Explore every episode of the podcast M7A: How Did You Get In?
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archana Sohmshetty - She Got Into Stanford GSB Before Her First Real Job | 03 Sep 2026 | 00:28:20 | |
Archana Sohmshetty got into Stanford GSB before she'd worked a single day. She applied as a deferred admit during her senior year at Michigan, took the GMAT twice while finishing an industrial engineering degree, and landed a 750. Then she deferred a third year to join Roblox , worked through both years of her MBA, and is now Head of Finance at Monzo Bank, US. We get into how she found the threads that became her application, why the "what matters most to you" essay is harder at 21 than at 27, and the mentor argument that got her to trade near-term career momentum for a degree that compounds over decades. She also makes the case that AI raises the value of an MBA rather than lowering it. 00:00 What AI can't replace 00:39 Meet Archana: Michigan, JPMorgan, Roblox, Monzo 02:54 Taking the GMAT senior year, twice 04:30 Stumbling onto deferred admissions 05:22 Finding the threads that became the application 07:33 Splitting the story across essays and recommenders 10:52 Two years in banking before matriculating 13:16 The client meeting that changed everything 14:23 Choosing the degree over career momentum 16:24 Stanford GSB during COVID 18:20 Working at Roblox as a full-time student 20:26 Does AI change the value of an MBA? 21:36 The classes that still pay off 22:41 Inside Touchy Feely 24:01 The biggest takeaway, four years out 25:39 From Roblox to Monzo 27:12 Advice for anyone on the fence | |||
| S4 E3 | That Could Be Us: Krupa Adusumilli on How an MBA Rewires Risk Tolerance (Stanford GSB) | 17 Aug 2026 | 00:37:43 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Krupa Adusumilli (GSB '25). Krupa studied business and economics at Berkeley Haas, started her career at Goldman Sachs covering healthcare, consumer, and industrials in San Francisco, and then spent four years at SoFi as it grew from 400 people to 4,000, went public, and picked up a bank charter. She was managing a team by 25, which is a big part of why she applied. She now leads a team as a Director at Incode. Krupa walks through why she applied to Stanford, Harvard, MIT, and Wharton, the four months of thinking and two weeks of writing behind her essays, and why she deliberately under-prepared for her interviews. She also gets into how different the HBS and GSB interview processes felt, why one day at Admit Weekend made the decision easy, and the two years she spent building a fintech product with a classmate before they decided to stop. (00:00) Opener | |||
| S4 E2 | Everybody Has an Opinion: Sonal Chopra on Finding an Admissions Consultant (Stanford GSB) | 30 Jul 2026 | 00:21:13 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Sonal Chopra (GSB '26). Sonal studied engineering at Delhi College of Engineering, then joined BCG as one of the first (and youngest) members of its big data engineering team in India. She spent several years at Procter & Gamble, first in a president's office role she worked through COVID and later back in India running analytics and insight alongside the country CEO, before interning at LVMH on the Digital Innovation team in the Fashion Group.Sonal walks through why she held off on an MBA, what changed four to five years into her career, and how she interviewed seven or eight consultants before carefully selecting one on track record and reference checks. She breaks down the GRE attempt that went sideways, the Michigan Ross application she wrote in a single day, and getting waitlisted. Her takeaway is that intentionality is paramount as an MBA applicant, and it starts with writing your own story down.(00:00) Opener(00:09) Introducing Sonal Chopra(01:13) Early Career and Experiences in Big Data(02:36) Working in Singapore during COVID(03:13) Motivation to Pursue an MBA(06:34) Starting the MBA Application Process(09:48) Selecting an MBA Admissions Consultant(10:02) Choosing the Right MBA Consultant and Application Process(10:33) Crafting an MBA Application Narrative(13:50) Life at Stanford GSB(15:05) Reflecting on Post-MBA Goals(18:31) Advice for Future Applicants | |||
