Author: Melody

Can you Negotiate with a Top Business School?

The short answer is “it never hurts to ask”. Over the years, many of our clients have gotten the amazing news that they have been selected for a scholarship from at least one of their desired MBA programs. Sometimes, however, the money comes from a second or third choice instead of that coveted first choice school....

When To Retake The GMAT – And When Not To

“Do I need to retake the GMAT?” That’s a question plaguing hundreds, if not thousands, of MBA applicants this time of year. By now, many MBA hopefuls have taken the GMAT at least once but aren’t sure if their score is “enough” to get them accepted to their dream programs. While the GMAT is only one data...

Non-Traditional Applicant: Weakness or Strength?

“I’m a non-traditional applicant – how do I offset this weakness in my application?” “I think that my non-traditional background is a strength in my application because it differentiates me from all the consultants and bankers – do you agree?” So which one is it? Is a “non-traditional” pre-MBA background or career path a boon or a disadvantage...

Demystifying MBA Application Networking

In an already subjective and sometimes vague process, “networking” can seem particularly abstract or worse, can be simply another “thing” on your long MBA application to-do list. What is it exactly? Do you really need to do it? How will it help you get into your dream school? How do you get started? These are all questions...

School Choice: How to Decide Where to Apply

​“Where should I apply??” That’s invariably one of the first questions that anyone thinking about getting an MBA asks us. And it’s a question that takes some diligence, and perhaps some introspection, to answer. You want to be thoughtful about school selection for a couple of reasons. First, the application process is expensive and time-consuming. So, you...

A Real INSEAD Interview Experience

INSEAD takes a different approach to the interview than many other top schools. All interviews are conducted by alumniYou'll have two interviews (with two alumni selected based on their backgrounds)Interviews can be longer (over one hour is common)Interviews are not blind. In general, applicants tend to describe the INSEAD interview process as more in-depth. For an illustration of...