Washington U / Olin MBA News

Published: May 5, 2025

Real Humans of Applied Materials: Rufus Ayisi, Washington Olin MBA ’24, Senior Financial Analyst

In this Real Humans: Alumni, we meet Rufus Kwesi Kumi Ayisi, Washington University’s Olin Business School MBA ’24, who combined his background in engineering and finance to carve out a strategic role at the intersection of both disciplines—now serving as a Senior Financial Analyst at Applied Materials. Originally from Accra, Ghana, Rufus brought six years of pre-MBA experience in engineering and audit roles to WashU Olin, where he pursued an MBA in finance. Drawn by Olin’s experiential learning model, collaborative culture, and flexible curriculum, Rufus immersed himself in team-based projects and a global business Read more

Published: April 29, 2025

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Post-MBA Consulting Industry Placement

Consulting is one of the most popular post-MBA industry choices for business school candidates, alongside finance and tech. It’s a dynamic field with diverse clients, strategic challenges and more. In this edition of Real Numbers of MBA Admissions, see the percentages of MBA grads who joined the consulting industry. Business School % in Consulting Boston College Carroll School of Management 13% Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business 2% Cambridge Judge Business School 14% Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business 26% Columbia Business School 31% Cornell University SC Johnson Graduate School of Management 31% Dartmouth College Read more

Published: April 26, 2025

Choosing Between Top Part-Time or Full-Time MBA Programs

Comparing a business school’s part-time MBA versus full-time MBA means considering many factors. Requirements for flexibility, types of experience, and teaching method must all be taken into account, and evaluated against personal factors such as individual commitments and financial situations. In this article, we will outline the details of and the differences between the two programs, and assist in your decision as to which suits you best. We will also explore business schools with the top part-time MBA programs. Understanding the Full-Time MBA Option A full-time MBA usually lasts one or two Read more

Published: April 22, 2025

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Finance Industry Placement

In this edition of Real Numbers of MBA Admissions, see the percentages for placement in the finance industry at top business schools. Finance has typically been in the top three of industry choices for full-time MBA graduates, alongside tech and consulting. The finance industry presents myriad options for MBA graduates to pursue dynamic and lucrative careers, and the quantitative rigor of leading MBA programs supports such paths. Business School % in Finance Boston College Carroll School of Management 29% Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business 19% Cambridge Judge Business School 26% Carnegie Mellon Read more

Published: April 13, 2025

The Week Ahead: Late Round Deadlines, Decisions & Interview Invites, April 14-18, 2025

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 Three is underway. Final decisions for Round 2 have completed. Attention now turns to Round 3 and beyond. Tuesday, April 15, USC / Marshall has its Round 3 application deadline. Indiana / Kelley has its Round 4 application deadline. Washington / Olin has its Round 5 application deadline. Wednesday, April 16, NYU / Stern has its Round 4 application deadline. London Business School is scheduled to release its Round 3 interview invites. Friday, April 18, Read more

Published: April 7, 2025

U.S. News 2025 Best Business Schools: Wharton Stands Alone at the Top

April showers bring May flowers and the U.S. News Best Graduate Programs Rankings. That’s right, the 2025 Best Business School list is live. Once again, The Wharton School claims the top spot. Stanford GSB slipped from sharing the #1 spot last year to tying for second with Northwestern Kellogg. Chicago Booth now ranks fourth while MIT Sloan holds fifth place again. Clear Admit Community Manager Alex Brown notes, “Congratulations to Wharton for topping the U.S. News Read more

Published: March 4, 2025

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Average GRE Scores by Top U.S. Business Schools

Average GRE scores by business school can provide applicants with a sense of the rigor of the MBA program, expectations of the adcom and general competitiveness of the applicant pool. While the GMAT used to be the only accepted admissions exam at leading MBA programs, many have opened up to other options, including the GRE. Starting in September 2023, the GRE consists of a 30-minute Analytical Writing section, which includes one essay. An additional Verbal Reasoning section features two sections with 18 minutes allowed for 12 questions and 23 minutes allowed for 15 questions, respectively. Another two Read more

Published: February 26, 2025

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Average GMAT Scores at Top U.S. MBA Programs

See where your GMAT score lands among the top U.S. MBA programs, as we report the average GMAT scores in the chart below. If you have yet to take the GMAT, you can also get a sense of what score you need to target. Business school admissions use the GMAT score as a sign of applicants’ academic abilities and a high score can help you stand out in admissions. Also, average GMAT scores play a role in schools’ rankings. If you completed the GMAT Focus edition, with a score ending in 5, please refer to Coming Read more

Published: February 24, 2025

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: International Student Statistics

