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Inside the Admissions Process: Featuring Directors from Kellogg, MIT Sloan, Vanderbilt, and Emory
In Part 3 of this series, admissions directors from Kellogg, Vanderbilt, and Emory will pull back the curtain on how applications are evaluated, what committees prioritize, and the signals that separate strong applicants from the rest. Panelists include Steve Thompson (Senior Director of MBA Admissions @ Kellogg), Katherine Farrar (Associate Director of Admissions @ MIT Sloan), Bailey McChesney (Director of MBA Admissions @ Vanderbilt), and Melissa Rapp (Associate Dean of MBA Admissions @ Emory). You’ll hear directly from decision-makers about how they assess essays, recommendations, test scores, and interviews—plus the common mistakes they see every year. Whether you’re finalizing your application or just getting started, this panel will give you rare, insider insight into the admissions process at top programs and practical strategies to improve your chances of success.
How to Prepare for MBA Interviews with Former M7 Admissions Officers
In this session, former M7 admissions officers Kelsey K. (Columbia), Mike H. (Stanford), and Christine B. (Booth) will share insider strategies on how to prepare for one of the most critical parts of the MBA application process: the interview. From traditional behavioral questions to school-specific formats, you’ll learn what top programs are really evaluating and how to showcase your strengths with confidence. You’ll also gain practical tips on structuring your answers, communicating your story clearly, and avoiding the common mistakes that derail otherwise strong applicants. Whether you’re just beginning your prep or gearing up for final rounds, this session will equip you with the tools and insights you need to stand out in MBA interviews.
Comprehensive Guide to Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation can make or break a graduate school application—but too often, applicants underestimate their importance or don’t know how to manage the process strategically. In this session, we’ll cover everything you need to know: whom to ask, when to ask, how to prepare your recommenders, and how to ensure your letters complement and strengthen the rest of your application. You’ll also learn how to approach potential recommenders with confidence, provide the right context and materials, and avoid common pitfalls. With clear guidance from Jennifer P., a Harvard master’s graduate and experienced coach, you’ll walk away with a roadmap to securing strong, authentic recommendations that highlight your strengths and align with your overall story.
The Application Mindset That Changed Everything: My Path to Stanford
Most school applications sound the same: "I've always dreamed of attending your prestigious program because..." But what if there's a completely different approach that admissions committees actually want to see? In this free session, I'll share the exact mindset shift that transformed my application strategy and led to my Stanford acceptance. You'll discover: - Why traditional application advice often backfires - The critical perspective change that makes you stand out instantly - How to demonstrate value to programs (not just desire to attend) - Real examples from my Stanford application materials Whether you're targeting top-tier programs or finding your best-fit school, this session will fundamentally change how you approach your applications.
Writing the “Why MBA?” Essay
Learn to clearly articulate why you need an MBA now, why each school fits, and how it connects to your long-term vision.
Columbia Business School: General Overview
Holistic information about Columbia Business School's admission statistics and program.
Your Problem Statement: The Most Significant Issue You Care About Solving In Your Career
Identify the problem or opportunity that most motivates you and articulate how it connects to your long-term goals.
Your Problem Statement: The Most Significant Issue You Care About Solving In Your Career
Identify the problem or opportunity that most motivates you and articulate how it connects to your long-term goals.
Crafting Your Throughline
Distill your story into a central theme or “throughline” that ties together your experiences and goals.
Work With Me!
Learn about personalized coaching options to refine your essays, story, and overall MBA strategy. Get an overview of the personalized coaching options Joshua can offer to refine your essays, story, and overall MBA strategy.
Tailoring Your Story for Different Schools
Adapt your core story for different MBA programs while maintaining consistency and authenticity.
Columbia Business School: Interview Answer Worksheet
Worksheet designed to help applicants prepare for Columbia Business School interviews by organizing responses to behavioral questions using the STAR framework.
Your Narrative Arc: Current Path vs Dream Career vs Disconnect
Map your current trajectory, envision your dream career, and identify the gap that an MBA can help bridge.
Intro to MBA Essay Writing
Translate your narrative into compelling MBA essays that demonstrate clarity of purpose, authenticity, and school fit.
Writing the STARR Essay
Master the STARR (Situation, Task, Action, Result, Reflection) framework to highlight your leadership, impact, and growth.
Introduction to MBA Narrative Brainstorming
Learn to uncover and articulate your personal and professional story—clarifying what drives you, what you’ve done, and where you want to go—to form the foundation for your MBA applications.
Columbia Business School: Recommender Guide
A template to ensure you have strong recommendations for your Columbia Business School application.
Connecting Your Personal and Professional Experiences
Learn how to weave together your personal motivations and professional experiences into a cohesive, authentic story.
Columbia Business School: Essay Brainstorming Template
A template to help prospective applicants to Columbia Business School brainstorm essay ideas.
Intro to MBA Essay Writing
Translate your narrative into compelling MBA essays that demonstrate clarity of purpose, authenticity, and school fit.