| S4 E1 | One in a Million: Chase Lin on Leading with Authenticity (Stanford GSB) | 06 Jun 2026 | 00:37:01 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Chase Lin (GSB '27), a joint MA/MBA candidate at Stanford GSB studying education and business administration. Chase grew up in a first-generation household in Queens, went to NYU Stern, and built a career across consulting, JP Morgan, and Iron Mountain before deciding an MBA was how he'd close the gap between his technology background and the thing he actually cares about, which is education access. Chase walks through how he tied his technology background to a long-running passion for education, why he treated every optional section of the application as valuable real estate, and how he closed the gaps in his profile without chasing credentials for their own sake. He breaks down his GRE journey and the decision to retake the test until he maxed out his verbal score, the Stanford ethos that shaped how he presented himself ("be one in a million, not one of a million"), and the banana shirt he wore to his interview. His takeaway is that letting your real personality show is what got him in. (00:00) Opener (00:55) Introducing Chase Lin (01:50) Early Career, From NYU to Consulting (03:02) JP Morgan and Iron Mountain (04:19) Joint MA/MBA in Education and Business Administration (04:45) Reflections on Career Trajectory (05:32) Developing a Passion for Education (08:04) MBA Application Authenticity (09:16) Developing Extracurriculars (10:08) The Decision to Pursue an MA/MBA (12:57) Navigating the MBA Application Process (14:42) Stanford GSB MBA Application Advice (16:07) Earning Awards for Volunteer Experience (18:07) Closing Gaps in Your Application (19:29) Navigating GMAT vs GRE (26:37) Stanford GSB Culture (29:07) On Whether or Not Academics Matter (29:31) Extracurriculars at Stanford GSB (30:37) Post-MBA Career Plans (32:11) Advice for Future Applicants | |||
| S3 E7 | Forbes 30 Under 30: Building a Media Company at Wharton with Simi Shah (Wharton) | 07 Feb 2026 | 00:47:59 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Simi Shah (WG '25) to hear how she went from private equity to serving as Chief of Staff to former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi before building South Asian Trailblazers, a media company and agency elevating South Asian leaders. Simi opens up about crafting a cohesive application narrative across three very different career chapters, why she believes every experience compounds, and how she launched an agency her first week at Wharton. She also talks about finding her application "theme," navigating Wharton's team-based discussion, managing internship FOMO as a founder, and what it takes to build a company while earning your MBA. Simi is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and Harvard undergraduate alum. This episode is brought to you by Juno, the collective-bargaining platform that helps MBA students secure lower rates on student loans. Learn more at juno.us/m7a (00:00) M7A Sponsor: Juno (00:34) Opener (01:27) Introducing Simi Shah (02:26) Pre-MBA Background (03:14) Decision to Pursue an MBA (06:12) Crafting a Cohesive Narrative for Applications (08:14) Identifying an Application "Theme" (11:26) Why MBA? (14:47) Challenges in the MBA Application Process (17:28) Working on Indra Nooyi's Memoir (20:01) B-School Selection (22:04) Wharton Highlights (24:20) Strategies for the Team Based Discussion (27:35) Reflections on the MBA Journey (32:31) Pursuing Entrepreneurship at Wharton (35:24) Founder's Mindset (38:29) Recruiting and Internship FOMO (41:25) A Day in the Life of an Entrepreneur (44:37) Advice for Future Applicants | |||
| S3 E6 | Building a Personal Brand After Business School with Hannah Zhang (Wharton) | 06 Jan 2026 | 00:29:17 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Hannah Zhang (WG '24) to hear how she went from investment banking in Hong Kong to tech in Mexico City before landing at Wharton. Hannah opens up about burning out in finance, why she wishes she'd taken the GMAT in college, and how her international experience helped her stand out in a competitive applicant pool. She also talks about choosing Wharton over Booth, navigating the pressure of business school recruiting, and how she built Career Hannah – a personal brand with over 100k followers that landed her a product marketing role at Allium. This episode is brought to you by Juno, the collective-bargaining platform that helps MBA students secure lower rates on student loans. Learn more at juno.us/m7a (00:00) M7A Sponsor: Juno (00:34) Opener (00:48) Introducing Hannah Zhang (01:35) Pre-MBA Background (02:29) Motivation to Pursue an MBA (03:26) Why MBA? (04:41) MBA Application Timeline (05:55) Preparing for the GMAT (06:52) B-School Selection Process (09:17) Crafting an MBA Application Narrative (10:06) Reflecting on MBA Goals and Career Path (11:35) How to Stand Out as an Applicant? (14:43) Deciding Between Wharton and Booth (16:02) Why Wharton? (16:50) Wharton MBA Highlights (18:49) Post-MBA Planning (21:04) Building a Personal Brand (22:46) Pursuing a Career in Product Marketing (24:59) Advice for Future Applicants | |||
