Join DeSautels McGill chat | Add to my Schools | MBA Applicants WhatsApp CommunityWelcome to the central discussion thread for applicants targeting the
McGill University (Desautels) MBA program for the 2027 intake. Located in Montreal—voted one of the best student cities in the Americas—Desautels features an incredibly flexible timeline framework (allowing you to choose between a 12-month, 16-month, or 20-month track). Whether you are pushing for the Round 1 priority deadline in November or planning a winter submission, consider this space your go-to community yard to coordinate, share strategic advice, and track the cycle.
What are people talking about right now?- The Post-MBA Value Add (Essay 1): Structuring your 500-word career goals prompt. The AdCom wants a highly logical bridge between your past milestones, your concrete mid-to-long term targets, and the exact modules within the Desautels 360° integrated core that will fill your knowledge gaps.
- The Classmate Collaboration Persona (Essay 2): Brainstorming how to answer the 500-word team dynamics prompt. Rather than listing achievements, applicants are figuring out how to highlight specific peer-level values (like empathy, curiosity, and adaptability) while explaining how their unique background adds value to a high-diversity study group.
- The "Difficult Decision" Matrix (Essay 3): Navigating the 500-word process essay. The focus here is less on the ultimate drama of the choice and more on the structural, step-by-step analytical framework, interpersonal maturity, and ethical reasoning you used to execute it.
- The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Strategy: Weighing the timeline options. International applicants are deeply debating whether to choose the accelerated 12-month track (which typically caps PGWP eligibility at 1 year) or the 16/20-month internship tracks (which secure up to a 3-year Canadian work permit).
How does this thread work?This is a peer-to-peer tracker. Use the comments section below to ask about GMAT Focus or GRE target ranges, discuss Montreal living and bilingual networking, share your academic stats for feedback, or alert the group the absolute second those invitation-only admission interview notices drop.
Introduce Yourself to the CohortTo help see who is in the room, copy the template below and drop your status in the comment section:
- Target Round: (Round 1 - Nov / Round 2 - Jan / Round 3 - Mar / Domestic)
- Intended Track Length: (12 Months / 16 Months / 20 Months)
- Pre-MBA Industry & Nationality: * Post-MBA Goal: (Target function, industry, or Montreal/Canadian regional pivot)
- Current Focus: (Test prep / Drafting the integrated core essays / Mapping out the single PDF essay submission)
Bookmark this thread for live timeline updates, interview invite roll calls, and merit award announcements as the application cycle moves forward. Best of luck to everyone—let's conquer the McGill cycle! 🇨🇦🍁⛷️