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Published: March 28, 2023
Real Humans of McKinsey: Amanda Pearson, Washington Foster ’22, Healthcare Consultant
The U.S. healthcare system requires leadership and analytical skills to influence change. In this edition of Real Humans: Alumni, we meet Amanda Pearson, who saw first-hand the early chaos of the pandemic from her position in the COVID ICU. Read on to find out how Washington Foster gave Pearson the skills to bridge the healthcare and business worlds. Amanda Pearson, Washington Foster MBA ’22, Healthcare Consultant at McKinsey & Company Age: 37 Hometown: Atlanta, GA Undergraduate Institution and Major: Georgetown University, International History (2007) and Nursing Read more
Published: March 27, 2023
Real Humans of Accenture: James Morris, Indiana Kelley ’20, Strategy & Consulting Manager
Pivoting from finance to a career in consulting isn’t easy. It requires the skills and experiences only available through a quality MBA program. In this edition of Real Humans: Alumni, James Morris describes his journey from financial analyst to Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and finally to a strategy and consulting career at Accenture. James Morris, Indiana Kelley MBA ’20, Strategy & Consulting Manager at Accenture Age: 33 Hometown:  Houston Undergraduate Institution and Major: Brigham Young University Graduate Business School, Graduation Year and Read more
Published: March 26, 2023
Does It Matter Where You Get Your MBA?
Does it matter where you get your MBA? The short answer is: Yes!  The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most popular graduate degrees in the world. Business professionals seek this degree to enhance their business and management skills, boost their career prospects, or transition into a new field. With so many business schools and programs available, several factors matter when it comes to where you get your MBA. First, it must be said that any reputable MBA program must be accredited by organizations such as AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Read more
Published: March 26, 2023
MBA Wire Taps 283—Brazilian, 710 GMAT. Kenan Flagler ($) versus Darden. Kellogg versus Stern ($)
MBA Admissions ‘March Madness’ continues as this episode kicks off with Alex and Graham discussing the R2 decisions activity on MBA LiveWire: UPenn / Wharton, Berkeley / Haas and several other leading MBA programs released Round 2 decisions last week. This upcoming week will include Northwestern / Kellogg, Harvard and Stanford. Graham highlighted a new “by the numbers” article focusing on GMAT scores at top programs. Stanford leads the way with a median score of 737! Alex and Graham then discussed UVA / Darden’s career report. The school reports a very high median starting salary of $175,000. This Read more
Published: March 26, 2023
The Week Ahead: MBA Deadlines & Decisions, March 27-31, 2023
Welcome back to the series, The Week Ahead, in which we provide a brief rundown of what is happening in MBA admissions this week! Round 2 final decisions are coming. Round 2 decisions continue to roll out, Round 3 application deadlines are also beginning. Monday, March 27, Dartmouth / Tuck and London Business School have their Round 3 application deadlines. Tuesday, March 28, Northwestern / Kellogg is scheduled to release its Round 2 decisions. Texas / McCombs has their Round 3 application deadline. Duke / Fuqua has its Round 4 application deadline. Wednesday, March 29, Harvard is scheduled to release Read more
Published: March 23, 2023
MBA Real Humans: Students – LIVE Webinar Spring 2023