| S3 E5 | Making Student Loans More Affordable with Nico Echegaray (Wharton) | 20 Nov 2025 | 00:31:34 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Nicolas Echegaray (WG ’21) to unpack his path from Lima to Wharton – including how taking the GMAT early helped him score a 750, how he built a mission-driven narrative around financial inclusion, and how he navigated interviews as a non-native English speaker. Nico also shares how a viral LinkedIn post led him to an internship at Juno during COVID, why he ultimately chose Wharton, and how the MBA shaped his transition from investment banking to becoming COO of a fast-growing fintech startup. This episode is brought to you by Juno, the collective-bargaining platform that helps MBA students secure lower rates on student loans. Learn more at juno.us/m7a (00:00) M7A Sponsor: Juno (00:34) Opener (01:01) Introducing Nico Echegaray (01:58) Pre-MBA Background (03:34) Motivation to Pursue an MBA (04:43) Taking the GMAT Early (05:36) B-School Selection Process (07:19) Starting the Application Process (08:05) Hiring an MBA Admissions Consultant (08:20) Crafting an MBA Application Narrative (11:09) MBA Application Challenges (11:54) Preparing for MBA Interviews (13:42) Value of an MBA Admissions Consultant (14:57) MBA Application Results (16:42) Wharton MBA Highlights (17:51) Advice for Future Applicants (and Current Students) (19:08) Post-MBA Career (24:07) Juno (25:42) Working as a COO (26:18) Changes to Federal Student Loans (27:24) Value of a Wharton MBA (28:21) Advice for Future Applicants | |||
| S3 E4 | Exploration, Entrepreneurship, and Impact with Christopher Ghadban (Wharton) | 10 Nov 2025 | 00:26:52 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Christopher Ghadban (WG ’23) to explore his unconventional path from a 2.7 GPA and initial MBA rejections to earning a 740 GMAT score in just five days and ultimately getting into Wharton. Chris shares how his early experiences founding a synthetic biology lab at 19, working in clinical strategy and innovation at AstraZeneca, and later moving into venture capital shaped his views on resilience, curiosity, and impact in the biotech ecosystem. He reflects on using Wharton as a platform for exploration, the real ROI of an MBA, and the mindset that helped him turn setbacks into success. This episode is brought to you by Juno, the collective-bargaining platform that helps MBA students secure lower rates on student loans. Learn more at juno.us/m7a (00:00) M7A Sponsor: Juno (00:34) Opener (00:59) Introducing Christopher Ghadban (02:13) Undergrad Academics (03:13) Early Entrepreneurial Ambition (04:43) Professional Experience at AstraZeneca (06:19) Why MBA? (07:55) Crafting an MBA Application Narrative (11:20) Rejection and Reapplying (15:24) Scoring a 740 on the GMAT (16:53) Wharton as a Networking Platform (18:10) Was a Wharton MBA Worth It? (19:31) Post-MBA Career in VC (23:54) Advice for Future Applicants | |||
| S3 E3 | Global Opportunities through the Lauder Institute with Simo Rhazi (Wharton) | 31 Oct 2025 | 00:33:32 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Simo Mohamed Senhaji Rhazi (WG ’22) to unpack his journey from Morocco to Boston College, Wayfair, and ultimately Wharton. Simo shares how he navigated the challenges of being an international student, built an authentic narrative around making a difference in the world through entrepreneurship, and found community in the Lauder Institute’s MBA/MA joint degree program. He reflects on the ups and downs of the GMAT, his experience as a Leadership Fellow, and his transition from McKinsey Canada to the startup world at Clutch. This episode is brought to you by Juno, the collective-bargaining platform that helps MBA students secure lower rates on student loans. Learn more at juno.us/m7a. (00:00:00) M7A Sponsor: Juno (00:00:34) Opener (00:00:57) Introducing Simo Mohamed Senhaji Rhazi (00:06:18) Discovering the MBA (00:09:05) Crafting an MBA Application Narrative (00:11:28) Why MBA? (00:13:10) GMAT Challenges (00:16:25) MBA Prep Courses vs. Tutors (00:17:11) MBA Program Selection (00:18:47) MBA Welcome Weekends (00:19:17) Impact of COVID (00:20:48) MBA/MA Lauder Joint Degree Program (00:23:33) Wharton Leadership Fellows (00:26:09) Recruiting for MBB (00:28:57) McKinsey Canada (00:30:01) Strategy & Ops at Clutch (00:31:12) Advice for Future Applicants | |||
| S3 E2 | From Air Force to Founder with Alex Choi (Wharton) | 16 Oct 2025 | 00:37:04 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Alex Choi (WG ’19, HKS ’19) to unpack his journey from the US Air Force to Wharton and Harvard Kennedy School – and ultimately to entrepreneurship. Alex shares how he built a standout narrative as a veteran applicant, the risk of leaving active duty before knowing he’d been admitted, and how his time at Wharton and HKS shaped his perspective on leadership, service, and career design. He reflects on the transition from the military to big tech, his roles at Instagram and Alchemy, and how those experiences led him to co-found YourNegotiations.com, a consulting company helping job seekers earn more by mastering salary negotiations. This episode is brought to you by Juno, the collective-bargaining platform that helps MBA students secure lower rates on student loans. Learn more at juno.us/m7a (00:00:00) M7A Sponsor: Juno | |||
