Harvard Business School MBA News (2024)

Published: April 26, 2024

Real Humans of Amazon: Tyler Simpson Tyson, HBS MBA ’20, Senior Product Manager

From HBS to Facebook to Amazon, Tyler Simpson Tyson recounts her professional journey in this edition of Real Humans: Alumni. Simpson Tyson explains how she was drawn to Harvard Business School by its case study method, which requires more participation than traditional lectures and challenges students with real-world scenarios. Read her story below to find…Read more

Published: April 22, 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 3 and Deferred Admissions We are now completed the decision release period for Round 2 candidates, and have moved on to Round 3. Monday, April 22, UNC / Kenan-Flagler is…Read more

Published: April 12, 2024

‘Big Tech’ Hiring Declined for Class of 2023 MBA Graduates

Tech jobs have been a popular choice for MBA candidates since the early 2000s – gradually becoming one of the top three career paths that many business school graduates pursue (along with consulting and finance). In this analysis, we take a closer look at which leading MBA programs managed to place their graduates into tech…Read more

Published: April 9, 2024

The 2024 U.S. News Best Graduate Programs Rankings rolled out and we’re taking a closer look at the Best Business School list. Stanford GSB jumps five spots from last year to join The Wharton School in the top spot. These two replace last year’s #1 school, Chicago Booth, which now ranks third along with Northwestern…Read more

Published: March 26, 2024

Clear Admit MBA Fair 2024 – May 15th, Chicago

Join leading MBA programs at this exclusive event in downtown Chicago to learn more about management education. Connect with admissions officers, chat with MBA alumni, and pick up expert tips on the application process. Space is limited! Date: Wednesday, May 15th Time: 5:00-8:30 pm Location: LM Studio, 808 S Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois Timing5:20 –…Read more

Published: March 25, 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 2 decisions amid Round 3 deadlines We are now moving to the decision release period for Round 2 candidates, and the beginning of Round 3. Monday, March 25, Dartmouth /…Read more

Published: March 22, 2024

Here’s What to Consider When Financing Your MBA in 2024

Partner Content We asked our friends at Juno to share their wisdom on financing the MBA. Nicolas Echegaray, Wharton MBA 21’ and Juno’s General Manager, shared the following to help recent MBA Admits better prepare for their upcoming programs. If you haven’t done so already, consider joining Juno’s MBA student loan negotiation group (free and…Read more

Published: March 22, 2024

From B-School to MBB: Strategy Consulting Jobs Placement at Leading MBA Programs

Take a closer look at MBB consulting jobs placement out of the best MBA programs. MBA graduates continue to seek out management consulting jobs for the opportunity to provide strategic advice to business leaders operating large companies. Jobs at leading strategy consulting firms such as McKinsey, Bain and BCG (known as the MBB) are particularly…Read more

Published: March 18, 2024

M7 Business Schools Continue to Dominate in Venture Capital and Private Equity Finance Careers

MBA graduates continue to be drawn to careers in the finance industry due to the large compensation packages, the chance to work on high-profile deals at investment banks, and the opportunity to invest in the next billion-dollar company at a venture capital or private equity firm. As we will see below, the top MBA programs…Read more

Published: March 15, 2024

Submit an HBS, INSEAD, MIT Sloan, NYU Stern, Stanford GSB or UPenn Wharton MBA Interview Report – Receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card

If you’re interested in sharing your MBA interview experience,we are awarding a $10 Amazon gift certificate to each applicant who submits an MBA interview report for HBS, INSEAD, MIT Sloan, NYU Stern, Stanford GSB or UPenn Wharton by Sunday, March 17th, 11:59 pm EST. To be eligible for the $10 gift card, you must be…Read more

Published: March 14, 2024

Real Humans of PepsiCo: Darrin Rahn, HBS MBA ’19, Strategy Director

In today’s Real Humans: Alumni feature, we meet Darrin Rahn, HBS MBA ’19 & PepsiCo Strategy Director, whose career involves revolutionizing the future of food. To begin his journey toward his aspirations, Rahn wanted to expand his leadership abilities, gain a deeper understanding of global and emerging markets, and expand his professional network. He would…Read more

Published: March 11, 2024

Two people: one interviewer and one note-taker. Both briefly introduced themselves and we dove right into it. 1. What do you do at your current company? Few follow-up questions on the nature of my work. 2. Tell me more about your group: where do you see the growth in the short term? Few follow-ups on…Read more

Published: March 4, 2024

I interviewed on campus in February 2024. The interview was with one member of the adcom, and there was no observer in my room. My interviewer knew my application really well. She had a printed list of personalized questions prepared in advance. They touched on all parts of my resume and application — including something…Read more

Published: February 28, 2024

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…Read more

Published: February 26, 2024

1. Interview with HBS Adcom for R2 via Zoom – very collegial atmosphere, and completely resume-based 2. The questions were about my work experience (among others, but all about work experience): Why did you work at your previous company? Why were you promoted with such a high frequency? What were some of the most impactful…Read more

