B-Schooled: Get Your MBA Admit
251 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day 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
Strengthening your quantitative profile (replay): B-Schooled episode 108
May 18, 2022 06:30 - 17 minutes - 42 MBIn 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
The inside scoop on short- and long-term career goals: B-Schooled episode 107
May 11, 2022 07:30 - 25 minutes - 47.7 MBIf 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 in...
MBA admissions test prep deep dive: B-Schooled episode 106
May 04, 2022 06:30 - 23 minutes - 44.1 MBAnthony 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!
Pro tips from 100+ episodes (from a successful applicant who listened to them all): B-Schooled episode 105
April 27, 2022 07:30 - 23 minutes - 45 MBWe 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, , 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 ...
The importance of extracurriculars and community service (replay): B-Schooled episode 104
April 20, 2022 06:30 - 14 minutes - 33.4 MBWhat 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.)
The power of authenticity in MBA applications: B-Schooled episode 103
April 13, 2022 06:30 - 21 minutes - 40.6 MBChandler 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.
Financing your MBA: B-Schooled episode 102
April 06, 2022 06:30 - 25 minutes - 48.7 MBAfter 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.
Interview with HBS/GSB admit Nick (replay): B-Schooled episode 101
March 30, 2022 06:30 - 40 minutes - 94.4 MBThis 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.)
100th episode - What 20 years of MBA trends mean for you, with Francesca Di Meglio: B-Schooled episode 1000
March 23, 2022 06:30 - 27 minutes - 64.8 MBIt'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.
100th episode - What 20 years of MBA trends mean for you, with Francesca Di Meglio: B-Schooled episode 100
March 23, 2022 06:30 - 27 minutes - 64.8 MBIt'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.
Consulting interviews & MBA hiring trends with My Consulting Offer CEO Davis Nguyen: B-Schooled episode 99
March 16, 2022 06:30 - 27 minutes - 63 MBMy Consulting Offer CEO and former Bain consultant Davis Nguyen returns to the podcast to share insight on consulting interviews and recent trends he's seen in the industry when it comes to MBA hiring.
Consulting careers for MBAs, with My Consulting Offer CEO Davis Nguyen: B-Schooled episode 98
March 09, 2022 07:30 - 28 minutes - 66.4 MBMy Consulting Offer CEO and Bain alum Davis Nguyen gives an overview of both the consulting industry and consulting careers for MBA graduates.
HBS FAQs (& life advice) with Dawn: B-Schooled episode 97
March 02, 2022 07:30 - 20 minutes - 47.7 MBErika and her SBC colleague, Dawn, discuss misconceptions about what it takes to get into Harvard Business School, as well as HBS-related questions we're often asked by the applicants we work with. Dawn also shares some inspirational life and career advice based on her own experiences.
HBS FAQs (& life advice) with Dawn Clare: B-Schooled episode 97
March 02, 2022 07:30 - 20 minutes - 47.7 MBErika and her SBC colleague, Dawn Clare, discuss misconceptions about what it takes to get into Harvard Business School, as well as HBS-related questions we're often asked by the applicants we work with. Dawn also shares some inspirational life and career advice based on her own experiences.
Online MBA programs: B-Schooled episode 96
February 23, 2022 07:30 - 18 minutes - 44 MBCurious about how an online MBA works? In this episode, SBC's online MBA expert Bill covers the structure of these programs, how they are both similar to and different from full- or part-time programs, what the "typical" online MBA student profile is, and a few downsides to earning your degree online.
Waitlist do's and don'ts: B-Schooled episode 95
February 16, 2022 07:30 - 15 minutes - 35.5 MBFor MBA hopefuls, getting waitlisted after months of hard work can be devastating and demoralizing. But one of the worst things you can do after getting such news is to overreact and ruin your chances of eventually getting in. This week’s episode covers the most important things you should do—and not do—to improve your standing when waitlisted.
Behavioral interviews: B-Schooled episode 94
February 09, 2022 07:30 - 17 minutes - 40.3 MBThis episode takes a deep dive into the most common type of MBA interview: the behavioral interview.
