Hey everyone
Last year, I did a round-up of school-specific admissions resources that was quite popular so I'm back again with an updated 2020 version. I hope this helps anyone planning on applying in R1! I will pin this to my profile and update it as anything else occurs to me.
Krista
# General Tips & Resources
**Virtual Events:** In the absence of school visits and in-person info sessions, I have put together a [list of virtual events by program](
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/ ... sp=sharing). Attending these events will help you answer that “Why this program?” question that many schools ask.
**Under-represented Minorities:** If you are an under-represented minority (US Citizen or US permanent resident), please make sure you register with [The Consortium](
https://cgsm.org/)!
**Executive Assessment**: If you are struggling with the GMAT, CBS, NYU, Darden, Fuqua, and Georgetown are all taking the EA now for their full-time programs. The EA is only 90 minutes long! It’s a mini GMAT.
**International Applicants**: If you are applying to US MBA programs, make sure you understand STEM-certification. The US Department of Homeland Security grants 24-month extensions to the OPT (Optional Practical Training) period for F-1 students in approved STEM fields. See [details for qualifications here](
https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stem-o ... ligibility). We have an info sheet on STEM-certified MBA programs if you need it. PM me or email me at krista at
mbamission dot com for more.
# School-Specific Tips
**HBS:** Before you work on your application, [read Chad's PDF](
https://www.hbs.edu/mba/SiteAssets/List ... 20Tips.pdf). It’s a few years old but provides great insight into the application and advice on your essay. I especially love his suggestion to do the short-answers first to figure out what you've already told them.
**Wharton:** This is the one letter of recommendation that requires a different approach. The questions are totally different. I'm always surprised by how many recommenders totally ignore this and just put the constructive feedback into the 2nd question! Some suggestions on how to approach...
Please provide examples of why you think this candidate will find success in the Wharton MBA classroom...What they're asking...How does the candidate demonstrate teamwork skills?
Please provide examples of why you think this candidate will find success throughout their career...What they're asking...How does the candidate demonstrate leadership?
Note Wharton's GMAT deadline is different from pretty much any other school! The GMAT deadline is NOT the application deadline. [See this page for more](
https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/mba-appli ... 2029f-3ab1).
In the application itself, Wharton asks two questions about awards. Remember an award doesn't have to be a trophy or medal. Think about any situations where you've been recognized for something.
**CBS**: When you fill out the questions about who you know at CBS or what alumni you know at CBS, please try to list at least two people in each box. CBS cares that you've gotten to know them. I always make my clients do a LinkedIn search of their connections and many are surprised to find a few CBS alums or current students in their existing network!
**Booth**: If you know someone at Booth, have them submit a [Shape the Class](
https://www.chicagobooth.edu/shapetheclass) on your behalf! Before the deadline please.
**Kellogg**: Kellogg has a similar referral program to Booth but I believe the form isn't as public. Ask a current student to find the form and fill it out for you.
If you are a finance person, Kellogg introduced a new finance fellowship last year! All you need to do is write 250 words on why finance excites you and what impact you want to have. They seem to be proactively trying to increase their finance numbers. (I believe this essay pops open once you choose the field you are interested in.)
**Sloan**: Did you know that you can go over to YouTube and type in MIT Sloan Essay and watch videos from other applicants? Don't watch anything from before August of 2018 because the old videos are longer and allow editing. I suggest doing this just so you can start thinking of what your own video will be like. Obviously, if everyone gives an iPad presentation of their candidacy, it will be weird. (You'll see what I mean when you check out the videos.)
Last year, Sloan published [this great PDF with application tips](
https://mitsloan.mit.edu/sites/default/ ... an2020.pdf) and insight into their process.
**Yale**: Another school with a referral program!! But this one has an added bonus. If someone refers you to Yale, you got 20 minutes on the phone with Admissions! Non-evaluative but still a nice way to tell your story directly to Admissions. [Read more here](
https://alumni.som.yale.edu/news/2018/0 ... -announced).
**Haas**: Haas has also been [offering 1:1 advising sessions](
https://info.haas.berkeley.edu/en/ft/virtual-advising?) but I’m not quite sure how long they will be available for.
**Ross**: Soojin, the Admissions Director, provides some great advice on the essays [here](
https://michiganross.umich.edu/programs ... re-are-our). (This is from a year or two ago when there were three 100-word short essays.)
**Tuck**: Tuck is guaranteeing interviews to [anyone who applies before September 1st](
https://www.tuck.dartmouth.edu/admissio ... -interview). (October 1st for Consortium applicants.)
[Good article on how Tuck evaluates candidates here](
https://www.tuck.dartmouth.edu/admissio ... e-evaluate).
And [great essay tips for Tuck here](
https://www.tuck.dartmouth.edu/mba/blog ... ion-essays).
**Darden**: If you are applying to Darden during the Early Action period, make sure you take advantage of the [open-interview period](
https://www.darden.virginia.edu/mba/adm ... interviews). It’s a great way to get a guaranteed shot at telling your story directly.
Darden is offering GMAT waivers this year! Beginning this year, applicants with strong alternate indicators of academic, personal or professional accomplishment may apply for a test waiver. Candidates may submit a waiver request any time prior to submitting an application in order to start a dialogue with the Darden Admissions Committee on how best to demonstrate their academic success and potential to succeed in the program. [More here](
https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admis ... ons-cycle/).
Darden is also offering [1:1 conversations with interested applicants](
https://www.darden.virginia.edu/mba/con ... nversation).
Lastly, Darden is also offering [non-binding Early Action](
https://www.darden.virginia.edu/mba/adm ... rly-action).
**Fuqua**: If you are applying to Fuqua in any round, take advantage of the [open-interview period](
https://www.fuqua.duke.edu/programs/day ... structions)! This is a great way to get a guaranteed shot at telling your story.
**London Business School:** LBS will review your resume and give you (very) high-level feedback on your candidacy before you apply. HOWEVER...I has had two clients do this and they were both given feedback that their experience wasn't strong enough. In both cases, I completely disagreed with the LBS AdCom and felt that maybe the AdComs didn't really "get" my clients enough. I was right and both were later admitted. Having trouble linking the page so here is the URL directly: [https://www.london.edu/mbacv](
https://www.london.edu/mbacv)
I'm sure as soon as I click submit, I will remember something else. But that's the list for now!
Krista