B-Schooled: Get Your MBA Admit
249 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★★ - 60 ratingsB-Schooled: Get Your MBA Admit, a podcast from top MBA admissions consulting firm Stacy Blackman Consulting, covers all aspects of the MBA application and admissions process. We offer insight and advice on how to pull together your personal-best business school materials — and make the most of your time once you get on campus. We’ll occasionally hold interviews with current business school students and recent graduates, as well as other important players along a typical candidate’s MBA admissions journey.
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Episodes
Stacy Blackman on entrepreneurship: B-Schooled episode 204
April 10, 2024 06:30 - 22 minutes - 51.9 MBThis replay of B-School's one-year-anniversary episode features Stacy Blackman herself! Stacy will talk about her entrepreneurial career and how an MBA helped her (and continues to help her) start three companies. She'll also share advice for MBA hopefuls who are looking to run their own firms at some point after graduation, as well as for those who might be approaching the application process with entrepreneurial experience already under their belt.
How watching the Grammys might help you get into B School: B-Schooled episode 203
April 03, 2024 07:30 - 18 minutes - 38.7 MBFor this podcast Chandler sits down with SBC Consultant Dawn, who is no stranger to the podcast. Dawn graduated as a PepsiCo Scholar from Harvard Business School with concentrations in finance and marketing. Dawn was also admitted to the Stanford GSB. Outside of her work in admissions consulting, Dawn has experience at a wide range of companies, including Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, Pepsi, the Carlyle Group and Warner Brothers. A few weeks ago Dawn approached Chandler with a unique podcast ide...
12 To-Do's for MBA admits, part 2 of 2: B-Schooled episode 202 (replay)
March 20, 2024 06:30 - 18 minutes - 48.4 MBThis replay of a two-part series of episodes outlines 12 things that admitted MBA applicants should do between now and matriculation. This week's Part 2 covers budgeting for your MBA, planning to relocate, and figuring out how to best spend your time between now and matriculation (when you aren’t attending to all of the other to do’s!). As a reminder, last week in Part 1 (episode 201) we discussed how to head off possible issues with your background check after you’re admitted. If that’s some...
12 To-Do's for MBA admits, part 1 of 2: B-Schooled episode 201 (replay)
March 13, 2024 06:30 - 22 minutes - 57.5 MBThis replay of a two-part series of episodes outlines 12 things that admitted MBA applicants should do between now and matriculation. Part 1 covers To Do's related to an applicant's current and future networks, as well as other important actions to take before leaving a job. We also discuss how to head off possible issues with your background check after you’re admitted. If that’s something that concerns you, be sure to check out (on our website under "Work With Us").
An Early SBC client looks back after almost 20 years: B-Schooled episode 200
March 04, 2024 21:43 - 23 minutes - 43.8 MBFour our special 200th podcast episode we are sitting down with an early SBC client – Stephen Frayne, Jr. -- who worked with SBC almost 20 years ago. Chandler and Stephen talk about a number of important topics of interest to any MBA applicant, including: How to think about the value of investing in working with an MBA consultant, The ways in which an MBA consultant can serve as a mentor, Advice from a re-applicants who don’t get in the first time… but ended up getting into his dream schoo...
Be authentic, be bold and have a solid plan (Part 3 of 3): B-Schooled episode 199
February 21, 2024 08:30 - 31 minutes - 61.8 MBFor the past two years our co-host Chandler has ended each of his podcasts with the same 9 words: “Be authentic, be brave, and have a solid plan”. In the first segment of this series Chandler talked about WHERE YOU ARE NOW as an applicant what you have learned thus far in life. In the second segment he discussed how to articulate bold goals for where you ultimately WANT TO BE. In this critical third segment we connect the dots by discussing how to you GET FROM HERE TO THERE in ways...
Be authentic, be bold and have a solid plan (Part 2 of 3): B-Schooled episode 198
February 14, 2024 08:30 - 22 minutes - 46.6 MBFor the past two years our co-host Chandler has ended each of his podcasts with the same 9 words: “Be authentic, be brave, and have a solid plan”. In many ways, these words summarize so much of Chandler’s entire MBA application philosophy. In this three part series, he will dive deep into authenticity, boldness, and career planning—and how each of these relate to MBA applications. In this episode Chandler talks extensively about how to be bold in your MBA applications. Among other thi...
