Military

Published: January 3, 2022

Real Humans of MBA Students: Washington University Olin MBA Class of 2023

We continue with our Real Humans: MBA Students series in the new year by saying hi to some new members of the Washington University (WashU) Olin Business School MBA Class of 2023 in St. Louis. 86 students comprise the MBA Class of 2023. Forty-three percent are women and 40 percent are international students. Twenty-five percent identify as underrepresented U.S. minorities. During their undergraduate years, WashU Olin MBAs averaged a 3.3 GPA. Thirty-seven percent had majored in business or economics. Thirty-six percent pursued studies in natural science, engineering or STEM. Twenty-seven percent had earned degrees Read more

Published: December 29, 2021

Real Humans of MBA Students: Rochester Simon MBA Class of 2023

This edition of Real Humans: MBA Students takes us to upstate New York to meet some new members of the Rochester Simon MBA Class of 2023. 113 students enrolled in Simon’s latest MBA class. Forty-two percent are women and 43 percent are international. Thirty-four percent of U.S. students are from historically underrepresented groups – 17 percent are African American or Black and another 17 percent are Hispanic American. During their undergraduate years, the middle 80 percent of GPAs for Rochester Simon MBAs ranged from 2.8 to 3.9. Forty-two percent had studied business & commerce Read more

Published: December 26, 2021

Episode 206: Wire Taps—Outstanding military candidate with modest GRE. Government worker turned serial novelist. US-based candidate weighing options with non US-based programs.

Grab a glass of eggnog and cozy up to this holiday edition of the WireTaps podcast! While things are now quiet on the MBA decision release front, plenty of MBA candidates are sharing their decisions on MBA DecisionWire, and Graham and Alex get into some helpful content around how to spend the holiday break if you are deciding on R1 options or applying in R2. Graham also noted the release of Real Humans pieces for Dartmouth / Tuck and Minnesota / Carlson and highlighted the employment reports from Harvard and Tuck. Both programs had an average starting salary at $150,000; Read more

Published: December 13, 2021

Real Humans of MBA Students: Columbia Business School Class of 2023

Join us for another edition of the Real Humans: MBA Students series to meet some new members of the Columbia Business School (CBS) MBA Class of 2023. 847 students chose to attend CBS and become part of the MBA Class of 2023. Classes began in August with 614 students and another 233 will begin their studies in January. Women make up 41 percent of the class, and international students comprise nearly half (48 percent) of students. Forty percent of students identify as US minorities. CBS reports minority representation using both federal guidelines and multi-dimensional Read more

Published: October 24, 2021

Episode 193: Wire Taps—Army to Exercise Science CPG, Bootstrapper Recently Unemployed, BizDev Whiz with a Weakness

Alex and Graham offer three MBA applicants advice in another podcast episode of Wire Taps. Based on their posts to ApplyWire, one applicant left the army and needs an MBA to tackle his dream industry while another MBA hopeful is looking to rebound from unemployment. Finally, a woman in business development may only need to address her low GPA to find success in b-school admissions. Preview the posts that Alex and Graham discuss this week, then tune in below! A former infantry officer is looking to beef up his profile before next season: Another applicant sought feedback Read more

Published: October 17, 2021

Episode 192: Wire Taps—A GMAT Retake, the Importance of Being ‘Seasoned’, Life After an HBS Ding

Alex and Graham are here for another podcast episode of Wire Taps, addressing an array of applicants’ MBA admissions concerns. This week, an aerospace engineer enquires about her chances at four top schools despite a below average GMAT. Another engineer already applied in Round 1 and wonders if he is perhaps too young. Finally, an air force officer is a little worried after being dinged by HBS. Preview the posts that Alex and Graham discuss this week, then tune in below! The first applicant struggles with standardized tests: Another applicant is a little light on work Read more

Published: September 12, 2021

Episode 185: Wire Taps—R1 Sanity Check, PhD to MBA, Startup Goals

This week’s podcast episode of Wire Taps features applicants at all different stages of MBA admissions. While some applicants are in the thick of Round 1, others are looking ahead to future deadlines and intakes. One MBA hopeful is about to click “submit” and wanted some last-minute input. A nontraditional PhD holder is looking ahead to next year. Finally, an international candidate with tech entrepreneurship goals also sought advice. Preview the profiles that Alex and Graham discuss this week, then tune in below! After a year of listening to the podcast, an Army officer checked in on his apps: Read more

