MBA Podcast

Published: June 21, 2020

Episode 108: Wire Taps—When Is It Time to Give Up on the Waitlist?

We are excited to bring you our 50th episode of Wire Taps! Our admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, have certainly enjoyed recording this weekly podcast to deliver admissions strategies and tips. See which profiles from MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire they discuss this week below and then tune in. The first applicant is worried his application may seem one-dimensional, due to his professional & extracurricular focus on data analysis: Another MBA hopeful needs to address their low GPA: Read more

Published: June 14, 2020

Episode 107: Wire Taps—Should I Turn Down an M7 to Re-Apply to H/S/W?

This podcast episode of Wire Taps is chock full of decision-making advice about when to apply and where to matriculate. In this episode, MBA hopefuls who have posted to MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire get direct feedback on their potential choices from our admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown. See which profiles they discuss and then tune in. They begin with an applicant who is weighing whether to matriculate this year or re-apply next year for better options: They also discuss a candidate trying to Read more

Published: June 7, 2020

Episode 106: Wire Taps—Can I Still Negotiate for a Scholarship?

This podcast episode of Wire Taps breaks down admissions strategies and advice for MBA applicants and candidates who have shared their profiles in MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire. See which profiles our admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, discuss and then tune in. An applicant partnering with Forté MBALaunch sought advice: Read more

Published: May 31, 2020

Episode 105: Wire Taps—From Real Estate to Finance, Due to COVID-19

Press play for another podcast episode of Wire Taps, which features advice from Clear Admit’s admissions experts. Graham Richmond and Alex Brown continue to provide feedback based on profiles shared in MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire. The first applicant profiled in the podcast is facing some professional hardship due to COVID-19, as the real estate industry took a severe hit: Another MBA hopeful with military experience wants to know how they can Read more

Published: May 24, 2020

Episode 104: Wire Taps—Which School is Best for Financial Services?

Tune into another podcast episode of Wire Taps, which features MBA admissions advice tailored to real applicants. Clear Admit’s admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, provide feedback based on profiles shared in MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire. This week, they discuss an applicant looking to stay in Atlanta, another one seeking to eventually expand her business, and a candidate wondering what the best school for financial services is. An applicant interested in staying in Atlanta sought advice: Another MBA Read more

Published: May 19, 2020

Episode 103: From Military to MBA Featuring Service to School’s Anna Ivey

From boots to business, an MBA can make perfect sense for military members looking for the next step in their careers. Anna Ivey, Co-founder, Service to School In this podcast episode, special guest Anna Ivey joins Clear Admit’s Graham Richmond to discuss how to successfully transition from the military to business school, the application process and more. Ivey is one of the co-founders of Service to School, a non-profit that provides free admissions counseling and mentorship for veterans transitioning into higher education. A former dean of admissions at the University of Chicago Law Read more

Published: May 17, 2020

Episode 102: Wire Taps—Seeking Deferred Admission

Clear Admit’s admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, cover a range of strategic admissions advice in this new podcast episode of Wire Taps. The two provide feedback based on profiles shared in MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire, including an applicant planning to defer and more. The duo advises an applicant planning to defer: Another MBA hopeful wants to know if he is overrepresented: An accepted candidate also needed help Read more

Published: May 12, 2020

Episode 101: How to Finance Your MBA

Sponsored Content In this podcast episode, learn all about financing your MBA—from the cost of attendance to the mechanics of borrowing (and repaying) student loans. To illuminate this process, we welcome two special guests, Nikhil Agarwal of LeverEdge, the first collective bargaining group for student loans, and Pritish Nair of Prodigy Finance, a premier lender for students studying abroad. Nikhil Agarwal (left) & Pritish Nair (right) Nikhil Agarwal, a co-founder of LeverEdge, will soon graduate Harvard Business School with an MBA. His pre-MBA work experience included engineering at GE and Boeing, Read more

Published: May 11, 2020

Celebrate our 100th Podcast Episode!

Tens of thousands of MBA hopefuls have tuned into Clear Admit’s various podcast episodes since our debut with the format in March of 2018. We proudly released our 100th podcast episode this week—another advice-packed edition of the series, Wire Taps. Having reached this milestone, we’re taking a look at our top 10 most popular episodes and more. All-time Top 10 Podcast Episodes From admissions tips to adcom director interviews, the Clear Admit podcast covers a hefty range of content to support MBA applicants’ journeys to and through business Read more

Published: May 10, 2020

Episode 100: Wire Taps—How Can I Re-apply Successfully?