| S3 E1 | Building a Career in PE with Brian Willis (Wharton) | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:35:53 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Brian Willis (WG ’23) to unpack his journey from Notre Dame to Deutsche Bank, GTCR, and ultimately the Wharton MBA. Brian shares how he built his foundation in finance and private equity, what led him to step back and pursue business school, and how the experience reshaped his perspective on career, community, and balance. He reflects on his time at Wharton – from organizing Penn Fight Night to navigating personal loss – and offers candid advice on slowing down, staying grounded, and making space for what matters. Today, Brian is part of the Alpine Investors team, where he focuses on building and scaling services businesses alongside founders – combining the discipline of private equity with a people-first approach to investing. This episode is brought to you by Juno, the collective bargaining platform that helps MBA students secure lower rates on student loans. Learn more at juno.us/m7a (00:00:00) M7A Sponsor: Juno (00:00:34) Opener (00:00:45) Introducing Brian Willis (00:02:07) Decision to Attend B-School (00:03:56) Why MBA? (00:05:48) Application Timeline (00:06:35) Writing the Application Essays (00:08:09) How to Stand Out in a Competitive Pool (00:09:28) Essay Tactics (00:10:04) LOR Strategy (00:10:47) Developing Extracurriculars (00:11:48) Making Time to Build a Well-Rounded Profile (00:12:22) Time, Treasure, and Talent (00:13:32) How to Craft a Cohesive Narrative (00:15:21) School Selection (00:16:30) MBA Application Challenges (00:17:06) Retaking the GMAT (00:17:49) Taking PTO to Finish Applications (00:18:56) Leveraging Your Network (00:20:53) Wharton MBA Highlights (00:22:35) Family Illness and Loss (00:23:29) Learnings from Wharton (00:24:59) Post-MBA at Alpine Investors (00:26:15) Hard and Soft Skills Development (00:27:02) Favorite Classes at Wharton (00:31:07) Long-Term Goals (00:32:38) Advice to Future Applicants | |||
| S2 E7 | MBA Sponsorship and Application Strategy with Bethany Rolan (HBS) | 24 Aug 2025 | 00:33:16 | |
In this conversation, Bethany Rolan, HBS '22, shares her journey from McKinsey to Harvard Business School and back to the firm in a specialized role. She discusses her pre-MBA background working at McKinsey for three years, including an internal rotation with their global social responsibility group, and her decision to pursue an MBA with company sponsorship. Bethany provides detailed insights into her application strategy, including taking the GMAT during her final semester of undergrad, crafting her narrative around data analytics and mission-driven leadership, and managing feedback from multiple reviewers. She also covers her experience choosing between business schools during the early COVID period and highlights from her HBS experience, including a transformative service operations class that shaped her career focus. The conversation concludes with her current work in organizational performance at McKinsey and her future plans to transition into operational roles. (0:00) Introduction to Bethany Rolan (1:00) Background and Deciding on an MBA (5:35) Timing the MBA Application (7:15) Developing Career Focus Areas (10:20) Application Narrative and Strategy (13:15) Managing Application Feedback (16:40) Choosing Recommenders at McKinsey (19:45) School Selection and Decision Process (21:40) HBS Experience Highlights (24:10) HBS Academic Intensity (25:40) Staying Connected Post-Graduation (28:00) Current Role and Future Plans (30:10) Advice for Potential Students | |||
| S2 E5 | Applying 2+2 and Creating Economic Opportunity with Kelsey Roberts (HBS) | 01 Jun 2025 | 00:38:23 | |
Kelsey Roberts’ path to Harvard Business School was anything but typical. In this episode, she shares how she applied through the 2+2 program as an engineering student at Georgia Tech and used her deferral to explore manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. Kelsey discusses her unique application strategy, the decision to wait four years before starting at HBS, and how her MBA has shaped her impact at Forage. Whether you’re an early-career applicant or exploring nontraditional MBA paths, Kelsey’s story offers inspiration and insight. | |||