The Clear Admit Real Humans: Students Series spotlights current students of the top MBA programs. Each of the student share their current MBA experiences and what they did after they were accepted to the MBA programs. Join us at 8 pm ET on Wednesday, April 5th to learn about: 1. How do you pick a school? 2. How do you prepare? 3. How do you leave your place of employment? 4. Should you seek a pre-MBA internship? All of this and more! Register below to join this session – we hope to see you there! Read more
Published: March 23, 2023
Real Humans of Amazon: Nimisha Mund, INSEAD MBA ’22, Senior Manager, Corporate Business Development EMEA
Reflecting on your career goals often gets you to choose the MBA route, but continuing to reflect on your goals throughout the course of the MBA is also vital to your success. For Nimisha Mund, this step during her time at INSEAD ensured her long-term investment in her career had the best return. In this edition of Real Humans: Alumni, Mund describes her non-linear career path and where her INSEAD MBA led her. Nimisha Mund, INSEAD MBA ’22, Senior Manager, Corporate Business Development EMEA at Amazon Age: 30 Hometown: Read more
Published: March 21, 2023
Real Humans of Google: Jamie Ulrich, Wharton MBA ’22, AI Consultant
Sometimes the desire to attend business school isn’t about the success in the end, but rather the academic setting in which you build your skills. Such was the case with our featured Real Humans: Alumni Jamie Ulrich, who pursued an MBA at The Wharton School and earned the skill set and experience necessary to join one of the world’s most influential software companies in the cutting-edge field of AI. Read on for his story. Jamie Ulrich, Wharton MBA ’22, AI Consultant at Google Age: 29 Hometown: Narberth, PA Read more
Published: March 20, 2023
UVA Darden MBA Class of 2022 Achieves Record Mean Salary
According to the UVA Darden employment report for the MBA Class of 2022, graduates continued a streak of record-breaking salary numbers. Ninety-three percent of the 395 graduates sought employment post-MBA. Ninety-four percent received a job offer by graduation and, within three months, that figure landed at 97.5 percent. Ninety-one percent of those seeking employment accepted a job offer by graduation and another five percent accepted work within three months of graduation. The Darden MBA Class of 2022 set a new record for base salary, securing $157,090 on average. The median base salary came in at $175,000. Read more
Published: March 20, 2023
Real Humans of Microsoft: Nandita Jaya, Carnegie Mellon Tepper MBA ’21, Program Manager
Working in tech necessitates the kind of innovative thinking that not just asks  how, but what, and why. Nandita Jaya found that Carnegie Mellon Tepper broadened her business thought process, enabling her to exceed her goals at the company she wanted to join. In this edition of Real Humans: Alumni, find out how Tepper’s MBA program reframed the way Jaya thought about business. Nandita Jaya, Carnegie Mellon Tepper MBA ’21, Program Manager at Microsoft Age: 30 Hometown: Patna, India Undergraduate Institution and Major: Birla Institute of Read more
Published: March 19, 2023
The Week Ahead: MBA Deadlines & Decisions, March 20-24, 2023
Welcome back to the series, The Week Ahead, in which we provide a brief rundown of what is happening in MBA admissions this week! Round 2 final decisions are coming. Round 2 decisions are starting to roll out, Round 3 application deadlines are also beginning. Monday, March 20, IESE is scheduled to release its Round 2 decisions. Tuesday, March 21, Georgetown / McDonough is scheduled to release its Round 2 decisions. Wednesday, March 22, UCLA / Anderson is scheduled to release its Round 2 decisions. Emory / Goizueta has its Round 3 application deadline. Oxford / Saïd has its Stage Read more
Published: March 19, 2023
MBA Wire Taps 282—Fighter pilot, low GPA. Carlson versus Bocconi. Tepper versus Ross, online MBA.
