B-Schooled: Get Your MBA Admit

In May, B-Schooled co-host Chandler returned to the Bay Area for his 20-year Stanford GSB reunion. During the weekend, Chandler kept a notebook at his side and wrote down a number of thought-provoking quotes and notes from classmates and friends. In the first part of this two-episode arc, Chandler shares 5 reflections related to his MBA experience and intervening 20 years. These reflections--coming both from his own experience as well as those of his classmates--touch on a range of topics, including why: focusing on what you are "supposed to do" is only valuable up to a point, the power of being "joyfully irritated" shouldn't be ignored, the "write your own obituary" exercise isn't necessarily the way to look back on your life. Not enough people are discussing a little secret about imposter syndrome, and two specific criteria to look for in friends during business school (and beyond) Whether you're targeting Stanford or are just curious to hear how Stanford GSB grads reflect on their experience, this podcast provides a unique sneak peek into the reunion experience at one of the world's top business schools.

In this replay of a popular past episode, we discuss how your social media behavior could affect your MBA candidacy — both positively and negatively. We cover what admissions committees might be looking for that could be problematic, as well as what kinds of social media posts might actually end up strengthening your profile. We also talk about how reviews of your social media accounts don't end with the adcom once you're admitted.

For the first time in more than a decade, Harvard Business School has updated its essay questions. In this much-anticipated series, we sit down with HBS alum and longtime SBC consultant Yvette to talk about each of these questions and share suggestions, tips and strategies regarding how best to approach these new essay prompts. In this segment, we tackle the third question: Growth-Oriented Essay: Curiosity can be seen in many ways. Please share an example of how you have demonstrated curiosity and how that has influenced your growth. (up to 250 words) In this episode, we discuss: What this question is REALLY asking (and what it isn't), A discussion of what "curiosity" means in the context of this question and what curiosity-related experiences might be appropriate for this essay Possible ways to structure your essay response, Specific things you should do when answering this question, Possible pitfalls you should avoid when answering this question, and How this essay fits into your larger application This essay is a MUST for anyone thinking of applying to HBS. Special thanks the many SBC consultants and former admissions officers who shared useful advice and guidance that informed this episode.

For the first time in more than a decade, Harvard Business School has updated its essay questions. In this much-anticipated series, we sit down with HBS alum and longtime SBC consultant Yvette to talk about each of these questions and share suggestions, tips and strategies regarding how best to approach these new essay prompts. In this segment, we tackle the second question: Leadership-Focused Essay: What experiences have shaped who you are, how you invest in others, and what kind of leader you want to become? (up to 250 words) In this episode, we discuss: What this question is REALLY asking (and what it isn't), A discussion of what "leadership" means in the context of this question and what leaership experiences might be appropriate for this essay Possible ways to structure your essay response, Specific things you should do when answering this question, Possible pitfalls you should avoid when answering this question, and How this essay fits into your larger application This essay is a MUST for anyone thinking of applying to HBS. Special thanks the many SBC consultants and former admissions officers who shared useful advice and guidance that informed this episode.

For the first time in more than a decade, Harvard Business School has updated its essay questions. In this much-anticipated series, we sit down with HBS alum and longtime SBC consultant Yvette to talk about each of these questions and share suggestions, tips and strategies regarding how best to approach these new essay prompts. In this segment, we tackle the first question: Business-Minded Essay: Please reflect on how your experiences have influenced your career choices and aspirations and the impact you will have on the businesses, organizations, and communities you plan to serve. (up to 300 words) In this episode, we discuss: What this question is REALLY asking (and what it isn't), One possible way to structure your essay response, How to decide which experience(s) from your own life to share (and the importance of sharing what you LEARNED), Specific things you should do when answering this question, Possible pitfalls you should avoid when answering this question, and How this essay fits into your larger application This essay is a MUST for anyone thinking of applying to HBS. Special thanks the many SBC consultants and former admissions officers who shared useful advice and guidance that informed this episode.

Perhaps more than any MBA acceptance pair, many applicants dream of being admitted to both the Stanford Graduate School of Business (the GSB) and Harvard Business School (HBS). In this three-part series, two GSB + HBS dual admits -- host Chandler and SBC consultant Dawn -- sit down for a series of VERY candid conversations about gaining admission to these two schools. In the first segment, our hosts start by sharing some important context for how this podcast should be used (and how it shouldn't). Afterwards they share their personal takes on what types of students tend thrive in each environment. In the second segment, our host are more data driven, with Dawn and Chandler reviewing successful applicant profiles from each school. In this final third segment, Dawn dives deep into what some call the "unicorn" of the MBA applicant world... those applicants who are fortunate enough to earn admission to both programs. This episode is a must-listen for any applicant applying to either of these schools.

SBC consultant Dawn and host Chandler discuss insights on gaining admission to HBS and GSB. They share personal opinions on successful applicant profiles, contrasting MBA environments, and challenging norms in the application process. The podcast provides valuable guidance through personal anecdotes and client stories.

Two guests, SBC consultant Dawn and GSB + HBS dual admit Chandler, provide insights on successful applicant profiles for HBS and GSB with a data-driven approach. They compare key areas for successful admission to both schools, emphasizing leadership qualities and communication skills. The podcast also contrasts the admissions processes of Stanford and HBS, highlighting the distinct qualities of each school.

If you know you want to pursue an MBA in the future, but that future is still at least a few years away, what could (and should) you do now to build a strong candidacy? This replay episode gives actionable advice for all aspects of an eventual-applicant's profile.

This episode is specially designed for applicants from military backgrounds… but if you think this is JUST for applicants from military backgrounds, you are WRONG. This episode is for *anyone* applying to business school from a nontraditional background. Today our host Chandler will be joined by SBC Consultant Margaret who has been working with MBA applicants—with a special focus on military applicants—since 2000. Margaret has successfully worked with every type of client imaginable, with a very high percentage receiving merit scholarships. Her clients can now be found on the alumni rosters of every top school. Last week -- In part one of this conversation -- Margaret and I discussed: Common misconceptions applicants from military backgrounds have about applying to business school, Unique application assets many military applicants have (and how to leverage these), and Common pitfalls applicants from military backgrounds should avoid. And today – in part two of this conversation – we will continue the conversation to cover a range of additional topics, including: The best advice Margaret has for applicants from military (and other nontraditional) backgrounds, Success stories from military applicants (and how these can help you in your own applications), and Some special secret advice for applicants from military backgrounds. This is a "must-listen" episode for military applicants... or any applicant from a "non-traditional" MBA background.