International students statistics can showcase an element of diversity at leading business schools. In the chart below, see the percentage of international students at U.S. business schools. U.S. School % International ASU W.P. Carey School of Business 48% Babson College Olin 85% Boston College Carroll School of Management 24% BYU Marriott School of Business 32%* Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business 39% Columbia Business School 46% Cornell University SC Johnson Graduate School of Management 35% Dartmouth College Tuck School of Business 30% Duke University Fuqua School of Business 41% Emory University Goizueta School of Business 45% Read more

Published: February 23, 2025

The Week Ahead: MBA Decisions & Merage Deadline, February 24-28, 2025

Welcome back to the series, The Week Ahead, in which we provide a brief rundown of what is happening in MBA admissions this week! Late Round Deadlines & Decisions Interview invites continue to roll out for Rounds 2 and 3 candidates. Thursday, February 27, Washington / Olin is scheduled to release its Round 3 decisions. Friday, February 28, Oxford / Saïd is scheduled to release its Stage 4 decisions. Georgia Tech / Scheller and SMU / Cox are scheduled to release their Round 2 decisions. Saturday, March 1, UCI / Merage has its Round 3 application deadline. How “The Wires” Read more

Published: February 12, 2025

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Percentage of U.S. Minorities at Top U.S. Business Schools

The percentage of U.S. minorities at top U.S. business schools can provide a sense of the diversity you will find in your MBA program. Business school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and self-identify as African American or Black, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian American, Hispanic American or Latinx, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, or those who are multiracial or multiethnic are considered a minority. See the percentage of minorities as reported by top business schools in the chart below. U.S. School % U.S. Minorities ASU W.P. Carey School of Business 41% Boston College Read more

Published: February 10, 2025

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Percentage of Women MBA Students

Over the past decade, the percentage of women MBA students has been on the rise across leading business schools. USC Marshall was the first leading business school to achieve gender parity while others have achieved or continue to strive for that benchmark. The Forté Foundation has also consistently reported that women have been gaining or holding their ground on b-school campuses–and, in both 2023 and 2024, reported record highs. Look at the chart below to see the percentage of women MBA students at leading business schools Read more

Published: February 3, 2025

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Cost of MBA Programs in the U.S.

In this edition of Real Numbers of MBA Admissions, see the total cost of a full-time MBA per year at U.S. schools. Tuition comprises most of the cost of each program. Other factors, including room and board, program fees, books and supplies, health insurance, transportation and other expenses, have been added to provide the total cost of an MBA in the U.S. by year. Most business schools provide a breakdown of the expenses, which are posted under the financial aid or admissions section of their websites. Schools also typically take the total cost of attendance into account Read more

Published: January 29, 2025

Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Class Size of Top U.S. MBA Programs

Business schools come in all shapes and sizes and the class size of top MBA programs can be a factor in considering fit. From networking to a tight-knit culture to campus opportunities, class size can reveal much about an MBA program. No matter which program you choose, the top MBA programs strive to ensure relationship building during full-time b-school life. Some larger programs, such as Harvard Business School and CBS, mainly break the student body down into cohorts/sections/clusters of dozens of students. Other U.S. business schools, like Wharton, also have Learning Teams, groups of 5-6 students who Read more

Published: December 19, 2024

GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation Analysis for MBA Applicants and Recommenders

Applying to business school entails a great deal of work for prospective students – and almost as much effort for the people writing their letters of recommendation. An effective MBA recommendation provides rich information about the candidate’s strengths, key accomplishments, and leadership abilities. It’s also important that a recommendation fully address every question that is asked by the admissions committee. So, when an applicant is targeting six schools that ask different questions across their recommendation forms, this can translate to a great deal of time and effort for already-busy recommenders. To alleviate some of this pressure, Read more

Published: December 11, 2024

Real Humans: MBA Students of the WashU Olin Class of 2026

In this Real Humans: MBA Students, we meet members of the Washington University Olin (WashU Olin) MBA Class of 2026, who represent a mosaic of experiences, ambitions, and talents. Of the 103 students in the class, women make up 53 percent while 44 percent of students are international. Thirty-four percent of U.S. students identify as underrepresented minorities. During their undergraduate years, Olin MBAs earned a median GPA of 3.64 while the average came in at 3.53. Thirty-six percent had earned degrees in natural sciences, engineering & STEM. Business and economics majors closely followed at Read more

Published: December 8, 2024

The Week Ahead: Many MBA Decisions & Boston Carroll Deadline, December 9-13, 2024

Welcome back to the series, The Week Ahead, in which we provide a brief rundown of what is happening in MBA admissions this week! Busy Decision Week Many final decisions are now being released. Monday, December 9, Rice / Jones is scheduled to release its Round 1 decisions. Tuesday, December 10, Boston College / Carroll has its Round 2 deadline. Harvard, UPenn / Wharton and Georgetown / McDonough are scheduled to release their Round 1 decisions. Wednesday, December 11, Northwestern / Kellogg, UVA / Darden, UNC / Kenan-Flagler and Johns Hopkins / Carey are scheduled to release their Round 1 Read more