In our 100th podcast episode, Clear Admit’s admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, review profiles shared in MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire. Tune in for their feedback to MBA applicants and candidates below. Read more

Published: May 3, 2020

Episode 99: Wire Taps—Because of COVID-19, When Should I Apply?

Join Clear Admit’s admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, for this new podcast episode of Wire Taps. The two provide strategic advice on the MBA application process based on profiles shared in MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire. Tune in for their feedback below. The duo advises a candidate with from Australia: Another MBA applicant sought their advice on when to apply: An accepted candidate also needed help choosing between Berkeley Haas Read more

Published: April 26, 2020

Episode 98: Wire Taps—Chicago Booth or Northwestern Kellogg for my MBA?

In this podcast episode of Wire Taps, Clear Admit’s admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown provide strategic advice on the MBA application process. See which profiles they highlight from MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire and tune in for their feedback below. The duo advises a candidate with entrepreneurial plans: Another MBA applicant sought their advice on school choice: An accepted candidate also needed help choosing between Chicago Booth and Northwestern Kellogg: Read more

Published: April 19, 2020

Episode 97: Wire Taps—Special Guests Discuss Choosing Harvard, Stanford or Wharton

We have an exciting podcast episode of Wire Taps for you this week, featuring a pair of special guests who have been sharing their interesting admissions journeys this season on MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire. Tune in for their discussion with Clear Admit’s admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, about their backgrounds and options for business school. They have a tough choice to make between Stanford GSB, Wharton and HBS, so listen for more about the pair’s decision-making process as well. Happy listening! Clear Admit MBA Admissions Read more

Published: April 12, 2020

Episode 96: Wire Taps— Berkeley Haas, Chicago Booth or Northwestern Kellogg?

In another podcast episode of Wire Taps, Clear Admit’s admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, are back to offer insights into the MBA admissions process. Tune in below to hear their feedback for MBA applicants who shared their stories on MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire. One MBA hopeful featured in the show has a lot of work experience: Another potential applicant may need to address their undergraduate GPA: The admitted MBA candidate featured in the podcast episode Read more

Published: April 6, 2020

Episode 95: Strength in Numbers – A Student Loan Revolution

With admissions decisions rolling out and tuition bills now pending, it’s time to start thinking about financing your MBA. The co-founders of LeverEdge, the first collective bargaining group for student loans, join us in this podcast episode to discuss how you can secure financing at reduced rates and save on your graduate education. LeverEdge Co-founders, Chris Abkarians (left) and Nikhil Agarwal (right) Co-founders Nikhil Agarwal and Chris Abkarians launched LeverEdge when they, too, were facing daunting tuition bills—both from Harvard Business School. Chris is currently in his Read more

Published: April 5, 2020

Episode 94: Wire Taps—Harvard, Stanford GSB or Wharton?

We have a new episode of Wire Taps ready to be heard, so tune in for the latest from Clear Admit’s admissions experts. As usual, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown discuss MBA admissions strategies for applicants and candidates who have shared their stories on MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire. In this podcast episode, to start, they advise a generally strong candidate targeting consulting post-MBA: Another applicant, an Indian male seeking a career in investment banking, also sought advice:On Read more

Published: March 29, 2020

Episode 93: Wire Taps—Targeting Deferred Admissions Programs

Clear Admit’s admissions experts are back to offer their keen advice to MBA applicants and candidates who have shared their admissions profiles in MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire. In this podcast episode of Wire Taps, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown review the following MBA hopefuls. To start, someone interested in deferred programs sought advice: A podcast fan had several questions about admissions in general: And an accepted candidate needed help Read more

Published: March 22, 2020

Episode 92: Wire Taps—Should I Apply in Round 3?

