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Published: February 20, 2022
Wire Taps 217—Budding Product Manager, Investment Banker and Entrepreneur, Haas versus Darden, for now.
In this week’s episode of WireTaps, Graham and Alex discuss the recent release of the Financial Times MBA rankings, and the challenges the FT faces in being the only leading MBA ranking that combines programs from around the world into a single list; Wharton took the top spot. Graham highlighted a yearly favorite, a piece on Northwestern / Kellogg’s assessment of the Superbowl ads. Graham also mentioned the career reports from Chicago / Booth and UVA / Darden, both programs showing nice geographic and industry diversity. Graham also noted another recent podcast he did with the Read more
Published: February 13, 2022
Wire Taps 215—Chemical Engineer, Duke Wait List, Haas with money versus Stanford
Is it too late to apply this season? What about candidates on waitlists – how might they fare in the months ahead? In the latest episode of the podcast, Graham and Alex shared their thoughts regarding the assumed drop in application volume and how this may impact candidates who might still want to apply, or have been waitlisted from Round 1; this may all be good news. Graham also highlighted the Real Humans piece for ESADE and the employment report for Berkeley / Haas, which led to a bit of a teaser about some pending career content Read more
Published: February 6, 2022
Episode 213: Wire Taps—Strong profile from an over-represented population, should they wait? Engineer with great numbers, on the waitlist, and waiting for Round 2 offers. Haas versus Darden with more money, a tough call.
Welcome back to another episode of your friendly MBA-neighborhood podcast!  The big conversation from last week’s MBA admissions activity centered around the interview invite releases of Harvard and Michigan / Ross (note: Alex and Graham somehow neglected to mention the release of Duke / Fuqua’s Round 2 invites, also heavily reported on MBA LiveWire). Alex put Graham on the spot about his own experience interviewing at HBS, and after diving into that topic a bit Graham called listeners attention to Real Humans piece on UVA / Darden, and the employment report for Cornell / Johnson. It was no surprise that Read more
Published: January 31, 2022
Episode 212: An Admissions & Career Services Merger at SMU Cox
This special podcast episode covers the importance of career goals in both the MBA admissions and post-MBA career placement domains. In particular, with the help of two special guests, we dive into an innovative approach being taken at one leading business school, where the MBA admissions and career services teams are truly working in tandem. Host Graham Richmond welcomes Lisa Tran and Jason Rife from the SMU Cox School of Business to explore the symbiotic relationship that propels MBA graduates’ success. Jason Rife, Sr. Asst. Dean, Career Mgmt Center and Graduate Admissions, & Lisa Tran, Managing Director, Read more
Published: January 30, 2022
Episode 211: Wire Taps – Potentially very strong candidate, needs to shape their story. A candidate with interesting work experience…but is low GPA a killer? Darden ($0) vs. Johnson ($80K) for consulting (or maybe IB)?
As Round 2 interview invite season continues, Alex and Graham discuss Harvard’s release date (Wednesday of this upcoming week) – something your hosts had indeed speculated would be the case in last week’s episode. Graham also highlighted the latest Real Humans piece from Georgetown / McDonough and noted some fun facts and figures from the employment reports for MIT / Sloan and Yale SOM. Your hosts then discussed the latest MBA rankings from US News – for online programs – and wondered why Michigan / Ross was not included. As has been the case of Read more
Published: January 23, 2022
Episode 210: Wire Taps—Strong female candidate worried about a 710 GMAT. Pivot from tech to investment banking, with a 770 GMAT. Wharton ($10K) vs. Sloan ($100K), for MBB Consulting.
In this episode, Graham and Alex kick things off with some talk about the timing of interview invitations for impatient Round 2 applicants.  Interview invites are already starting to roll out for some programs (West Coast schools, plus Yale and a few more) but the programs with ‘fixed’ interview decision dates remain a couple of weeks away; your hosts speculated that HBS would be the first week of February. Beyond talk of R2 applications, Graham highlighted our final Real Humans student piece for the season, USC Marshall. He also mentioned the upcoming events Clear Admit is hosting for Read more
Published: January 16, 2022
Episode 209: Wire Taps— Dartmouth grad with 11 years of work experience in Japan. Syrian American chemical engineer looking to transition to consulting. West African candidate weighing offers from Booth, Johnson, Yale and Stern, for Investment Banking.