Dealing with dings: B-Schooled episode 93
February 02, 2022 07:30 - 18 minutes - 42.7 MBIt can be devastating to receive a ding after months of hard work on your MBA applications. This episode focuses on what a ding from any given program may or may not mean, and also gives advice on how you might choose to move forward.
MBA background checks: B-Schooled episode 92
January 26, 2022 07:30 - 23 minutes - 55.4 MBAfter you've been admitted to an MBA program, it's very likely the program you decide to attend will perform a background check on you. This freaks a lot of applicants out, but really, is there anything to worry about with this process? This episode explains what exactly the background check will cover, what can be a red flag in your materials, and what you can do to head off issues.
Do MBA rankings matter? Part 2 of 2: B-Schooled episode 91
January 19, 2022 07:30 - 21 minutes - 51.5 MBThis is the second of a two-episode arch discussing the Stacy Blackman Consulting team's thoughts on MBA rankings, the differences between the "top" schools and the next tier, and what's most important for applicants to factor in when making decisions on where to apply.
Do MBA rankings matter?, part 1 of 2: B-Schooled episode 90
January 12, 2022 07:30 - 15 minutes - 37.4 MBDo MBA rankings matter? Are there real differences between the "top" schools and the next tier? The Stacy Blackman Consulting team had A LOT of thoughts on these topics, so over the course of two episodes we'll be covering what applicants should keep in mind when considering business school rankings, as well as what's most important to factor in when making decisions on where to apply.
Do MBA rankings matter? Part 1 of 2: B-Schooled episode 90
January 12, 2022 07:30 - 15 minutes - 37.4 MBDo MBA rankings matter? Are there real differences between the "top" schools and the next tier? The Stacy Blackman Consulting team had A LOT of thoughts on these topics, so over the course of two episodes we'll be covering what applicants should keep in mind when considering business school rankings, as well as what's most important to factor in when making decisions on where to apply.
Advice for younger MBA applicants: B-Schooled episode 89
January 05, 2022 07:30 - 16 minutes - 39.2 MBWhile there are deferred-admissions programs for MBA hopefuls who are still in college, is it possible for someone with just 1 or 2 years of work experience to get into an MBA program "the normal way"? It's not impossible, but it's pretty rare. This episode explains why, and gives advice for MBA applicants who are less than 3 years out of college.
Before you submit in Round 2: B-Schooled episode 88
December 29, 2021 07:30 - 16 minutes - 37.9 MBRound 2 deadlines are approaching -- are you ready? This episode gives advice on what MBA applicants should focus on in the remaining days before their materials are due.
Advice for older MBA applicants: B-Schooled episode 87
December 22, 2021 07:30 - 18 minutes - 42.4 MBIf you're more than 5 or 6 years out of college, or well into your 30s, do you have any hope of being admitted into an MBA program? Yes you do, but your journey won't be without its challenges. This episode focuses on several things you MUST communicate in your materials if you're an older-than-average MBA applicant.
Spotlight on Kellogg: B-Schooled episode 86
December 15, 2021 07:30 - 31 minutes - 73.6 MBA former Kellogg adcom director and current member of the SBC admissions consulting team shares magnificent insight into the multiple MBA programs at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.
Spotlight on Rice Jones: B-Schooled episode 85
December 08, 2021 07:30 - 23 minutes - 55.8 MBAs we continue with our series of program-spotlight episodes, next up is the Jones School at Rice University. This week, our host Erika talks with Lisa, an SBC admissions consultant who was formerly the Director of Admissions at Jones. Lisa shares a lot of wonderful insight on the Rice community; what Jones is looking for in applicants’ essays and interviews; and nearly convinces Erika to move to Houston after running through everything the city and its surrounding areas can offer its stude...
Spotlight on Fuqua: B-Schooled episode 84
December 01, 2021 07:30 - 32 minutes - 74.5 MBIf you want to be on Team Fuqua, this week’s episode is for you! It’s jam-packed with insider information from Sherry, a member of our SBC admissions consulting team who’s a former member of Duke’s Fuqua School of Business admissions committee. Sherry gives advice for each of Fuqua’s essays, and shares invaluable insight on several aspects of the curriculum, campus life and what students like to do in the surrounding Durham, North Carolina, area.