| S2 E4 | From Zambia to Big Tech: Radhika Lokur’s Career Pivot (HBS) | 18 May 2025 | 00:32:31 | |
Radhika Lokur’s journey to Harvard Business School defies convention. In this episode, she opens up about her background in international development, navigating the MBA application process, and pivoting into a tech role in London. From GMAT challenges to building community at HBS, Radhika shares practical insights for applicants considering bold career shifts – and reminds us that the MBA path doesn’t have to be traditional to be transformative. | |||
| S2 E3 | Skipping Corporate for CEO: Bob Boniface’s ETA Journey (HBS) | 05 Apr 2025 | 00:42:08 | |
In this conversation, Bob Boniface shares his journey from working at General Motors to pursuing an MBA at Harvard Business School and eventually transitioning into entrepreneurship through acquisition. He discusses the value of an MBA, the application process, the impact of COVID-19 on his business school experience, and the lessons learned while running a business post-MBA. Bob emphasizes the importance of networking, being open to new opportunities, and the skills gained from an MBA that have helped him in his entrepreneurial journey. | |||
| S2 E2 | Building a Career in Corporate Finance with Lesley Kim (HBS) | 27 Mar 2025 | 00:37:40 | |
In this episode, Lesley shares her journey from Korea to HBS, discussing her unique background in blockchain and international relations. She reflects on her decision to pursue an MBA, the application process, and the importance of self-reflection. Lesley highlights her experiences at HBS, the challenges of being an international student, and how her education has shaped her career in corporate finance. She offers valuable advice for prospective MBA students, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation and self-awareness. | |||
| S2 E1 | From India to Biotech Entrepreneurship with Ananya Zutshi (HBS) | 12 Mar 2025 | 00:48:34 | |
In this conversation, Ananya Zutshi shares her inspiring journey from her early life in India to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the biotech industry after completing her MBA at Harvard Business School. The discussion covers her educational background, the challenges she faced during her application process, the importance of networking, and the valuable lessons learned about leadership and interpersonal dynamics. Ananya emphasizes the significance of introspection and resilience in navigating her career path, as well as the impact of her MBA experience on her entrepreneurial endeavors. | |||
| S1 E8 | How to Pursue What You Want (Not What You “Should”) with Jeff Simnick (Berkeley Haas) | 16 Feb 2025 | 00:54:20 | |
In this conversation, Jeff Simnick (Haas '20) shares his journey from healthcare investment banking in Chicago to pursuing the joint MBA/MPH program at Berkeley Haas School of Business. He discusses his transition from traditional healthcare to digital health product management, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in business school applications and pursuing what you want rather than what you think you should do. Jeff provides detailed insights into his application process, including his memorable six-word story essay about eating Vaseline during a marathon and his decision to take the GMAT three times to achieve a 730 score. He highlights the value of Berkeley Haas's unique culture, extensive internship opportunities through the dual degree program, and the career coaching resources that helped him navigate his transition into tech. The conversation concludes with his philosophy about following your genuine interests rather than perceived obligations, which he learned during business school. (0:00) Introduction to Jeff Simnick (1:10) Background and Chicago Upbringing (4:10) Discovering Healthcare Interest at UChicago (6:40) Career Move to Kaiser Permanente (8:10) Why Business School Felt Inevitable (10:40) Tech Friends' MBA Skepticism (16:00) Application Process and Resources (20:10) Berkeley Haas Culture and Fit (22:40) The Six Word Story Essay (30:00) Authenticity in Applications (34:10) MBA/MPH Program Benefits (42:00) Rapid Fire Questions (51:00) Philosophy of Following Your Wants | |||
| S1 E7 | “Book the Test!” Admissions & Entrepreneurship with Co-Host Alex Neuber (HBS) | 16 Feb 2025 | 01:01:51 | |
