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MBA Podcast

Published: April 18, 2021
Episode 158: Wire Taps—The Final Decision Is Making Me Crazy!
Since Round 2 decisions have been delivered, many lucky accepted candidates are facing some tough decisions. Two such candidates turned to the Clear Admit community on DecisionWire for advice about their school choices. On this week’s WireTaps podcast, Graham and Alex weigh in on their questions, as the candidates wonder: Cornell Johnson or Michigan Ross? Emory Goizueta or UNC Kenan-Flagler? Of course, there are many factors that go into these decisions, so be sure to tune in below for some expert admissions advice. Also this week, Graham and Alex advise an applicant with a background in cyber-defense for the Read more
Published: April 11, 2021
Episode 157: Wire Taps— Am I Crazy to Turn Down HBS for Love?
What would you do if you and your partner weren’t both accepted to all of the same MBA programs?  And what if one of those non-overlap programs was Harvard Business School?  Fasten your seat belts, as Alex and Graham put on their ‘relationship counselor’ hats this week…with potentially disastrous consequences. And that’s just one of the conundrums covered in this week’s podcast episode of Wire Taps. Beyond love and b-school, this week’s episode assesses the plans that one applicant has laid out for deferred enrollment, while also looking at the results of an accepted candidate who returns from a Read more
Published: April 7, 2021
Episode 156: Meet Podcaster Cassandra Pittman, CBS MBA & Former INSEAD/LBS Adcom
We are excited to welcome Cassandra Rae Pittman, host and executive producer of the Power Done Differently podcast, to share her rich perspective on MBA admissions, empowering women in business, entrepreneurial grit and more. Cassandra Rae Pittman, host and executive producer of the Power Done Differently podcast Cassandra spent nearly 20 years working across three continents with some of the world’s leading business schools. At INSEAD and London Business School, she held the roles of marketing and admissions officer. She also garnered work experience at a top 5 management consultancy firm, Capgemini, and has launched a Read more
Published: April 4, 2021
Episode 155: Wire Taps—Berkeley Haas or UCLA Anderson for Tech?
It’s time for another podcast episode of Wire Taps! As the dust settles on R2 decisions, Graham and Alex report in from the frontlines, sharing a couple of really challenging dilemmas faced by accepted students. The first dilemma involves a candidate with offers from Wharton (w/$50K) and Haas ($160K) and goals in PE/real estate. The second features an applicant with offers at Haas (w/$50K) and UCLA (w/$160K) and goals in tech. Beyond these tough decisions, Alex and Graham explore the profiles of two early bird applicants coming from non-traditional backgrounds (homebuilding, and fashion/acting) and outline the challenges typically faced by Read more
Published: March 28, 2021
Episode 154: Wire Taps—Can I Negotiate a Scholarship?
Drained from a crazy week of R2 admissions decisions at Wharton, Kellogg, UCLA, Berkeley, Yale, UT Austin, and more – not to mention a first appearance on the Clubhouse app – Graham nearly forgets to show up to record WireTaps! The resulting episode is a bit like the podcast equivalent of an HBS ‘cold call’. Thankfully, our hosts still manage to tackle some big issues including the influence of geography on GMAT/GRE testing, the curious case of an American solely targeting European b-schools, and the dilemma one candidate has of choosing between offers from USC or NYU for post-MBA goals Read more
Published: March 21, 2021
Episode 153: Wire Taps—March Madness, Clubhouse, and Tepper or UNC for Tech
Reporting from the eye of the R2 results storm, Alex and Graham share exciting news of Clear Admit’s presence on Clubhouse, discuss our March Madness bracket challenge (that pits post-MBA employers against each other), and carefully dissect a set of candidate profiles. Admissions tips abound, as always, including how to approach late round apps with low numbers, whether or not an Austrian in the automotive sector is aiming high enough, and where an admitted student to Carnegie Mellon and UNC should go given a goal of working in tech post-MBA. Preview which posts Graham and Alex dig into in Read more