Published: February 26, 2024

School/Date/Admissions Round: HBS, December, Round 1 Description/location of visit and/or interview atmosphere: Interview conducted by AdCom via Zoom Type of interview (alum/adcom/first- or second-year student, resume-based vs. application-based): AdCom, resume-based, mostly focused on work experience List of interview questions: 1. Explain the current business you work in. 2. Why would you say you were promoted…Read more

Published: February 26, 2024

HBS interview for R1 in 2023. Interview was virtual using Zoom, hosted by Admissions Committee. The interview was resume-based and focused on my professional experience. Basically all the questions were regarding my work journey so far in my life: Why do you believe you got promoted many times in your career? What was your last…Read more

Published: February 26, 2024

Just as advertised: really personalized and in-depth interview, led by someone who has clearly read your entire application and knows your case in and out. Form the start, the questions were detailed surrounding my professional experience, aiming to understand my role within any project or achievement. Extensive follow-up for all answers, always trying to understand…Read more

Published: February 22, 2024

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.…Read more

Published: February 21, 2024

MBA Admissions Interview Primer: Unusual Interview Practices

This look at unusual MBA interview practices is the final part of our four-part interview series. We’ve tackled open versus invitation-only,resume- versus application-based and the team-based discussion interview. Let’s review which schools go beyond the typical admissions interview, whether by format or additional requests. Advice on how to tackle these unusual MBA interview practices is…Read more

Published: February 20, 2024

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…Read more

Published: February 15, 2024

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. Business School % International Arizona State University W.P. School of Business 39% Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business 53% Columbia Business School 47% Cornell UniversitySC Johnson…Read more

Published: February 13, 2024

TheFinancial Times (FT) released its rankings of the 100 best Global MBA programs for 2024. The Wharton School, which failed to make an appearance in the ranking last year, takes the top spot. Top Ten Overall Here are the top 10 MBA programs of The Financial Times 2024 Global MBA rankings (2023 positions are in…Read more

Published: February 13, 2024

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 are either gaining or…Read more

Published: February 6, 2024

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…Read more

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May 19, 2024 3:06am ET

Applying: Berkeley / Haas, Columbia, Harvard Business School, Northwestern / Kellogg, Stanford GSB, U. Chicago Booth, UPenn / Wharton

Intake Year: 2024

Pre-MBA Career: Legal advisory

Post-MBA Target Industry: Technology, Venture Capital, Media, Non Profit/SI, Other

Notes:

--Worked 2 years as a PE/VC transactions lawyer at a tier 1 law firm with funds like Sequoia Capital, Tiger capital
-- Been working 2 + years in tech policy advocacy. Work entails (a) govt engagement for big tech on data protection, anti-trust & platform governance, and (b) legal and strategic research on fintech, web3 and ecomm regulations.
-- Drummer, digital art hobbyist
-- Want to work at the intersection of technology, policy and social impact post MBA

A little more context --

1. I have a decent(ish) GRE at 320. Really struggling to get my GMAT above the 650 mark (GMAT focus) so thinking about skipping the GMAT.

2. Although grades seem low, its fairly above the median. Law school grading is different (Its a 5 year undergraduate programme for starters) and I went to one of the most prestigious law schools in my country.

Some questions for the good folks here at clearadmit --

Question 1.
Does my relatively unconventional profile stand out for scholarships at T16 B schools ? what about M7 ?

Question 2.
Is the GRE fine -- or should I retake given the rest of my profile? Or should I push to get a competitive GMAT ( 720 + I imagine) ?

And and all thoughts and perspectives are welcome as I am fairly new in my MBA journey. Look forward to engaging with y'all !

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May 13, 2024 11:43am ET

Applying: Columbia, Duke / Fuqua, HEC Paris, IESE, London Business School, Northwestern / Kellogg, NYU Stern, UCLA Anderson

Intake Year: 2025

Pre-MBA Career: Social Impact, Education

Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Consumer Goods, Non Profit/SI, Undecided

Notes:

I'm very social impact oriented, with several examples of extracurricular / volunteer experiences. First full time job was at a Social Impact Fund founded by a Peace Nobel Laureate.

Solid career working with Marketing/Branding on the Educational sector, two of the companies I worked for are NASDAQ listed. Strong leadership skills (I've been leading people for 4 years now).

My recommender is a Columbia MBA Graduate, Marketing Director at my current employee and my career mentor.

Undergrad GPA is my main concern. Intend to take the MBA Math and give another shot at the GMAT to improve quant score.

I am not sure if I am aiming too high...