Be authentic, be bold and have a solid plan (Part 1 of 3): B-Schooled episode 197
February 07, 2024 08:30 - 13 minutes - 29.1 MBFor the past two years our co-host Chandler has ended each of his podcasts with the same 9 words: “Be authentic, be brave, and have a solid plan”. In many ways, these words summarize so much of Chandler’s entire MBA application philosophy. In this three part series, he will dive deep into authenticity, boldness, and career planning—and how each of these relate to MBA applications. In part one, Chandler talks extensively about authenticity and aggregates a great deal of free resources ...
Choosing between MBA programs: B-Schooled episode 196
January 24, 2024 07:30 - 22 minutes - 46 MBAre you in the extraordinarily enviable position of having to decide between two or more MBA programs? Are you nervous about your choice or unsure of how to go about making such a huge commitment? This episode pulls together advice from the entire Stacy Blackman Consulting staff on how to approach this decision and what factors to consider (both short-term and long-term).
Food, wine, and entrepreneurship: B-Schooled episode 195
January 17, 2024 08:30 - 36 minutes - 72.3 MBToday’s guest is Hanson Li, Founder and Managing Partner of Salt Partners. Salt Partners is a restaurant industry focused investment and operating company. Since 2014, Salt has been involved with of 8 significant restaurant companies—including 4 restaurants with Michelin stars. Salt Partners has also invested in 15+ technology and branded companies in the food and beverage industry. Prior to Salt, Hanson spent 10 years as Managing Director at The Hina Group, a China focused private equity fir...
Preparing for an HBS MBA interview: B-Schooled episode 194
January 10, 2024 17:46 - 22 minutes - 47.1 MBThis episode offers insight into Harvard Business School's unique type of MBA interview, as well as advice on how to best prepare.
GRE/GMAT Critical Reasoning Questions – The Logical Fallacy To Be Prepared For: B-Schooled episode 193
January 03, 2024 21:09 - 34 minutes - 67.4 MBIn this episode we sit down SBC’s test prep expert Anthony to talk about critical reasoning questions on the GRE and GMAT, with a special focus on the one logical fallacy that every test taker should be prepared for. In this episode, Anthony shares: General tips for critical reasoning questions, Specific advice about one critical reasoning question type that trips up many test-takers, and Suggestions for how to tackle these problems so that you won’t be caught off guard on test day. In t...
Do's & don'ts for last-minute MBA applications: B-Schooled episode 192
December 27, 2023 07:30 - 14 minutes - 31.7 MBThis episode gives advice (and warnings) to those attempting to pull together MBA applications in the final weeks before the deadlines.
Using an MBA in Corporate Social Responsibility: B-Schooled episode 191
December 20, 2023 08:30 - 24 minutes - 45.2 MBIn this episode Chandler sits down with longtime friend, Anna Anderson, who leads celebrity and influencer engagement for The Nature Conservancy. Anna brings a long history of leading corporate social responsibility and social impact efforts at a number of leading social change organizations. In this episode Anna shares incredible advice for MBAs interested in careers in corporate social responsibility (CSR), Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) and a variety of other socia...
How to edit MBA materials down: B-Schooled episode 190
December 13, 2023 16:54 - 18 minutes - 38.4 MBIt can be quite a challenge to fit an MBA application, data-form or essay response into the space provided when restrictive character or word counts are in play. This episode focuses on specific ways business school applicants can edit down essays and short-answer responses without compromising the power of their stories, anecdotes or statements.
What to do ONE MONTH before the deadline: B-Schooled episode 189
December 06, 2023 08:30 - 28 minutes - 57.7 MBWhat to do ONE MONTH before the deadline This B-Schooled podcast is designed for MBA applicants one month out from their application deadlines. In this episode our host share specific tips and suggestions for applicants putting the finishing touches on the following application elements: Polishing your resume, especially in terms of adding additional quantification and additional context, Ways to check in with (and support) those writing your recommendations, Ways to take your essays f...