Published: March 14, 2021
Episode 152: Wire Taps—UNC Kenan-Flagler or Indiana Kelley for Consulting?
We have another episode of WireTaps for you!  As the floodgates begin to open on R2 admissions decisions, Graham and Alex touch on some key admissions tips around navigating the waitlist (should a CBS waitlist-er retake the GRE?), the importance of logical, feasible career plans (does a Canadian applicant need to focus her goals to be more consistent with her experience to date?), and the inherent challenges in choosing a program when juggling geographic and career preferences (should an admitted student pick UNC or Kelley for strategy consulting in Chicago?). Our hosts also unveil an upcoming Clubhouse event, news of Read more
Published: March 7, 2021
Episode 151: Wire Taps—MIT Sloan or London Business School for MBB?
As Graham battles a case of near-laryngitis, Alex decides to put him on the spot about his ‘other life’.  Meanwhile, Graham marvels at the coincidental CPG-Canada-Tech connections across this week’s WireTaps candidates. As always, the duo work in some key MBA admissions lessons, such as how first generation Asian-Americans (and Asian-Canadians) are viewed in the applicant pool, whether or not there is grade inflation in Canada, and how a candidate who loves London (and London Business School) should weigh offers from Booth, MIT, and LBS…given the target of McKinsey/Bain/BCG (short-term) and a tech job (long-term). See which profiles from Read more
Published: February 28, 2021
Episode 150: Wire Taps—Which School for Product Strategy/Marketing?
Our podcast hosts Graham Richmond and Alex Brown present another episode of Wire Taps.  As always, the duo tackle a number of key admissions questions, with this episode focusing on the following: When and why should you contact the admissions office with updates about your candidacy? Are there instances where a specialized business master’s is a better fit than an MBA? Are European candidates truly coveted at top US MBA programs? How might one admitted student decide between Chicago Booth vs. Ross (w/$80K) or UCLA (w/$100k)? See which profiles from MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire they discuss below, Read more
Published: February 21, 2021
Episode 149: Wire Taps—Special Guest: Reddit r/MBA Moderator
We have a special podcast episode of Wire Taps this week! We are excited to welcome Reddit r/MBA moderator Highlyasian, who joins our hosts Graham Richmond and Alex Brown in dishing out MBA admissions advice. See which profiles from MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire they discuss below, then tune in. The first applicant needs to push for a high GMAT score: An accepted applicant is having trouble choosing between MIT and Wharton: Happy listening! Clear Admit MBA Admissions Podcast Episode 149: Wire Taps—Special Guest, Reddit r/MBA Moderator Play Read more
Published: February 14, 2021
Episode 148: Wire Taps—Chicago Booth or MIT Sloan for Tech?
Welcome to another podcast episode of Wire Taps, featuring keen admissions advice from Alex Brown and Graham Richmond. This week, two applicants are looking ahead – one at deferred admissions and the other at next year’s cycle – while an accepted candidate faces a tough choice of where to matriculate this fall. See which profiles from MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire the duo discuss below, then tune in! The first applicant has post-MBA plans in the non-profit sector: Another MBA hopeful is looking at deferred enrollment options: Finally, the third profiled candidate Read more
Published: February 7, 2021
Episode 147: Wire Taps—Is It Crazy to Turn Down HBS?
As applicants and candidates alike make their way through Round 2, our admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, continue to share MBA admissions advice in our latest podcast episode of Wire Taps. See which profiles from MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire they discuss below, then tune in. The first applicant is a veteran looking to progress in consulting: Another applicant likely faces some tough competition: Finally, the third profiled candidate wanted to check on his choices: Happy listening! Clear Admit MBA Admissions Podcast Episode 147: Wire Taps—Is It Read more
