For applicants planning to apply this year, these announcements provide an opportunity to do more than simply mark deadlines on a calendar. Essay questions often reveal what admissions committees value most and where they have chosen to place greater emphasis in evaluating candidates.

In this article, I have compiled the application deadlines and essay questions for six leading MBA programs. I also highlight whether the schools have made significant changes, minor changes, or no changes to their essays compared to last year.

If you are planning to apply in Round 1, this information should help you prioritize your research and begin developing your application strategy.

1. Kellogg School of Management

Application Deadlines

Written Essays

Essay Question (550 words max)

Part I: An MBA is a significant investment of time, energy and resources, and the decision to pursue one deserves serious reflection. Tell us about the pivotal experiences and decisions that have brought you to this moment in your career, how they have shaped your ambitions, and why now is the right time to take this next step.

Part II: Now turn the lens outward: beyond what you hope to gain, what do you hope to contribute to the students who will learn alongside you?

Re-applicants will receive a prompt about their growth since their last application: How have you grown or changed personally and professionally since you previously applied and what steps have you taken to become the strongest candidate you can be? (250 words)

Video Essays:

Kellogg now requires applicants to record 5 video essays of 60 seconds each.

“The video will be comprised of five questions, each designed to help you showcase your personality and share some of the experiences that brought you here today.”

What's Changed?

Kellogg has made one of the most significant changes among the schools that have released their essays so far. The school has reduced the number of written essays from two to just one and increased the number of video essays from three to five.

This change may reflect a broader trend in MBA admissions. In an AI-driven world, admissions committees may increasingly rely on video essays and interviews to evaluate communication skills, confidence, executive presence, and authenticity.

2. The Wharton School

Application Deadlines

Essay Questions

Essay 1- Two short-form questions

1. What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (50 words)

2. Describe your medium-term and long-term goals after your Wharton MBA ( 150 words)

Essay 2- Long Form Essay

Taking into consideration your background- personal, professional, and /or academic- how do you plan to add meaningful value to the Wharton community?

Reapplicant Essay (required for all applications)

Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)

Additional Information Essay

Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. (500 words)

What's Changed?

Wharton's essay questions remain largely unchanged this year. The school continues to focus on career goals, leadership, and contributions to the Wharton community. The structure has been refined, but the underlying questions are familiar.

3. Berkeley Haas

Application Deadlines

Essay Questions

Required Essay # 1- Video Essay

Briefly introduce yourself, then tell us what makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why?

Please share something about yourself that may not be evident in other parts of your application. We are looking for an authentic and introspective response that demonstrates how you will contribute to the MBA class and culture at UC Berkeley Haas.

You will be able to test your audio-visual connection before recording. Video essays should last 1-2 minutes and may not exceed 2 minutes. You have two (2) attempts to record your video essay.

Required Essay # 2

What are your post-MBA career goals, and how will the resources at UC Berkeley Haas help you achieve them? How do you plan to remain adaptable as your career evolves? (300 words max)

Supplemental Information

Distance Traveled

At Berkeley Haas, we consider "distance traveled" as the contextual information that helps us understand the unique circumstances, challenges, or influences that have shaped your personal and professional journey.

We invite you to share aspects of your background, personal circumstances, or significant experiences that have meaningfully impacted who you are today and how you've reached this point. Please tell us how these experiences have influenced your perspectives, decisions, and aspirations, and how they contribute to the person you are becoming. (300 words max)

This section is optional.

Optional Statement 

This section should only be used to convey relevant information not addressed elsewhere in your application. This may include an explanation of employment gaps, academic aberrations, supplemental coursework, etc. You are encouraged to use bullet points where appropriate. (300 words max)

What has changed?

Haas continues to emphasize its four defining leadership principles and culture-focused essays with no major structural changes. The required video essay remains unchanged.

But Haas has added the adaptability component to the written essay about goals. The applicants are asked to explain if they are adaptable to change as their careers evolve.

4. Columbia Business School

August 2027 Entry Application Deadlines

Essay Questions

Short Answer Question 1:

What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (50 characters maximum)

Short Answer Question 2: How do you plan to spend the summer after the first year of the MBA? If in an internship, please include the target industry (industries) and/or function (functions). If you plan to work on your own venture, please indicate a focus of business. (50 characters maximum)

Essay 1: Through your resume and recommendation, we have a clear sense of your professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next three to five years, and what is your long-term dream job? (500 words)

Essay 2: Please share a specific example of how you made a team more collaborative, more inclusive, or fostered a greater sense of community within an organization. (250 words)

Essay 3 We believe Columbia Business School is a special place with a collaborative learning environment in which students feel a sense of belonging, agency, and partnership--academically, culturally, and professionally.

How would you co-create your optimal MBA experience at CBS? Please be specific. (250 words)

Optional Essay: If you wish to provide further information or additional context around your application to the Admissions Committee, please upload a brief explanation of any areas of concern in your academic record or personal history. This does not need to be a formal essay. You may submit bullet points. (Maximum 500 Words)

What's Changed?

The essay questions remain unchanged this year.

5. Duke Fuqua

Application Deadlines

Essay Questions

Required short-answer essay question

Instructions: Answer the following question in 100 words.

• What are your post-MBA career goals? Share with us your first-choice career plan and your alternate plan.

First required essay: 25 random things about yourself

The 'Team Fuqua' spirit and community is one of the things that sets the MBA experience apart, and it is a concept that extends beyond the student body to include faculty, staff, and administration. Please share with us “25 Random Things” about you. The Admissions Committee wants to get to know YOU - beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript. Share with us important life experiences, your hobbies, achievements, fun facts, or anything that helps us understand what makes you who you are.

Your list will be limited to 2 pages (750 words maximum). Please present your response in list form, numbered 1 to 25. Some points may be brief, while others may be longer.

 Second required essay: The Fuqua community and you

Fuqua prides itself on cultivating a culture of engagement. Our students enjoy a wide range of student-led organizations that provide opportunities for leadership development and personal fulfillment, as well as an outlet for contributing to society. Our student-led government, clubs, centers, and events are an integral part of the student culture and to the development of leaders. Based on your understanding of the Fuqua culture, what are 3 ways you expect to contribute at Fuqua?

Your response will be limited to 1 page (500 words maximum).

