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MBA Podcast

Published: November 1, 2021
Episode 196—Wharton Team-Based Discussion (TBD) Tips
In this special edition of the podcast, your hosts Alex Brown and Graham Richmond break down Wharton’s group interview – known as the Team Based Discussion (TBD) – and offer a wealth of tips and background to help applicants ace it. Alex and Graham, who both formerly worked in admissions at Wharton, set out to tell you everything you need to know to be successful in your Wharton TBD. They’ll discuss: The history of the TBD Why Wharton uses it How to prepare for it How to perform in it What this year’s Read more
Published: October 31, 2021
Episode 195: Wire Taps—A Better GMAT Score, 1 or 2 Year MBA for a Career Change?, Ho-Hum Goals
In this podcast episode of Wire Taps, Alex and Graham dig into three more MBA applicants’ admissions quandaries as shared on MBA ApplyWire. One applicant is targeting a wide array of programs, but has to contend with a lackluster GMAT that feels out of sync with the rest of their profile and potential lack of extracurricular activities. Next, an experienced candidate also inquired about what type of MBA programs they should target for a major career shift. Finally, an early bird applicant from the energy industry wants to know their chances at some top European schools and others given a Read more
Published: October 24, 2021
Episode 193: Wire Taps—Army to Exercise Science CPG, Bootstrapper Recently Unemployed, BizDev Whiz with a Weakness
Alex and Graham offer three MBA applicants advice in another podcast episode of Wire Taps. Based on their posts to ApplyWire, one applicant left the army and needs an MBA to tackle his dream industry while another MBA hopeful is looking to rebound from unemployment. Finally, a woman in business development may only need to address her low GPA to find success in b-school admissions. Preview the posts that Alex and Graham discuss this week, then tune in below! A former infantry officer is looking to beef up his profile before next season: Another applicant sought feedback Read more
Published: October 17, 2021
Episode 192: Wire Taps—A GMAT Retake, the Importance of Being ‘Seasoned’, Life After an HBS Ding
Alex and Graham are here for another podcast episode of Wire Taps, addressing an array of applicants’ MBA admissions concerns. This week, an aerospace engineer enquires about her chances at four top schools despite a below average GMAT. Another engineer already applied in Round 1 and wonders if he is perhaps too young. Finally, an air force officer is a little worried after being dinged by HBS. Preview the posts that Alex and Graham discuss this week, then tune in below! The first applicant struggles with standardized tests: Another applicant is a little light on work Read more
Published: October 10, 2021
Episode 191: Wire Taps—Pharma to VC, COVID Adversity, 690 GMAT or 322 GRE?
It’s time for another podcast episode of Wire Taps, so get your head phones ready for a round of MBA admissions advice. This week, an MBA hopeful with a pharma background is placed to aim high for their target schools. A digital marketing entrepreneur had to deal with some business fallout from Covid, but is back and ready to tackle their MBA apps. Finally, a consultant with a 4.0 GPA simply couldn’t cross the 700 mark on the GMAT after three attempts. Preview the posts that Alex and Graham discuss this week, then tune in below! The first applicant wants Read more
Published: October 3, 2021
Episode 189: Wire Taps—College Athletes, RankingsWire Debut
Welcome to another podcast episode of Wire Taps, in which Graham and Alex offer advice to MBA applicants who have sought help through our social tools. This week, we hear from a distinguished college athlete looking to make up for a low GPA and advance in the field of finance. Another college basketball player also struggled to put a solid GPA on the board, and is now looking to land in the U.S. post-MBA. And, for the first time on Wire Taps, Alex and Graham talk about a post to our new tool, MBA RankingsWire. Preview the posts Read more
Published: September 26, 2021
Episode 187: Wire Taps—Aiming High Enough and Putting Your Best Foot Forward
Alex and Graham are back with their MBA admissions advice in another podcast episode of Wire Taps. This week, a healthcare IT applicant inquires about a GMAT waiver. Another applicant from the environmental non-profit space weighs a third sitting of the GRE. Finally, a Brazilian MBA hopeful wants to know where her profile stands in the applicant pool.  Preview the profiles that Alex and Graham discuss this week, then tune in below! The first applicant from a non-profit background wants to scale up his impact but wonders about his GRE result: The second featured applicant has goals Read more
Published: September 19, 2021
Episode 186: Wire Taps—Is 700 Enough?, ORM or URM?, GPA Repairs
With so many top business schools to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down a list of where to apply and when. In this week’s podcast episode of Wire Taps, two MBA applicants seek help on which programs they should target. One early bird MBA applicant, who wants to end up in Atlanta, did well on the first sitting of the GMAT, but is wondering if they should retake.  Another MBA hopeful has established her target schools based on the class profiles, but is wondering if she should consider other programs – and whether she falls into the Read more
Published: September 12, 2021
Episode 185: Wire Taps—R1 Sanity Check, PhD to MBA, Startup Goals