Published: January 31, 2021
Episode 146: Wire Taps—MIT Sloan or Wharton for Tech?
Our resident admissions experts, Alex Brown and Graham Richmond, weigh in on MBA application strategies and school choices in our latest podcast episode of Wire Taps. See which profiles from MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire they discuss below, then tune in. The first applicant is in private equity: Another applicant has a solid background and is looking ahead to next year: Finally, the third profiled candidate faces a tough choice: Happy listening! Clear Admit MBA Admissions Podcast Episode 146: Wire Taps—MIT Sloan or Wharton for Tech? Play Episode Read more
Published: January 24, 2021
Episode 145: Wire Taps—With Five Acceptances, Where Should I Go?
Tune into a new podcast episode of Wire Taps in which our resident experts offer advice to two MBA applicants and a candidate choosing among five acceptances and two other potential options. See which profiles from MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire they discuss below, then tune in. The first applicant is interested in breaking into private equity:Another applicant needs to bump up their GMAT score: Finally, the third profiled candidate needs help choosing among five acceptances and two other potential options for consumer goods: Happy listening! Clear Admit MBA Admissions Read more
Published: January 17, 2021
Episode 144: Wire Taps—CBS, Chicago Booth or Kellogg for Real Estate?
Join Alex Brown and Graham Richmond for another advice-filled podcast episode of Wire Taps. They share MBA admissions insights with a few atypical applicants and weigh in on school choice for real estate. See which profiles from MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire they discuss below, then tune in. A Navy SEAL inquired about the impact of his background: An architect also wondered how schools view atypical candidates: Finally, the third profiled candidate needs help choosing between CBS, Booth or Kellogg for real estate: Happy listening! Clear Admit MBA Admissions Read more
Published: January 10, 2021
Episode 143: Wire Taps—Northwestern Kellogg or NYU Stern for Social Impact?
As applicants and candidates alike weigh their b-school strategies, Alex Brown and Graham Richmond share related MBA admissions advice in our new podcast episode of Wire Taps. See which profiles from MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire they discuss below, then tune in. One military applicant already submitted some apps but hasn’t yet found success: Another MBA hopeful needed some advice about timing: Finally, the third profiled candidate needs help choosing between Northwestern Kellogg and NYU Stern for social impact: Happy listening! Clear Admit MBA Admissions Podcast Episode 143: Wire Read more
Published: January 5, 2021
Episode 142: Balancing B-School, Work & Family
Sponsored Content Admissions, B-school & Children – we cover the ABC’s of pursuing an MBA while raising a family in this special podcast feature. Graham Richmond welcomes someone who not only earned an MBA, but who did it while raising a family and working full time.  She is also the associate dean of admissions and marketing for a leading MBA program!  Our special guest today is Shelly Heinrich from the Georgetown McDonough School of Business. Shelly Heinrich, M.Ed., MBA, Assoc. Dean, MBA Admissions and Director of Marketing Heinrich leads the MBA Admissions team in both its marketing and Read more
Published: January 3, 2021
Episode 141: Wire Taps—Duke Fuqua, UCLA Anderson or Northwestern Kellogg for Tech?
Happy New Year! Alex Brown and Graham Richmond are here to help you kick off 2021 with some sound MBA admissions advice in our new podcast episode of Wire Taps. See which profiles from MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire they discuss below, then tune in. One applicant likely needs to retake the GMAT: Another MBA hopeful is looking to pivot in their career: Finally, the third profiled candidate needs help choosing between UCLA Anderson, Duke Fuqua and Northwestern Kellogg: Happy listening! Clear Admit MBA Admissions Podcast Episode 141: Wire Read more
