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Finding a Theme for Your Statement of Purpose

Finding a Theme for Your Statement of Purpose

All original essays have a unique theme, and it can take time and careful thought to identify what yours should be. If you go back to the essays we examined in the previous post in this series, you will see that the public health program applicant opened her essay by cleverly presenting her theme in the form …

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M7 MBA Programs: Everything You Need to Know in 2026

M7 MBA Programs Everything You Need to Know in 2026

The M7 business schools represent seven distinct, vivid cultures, each with its own history, values, characteristics, opportunities, and challenges. Of course, there are many commonalities among the M7 schools, as well: all are highly competitive, offer robust academic resources, are supported by a committed and involved alumni network, and attract top-tier recruiters (even in down …

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Writing an Effective MBA Career Goals Essay

Writing an Effective MBA Career Goals Essay

For most people, career advancement is the primary motivation for pursuing an MBA. If this is true for you, writing your career goals essay demands laser-like focus. Your essay must demonstrate a clear understanding of how you plan to leverage the MBA to achieve your professional aspirations. Presenting a well-thought-out, realistic plan to reach your …

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Tips for Getting Off the MBA Waitlist

Tips for Getting Off the MBA Waitlist

Landing on a school’s waitlist can be disappointing and nerve-racking. As a result, waitlisted applicants sometimes let their anxiety or disappointment cloud their judgment, but if you’ve been waitlisted, try to stay calm and focused.   Remember, if you’re on a business school’s waitlist, you have not been rejected. If you play your cards right, you still have a …

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Benefits and Challenges for MBA Applicants from Family Businesses

an mba applicant holding a family business sign

You work for the family business and are applying to MBA programs. Will this background be a net plus for you, or a minus? How can you make the most of this experience? Whether you work for your family’s tiny start-up with headquarters in your home’s basement, at one of the local grocery stores your …

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The Importance of Researching Your MBA Goals and Being Authentic

Too many times, as an admissions officer, I read applications from candidates who shared career goals that didn’t quite make sense. Whether there was no connection between their target position and what they had been doing or no explanation of how they would successfully pivot to their desired role, I was left wondering how much …

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Three Ways Writing About Obstacles Strengthens Your Application Essays

When crafting application essays – whether for graduate school, business school, or any other competitive program – candidates often focus on highlighting their accomplishments. And it’s easy to understand why. Most applicants want to showcase their significant achievements, such as leading a groundbreaking project, making a meaningful impact through research, or spearheading a successful community …

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How to Stand Out as an Overrepresented MBA Applicant

When I was an admissions director attending MBA fairs and visiting companies to recruit candidates for our program, people often asked me how they could stand out in the business school applicant pool. Whether they were in consulting, banking, the military, or IT engineering, most of the candidates who approached me were worried that their …

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Preparing for Your MBA Interview

A woman wondering how to answer MBA interview questions

You’ve submitted your application. You’ve waited, waited, and waited some more. And finally, you’ve been invited to interview! Great! But you might now be overwhelmed with questions about this next stage of the admissions process. How do you prepare for an MBA interview? Is it the same as a job interview? Will your interviewer have …

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Preparing for Your Lauder Institute Interview: Eight Expert Tips for Success

Globe at sunset featuring Lauder Institute Interview logo

When I served as director of admissions, marketing, and financial aid at the Lauder Institute, one of the most common questions I received from applicants was “How should I prepare for my Lauder interview?” If you’ve applied to the Lauder Institute’s joint degree program with the Wharton MBA or Penn Law JD, you’ll be invited …

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