Planning Tips

Tips on how to structure your time and tackle the challenging process of applying to business school.

Published: January 17, 2024

In the past several years, we've seen more and more leading business schools offering deferred enrollment MBA programs. Traditionally, full-time work experience has been a requirement for acceptance into a leading MBA program, with students averaging five years of professional experience at the time they begin their graduate studies. Most deferred enrollment MBA programs still require work experience—the difference is that students can gain this experience after they earn admission. Deferred enrollment MBA programs guarantee college seniors (and sometimes graduate students) a spot in their MBA programs, allowing them to enroll two to five years after they graduate from college. This allows students to focus on their work experience with their MBA plans already in place. Read on for information about deferred enrollment MBA programs at: Berkeley Haas Carnegie Mellon Tepper Chicago Booth Columbia Business School Harvard Business School MIT / Sloan Northwestern Kellogg Stanford GSB UCLA Anderson UVA / Darden The Wharton School Yale School of Management Read more

Published: November 14, 2023

MBA Admissions Tip: Know Your Audience for Your Applications

Know your audience as you complete your MBA applications. As anyone who’s going through the process knows, applying to business school is an incredibly demanding process. In addition to taking the GMAT/GRE, assembling academic transcripts and providing recommendation letters, candidates are required to draft multiple essays, job descriptions, lists of activities and more. With the obvious incentive to save time wherever possible, it’s understandable that many applicants simply cut and paste content from an existing résumé and write about their work in the manner that comes most naturally. However, in doing so, countless candidates each year assemble their materials without Read more

Published: October 10, 2023

MBA Admissions Tip: Selecting & Preparing Recommendation Writers for your MBA Application

Your letters of recommendation are a critical variable in the MBA admissions equation. They allow the admissions committee to get an outside perspective on your skills and strength, and to learn about your work experience beyond that’s covered in your essays and resume. Who Should Write My MBA Letters of Recommendation? First, your recommenders should hold a position that is senior to yours – unless the school specifically asks for a peer recommendation. The adcom gives greater weight to statements made by your superiors rather than by a peer because a peer is assumed to be essentially a friend and Read more

Published: August 22, 2023

Digging Deep with Your MBA Program Research: Anecdotes & Advocates

Communicating with insiders (current students, alumni, and faculty members) can be beneficial to your MBA applications for a number of reasons. In addition to learning about a given school and your potential fit, you’ll also generate material for your essays, demonstrate your interest in the program, and perhaps even make an ally or two. As you aim to go beyond the schools’ websites and promotional materials, we specifically recommend reaching out to individuals in a few key groups: Current Students People who are currently enrolled in a given program can obviously provide the clearest picture of the present state of Read more

Published: August 15, 2023

MBA Admissions Tip: Should I Apply in Round 1 or Round 2 to My Top Choice School?

In terms of application strategy, one of the biggest questions prospective MBA applicants wrestle with is whether to apply in Round 1 or Round 2 to the school they most want to attend. Overall, if you are an outstanding candidate and have had adequate time to prepare your candidacy, then you should apply as part of the first round to your top choice school. If you are a strong candidate, but perhaps are not in the top echelon or would benefit from a little more time and experience in the application process, consider delaying your application to your top choice Read more

Published: July 19, 2023

The Cost of the MBA Application Process

When thinking about the cost of getting an MBA, what immediately comes to mind is tuition, moving to a new city, books, supplies, and possibly some new attire. But often overlooked are the numerous fees and associated costs of the MBA application process. Individually, the numbers appear small, but as you complete your application(s), your choices each have a cost, and those can add up. MBA application costs can vary depending on the school you’re applying to, application requirements, and whether you’re a domestic or international applicant. Although fee waiver opportunities are growing, most business schools charge an application fee Read more

Published: July 3, 2023

MBA Admissions Tip: Addressing Unemployment or Gaps in Employment

Given the emphasis that schools place on a candidate’s work experience, it is important to be proactive in addressing unemployment or gaps in employment. When applying to business school, many candidates worry about how the adcom might perceive gaps in employment. Read our ‘MBA Admissions Tip: Addressing Unemployment Gaps in Employment’ to learn strategies for effectively managing unemployment and employment gaps during your MBA application process. Gaps in Employment It’s not unheard of for an MBA candidate to have a gap in employment, and this will not necessarily make a negative impact on someone’s candidacy. Gaps might be due to Read more

