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Published: May 17, 2021
Real Humans of Novartis: Fernanda Carranza, Cornell Johnson ‘19, Finance Development Program Associate
Novartis, a global healthcare company that provides solutions to address the evolving needs of patients worldwide, has increasingly been in the spotlight as healthcare companies come together to combat Covid-19. As the company collaborates with key players involved in vaccine production — including Pfizer — Finance Development Program Associate Fernanda Carranza, Cornell Johnson MBA ‘19, has had to think fast on her feet and make strategic decisions, which has been easier thanks to her time at Cornell Johnson and her experience completing the Corporate Finance Immersion program. Going beyond basic Read more
Published: May 16, 2021
Episode 162: Wire Taps—Reapplication Strategy, Casting too Wide a Net, and Decision Dilemmas
This week, Alex and Graham travel to Southeast Asia while touting a review from a listener in Thailand and evaluating a Malaysian applicant who needs a reapplication strategy (and who apparently likes cooking while tuning into WireTaps). They then turn their attention to a consultant in NYC who needs a bit of a confidence boost due to a below-average GPA (and who apparently listens to WireTaps in the shower). Our hosts also dig into a dilemma from a candidate with admissions offers from Vanderbilt ($92K), Georgetown ($20K), and Georgia Tech (~$20K). The dilemma? This candidate has an aversion to landing Read more
Published: May 13, 2021
Wharton Venture Lab Announces Virtual Startup Challenge Winner
University of Pennsylvania students recently competed for $135,000 in prizes in The Wharton School’s 2021 Venture Lab Virtual Startup Challenge. The competition invited student teams from across the Penn community to present their start-up ideas. In response, Penn students from the Wharton School, The College of Arts and Sciences, The School of Engineering and Applied Science, Penn Carey Law, Perlman School of Medicine, and Penn Nursing submitted business plans.  Out of 29 semi-finalists, eight finalists made their pitches at the final virtual event on April 30, 2021. Clear Admit’s co-founder, Eliot Ingram, attended the virtual event and Read more
Published: May 13, 2021
Fridays from the Frontline: How I Navigated Virtual Recruiting and Secured My Summer Internship
Current Wharton MBA student, Nancy Zhang MBA ’22, shares her journey through virtual recruiting to a summer internship in this week’s Fridays from the Frontline. How I Navigated Virtual Recruiting and Secured My Summer Internship Nancy Zhang, Wharton MBA ’22© Matt Greenslade Nancy Zhang, WG’22, is interviewed by Sugirtha Stathis, Director of Student Programs and Communication, MBA Career Management Sugirtha Stathis: What did you do before coming to Wharton? What did you want to explore during your time in the MBA Program? Nancy Zhang: Prior to coming to Wharton, I spent five Read more
Published: May 12, 2021
Triple Accreditation & New Online MBA at WashU Olin School of Business
The Olin School of Business at the Washington University in St. Louis recently announced a couple of milestones. First, they have earned triple accreditation. Additionally, the school will be launching an Online MBA program in January 2022. Earning Triple Accreditation If a business school is accredited, it means that their program adheres to the highest educational standards. Also, accreditation opens the door to federal funding for the institutions as well as federal and state financial aid for students. Different governing bodies, including Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), review teaching, curriculum, Read more
Published: May 11, 2021
Real Humans of Daily Harvest: Bianca Deslouches, Kellogg ‘19, Innovation Strategy
The unprecedented speed of innovation across all industries has redefined the skill set needed to compete in today’s MBA world. This thesis is what galvanized the creation of the MMM program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Unlike traditional MBA programs, the MMM program is an immersive dual-degree program that gives students a rigorous business education integrated with a strong foundation in design innovation. MMM graduates receive an MBA from Kellogg and an M.S. in Design Innovation from the Segal Design Institute at the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Read more
