This week’s episode kicks off with a quick discussion around the last of the Round 2 application deadlines for top programs (MIT / Sloan have a deadline this Wednesday). Graham and Alex also touched upon the fact LiveWire is starting to see one or two programs release early interview invites for Round 2, CMU / Tepper is leading the way in this domain. It is also worth noting that Duke / Fuqua has added an extra deadline for this season, while UVA Darden have made their final round ‘rolling’; is this a sign of deflated application volumes? Alex also noted that Goldman Sachs has announced a round of lay-offs; they join several leading tech forms that have also announced lay-offs in recent months. Your hosts then discussed the potential implications of a less steady job market in terms of the ROI of the MBA. Graham highlighted the return of the Real Numbers series from Clear Admit, kicking off with looking at tuition costs at the top programs. Graham then reminded listeners about two deferred enrollment events that Clear Admit is hosting on February 1 and February 8. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/defer23
For this week’s candidate profile reviews, Alex chose two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry:
First up, Graham introduces a very solid candidate for top programs: he has a 730 GMAT, 3.67 GPA and solid banking and private equity experience. He is looking to transition from PE to Asset Management, and Alex and Graham like the switch, but hope there’s enough to differentiate his profile from some other very good, but similar, candidates. This week’s second candidate has an ambitious goal of establishing a Search Fund straight after the MBA. We discussed some of the implications of that goal, and while we believe they have great work experience to date, we worry their numbers (320/3.2) in combination may hold them back, for now – even if they have completed MBA Math. This week’s final candidate is debating admissions offers from Berkeley / Haas, Duke / Fuqua and UNC / Kenan Flagler (all with scholarships of varying amounts). They are looking to do investment banking, and are an international student. We think it boils down to the geographic preferences and IB placements, and lean towards Fuqua in this case.
Private Equity to Asset Management
Entrepreneurial ambitions with a Search fund
Fuqua versus Haas and Kenan Flagler, for Investment Banking
Happy listening!
Be sure to post to MBA ApplyWire, MBA DecisionWire or MBA RankingsWire if you’d like Graham and Alex to offer admissions advice.
If You Like What You’ve Been Hearing, Please Subscribe and Rate Us on Apple Podcasts!
It’s been wonderful seeing the audience for our podcast series continue to grow! Please, if you have enjoyed what you’ve heard, could you rate and review the Clear Admit MBA Admissions Podcast in Apple Podcasts? This is the best way to help more listeners find us. Also, to ensure that you never miss an episode, please subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform you use.
This episode was hosted by Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, and produced by Dennis Crowley. Thanks to all of you who’ve been joining us!