Optional essay: Tell us more

If you feel there are circumstances of which the admissions committee should be aware, please explain them here (e.g., unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance). Note that you should NOT upload additional essays or additional recommendations in this area. The Optional Information section is intended to provide the admissions committee with insight into your circumstances only.

Your response will be limited to 1 page (500 words maximum).

What's Changed?

Fuqua has retained their core essays, and the application continues to be heavily focused on fit, leadership, and community. Have fun with Duke Fuqua’s signature essay about ’25 random things about yourself’.

6. UCLA Anderson

Application Deadlines

Essay Questions

Short Essay Prompts:

1 - Why is the MBA the right degree for you to pursue both personally and professionally? (150 words)

2 - Describe your post-MBA short-term and long-term career goals. (150 words)

3 - What makes UCLA Anderson a top choice for you, and how will you engage with and contribute to the community? (250 words)

Optional Essay: Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions committee should be aware? (250 words maximum)

No preference is given in the evaluation process to those who choose to respond to this optional essay, so please use your best judgment.

What's Changed?

Anderson has retained its questions from last year. With only 550 words to present their profile, applicants need to make every word count. Write the optional essay only if you have a glaring weakness in your profile, not to provide additional information.

Key Admissions Trends Emerging So Far

Although it is still early in the admissions cycle, several themes are already beginning to emerge:

Increased Use of Video Assessments

Kellogg's increased emphasis on video essays suggests that schools may be looking for additional ways to assess communication skills and authenticity in an AI-assisted world.

Continued Focus on Leadership and Impact

Leadership, initiative, and measurable impact remain central themes across many applications.

Career Clarity Remains Critical

Schools continue to place significant emphasis on applicants' career goals and the rationale behind pursuing an MBA.

Authenticity and Self-Awareness Matter More Than Ever

Admissions committees are looking beyond resumes and test scores to understand candidates' motivations, values, and potential contributions.

Final Thoughts

If you are targeting Round 1, now is the time to begin working on your applications.

My experience working with MBA applicants over the past 15 years has taught me one thing: applicants who start early are often the most successful.

Strong applications are rarely built in a few weeks. School research, networking, self-reflection, recommendation planning, and essay development all take time.

The earlier you start, the stronger and more thoughtful your application is likely to be.

About MER (myEssayReview)

Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER (myEssayReview), is a Ph.D. in English with 15 years of MBA consulting experience and three decades of teaching experience in India and the US. A master storyteller, Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students worldwide to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,000+ essays written by applicants worldwide. Poonam was among the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more MBA tips and student interviews.
Follow me on LinkedIn and Facebook for insights and updates.
Explore blogs, interview transcripts, and resources:
https://myessayreview.com

The post MBA Application Deadlines and Essay Questions 2026–27: Key Updates and Admission Trends appeared first on MyessayReview.

While it is always wonderful to reconnect with them online and hear about their application journeys and MBA experiences, meeting them in person, often in their home country or adopted country, feels truly special.

Over the years, I have had the pleasure of meeting several former clients across the globe—Joseph (IESE MBA) in Lisbon, Mansi (Harvard MBA) in Gurgaon, Karan (Kelley MBA) in Faridabad, Katherine (UCLA, Anderson MBA) in California, Tanu (Kellogg admit) in Phoenix, and Cheska (Hitotsubashi ICS MBA) in Tokyo. Each meeting has been a wonderful opportunity to learn more about their application journeys, post-MBA experiences, life stories, and future plans.

Last month, when my husband and I were planning our trip to Egypt, I remembered my former client, Mohamed (RSM MBA), who lives and works in Cairo. I reached out to see if he might be available to meet during our four-day stay, and he graciously agreed.

Mohamed drove nearly an hour through Cairo’s traffic to meet us at the Marriott Hotel, where we were staying. It was an absolute pleasure reconnecting with him.

Our conversation covered many topics—his MBA and post-MBA journey, life in the Netherlands, cultural differences, life experiences, the growing importance of AI, and how he is using AI in his newly founded consulting firm.

Thank you, Mohamed, for taking the time to meet us, especially during the holy month of Ramadan while you were fasting. I truly appreciated the effort.

I’m delighted to share a few pictures from our meeting in Cairo.

Meeting with Mohamed at the Marriott in Cairo

Mohamed had earlier shared his inspiring MBA journey and post-MBA experience in a video interview with me.

You can watch the full conversation here:

https://myessayreview.com/student-interviews/mba-41-exceptional-tale-perseverance-sense-duty-faith/

 Related Blogs:

From mentoring online to meeting in Tokyo, Coffee Chat with Cheska

 MER’s first in-person celebration of student success-Tanu’s journey to Kellogg, Haas, and Stern w/$$$

Meeting a former student at UCLA Anderson during the AIGAC conference  

 About MER (myEssayReview)

Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER (myEssayReview), has a Ph.D. in English with 15+ years of MBA consulting experience and three decades of teaching experience in India and the US. A master storyteller, Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students worldwide to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,750+ essays written by applicants worldwide.

Poonam was among the top 5 most-reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023. Click here for her students’ testimonials on LinkedIn.

You may email Poonam at poonam@myessayreview.com with questions about your application or sign up here for a Profile Evaluation.

The post Meeting Former Clients Around the World: A Memorable Meeting in Cairo appeared first on MyessayReview.

Explore real examples of successful MBA application materials before and after expert review, showcasing the transformative impact of myEssayReview’ s personalized guidance.

Before

Give a candid description of yourself (who you are as a person), stressing the personal characteristics you feel to be your strengths and weaknesses and the main factors which have influenced your personal development, giving examples when necessary. (Maximum 500 words)

It was the journey that changed my life.

As a teenager in October 2004, without my parents’ knowledge, I embarked on a journey on board a night bus from Calabar, in Southern Nigeria to the University of Ibadan, in Western Nigeria to seek admission.

Coming from a poor background with the highest academic achievement in my immediate family at the time being just a high school diploma, it was not only deemed a lofty ambition to seek for university education but studying Medicine/Surgery at Nigeria’s best-ranked university seemed rather out of reach for someone like me. However, my early life experiences coupled with my strong-willed and ambitious nature inculcated in me by my strict, yet fair upbringing had prepared me for this.