Welcome back to WireTaps!  On this Martin Luther King Day, Alex and Graham take a moment to recognize the enormous contributions made by Dr. King before turning their attention towards the latest MBA application news.  Round 2 application deadlines have passed for all the top MBA programs except for MIT / Sloan; Alex discussed the advantages this might provide Sloan, year on year. Graham then highlighted the new Real Humans pieces Clear Admit has published for Boston College, UT / McCombs and Vanderbilt / Owen. Graham also noted the new employment report for Northwestern / Kellogg, Read more
Published: January 9, 2022
Episode 208: Wire Taps—Female Indian candidate with a lower GRE score. Tech candidate with super numbers. Darden with dollars versus Kellogg.
Welcome back to WireTaps, our weekly podcast covering all things MBA Admissions!  Round 2 application deadlines continue in the week ahead; Alex and Graham discussed Chicago Booth moving its deadline to this week, January 11, speculating on the reason why. Graham highlighted the Real Humans pieces from Rochester / Simon and Washington U./ Olin. Graham also covered the employment reports from Columbia and Duke / Fuqua, and your hosts noted that Columbia does not break out the geographic spread of its graduates, while Fuqua is sending 28% of its class to the west coast, a high Read more
Published: January 2, 2022
Episode 207: Wire Taps—Female engineer with lower GMAT quant score. Operations candidate targeting the COO role at Patagonia. Stern with a full-ride vs. Booth full-fare, for Investment Banking in New York?
Happy 2022 to all! Graham and Alex are back to ring in the New Year, despite some unexpected hurdles involving an acronym… Round 2 application deadlines are now upon us; Alex noted that 20 MBA programs that Clear Admit covers have their application deadlines this week. Our hosts also marvel at the increase in MBA DecisionWire entries, and the community discussion around those entries on the wires. Graham highlighted the recently published Real Humans pieces for UCLA Anderson and Cambridge Judge. Graham also discussed a new feature on Spotify, the show can now be rated; so here’s Read more
Published: December 26, 2021
Episode 206: Wire Taps—Outstanding military candidate with modest GRE. Government worker turned serial novelist. US-based candidate weighing options with non US-based programs.
Grab a glass of eggnog and cozy up to this holiday edition of the WireTaps podcast! While things are now quiet on the MBA decision release front, plenty of MBA candidates are sharing their decisions on MBA DecisionWire, and Graham and Alex get into some helpful content around how to spend the holiday break if you are deciding on R1 options or applying in R2.   Graham also noted the release of Real Humans pieces for Dartmouth / Tuck and Minnesota / Carlson and highlighted the employment reports from Harvard and Tuck. Both programs had an average starting salary at $150,000; Read more
Published: December 19, 2021
Episode 205: Wire Taps—URM college dropout with low test scores; can he make the cut? Accomplished woman with great numbers despite being expelled from ugrad. Will adcoms take a risk? DW: Stern full fare vs. McDonough with dollars; Should money matter?
Welcome back to another episode of WireTaps!  With decisions from leading programs wrapping up over the last week, there has been no shortage of activity on both MBA LiveWire – and MBA DecisionWire, as candidates start weighing their options.   Beyond the usual profile reviews, Alex and Graham dive into an ongoing conversation on LiveWire about the timing of interview invites for Columbia’s rolling admissions. They also look at the new Real Humans piece for Columbia and the employment report for Georgetown / McDonough, which had significance for the third WireTaps candidate this week (see below). As to this week’s candidates: Read more
Published: December 12, 2021
Episode 204: Wire Taps—Energy Guy Worried About ROI. Columbia ED Candidate Targeting Round 2. Latam Candidate Might Rethink Target Programs.
Alex and Graham are back for another episode of WireTaps amidst the whirlwind of R1 decisions from Harvard, Stanford, Tuck, Kellogg, Emory, Darden, Michigan, Georgetown, and more! Our hosts preview MIT, Berkeley, and Wharton R1 decisions (coming later this week) and remind listeners to drop by Clubhouse this Thursday at 12 pm ET for some R1 results chatter. Alex and Graham also dig into some of the specific activity they’ve seen on MBA LiveWire over the past week, including one candidate who’s Stanford deny was softened by his HBS admit.  Graham also noted that plenty of interview reports are still Read more
Published: December 5, 2021
Episode 202: Wire Taps—Global Citizen in the Food Delivery Biz. Japanese-based candidate in Private Equity. ORM with super GPA, is Round 2 going to hurt?
