Weekly Columns
Keep up with the latest school facts and news from your fellow MBA applicants.
Fridays From the Frontline
Hello and welcome to Fridays From the Frontline, Clear Admit's weekly ramble through the ruminations of the b-school blogosphere. This week, our stalwart applicants are continuing to filter their impressions of the application process, while contemplating what comes next. Current students are likewise contemplating how their lives have changed since starting business school, whether this year or last, and are looking forward to welcoming the class of 2016.
MBAReapplicant continued his streak of good news with admits from both Tepper and Darden. With a successful end to the reapplication process, MBAReapplicant can finally chose between several exciting options for next year. Timbob, another class of '16 successful applicant to Harvard Business School, took a brief moment away from preparing from his upcoming wedding to share a post-decision publication timeline of events. Much of it involved giddy celebration, and skillful procrastination. Another across-the-pond blogger, Sara'sMBAJourney, continued to share impressions of her trip to the States, including her enjoyable visit to Duke, as well as the terrible state of American roads and the terrible drivers on them. Domontron continued his series on elements of an MBA application by addressing ways to research target schools. He highlights students blogs as an excellent way to get a more direct and unfiltered sense of the school's community and opportunities. Your Fridays From the Frontline editor could not agree more!
Read more
Published: March 27, 2014
Fridays from the Frontline
Hello and welcome to Fridays from the Frontline, Clear Admit’s weekly confabulation with correspondents in the b-school blogosphere. Our 2016 applicants continue to receive status updates from schools, while current students are taking the opportunity afforded by spring break to travel and update their blogs.
Domotron finally heard from Kellogg, with news of a ding that confirmed a Class of 2017 matriculation at Tuck. CoffeeBeansandTeaLeaves also received a ding from Kellogg, and updates readers with a final tally of dings from this year's application season. Although the season ends with an offer to join the Ross weekend MBA program, Ellie is taking advantage of this time to do some self-reflection and prepare for next year's challenges. We wish her all the best! Finally a bit of good news from MBA Reapplicant, who posted a detailed and glowing account of visiting Darden and the interview process.
Read more
Published: March 20, 2014
Fridays From the Frontline
Hello and welcome to Fridays From the Frontline, Clear Admit’s weekly summation of the musings of the b-school applicant and student blogosphere. With most of our 2016 blogging applicants having gone through the R1 or R2 process, this week has been a time to dwell on the experience and give a fuller account of their impressions, whether positive or negative. Current MBA students have also taken some time to share their impressions of classes, travel experience, or life as an MBA mom.
MBAtheNonprofitWay has continued a streak of good news with an admit to Ross and a waitlist at Fuqua. However, Johnson still remains the best option, out of a successful application process. Nevertheless, MBAtheNonprofitWay takes some time to review the Coulda-Woulda-Shoulda of the experience. SarahsMBAJourney expands on her impressions of Boston, rating everything from burgers to the HBS Case Method, from her recent journey across the Pond to the USA.
Read more
Published: March 13, 2014
Fridays From the Frontline
Hello and welcome to Fridays From the Frontline, Clear Admit's weekly traversal of the tenacious b-school applicant and student blogosphere. This week, our 2016 applicants share decisions and status updates, while our roster of current students continue to be immersed in classroom and career experiences, with little time to share their experiences at the moment.
MBAtheNonProfitWay is now officially part of the Johnson Class of 2016! While an exciting bit of news to impart, the decision between Cornell and UCLA was not easy. Speaking of Anderson, MBAReApplicant had the fantastic news that, after two years of going through the application process, an admit came from Anderson, and yet another R2 interview invite, this time from Darden, for which our intrepid blogger is preparing by using the Clear Admit Darden Interview Guide.
Read more
Fridays From the Frontline
Hello and welcome to Fridays From the Frontline, Clear Admit’s weekly perusal of the peripatetic top business school blogs. This week, 2016 applicants continue to reflect on the application and interview process, while current MBA students are taking some time to update on the semester and exciting school-based projects. Tuck bound Domotron gives a great perspective on the elements of the application packet, and focuses particularly on how the GMAT score factors into the target school’s evaluation process. Sarah’sMBAJourney debriefs her Duke interview at a Starbucks in London, while sharing that the Clear Admit Interview and
Read more
Published: February 27, 2014
Fridays from the Frontline
Hello and welcome to Fridays from the Frontline, Clear Admit's weekly accounting of the adventures of the b-school blogosphere. News continues to trickle in for this year's round of applicants, while also able to take some time to reflect on the application experience thus far, as well as what lies ahead.