As a child, I hawked on the streets of my town to support my family. An experience that instilled a level of independence and resilience that has shaped my journey through life. In keeping with this, I purposed in my heart to achieve this perceived lofty ambition and then surprise my parents with the good news.

After going through a perilous night journey from Calabar fraught with danger, which included a close armed-robbery incident, I arrived Ibadan around 11pm on October 16, 2004. After having slept in an open classroom (as I was on a tight budget and had no acquaintance Ibadan), I was further saddened by the Admissions Officer informing me the next day that I was only 2 marks shy of the merit cut-off point to gain admission into Medicine/Surgery. I was told I could only get into Medicine by joining another science-based course, bag a first class CGPA and then transfer to Medicine in my second year.

I had to go through a tough time as my economic conditions were dire. I also could not see my family for over a year, but I still put in the hard work to get a 6.2/7.0 CGPA (first class) in my first year. I was able to transfer into Medicine/Surgery in my second year, an achievement that saw me getting awarded a state government scholarship that subsequently eased my economic conditions. My parents were over the moon on getting the news, with my dad consequently being inspired to enroll in the local university. He is an accounting graduate today.

All these go to the core of my being an individual. Everything I have achieved in life has been a result of the strong will, tenacity and desire to change the circumstances providence dealt me. My dad, who at times had to work as a commercial motorbike rider to be able to pay for I and my siblings education played a major role in my character development.

My humble background, although instilling in me great values, also led to a certain shyness and self-effacing nature resulting in a phobia for public speaking. I often would rather have a one-on-one meeting or hold brief in a conference room than having to stand up to address an audience. Even as a child, I can recall being tongue-tied and sweaty palmed, overwhelmed with trepidation when picked to do recitations.

Knowing the importance of dealing with this, in college I decided to specifically join THE FORUM, an organization where members researched and presented papers on topical issues to a critical audience every week. I rose to become the Chairman of the organization. After college I actively decided to improve on my gains by joining Toastmasters.

Hence, I am looking forward to greatly gaining from the mentorship I’ll receive from INSEAD’s Personal Leadership Development Programme during which I will get personalized coaching geared towards developing great interpersonal skills and communication proficiency. This I know will go a long way in preparing me for the daily rigors of decision making in the corporate world while also imbuing me with the cutting-edge management skills required for entrepreneurship.

Word Count = 649

After

Give a candid description of yourself (who you are as a person), stressing the personal characteristics you feel to be your strengths and weaknesses and the main factors which have influenced your personal development, giving examples when necessary. (Maximum 500 words)

Growing up in a low-income family, I had to work as a street hawker as an 8-year-old, to support my family. My father, a cashier at a local government ministry, had to work as a commercial motorbike rider to pay for his children’s education with my mother’s support, who was a petty trader and homemaker. Their dedication and drive played a major role in my character development, making me independent and resilient. Consequently, I was determined to change my family’s dire conditions.

As a teenager, without my parents’ knowledge, I embarked on a 15-hour journey on a night bus to seek admission into Medicine/Surgery at Nigeria’s best-ranked university, the University of Ibadan. I knew seeking my parents’ approval would be difficult as they wanted me to attend a school closer to home. Therefore, with only a high school diploma, tight budget, and no acquaintance, I decided to be not only a first-generation university student but also university graduate to study Medicine/Surgery at Nigeria’s best-ranked university. To achieve this lofty ambition, I set out on a perilous night journey from Calabar fraught with danger, including a close armed-robbery incident, and arrived in Ibadan by 11pm.

I had to sleep in an open classroom before meeting with the university’s Admissions Officer, who informed me that I was only two marks shy of the merit cut-off point to gain admission into Medicine/Surgery. He suggested I could be admitted into Medicine/Surgery by joining another science-based course and transferring to Medicine in my second year with a first-class GPA. Despite my challenging financial situation, I enrolled in Physiology and got a 6.2/7.0 CGPA. So, I transferred into Medicine/Surgery in my second year and received a state government scholarship that eased my economic conditions. My parents were proud of me, and my father was motivated to enroll in the local university and is now an accounting graduate.

After university, I moved to Lagos to seek better economic opportunities and strategically took up demanding roles in international companies and organizations. This helped me build cross-country relationships that impacted my worldview and engendered a yearning to create global impact while also chasing my dreams. I also pursued entrepreneurial and business pursuits that have been character-building and enlightening.

Although my humble background instilled in me great values and made me independent, determined, and resilient it also made me shy and self-effacing, with a phobia for public speaking. I often preferred a one-on-one meeting or holding briefs in a conference room instead of addressing an audience. To overcome this weakness, I joined THE FORUM at the university, where members presented weekly papers on topical issues. I rose to become the Chairman of the organization. Since then, I have continued to lead teams and hold leadership roles at work and in various organizations.

I am looking forward to joining INSEAD’s Career Development Programme which will continue to prepare me for the daily rigors of decision making in the corporate world and help me hone the cutting-edge managerial skills needed for entrepreneurship.

Word Count = 500

The post Strengths and Weakness Essay -INSEAD (Before & After) appeared first on MyessayReview.

Growing up in a military family, Ashish imbibed values of leadership, discipline, and camaraderie early on. After graduating in the top 5% of his class from Savitribai Pune University in Civil Engineering, he worked at a construction company for 1.5 years. Eager to deepen his technical knowledge, Ashish moved to the US to pursue a Master’s in Civil Engineering from California State University, Fullerton. While completing his degree, he also interned with a construction company, laying the foundation for his professional journey in the U.S.

Over the next several years, Ashish worked at four different construction companies, steadily climbing the ladder with each role. He decided to pursue an MBA to transition into a leadership position within the same industry. However, his initial attempts with UCLA didn’t work, and he was advised to improve his test scores and essays.

Last year, with the same EA score, Ashish partnered with MER (myEssayReview) for his applications to four MBA programs: Berkeley Haas, UCLA Anderson, UC Irvine, and USC Marshall. The result? Admits from all four schools- and scholarships from two: $35,000 from UC Irvine and a scholarship from USC Marshall.