Published: June 20, 2023

Defining Your Post-MBA Career Goals

Having clear and realistic post-MBA career goals is essential to the business school application process. Though essay prompts tend to vary year to year, the two things that nearly every prospective student can count on being asked are “What are your short-term and long-term post-MBA goals?” and “How will Business School X help you achieve these goals?” Even if this sort of question doesn’t appear in the essay portion of the application, rest assured that you’ll be asked this question in the data forms and/or during your interview. Identifying clear post-MBA career goals will help in everything from Read more

Published: June 13, 2023

Admissions Tip: Considering the Campus

There are many factors that go into deciding whether to apply to a specific school, one of which is the physical place where you’ll be spending 1-2 years. Whether speaking with current students or touring the campus for yourself, it’s helpful to approach these information-gathering experiences with as clear a sense of what matters to you as possible. Factors to consider about a business school’s campus: 1. Facilities Are state-of-the-art classrooms and impressive new architecture a priority for you? Would you prefer a school that is headquartered in a single building to one spread over a larger campus? What about Read more

Published: June 7, 2023

Admissions Tip: Making Your List of Business Schools

You’ve decided the MBA is the next stop on your career path. What now? The smartest applicants are those who take the time to create an informed MBA application strategy—a well thought-out game plan that can help you obtain your goals as effectively as possible. This includes making a list of your target business schools. One of the first tasks you’ll need to tackle is school selection: strategically choosing which schools to apply to, while considering how your experience and stats compare to those of current students (or, how “competitive” your application will be at each program). How many MBA Read more

Published: May 31, 2023

Admissions Tip: Consider Pre-MBA Courses Before Applying

Pre-MBA courses offer applicants a chance to bolster their academic records, prepare for the rigor of business school and more. As you prepare for the MBA admissions process, you might want to consider whether you should undertake additional undergraduate-level coursework before you apply. Who Should Take Additional Pre-MBA Courses? There are two reasons that it might benefit a candidate to complete additional coursework as part of their MBA application strategy. If your undergraduate transcript is devoid of quantitative coursework, the admissions committee might be concerned about the lack of data points as they assess whether you’re prepared for an MBA 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: February 22, 2023

How to Get into Business School

Have you reached a crossroads in your career and aren’t sure where to go next? Are you looking for a new profession or want to bring your idea for a business to fruition, but aren’t sure how? If so, going to business school for an MBA might be your best next step. An MBA gives you a deeper understanding of practices and strategies that can enhance your leadership skills and grant an advantage in career advancement. Business schools provide opportunities to network with other professionals and alumni, creating valuable connections and job opportunities. If you are Read more

Published: February 13, 2023

Sweethearts & Success: Applying for an MBA as a Couple

In light of Valentine’s Day, we’re taking a look at applying for an MBA together as a couple. For career-minded couples, it sometimes happens that an MBA makes sense for both partners, often at the same time. And because attending the best business school in one’s field can often mean relocating, it’s natural to want to attend the same program as your love. But how do you navigate this in the admissions process? Applying for an MBA as a couple may come with its challenges – including compromising if you aren’t both admitted to your shared Read more

Published: May 27, 2020

Why Now is a Great Time to Apply to Business School

Through the toughest of times, business education can provide answers and solutions that not only heal economies, but uplift societies. The skills offered through an MBA—from finance and analytics, to leadership, management and more—can also empower you to be nimble in times of uncertainty, and prepare you for any business career of your choice. The journey to and through an MBA begins with reflection: Personally or professionally, what is your destination? An MBA can help you develop your skills, provide freedom in your job and career choice, and expand your network. Due to COVID-19, many MBA programs have extended Read more

Published: February 18, 2020

Episode 83: Application Strategies – Deferred Enrollment MBA Programs

The list of requirements for MBA admissions can be extensive—test scores, recommendations, essays and, of course, work experience. College seniors and graduate students may be well on their way to checking off all the boxes for an application to business school, but missing that final piece of full-time professional work experience. Enter: Deferred enrollment MBA programs. If you are a college senior or graduate student without work experience, you can apply to leading business schools through their deferred enrollment MBA programs. These offerings allow students to enroll two to five years after they graduate from school, Read more