Published: May 11, 2021
MBA Student Interview by Juno: John From Columbia Business School
MBA Student Interview: Columbia Business School Juno’s MBA Student Interview Series aims to bring transparency to the MBA application process. In these student interviews, we’ll talk with MBA students about their paths and decision-making process. The subject of this piece has asked to remain anonymous, so we’ll refer to them as John. Deciding on an MBA For John, financing is playing a big role in his decision-making process. After receiving need-based scholarship from Columbia Business School, he was able to commit to program, which was also his top MBA choice. “From Columbia, I received about 75% of my tuition, Read more
Published: May 10, 2021
CBS Interview Questions & Report: Deferred Enrollment / First-Year Student / Zoom
30-minute blind interview with a first-year student. It was fairly casual and more like a conversation. The three questions were: 1. Tell me about yourself/Walk me through your resume. 2. What are you short-term and long-term goals? 3. Why Columbia/Why NYC? Read more
Published: May 10, 2021
Real Humans of Johnson & Johnson: Heather Dyer, Harvard ‘17, Senior Product Manager, Robotics & Digital Solutions
After several years of supporting medical devices in the operating room, Heather Dyer learned first-hand the imperative role that technology plays in healthcare. More importantly, she learned how meticulously the business of healthcare must be managed. Though her engineering background enabled her to understand the technology side, she decided to attend business school to learn the business and finance fundamentals. Not surprising, like many engineers, she ended up at Harvard Business School — one of the most prestigious business schools in the world. Based on the class of 2022 Read more
Published: May 9, 2021
Episode 161: Wire Taps—GMAT / GRE Recency, Back Office Blues, and a Texas vs. California Clash!
This week, Alex and Graham tackle a number of key admissions questions, ranging from the importance of GMAT/GRE ‘recency’ to potential hurdles candidates may face when coming from ‘back office’ roles. Along the way, our hosts also counsel an early bird applicant thinking of applying in 2024 and a recently admitted applicant weighing offers from UCLA Anderson (with $100K) vs. UT Austin McCombs (with $30K). Other topics in this jam-packed episode include R3 applications and the state of the waitlist at top schools this season. Preview the featured posts from MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire that Graham and Read more
Published: May 6, 2021
Fridays from the Frontline: Making Kellogg History by Winning the Venture Capital Investment Competition
In this week’s Fridays from the Frontline, get a behind-the-scenes view of Northwestern Kellogg MBA students’ prep for the annual Venture Capital Investment Competition. Making Kellogg History by Winning the Venture Capital Investment Competition By Hayley Bohart (2Y 2022) “The best way to break into Venture Capital: do the job before you get the job.” This advice should sound familiar to anyone looking to land a role in VC after business school. I heard it myself when I started my Kellogg MBA journey this past fall, and I wondered how someone might crack this Read more
Published: May 4, 2021
Real Humans of Amgen: Angelinda Chen, Wharton ‘18, Global Marketing Manager, Oncology Pipeline
After walking away from Wharton’s prospective student presentation, Angelinda Chen immediately knew that the University of Pennsylvania’s business school could help translate her dreams into reality. From that day on, embarking on her MBA at Wharton enabled her to own her career in a meaningful way.  Beyond Wharton’s interdisciplinary healthcare program, which provided Angelinda the perfect combination of strategy and healthcare-specific classes, she also had the opportunity to participate in an internship at Amgen. A biotechnology innovator since Read more
Published: May 4, 2021
Michigan Ross Receives $1M Gift for Business+Impact Initiative