In this conversation, Ashish shares insights into the following:

️Talking Points of the Conversation

• Ashish’s academic and professional background  01:40
• Why MBA /  long-term Vision  02:42
• His preference for Haas over other Admits  03:49
• The role of personality and character in MBA applications  05:38
• Importance of extracurricular activities/community involvement 08:44
• Tips for crafting a compelling video essay  10:49
• Supportive Recommenders 12:34
• Interview tips 14:25
• Key factors behind his success with a modest EA score  18:00
• Advice for Prospective Applicants 21:20

And let’s dive into the conversation with Ashish……….

Admissions Summary

Poonam: Hello, Ashish. Thank you for taking the time for this conversation. I am looking forward to a rewarding conversation. Congratulations on receiving admit offers from four outstanding programs we collaborated on– Haas, UCLA, USC, and UCI. And UCI and USC even offered you scholarships. How does it feel?

Ashish: Thank you, Poonam. It feels great. Finally, I am on the other side of preparation and achieving the goal of MBA admissions. I’m really happy to be at this place and am thankful to all the people who supported me- including my spouse who has been with me on this journey from the beginning of this admission process, my family who laid the foundation for me to apply for B school, my recommenders who were a great source of encouragement for me during the process, and of course, you. Your help was very crucial this year for my application, which helped me to get all these admission offers. Thank you for your help.

Academic and Professional Background

Poonam: Thank you, Ashish. It was a pleasure working with you. Would you like to share your academic and professional background with our viewers?

Ashish: Sure. I was born and raised in India, did my Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, and worked there for over a year. Then I moved to the U.S. for my Master’s in Civil Engineering. During my master’s, I secured an internship in construction management, and I have been working in construction management for over five years now. During this time, I was also offered a board member position for a non-profit organization, called the Construction Management Association of America. That experience brought a nonprofit angle to my application, which helped me a lot as well.

Why MBA? Career Goals and Long-Term Vision

Poonam: When did you start thinking about pursuing an MBA? What are your career goals?

Ashish: After working in the field for several years and climbing the ladder, I realized that to grow into a project manager or senior Program Manager, I needed more credentials. There are various certifications, but an MBA would strengthen my portfolio. When we apply for projects, a lot of companies look for candidates with more academic and experienced backgrounds.  An MBA will equip me with the tools, business knowledge, and network to make that transition successfully. My long-term goal is to go up in the hierarchy and become a senior construction leader.

Choosing Haas Over Other Admits

Poonam: You were accepted into all four programs we collaborated on- Haas, UCLA Anderson, USC, and UCI.  As mentioned earlier, USC and UCI also offered you scholarships, yet you chose Haas. I can see Berkely Haas's picture in the background. Haas did not offer you a scholarship and requires weekend travel. Why is Haas the best school for you?

Ashish: I did extensive research on all the schools. Haas stood out for me because of its Defining Leadership Principles, which aligned with my personal values. Their long-term alumni engagement is very strong on the West Coast and all around the world, which caught my attention. Though the commute on the weekend is a commitment, I believe it’s worth it. There’s also a new online flex option, which started last year, but I have chosen the Saturday program to make the most of the MBA experience.

The Role of Personality/Character in MBA Applications

Poonam: Good, that makes sense. After working on four applications, what role do you think personality and character play in MBA admissions?

Ashish: A huge role. I literally wrote down everything starting from my family and growing up years. So that kind of highlighted my personality. Before coming to you, I was writing very professionally, just listing achievements and project outcomes. I was writing everything from a business point of view. But I realized schools want to see where you are coming from, who you really are, what your roots, background, and values are, and what brings you to the school. So, I think personality plays a huge role in shaping your application.

Poonam: Berkeley’s main essay was a personal essay about personality, family, culture, and hobbies.

Ashish: That was the most challenging essay I have written so far because of the shorter character limit and broad prompts. It was hard to incorporate leadership principles into that particular essay. But your advice to just be myself and present your picture in that essay and let the admission team do the rest of the job helped a lot. I think it’s just about putting you out there.

Poonam: Your essays will show how you resonate with the values of Haas. As I told you your stories aligned very well with Haas’s values of “Student Always” and “Beyond Yourself.”

Ashish: Yes, I didn’t realize it until everything came out after brainstorming and writing. So that was very helpful.

Importance of extracurricular activities/community involvement 

Poonam: You have a strong track record of extracurriculars and community involvement since college. What role do you think these non-work experiences have played in your admission success?

Ashish: They played a role. I can talk about two main roles. In my school days, I was part of some small local community and development teams, and in college, I participated in NSS. I have been an active volunteer for different community events, as well. In leadership, I have always sought roles that involve working with teams- school captain, undergrad president, and board member at my grad school, and now continuing that with my nonprofit work. I am also looking forward to continuing that journey here at Haas.

Poonam: And here you are playing a leadership role.

Ashish: I have been working as a board member for CMAA for over six years now. All of this added depth to my application.

Tips for Crafting Compelling Video Essays

Poonam: Let’s talk about video essays. Video essays have become a popular component of MBA applications in recent years. We worked together on your UCI video essay. Do you have any tips for applicants to craft compelling video essays?

Ashish: It was difficult for me to record myself in front of a non-living thing and share such personal information. My tips: be yourself, things will be a lot easier if you just give out the information that comes from your heart. Don’t memorize and over-rehearse and submit one of your first few takes. Your guidance was a big help. I had never done anything like that before, so a lot of the time, I was just getting distracted. So, all your suggestions and tips were helpful and made the process smoother. That video even earned me a $5,000 award on top of the $35,000 scholarship. So, thank you for that.

Supportive Recommenders

Poonam: That’s awesome! Let’s talk about recommendation letters which are also crucial parts of MBA applications. I have seen many applicants struggle with choosing recommenders, guiding them, and then following up with them for a timely submission. Did you face any challenges guiding them and getting them to submit their recommendation letters on time?

Ashish: I faced very few challenges since they were very supportive. They have been on my side all the time since they knew where I was heading. I am lucky that they were fully committed to writing good recommendation letters. The only challenge I faced was helping them frame their responses effectively, as they didn’t always know what B schools expect them to write. That's where your services were helpful. Your LOR guidelines helped guide them.

Interview Tips

Poonam: I am glad they were useful. Do you have any interview tips to share with prospective applicants? A lot of times, applicants get interview offers, but they are not adequately prepared for it because an interview is the last stage in the process that decides if they will be in or not.

