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Understanding Stanford GSB’s Take on Demonstrated Leadership Potential

Stanford Demonstrated Leadership Potential

What are the qualities that Stanford GSB is looking for as they build their class? How do successful applicants stand out from the crowd? At a school as competitive as Stanford, it’s a fact that many smart, accomplished applicants won’t get in—so how can you demonstrate that you have that “it” factor? Let us walk …

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Understanding Stanford GSB’s Interest in Personal Qualities and Contributions

What is Stanford GSB Looking For Personal Qualities

What are the qualities that Stanford GSB is looking for as they build their class? How do successful applicants stand out from the crowd? At a school as competitive as Stanford, it’s a fact that many smart, accomplished applicants won’t get in—so how can you demonstrate that you have that “it” factor? Let us walk …

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What Harvard Business School Is Looking For: Engaged Community Citizenship

What is HBS looking for engaged community citizenship

This is the third post in our series, What HBS is Looking For. This is not about “community service” — it’s not about doing halo-worthy things in your free time. (Though neither Harvard Business School nor I will discourage that, and “engaged community citizenship” and “community service” certainly can overlap.) Community service is an activity …

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What Harvard Business School Is Looking For: Analytical Aptitude and Appetite

What is HBS looking for analytical aptitude and appetite

This is the second post in our series, What HBS is Looking For. So, HBS wants “analytical aptitude and appetite.” Hardly a surprise. You might be tempted to simply skim that section of the website message without giving it much thought. Maybe it’s not as obvious as it sounds. Let’s break it down. Understanding the …

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What Harvard Business School Is Looking For: The Habit of Leadership

Harvard Business School Habit of Leadership

Thank you, Harvard Business School. That’s what applicants should think when they visit the program’s website and find “habit of leadership” on its “Who are we looking for?” admissions page. It’s common knowledge that HBS values leadership, but with this phrase, the adcom succinctly expresses how they view leadership – dynamic, deep, intrinsic, long-term. It’s …

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Which MBA Program Is Right for Me? The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an MBA Program

Which mba program is right for me

In 20+ years of MBA admissions consulting, I have found that otherwise highly capable and focused people often flounder when creating their target list of business schools. I’ve heard things like: “I’m just applying to all the top ten.” Top ten according to what source? Or: “I realize now [after R2 deadlines have passed] I was overreaching. …

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Applying to Regular Full-Time MBA Programs as an Older Applicant

Applying to Full Time MBA Programs as an Older Applicant

“An MBA? Why aren’t you going for an EMBA?” You’ve probably heard this from friends and acquaintances when they learn that you are planning to pursue full-time graduate business studies, even though you are several years older than the average MBA applicant. This may also be the response of MBA admissions committees – unless you …

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What is INSEAD Looking For?

What is INSEAD looking for

Wondering if you have what it takes to get accepted to INSEAD? This blog post examines INSEAD MBA’s 4 admission criteria and how you can demonstrate them in your application.  What is INSEAD looking for? Ability to contribute International motivation Academic capacity Leadership potential INSEAD MBA criterion #1: Ability to contribute The adcom gives, as …

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Finding and Articulating Fit with the Booth MBA

Finding and Articulating Fit with the Booth MBA

Booth’s MBA program – and hence its admissions focus – is rooted in “The Chicago Approach™” that centers on turning theory into praxis. Through examining “theoretical frameworks” from a range of disciplines directly relevant to business (e.g., economics, psychology), students hone analytic skills and deeply informed perspectives that form a robust foundation for future decisions …

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MIT Sloan Master of Finance Application Essay Questions, Tips & Deadlines [2020 – 2021]

MIT Sloan MFin application essay tips and deadlines

The MIT Sloan Master of Finance program is significantly influenced by being part of both the Sloan School of Management and MIT more broadly. The culture and values of those two entities infuse the MFin program. Yes, being a quant geek helps, but the program’s adcom wants more: people who have a distinctive perspective, a …

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