Spotlight on Booth: B-Schooled episode 83
November 24, 2021 07:30 - 27 minutes - 64.3 MBThis week, two former Booth adcom members (and current SBC admissions consultants) share their insights on what is unique about University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, what Booth's adcom is looking for, and what student life is like both in and outside of the classroom.
Interview with UT McCombs Adcom MD, Rodrigo Malta: B-Schooled episode 82
November 17, 2021 07:30 - 36 minutes - 85.1 MBIf you're interested in the University of Texas Austin McCombs School of Business, this is a can't-miss episode! Erika interviews Rodrigo Malta, Managing Director, MBA Recruiting and Admissions at McCombs, who gives extremely insightful advice and information for aspiring MBAs.
Spotlight on Tuck: B-Schooled episode 81
November 10, 2021 07:30 - 19 minutes - 44.8 MBA Tuck MBA who previously worked with Tuck admissions shares insight about the program; about the benefits of Dartmouth's Hanover, New Hampshire, campus location; and about what Tuck applicants can do to set themselves apart.
Spotlight on Wharton: B-Schooled episode 80
November 03, 2021 06:30 - 20 minutes - 47.1 MBErika talks once again with Anthony Penna, a fellow SBC admissions consultant who spent 10 years with the Wharton School in Career Management and as Associate Director of Admissions for the full-time MBA program. In this episode, Anthony shares insights about the strengths and unique aspects of Wharton's program that every applicant should know. (In episode 42 Anthony covered details about the Team-Based Discussion, Wharton's interview method.)
Interview with Cooper, current CMU Tepper student: B-Schooled episode 79
October 27, 2021 06:30 - 24 minutes - 56.4 MBCooper is on the younger side of the MBA applicant pool and applied to a handful of programs in Round 2 of the 2020-21 application season. He knew going into the process that in addition to his age, he'd after to overcome his GPA, GMAT score, non-feeder college program status and being in an overrepresented demographic bucket. In this interview, he shares his application experience and what he thinks helped him ultimately gain admission to Tepper. He also shares his experience at Tepper so far.
Unique recommender situations: B-Schooled episode 78
October 20, 2021 06:30 - 20 minutes - 48 MBThis episode covers who you should ask to write your recommendations if you work for a family business, lead a startup, or can't risk asking your direct manager (or possibly anyone at your current firm).
Interview Prep Do's & Don'ts: B-Schooled Episode 77
October 13, 2021 06:30 - 22 minutes - 52.6 MBThis episode focuses on smart MBA interview-prep strategies, and also covers which tactics are a waste of time or could backfire and negatively affect your performance.
What to do after a ding: B-Schooled episode 76
October 06, 2021 06:30 - 18 minutes - 43.4 MBYesterday, Harvard Business School was the first MBA program to release its 2021-22 Round 1 interview invites and dings, meaning that thousands of MBA hopefuls around the world have just received news they didn't want to hear. This episode is for anyone who experiences a business school rejection this year and isn't sure what it means about their candidacy or what their options are now.
Interview with Jenny, Wharton/CBS admit: B-Schooled episode 75
September 29, 2021 06:30 - 15 minutes - 36.8 MBIn this episode, our host Erika interviews her 2020-21 client Jenny, who found a way to differentiate herself from the rest of the financial services pack and gained admission to both CBS and Wharton.
Round 2 2021-22: B-Schooled episode 74
September 22, 2021 06:30 - 16 minutes - 39.9 MBThis episode focuses on a few important things to keep in mind for MBA hopefuls who are applying in Round 2 of the 2021-22 application year.
3 Round 1 submission do's and don'ts: B-Schooled episode 73
September 15, 2021 06:30 - 20 minutes - 47.3 MBRound 1 of the 2021-22 MBA application cycle is soon drawing to a close, and along with those deadlines comes a surge in self-sabotaging applicant behavior. This episode covers 3 things you should do before submitting, as well as 3 mistakes you should avoid making after your materials are in.
Interview with HBS/GSB/Haas/Yale admit Maddy: B-Schooled episode 72
September 08, 2021 06:30 - 21 minutes - 50.8 MBB-Schooled's host Erika interviews her 2020-21 Round 2 client Maddy, who was accepted to HBS, Stanford GSB, Berkeley Haas and Yale School of Management, and chose to attend Stanford. Erika and Maddy will discuss Maddy's background, her application highlights and her interview experience at each program.