Over at BootsToSuits, hammO discusses the dichotomy of, on the one hand, having so much free time now that the application process and decision are over, and on the other, not having much to write about once that onerous process is complete. However, there is still plenty to do in preparation for matriculating at Johnson. FromGMATtoMBA has less sanguine reflections, as another ding from Booth came on an ill-timed Valentine's Day. MBAReapplicant reflects on a less-than-successful R1 process, but takes solace in the fact that moving on to Round 2 gave the opportunity to apply to equally great schools. R2 has brought some good news already, with interviews at Tepper and Anderson, for which MBAReapplicant gave a nice shoutout to the Clear Admit Interview Reports
Read more
Published: February 20, 2014
Fridays from the Frontline
Hello and welcome to Fridays from the Frontline, Clear Admit’s weekly roundup of the b-school blogosphere. Today we welcome a new blogger, and feature a guest post from the Wharton School of Business. Most of our stalwart applicants are waiting for news of admissions or scholarships before making a final decision, while current students are so busily immersed in the current semester, they have had little time for blogging this week.
Sarah'sMBAJourney used this quiet period to review an online GMAT review course and expand on the application process with an interview for accepted.com. MBAMyWay is whiling away the waiting hours by taking solace in the knowledge that final decisions are not that far off, whether for Johnson, UCLA, Kellogg, Yale or Ross. MBAreapplicant took time for a belated round one update with dings from Tuck and Kellogg.
Read more
Published: February 13, 2014
Fridays from the Frontline
Hello and welcome to Fridays from the Frontline, Clear Admit’s weekly traversal of the b-school blogosphere. While much of the United States is battling a never-ending winter, our applicants are continuing to get news of interviews and acceptances, while those in school are looking ahead to what comes next, while also trying to stay healthy.
Domontron is ecstatic to have received that all important phone call from Tuck, and will be matriculating there next year. Meanwhile, Sarah'sMBAJourney shares the great news that she's gotten an interview invitation from Duke, MBAMyWay recaps a positive and interesting interview experience with Ross and Timbob finally made it to Boston, and checked out MIT, while in town for an admitted students event at HBS.
Read more
Published: February 6, 2014
Fridays from the Frontline
Hello and welcome to Fridays from the Frontline, Clear Admit's ongoing coverage of the b-school applicant and student life. While much of the United States is under a deep freeze, this year's applicants are starting to get news from their schools of choice, while current students are well launched into the new semester.
MBAMyWay got the eagerly anticipated phone call from Cornell. While delighted, it's still a difficult wait for this non-profit maven to know what the financial aid package will be. FromGMATtoMBA took a winter's journey to Chicago and blogged about the Kellogg interview experience. Sarah'sMBAJourney didn't get a first wave HBS round 2 interview invite, and while not hopeful, is counting down to Friday to see whether there will be a Harvard and Duke invite forthcoming. Coffeebeansandtealeaves recounts a positive outreach dinner in the DC area hosted by Kelley School of Business
Read more
Published: January 30, 2014
Fridays from the Frontline
Hello and welcome to Fridays From The Frontline, Clear Admit’s weekly post that features the ups and downs of the b-school blogosphere.
As much of the United States continues to battle winter, admissions candidates took some time to reflect after the busy time of submitting applications, and current students are well launched into the new semester and already preparing for interviews.
MBAMyWay discusses a positive interview at Johnson despite the bitter cold in Ithaca. Round 1 Harvard admit Timbob blogs about getting his finances in order, and meeting his new Boston classmates in preparation for next year. Meanwhile, HBS announced the release of R2 interview invites on Jan 29th, with the second round on Feb 5th.
PPANDEY87 blogs about fascinating conversations about business during a recent trip to India. TwoYearsatHBS is looking forward to the start of second semester
Read more
Published: January 23, 2014
Fridays from the Frontline
Hello and welcome to Fridays From The Frontline, Clear Admit’s weekly post that features the ups and downs of the b-school blogosphere.
After the rush of January deadlines, R2 applicants can do little more than sit back and wait for the outcome of their applications, while current students are using the start of the new semester as an opportunity to evaluate and reflect on the b-school experience.
Blogger MBA My Way shares exciting news about a UCLA admittance package and a Ross interview invite. MBA the Non-Profit Way shared news of a Cornell interview invite.
Read more
Published: January 16, 2014
Fridays From The Frontline
Hello and welcome to Fridays From The Frontline, Clear Admit's weekly post that features the ups and downs of the b-school blogosphere.