Published: November 26, 2019

Episode 25 Replay: 8 Tips You Need to Succeed in Round 2

The wave of Round 2 deadlines may look like it's on the horizon, but, based on what goes into applying to business school, those deadlines are closer than they appear. Whether you’re just kicking off your MBA applications or have some experience knowledge from Round 1, this podcast episode will help you succeed in Round 2. Read more

Published: July 22, 2019

Three Ways to Use MBA DecisionWire in the Summer

At this point in the summer, many MBA applicants are prepping for the GMAT, reflecting on potential recommendation-writers, and deciding which schools to target in the fall. Some are even getting some initial feedback on their candidacies via MBA ApplyWire. Our team of experts loves hearing about your plans and sharing their thoughts on your schools and application strategy. We have another Wire tool that can be tremendously helpful to MBA hopefuls who are just starting their application processes – though its usefulness may be a bit less obvious. MBA DecisionWire allows Read more

Published: April 7, 2019

Podcast Episode 35: 7 Tips for Those Applying to Business School in Two Years

You asked for it, and we delivered! Per a request on Reddit, our latest podcast offers guidance to those with MBA applications in their sights, two years down the road. Clear Admit co-founder Graham Richmond and resident admissions expert, Alex Brown, provide seven tips about what you can do now and over the course of the next couple of years to improve your chances when you’re ready to apply. Topics covered include testing and supplemental coursework, maximizing your professional experience and time outside of the office, cultivating recommenders and much more. They even discuss how to kick off the school selection process, so you can be confident in your shortlist of MBA programs when the time comes. The first step to getting ready for MBA admissions? Listening to our podcast, of course: Read more

Published: January 13, 2019

Jumpstart your MBA journey: The MBA Tour North America

The MBA Tour North America: MBA & Business Master’s Conferences Our friends over at the MBA Tour are back on the road again. Meet University of Southern California, Boston University, University of Cambridge, IESE, HEC Montréal, & more top Business Programs! Join them in a city near you: Los Angeles: Saturday, January 26 San Francisco: Monday, January 28 Boston: Wednesday, Read more

Published: December 10, 2018

Podcast Episode 26: Round One and Done?

Did you make it through Round 1? First, congratulations! But next, where did you end up and where do you want to go from here? Whether you’re dealing with lots of dings or have the luxury of choosing where to attend, or if you received a few acceptances, but think you can aim higher, our latest podcast is for you. In Episode 26: Round 1 and Done?, Clear Admit resident admissions experts, Alex Brown and Graham Richmond, break down the possibilities for candidates who applied in Round 1 and discuss how they should (or shouldn't) approach Round 2. They also talk about scholarship support, and how they can influence one's approach. Read more

Published: November 19, 2018

Podcast Episode 25: 8 Tips You Need to Succeed in Round 2

Many MBA hopefuls may see Round 2 deadlines looming in the distance, but, based on what goes into applying to business school, those deadlines are closer than they appear. Whether you’re just kicking off your MBA applications or have some experience knowledge from Round 1, our podcast this week will help you succeed in Round 2. Read more

Published: September 5, 2018

Podcast Episode 20: Should You Apply in Round 1 or Round 2?

In the MBA admissions world, this week holds some of the first application deadlines for candidates looking to apply to business school for the 2019-20 academic year. Completed applications for early action at IESE were due in by Tuesday, Harvard Business School (HBS) Round 1 applications were due yesterday, and the deadline for the new Early Action round at UVA’s Darden School is tomorrow. Applications for the earliest rounds at Oxford’s Saïd Business School and Cambridge’s Judge Business School are also due tomorrow. Things are Read more

Published: August 12, 2018

Savvy MBA Application Strategy: How Many Apps, Which Schools, When to Apply

You’ve decided the MBA is the next stop on your career path. What now? The smartest applicants are those who take the time to create an informed MBA application strategy—a well thought-out game plan that can help you obtain your goals as efficiently and effectively as possible. One of the first challenges you’ll face is school selection—strategically choosing which schools to target, bearing in mind the competitive mix of those schools. In recent years, MBA applicants appear to be trending downward in terms of the total number of schools to which they apply. Research we have undertaken on data Read more