Published: November 13, 2024

Round 2 MBA Application Deadlines 2024-2025

To help you stay organized, we’ve compiled all of the Round 2 MBA application deadlines (and some Round 3 ones) all in one place. You’ll find links to our corresponding Essay Topic Analysis in the “Essay Analysis” column. School Deadline Decision Essay Analysis Application Live? INSEAD (R2 August Intake) 11/5/2024 1/10/2025 Yes Yes Michigan State Broad 11/15/2024 1/31/2025 Yes Yes Minnesota Carlson 12/1/2024 2/1/2025 Yes Yes Indian School of Business Read more

Published: November 3, 2024

The Week Ahead: INSEAD Deadline & Other Decisions, November 4-7, 2024

Welcome back to the series, The Week Ahead, in which we provide a brief rundown of what is happening in MBA admissions this week! Decisions & Deadlines The 2024-2025 MBA admissions season continues with another deadline and some more final decisions. Tuesday, November 5, INSEAD has its Round 2 application deadline. Thursday, November 7, Washington / Olin is scheduled to release its Round 1 decisions. Friday, November 8, Oxford / Saïd is scheduled to release its Stage 2 decisions. How “The Wires” Can Help Visit MBA LiveWire for the latest “buzz” about MBA admissions, including interview invitations and decision notifications. Read more

Published: October 30, 2024

Forté Foundation Reports Record Level Of Gender Parity

The Forté Foundation, a non-profit working to increase opportunities for women in leadership, has released its 2024 report on women’s enrollment in full-time MBAs. Enrollment has climbed to new heights of over 6,000, they report, and eight of their member schools have reached gender parity—an all time high. Forté has been working closely with business schools, corporations and universities since 2002 to increase opportunities for women at every stage of their careers. This report details the latest development in a considerable and steady upward trend of women’s MBA enrollment, proving once again the Read more

Published: October 27, 2024

The Week Ahead: MBA Decisions, Deadlines & Interview Invites, October 28-November 1, 2024

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 1 Continues The 2024-2025 MBA admissions season is underway. Interview invites are also rolling out, and final decisions continue for early action round candidates. Wednesday, October 30, Georgetown / McDonough is scheduled to release its Early Action round decisions. Friday, November 1, Cornell / Johnson is scheduled to release its Round 1 interview invites. UC Irvine / Merage has its Round 1 application deadline. Oxford / Saïd has its Stage 3 application deadline. Maryland / Read more

Published: October 2, 2024

Washington University Olin MBA Class of 2026: A Record Breaking Year

Washington University in St. Louis Olin Business School (WashU Olin) has released its MBA Class of 2026 profile, showcasing a record-breaking class. With 103 students, the class is 25 percent larger than last year after seeing a 10-year high in application volume. WashU Olin MBA Class of 2026 “This class profile is extremely strong,” says Evan Bouffides, senior associate dean of graduate programs. “We hit Olin records on many important dimensions, including test scores, undergraduate GPA, and selectivity. As importantly, we achieved historic highs related to Read more

Published: September 29, 2024

The Week Ahead: MBA Deadlines & Interview Invites, September 30-October 4, 2024

Welcome back to the series, The Week Ahead, in which we provide a brief rundown of what is happening in MBA admissions this week! Busy Week for Round 1 Deadlines, First Interview Invites of the Season The 2024-2025 MBA admissions season is now underway. Monday, September 30, MIT / Sloan has its Round 1 application deadline. HBS is set to release Round 1 interview invitations, waitlist and early release notifications at noon EST. Tuesday, October 1, Duke / Fuqua, UCLA / Anderson, CMU / Tepper, USC / Marshall, Washington / Foster, Maryland / Smith, SMU / Cox and Minnesota / Read more

Published: August 27, 2024

MBA Programs Without GMAT or GRE Requirements in 2024

Pursuing an MBA without the GMAT or GRE has become more accessible in recent years as many business schools have lifted this requirement from their admissions process. For many prospective students, avoiding the stress and cost associated with standardized testing is a major advantage. Below is a list of reputable MBA programs that do not require GMAT or GRE scores, making them ideal for candidates who excel in other areas of their application, such as professional experience and academic achievements. Quick List of MBA Programs Without GMAT or GRE: Babson College – F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business Georgia Tech Read more

Published: August 22, 2024

Weekly Refresh: Latest MBA Essay Questions, Analyzed – Plus Deadlines & Rec Forms

We’re back with another Weekly Refresh, in which we list this week’s admissions advice and updates on the Clear Admit site. Essay Tips Drafting your application essays? See the latest of our experts’ advice in our Essay Topic Analysis. The following schools recently released their essays—click for our advice: UCI Merage WUSTL Olin Deadlines Released See the admissions deadlines that have rolled out: Boston College / Carroll You can also bookmark our deadlines page for reference. Recommendation Questions Let your recommenders know, the following MBA program has released their Read more