FromGMATtoMBA reported that all his R2 applications were submitted and began to prepare for his Kellogg campus visit. MBATheNonprofitWay expressed pleasure in McDonald's recent announcement that the company will begin working towards sourcing more sustainable beef for their burgers. Sarah had so much to say about her HBS and Duke applications, she wrote more than one post about the experiences. HammO sent his deposit to Johnson and ruminated on when to officially leave work while also trying to be slightly thrifty.
Fuqua '15 Heather recounted a typical 'day in the life' of an MBA student at Duke. INSEAD '14D Trey shared some of his first impressions of the school, touching on topics that included entrepreneurship and fun.
Read more
Published: January 9, 2014
Fridays From The Frontline
Hello and welcome to Fridays From The Frontline, Clear Admit's perpetual peek into the persevering lives of b-school applicants and students. This week was certainly a busy one for those applying in the second round, and quite a cold one for those in much of the U.S.
Amit discussed how he raised his GMAT score from 680 to 770 in six weeks. Sarah successfully submitted her HBS and Fuqua applications. MBA The Nonprofit Way wrapped up her applications and conducted a status report on the various schools she was hoping to hear from in the coming weeks. MBAGirlJourney continued her series considering the various costs and scholarship options to those pursuing an MBA. ExpectingMBA finished her last day of work and ruminated on the strangeness of speaking English in an interview with someone who speaks the same native language (which is not English).
INSEAD '14D Maria had great and "EPIC" expectations for 2014.
Read more
Published: January 8, 2014
Campus Chronicles: The Wharton Journal
Welcome back to Campus Chronicles, our weekly perusal of the news pages at top business school student newspapers. This week we explore what’s happening at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business by scanning their student-produced paper, The Wharton Journal.
Wharton’s Business Economics and Public Policy Initiative has recently awarded its Henry & Marcelle Morgenthau Fellowship to 7 MBA students. Awarded to students with a drive to "be a force for social good," the fellowship is given every year to students who have made substantial contributions to public policy and social causes and are looking to make more. This year's winners include Julia Kurnik ('14) for her work to bring sustainable healthy food to Philadelphia, Tiago Correia ('14) for his ambitions in public policy related to real estate development in urban environments, and Vidya Venkataraman ('14) who is looking to improve cooperation between the private sector and governments after graduating from Wharton and completing a dual law degree at Yale.
Read more
Published: January 2, 2014
Fridays From The Frontline
Hello and welcome to Fridays From the Frontline, Clear Admit's ongoing perusal of the latest happenings in the b-school blogosphere. This week applicants and students rang in the new year, and those working on their R2 applications felt the pressure rise.
Domotron asserted that more went right than wrong in his 2013, and wished all his readers a happy new year. Ellie returned from a three week visit home to India and refocused her attentions on her upcoming Ross, Kelley and Kellogg applications while expressing much gratitude for the support of her husband. TimBob also had a wedding on his agenda - his own - and outlined a few different resolutions he'd like to realize in 2014. Sarah's GMAT score improved though she realized her quant percentile might still be troublesome. ExpectingMBA wished her readers a Merry Christmas and took solace in knowing that no matter how her Haas and Anderson interviews went, she'd be attending b-school in California.
Read more
Published: December 26, 2013
Fridays From The Frontline
Hello and welcome to another edition of Fridays From The Frontline, Clear Admit’s ongoing dive into the depths of the b-school blogopshere. This was an especially lean week for b-school students checking in, perhaps due to the recent holiday or the winter break. Sarah shared her ideas and approach to making sure that she keeps her sanity while working on a big project. Domotron sadly reported receiving a zap from Booth, but still held out hope for his Tuck application. HammO decided where he would be attending b-school after having a mixed week of
Read more
Published: December 23, 2013
Trivia Tuesday: The Berkeley MBA Leadership Development Series at Haas
Welcome to our weekly edition of Trivia Tuesday, in which we take an in-depth look at the specific offerings that differentiate the leading MBA programs from their peers. This week we’re taking a peak into the Clear Admit School Guide to the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business to share with you an excerpt about the Berkeley MBA Leadership Development Series.
"As part of its BILD program (Berkeley Innovative Leader Development), Haas has implemented a series of on-campus events that offer students the opportunity to fine-tune their leadership skills outside of the classroom. The Berkeley MBA Leadership Development Series is comprised of a number of non-credit workshops and seminars, all of which allow students to gain further insight into three key areas of awareness: Self, Team and Organization.