 Ashish: Before the interview, try to connect with students or the admissions team- it helps you get familiar with the school, its values, and what they are looking for.  This helps you get comfortable with them while facing the interview with a new person in a different environment. Also, doing a little bit of research about the school helps.

Also, don’t stick rigidly to your resume. Be prepared for questions beyond your application. I had both in-person and recorded interviews. My advice for recorded interviews: don’t overthink it- submit your first or second take for the recorded interviews.

Poonam: Video essays also prepare you for the recorded interview, and the preparations count towards getting ready for the real interview, in-person interview as well as recorded. Sometimes candidates find recorded interviews more intimidating than in-person interviews because talking to the camera feels a bit weird. So that needs practice.

Ashish: True. I feel more comfortable talking to people in person.

Poonam: You are not the only one. I have heard it from other people also.

Ashish: I think my Haas interview was not that good at all. If I had gotten a chance to have an in-person interview, I could have answered all those questions better, but it is what it is.

Poonam: So, whether it is a recorded interview or an in-person interview, spontaneity, confidence, and communication skills are crucial for all types of interviews.

 Ashish: I agree.

Key Factors Behind His Success Despite a Modest Test Score

Poonam: Despite a modest test score, you received admits from all four schools. What do you believe were the key factors behind this success?

Ashish: I think since test-taking wasn’t my strong suit, I focused more on other aspects of my application. Some of that involved visiting schools, researching them thoroughly and answering essay questions that showed I had done my homework about each program. That was a key step.

Secondly, since I was a reapplicant, I had gathered a lot of information, but I was not able to craft it properly. I had strong experiences, both through volunteering and work, but I struggled to present them effectively. Having your service was immensely helpful in that regard. With your help, I could structure my information properly and deliver what was asked for compellingly. That made all the difference.

Also, I did some certifications to further strengthen my profile, like the QRC certification and fundamentals courses in statistics and finance, which helped boost my candidacy. I think all of that was helpful.

Poonam: You were a third-time applicant to UCLA. We used the reapplicant essay to highlight your academic readiness through certifications. That worked well.

Ashish: Yes, I think those certifications were also helpful. The Admission Committee won't specifically say that having them will help you in the long run, but I think it’s kind of implied. Since I didn’t have a  strong test score, I decided to complete those certifications in advance to strengthen my candidacy. And I think that ultimately helped me.

Advice for Prospective Applicants 

Poonam: What advice do you have for prospective applicants, especially reapplicants?

Ashish: For all the applicants and re-applicants, I will say don't fall into this “low score syndrome” similar to impostor syndrome, where you start thinking you can’t apply to certain schools. I remember a lot of consultants told me to retake the test and wait for another year before applying again. But I was in a situation where I had to apply now or maybe never.

So, my advice is- believe in yourself and keep positive people around you during this process. It truly helps boost your morale. And in the end, getting admitted is just the beginning of the journey; there are so many other levels yet to be unlocked.

Poonam: I didn't advise you to retake your EA. I had confidence in your work experiences, your community service experiences, and other non-work experiences. I had confidence in everything in your profile, including your certifications. I didn't advise you to retake it because I knew you had a strong profile. And the results are here. You got into all four programs. It's a great achievement, and I am so happy for you.

Ashish: Thank you, Poonam.

Poonam: Is there anything I missed asking that you would like to share?

Ashish: Yeah, I think I can share one or two tips for anyone who might have a similar background, age, or experience. A lot of people applying for part-time MBA programs also have family responsibilities alongside their studies. I would say- get everyone on board. Involve them in your journey so they don’t feel disconnected. A lot of times, it’s not just a personal decision- it’s a team decision. Doing this will only help you in the long run.

And second, instead of just focusing on studying all the time, invest in networking. I networked with a lot of people even before I started seriously preparing for my MBA, and all of that helped me. So, go out there, talk to people, engage, volunteer- without expecting anything in return. Good things will follow.

Poonam: That’s very valuable advice -do not expect things to happen. Ashish, thank you for your time, sharing your story with us. I’m confident that your valuable tips, experiences, and insights will be very helpful to prospective applicants for these programs. I wish you all the best during your time at Berkeley Haas and continued success in your career.

Ashish: Thank you, Poonam. Thank you for having me. I enjoyed working with you.

Poonam: It was my pleasure, Ashish. Bye.

You can connect with Ashish via LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishrajmane/

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For more student interviews, click here.

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About MER (myEssayReview)

Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER (myEssayReview), is a Ph.D. in English with 14 years of MBA consulting experience and 3 decades of teaching experience in India and the US. Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students worldwide to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,000+ essays written by applicants worldwide.  Poonam was among the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023.

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The post 4 MBA Admits (Haas, UCLA, USC, UCI) With Scholarships: Ashish’s Journey appeared first on MyessayReview.

Born and raised in Gobardanga, a quiet, close-knit town in West Bengal surrounded by rice fields and fruit-laden trees, Anupam Chatterjee grew up immersed in community values, nature, and youthful curiosity. His childhood was filled with bike rides, soccer matches, fishing trips, and shared dreams with his high school sweetheart, now his wife.

Motivated by a desire to explore the world beyond his small town and experience different cultures, Anupam left home after high school to pursue engineering in Kolkata. That decision set him on a two-decade journey of personal and professional growth across India and the U.S.

From earning a degree in Computer Science & Engineering at West Bengal University of Technology to rising into leadership roles at Tata Consultancy Services and Citibank, Anupam built a solid 14-year career in tech and financial services. Today, he serves as Assistant Vice President at Citibank, managing large-scale technology initiatives and vendor platforms.

With 14 years of work experience, Anupam’s profile aligned more with an Executive MBA, but he chose to apply to part-time MBA programs. Despite a modest GMAT score, he collaborated with us on applications to three MBA programs—McCombs, Kelley, and SMU Cox. He received admission offers from all three schools, earning scholarships of $22K from Kelley and $12K from SMU. Anupam will be joining McCombs this fall.

Watch this interview to learn how Anupam’s disciplined approach, clarity of goals, determination, and other key factors, combined with our guidance, led to his success despite his above-average work experience and modest test score.