In this episode, Alex Neuber (HBS '21) is interviewed by her co-host Julia about her journey from marketing at Wayfair to Harvard Business School and eventually to entrepreneurship in the food tech industry. Alex shares how a gallbladder surgery in college sparked her passion for food and nutrition, leading her to pivot her career focus toward the food industry while building entrepreneurial skills at a high-growth company. The conversation covers Alex's essay writing process, her strategic approach to business school applications, and her current role at a food tech startup called Foodberry. She discusses the importance of authenticity in essays, the value of intentional decision-making, and her philosophy on entrepreneurship that prioritizes autonomy over venture capital backing. Alex also shares practical advice about taking the GMAT early and building a genuine narrative that connects past experiences to future goals. (0:00) Introduction to Co-Host Alex (2:30) Family Background and Career Pressure (6:15) Early Interest in Business and Food (8:45) Cornell Education and Food Industry Focus (12:00) Wayfair Experience and Entrepreneurial Skills (13:25) Reading Alex's HBS Essay (22:00) Essay Analysis and Writing Process (29:00) GMAT Challenges and Application Strategy (33:05) School Selection and Boston Focus (38:15) Value of Business School Experience (42:00) Current Role at Foodberry (53:00) Rapid Fire Questions | |||
| S1 E9 | Bringing Kindness to Investment Banking with Matt Ochalski (Chicago Booth) | 16 Feb 2025 | 00:55:29 | |
In this conversation, Matt Ochalski (Booth '23) shares his journey from working seven years in debt capital markets in New York to pursuing an MBA at Chicago Booth School of Business. He discusses his methodical approach to the application process, including his extensive planning timeline, managing applications while working 90-hour weeks in banking, and his authentic essay strategy centered around bringing kindness to the professional world. Matt emphasizes the importance of authenticity in applications, detailing how he wrote about kindness as a core value in banking and how this theme helped differentiate him from other candidates. He also covers practical advice on managing recommenders, visiting schools during the pandemic, and making the most of business school experiences. The conversation concludes with insights about Booth's culture, balancing academic rigor with social opportunities, and successfully pivoting within the banking industry. (0:00) Introduction to Matt Ochalski (1:10) Background and Chicago Roots (5:00) Seven Years in Banking (6:00) Decision to Pursue Business School (7:15) Managing Applications While Banking (9:35) Impact of COVID on Applications (12:25) School Selection Criteria (14:25) Essay Strategy and Process (22:00) Writing About Kindness in Banking (29:30) Recommender Management Strategy (38:00) Booth Experience and Random Walk (47:55) Rapid Fire Questions | |||
| S1 E1 | Pivoting Careers with MBA Internships with Jungduk Seo (Kellogg) | 16 Feb 2025 | 00:57:22 | |
In this conversation, Jungduk Seo shares her journey from healthcare consulting to pursuing an MBA at Kellogg School of Management. She discusses her thoughtful approach to school selection, the value of working with an admissions consultant, and how she used multiple internships during business school to pivot into product management. Jungduk emphasizes the importance of being open to unexpected career paths, as she initially had no interest in product management but discovered her passion for it through hands-on experience. The conversation covers her GMAT preparation, application strategy of focusing on just three schools, and the transformative power of MBA internships. She details three different internship experiences in healthcare VC, health systems, and mental health startups that ultimately led to her current role as a product manager at a health tech company. Jungduk also reflects on the lasting value of business school relationships and the importance of having clear goals while remaining flexible about outcomes. (0:00) Introduction to Jungduk Seo (2:50) Background and Path to Cornell (5:45) From Engineering to Healthcare Consulting (8:15) Decision to Pursue an MBA (12:05) Working with an MBA Consultant (16:35) Crafting Application Narrative and Essays (20:15) GMAT Journey and Test Strategy (25:00) Application Process and School Selection (31:45) Kellogg Experience and MBA Internships (40:25) Transitioning to Product Management (46:25) Value of MBA and Career Reflections (51:00) Rapid Fire Questions | |||
| S1 E10 | “The Answer Is...Maybe?”: Waitlists, Rounds, and GMAT vs GRE | 16 Feb 2025 | 00:43:27 | |
