by Steven Tagle
With an acceptance rate of under 4%, Stanford University could fill its freshman class with valedictorians and students with perfect 4.00 GPAs and test scores several times over. That’s why, in addition to your Common App personal essay, your responses to Stanford’s short questions and short essays play a significant role in determining whether you …
Beyond the personal statement, many law schools invite applicants to share more about themselves through one or more optional essays. For example, in a previous application cycle, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School provided the following optional essay prompts: Are these essays truly optional? Technically, yes, they are; it says so right there in …
Are you a team leader? Are you committed to sustainable enterprise? Are you interested in running a family business? Are you seeking the resources and intellectual capital needed to shape both business and government? Are you a motivated, goal-oriented, innovative individual? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the adcom of the Kenan-Flagler …
Getting into a competitive college is certainly about having strong grades, a history of rigorous courses, high test scores, and a long list of extracurriculars. But with thousands upon thousands of applicants for just a few thousand (and in many cases, hundred) spaces, admissions officers want to see that you’re a strong fit for their …
by Kelly Wilson
While the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) has maintained a single 500-word written essay for this admissions cycle, you can choose between two different prompts and select the one that best aligns with your experience. Additionally, the program continues to require a video essay in which you discuss your career goals. …
Texas McCombs combines rigor with a passionate community, including passion for the MBA program. The school’s essay questions reflect this value; the adcom invites you to demonstrate deep familiarity with the program, connected to your unique vision for the future. It has a practical slant. Convey concrete goals, and make a case for how McCombs …
Albert Einstein College of Medicine, located in the Bronx, is a mission-driven institution committed to advancing health through scientific discovery, educational innovation, and deep community engagement. With a longstanding reputation for excellence in medical education, clinical care, and groundbreaking research, Einstein is dedicated to training compassionate, collaborative physician-leaders who are as committed to equity and …
by Steven Tagle
Undergraduate admissions have become dramatically more competitive, with greater numbers of students applying to more colleges every year. In February 2025, the Common App reported that the number of students applying through its portal in the 2024-2025 cycle increased by 4% from the 2023-2024 cycle, while the total volume of applications rose by 6%. With …
Show Summary In her final episode as host of Admissions Straight Talk, Accepted founder Linda Abraham shares reflections and lessons from over 30 years in the admissions world. As she prepares for retirement, Linda offers a mix of personal insight, practical advice, and hard-earned wisdom on navigating both graduate admissions and life’s challenges. She discusses …
by Kelly Wilson
Georgetown McDonough continues to require two essays from all its applicants. Sharing the same structure as last year, the first required essay allows you to choose to respond to one of three prompts. The program’s second required essay is a video essay. The admissions office also provides an optional essay, and reapplicants have a dedicated …
What are the most important things you want the business schools you’re targeting to know about you? Applying to an MBA program is a competitive process, and your resume is one of the most essential pieces of your application. A well-written resume can help you stand out and increase your chances of acceptance. However, I often see candidates make avoidable mistakes that can hurt their chances for admission. In this post, we look at nine common MBA resume missteps to avoid.
by Marie Todd
A common writing problem we see in applicants’ early drafts is that the writer will refer to something important but never fully explain what that thing is. For example, an applicant might claim that a particular fight his parents had affected the way he now views education, but he doesn’t offer any details about the …
In this 30-minute session, one of our admissions consultants will review your profile, assess your chances of acceptance at your target programs, and tell you exactly where you stand.