In another podcast episode of Wire Taps, Clear Admit’s admissions experts discuss MBA application strategies, Round 3 and more. This week, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown review profiles from MBA applicants who shared their stories on MBA ApplyWire. Here’s a preview of which profiles they discuss. Press play on the podcast episode below! To start, a promising MBA hopeful requested guidance: An accepted candidate is wondering whether to keep applying in Round 3: And a new applicant needs to work Read more

Published: March 18, 2020

Episode 91: A Flex MBA Could be Your Perfect Fit

In this podcast episode, we explore a particular format for management education, rising in popularity: The Flex MBA. Traditionally, a full-time MBA program is residential, takes place over two years and has an established academic calendar. So, when it comes to a Flex MBA, is it part-time, full-time, online, in-class? Special guest, Shelly Heinrich, associate dean of MBA Admissions and director of marketing at the Georgetown McDonough School of Business, joins Clear Admit’s Graham Richmond for a discussion about the format and fit of a Flex MBA program. Shelly Heinrich, Associate Dean of MBA Admissions Read more

Published: March 17, 2020

Episode 90: Wharton Professor on COVID-19 Impact & New Business Course

“Social distancing” may very well become the word of the year for 2020. Businesses are being ordered to close, admissions practices are moving online, many people are (hopefully) working from home. At the end of the day, we live in a global society and we need to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, what can we expect once we can all re-emerge? What business lessons can be gleaned from the global response to the disease in the meantime? Professor Mauro Guillen, Zandman Endowed Professorship in International Management at Wharton Read more

Published: March 15, 2020

Episode 89: Wire Taps—Which Schools Should I Consider?

If you’re wondering where you may stack up in MBA admissions or which programs to target, Clear Admit’s admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, offer their related insights in another podcast episode of Wire Taps. They also spend a bit of time on the impact of the coronavirus, particularly Harvard Business School’s cancellation of a campus event. Also this week, they review profiles from two prospective MBA applicants who shared their stories on MBA ApplyWire and a candidate weighing their options on MBA DecisionWire. Here’s a preview of which profiles they discuss. Read more

Published: March 8, 2020

Episode 88: Wire Taps—Will I Be Competitive with This Much Work Experience?

In this podcast episode of Wire Taps, Clear Admit’s admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown provide strategic advice on the MBA application process. Additionally, they discuss the impact of the coronavirus on Round 2 admissions procedures. In regards to profiles this week, they review three from MBA applicants and candidates who shared their stories on MBA DecisionWire and MBA ApplyWire. One person needs to refine their career goals: Another applicant from an oversubscribed pool Read more

Published: March 4, 2020

Episode 87: Real Humans of MBA Students – Stanford GSB

Whether from the admissions office, in front of an application, in a classroom or on the other side of graduation, we strive to bring you different perspectives of all things MBA. In that vein, you may be familiar with our series of Real Humans articles, featuring admissions committee members, MBA students and MBA alumni, and now we are delivering this kind of content through our podcast. We begin with a Real Humans: MBA Students episode that takes us to Palo Alto and the Stanford Read more

Published: March 1, 2020

Episode 86: Wire Taps—Will My Work Experience Be Strong Enough?

Another podcast episode of Wire Taps is live, and you should press play to hear the latest advice from Clear Admit’s admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown. The duo draws on their years of admissions experience to provide strategic advice on the MBA application process. This week, they review profiles from three prospective MBA applicants who shared their stories on MBA ApplyWire. One person needs to consider timing in relation to their work experience: Another MBA hopeful is looking to transition to Read more

Published: February 25, 2020

Episode 85: Making the Most of an MBA Fair

Upcoming European Dates from Access MBA and Access Online: Get started today, register for: 28th May – https://www.accessmba.com/link/EtN 2nd June – https://www.accessmba.com/link/EtM 11th June – https://www.accessmba.com/link/EtL You may begin your search for MBA programs online, but nothing beats meeting admissions representatives in person. Of course, busy professionals cannot always jet set to various b-school campuses, which is where MBA fairs come in. Adcom members travel around the world to meet MBA candidates in person and provide insights into student life, career support and more. Jonathan Khayat, Advent Group Special guest, Jonathan Khayat, joins us for Read more

MBA Applywire

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.

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!

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

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.

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 1:19pm 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

November 26, 2024 1:07pm ET

Accepted to NYU Stern

Round: Round 1

Received via portal November 26, 2024

GMAT: 731

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Target Career: Technology

Application Location: India

November 26, 2024 12:52pm ET

Accepted to NYU Stern

Round: Round 1

Received via portal November 26, 2024

GMAT: 755

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Target Career: Finance

Note:

Interview on Nov 5th, got an email with portal update. No scholarship

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Live
Wire