Ace your MBA video essays: B-Schooled episode 188
November 29, 2023 07:30 - 26 minutes - 65.8 MBThis replay of a past episode covers how to prepare for the various kinds of video essays (pre-recorded, live with known questions, and live with randomized questions) several MBA programs require, as well as general tips on what you should wear, where you should record, and more.
Dealing with application stress and anxiety: B-Schooled episode 187
November 22, 2023 08:30 - 20 minutes - 32.6 MBHaving worked with MBA applicants for almost 20 years, co-host Chandler has seen levels of stress and anxiety associated with the MBA application journey rise steadily over the years. If you are struggling with stress and anxiety connected with your MBA applications, you’ve come to the right place. In this episode we’ve pulled together a range of tools from previous podcasts along with new content, so that you have a host of resources at your fingertips if and when stress and anxiety strike...
Communicating MBA program knowledge & fit: B-Schooled episode 186
November 15, 2023 07:30 - 25 minutes - 51.2 MBThis episode explores why it's important to demonstrate your knowledge of and fit with the MBA programs you’re applying to – and how you can do so in both your written materials and your interview responses.
First sentences in your MBA essays: B-Schooled episode 185
November 08, 2023 08:30 - 18 minutes - 39.2 MBThe first sentence of each of your business school essays is incredibly important. This is your opportunity to start your essay strong, grab your reader’s attention, and chart a bold course for where your essay will go. On the other hand, an opening sentence that isn’t compelling can dramatically increase your chances of losing your reader’s attention and decreasing their engagement. In this podcast we will: Discuss why the first sentence is so important, not only for the essay itself but f...
How personal should you get in your MBA essays?: B-Schooled episode 184
November 01, 2023 06:30 - 28 minutes - 70.5 MBIn this replay of a popular episode, Erika is joined by her SBC colleague Lisa, former Director of MBA Admissions for the full-time and part-time MBA programs at Rice University’s Jones School, to have a discussion about when it is and isn't a good idea to share deeply personal stories in your MBA essays or interview responses. While you want to present your authentic self across your materials, when it comes to writing about certain past struggles or traumas, there is a fine line between w...
Using an MBA at a leading global brand: B-Schooled episode 183:
October 25, 2023 07:30 - 34 minutes - 68.7 MBIn today’s podcast Chandler sits down with David Morgenstern (he/him). David serves as the Global Kids Apparel Business Operations Director at Nike. David shares his answers to a number of questions, including: What is the best decisions you made in business school? What things would you have done differently in business school? How can an MBA break into the world of sports/apparel? What advice for listeners wanting to thrive within a big company? What advice do you have for families about...
Using an MBA at a leading global brand: B-Schooled episode 183
October 25, 2023 07:30 - 34 minutes - 68.7 MBIn today’s podcast Chandler sits down with David Morgenstern (he/him). David serves as the Global Kids Apparel Business Operations Director at Nike. David shares his answers to a number of questions, including: What is the best decisions you made in business school? What things would you have done differently in business school? How can an MBA break into the world of sports/apparel? What advice for listeners wanting to thrive within a big company? What advice do you have for families about...
Updates on the new shorter GRE and GMAT tests
October 18, 2023 07:30 - 31 minutes - 62.7 MBFor this podcast our host Chandler joins SBC’s Director Of Test Prep, Anthony, for a great conversation with our friend Tyler from Achievable—an AI-powered test prep platform for the GRE—to discuss the new shorter GRE and GMAT tests. In this episode Tyler, Anthony and Chandler walk through recent changes in the GRE and GMAT tests, including: The new GMAT focus, which is shorter than the previous test, including: Changes in the GMAT focus algorithm, New content focus areas for the GMAT f...