This week’s podcast episode of Wire Taps features applicants at all different stages of MBA admissions.  While some applicants are in the thick of Round 1, others are looking ahead to future deadlines and intakes. One MBA hopeful is about to click “submit” and wanted some last-minute input.  A nontraditional PhD holder is looking ahead to next year. Finally, an international candidate with tech entrepreneurship goals also sought advice. Preview the profiles that Alex and Graham discuss this week, then tune in below! After a year of listening to the podcast, an Army officer checked in on his apps: Read more
Published: September 5, 2021
Episode 184: Wire Taps—Humility, Ambition, and Corroboration
Welcome to another podcast episode of Wire Taps, in which Alex and Graham offer MBA admissions advice to applicants. This week, one MBA hopeful with a winding career path and concerning GPA needs some help to shape his admissions strategy. A classically trained dancer has been building her repertoire in VC and now wants to work with a series A/B startup post-MBA. Another applicant has big plans for their family business, but may have to dig deeper for a second reference letter. Preview the profiles that Alex and Graham discuss this week, then tune in below! An applicant with Read more
Published: August 29, 2021
Episode 183: Wire Taps—High Bars and Vaulting to Success
The MBA degree can support career goals for a variety of backgrounds, whether from a typical finance/consulting one or something more nontraditional, like sports or entertainment. In this week’s podcast episode of Wire Taps, the three spotlighted applicants are seeking help to maximize their chances of admissions success. The first applicant has solid stats—a 760 GMAT & 3.88 GPA—and is wondering if her school list is too much of a stretch. A former gymnast wants an MBA to eventually turn sports into an avenue for children to learn life skills. Finally, an international applicant in the oil & gas industry Read more
Published: August 22, 2021
Episode 181: Wire Taps—International Applicants, Military Backgrounds, GMAT Struggles
The applicants featured in our latest podcast episode of Wire Taps have already made some significant journeys, and now have an MBA in their sights. A first-generation Chinese college student is serving in the U.S. military and wants to return to CSR consulting. Another MBA hopeful from India via Canada has policy experience in myriad countries but wonders if she will still be considered an ORM. Also, a promising infantry officer is looking to apply for an MBA in a few years. Preview the profiles that Alex and Graham discuss this week, then tune in below! From China to the Read more
Published: August 15, 2021
Episode 180: Wire Taps—Supply Chain Standout, Marketing Dreams, Career Goal Question Marks
As more and more applicants post to MBA ApplyWire, Graham and Alex have no shortage of cases to draw upon in this week’s episode of Wire Taps. One applicant works for ‘MBB’ in supply chain operations and aims to stand out in the industry with an MBA. Another applicant has consulting experience in crisis management and human capital, but wants to pivot to brand/product marketing with an MBA. Meanwhile, an overrepresented candidate needs to compensate for their below average GPA and GMAT to start on their path to investment banking. Preview the profiles that Alex and Graham discuss this Read more
Published: August 8, 2021
Episode 179: Wire Taps—Low GPA, Dual Degree, Creative Arts Success
Welcome to another podcast episode of Wire Taps, in which Graham and Alex discuss MBA admissions strategies for applicants who have posted to MBA ApplyWire. One applicant has dreams of building the leading consulting firm in his home country of Chile, but needs to deal with a low GPA of 3.0. Another MBA hopeful in the education space will be targeting a dual degree. Meanwhile, another applicant will be showcasing a creative side in the admissions process, thanks to his success in the music industry (on top of consulting). Preview the profiles that Alex and Graham discuss this week, Read more
Published: August 1, 2021
Episode 177: Wire Taps—FinTech Goals, GPA Woes, H-1B Lottery
When you want to apply for an MBA, you need to make sure all of your ducks are in a row. The featured applicants in this week’s podcast episode of Wire Taps have a lot going for them, but need help addressing potential rough patches. One applicant has goals in tech and eventually wants to return to their home country of the Philippines. Then, a successful entrepreneur has some undergrad missteps to cover. Finally, bad luck with the H-1B visa lottery could be an issue for a promising international applicant. Preview the profiles that Alex and Graham discuss this week, Read more
Published: July 25, 2021
Episode 175: Wire Taps—Low GMATs, Fuzzy Goals, Visa Issues
An MBA can enhance your career progress or help you get a running start on a new path—and that’s exactly what this week’s featured applicants want. In this podcast episode of Wire Taps, Graham and Alex advise three MBA hopefuls looking to achieve career growth or make a career change. One MBA hopeful is looking to pursue consulting after a career in the military. Another applicant wants to reach higher in finance or possibly consulting. And finally, a candidate with extensive international experience wants to excel on the GMAT as well as in investment banking. Preview the profiles that Alex Read more
Published: July 18, 2021
Episode 173: Wire Taps—Should I Apply Now or Sit This Year Out?
Career goals and application timing are hallmarks of this week’s podcast episode of Wire Taps, as Graham and Alex dig into three MBA hopefuls’ quandaries and dish out related admissions advice. One applicant is seeking help regarding whether she should apply for an MBA this year or get her grounding in her new role first. Also, a consultant is looking to change tracks to private equity. Then, someone discovered their passion for problem-solving and needs an MBA to make a career of it. Preview the profiles that Alex and Graham discuss this week, then tune in below! The first featured Read more