This week’s episode tackles ‘March Madness’ – of the MBA admissions variety – as more and more top MBA programs are releasing their final decisions for Round 2. UPenn / Wharton is one of the many programs scheduled to release their decisions this upcoming week. Graham highlighted a recently published admissions tip that focuses on navigating the wait list. He then highlighted two alumni Real Humans pieces, for HBS and Deloitte, and NYU / Stern and Carlyle. The latter alumna discussed the importance of patience and persistence when recruiting outside of the traditional career paths of consulting Read more
Published: March 19, 2023
GMAT Score Chart & Why Your Score Matters
If you completed the new GMAT Focus edition, now simply referred to as the GMAT, with a score ending in a 5, please refer to Coming to Grips with the New GMAT Scores.  The analysis below refers to the traditional GMAT test. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test that measures the abilities of prospective MBA students in analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning. Your GMAT score provides business schools with a standardized measure of your academic skills and aptitudes that can be compared to those of other applicants and indicates Read more
Published: March 16, 2023
Admissions Tip: Choosing Between Business Schools
Many successful MBA applicants face the enviable – but often agonizing — decision of choosing between programs. Though we know that those of you in this position will already be juggling an overwhelming amount of information about the schools on your short lists, we wanted to offer a few pointers to consider as you identify and evaluate the most important facts and factors in choosing between business schools. Immerse yourself. Due to COVID-19, business schools moved most of their admissions events and student chats online. However, some have started welcoming visitors back to campus. If you have not yet participated Read more
Published: March 15, 2023
Real Humans of Google: Diana Cruz, Michigan Ross MBA ’19 , Global Customer Care Manager
Many MBAs enter their program looking for a career where they can improve people’s lives. In this edition of Real Humans: Alumni, Diana Cruz describes her search for a company whose values aligned with her own, and how Michigan Ross helped her hone the innovation and strategy skills she is building her career with. Diana Cruz, Michigan Ross MBA ’19, Global Customer Care Manager at Google Age: 35 Hometown: San Francisco Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of California, Berkeley Graduate Business School, Graduation Year and Concentration Read more
Published: March 14, 2023
MBA Career Trends: Big Tech Roles Remain Popular with Graduates
Take a closer look at MBA graduates’ tech industry jobs placement overall and at Big Tech firms for the full-time MBA Classes of 2018 to 2022. Despite a recent decline in tech industry hiring, the technology sector continues to be a popular choice for MBA graduates because it provides them with the chance to impact a domain with a big influence on everyday life. For example, a project manager role in tech offers MBA graduates an opportunity to manage and launch the latest consumer tech brands. In addition, the top MBA programs have a strong track record Read more
Published: March 14, 2023
Real Humans of Carlyle: Lucie Holliday, NYU Stern MBA ’22, ESG Associate
As companies seek sustainability in the face of international challenges like war, hunger, and climate change, many aspiring business leaders are leveraging their background in social impact to help companies secure their future, and ours. In this edition of Real Humans: Alumni, Lucie Holliday describes her journey to her MBA and how NYU Stern prepared her for the challenging and important work of sustainability. Lucie Holliday, NYU Stern MBA ’22, ESG Associate at The Carlyle Group Age: 30 Hometown: Palisades, New York Undergraduate Institution and Major: University Read more
Published: March 13, 2023
Real Humans of Deloitte: Ryan Flamerich, HBS MBA ’21, Senior Consultant
Scientists and business professionals practically speak a different language. For Ryan Flamerich, pursuing his MBA at Harvard Business School enabled him to combine the science he knew with the business skills he needed to help organizations decarbonize. In this edition of Real Humans: Alumni, Flamerich tells us how HBS prepared him for a career in consulting for the future. Ryan Flamerich, HBS MBA ’21, Senior Consultant at Deloitte Age: 31 Hometown: Birmingham, AL  Undergraduate Institution and Major: University Read more
Published: March 12, 2023
The Week Ahead: MBA Deadlines & Decisions, March 13-17, 2023
Welcome back to the series, The Week Ahead, in which we provide a brief rundown of what is happening in MBA admissions this week! Round 2 final decisions are coming. Round 2 decisions are starting to roll out, Round 3 & 4 application deadlines are also beginning. Monday, March 13, UNC / Kenan-Flagler is scheduled to release its Round 2 decisions. Tuesday, March 14, Washington / Foster and IESE have their Round 3 application deadlines. Wednesday, March 15, UVA / Darden and Emory / Goizueta are scheduled to release their Round 2 decisions. NYU / Stern has its Round 4 Read more
Published: March 12, 2023
MBA Wire Taps 281—Army ranger, modest GRE. Fire service, now undergrad. Aerospace engineer.