 Anupam shares insights into the following:

• Anupam’s academic and professional background                    1:14
• Why MBA/Career Goals and Long-Term Vision                        2.35
• His preference for McCombs over other programs                    3. 59
• Rationale for choosing a part-time program over EMBA          6.57
• Application process, Brainstorming questionnaire, and Essays 12.15
• Resume building                                                                                  14.56
• Interview Insights                                                                               18: 07
• Importance of non-work experience in the application              21:51
• Key Factors behind his success                                                        23:12
• Work-Life-School Balance                                                               27:37
• Advice for prospective applicants                                                    29:50
• Final Reflection                                                                                    32:53

Let’s dive into a conversation with Anupam:

Anupam’s Academic and Professional Background

Poonam: Thank you for your time for this conversation. It has been pending for a long time, and I am glad that we are finally able to connect after your success with three programs. You got into three good programs. We collaborated on Kelley, McCombs, and SMU Cox, and Kelley and SMU Cox offered you scholarships. So, congratulations. How does it feel?

Anupam: It feels great. Thank you for all your help. I am happy to be here today. I am looking forward to starting the program this fall.

Poonam: I am really excited for you that you are going to start your MBA journey now. Can you tell our viewers about your academic and professional background?

Anupam: My undergrad was in Computer Science and Engineering. I completed it at West Bengal University of Technology. Right after my engineering, I started working at Tata Consultancy Services. I worked in Chennai for four years for one of the leading United States banks. Later, I moved to the United States for an on-site opportunity and started working for Citibank. I worked for Citi as a contractor for eight to nine years. During this time, I led multiple projects and worked in every phase of the software development life cycle.

After eight years, I joined Citi full-time as an Assistant Vice President. In this role, my responsibilities increased. I still lead projects, but I now manage three vendor applications for Citi. At this point in my career, I am looking to transition into Technology Strategy, and I want to pursue an MBA to help me on that journey.

Why MBA / Career Goals and Long-Term Vision

Poonam: You have 15 years of work experience. You have progressed well in your career and currently hold the position of an Assistant Vice President at Citibank. What motivated you to pursue an MBA now?

Anupam: My entire career has been in technological development. But I now want to move to product management or product strategy roles, and I believe an MBA will help me make that transition.

As I move ahead in my career, my expectations of myself are changing. My managers expect me to lead larger teams, take on more responsibilities, and drive initiatives. I believe an MBA will help me build the soft skills I lack today and prepare me for leadership roles.

His Preference for McCombs Over Other Programs

Poonam: You were accepted into Kelley, McCombs, and SMU Cox, and received scholarships from two of them. McCombs did not offer a scholarship, but you chose McCombs. What convinced you that McCombs was the right choice?

Anupam: There were two priorities for me. First, I did not want to move out of Texas or travel long distances for my MBA. So, McCombs was the obvious choice because of its location.

Second, I have been working in financial services and technology. My post-MBA goals align well with McCombs, given its strong presence in tech and financial services. That was very important for me.

What also stood out was the culture and community at McCombs. From my first interaction with the school, I felt that everyone was helpful and eager to support each other. It felt like a genuine and welcoming community.

Lastly, although ranking is not the top factor, McCombs is a highly ranked school, and it is right next door. So, it was an easy decision for me.

Poonam: So, you accepted the McCombs offer right away?

Anupam: Yes, it was an easy decision. I had always wanted to go there, and once the offer came, there was no second thought about waiting for other schools.

Poonam: You had valid reasons- location, comfort, ranking, culture, community, and alignment with your goals.

Anupam: Yes. Whatever I have achieved so far, I did not do it all by myself. I believe we grow by helping each other, and that is what I saw in McCombs' culture. That was very important to me.

Preference for Part-Time Program Over EMBA

Poonam: With 15 years of work experience, most professionals would prefer Executive MBA programs, which are designed for mid-career professionals. Yes, you chose a part-time MBA, where most of your peers will have 6–7 years of experience. What led you to that decision?

Anupam: That is a very good question. I was also trying to determine where I fit best. McCombs, like other schools I applied to, offers different formats.

At McCombs, I visited Austin and attended classes for both the Executive MBA and the Professional MBA. I wanted to see where I fit better. The Executive MBA cohort had very senior professionals, some already in C-suite roles. Given my experience and the kind of roles I had, I did not feel I was at that level yet. I was not leading a large team or driving business functions. I have mostly been working in tech.

I want to contribute to class, not just learn from others. That is why I felt the Professional MBA was a better fit.

Also, when I attended both types of classes, I noticed a difference in teaching style. In the Professional MBA, professors started from the basic concepts without assuming you already know everything. In contrast, when I attended the private equity class of the Executive MBA, I felt as if the professors assumed you had significant background knowledge.

That confirmed it for me, the Professional MBA was the better fit. And now that I’m in the program, I see many classmates with 13–15 years of experience, just like me.

Poonam: That is wonderful. You attended sample classes for both programs and made an informed decision.

Anupam: Yes, another factor was interaction. I wanted more interaction with the cohort. The Executive MBA class meets only once a month, but in this format, we have classes two weekends a month. Also, I am based in Dallas, and the Executive MBA is in Austin. I would have to travel every month. The Professional MBA program is in Dallas, and my classmates are all here. We have already started meeting outside of class, even before the program started. So being in Dallas gave me more opportunities to network and build relationships.

Poonam: I remember you mentioned that one of your interviewers also asked this question.

Anupam: Yes, my McCombs interview began with that question. She asked if I had visited the school. I am glad I did that research in advance because I could clearly explain why I chose the Professional MBA over the Executive MBA.

Application Process: Brainstorming Questionnaire– Idea Generation Exercise

Poonam: Self-reflection is a key component in the application process. Before we even started working together, I shared a questionnaire of 25 questions to help you reflect on your personal and professional accomplishments, experiences, and goals. I remember you submitted a 25-page document. How did this exercise help you with your essays?

Anupam: That questionnaire was very comprehensive, and I spent a lot of time on it. The questions felt like I was already writing my essays. I knew that if I invested my time and effort there, I could use those stories for the actual school essays. It helped me analyze my entire journey. I told myself that it didn’t matter how small the story was, I would include it if I thought it was applicable. That helped throughout the application process. Even for the interview prep, I referred back to it a dozen times to find the right stories for each question. It was a really an amazing resource, and if someone invests in it seriously, it can be very helpful during the entire process.