The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan has received a $1 million donation from the gracious Applebaum Family Philanthropy. The mission of the Applebaum Family Philanthropy is to provide invaluable opportunities and experiences to the next generation, and this thoughtful gift is dedicated to doing exactly that. By implementing the new Applebaum Family Business+Impact (B+I) Experiences and Innovation Program, Michigan Ross will have the ability to offer more resources and rewards for students.  This program will provide action-based learning in social impact, sustainability, poverty alleviation, and related policy. Most importantly, Read more
Published: May 4, 2021
MBA Student Interview by Juno: Jane from Kellogg School of Management
Juno’s MBA Series aims to bring transparency to the MBA application process. In this series, we’ll interview MBA students about their paths and decision-making process. The subject of this piece has asked to remain anonymous, so we’ll refer to them as Jane.   Before Kellogg  Since her undergraduate days at The University of Texas at Austin, Jane has been focused on building a career in business. She majored in marketing and minored in finance before graduating in 2017 and entering the banking industry.   Eventually, she transferred to the supply chain and operations side Read more
Published: May 3, 2021
Real Humans of Gatorade: Ryan O’Byrne, Northwestern Kellogg ‘19, Associate Marketing Manager
When a person exercises, they lose not only water but also electrolytes through their sweat. Gatorade, which is currently manufactured by PepsiCo, contains the necessary electrolytes and carbohydrates that athletes need to refuel and rehydrate. Their optimal mixture, which is distributed in over 80 countries, provides energy to working muscles and enhances athletic performance. Former NHL hockey player Ryan O’Byrne, who spent a decade playing professionally, knows all about peak sport performance and it’s no surprise he ended up working for this iconic sports brand. But how did Ryan O’Byrne transition from being an athlete Read more
Published: May 2, 2021
Episode 160: Wire Taps—ED or Not ED, That Is the Question
Graham and Alex deliver another podcast episode of Wire Taps, dishing out MBA application and admissions advice. This week, a military applicant who has made significant strides in maturity and time management wants to show the adcom he’s ready for business school life—even if his early undergraduate record suggests otherwise. Another MBA hopeful reached out for advice on timing of their applications—specifically, should they jump head-on into an early decision that would be binding or take their chances with more flexible acceptances? Finally, an accepted candidate planning on a tech career is weighing matriculating at CBS with a scholarship or Read more
Published: April 29, 2021
Fridays from the Frontline: How Covid Led Us to Build an Online Networking Platform for MBAs
Two NYU Stern MBA students, Kidae Hong and Claire Park, share their entrepreneurial and tech experience in bringing a new sense of community to life during the COVID-19 pandemic. How Covid Led Us to Build an Online Networking Platform for MBAs By Kidae Hong and Claire Park, NYU Stern School of Business (MBA ’21) Stumbling on a Problem  Kidae Hong and Claire Park, NYU Stern School of Business (MBA ’21) In December of 2019, fresh from completing our first semester in NYU Stern’s full-time MBA program, Kidae held his birthday party in our small studio apartment Read more
Published: April 28, 2021
Northwestern Kellogg Interview Questions & Report: Round 2 / Adcom / Zoom
It was a very conversational interview with the Adcom. Below are the questions that I was asked. Walk me through resume. Short-term career goals? Biggest professional accomplishment? Why MBA? Why Kellogg? Working with a diverse team? Challenges? Rewards? Strengths and weaknesses from teammates? Where something went wrong on your team. Strongest and weakest part of my candidacy. What do I do for fun? Anything we haven’t discussed that you want to talk about? Read more
Published: April 28, 2021
Video Recap: MBA Recruiting Intel from Bain and J.P. Morgan
It’s never too early to start thinking about recruiting…or is it? We spoke with Keith Bevans, Global Head of Consultant Recruiting at Bain & Co., and Lauren Birnie, Vice President, Head of Firmwide MBA Recruiting at J.P. Morgan to discuss just that. Clear Admit and the MBA recruiting reps from Bain and J.P. Morgan came together on April 28, 2021 to discuss what these sought-after employers look for, and what their hiring processes entail. Topics covered include: How does your MBA recruiting process work? What will the impact of COVID mean for hiring this year? What tips/advice do you have Read more