Published: December 27, 2020
Episode 140: Wire Taps—Can I Negotiate a Scholarship?
In this week’s podcast episode of Wire Taps, we focus on two MBA hopefuls weighing the timing and strategies of their applications as well as a candidate choosing between programs. Preview the profiles from MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire below and then tune in for advice from our admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown. One applicant is already looking ahead to next year: An accepted candidate needs help weighing their options: Finally, the third profiled applicant is looking to continue their career in investment banking: Read more
Published: December 20, 2020
Episode 139: Wire Taps—Dartmouth Tuck with Scholarship or Northwestern Kellogg without One?
This podcast episode of Wire Taps tackles the full range of the admissions cycle, from choosing where to matriculate and strategizing Round 2 applications to thinking ahead to next year. Preview the profiles from MBA DecisionWire and MBA ApplyWire below and then tune in to hear Graham Richmond and Alex Brown offer keen admissions advice. An accepted MBA candidate needs help choosing between programs: An applicant is worried about their GMAT: Finally, the third profiled applicant is seeking advice on how to prepare for next year: Happy listening! Clear Read more
Published: December 16, 2020
Episode 138: Stanford GSB’s 2020 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report
Today’s podcast is about the Stanford Graduate School of Business and the annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) report that was recently published by the school.  Loyal listeners of the podcast may recall that back in 2019 in Episode 69, we spoke about the school’s inaugural DEI report, which offered key background and insights on the school’s initiative. We once again welcome Professor Sarah A. Soule and Lori Nisihura MacKenzie to discuss the 2020 DEI report, related results and more.  Isabel Andrade, a second-year Stanford MBA student, joins Read more
Published: December 14, 2020
Episode 137: The Two HBS Grads Disrupting Student Loans, Health Insurance, and More
Sponsored Content There is strength in numbers—and that is exactly what Nikhil Agarwal and Chris Abkarians count on to secure better MBA student loan rates for MBA candidates through their company, Juno. By utilizing competition among banks and analyzing the subsequent deals that become available, Juno (formerly LeverEdge) is able to get members significantly reduced interest rates and creates the most value for its student members. This innovative business has helped MBA students with $100 million in loans, resulting in $26 million in savings as compared to federal loan options available. Juno Co-founders, Chris Abkarians Read more
Published: December 13, 2020
Episode 136: Wire Taps—Duke Fuqua with Scholarship or Full Ride at Michigan Ross?
While many MBA applicants are currently strategizing for Round 2, other lucky ones already need help choosing a business school. Our admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, offer all-encompassing advice in this new podcast episode of Wire Taps. Preview the profiles from MBA DecisionWire and MBA ApplyWire below and then tune in to hear their takes. The first applicant has several concerns, but an interesting story: An accepted MBA candidate needs help choosing between programs: Finally, the third profiled applicant is seeking advice on how to strengthen his quant record: Read more
Published: December 6, 2020
Episode 135: Wire Taps—Coming from the Military, Am I Targeting the Right Schools?
In this podcast episode of Wire Taps, our admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, discuss three MBA hopefuls trying to plan their application strategies. Preview the profiles from MBA ApplyWire below and then tune in to hear their advice. Read more
Published: November 29, 2020
Episode 134: Wire Taps—Does My GMAT Score Disqualify Me?
Our admissions experts Alex Brown and Graham Richmond dig into some vibrant candidacies this week in another podcast episode of Wire Taps. Preview the profiles pulled from MBA ApplyWire below and then tune in to hear their advice. Read more