Published: August 22, 2021

Episode 181: Wire Taps—International Applicants, Military Backgrounds, GMAT Struggles

The applicants featured in our latest podcast episode of Wire Taps have already made some significant journeys, and now have an MBA in their sights. A first-generation Chinese college student is serving in the U.S. military and wants to return to CSR consulting. Another MBA hopeful from India via Canada has policy experience in myriad countries but wonders if she will still be considered an ORM. Also, a promising infantry officer is looking to apply for an MBA in a few years. Preview the profiles that Alex and Graham discuss this week, then tune in below! From China to the Read more

Published: July 25, 2021

Episode 175: Wire Taps—Low GMATs, Fuzzy Goals, Visa Issues

An MBA can enhance your career progress or help you get a running start on a new path—and that’s exactly what this week’s featured applicants want. In this podcast episode of Wire Taps, Graham and Alex advise three MBA hopefuls looking to achieve career growth or make a career change. One MBA hopeful is looking to pursue consulting after a career in the military. Another applicant wants to reach higher in finance or possibly consulting. And finally, a candidate with extensive international experience wants to excel on the GMAT as well as in investment banking. Preview the profiles that Alex Read more

Published: July 11, 2021

Episode 171: Wire Taps—Is My Undergrad GPA Too Big of a Hurdle?

Graham and Alex are here for another podcast episode of Wire Taps to address all of your b-school admissions concerns. This week, application challenges run the gamut of MBA admissions—from academic history and showing impact at work to deciding which schools to target. Preview the profiles that Alex and Graham discuss this week, then tune in below! An MBA applicant with a military background faces the hurdle of a low undergrad GPA: Next, a boutique investment banker has his sights set on the UK post-MBA: Finally, a Tokyo-based real estate development planner seeks Read more

Published: July 4, 2021

Episode 170: Wire Taps—Pivoting Industries with the Help of an MBA

An MBA not only helps advance candidates on their current career paths, but also supports wholesale changes in industry and function. In this week’s podcast episode of Wire Taps, Graham and Alex advise three MBA applicants planning on pivoting—from corporate strategy to PE in the restaurant/hospitality domain, from oil & gas/chemical engineering to consumer packaged goods, and from MBB & military (reserves) to tech. Preview the profiles that Alex and Graham discuss this week, then tune in below! An MBA applicant with a passion for the restaurant industry opens the episode: Next, Graham and Alex resolve some Read more

Published: June 27, 2021

Episode 169: Wire Taps—Help! I’m Off the Waitlist after Making Deposits at Another School

MBA applicants and candidates had a lot going on last week, based on entries in MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire. The first person featured in this week’s Wire Taps podcast has already financially committed to one program—only to be taken off the waitlist at another, higher ranking program! Should they turn their summer plans upside down? Another MBA hopeful with an impressive profile struggles to turn practice GMAT scores into the one that counts. And finally, b-schools will likely line up to recruit the third profiled applicant—an immigrant turned U.S. Marine with international & management experience. Preview the Read more

Published: May 23, 2021

Episode 163: Wire Taps—Government & Goals, Being All You Can Be, ‘Fostering’ the Right Environment

Tune into another informative podcast episode of Wire Taps with our resident experts, Graham and Alex! After discussing the news of Rod Garcia’s retirement from MIT Sloan admissions, our hosts review an Indian applicant with a nontraditional government background who needs to hammer out some post-MBA details. Additionally, an Army Officer checks in about school choice and other application concerns. Finally, a candidate choosing between Indiana Kelley and Washington Foster hones in on the value of location. Preview the posts from MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire that Graham and Alex discuss below, then tune in! An MBA hopeful Read more

Published: May 2, 2021

Episode 160: Wire Taps—ED or Not ED, That Is the Question

Graham and Alex deliver another podcast episode of Wire Taps, dishing out MBA application and admissions advice. This week, a military applicant who has made significant strides in maturity and time management wants to show the adcom he’s ready for business school life—even if his early undergraduate record suggests otherwise. Another MBA hopeful reached out for advice on timing of their applications—specifically, should they jump head-on into an early decision that would be binding or take their chances with more flexible acceptances? Finally, an accepted candidate planning on a tech career is weighing matriculating at CBS with a scholarship or Read more