This episode begins with Alex and Graham’s usual discussion of all the activity on MBA LiveWire, where candidates are sharing news from the leading MBA programs that are starting to release decisions for Round 2. Last week this included Duke / Fuqua and CMU / Tepper, and this upcoming week should see decision releases from UVA / Darden, Dartmouth / Tuck, Michigan / Ross and others. Round 3 application deadlines are also beginning. Graham highlighted the big news out of GMAC; they are launching a new format for the GMAT in late 2023, called ‘GMAT Focus Edition’. While there isn’t Read more
Published: March 9, 2023
GMAC Announces New GMAT Format: GMAT Focus Edition
The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) will be rolling out a new format for the GMAT later this year, as shared in an email update from the CEO, Joy Jones. The revamped test is called the GMAT™ Focus Edition. In explaining the decision-making process for the changes, the GMAC CEO shared, “…over the past two years, we have been working collaboratively with business school professionals representing a wide mix of program types and sizes from around the world and conducted in-depth concept testing with candidates globally representing a mix of demographic characteristics.” What will change? “Redesigned with candidates and business Read more
Published: March 9, 2023
Waitlisted in Round 2? Here’s How You Should Proceed
As Round 2 decisions roll out and several candidates report being waitlisted on MBA LiveWire, we have some guidance for candidates who find themselves placed on a waitlist. Before we get to that, let’s look first at why schools use a waitlist. First and foremost, while schools now know the quality of their Round 1 matriculants and Round 2 applicants, they do not know how many of the candidates admitted as part of Round 2 will ultimately enroll, nor the number of outstanding candidates in Round 3. Simply put, the waitlist helps schools manage these unknowns to arrive at Read more
Published: March 8, 2023
Real Humans of BCG: Damon Reynolds, UT Austin McCombs MBA ’20, Project Leader
Sometimes you don’t recognize your true path until you encounter someone who’s already on it. Damon Reynolds, Texas MBA ’20, chose to pivot to management consulting after getting to know one of his financial services clients working in the field. In this edition of Real Humans: Alumni, Reynolds tells us how UT Austin McCombs provided myriad opportunities to grow as a business leader. Damon Reynolds, Texas McCombs MBA ’20, Project Leader at Boston Consulting Group Age: 34 Hometown: Houston, TX Read more
Published: March 7, 2023
Real Humans of Bain & Co.: Anuj Padia, UNC Kenan-Flagler ’20, Consultant
In this edition of Real Humans: Alumni, we meet Anuj Padia, a consultant at Bain & Company. As an entrepreneur working in food sustainability, it was important to Padia to find a school that shared his ideologies and principles. UNC Kenan-Flagler not only expounded similar beliefs, but the MBA program’s community and faculty helped prepare him for his consulting career with Bain. Anuj Padia, UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA ’20, Consultant at Bain & Company Age: 33 Hometown: Mumbai, India  Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Mumbai, Read more
Published: March 6, 2023
Real Humans of McKinsey: Hal Melia, Duke Fuqua ’19, Consultant
Finance, leadership, and a global perspective: these are the principles to master in pursuit of a consulting career. Hal Melia entered Duke Fuqua with the goal of becoming a consultant, and by leveraging his background in finance and taking advantage of the opportunities Fuqua offered, Melia emerged better positioned to build his career at an elite firm. In this Real Humans: Alumni feature, find out how Fuqua prepared a future consultant for his successful career. Hal Melia, Duke Fuqua MBA ’19, Consultant at McKinsey & Company  Age: 32 Hometown: Dayton, Read more

MBA Applywire

4
December 16, 2025 1:03pm ET
Applying: Harvard Business School, INSEAD, Stanford GSB, Yale SOM
Intake Year: 2026
Pre-MBA Career: Finance / esg
Post-MBA Target Industry: Venture Capital Companies: Other
GRE: 301
GPA: 3.8
Years of Work Experience: 3
5
December 15, 2025 10:46pm ET
Applying: Columbia, Harvard Business School, MIT Sloan, UPenn / Wharton, Stanford GSB
Pre-MBA Career: Incoming Investment Banking Analyst at an EB
Post-MBA Target Industry: Private Equity, Media Companies: Carlyle Group , CBS Corp , Walt Disney
GPA: 3.55
Post MBA Location: New York City
Notes:

I'm looking to apply to a deferred MBA program. I interned at a BB Investment Bank during my sophomore summer, and I will be returning to the same EB Investment Bank I interned at during my junior summer. Currently enrolled at a Top 30 US university.