Published: April 27, 2021
Real Humans of Novartis: Gauri Korday, LBS ‘20, Associate, Finance Development Program
London Business School, the graduate business school of the University of London, is widely recognized for its international student body. Wanting to pivot both geographically and functionally, Mumbai-born Gauri Korday was drawn to the strong international cohort at LBS and decided to pursue her MBA there.  Growing up in a family of medical practitioners and pharmaceutical business entrepreneurs and with several years of experience in a pharmaceutical manufacturing business herself, Gauri Korday had always been passionate about science and innovation, but her time at LBS helped her test out different roles, Read more
Published: April 26, 2021
Indiana Kelley MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 3 / Adcom & Student
This person was an adcom member and 2nd-year student which touched on a bit of resume and applicated based questions. The questions I was asked were: Tell me about yourself. Why MBA? Why Kelley? What is your leadership style? Have you ever worked with someone difficult? Any questions for me? The interview was a great experience and had no major surprises. Kelley people are really nice and just wanted to get to know me better. Read more
Published: April 26, 2021
Real Humans of Procter & Gamble: Steve Van Vechten, Cornell Johnson MBA ‘20, Senior Brand Manager, Bounty
The quicker, picker upper — finish that slogan! If you said “Bounty,” you’d be correct. Bounty is an American brand of paper towel that is manufactured by Procter & Gamble. First introduced in 1965, it has become one of the most popular paper towel brands known for its absorbency and strength, not to mention its many famous slogans, commercials and campaigns. P&G is known for pioneering brand management and cultivating great business leaders — but what is their secret? Steve Van Vechten, Cornell Johnson MBA ‘20, wanted to find out. After an energizing summer internship at P&G, Read more
Published: April 25, 2021
Episode 159: Wire Taps—The “That Was Then, This Is Now” Strategy
In this week’s podcast episode of Wire Taps, Graham and Alex offer keen admissions advice to two new applicants and one candidate torn about school choice. First up, a U.S. Army officer with a poor academic background sought advice about targeting MBA programs for their pending return to civilian life in 2022. Another MBA hopeful coming from commercial banking and hoping to transition into investment banking also needed help with school choice. Finally, as the 2020-21 admissions season winds down, some candidates are still facing tough decisions. This week, Graham and Alex weigh in on one candidate’s scholarship-laden choice between Read more
Published: April 23, 2021
Upcoming Virtual Event Series: MBA Application Overview
You’ve got your grades and (maybe) your test scores. You’ve put in the time and effort at work, and have accomplishments and skills to show for it. You’re also active and involved in your community. You have the raw materials. So how do you put them together into a compelling MBA application? Join us for our MBA Application Overview Event Series to get answers to just that question! We’re hosting four events – on consecutive Wednesdays in May – May 3rd, May 10th, May 17th & May 24th, all @ 12pm ET – each with representatives from up to five Read more
Published: April 22, 2021
Stanford GSB Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Alumnus / Zoom
Interview was Zoom-based with an alum from GSB in business casual clothing. Interview was straightforward as any other GSB interview — the format was an hour long with 10 minutes remaining for any questions for the interviewer. The interview was mainly structured as me talking him through my resume and double-click questions throughout: + Talk me through your resume. + What was it like growing up in [Country]? + What was your most impactful moment as an Analyst at [Company]? + Why did you move from [Company] to [Company]? + Tell me about a time Read more