MBA Applywire

7
November 26, 2024 6:16am ET
Applying: Berkeley / Haas, Dartmouth / Tuck, Harvard Business School, Michigan / Ross, MIT Sloan, Northwestern / Kellogg, UCLA Anderson
Pre-MBA Career: Software Engineer
Post-MBA Target Industry: Other
GRE: 331
GPA: 3.2
Years of Work Experience: 4.5
Location: United States
Notes:

I am aiming to pivot from Software Engineering to Product Management. My undergrad degree was in Computer Science from an Ivy League school where I was a D1 varsity athlete. EC's outside of that are pretty slim, although I am involved with charities and volunteer organizations sporadically. Have organized and led a small handful of hobby groups among friends and colleagues as well. Work experience includes solid brand recognition, and my previous 2.5 YoE are in the music/entertainment industry.
2
November 26, 2024 5:48am ET
Applying: Columbia, NYU Stern
Pre-MBA Career: product Manager in Entertainment
Post-MBA Target Industry: Undecided
GPA: 3.57
Years of Work Experience: 3
Location: New York
Notes:

I am a woman of color and a Product Manager at a major streaming service with three years of experience thus far. I hold a degree in Cinematography from a CUNY school and began my career as an NBCUniversal Page. Since then, I’ve worked for prominent media companies like NBCU, Peacock, A+E Networks, and Paramount+. While I didn’t initially plan on pursuing an MBA, my career trajectory has naturally led me in that direction due to my rapid career growth. I’m preparing for the GMAT (focus edition) with a target score of 655 or higher.

As a non-traditional candidate, are there any potential red flags in my profile? Additionally, are there other MBA programs I should consider? Thank you!
9
November 26, 2024 12:03am ET
Applying: Berkeley / Haas, Columbia, Harvard Business School, MIT Sloan, NYU Stern, Stanford GSB, U. Chicago Booth, UPenn / Wharton, Yale SOM
Pre-MBA Career: Government Affairs at technology startup
Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Technology Companies: Bain , BCG , McKinsey , Amazon , Apple , Facebook , Google , LinkedIn , Microsoft , Tesla , Uber
GMAT: 770
GPA: 3.4
Years of Work Experience: 3
6
November 25, 2024 11:01am ET
Applying: Arizona State / W.P. Carey, Georgetown / McDonough, Indiana / Kelley, U. Washington / Foster, UCLA Anderson, USC / Marshall
Intake Year: 2025
Pre-MBA Career: Military: Acquisition Program Manager
Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Technology Companies: Accenture , Bain , Deloitte , McKinsey , Amazon , Apple , Facebook , Google , IBM , Lenova , LinkedIn , Microsoft , Oracle
GRE: 317
GPA: 2.43
Years of Work Experience: 9
Location: Los Angeles
Post MBA Location: West Coast
Notes:

Undergrad was at a Service Academy. Also earned a Masters of Science with a GPA of 4.0, Project Management Professional certification holder, and volunteered for two years at service to schools helping veterans get into an undergraduate program.
2
November 25, 2024 7:58am ET
Applying: Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB
Pre-MBA Career: Equity Research at Goldman Sachs, and long only Asset Management (healthcare sector)
Post-MBA Target Industry: Asset Management, inc. HF Companies: Fidelity
GMAT: 735
GPA: 3.6
Years of Work Experience: 5
Location: San Francisco CA
Post MBA Location: San Francisco CA
Notes:

I took a gap year in college and switched majors taking longer to graduate so I’m 30, would matriculate at 32 and graduate at 34. Seems like I’m an outlier and worried I’m too old.
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MBA LiveWire

November 26, 2024 1:41pm ET
Accepted to NYU Stern
Round: Round 1
Received via email November 26, 2024
GPA: 3.3
GRE: 326
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Finance
Application Location: New York
Note:

Received email that said I had portal status update at 12:45 PM. Interviewed 11/5. No scholarship.
November 26, 2024 1:33pm ET
Accepted to Cornell / Johnson
Round: Round 1
Received via phone November 26, 2024
GPA: 3.97
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Technology
Application Location: Chicago
Note:

Applied Round 1, Interviewed on 11/4, received a phone call this morning!
November 26, 2024 1:19pm ET
Accepted to Indian School of Business
Round: Round 1
Received via email November 26, 2024
GPA: 8.23
GMAT: 705
Program Type: One Year Program
Target Career: Consulting
Application Location: India
November 26, 2024 1:16pm ET
Accepted to NYU Stern
Round: Round 1
Received via email November 26, 2024
GRE: 326
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Note:

Received email with portal update. Interviewed 10/22.
November 26, 2024 1:07pm ET
Accepted to NYU Stern
Round: Round 1
Received via email November 26, 2024
GPA: 3.69
EA: 157
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Marketing
Note:

applied 9/15 and interviewed 11/5
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