Updates on the new shorter GRE and GMAT tests: B-Schooled episode 182
October 18, 2023 07:30 - 31 minutes - 62.7 MBFor this podcast our host Chandler joins SBC’s Director Of Test Prep, Anthony, for a great conversation with our friend Tyler from Achievable—an AI-powered test prep platform for the GRE—to discuss the new shorter GRE and GMAT tests. In this episode Tyler, Anthony and Chandler walk through recent changes in the GRE and GMAT tests, including: The new GMAT focus, which is shorter than the previous test, including: Changes in the GMAT focus algorithm, New content focus areas for the GMAT f...
Reflections from my 20-year HBS MBA reunion - part 2 of 2: B-Schooled episode 181
October 11, 2023 06:30 - 25 minutes - 52.2 MBIn the second episode of this two-parter, our co-host Erika details the class sessions she went to during her 20-year Harvard Business School MBA reunion and what she took away from them.
Reflections from my 20-year HBS MBA reunion - part 1 of 2: B-Schooled episode 180
October 04, 2023 06:30 - 17 minutes - 37.5 MBIn the first episode of this two-parter, our co-host Erika shares an overview of her 20-year Harvard Business School reunion this past June.
What do you bring to an MBA Program?: B-Schooled episode 179
September 27, 2023 06:30 - 15 minutes - 41.1 MBIn order to claim a spot at your dream school, it’s critical that you find a way to let the admissions committee know what your classmates will learn from you and how you’ll be an asset to their program. However, since most schools don’t come right out and ask you to address what you’ll bring to the school’s community, you need to find a way to convey that information throughout your materials. In this replay of a past episode, we cover ways to communicate the knowledge, experience, soft sk...
Lessons from SBC alums after their first year (Part Two): B-Schooled episode 178
September 19, 2023 21:06 - 27 minutes - 54.7 MBIn this episode we sit down with an SBC alum, Whitney, who just completed her first year at Stanford… along with two different summer internships. Whitney comes from the social impact world and shares lots of great information in this discussion, including: The best decision she made during her first year, One thing she would do differently about her first year, Suggestions for those wanting to make the most out of their internship experience (and for those considering two different interns...
Lessons from SBC alums after their first year (Part One): B-Schooled episode 177
September 13, 2023 07:30 - 21 minutes - 44.7 MBIn this episode we sit down with an SBC alum, Ty, who just completed his first year at Darden and a summer internship with Bain & Company. Ty comes from a somewhat untraditional background—with a focus on music and social change—and shares lots of great information about his experiences at Darden and his transition to the world of consulting, including: The best decision he made during his first year, Balancing his marriage and being a father while in school, One thing he would do differen...
Before you submit your Round 1 MBA applications: B-Schooled episode 176
September 06, 2023 06:30 - 19 minutes - 49.1 MBRound 1 deadlines are upon us, and nerves tend to get the best of many candidate. This timely replay covers common last-minute traps that MBA applicants fall into and how to avoid them, as as what you should do and not do before submitting.
Making sure your MBA application is clear, consistent and cohesive: B-Schooled episode 175
August 30, 2023 07:30 - 22 minutes - 46.8 MBIn this podcast we spend a lot of time diving into different element of your MBA application: your essays, your recommendations, your scores, your grades, and so many other things. But it is also critically important—especially as you near the end of your application process—to take a step back to review all these different elements of your application to make sure that they fit together as a cohesive whole. Think about these different application elements as chapters in a book. While you ...
Communicating why you want an MBA: B-Schooled episode 174
August 23, 2023 06:30 - 14 minutes - 32.7 MBIn this replay episode, we cover why it’s so important to clearly convey the reasons you are pursuing business school. What will an MBA help you achieve that you couldn’t otherwise accomplish? Even though many programs don’t specifically ask this question, that doesn’t mean applicants shouldn’t be prepared with a strong answer. Other topics covered include: Common reasons for pursuing an MBA Four candidate types that need to ensure they have clear reasons for wanting the degree Reaso...
