One of the most frequent questions that we get is whether rankings really matter. Do you have to go to the top ranked MBA program to be successful in life? Clearly the answer is no. There are many paths to success. But, let’s be honest: in general a graduate of a top-ranked program wil l have more...
I read a Forbes article yesterday titled Why 'Results-Oriented Professional' Is The Worst Personal Brand that was so relevant to our work at Vantage Point that I had to share it. The term “personal branding” gets thrown around a lot, especially in MBA application strategy. But what does it really mean, tangibly? The definition of a personal...
Now that Columbia has released its essay topics, many applicants have already started preparing their Columbia MBA essays. Below are a few key points to remember while developing your story and rationale for “why Columbia.” Even if Columbia is not on your list, review the Columbia essay prompts. They may spark ideas while you develop stories for...
You're used to succeeding in just about everything you do - from Little League MVP up to being promoted early in your rockstar career. So, what happened with your b-school applications last year? Firstly, every year it gets harder and harder to get into the top MBA programs as we've mentioned before. A ton of qualified people...
Columbia is unique among top MBA programs because the timing of your application submission can significantly impact your chances. With its rolling admissions, applying early often works to your advantage. If you're considering applying to Columbia Business School, staying informed about Columbia Business School admissions and Columbia MBA application deadlines is essential. Success in this competitive...
When I was applying to business school, I was lucky to work in an environment (an investment bank) where I was surrounded by MBA graduates. And as such, I was voracious about soliciting their advice and feedback as I started the MBA application process. It was helpful to hear their stories of why they selected particular...
You are ready for the next chapter in your career. You also know an MBA is a crucial next step. But what if your post-MBA goals represent a major shift? Successfully explaining an MBA career switch is critical to how the admissions committee views your application. This shift could involve a new industry, function, or both....
Round 1 applications aren't due until September and October on average, so you have plenty of time, right? Not really. The window of time to visit and sit in on a classes in the fall is extremely short (see below for why sitting in on a class is the most important part!) Sometimes there are only...
“Chris – I remember our first marketing group together. You kept wanting to take the lead on the quant side and couldn’t figure out how to use Excel. We all thought it was adorable.” As it turns out, you don’t need to know Excel to get into a top MBA program. For those of you coming from...