Published: April 25, 2021

Episode 159: Wire Taps—The “That Was Then, This Is Now” Strategy

In this week’s podcast episode of Wire Taps, Graham and Alex offer keen admissions advice to two new applicants and one candidate torn about school choice. First up, a U.S. Army officer with a poor academic background sought advice about targeting MBA programs for their pending return to civilian life in 2022. Another MBA hopeful coming from commercial banking and hoping to transition into investment banking also needed help with school choice. Finally, as the 2020-21 admissions season winds down, some candidates are still facing tough decisions. This week, Graham and Alex weigh in on one candidate’s scholarship-laden choice between Read more

Published: April 18, 2021

Episode 158: Wire Taps—The Final Decision Is Making Me Crazy!

Since Round 2 decisions have been delivered, many lucky accepted candidates are facing some tough decisions. Two such candidates turned to the Clear Admit community on DecisionWire for advice about their school choices. On this week’s WireTaps podcast, Graham and Alex weigh in on their questions, as the candidates wonder: Cornell Johnson or Michigan Ross? Emory Goizueta or UNC Kenan-Flagler? Of course, there are many factors that go into these decisions, so be sure to tune in below for some expert admissions advice. Also this week, Graham and Alex advise an applicant with a background in cyber-defense for the Read more

Published: February 7, 2021

Episode 147: Wire Taps—Is It Crazy to Turn Down HBS?

As applicants and candidates alike make their way through Round 2, our admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, continue to share MBA admissions advice in our latest podcast episode of Wire Taps. See which profiles from MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire they discuss below, then tune in. The first applicant is a veteran looking to progress in consulting: Another applicant likely faces some tough competition: Finally, the third profiled candidate wanted to check on his choices: Happy listening! Clear Admit MBA Admissions Podcast Episode 147: Wire Taps—Is It Read more

Published: January 31, 2021

Episode 146: Wire Taps—MIT Sloan or Wharton for Tech?

Our resident admissions experts, Alex Brown and Graham Richmond, weigh in on MBA application strategies and school choices in our latest podcast episode of Wire Taps. See which profiles from MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire they discuss below, then tune in. The first applicant is in private equity: Another applicant has a solid background and is looking ahead to next year: Finally, the third profiled candidate faces a tough choice: Happy listening! Clear Admit MBA Admissions Podcast Episode 146: Wire Taps—MIT Sloan or Wharton for Tech? Play Episode Read more

Published: January 17, 2021

Episode 144: Wire Taps—CBS, Chicago Booth or Kellogg for Real Estate?

Join Alex Brown and Graham Richmond for another advice-filled podcast episode of Wire Taps. They share MBA admissions insights with a few atypical applicants and weigh in on school choice for real estate. See which profiles from MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire they discuss below, then tune in. A Navy SEAL inquired about the impact of his background: An architect also wondered how schools view atypical candidates: Finally, the third profiled candidate needs help choosing between CBS, Booth or Kellogg for real estate: Happy listening! Clear Admit MBA Admissions Read more

Published: December 6, 2020

Episode 135: Wire Taps—Coming from the Military, Am I Targeting the Right Schools?

In this podcast episode of Wire Taps, our admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, discuss three MBA hopefuls trying to plan their application strategies. Preview the profiles from MBA ApplyWire below and then tune in to hear their advice. Read more

Published: November 5, 2020

Fridays from the Frontline: From the Coast Guard to Stern MBA

With Veterans Day coming up next week, we wanted to catch up with a military veteran turned MBA in this edition of Fridays from the Frontline. Read on for Kathleen Dillon's fascinating journey from the Coast Guard to NYU Stern, and how the leading MBA program has supported her return to civilian b-school life. Read more

Published: May 31, 2020

Episode 105: Wire Taps—From Real Estate to Finance, Due to COVID-19

Press play for another podcast episode of Wire Taps, which features advice from Clear Admit’s admissions experts. Graham Richmond and Alex Brown continue to provide feedback based on profiles shared in MBA ApplyWire and MBA DecisionWire. The first applicant profiled in the podcast is facing some professional hardship due to COVID-19, as the real estate industry took a severe hit: Another MBA hopeful with military experience wants to know how they can Read more