Advice for MBAs interested in economic development and real estate: B-Schooled episode 173
August 16, 2023 07:30 - 36 minutes - 71.3 MBIn this episode host Chandler Arnold sits down with Melissa Román Burch, Chief Operating Officer at the NYC Economic Development Corporation and HBS alum. In her current role, Melissa mobilizes public and private investment through tax incentive programs, tax exempt bond financings and across a portfolio of 64 million square feet and 230 assets comprised of life sciences, film & entertainment, advanced manufacturing, off shore wind, and green economy businesses across NYC. Prior to her curren...
Spotlight on UCLA Anderson with Assistant Dean Alex Lawrence: B-Schooled - Get Your MBA Admit - Episode 172
August 09, 2023 06:30 - 40 minutes - 75.7 MBThis engaging conversation with UCLA Anderson's Assistant Dean Alex Lawrence covers the program's new essay, what the adcom is looking for in prospective MBA students, how Anderson runs its applicant interviews, unique aspects of the program, what students do around campus, and much, much more.
School selection and program strengths: B-Schooled episode 171
August 02, 2023 06:30 - 17 minutes - 41.6 MBIn this replay of a popular past episode of the B-Schooled podcast, we cover: Two big mistakes we see applicants make regarding school selection An exercise to help you think about and narrow down your school list Which business schools have reputations or are otherwise known for being strong in particular areas
What to do when you get stuck (Part 2 of 2): B-Schooled episode 170
July 27, 2023 14:35 - 20 minutes - 38 MBEveryone – and we do mean everyone – gets stuck on their MBA Applications from time to time. So it really isn't a question of IF you are going to hit a wall in your application process. It’s a question of WHEN and—more critically—a question of WHAT you’re going to do when this happens. In the second part of this two-part episode host Chandler Arnold explores what to do when you hit a wall. This episode includes additional tips and suggestions, including such topics as: Embracing the ele...
What to do when you get stuck (Part 1 of 2): B-Schooled episode 169
July 19, 2023 07:30 - 15 minutes - 28.6 MBEveryone – and we do mean everyone – gets stuck on their MBA Applications from time to time. So it really isn't a question of IF you are going to hit a wall in your application process. It’s a question of WHEN and—more critically—a question of WHAT you’re going to do when this happens. In the first part of this two-part episode host Chandler Arnold explores what to do when you hit a wall. This episode includes 5 specific tips and suggestions, including such topics as: What you can le...
Spotlight on MIT Sloan: B-Schooled - Get Your MBA Admit - Episode 168
July 12, 2023 06:30 - 32 minutes - 60.6 MBIn this episode, Erika talks with fellow Stacy Blackman Consulting team member Deedee, who spent 12 years on the MBA admissions team at Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Sloan School of Management. Deedee's passion for Sloan comes through as she gives invaluable insight on the program's unique application requirements (such as a cover letter, an organizational chart and a 1-minute video), and also explains how the program integrates with the Boston and Cambridge communities, as we...
The 5-paragraph MBA essay: B-Schooled episode 167
July 05, 2023 07:30 - 34 minutes - 64.7 MBWhile there are countless ways to approach an MBA essay, we know a few things are true for virtually any business school essay prompt: You need to convey a lot of complex information succinctly, These prompts are often purposely broad/vague--which means that it is essential for you to structure your essay in a way that is compelling and easy to understand, and Admissions officers, who have to read hundreds or thousands of applications a year, read these essays VERY quickly. For all o...
MBA career goals: B-Schooled episode 166
June 28, 2023 06:30 - 18 minutes - 43 MBThis episode covers: - How you should think about and position your short- and long-term MBA career goals in both the short-answer responses on business school applications, as well as in career-related essays. - What you should do if you have no idea what your career goals are, or if the main reason you want to go to b-school is to explore different options for your future career path. - Whether it's a bad idea to say you want to completely change careers or stick with what you’re doing now.
MBA in space—Using an MBA in emerging sectors: B-Schooled episode 165
June 21, 2023 07:30 - 33 minutes - 61.2 MBHost Chandler Arnold sits down with longtime friend and MBA classmate Carie Lemack to talk about using an MBA in the aerospace field (specifically) and emerging sectors (more generally). Carie has served as a CEO and COO in aerospace enterprises, as an advisor to a number of aerospace startups, and is the co-founder of the Zed Factor Fellowship Program, a fellowship that empowers aspiring space and aviation professionals from historically excluded backgrounds. In this wide-ranging conv...
