My answer to this question used to be a hard “No.” But now, it’s “Yes! Kind of.” We’ve gone through an admissions cycle during which applicants used AI tools such as ChatGPT, CoPilot, Gemini, and others with both positive and negative outcomes. Some colleges, graduate schools, and MBA programs might even have essay prompts soon…
Columbia Business School MBA Essay Tips and Deadlines [2024-2025], Class Profile
Columbia Business School (CBS) essay prompts are out for 2024-2025 January and August entry applicants! Here is what is new this year: August entry – Short Answer Question #2: Asks for your post-first-year summer plans Essay #2: Slightly narrower wording that will help you better select an example to share Essay #3: A change to…
Ten Tips for Short-Listing and Visiting B-Schools
You’re about to make one of the biggest decisions of your life. It will determine your future in so many ways: where you might work, where you could live, and the people who will become a part of your life. Choosing a business school is serious business! But it’s also a huge opportunity to turn…
Reapplying to Business School: How to Do It Right the Second Time Around
Was your b-school application rejected? This blog post offers a step-by-step process for evaluating your rejected application and crafting a standout application for your next attempt. If you implement the principles discussed here and reapply with strong essays, letters of recommendation, and an interview, you should find yourself preparing to attend a favorite business school…
How to Make a Stand-Out MBA Application Video
Presenting yourself effectively on video has become an essential part of the MBA application process. Admissions officers expect you to be able to capture their attention on the small screen. It’s an opportunity for them to see you think on your feet and speak ‘unscripted.’ What MBA programs want to see These are just a…
MBA Deadlines Are Coming Fast: Here’s What You Can Do
As you get closer to MBA application deadlines, watch this video for important last minute advice from MBA admissions expert, Michelle Stockman: 3 “Spring Week” Tips for MBA Applicants [Transcript] Hello, MBA applicants, welcome to Accepted. I’m Consultant Michelle Stockman. Now, many of you are nearing the end of what is a marathon MBA application…
Seven Tips for MBA Interview Prep
An invitation to an MBA interview is an achievement and cause for celebration, but the interview itself can be a daunting prospect – if you are not properly prepared. Make the most of this opportunity by following our tips for a successful interview. 1. Preparation is everything While you may not have control over the…
The Applicants That Stand Out at Columbia Business School
My observation as a former insider at CBS is that Columbia is looking to build a diverse class of high-achieving world citizens who’ve got a bit of grit. World citizen What do I mean by a world citizen? For a small fraction, it means applicants who are internationally famous due to their own achievements or…
International MBA Applicants and COVID-19: Risks & Opportunities [Short Video]
We are in the midst of a worldwide pandemic that will force us to make choices we have never faced before. In this video, I talk through some potential risks and advantages of applying during what has become an extraordinary admissions cycle. Only you can make the final decision. TL;DW – Contact Accepted to schedule…
5 MBA Reapplication Lessons
MBA admissions is tough at top schools. If you were rejected last year and are trying again, you definitely want a different outcome this time around. What can you do to increase your chances of admissions this year? Tips for reapplicants Reevaluate your school choices Instead of applying to dream schools only, make sure you…
5 Factors to Consider When Assessing Your MBA Profile
An MBA application is like a mosaic. Each element contributes to create a full picture of who you are. Some pieces will be brighter or more colorful than others. For those less sparkly components (like your weaknesses), you can either polish them to hide their dullness and to highlight the brilliance that surrounds them, or…
Mapping out Your MBA Prep — Post-grad + 4
“Wish I had done that a few years ago ….” We hear that frequently from MBA applicants as they’re filling out their MBA applications. We don’t want you to have to say that. This is the fifth of a five-part blog series with advice on how you can prepare, years in advance, to be competitive for a top…
Mapping out Your MBA Prep — Post-Grad + 3
“Wish I had done that a few years ago ….” We hear that frequently from MBA applicants as they’re filling out their MBA applications. We don’t want you to have to say that. This is the fourth of a five-part blog series with advice on how you can prepare, years in advance, to be competitive for a top…
Mapping out Your MBA Prep — Post-Grad + 2
“Wish I had done that a few years ago ….” We hear that frequently from MBA applicants as they’re filling out their MBA applications. We don’t want you to have to say that. This is the third of a five-part blog series with advice on how you can prepare, years in advance, to be competitive for a…
Mapping out Your MBA Prep — Post-grad + 1
“Wish I had done that a few years ago ….” We hear that frequently from MBA applicants as they’re filling out their MBA applications. We don’t want you to have to say that. This is the second of a five-part blog series with advice on how you can prepare, years in advance, to be competitive for a…
Mapping out Your MBA Prep — The College Years
“Wish I had done that a few years ago ….” We hear that frequently from MBA applicants as they’re filling out their MBA applications. We don’t want you to have to say that. This is the first of a five-part blog series with advice on how you can prepare, years in advance, to be competitive for a…
What Are My Chances? 24 Year Old Indian Investment Research Analyst
This blog post is part of a series of MBA profile evaluations called “What are My Chances?” by Michelle Stockman. Michelle, who started consulting for Accepted in 2007 and worked previously in the Columbia Business School admissions office, will provide selected applicants with school recommendation as well as an assessment of their strengths and weaknesses….
5 Tips to Assess Your MBA Profile
I often tell my clients that an MBA application is like a mosaic. Each element contributes to create a full picture of who you are. Some pieces will be brighter or more colorful than others. Others fail to sparkle. You can either address those weaknesses — polish those dull stones — or decide to re-evaluate…
MBA Re-Applicant Lessons: Why Not Me?
Last year was an incredibly competitive year for MBA applicants, as more people applied to programs hoping to ride out the recession. So what can you do to increase your chances of admissions this year? Stratcase’s recent blog entry has some tips for reapplicants that are worth highlighting: 1. “Re-categorize your school – instead of…
See India In Your Future? Get Money for an MBA in Hyberadad!
Think you’re up against tough odds to get into a top MBA program? In India, over 200,000 applicants vie for 1600 spots at the country’s elite MBA schools—the IIMs (Indian Institute of Management). These programs aren’t ranked internationally. They mostly serve as a launching ground for Indian engineering students who seek management and finance exposure….