Published: May 19, 2020

Episode 103: From Military to MBA Featuring Service to School’s Anna Ivey

From boots to business, an MBA can make perfect sense for military members looking for the next step in their careers. Anna Ivey, Co-founder, Service to School In this podcast episode, special guest Anna Ivey joins Clear Admit’s Graham Richmond to discuss how to successfully transition from the military to business school, the application process and more. Ivey is one of the co-founders of Service to School, a non-profit that provides free admissions counseling and mentorship for veterans transitioning into higher education. A former dean of admissions at the University of Chicago Law Read more

Published: March 12, 2020

Fridays from the Frontline: From Boots to Suits – How Tuck Supports Veterans in Transition

Transitioning from military to civilian life presents a unique set of challenges. Add student life on top of that when pursuing an MBA. Fortunately, programs such as Dartmouth Tuck offer services to support veterans through and beyond the related challenges. In this edition of Fridays from the Frontline, we hear from Andrew Ho (Tuck MBA ’21) about veterans’ support and opportunities at Tuck. From Boots to Suits – How Tuck Supports Veterans in Transition By Andrew Ho T’21 Andrew Ho, Tuck MBA ’21 For most service members, the decision to separate Read more

Published: December 16, 2019

Real Humans of Texas McCombs’ MBA Class of 2021

We are excited to bring you another edition of Real Humans: MBA students in which we introduce some of the newest members of the Texas MBA Class of 2021. The West End of Austin, Texas, earned its nickname the “Silicon Hills” during the US dot com boom of the 1990s and has since grown to house some of the country’s largest and fastest-growing names in the tech sector. University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business has been both a contributor to and beneficiary of the city’s economic evolution, boasting several Read more

MBA Applywire

November 2, 2026 11:22pm ET

Applying: Berkeley / Haas, Columbia Business School, Northwestern / Kellogg, Penn / Wharton

Intake Year: 2027

Pre-MBA Career: MBB

Post MBA Career: Consulting

GMAT: 735

GPA: 5/5

Years of Work Experience: 3

Location: Singapore

November 1, 2026 10:30am ET

Applying: Arizona State / W.P. Carey, Boston / Questrom, Boston College / Carroll, Duke / Fuqua, Florida / Warrington, Georgia / Terry, Illinois / Gies, Indiana / Kelley, Miami / Herbert, Michigan / Ross, Michigan State / Broad, Minnesota / Carlson, Northwestern / Kellogg, Notre Dame / Mendoza, Ohio State / Fisher, Penn State / Smeal, UC San Diego / Rady, UNC Kenan-Flagler, UT Austin / McCombs, UVA / Darden, Washington / Foster

Intake Year: 2027

Pre-MBA Career: Corporate Finance

Post MBA Career: Energy, Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Technology

GPA: 2.6

Years of Work Experience: 13

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina

Notes:

I do not have a strong academic background, but I believe I have a strong professional background to offset. I have over 10 years of progressive finance experience starting as an analyst moving all the way into a Director level role with line of sight into a VP role within the next 2 years. My background consists of financial acumen and cross department engagement resulting in tangible business outcomes and deliverables. I have experience managing upwards, managing downwards with my direct reports, and managing sideways with various department directors and VPs.

October 30, 2026 11:55am ET

Applying: Duke / Fuqua, UT Austin / McCombs

Intake Year: 2027

Pre-MBA Career: Actuary

Post MBA Career: Consulting, Health Care

GMAT: 620

GPA: 8.26

Years of Work Experience: 6

October 30, 2026 10:19am ET

Applying: Chicago Booth, Columbia Business School, Dartmouth / Tuck, MIT Sloan, Northwestern / Kellogg, Penn / Wharton, Yale SOM

Intake Year: 2028

Pre-MBA Career: Aerospace Engineering

Post MBA Career: Consulting, Bain, BCG, McKinsey, Finance, Investment Banking, Manufacturing, Aerospace