As decisions for Round 1 candidates begin to roll out, Alex and Graham discuss the activity seen on MBA LiveWire last week (Booth, LBS and Yale SOM).  They also cover this upcoming week, with Harvard and Stanford decisions leading the way. Graham also notes the new adcom Q&A with David Simpson, from London Business School and takes a moment to thank site users for submitting interview reports, a clear signal that interview season for Round 1 is (pretty much) over. Our hosts them move on to tackle the profiles of three ApplyWire entries. First up, we have a global citizen, Read more
Published: November 28, 2021
Episode 201: Wire Taps—Deferred Candidate with Cannabis Biz! Should They Aim Higher? Is the GRE Score the Outlier?
Graham and Alex provide key advice in this week’s podcast episode of Wire Taps. First up, a deferred candidate in their junior year appears to be doing everything right in terms of academic performance, campus leadership and entrepreneurship. They’ve still got to ace the test, but is their Cannabis business opportunity a risk? Next, our hosts discuss a candidate who has gone six for six in terms of interview invites in Round 1; should they be targeting higher profile programs in Round 2? Finally, Alex and Graham discuss a candidate who appears to have outstanding work experience and is seeking Read more
Published: November 21, 2021
The Clear Admit MBA Admissions Podcast Hits Milestone 200th Episode!
The Clear Admit MBA Admissions Podcast has turned 200! That’s right, this week’s episode is the 200th edition of a podcast that was first launched in March of 2018. Needless to say, it has wildly exceeded our expectations. In celebration of such a milestone, we want to share a handful of fun facts and figures from the podcast. IF YOU RECORD IT, THEY WILL COME: Nearly a quarter of million people have tuned into the show over the past 3+ years (from virtually every corner of the planet). REAL HUMANS: Our “WireTaps” episodes, which air each Monday, Read more
Published: November 21, 2021
Episode 200: Wire Taps—Should I Still Apply This Year? Do I Have Enough Work Experience? I Need Help with My Quant Score!
We are excited to mark another milestone with our 200th podcast episode! We would like to thank all our listeners (who have combined for more than 222,000 listens) for making this podcast the show that it has become! Alex and Graham are here to mark the occasion with another installment of Wire Taps, in which they dish out MBA admissions advice to current applicants. First up, we have an Indian candidate who now resides in Canada, and is seeking an MBA to start a consulting career. Some of the challenges he faces include making good sense of his career Read more
Published: November 14, 2021
Episode 199: Wire Taps—Underrepresented in Eastern Europe, How to Pitch a Pivot, First-Gen GPA Blues
Many applicants are now looking to refine their admissions strategies for Round 2 deadlines, and Graham and Alex provide key advice in this week’s podcast episode of Wire Taps. First up, an Eastern European applicant may be underrepresented in the applicant pool, but should likely try to retake the GMAT given a below average result. Next, a civil engineer who struggled with health problems in Round 1 is hoping to submit more Round 2 apps, but will need to clearly present his goals in the sports domain to find success. Finally, a first-generation college graduate with a 3.18 GPA and Read more
Published: November 9, 2021
Episode 198: Real Humans of the Wharton Lauder MBA/MA Class
We have a special edition podcast episode for you in which we welcome two current students of the Wharton School’s Lauder Institute of Management & International Studies class. As part of our Real Humans: MBA Students series, current Wharton Lauder students, Wendy Yu and Juliana Escobar, share their experiences with the joint degree program. Wharton Lauder students earn two degrees in two years: A Wharton School MBA plus an International Studies MA from the University of Pennsylvania. Wendy Yu (left) and Juliana Escobar, Wharton Lauder MBA/MA Candidates Our first guest, Wendy Yu, is a top Read more
Published: November 7, 2021
Episode 197: Wire Taps—Do I Need Awards?, Should I Aim Higher in R2?, Can a 760 GMAT Address a 2.9 GPA?
It’s time for another podcast episode of Wire Taps, in which Alex and Graham dig into MBA admissions advice for applicants who have posted to MBA ApplyWire. This week, an executive recruiter at Google is concerned about the ‘Awards’ section of the application forms. Another applicant in tech strategy is looking at more schools to consider for Round 2. Finally, another applicant with a tech background has a stellar GMAT of 760, but sub-3.0 GPA. Preview the posts that Alex and Graham discuss this week, then tune in below! A Google employee needs help addressing a particular part of Read more
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

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 1:19pm 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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