Published: July 11, 2021
Episode 171: Wire Taps—Is My Undergrad GPA Too Big of a Hurdle?
Graham and Alex are here for another podcast episode of Wire Taps to address all of your b-school admissions concerns. This week, application challenges run the gamut of MBA admissions—from academic history and showing impact at work to deciding which schools to target. Preview the profiles that Alex and Graham discuss this week, then tune in below! An MBA applicant with a military background faces the hurdle of a low undergrad GPA: Next, a boutique investment banker has his sights set on the UK post-MBA: Finally, a Tokyo-based real estate development planner seeks Read more
Published: July 4, 2021
Episode 170: Wire Taps—Pivoting Industries with the Help of an MBA
An MBA not only helps advance candidates on their current career paths, but also supports wholesale changes in industry and function. In this week’s podcast episode of Wire Taps, Graham and Alex advise three MBA applicants planning on pivoting—from corporate strategy to PE in the restaurant/hospitality domain, from oil & gas/chemical engineering to consumer packaged goods, and from MBB & military (reserves) to tech. Preview the profiles that Alex and Graham discuss this week, then tune in below! An MBA applicant with a passion for the restaurant industry opens the episode: Next, Graham and Alex resolve some Read more
Published: June 27, 2021
Episode 169: Wire Taps—Help! I’m Off the Waitlist after Making Deposits at Another School
MBA applicants and candidates had a lot going on last week, based on entries in MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire. The first person featured in this week’s Wire Taps podcast has already financially committed to one program—only to be taken off the waitlist at another, higher ranking program!  Should they turn their summer plans upside down?  Another MBA hopeful with an impressive profile struggles to turn practice GMAT scores into the one that counts. And finally, b-schools will likely line up to recruit the third profiled applicant—an immigrant turned U.S. Marine with international & management experience. Preview the Read more
Published: June 20, 2021
Episode 168: Wire Taps—Big Dreams, Re-applying & Changing Industries
It’s time for another podcast episode of Wire Taps, as Graham and Alex dig into candidates’ profiles shared in MBA ApplyWire. This week’s edition delves into a number of key questions: What should applicants with somewhat informal outside activities do to best position those activities in their applications? How can reapplicants be sure to put their best foot forward – even if their recommenders aren’t ‘all-in’ for another go round? Alex and Graham try to provide answers to these questions and more, while analyzing candidates from California, Indonesia, Singapore and beyond. Get a closer look at the applicants featured Read more
Published: June 13, 2021
Episode 167: Wire Taps—Older Re-Applicant, Lawyer to MBA, and Investment Banking Goals
It’s time for another podcast episode of Wire Taps!  As the G7 summit invades Alex’s backyard in England, he and Graham still manage to share of host of vital admissions lessons. This week’s show focuses on three MBA applicants who have shared their profiles and challenges in MBA ApplyWire. Preview the applicants featured below, then tune to the show! First up, a re-applicant in the oil industry is still hoping for acceptance letters this season but very much aware that reapplication may be in the cards: Next, a U.S. trial attorney wants to use the MBA Read more
Published: June 6, 2021
Episode 166: Wire Taps Turns 100!
Alex and Graham are in a celebratory mood as this episode marks the 100th time our hosts have recorded an edition of Wire Taps! To mark the occasion, this show includes audio clips from some of the Wire Taps faithful, facts and figures about the Wire Taps journey to date, and a medley of classic Alex/Graham banter (tucked into the end of the episode). Of course, our hosts still make time to review a great group of MBA candidates, including a woman in NYC with healthcare experience looking to boost her GMAT, an EdTech professional wondering about the impact of Read more
Published: June 1, 2021
Episode 165: Meet Ryan Price, Keeper of MBA Secrets
What is MBA student life like—really? Our special guest, Ryan Price (BYU Marriott MBA), joins Graham Richmond to explore the ins and outs of the b-school experience, from admissions to career support and more. Ryan Price, Founder & Host, MBA Secrets Podcast Ryan is the host and founder of the podcast, MBA Secrets, and an incoming full-time business school student at Brigham Young University. His mission is to provide current and aspiring MBA candidates with the perspectives of the students who are actually DOING business school every day. Ryan has international business experience as the regional Read more
Published: May 30, 2021
Episode 164: Wire Taps—Aim Higher for Your Target Schools!
This podcast episode of Wire Taps features feedback for three MBA applicants trying to hammer out their roadmap for the coming admissions season. Graham and Alex offer their keen advice to an applicant with goals in tech and consumer goods. Also, an innovation consultant with solid stats sought advice on a high GRE/low GPA issue. Finally, another MBA hopeful wants to elevate her career with an MBA—but should she go to school in Europe or the U.S.? We are excited to be hitting a major milestone next week: The 100th podcast episode of Wire Taps! And we want you to Read more