Poonam: That’s something new! No one has told me before that they used the questionnaire repeatedly, even for the interview prep.

Anupam: Yes, as I said, it was a pretty comprehensive document. I just needed to pick and choose what fit where. And because it was all documented in one place, it was easy to refer back.

Résumé Building

Poonam: True. It is designed as a content-generating document. After the questionnaire, we picked up résumé before working on the essays. I remember you mentioned that all three admission officers commented that your résumé reflected clear career progression and growth. Can you share your insights into that process?

Anupam: Sure, Poonam. The résumé was quite a journey, looking back at where I started and where I ended up after working with you. I still remember the first draft I created. With 15 years of experience, I struggled to fit everything on one page. I was constantly trying to cut content, maybe fit it into two pages. I had left out my certifications, accolades, and awards just to save space.

When you reviewed it the first time, you asked, “I don’t see any of your awards or certifications?” I said, “Oh, I have a lot of those.” And you said, “Go ahead and include them.” That shifted my perspective. Then you went above and beyond—you spent almost two hours on a call with me to help fix that first version. By the time we finished, the résumé told my full story in a clear, sequential pattern.

Since my experience is entirely in technology, you helped me explain everything in layman’s terms so that anyone could understand my work. It also showed clear career progression, including all my extracurriculars and awards. That is why every school I interviewed with mentioned that my résumé showed strong growth. So, thank you for that.

Poonam: I enjoyed working on it! You had two promotions before moving to Citi full-time, tons of awards at Tata Consultancy Services, some at Citi, and extensive community involvement. It was all there; you just had to bring it together.

Anupam: Yes, and you really helped me do that effectively. Thank you.

Interview Insights

Poonam: Can you share your interview experience, Anupam? Was there a time when you felt that you were truly connected with the interviewer?

Anupam: Yes, Poonam, I felt that in all three interviews. After the first few minutes, I could feel a genuine connection with the interviewer, and the conversations flowed in a positive direction. The guidance you shared through your blog and our discussions was also very helpful. The STAR method you recommended helped me practice and structure my answers in advance.

In terms of content, the interviews mostly revolved around my experience so far, what I have done, what I am currently doing, and where I want to go. Every question felt like it was ultimately pointing toward one central theme: why I want to pursue an MBA at this point in my career. When I was preparing, I visualized it like a spider web, with “Why MBA” at the center. I connected everything that came up during the interview: career choices, personal growth, and long-term goals to that central idea. Thanks to my wife, since she helped me prepare with the 'Why MBA' part.'

Poonam: I remember you told me your wife helped you a lot with mock interviews. And I love the spider web analogy. I never heard of this before.

Anupam: Yes! I created a kind of mind map. At the center was "Why MBA," and everything from my career and personal life radiated out from there. I tried to connect every story or theme back to that. It gave me a lot of clarity. And yes, my wife spent countless hours helping me prepare. I could not have done it without her.

Poonam: You were so happy and excited after your interviews.

Anupam: Exactly. That was my approach—to be completely authentic. I highlighted my strengths without hiding or downplaying my weaknesses. I did not want to pretend to be someone I am not. I think that authenticity made a difference.

Importance of Non-Work Experience in the Application

Poonam: I remember you saying that the interview questions were designed to verify the authenticity of your personal and professional experiences. 

What role do you think your non-work experiences, like volunteering, interests, hobbies, as well as your awards and certifications, played in your admission success?

Anupam: They played an important role. In every interview, at least 10% of the time was dedicated to my extracurriculars. That gave me a chance to showcase who I am as a person outside of work.

You do not need to do a lot of things, but whatever you do should reflect your passion. I enjoy music, soccer, and photography. I have also been involved in some community work. Most of the extracurricular-related questions were focused on those areas. Again, it is not about doing a ton; it is about being passionate about what you do, which helps present a fuller picture of who you are, not just as a professional but also as a person.

Poonam: You also play the piano. Right?

Anupam: Yes, I play Western classical.

Key Factors Behind His Success

Poonam: To sum up, what do you believe were the key factors behind your remarkable success- securing admits from three programs despite a modest test score and work experience better suited for an Executive MBA?

Anupam: First and foremost, I had clarity on why I wanted an MBA and what my post-MBA goals were, especially short-term goals. In all the interviews, they focused heavily on how an MBA would help me achieve those. My long-term goals were mentioned too, but short-term goals were the key.

Second, my professional experience. I have worked across multiple geographies and led several critical projects at Citibank, which helped showcase a diverse and valuable background.

Third, school research. I made sure I thoroughly researched every program I applied to-visited schools, interacted with current students, and the admissions committee. It was important for me to confirm that I was a good fit. I made sure all those interactions were meaningful and reflected in my application.

Throughout the process, I stayed authentic, highlighting my strengths, not trying to hide my weaknesses. And lastly, my wife’s unwavering support. There were moments when I felt I did not belong, or it would not work out. Her belief in me kept me going.

Poonam: True. And I also played a small role!

Anupam: Of course! I mentioned all of that earlier- you were a big part of it.

Poonam: I was just teasing! But I must say, you were also extremely diligent and had a methodical approach. You always updated me about drafts, delays, interview outcomes—everything. That discipline made our collaboration smooth.

Anupam: Thank you, Poonam. And I felt the same about working with you. You were extremely professional. You kept your word. Your turnarounds on essays were always fast, usually within a day, unless I sent something late Friday evening. Working with you was an amazing experience. I truly felt you were with me on this journey, not just as part of a service, but as someone who cared.

Work-Life Balance

Poonam: Thank you. You are working full-time in a senior role. How do you plan to balance the demands of a part-time MBA with your responsibilities at work and home?

Anupam: Yes, I know I will need to prioritize carefully. For the next two years, I plan to focus on what matters most and direct my attention accordingly. Even though the program has not started officially, I have already started receiving coursework to read in advance. This is giving me a glimpse of how intense it is going to be.

Since I studied for the Graduate Management Admission Test after work for two to three hours, I have some idea of how to plan my time. When the program begins, I want to focus on three things: school, work, and family.

Poonam: Good that you have your family support and you are supported at work as well, where people understand that you must devote your time to school. You are an extremely disciplined and focused person, so I am sure you will not have any problem.