6
December 15, 2025 8:27am ET
Applying: Columbia, Cornell / Johnson, Michigan / Ross, MIT Sloan, NYU Stern, UPenn / Wharton
Intake Year: 2026
Pre-MBA Career: Technology QA
Post-MBA Target Industry: Investment Banking, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Asset Management, inc. HF, Commercial Banking
GRE: 165
GPA: 3.34
EA: 165
Years of Work Experience: 6
Location: New York
3
December 14, 2025 8:20pm ET
Applying: Georgetown / McDonough, UPenn / Wharton, UVA / Darden
Intake Year: 2026
Pre-MBA Career: Accenture
Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Entrepreneurship, Non Profit/SI Companies: Bain , BCG , McKinsey
GRE: 339
GPA: 3.93
Years of Work Experience: 5
4
December 13, 2025 2:08pm ET
Applying: Harvard Business School, MIT Sloan, Northwestern / Kellogg, Stanford GSB
Intake Year: 2026
Pre-MBA Career: Project Management in Gaming
Post-MBA Target Industry: Entrepreneurship, Technology, Media Companies: Amazon , Apple , Facebook , Google , Microsoft , Other
GMAT: 715
GPA: 3.59
Years of Work Experience: 4.5
Location: Seattle
Post MBA Location: West Coast / Seattle
Notes:

Asian Female. T20 Undergrad w/ double major in Biology and Statistics. Decided in college to pivot into the game industry and have interned/worked at top gaming brands. Trying to pivot into product in gaming or start my own company in the game industry.
ECs: president of my gaming club in college, have spoken and continue to speak at numerous universities, conventions, and more regarding careers in video games. Mentored numerous students who want careers in gaming, especially for women/underrepresented genders/LGBTQ+. Served as a judge/advisor for one mentorship program. Created grassroots gaming community in UG in response to COVID that grew to 3000+ members in 3 weeks and had industry speakers, sponsors, and more. Also volunteer at my local aquarium educating the public about ocean conservation and the local wildlife.

Applying Round 2 to Stanford, Harvard, MIT, and Kellogg (MMM) with hopes of moving back to the West Coast afterwards.
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MBA LiveWire

December 19, 2025 4:05pm ET
Accepted to Toronto / Rotman
Round: Round 2
Received via portal December 19, 2025
Standardized Test: GRE
GRE: 334
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Technology
Application Location: India
December 19, 2025 3:48pm ET
Accepted to NYU Stern
Round: Round 1
Received via portal December 19, 2025
Standardized Test: GRE
GPA: 3.9
GRE: 322
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Application Location: US
Note:

Accepted with full tuition scholarship! Applied through Consortium, interviewed 11/17.
December 19, 2025 10:22am ET
Waitlisted at UT Austin / McCombs
Round: Round 1
Received via email on December 15, 2025
Standardized Test: GRE
GPA: 3.4
GRE: 326
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Technology
Application Location: India, Aurangabad
December 19, 2025 10:19am ET
Accepted to U. Washington / Foster
Round: Round 1
Received via email on December 11, 2025
Standardized Test: GRE
GPA: 3.4
GRE: 326
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Technology
Application Location: India
December 18, 2025 11:48pm ET
Rejected at UT Austin / McCombs
Round: Round 1
Received via email
Standardized Test: Executive Assessment (EA)
GPA: 3.74
EA: 157
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Technology
Application Location: Japan, Tokyo
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