MBA Applywire

6
December 25, 2024 2:16pm ET
Applying: Duke / Fuqua, Emory / Goizueta, Georgetown / McDonough, Indiana / Kelley, Michigan / Ross, UNC Kenan-Flagler
Intake Year: 2025
Pre-MBA Career: Strategy consulting
Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Commercial Banking Companies: Bain , BCG , Deloitte , Ernst & Young , KPMG , McKinsey , PWC , Bank of America , Capital One , Citibank , PNC Bank , Wells Fargo
GRE: 323
GPA: 3.48
Years of Work Experience: 6
12
December 25, 2024 10:52am ET
Applying: Berkeley / Haas, Carnegie Mellon / Tepper, Columbia, Cornell / Johnson, Duke / Fuqua, Indian School of Business, Indiana / Kelley, Michigan / Ross, Northwestern / Kellogg, UCLA Anderson, UT Austin / McCombs, UVA / Darden
Intake Year: 2025
Pre-MBA Career: Supply Chain Management
Post-MBA Target Industry: Other
GMAT: 655
GPA: 3.3
Years of Work Experience: 4.5
Location: India
Post MBA Location: USA
Notes:

Extensive Supply chain experience across Telecom and Aviation industries. Currently working with United Airlines in Supply Chain. Lots of international exposure and experience.
2
December 25, 2024 7:51am ET
Applying: Duke / Fuqua, UVA / Darden
Intake Year: 2025
Pre-MBA Career: Indian Chartered Accountant, Completed Undergrad and Grad in commernce (A and A+ grade)Fund Controlling - PE(Goldman Sachs) and IIF(JP Morgan)
Post-MBA Target Industry: Asset Management, inc. HF Companies: Blackrock , Goldman Sachs , JP Morgan Asset Management
GRE: 320
GPA: A+
Years of Work Experience: 5.5
Location: India
Post MBA Location: US, UK
Notes:

I got waiver from Darden and applying to fuqua with GRE score. Planning to apply to only two schools in current round 2.
Post MBA goal is to transition career from accounting based role to front end asset management roles.
5
December 23, 2024 7:48am ET
Applying: Duke / Fuqua, Emory / Goizueta, Georgia Tech / Scheller, UNC Kenan-Flagler, Vanderbilt / Owen
Intake Year: 2025
Pre-MBA Career: Sports
Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Family Business, Other Companies: Accenture , Deloitte
GMAT: 655
GPA: 3.89
Years of Work Experience: 3
Location: South
Notes:

NCAA DI Athlete
Selected for the industry's inaugural women's leadership academy
Variety of volunteer work in and out of my work industry
6
December 23, 2024 12:19am ET
Applying: Cornell / Johnson, Michigan / Ross, MIT Sloan, UCLA Anderson, UT Austin / McCombs, UVA / Darden
Intake Year: 2025
Pre-MBA Career: Construction & RE (2nd Gen Entrepreneur)
Post-MBA Target Industry: Investment Banking, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Asset Management, inc. HF, Family Business Companies: Citibank , Credit Suisse , Morgan Stanley
GRE: 326
GPA: 3.80
Years of Work Experience: 5
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MBA LiveWire

December 28, 2024 4:04pm ET
Interview Invite to Dartmouth / Tuck
Round: Round 2
Received via email on December 22, 2024
GPA: 3.357
GRE: 333
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Healthcare
Application Location: California, USA
Note:

Date of app submission: 12/22/2024
December 27, 2024 3:04pm ET
Accepted to Duke / Fuqua
Round: Round 1
Received via phone on December 11, 2024
GPA: 3.0
GMAT: 710
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Operations Management
Application Location: New Jersey
December 27, 2024 2:07am ET
Applied to MIT Sloan
Round: Round 1
Received via email
GRE: 340
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
December 27, 2024 12:36am ET
Accepted to Northwestern / Kellogg
Round: Round 1
Received via email on December 10, 2024
GPA: 8.8/10
GRE: 337
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Consulting
Application Location: India
Note:

Received 60% scholarship.
December 27, 2024 12:33am ET
Accepted to Yale SOM
Round: Round 1
Received via phone on December 04, 2024
GPA: 8.8/10
GRE: 337
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Consulting
Application Location: India
Note:

Received 50% scholarship on 20th December.
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