MBA Applicants

Do you give gifts to reccomenders? How much do you spend?

Just got rejected from my first R1 school and it stings way more than I expected. I told myself I was prepared for anything, but seeing that “we regret to inform you” email hit way harder than I thoug… more

Is age of 31 at matriculation too old? (With the goal of IB)

Hey all looking for some advice on my profile (looking to apply for fall 2027 and go into IB) 1 year big four audit 2 years big four deal advisory, 3 years as accounting manager at PE portco where I j… more

I’m in the “no clear post-MBA goal” camp. I know I want to pivot, but I’m still exploring. Is it better to fake a specific goal (i.e. product management at X company) just to satisfy the essay prompt,… more

Which test prep provider (e.g., Sherpa, GregMat, Manhattan, etc.) has the best Vocab set(s)?

I’m starting to feel weirdly territorial about “my” schools. When someone with a better GPA or bigger job title says they’re applying to the same program, I get instantly defensive. It’s irrational, I… more

What are you doing about schools that require video interviews or KIRA-style questions? I bombed one this week, blanked on a basic leadership question and stumbled through my answer. Feels so much wor… more

How many schools are you applying to? I originally said 4 to keep things “manageable,” but now I’m at 7 and eyeing an 8th. Every time I watch one of those glossy student experience videos, I convince … more

I’m a non-traditional applicant—background in the arts, now working in a nonprofit focused on youth access to music. Every admissions webinar says they value diverse experiences, but when I look at cl… more

[MBA] those who’ve done a ~1 year MBA - would you recommend? Best programs? Ideally that have good scholarship opps etc. Reasonable cost of living too. Wanting to avoid company sponsorship, and have o… more

I've been working remotely for a while now, and it's been going well. Though I'm not rich, I make enough to live comfortably. If anyone is interested, I'm happy to share what I do and … more

What softwares do adcom use to detect AI? For applicants writing their own rec letters? Do they actually do that, or do they just check the authorship of the Word Doc submitted?

Have about an 90% chance to start a role as one of the first hires at a VC firm in the next month or so depending on fund close timeline. I’ve been planning to go to business school next year but VC w… more

Did anyone else get accepted into CBS’ J-term? Feels a bit anticlimactic; I was hoping to receive some swag or even just intro to the class group chats, but so far just got a reminder to send in the d… more

For those who got admitted and attended their “reach” schools:
1) What do you think got you admitted
2) How has it impacted your career vs going to a lower ranked one

C at T2 firm, which can sponsor MBA.

Is it worth trying to go for a US School vs INSEAD/LBS?

I’m European and see my long term career in Europe. I’d do the MBA for the experience and career change.

My recommender asked me to draft the letter myself. I get that it’s common, but now I’m stuck between writing something modest and something impressive. Like… do I humblebrag in the third person? How … more

Should I pursue an EMBA - AI engineer to AI/tech strategy and leadership. Details in comments

Anyone else feel like this process has become your entire personality? I swear I used to have hobbies. Now it’s just ranking schools, stalking LinkedIn alumni, and debating whether to use a colon or e… more

Just got my GMAT score back: 720. Not bad, but not amazing for M7. I keep refreshing GMAT Club to compare profiles and spiral. At what point do you just say, “This is enough” and focus on essays? Or d… more

Be real with me, how much does prestige matter? I’m torn between applying to a top 10 where I’d be a stretch and a T30 where I’m solidly competitive. I want the network, but I also want to actually ge… more

I keep getting stuck on the “Why MBA, why now” essay. I can list the career stuff, sure, but honestly? Part of me just wants out of my current job and I don’t know how to spin that without sounding fl… more

What advice can you give me who wants to apply for a MFA in film and video production?

Does Emory have other prospective weekends like Super Saturday later in the year? Also do they cover cost for housing during the weekend?

Does Haas part time allow you to recruit with the full time students?

I've heard a lot of people say an MBA application is a long process. What part of it takes the most time? As I read through the process online, it seems pretty straightforward, so I'm not exac… more

So AI is obviously taking over. My cousin, who is an HR manager, just lost his job to AI. How far in do you think AI has come in this field? I assume a lot of roles you would take up after an MBA, esp… more

So MBA application season is beginning again, so here's a reminder to please reach out to schools' appointed student speakers/ambassadors as your first point of contact instead of reaching out to randoms … more

Do schools have any way of telling what other schools you have applied to?

I'm done with my application, but don't feel ready yet to turn it in. When you want critique/suggestions for your application, where do you go? I don't want to run it by anyone in my famil… more

What has getting an MBA done for you? I've realized what a long and tumultuous process this can be. Has it helped you advance your career and grow like you imagined? Or did it feel like paying a h… more

What sectors value an MBA degree right now? I'm only considering doing an MBA for career growth, but I also don't want to spend all the time and energy on a credential that isn't seen as v… more

How we feeling after submitting HBS?

How much did you get in scholarships? also let me know if you were full time or part time.

For those with a business background, why do you feel like an MBA is still worth it given the cost, plus lost salary for 2 years for FT programs? I feel like with AI there is so much risk going throug… more

Thoughts on doing a PT MBA if intending to stay in the federal/military space? Curious of others who did so and the benefits of the degree for them.

I'm a Data Scientist at Booz Allen and consideri… more

Is Northwestern part time MBA really worth it if you don’t live in Chicago? I would have to move for one quarter (only around 3 months), but I have a fiancée and a house. Is it really that much better… more

I’ve taken the official GMAT Focus Edition 3 times (6+ months of studying) and the best I’ve done is a 615; I took a practice GRE (no prior studying) and got a 155 verbal, 160 quant - would you advise… more

If admitted to GSB/HBS, what is the background check checking? Is it dates and titles for employment, or is it fact checking every bullet on resume (everything accurate, some numbers are just rounded … more