"Each of these areas of competency has its own focus and set of goals.
Read more
Published: December 19, 2013
Fridays From The Frontline
Hello and welcome to Fridays From The Frontline, Clear Admit's weekly round up of the latest happenings in the b-school blogosphere. This week applicants continued to get news about how their R1 applications fared while current students were finishing up their studies and jetting off to far flung destinations for their winter breaks.
TimBob questioned how he would be able to get married, decorate a house, and emigrate in only six months' time. Poetic Quant happily reported a Kellogg acceptance and generous scholarship. Sarah felt that her work creating her Fulbright application really helped her tackle her Fuqua essays. Domotron turned his attentions to Booth after getting a zap from Wharton. ExpectingMBA thought about the actions she took and choices she made that may have helped her gain an acceptance at Stanford. MBATheNonprofitWay pondered adding a few more R2 schools to her docket, including UC Davis and Ross.
Read more
Published: December 12, 2013
Fridays From The Frontline
Hello and welcome to Fridays From the Frontline, Clear Admit's weekly blog post focusing on the frights and triumphs of the b-school admissions and student experience. This week found applicants reporting even more news from their R1 schools, both positive and negative.
Poetic Quant didn't have to wait long to learn his LBS fate, which was a place on the waitlist. Expecting MBA received a Stanford acceptance and knew that she and her family would be heading west, but planned on waiting to make a decision until after her Haas interview and hearing back from Anderson. With no news of his own, Domotron's latest post simply congratulated other bloggers on their latest MBA news. TimBob also received positive news from HBS, but planned on completing his MIT LGO application because it was the one school that might take precedence over Harvard. Sarah discussed some of the challenges she faced in scheduling a GMAT in a foreign country when also asking for additional accommodations for her dyslexia. HammO advised friends and family of MBA applicants not to call them during the 24 - 48 hour period when they were expecting school news ... and got a Johnson admit! MBA The Nonprofit Way described the anxiety and feeling of not being in control that comes with a waitlist notification, which she experienced firsthand when hearing from Yale. FromGMATtoMBA reported two zaps from Wharton and Columbia respectively.
Read more
Published: December 5, 2013
Fridays From The Frontline
Hello and welcome to Fridays From the Frontline, Clear Admit’s ongoing blog post that seeks out the freshest news and experiences of the b-school blogosphere. This week was another relatively quiet week for current students, though a few checked in with updates. Applicants were more heavily represented, discussing R2 application strategies and considering other facets of a b-school application process. Domotron descended into a state of lethargy with most of his interviews behind him, though he did realize he’d have to finish up his Kellogg application before becoming entirely sloth-like. MBA The Nonprofit Way submitted her Johnson app
Read more
Published: November 28, 2013
Fridays From The Frontline
Hello and welcome to the latest edition of Fridays From The Frontline, Clear Admit's weekly round up of the latest news from the b-school blogosphere. With the American holiday of Thanksgiving just a day behind us, we hope that those who celebrate had a particularly festive turkey day. This week applicants and students checked in with additional news about their respective application and academic experiences.
Ellie prepared her readers for a bit of blog silence as she waited to board a plane to India for her sister's wedding. Poetic Quant described his LBS interview as very fun and informative. Domotron also focused his latest blog post on an interview experience, commenting on the Wharton team-based discussion. MBA the Nonprofit Way shared a disappointing zap from Stanford and reflected on the elements of their application that may have been weak. Expecting MBA Milf fared better with a Stanford interview invitation, and described that experience, as well as her Anderson interview. MBA Girl Journey reviewed Clear Admit's Wharton interview guide. TimBob recounted his London HBS interview, which he described as relaxed and free flowing. MBAReapplicant updated his readers with much news, including a waitlist decision from Haas and an exciting Kellogg interview.
Read more
Published: November 21, 2013
Fridays From The Frontline
Hello and welcome to Fridays From The Frontline, Clear Admit's weekly blog feature focused on the b-school blogosphere. This week was a banner one for applicants, as many reported their actual interview experiences or additional interview invitations. Students were a comparatively quiet bunch, though many checked in to share some of their recent extracurricular experiences.