In this episode, Julia and Alex tackle three critical MBA application topics that prospective students frequently ask about: handling waitlist decisions, choosing between Round 1 and Round 2 applications, and deciding between the GMAT and GRE. Drawing from their own experiences and conversations with classmates, they provide practical advice for navigating these challenging aspects of the MBA admissions process. The hosts share personal stories about waitlist experiences, including Julia's journey being waitlisted at Harvard Business School and Alex's sister's experience at MIT. They discuss the emotional challenges of waiting and offer concrete strategies for managing the uncertainty. On application timing, they explain the trade-offs between rounds, emphasizing that readiness matters more than acceptance rate statistics. Finally, they cover test preparation strategies, sharing their own GMAT journeys and providing tips for effective studying, including when to consider tutoring and how to source affordable prep materials. (0:00) Welcome and Topic Overview (1:55) Understanding the MBA Waitlist Experience (5:20) Strategies for Managing Waitlist Emotions (8:15) How Business Schools Structure Their Classes (11:55) Personal Waitlist Story from Julia (14:35) Round 1 vs Round 2 Application Timing (18:00) When You Should Apply Round 1 (21:25) GMAT Strategy and Preparation Approach (27:00) GMAT vs GRE Decision Making (31:20) Study Timeline and Test Taking Schedule (36:45) GMAT Preparation Resources and Tutoring (40:20) Final Takeaways and Advice | |||
| S1 E5 | Engineering the Perfect MBA Application with Tyrel Sulzer (HBS) | 16 Feb 2025 | 00:35:56 | |
In this conversation, Tyrel Sulzer (HBS '22) shares his journey from working as a geotechnical engineer in Canada's oil sands to pursuing an MBA at Harvard Business School. He discusses his unique background as an indigenous Canadian and how he crafted his application essay around his experiences bridging corporate and community interests in the energy sector. The discussion covers his strategic approach to the application process, including his decision to apply to only three schools and how he drew on his distinctive perspective on indigenous sovereignty and energy development. Tyrel provides detailed insights into his essay writing process, which took an entire summer to refine, and explains how he positioned himself as different from typical engineering applicants. He also reflects on how his goals have evolved during business school and shares candid advice about dealing with skeptics during the application journey. The conversation offers valuable perspective on how applicants can authentically showcase unique backgrounds and experiences that set them apart in the admissions process. (0:00) Introduction to Tyrel Sulzer (1:45) Background and Pre-MBA Experience (2:55) GMAT Score and Application Stats (4:50) Harvard Business School Essay Reading (11:10) Reflecting on the Essay (13:20) What Made the Essay Unique (15:40) Essay Writing Process and Timeline (19:00) Career Goals and Vision Changes (21:05) School Selection Strategy (23:45) Application Resources and Advice (25:00) The Real Why Behind MBA (26:15) HBS Experience and Value (28:05) Rapid Fire Questions (34:30) Final Application Advice | |||
| S1 E2 | Negotiating $50K Off MBA Tuition with Kate van Keulen (USC Marshall) | 16 Feb 2025 | 01:06:51 | |
In this conversation, Kate van Keulen shares her journey from working in insurance and tech to pursuing an MBA at USC Marshall School of Business. She discusses her unique background in cyber security program management at One Medical, her decision to apply to business school despite skepticism from colleagues in San Francisco's tech scene, and her strategic approach to the application process. Kate provides valuable insights into essay writing, focusing on showing who you are as a person rather than just listing accomplishments. She also shares her experience with scholarship negotiations, successfully doubling her initial award from $25,000 to $50,000 per year by using a competing offer from Carnegie Mellon's Tepper School of Business. The conversation covers her first semester experience at USC Marshall and her reflections on the value of the MBA program, particularly the collaborative culture and networking opportunities. (0:00) Introduction to Kate van Keulen (2:05) Growing Up in Northern California (3:40) Career in Cyber Security Program Management (7:00) Decision to Pursue an MBA (10:05) San Francisco Tech Skepticism About MBAs (17:15) Research and School Selection Process (20:45) GMAT Journey and Three-Time Test Taker (27:05) Essay Writing Strategy and Approach (32:00) Interview Process and Scheduling Tips (37:45) Balancing MBA Applications with Relationships (44:30) Scholarship Negotiation Success Story (57:00) First Semester Experience at USC Marshall (1:02:05) Advice for Future MBA Applicants | |||
| S1 E4 | Why You Don’t Need an MBA but Might Want One with Behram O’Habib (HBS) | 16 Feb 2025 | 00:54:43 | |
