MBA Podcast

Published: February 23, 2020

Episode 84: Wire Taps—Will My GRE Score Hold Me Back?

In this podcast episode of Wire Taps, Clear Admit’s admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, continue to offer their insightful advice on the MBA application process. This week, they review profiles from three prospective MBA applicants who shared their stories on MBA ApplyWire. First, here’s a closer look at the profiles they talk about in this episode. One person has a history in healthcare, and is looking for pointers on the overall admissions process: Also discussed in the podcast, an MBA Read more

Published: February 18, 2020

Episode 83: Application Strategies – Deferred Enrollment MBA Programs

The list of requirements for MBA admissions can be extensive—test scores, recommendations, essays and, of course, work experience. College seniors and graduate students may be well on their way to checking off all the boxes for an application to business school, but missing that final piece of full-time professional work experience. Enter: Deferred enrollment MBA programs. If you are a college senior or graduate student without work experience, you can apply to leading business schools through their deferred enrollment MBA programs. These offerings allow students to enroll two to five years after they graduate from school, Read more

Published: February 16, 2020

Episode 82: Wire Taps—Choosing Duke Fuqua or UT McCombs for Clean Energy

Another podcast episode of Wire Taps is live. Clear Admit’s admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, continue to offer their keen admissions advice on the MBA application and decision-making processes. This week, they dig into three entries from MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire, including an MBA hopeful who has a 780 GMAT, 3.84 GPA and needs to address academic probation. They also discuss a prospective applicant who is exiting a rotational program. From DecisionWire, they weigh in on a Read more

Published: February 16, 2020

Episode 81: Admissions Director Q&A with Columbia Business School’s Michael Robinson

Special guest Michael Robinson, Director of MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS), joins us for a podcast episode that will cover everything you want to know about the leading MBA program. Robinson was an entrepreneur, running a music publicity firm, prior to becoming a member of the CBS MBA Class of 2001. He then joined MBA admissions at the school in 2002 and moved up to director of MBA admissions in July 2016. In this role, he serves on the admission committee and manages strategic relationships with key corporate and nonprofit partners to drive future MBA Read more

Published: February 9, 2020

Episode 80: Wire Taps—Choosing CMU Tepper, USC or UT McCombs with Scholarships

Tune into another podcast episode of Wire Taps, in which Clear Admit’s admissions experts offer advice on the MBA application and decision-making processes. Graham Richmond and Alex Brown review profiles of prospective MBA applicants as well as an admitted candidate. This week, they dig into three entries from MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire, including an MBA hopeful who applied to five schools with a 317 GRE. They also advise a prospective applicant who needs to compensate for a low GPA. Read more

Published: February 3, 2020

Episode 79: Super Bowl Commercials Breakdown with Kellogg Professor Derek Rucker

The Kansas City Chiefs of Missouri may have won Super Bowl LIV, but which brand took home the trophy for best ad? Those (sometimes) clever and (hopefully) memorable 30- to 60-second commercials between football maneuvers can cost millions upon millions of dollars. What makes the financial cost worth it? Professor Derek Rucker, Northwestern Kellogg School of Management Special guest, Kellogg School Professor Derek Rucker, is here to review and assess the 2020 Super Bowl commercials. At Northwestern Kellogg, Rucker is the Sandy & Morton Goldman Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies in Marketing and his primary research Read more

Published: February 2, 2020

Episode 78: Wire Taps—MBA Profiles with 2.75 GPA; 3.83 GPA, 323 GRE; and Clean Energy Goals

In this podcast episode of Wire Taps, Clear Admit’s Graham Richmond and Alex Brown once again offer keen advice to prospective MBA applicants as well as an admitted candidate. Tune in for tips for your admissions strategies, as well as how to weigh your options when choosing a business school. This week, they review profiles from MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire, including an MBA hopeful with a 2.75 GPA and challenging upbringing. They also advise an applicant who has solid numbers, but Read more

Published: January 26, 2020

Episode 77: Wire Taps—MBA Profiles with 680 GMAT, 3.65 GPA; no GMAT/GRE Yet; and Choosing a Business School on DecisionWire

Clear Admit’s admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, provide applicants and accepted candidates with advice on how to approach the MBA admissions and decision-making process in another podcast episode of Wire Taps. This week, they review profiles from MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire, including a candidate who has earned a 680 GMAT and 3.65 GPA. They also advise an MBA hopeful who has yet to take the GMAT or GRE. From DecisionWire, they offer perspective to a candidate interested in venture capital, trying to decide where to attend. If you want Read more