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May 10, 2024 3:25pm ET

Applying: Columbia, Dartmouth / Tuck, Harvard Business School, NYU Stern, Stanford GSB, UPenn / Wharton, Yale SOM

Intake Year: 2025

Pre-MBA Career: Social Impact Consulting

Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Non Profit/SI Companies: Accenture, Bain, BCG

Notes:

I am extremely passionate about mitigating income inequality, seen up close through my upbringing in New York City. While there are a myriad of ways to "do good", my whole motivation for going to business school is to strengthen my skills and network to be a strong business leader who acts with advocacy in mind. Short term, I'd like to intern at an organization like the Nonprofit Finance Fund, where I can apply MBA skills in financial planning to advocacy projects. After graduation, I'd like to still join a corporation to bolster my experience and network before switching to government or non-profit. Companies I would be interested in include Bridgespan or Wachs Strategies, or within the corporate social responsibility or policy arms of big consulting firms or tech firms.A born and bred New Yorker, I witnessed socioeconomic disparities firsthand, and its impact on education and opportunities. Prior to joining Big 4 consulting, after graduation, I worked at the New York City Council, a food injustice non-profit and a public policy firm. This spurred me to study economic policy analysis and urban planning at a highly regarded state university. Today, as a senior business consultant, I engage with major decision-makers e.g. Wall Street chiefs and hedge fund C-Suites. Realizing the impact corporations have on the national landscape and reconciling this with my background in non-profit work, I want to leverage my relationships for stakeholder buy-in on policy issues. During an MBA, I'd build skills in strategy, particularly in corporate social responsibility, develop my communication skills, and take courses in purpose-lead marketing and impact investing, in order to pursue roles where I’d utilize business acumen to shape policy or social impact.

9

May 10, 2024 2:54pm ET

Applying: Columbia, Cornell / Johnson, Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua, Northwestern / Kellogg, NYU Stern, U. Chicago Booth, UVA / Darden, Yale SOM

Intake Year: 2025

Pre-MBA Career: CPG - Unilever Future Leaders Program (Very selective program in CPG internationally)

Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting Companies: Accenture, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG, PWC

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May 9, 2024 4:17pm ET

Applying: Carnegie Mellon / Tepper, Cornell / Johnson, Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua, Harvard Business School, HEC Paris, Michigan / Ross, MIT Sloan, Northwestern / Kellogg, NYU Stern, U. Chicago Booth, UPenn / Wharton, UVA / Darden, Yale SOM

Intake Year: 2025

Pre-MBA Career: Product Associate

Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Technology, Asset Management, inc. HF, Commercial Banking, Non Profit/SI Companies: AT Kearney, Bain, Booz Allen Hamilton, BCG, Deloitte, McKinsey, Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Lenova, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Oracle, Tesla, Uber, Blackrock, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Asset Management, Vanguard, Bank of America, Bank of New York, Capital One, Citibank, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, PNC Bank, State Street, Wells Fargo

Notes:

My childhood dream of becoming "everything" when I grew up might have seemed unrealistic, but in hindsight, it perfectly reflects my career trajectory. Growing up in a middle-class Indian family, stability and predictability were valued. This steered me towards Chartered Accountancy, a secure and respected profession. While I excelled in this role, a nagging curiosity about technology and a desire to make a real impact simmered within me. This internal conflict would become the driving force behind my professional journey – a constant exploration of where my passions and purpose intersected.

Embracing the analytical rigor of Chartered Accountancy, I honed my attention to detail and problem-solving skills. But the call of technology proved too strong. So, I made a bold move, transitioning to consulting at Deloitte. Leading the Accounts Receivable module for Ford USA was a crash course in project management and cross-cultural collaboration. The success of the project, `which led to my promotion to Senior Consultant` , was a testament to my ability to deliver under pressure. However, the fragmented nature of consulting left me yearning for a deeper connection to the product development lifecycle.

This yearning led me to Vera Solutions, a social impact organization that perfectly aligned with my values. Beyond the social good aspect, I saw a chance to leverage technology for positive change. Fueled by my analytical background, I spearheaded the development of an analytics tool, diving into vast datasets to identify user behavior and client satisfaction. These insights helped us tailor communication strategies, leading to a remarkable 5% reduction in churn rate. This experience underscored the power of data-driven decision making in the product world. Furthermore, I streamlined the design process flow, defining key stages and milestones to ensure a smooth development pipeline. These achievements cemented my passion for product ownership and the impact technology can have on social initiatives.

`My passion for social impact extends beyond Vera Solutions. I actively volunteer with Resolution Project and Tavishi, NGOs focused on child safety and education. These experiences have provided me with invaluable insights into the challenges faced by underprivileged communities, further reinforcing my commitment to using technology for positive social change.`

My vision for the future is clear – to build a social impact company that harnesses technology to create lasting change. Business school represents the next crucial step in this journey. The opportunity to learn from diverse individuals, develop my leadership skills (mentioning examples of leadership from your career or volunteering work), and gain a comprehensive understanding of various industries will be invaluable assets on this path. My short-term goals align with this vision – to hone my product management skills in a Big Tech company or contribute strategic insights as a consultant to understand the constraints and solve for such issues in varies sectors across companies and projects. Throughout my career, I have actively sought challenges, constantly seeking new avenues to learn and grow. Business school represents another exciting chapter in this continuous learning process.

As the first person in my family to pursue this path, I am not only driven to excel academically but also to contribute meaningfully to the business school community. The prospect of collaborating with like-minded individuals who share a passion for innovation and social good fills me with immense enthusiasm. My diverse experiences, unwavering commitment to growth, and burning desire to create positive change make me a strong candidate for an MBA.

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