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Selecting the Right PhD Program

If you are thinking about applying to a PhD program, then you are probably already familiar with the research process, either because you conducted research with professors as an undergraduate, or you earned (or are earning) a master’s degree with a thesis requirement. If you have little or no research experience, then you will position …

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Oxford Saïd MBA Essay Tips and Deadlines [2024 – 2025]

My first piece of advice when approaching any essay for your business school application is to read the program’s website. You might be thinking to yourself, “Yeah, no kidding!” But when I say read the website, I mean thoroughly review all aspects of it, including videos, brochures, course descriptions, faculty profiles – everything! You first …

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First Drafts of Residency Personal Statements: Let Yourself Go

For many residency applicants, writing the first draft of their personal statement is the most difficult part of the entire application process. And the most difficult part of composing that first draft is often getting the first few words on the page. Don’t fret – even accomplished novelists and famous journalists struggle to get started …

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Want an MBA or JD with a Focus on International Studies? Consider UPenn’s Lauder Program!

Want an MBA or JD with a Focus on International Studies? Consider UPenn’s Lauder Program!

During my time as the director of admissions marketing and financial aid at the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, where I served on the admissions committee for more than seven years, I often heard candidates react with surprise when they learned how seamlessly the school’s master in international studies joint degree program fits …

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How To Get Into UVA Darden’s MBA Program [Episode 587]

Show Summary Dawna Clarke, Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions at UVA Darden, returns to Admissions Straight Talk to discuss various aspects of the Darden MBA program, including experiential learning opportunities, global study opportunities, the use of AI in the program, the application process, and common mistakes made by applicants. Dawna emphasizes the importance of authenticity …

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Best Strategy for Optional and Open-Ended Essay Questions

Many business schools use open-ended essay prompts, which are usually variations of “I wish the admissions committee had asked me…” or “What is a question that you wish we had asked?” The most common among these open-ended questions is the optional essay, where you have free rein to discuss anything you feel is important, something …

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How to Get Accepted to Cornell Johnson MBA [Episode 586]

AST 586

Show Summary In this episode, Eddie Asbie, Executive Director of Admissions and Scholarship at Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management, shares an overview of the admissions process. He provides insights into the application process at Cornell Johnson, including the testing and test waiver policy, the interview process, and advice for re-applicants. He offers details on …

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Deciding Who Should Write Your Letters of Recommendation – Master’s

Deciding Who Should Write Your Letters of Recommendation – Master’s

Letters of recommendation (LORs) are a key part of your application for master’s programs. Strong letters provide meaningful support, while a lukewarm one can really hurt your chances for admission. In this post, we’ll answer two questions: Who should write in support of your master’s application? How can you make sure your LORs are as …

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How to Respond to the New Harvard MBA Essay Questions [Episode 585] 

How to Respond to the New Harvard Business School HBS MBA Application Show Summary In this episode, Linda Abraham invites Accepted consultants Esmeralda Cardenal and Kelly Wilson to discuss the updates to the Harvard Business School application and provide insights into how applicants can approach the essays. They emphasize that HBS is still looking for …

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Do’s and Don’ts of Medical School Recommendation Letters

Your letters of recommendation for your medical school application are critical documents.  Many premed students submit a letter of recommendation, called a committee letter, that is provided by a pre-health advisor (also called a health professions advisor) at their undergraduate school or post-baccalaureate program. This letter is a summary written by the pre-health advisor about …

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