Published: January 19, 2020

Episode 76: Wire Taps—MBA Applicants with 670 GMAT, 3.1 GPA; 670 GMAT, 3.78 GPA; and Choosing Between Scholarship Offers from DecisionWire

While there are a few Round 2 deadlines left, some applicants are already considering applying next year while other successful candidates are weighing their options. Clear Admit’s admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, cover these admissions issues and more in another podcast episode of Wire Taps. This week, they review profiles from MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire, including an early bird candidate who should retake the GMAT. They also advise an applicant who bootstrapped into private equity, but who may need Read more

Published: January 12, 2020

Episode 75: Wire Taps—MBA Profiles with 740 GMAT, 3.61 GPA, Marketing; 324 GRE, 3.23 GPA, Consulting Post-MBA; and More from DecisionWire

If you need advice on your MBA admissions profile, tune into another podcast episode of Wire Taps. Clear Admit’s admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, provide applicants and accepted candidates with tips on how to make the most of MBA admissions. Read more

Published: January 5, 2020

Episode 74: Wire Taps—Making a Career Change, Choosing a Business School While on the Waitlist and More

Clear Admit’s admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, are here with another podcast episode of Wire Taps to provide applicants and accepted candidates with tips on how to make the most of MBA admissions. This week, they dig into posts to MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire to offer strategic advice to business school hopefuls. Graham and Alex review a request from a candidate looking to break into VC. They also advise an applicant looking for a career in healthcare or education and another accepted, but also waitlisted, candidate trying to decide where to Read more

Published: December 29, 2019

Episode 73: Wire Taps—Product Manager, Seeking Social Impact and Choosing Between Schools

The mountain of Round 2 deadlines is just around the corner, and lucky MBA applicants are also trying to choose a business school based on good news from Round 1. Clear Admit’s admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, step up in this episode of Wire Taps to provide applicants and accepted candidates with tips on how to make the most of MBA admissions. They’ve pulled profiles from MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire to offer strategic advice to business school hopefuls. This week, Graham and Alex review an Read more

Published: December 22, 2019

Episode 72: Wire Taps—Older Applicant, Low GPA but High GMAT, Choosing Between Two Schools

Most Round 2 deadlines are just around the corner, and applicants are also weighing Round 1 decisions. Clear Admit’s admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, are back to offer applicants and accepted candidates advice on how to make the most of the MBA admissions process in a new episode of Wire Taps. Each week, they highlight profiles from MBA ApplyWire or MBA DecisionWire and offer strategies these b-school hopefuls should use. This week, the duo reviews an entry from an older but enthusiastic Read more

Published: December 15, 2019

Episode 71: Wire Taps—Renewable Energy Sector, Accounting to Investment Banking, and Undecided

While many may be hustling to meet the Round 2 deadlines, Round 1 decisions have also been weighing on MBA candidates. Clear Admit’s admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, are back in this episode of Wire Taps to help no matter which stage of the admissions process you’re in. Each week, they highlight profiles from MBA ApplyWire and offer strategies these b-school hopefuls should use. This week, the two review an entry from an applicant in renewable energy. They also advise a candidate Read more

Published: December 8, 2019

Episode 70: Wire Taps—Engineering to Consulting, Choosing Among Schools, Real Estate to Private Equity

As we near Round 2 deadlines and applicants are also weighing Round 1 decisions, we have a new podcast episode of Wire Taps. Clear Admit’s admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, are back to offer applicants advice on how to approach MBA admissions. Each week, they highlight profiles from MBA ApplyWire and offer strategies these b-school hopefuls should use. This week, the duo reviews an entry from an engineer targeting consulting post-MBA. They also advise a candidate weighing which program to attend and Read more

Published: December 3, 2019

Episode 69: Digging Deeper into Stanford GSB’s 2019 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report

Diversity and inclusion may seem like immeasurable, abstract goals, but Stanford GSB has taken a concrete approach to increasing diversity, ensuring equitable access, and creating a sense of belonging at the school. To assess their progress and enhance plans for the future, they’ve compiled their first ever Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) report. In this podcast episode, you’ll hear directly from Sarah A. Soule, the Senior Associate Dean in charge of DEI, and Lori Nishiura Mackenzie, the Lead Strategist for DEI, as they walk us through the report. They will discuss DEI Read more

Published: December 1, 2019

Episode 68: Wire Taps—Entrepreneur with Low GPA, Gaps in Work Experience, Switching to Healthcare/Biotech

We head into the final month of 2019 with a keen new episode of the podcast series, Wire Taps. Clear Admit’s admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, are back to offer applicants advice on how to approach MBA admissions. Each week, they pull profiles from MBA ApplyWire and elaborate on strategies these b-school hopefuls should use. This week, the duo reviews an entry from an entrepreneur with a low GPA. They also advise a new mother eager to get back into a decision-making role and another Read more

