B-Schooled: Get Your MBA Admit

The hottest topic in MBA circles just might be a term you've never heard before: Futurism. Futurism is a broad term referring to the advancement of disruptive technologies across industries. These exponential technologies are rapidly emerging in the fields of genetics, robotics, artificial intelligence, synthetic organisms, nanotechnology, 3D printing, virtual reality, big data, cybernetics and many other areas. Cross-disciplinary by nature, Futurism is growing in popularity among business school applicants. But what does Futurism mean in the MBA context? How do applicants passionate about these areas stand out? What roles can applicants from non-scientific backgrounds play in this rapidly expanding arena? Perhaps most importantly, is it true that futurist MBAs just might save the world? Chandler Arnold sits down with Futurist Dr. Nathan Walworth to discuss all of this and more. Listening to this podcast is a must for anyone interested in exponential technologies, tech for good, and interdisciplinary approaches to systematic change.

In this episode (a replay of episode 6 from June 2020), our host Erika and fellow SBC admissions consultant (and former Kellogg adcom) Caryn have a discussion that covers: Several tactics applicants can use to strengthen their quantitative profiles What applicants should do if they have not taken the GMAT yet amidst test-center closures (COVID-specific) How to use the Additional Info field/essay to address any quantitative weaknesses in your candidacy

If there is one question nearly every school asks somewhere in the application process, it is some version of "What are your short and long-term term career goals?" Not only is this question essential to nail, but tackling this it in the right way can provide a "north star" for your entire application--linking together who you are, what you've done, where you want to go, and how an MBA will help you get there. Host Chandler Arnold sits down with MBA admissions expert Christina Fu to dive into what works and what doesn't when thinking about short and long-term career goals. This podcast is especially helpful for those who: Already have a clear idea of their post MBA goals and want to articulate these most powerfully Are still deciding between two possible career paths, or Candidly have no idea what they want to do after B school... and this group is larger than you'd think, so you are not alone!

Anthony Ritz, Stacy Blackman Consulting's Director of Test Prep, who's been a GMAT and GRE tutor for more than two decades, joins the podcast to share his insights on how MBA applicants can best prepare themselves to do well on their admissions tests. He covers: When to take the test How long to plan on studying for the test How many times to take the test What to do if you're not getting the score you want How his team can help applicants who aren't satisfied with their scores ... and more!

We love the podcast. Hopefully you love the podcast. But even if you love the podcast as much as we do, you might not have time to listen to all 100+ episodes. However one successful applicant, Ty Sheets, did take the time to listen to EVERY SINGLE EPISODE. For this edition, Ty sits down with Chandler Arnold to share three key takeaways from the podcast, some specific episodes he found to be most helpful, and a few hidden gems he discovered along the way. Ty and Chandler also discuss how the podcast influenced Ty's own application journey--including the topics of prioritization, avoiding overwhelm, embracing bold choices, and reframing the concept of applying from one of fear to one of excitement. Ty closes by sharing a candid perspective about the real work involved with MBA applications that might surprise you. Spoiler alert: Ty was admitted to three of his top programs and accepted a generous scholarship to his dream school.

What should you do if you're light on extracurriculars, volunteer work and community service? And is it even worth it to try and beef up this aspect of your MBA candidacy during COVID-19 lockdowns ... and when there are only a few months before Round 1 deadlines? This episode gives MBA applicants some tactical ideas for how to ensure they're not just relying on their academic and professional achievements in their materials. (This is a replay of episode #4 from May 2020.)

Chandler Arnold joins B-Schooled as a new host, and he welcomes SBC colleague Christina Fu to have an extraordinary conversation about a hot topic in the world of MBA applications: authenticity. Chandler and Christina share several excerpts from past admissions consulting clients' essays as examples of how to use candor, vulnerability and boldness effectively.

After you've celebrated the huge achievement of getting into an MBA program, then you have to figure out how you're going to pay for it. This episode focuses on the details of paying for your MBA with your own money, with "free" money, or with loaned money. It also includes what the FAFSA is used for and what your program's financial aid office can assist with.

This is a replay of our MOST popular episode. SBC admissions consultant Erika Olson interviews her past client Nick, who is about to graduate from HBS. Nick was admitted to both Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business, and shares what he thinks made his MBA journey such a successful one. (This interview took place on April 7, 2020.)

It's our 100th episode! For this milestone, we've invited journalist Francesca Di Meglio—who's reported on MBA programs for 20 years—to share her insights on what's changed most over time … and what those trends mean for MBA students and applicants today.