In this conversation, Behram O'Habib (HBS '21) shares his unconventional path from nanotech engineering to Harvard Business School. He discusses growing up in Pakistan, immigrating to Canada as a child, and how his parents' sacrifice to provide better opportunities shaped his worldview. Behram details his experience co-founding a startup, living in China for over two years, and the challenging co-founder dynamics that ultimately led to the company's dissolution. He explains how the startup's failure prompted his MBA application, his decision to focus on Harvard Business School over other top programs, and his essay strategy centered on his family's immigration story. Behram reflects on the true value of an MBA, emphasizing that while business school provides significant advantages and opens doors, success doesn't require it. He advocates for deep self-reflection about what you're willing to sacrifice for, arguing that understanding your motivations is more important than following conventional paths. (0:00) Introduction to Behram O'Habib (1:00) Growing Up in Pakistan and Canada (3:40) Background and Engineering at Waterloo (8:50) Working at P&G and Starting a Company (13:00) Startup Journey and Move to China (17:00) Co-founder Conflicts and Company Dissolution (23:40) Deciding on HBS and Application Strategy (28:00) Essay Writing and Immigration Story (34:00) Interview Experience and Getting In (39:00) Key Takeaways from Business School (50:00) Advice on MBA Applications and Life Philosophy | |||
| S1 E3 | Redefining Success with Michael Mancinelli (HBS 2+2) | 16 Feb 2025 | 01:05:51 | |
In this conversation, Michael Mancinelli (HBS '21) shares his unique journey from Denver to Harvard Business School through the prestigious 2+2 deferred admission program. As a former Harvard undergraduate who studied electrical engineering while playing Division I football, Michael offers valuable insights into how engineers can successfully position themselves for MBA admissions. He discusses his strategic decision to not immediately disclose his HBS acceptance to his aerospace employer, allowing himself to experience life as a working engineer before committing to business school. Michael breaks down his distinctive essay approach, which eschewed traditional storytelling in favor of a structured, business case-style format that highlighted leadership lessons from college athletics. He explains how he drew on his football experience to demonstrate skills like self-evaluation, coachability, and decision-making under pressure. The conversation covers his pivot from aerospace engineering to entrepreneurship, his academic excellence as a Baker Scholar, and his current venture in sports technology with his former Harvard teammate who played in the NFL. (0:00) Introduction to Michael Mancinelli (3:05) Denver Upbringing and Path to Harvard (5:35) The 2+2 Program Decision (7:50) Redefining Success at Business School (9:45) Discovering Entrepreneurship (13:50) Strategic Essay Structure and Approach (18:00) Using Real Estate Wisely in Applications (24:50) The Confidence Mindset (30:00) Essay Writing Process and Resources (37:50) Advice for 2+2 Applicants (40:30) Marriage and Business School Balance (45:00) Startup Ventures and Career Evolution (52:30) Current Sports Technology Company (57:00) Rapid Fire Questions (1:05:15) Final Words on Defining Success | |||
| S1 E6 | “Why Not Me?” Taking Chances on an Elite MBA with Linda Li (HBS) | 16 Feb 2025 | 00:58:02 | |
In this conversation, Linda Li, HBS '21, shares her journey from credit risk analysis at JP Morgan to impact investing at Social Finance, and ultimately to her current role at a mental health startup. She discusses how her unique background in impact investing helped differentiate her application, despite initial insecurities about competing with accomplished colleagues who were also applying to business school. Linda opens up about her essay writing process, including how critical feedback led her to completely rewrite her application just one week before the deadline. She reads her compelling essay aloud, which weaves together her family's immigration story from China with her daily walks through San Francisco's homelessness crisis to illustrate her motivation for pursuing social impact work. The conversation covers her GMAT struggles (taking it three times to achieve a 710), her decision between Harvard Business School and Yale, and how the COVID-19 experience at HBS unexpectedly strengthened her relationship with her partner while providing valuable frameworks she still uses today. (0:00) Introduction to Linda Li (2:25) Background and Path to Impact Investing (6:00) Decision to Apply to Business School (8:10) Application Strategy and School Selection (13:35) GMAT Scores and Application Stats (15:00) School Choice and Interview Experience (19:45) Essay Writing Process and Challenges (27:00) Reading the HBS Essay (35:40) Application Doubts and Insecurities (39:00) HBS Experience and Key Takeaways (46:25) Rapid Fire Questions (56:40) Final Advice for Applicants | |||