Published: November 26, 2019

Episode 25 Replay: 8 Tips You Need to Succeed in Round 2

The wave of Round 2 deadlines may look like it's on the horizon, but, based on what goes into applying to business school, those deadlines are closer than they appear. Whether you’re just kicking off your MBA applications or have some experience knowledge from Round 1, this podcast episode will help you succeed in Round 2. Read more

Published: November 24, 2019

Episode 67: Wire Taps—First Generation University Graduate, Low GRE, Latin American with Education Background

Tune into another episode of our series, Wire Taps, which features advice for applicants going through the MBA admissions process. Each week, Clear Admit’s admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, pull profiles from MBA ApplyWire and elaborate on admissions strategies these candidates should use. This week, Graham and Alex review an entry from a first-generation Latin American candidate in finance. They also advise a candidate with brand management experience and a low GRE and another Latin American applicant with an education background. If Read more

Published: November 19, 2019

Episode 66: MBA Crisis or Year of the MBA Applicant?

Much digital ink has been spilled regarding the dips in application volume across U.S. business schools. Overall, U.S. business schools received just 135,096 applications this year, which is down 9.1 percent from last year. That’s on top of the 7 percent drop in applications in 2018, marking a steep application decline year-over-year. Clear Admit Co-founder Graham Richmond and resident expert Alex Brown are here to sift through the resulting media coverage and MBA bashing to dig into the larger (and positive!) trends behind the numbers. Despite noted changes, Read more

Published: November 18, 2019

Episode 65: Wire Taps—Consultant from Colombia, Social Impact and Considering Round 2

We have a fresh new episode of our podcast series, Wire Taps, ready for you below. In the series, our resident admissions experts, Alex Brown and Graham Richmond, tackle MBA admissions challenges as shared by applicants in MBA ApplyWire. This week, Graham and Alex review an entry from a consultant from Colombia. They also advise a candidate with social impact experience and someone who interviewed during Round 1 and should reflect on Round 2 options. If you want a chance to be featured on the podcast, be Read more

Published: November 14, 2019

Admissions Q&A with Wharton Lauder’s Kara Keenan Sweeney

Wharton offers a joint-degree program—the MBA with an MA in International Studies—with Penn’s Joseph H. Lauder Institute of Management & International Studies that puts the MBA experience on a global scale, as the program concentrations focus on a region of the world—or the world itself. In this podcast episode, you can learn how the program can support your career in international business and immerse you in other cultures. Wharton Lauder Director of Admissions Marketing and Communications, Kara Keenan Sweeney Clear Admit’s Graham Richmond sat down with the Director of Admissions Marketing and Communications at the Read more

Published: November 11, 2019

Episode 64: Wharton Team-Based Discussion Tips 2019-2020

Are you getting ready for the Wharton Team-Based Discussion (TBD)? We’re excited to bring you a bonus podcast episode to review this year’s prompt and to help you excel in this step of the admissions process. In this episode, Clear Admit’s co-founder, Graham Richmond, and resident admissions expert, Alex Brown, dive deeper into this year’s prompt (ICYMI, you must also listen to their overall key advice about the TBD here). The exercise for the 2019-2020 admissions season focuses on Tangen Hall (pictured), Wharton’s first on-campus space dedicated to student entrepreneurship and innovation activities. The TBD prompt for 2019-2020 is: Read more

Published: November 10, 2019

Episode 63: Wire Taps—Great Numbers, Mixed Results; Low GPA and Citizenship Considerations and More

Alex Brown and Graham Richmond are back for another episode of Wire Taps, in which they offer their expert admissions advice to MBA applicants sharing their stories in MBA ApplyWire. For this edition of Wire Taps, Graham and Alex review an entry from an MBA hopeful with great numbers, but seeing mixed results. They also advise a candidate with questions related to citizenship and an Indian female wondering if she should retake the GMAT. If you want a chance to be featured on the Read more

Published: November 4, 2019

Episode 62: Wire Taps—Indian Applicant, LGBT from China and more

We are excited to bring you another episode of our podcast series, Wire Taps! As entries from MBA hopefuls flow into MBA ApplyWire, Alex Brown and Graham Richmond provide feedback on their chances of admissions and strategies to consider. For this edition of Wire Taps, Graham and Alex review an entry from an Indian candidate from a banking background and an MBA hopeful with eclectic experience. They also advise an LGBT MBA applicant from China. Once you hear about these profiles, stay tuned for some bonus content from Alex and Graham! Clear Admit MBA Admissions Podcast 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 1:33pm 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

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

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