ChatGPT and your MBA essays: B-Schooled episode 164
June 14, 2023 06:30 - 12 minutes - 24.8 MBIf you've toyed with the idea of using an artificial intelligence tool to write your MBA essays, this is the episode for you.
Highlighting what you've learned + how you've grown: B-Schooled episode 163
June 07, 2023 07:30 - 21 minutes - 40.9 MBOne thing many admissions officers focus on is identifying applicants who have a strong record of learning and growth, in both their professional and personal lives. With that said, effectively DEMONSTRATING you are open to learning and you have a proven aptitude for growth is often easier said than done. But don't worry. In this podcast, we share specific tips and suggestions you can use to highlight the things you've learned--and the ways you've grown--in three areas of your application:...
How to address red flags in your MBA candidacy (Part 2 of 2): B-Schooled episode 162
May 31, 2023 06:30 - 17 minutes - 41.2 MBIn a continuation of episode 158 on “candidacy question marks” – or red flags on an MBA candidate's record – this week's episode covers what to do if you: have employment gaps in your career, are unemployed when you apply, get laid off or fired after you submit your materials, or have something like a DUI or honor code violation from college on your record. This is a replay of a past fan-favorite episode.
Write the MBA essay that scares you: B-Schooled episode 161
May 24, 2023 07:30 - 21 minutes - 41 MBThe things that scare us – especially in the context of MBA essays – are often the things that make us feel vulnerable, uncertain, or insecure. In short, things that force us to take our armor off and be vulnerable. Vulnerability in MBA essays also offers you a powerful opportunity to connect with your reader, demonstrate self-awareness and/or EQ, and – most importantly – tell a really memorable and compelling story about yourself. In this episode we talk about how to choose an essay top...
Spotlight on Notre Dame - Mendoza: B-Schooled episode 160
May 17, 2023 17:09 - 27 minutes - 50.9 MBIn this episode, Erika talks with Joe Sweeney, the MBA Program Academic Director of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. Joe's unique experience as an MBA student, professor and administrator at Mendoza leads to an in-depth discussion of what makes Mendoza stand out, and how the program integrates with its community in South Bend, Indiana, as well as with the wider University of Notre Dame.
Leadership lessons from a Navy SEAL + Stanford GSB grad: B-Schooled Episode 159
May 10, 2023 14:32 - 37 minutes - 69.9 MBIn this episode, co-host Chandler Arnold sits down with Jamey Cummings to talk about leadership. Jamey graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a BS in Aeronautical Engineering. While in college, he was the captain of the wrestling team and a two-time qualifier for NCAA Division I Championships. Jamey started his career as an Officer in the U.S. Navy SEAL Teams, where he served for nine years before earning his MBA at Stanford. After graduation, Jamey worked as a consultant with BC...
How to address red flags in your MBA candidacy (Part 1 of 2): B-Schooled episode 158
May 03, 2023 06:30 - 17 minutes - 40.6 MBThis episode—a replay of a listener favorite—covers what to do about “question marks,” or possible red flags, in an MBA applicant's candidacy, including: A low GPA A low test score A few low grades within an overall decent GPA A lack of extracurriculars A lack of work experience, and "Too much" work experience (or when an applicant is older than the rest of the candidate pool) Additional issues will be covered in Part 2 on May 17 (upcoming episode #162). Listen to B-Schoole...
12 MBA program considerations *beyond* the rankings (Part 2 of 2): B-Schooled episode 157
April 26, 2023 07:30 - 19 minutes - 37.4 MBFirst of all, we recognize that many applicants do consider MBA rankings as a key input into their school selection process. We consider MBA rankings too. But—and this is important—we belive these should be only one factor in your decision making process. The first part of this conversation focuses on six questions everyone should ask themselves regarding school selection--including considering traditional full-time MBA programs vs online, part-time, and executive progams, targeting a mix of...