Round 1 vs. Round 2: B-Schooled episode 71
September 01, 2021 06:30 - 20 minutes - 48.5 MBIs there an advantage to applying for business school in Round 1? If your MBA materials aren't ready in the fall, is it significantly harder to be accepted in Round 2 after the new year? This episode focuses on the differences between Round 1 and Round 2, whether or not there is an advantage to applying in either round, and what the single most important factor should be in choosing when to apply.
Why now for your MBA? : B-Schooled episode 70
August 25, 2021 06:30 - 18 minutes - 43.6 MBSometimes “Why do you need an MBA now?” is an essay question that programs ask directly, but more often than not it’s something applicants should end up covering in an essay response even if there isn’t a question about it. Questions around the timing of an applicant's MBA pursuit could also be asked in an interview. This episode covers common reasons why applicants need an MBA now versus earlier or later in their careers, and suggests exercises to help articulate a strong response to questi...
Why now for your MBA? : B-Schooled episode 70
August 25, 2021 06:30Sometimes “Why do you need an MBA now?” is an essay question that programs ask directly, but more often than not it’s something applicants should end up covering in an essay response even if there isn’t a question about it. Questions around the timing of an applicant's MBA pursuit could also be asked in an interview. This episode covers common reasons why applicants need an MBA now versus earlier or later in their careers, and suggests exercises to help articulate a strong response to questi...
The STAR method for essays and interview questions: B-Schooled episode 69
August 18, 2021 06:30 - 15 minutes - 37.7 MBThis episode talks about how to use the STAR method to organize your thoughts for powerful resume bullets, essays or interview responses. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result, and if you follow this structure when telling a story or explaining an accomplishment, it will help you get straight to the point and focus on the information that matters most to the admissions committee.
Think like the admissions committee: B-Schooled episode 68
August 11, 2021 06:30 - 22 minutes - 52.8 MBIn order to stand out from your MBA competition, you need to take a step back and assess your candidacy from the admissions committee's point of view. This episode explains what they're looking for, how to differentiate yourself if you're in an over-represented demographic or industry bucket, and generally what types of themes successful applicants focus on in their essays.
Powerful resume writing: B-Schooled episode 67
August 04, 2021 06:30 - 20 minutes - 48.1 MBThis episode builds upon the advice covered in episode 16 ("MBA your resume") on how to create an MBA resume that best positions and differentiates your candidacy.
Interview with Mike, SBC client and CBS Class of 2023 admit: B-Schooled episode 66
July 28, 2021 06:30 - 20 minutes - 47.4 MBOur host Erika Olson interviews her recent SBC admissions consulting client Mike, who is about to head to Columbia Business School (CBS) after applying to MBA programs during the intense 2020-21 application year that saw record-high application numbers due to COVID. Mike talks about his background, the strengths and weaknesses in his candidacy, how he approached his essays, and how his CBS interview went, and also shares advice for future applicants.
Career narratives for MBA applicants with several employers: B-Schooled episode 65
July 21, 2021 06:30 - 18 minutes - 43.9 MBBeing able to tell a clear story about your career to date is a critical part of your MBA candidacy. This episode covers what to do if you've worked for several employers within a relatively short timeframe, especially if your career moves don't immediately make sense "on paper." We'll also cover what to do if you've been laid off or fired for a job, or if you worked somewhere for less than a year.
European MBA programs - FAQs: B-Schooled episode 64
July 14, 2021 06:30 - 16 minutes - 37.7 MBIn this follow-up to episode 56, which gave a general overview of European MBA programs, Cathy, an INSEAD graduate and one of Stacy Blackman Consulting's European MBA experts, answers frequently asked questions about MBA programs outside of the US. Topics include the differences between European and US-based MBA experiences, the visa process, the interview process, recruiting information, and more.
5 MBA applicant pitfalls: B-Schooled episode 63
July 07, 2021 06:30 - 19 minutes - 45.4 MBThis episode covers 5 MBA applicant pitfalls – as in, traits, attitudes or approaches that some MBA applicants take that can ultimately derail their chances of success.