Sarah performed an informal research project to determine how friendly HBS, Darden and Fuqua and her results surprised her. HammO visited Johnson and shared some of his experiences, from sitting in on a core finance course to being interviewed by two people simultaneously. MBA The Nonprofit Way experienced a less than ideal Yale interview in L.A. and recommended taking a moment to compose yourself, even if that means being 2-3 minutes late to the interview, before sitting down with your interviewers. Domotron also provided a run down of his recent off-campus Chicago Booth interview, noting the Clear Admit interview archives and guides as great preparation materials. Also in London, TimBob attended a HBS information session in the days leading up to his imminent interview. ExpectingMBAMilf gladly reported her Stanford interview invitation while wondering how her pregnancy might influence her interviewer's perception of her candidacy. Like most other applicants, Poetic Quant's latest post was interview related, recounting his recent Kellogg campus visit and preparation for a LBS interview. Coffee Beans and Tea Leaves determined her targeted school list for R2, given her low GMAT score and need for proximity to an airport so she can see her consultant significant other on a regular basis.
Fuqua '15 Christina compared her current life to that which she was living a year ago before recounting some of the highlights of the school's Weekend for Women event.
Read more
Published: November 14, 2013
Fridays From The Frontline
Hello and welcome to Fridays From The Frontline, Clear Admit's weekly check in with the latest news and opinions from the b-school blogosphere. This week was relatively quiet, though applicants continued to share how they fared in their Round 1 applications, which included more interview invitations, rejections, and even one 'clear admit.' Students were less active, though some were already reflecting on how much the MBA experience has changed them.
Sarah's GMAT study took a back seat to her Fulbright essay writing and all the while her bar tab grew. MBA The Nonprofit Way recapped her recent Kellogg interview experience and reviewed Clear Admit's Yale Interview Guide. MBA Girl Journey also found Clear Admit's interview resources helpful when gearing up for her Columbia interview, which went very well; three days later she was accepted! Domotron responded to a reader question about the reasons for his school selection. HammO received good and bad news in the form of an interview invitation from Johnson, but a zap from Wharton.
Anderson '15 Melanie and her classmates traveled to a Net Impact conference. INSEAD '14J Imran echoed previous student bloggers' amazement at how quickly the first period flew by and also discussed what it's like to be an INSEAD student and new parent.
Read more
Published: November 7, 2013
Fridays From The Frontline
Hello and welcome to Fridays From The Frontline, Clear Admit's fashionable foray into the frenetic and fascinating world of the b-school blogosphere. This week applicants were primarily focused on R1 interview invitations and preparation, while current students covered a broader range of experiences that they have enjoyed since starting the school year.
Ppandey received a disheartening rejection from HBS, and assumed another would soon follow from MIT, but decided to turn his attentions to a possible entrepreneurial venture. Sarah utilized her research background to explore the question of how friendly different b-schools are, and welcomed others' thoughts on the subject. Poetic Quant also had interview news to report, which included describing his recent Fisher interview as well as receiving an LBS interview invitation, which was met with a double fist pump. MBA the Nonprofit Way decompressed a bit by catching up on housework and car repair while still waiting to hear from Haas and Stanford. Domotron submitted his Tuck application and turned his attentions to preparing for his London Wharton and Booth interviews. TimBob ignored everything except preparing for his upcoming HBS interview.
Read more
Published: October 31, 2013
Fridays From The Frontline
Hello and welcome to Fridays From The Frontline, Clear Admit's weekly round up of the highs and lows of the b-school applicant and student experience. With Halloween only just behind us, there were not to many costumes to behold, but applicants received their figurative 'treats' in the form of additional interview invitations.
HammO asserted that his MBA application journey had to get worse before it could get better. Ellie didn't fare as well as she had hoped on her second GMAT attempt, but resolved not to give up and to push forward with her applications. MBAMilf received her first interview invitation from Anderson while still waiting to hear from Haas and Stanford. MBA The Nonprofit Way also had good news to report: Anderson and Kellogg interview invites. MBAGirlJourney completed her Columbia interview with an assist from Clear Admit's interview archives, and also received an invitation to interview at Wharton. Sarah began brainstorming on her personal statement approach and branding for her Fulbright application. Amit recounted his two GMAT results in brief, but focused mainly on reviewing his Bangalore test site.
HBS '15 Keima researched women's handbags with his FIELD team. Kenan-Flagler '15 Ellie wrote about her experiences as a nonprofit fellow working with community organizations. McCombs '15 Ximena equated going to business school with playing cards, and encouraged all MBA students and applicants to perfect their poker faces. HBS '15 Ahron found himself in the middle of midterms and compared the b-school learning environment to his time in the military. Said '15 Ramesh traveled to Wales with some of his classmates to go caving.
Read more