MBA Applywire

5
January 11, 2025 8:25pm ET
Applying: Columbia, Harvard Business School, MIT Sloan, Stanford GSB, UPenn / Wharton
Intake Year: 2025
Pre-MBA Career: MBB Consulting
Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Non Profit/SI Companies: Bain , BCG , McKinsey
GRE: 331
GPA: 3.7
Years of Work Experience: 3
Location: Los Angeles
Post MBA Location: West Coast or NYC
Notes:

Hi Alex! I'm a huge fan of your LiveWire podcast with Graham and I was wondering if you could potentially review my profile on the next episode.
I'm applying R2 to the following schools: HBS, GSB, Wharton, CBS. I have 3 YOE (upon matriculation this Fall), and am 25 y/o URM male living in Los Angeles.

Stats: 3.68 GPA in Economics from a T5 U.S. Public Uni (Berkeley/UCLA/Michigan/UNC), and a 331 GRE (168Q/163V)

2 yrs MBB, early promotion to Jr. Manager; on a one-year secondment at an urban mobility startup focused on autonomous vehicle technology in San Francisco. A lot of my work in MBB and in undegrad focused on sustainability and transportation, and this one-year externship allows me to explore strategic roles in a fast-paced, urban-focused startup that exercises both my experience in strategy and my passion for transportation.
Post-MBA, I will return to MBB as a sponsored consultant for ~2 years, leave to be a COO of an urban mobility startup similar to the one I'm working at now. Long-term, I hope to either break into government or urban mobility tech space to reshape how cities think about sustainable transportation (e.g., an investing role for more public transit, or AV/EV innovation).

My #1 is GSB for its innovative culture and proximity to San Francisco's tech ecosystem; MIT Sloan has a great department in urban planning that I'd love to take cross-dept. classes in. HBS, Wharton, and CBS are also strong in real estate/entrepeneurship, both of which I'm also considering.
4
January 11, 2025 7:39am ET
Applying: Columbia, Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, UPenn / Wharton
Intake Year: 2025
Pre-MBA Career: Private Equity
Post-MBA Target Industry: Private Equity
GRE: 330
GPA: 3.61
Years of Work Experience: 6
Location: New York
5
January 10, 2025 4:34pm ET
Applying: Duke / Fuqua, Northwestern / Kellogg, U. Chicago Booth, UPenn / Wharton, UVA / Darden
Intake Year: 2025
Pre-MBA Career: Data Engineering
Post-MBA Target Industry: Other
GMAT: 655
GPA: 3.7
Years of Work Experience: 4
Location: Midwest, USA
Post MBA Location: Chicago
6
January 10, 2025 12:18pm ET
Applying: Berkeley / Haas, Duke / Fuqua, Northwestern / Kellogg, NYU Stern, Stanford GSB, UVA / Darden
Intake Year: 2025
Pre-MBA Career: Consulting
Post-MBA Target Industry: Pharmaceutical
GRE: 328
GPA: 3.56
Years of Work Experience: 5
1
January 10, 2025 3:48am ET
Applying: UT Austin / McCombs
Intake Year: 2025
Pre-MBA Career: Engineer
Post-MBA Target Industry: Undecided
GPA: 3.2
Years of Work Experience: 7
Location: Houston
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MBA LiveWire

January 12, 2025 4:16am ET
Interview Invite to Northwestern / Kellogg
Round: Round 2
Received via email on January 09, 2025
GPA: 3.62
GMAT: 685
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Finance
Application Location: China
Note:

matched an interviewer on Saturday, this is so fast! Really look forward to some good results
January 12, 2025 2:51am ET
Waitlisted at NYU Stern
Round: Round 2
Received via email on January 08, 2025
GPA: 82%
GRE: 332
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Consulting
Application Location: Chicago
Note:

Data from GMAT Club indicates offer rate after interview is 82.84%. I guess my interview really didn't go well :(
January 12, 2025 2:30am ET
Interview Invite to Carnegie Mellon / Tepper
Round: Round 2
Received via email on January 07, 2025
GMAT: 635
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Entrepreneurship
January 11, 2025 11:27pm ET
Interview Invite to Northwestern / Kellogg
Round: Round 2
Received via email on January 09, 2025
GPA: 3.7
GMAT: 655
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Other
Application Location: Midwest, USA
Note:

Submitted on 1/7 received interview invite 1/10
January 11, 2025 11:05pm ET
Applied to UVA / Darden
Round: Round 2
Received via portal
GPA: 8 / 10
EA: 139
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Consulting
Application Location: Boston
Note:

URM, FIRST GEN,
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