Published: August 5, 2018

Admissions Tip: Applying to Business School as a Younger Applicant

As many of our readers know, it has become increasingly common for younger individuals to apply to MBA programs. Whereas the average age and years of work experience at the leading business schools has traditionally hovered at around 28 and five respectively, many programs are now carefully considering the more youthful end of the applicant pool. Of course, the fact that admissions officers are taking a closer look at younger applicants does not mean that getting accepted to a top program is easy for this group. In fact, it may be difficult for younger applicants to present themselves as fully Read more

MBA Applywire

October 14, 2026 2:04pm ET

Applying: Berkeley / Haas, Chicago Booth, Columbia Business School, Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua, INSEAD, London Business School, Michigan / Ross, MIT Sloan, Northwestern / Kellogg, Oxford / Saïd, Penn / Wharton, Stanford GSB, Yale SOM

Intake Year: 2027

Pre-MBA Career: Consulting

Post MBA Career: Energy, Other Industries

GRE: 333

GPA: 3.4

Years of Work Experience: 7

Location: India

Post MBA Location: US/Europe

Notes:

2 years in family business after undergrad. And in my 4th job in 5 years - have been working with BCG as consultant on contract for 2 years now (project has social impact - affordable digital access angle)

Worked for 2.5 years in social impact sector. Before that 1 year 3 months in KPMG as data science consultant.

October 13, 2026 1:16pm ET

Applying: Columbia Business School, Duke / Fuqua, MIT Sloan, Northwestern / Kellogg

Intake Year: 2027

Pre-MBA Career: Technology

Post MBA Career: Consulting

GRE: 167

GPA: -

EA: 167

Years of Work Experience: 6

Post MBA Location: US

October 6, 2026 7:05pm ET

Applying: Cornell / Johnson, Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua, Harvard Business School, Michigan / Ross, Northwestern / Kellogg, UVA / Darden, Yale SOM

Intake Year: 2027

Pre-MBA Career: NGO

Post MBA Career: Consulting

GRE: 320

GPA: 3.79

Years of Work Experience: 7

Location: NYC

October 3, 2026 10:42pm ET

Applying: Duke / Fuqua, Indiana / Kelley, Michigan / Ross, Northwestern / Kellogg, Notre Dame / Mendoza, UVA / Darden

Intake Year: 2027

Pre-MBA Career: Operations strategy

Post MBA Career: Consulting, Other Industries

GMAT: 645

GPA: 2.96

Years of Work Experience: 8

Location: USA

Post MBA Location: Midwest

Notes:

Veteran. Company sponsored.

October 2, 2026 2:40pm ET

Applying: Chicago Booth, Harvard Business School, Northwestern / Kellogg, Penn / Wharton, Stanford GSB

Intake Year: 2027

Pre-MBA Career: Analytics Consulting

Post MBA Career: Consulting

GRE: 333

GPA: 3.56

Years of Work Experience: 4

Location: India

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MBA LiveWire

October 15, 2026 2:43pm ET

Accepted to Duke / Fuqua

Round: Early Decision

Received via phone October 15, 2026

Standardized Test: GMAT

GPA: 3.52

GMAT: 725

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Post MBA Career: Technology, Amazon

Application Location: India

Juno Member: Not yet

October 15, 2026 2:34pm ET

Applied to Indiana / Kelley

Round: Round 1

Received via portal

Standardized Test: Granted Waiver

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Post MBA Career: Technology, Amazon, Google, Microsoft

Application Location: Peru, Lima

Juno Member: Not yet

October 15, 2026 1:33pm ET

Interview Invite to Northwestern / Kellogg

Round: Round 1

Received via email October 15, 2026

Standardized Test: GMAT

GPA: 3.8

GMAT: 685

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Post MBA Career: Energy

Application Location: United States

Juno Member: Not yet

October 15, 2026 1:25pm ET

Accepted to Duke / Fuqua

Round: Early Decision

Received via phone October 15, 2026

Standardized Test: GRE

GPA: 3.21

GRE: 320

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Post MBA Career: Consulting

Juno Member: Not yet

October 15, 2026 11:36am ET

Accepted to Duke / Fuqua

Round: Early Decision

Received via phone October 15, 2026

Standardized Test: GRE

GPA: 7.8

GRE: 327

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Post MBA Career: Consulting

Application Location: India

Juno Member: Not yet

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