GPA: 3.53

Years of Work Experience: 3

Location: Midwest USA

Post MBA Location: Chicago, Washington DC, or NYC

Notes:

- Engineer at a top Aerospace & Defense company (Blue Chip / Fortune 100 company)
- 3 years of FT experience, have had 1 promotion so far, expecting 1 more before matriculation in Fall 2028
- Will have 4.7 Yrs FT experience (+2 undergrad internships) at matriculation
- Applying R1 2027 for Fall 2028 Full Time Entry
- Mechanical Engineering BS with Aerospace Engineering Minor, GPA 3.53
- Undergraduate volunteering included leadership role for a Pediatric Cancer philanthropy that raised $XX,XXX / yr.
- Also had an undergrad internship with a Blue Chip / Fortune 100 automotive company
- Hold a Masters in Engineering Management from Washington University in St. Louis, GPA 3.94
- Masters Capstone was a consulting project sponsored by a boutique firm in NYC
- Currently in MIT Sloan's Pre-LGO Pipeline Program
- Currently prepping for GMAT Focus, I am a strong test taker and expect 95th Percentile+. First attempt will be in early Q1 2027.

- Post-MBA goal: MBB Consulting in the Aerospace & Defense or broader industrials sector. Also considering a pivot to A&D/Industrials Investment Banking. (Any/all advice on how either of these map better to my profile is appreciated!)

October 28, 2026 2:38pm ET

Applying: Cornell / Johnson, Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua, Georgetown / McDonough, Michigan / Ross, NYU Stern, UCLA Anderson, UT Austin / McCombs

Intake Year: 2028

Pre-MBA Career: Internal Audit/Operations

Post MBA Career: Finance, Asset Management, Bank of New York Mellon, Blackrock, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Asset Management, PIMCO, UBS Group

GPA: 3.49

Years of Work Experience: 6

Location: New York

Post MBA Location: New York

Notes:

29, applying R1 2027 for Fall 2028 entry. GMAT Focus not yet taken; targeting ~670. 3.49 GPA, B.B.A. Finance (magna cum laude, full-tuition scholarship) from a state school.
~3 years at GS (margin lending ops to internal audit), now an Audit Manager in internal audit at TD covering Global Markets (fixed income, munis, prime services, counterparty credit risk). Lead audits as Auditor-in-Charge, manage small teams, support regulator exams. Use SQL/Alteryx in audit work. CIA in progress. Fluent in Spanish. Starting Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteering.
Goal: move from risk/controls into strategy or product roles at an established fintech (lending, brokerage, payments). Long term: run a fintech business line.
Schools: Wharton, Columbia, Yale SOM, Tuck, Stern, Fuqua, Ross/Johnson, Georgetown. Planning to use the Consortium for several. Also considering Stern part-time.

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MBA LiveWire

November 6, 2026 7:19pm ET

Interview Invite to Northwestern / Kellogg

Round: Round 1

Received via email November 6, 2026

Standardized Test: GMAT

GPA: 3.57

GMAT: 675

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Note:

It's not over until it's over. Super excited though!

Juno Member: Not yet

November 6, 2026 6:01pm ET

Interview Invite to Northwestern / Kellogg

Round: Round 1

Received via email November 6, 2026

Standardized Test: GRE

GPA: 3.03

GRE: 323

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Post MBA Career: Consulting

Application Location: United States

Note:

Received the interview invite via email, very excited!

Juno Member: Not yet

November 6, 2026 3:10pm ET

Interview Invite to Penn / Wharton

Round: Round 1

Received via portal on October 27, 2026

Standardized Test: GRE

GPA: 3.97

GRE: 324

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Post MBA Career: Finance, Investment Banking

Application Location: North Carolina

Juno Member: Not yet

November 6, 2026 3:09pm ET

Interview Invite to Stanford GSB

Round: Round 1

Received via email on October 20, 2026

Standardized Test: GRE

GPA: 3.97

GRE: 324

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Post MBA Career: Other Industries

Application Location: North Carolina

Juno Member: Not yet

November 6, 2026 12:46pm ET

Interview Invite to Rice / Jones

Round: Round 2

Received via email November 6, 2026

Standardized Test: Granted Waiver

GPA: 3.81/4.0

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Application Location: India

Juno Member: Not yet

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