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Home » Episode » Episode 188: Admissions Director Q&A—Donna Swinford of Chicago Booth

Episode 188: Admissions Director Q&A—Donna Swinford of Chicago Booth

Published: September 28, 2021 by Lauren Wakal
Clear Admit MBA Admissions Podcast
Clear Admit MBA Admissions Podcast
Episode 188: Admissions Director Q&A—Donna Swinford of Chicago Booth
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Lauren Wakal
Lauren Wakal has been covering the MBA admissions space for more than a decade, from in-depth business school profiles to weekly breaking news and more.
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June 10, 2026 4:16pm ET
Accepted from Waitlist to NYU Stern
Round: Round 1
Received via phone on May 21, 2026
Standardized Test: GMAT
GPA: 2.94
GMAT: 700
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career: Finance, Asset Management, Investment Banking
Target Career: Consulting
Application Location: United States
Note:

Wild journey since getting Waitlisted post-interview Round 1. Gave several updates, and got the phone call on 5/22. Had to decline it because they gave no $ and I'm holding a very good scholarship at Johnson. Best of luck to those still waiting, but if you get off the list be ready to pay sticker price.
Juno Member: Yes
June 10, 2026 4:01pm ET
Interview Invite to NYU Stern
Round: Round 3
Received via email on May 24, 2026
Standardized Test: Granted Waiver
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career: Real Estate
Application Location: NYC
Juno Member: Not yet
June 10, 2026 2:57pm ET
Accepted to MIT Sloan
Round: Early Decision
Received via phone June 10, 2026
Standardized Test: GMAT
GPA: 3.93
GMAT: 695
Program Type: Deferred Enrollment
Post MBA Career: Finance, Private Equity
Juno Member: Not yet
June 10, 2026 1:07pm ET
Rejected from Waitlist at Michigan / Ross
Round: Round 2
Received via email June 10, 2026
Standardized Test: GMAT
GMAT: 715
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Juno Member: Not yet
June 9, 2026 1:40pm ET
Applying to All Schools
Round: Early Decision
Received via email
Standardized Test: I haven't taken any of the standardized tests yet.
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career: Finance, Asset Management, Diversified, Technology, Other, Service Now
Application Location: Afghanistan
Juno Member: Not yet
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