #1 ranking in the US on Poets&Quants.

We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing and mock interviews. Our team includes a former M7 admissions director and former M7 admissions interviewers.

Last year, our clients earned more than $6M in scholarships!