Anupam: You have brought out a very good point. My manager and teammates already know I am starting this program, and they have been very supportive. So, I feel confident that I will manage the balance.

Advice for Prospective Applicants

Poonam: What advice do you have for prospective applicants, especially those with similar profiles and experience?

Anupam: Do not wait. The best time to go back to school was yesterday. The next best time is today. If you truly want to pursue an MBA, this is the time. My work has always been demanding, especially since I moved onsite. My Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) preparation was sporadic. It depended heavily on my workload. Instead, I shifted my focus to achieving a competitive score I could use. I spent a long time aiming for a perfect 90^th percentile GMAT score, but eventually realized that might not happen. So, I needed to work with a competitive score and strengthen the rest of my profile.

The application is not just about test scores. There are so many other facets. If you have strong professional experience, use it. Yes, GMAT or GRE is important, but it is not everything. So do not hold yourself back. Just apply and go for it.

Poonam: That is valuable advice. The GMAT is critical, but not everything. Interestingly, this year I have worked with four candidates who got into strong programs despite modest test scores, because the other aspects of their profiles were strong, and we highlighted them well. And I would add one more takeaway from your journey: stay disciplined and consistent in your work.

Anupam: Yes, that is true. You have to take this process seriously. The kind of essays and questions schools ask require deep thinking and self-reflection. You must dedicate 6–7 months to build a strong application.

Poonam: And you also need to allow for unexpected situations like getting sick. I remember you got sick in January.

Anupam: Yes, I got sick right a week before my McCombs interview. But I was glad I had prepared thoroughly, so it did not affect me too much.

Final Reflections

Poonam: It was wonderful talking to you. Is there anything I missed that you would like to share with our viewers?

Anupam: That is a good question, Poonam. I would highlight the human aspect of this journey, from preparing for the GMAT to applying and getting into the program.

The person I was when I started this process and the person I am today are not the same. I experienced profound personal growth during this, even though I have not even started school yet. There were highs and lows, moments of vulnerability, and the process became meaningful beyond just career advancement.

Poonam: That is such an insightful perspective. No one has told me that the application process itself changed them this much.

Anupam: Going back to that questionnaire, it made me reflect on my entire life. There were achievements, but also things I could have done differently- both personally and professionally. That level of introspection helped me shape who I am today.

Poonam: It was truly wonderful talking to you, Anupam. I am so glad we could have this conversation. I strongly feel people will benefit from your insights and experiences. Good luck with your McCombs journey and continued success in your career.

Please stay in touch. I would love to hear about your experience at McCombs.

Anupam: Absolutely. Feel free to share my email or LinkedIn with anyone who wants to learn about the programs at McCombs—full-time, part-time, professional, or executive MBA. I would be happy to help or connect them with someone else at the school. And thank you for everything, you played a pivotal role in my success. Thank you.

Poonam: It was my pleasure. I really enjoyed working with you. Congratulations to your wife as well, she played a big role in your journey!

Anupam: Thank you. Thanks again and have a great day!

Connect with Anupam: You can connect with Anupam via LinkedIn.

For Anupam’s testimonial of our services, click here

For his recommendation on LinkedIn click here.

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For Case Studies, click here.

About MER (myEssayReview)

Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER (myEssayReview), is a Ph.D. in English with 12 years of MBA consulting experience and three decades of teaching experience in India and the US. A master storyteller, Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students worldwide to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,000+ essays written by applicants worldwide. Poonam was among the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023.

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The post From 14 Years in Tech & Finance – to 3 MBA Admits- (2 w/ Scholarships) with a Modest Score appeared first on MyessayReview.

This is Part 2 of my in-person interview with Tanu, a senior tech professional

In Part 1, Tanu discussed her academic and professional background, rapid career growth, motivation for pursuing an MBA, school selection strategy, the brainstorming questionnaire, and the most challenging essay in her application journey.

In this second half, we explore the other key components of her application—résumé building, recommendation letters, interview insights, and her reflections on applying with a senior profile, as well as the inner strength that sustained her through the process.

Talking Points of the Conversation:

• Résumé Building– 20:20
• Recommendation Letters – 22:07
• Advice to Incoming Applicants – 24:55
• Differentiating as a Tech Professional – 26:57
• Interview Insights – 30:40
• Applying with 10 Years of Work Experience – 34:13
• Inner Strength: Yoga, Meditation, and Books – 38:38
• Key Factors Behind Her Success – 48:36
• Final Reflections: Words of Wisdom – 50:42

Let’s dive into Tanu’s story of resilience, hard work, and an unshakable belief that a higher power was guiding her through the journey.

Resume Building

Poonam: Would you like to share your thoughts on the MBA résumé we built? After the brainstorming questionnaire, we worked on the résumé before moving on to the essays.

Tanu: It was a very fresh take on building a résumé. Earlier, I had worked on my résumé while switching jobs, but that job résumé was completely different from what we built for the MBA. We used the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. Earlier, I never highlighted the outcomes of my work, just the responsibilities.

After building this resume with you, I have become intentional in my current work, and find myself asking, “Why am I doing this? What is the intended outcome?” It has changed my perspective. I believe this shift in mindset will help me both during my MBA and later in my career. And when I have a team of my own someday, I will probably drill this into them too, tell them to look at tasks from the STAR method perspective: Why are you doing it? What result do you want?

Poonam: Yes, Situation, Task, Action, and Result. That is exactly how we structured it. A very objective way of looking at things.

Tanu: I am so glad we did that.

Recommendation Letters

Poonam: Let’s move on to recommendation letters. They are a crucial part of the MBA application. Many applicants struggle with choosing the right recommenders and following up with them for timely submissions. What challenges did you face and how did you navigate them?

Tanu: That part of the process was not very smooth. Thankfully, two or three programs require only one recommender. But I got overenthusiastic and initially decided to submit two recommendations.”

I contacted my previous managers, but they were occupied with work and couldn’t follow through. I felt dejected, especially because Kellogg required two recommenders. With the other schools, I finally decided to submit only one. But for Kellogg, I had to find a second recommender. I reached out to one person, but they were too busy. I reached out to another, and after initially agreeing, he stopped responding.

Luckily, someone I had reported to here in the United States for six months was gracious enough to write the letter for me on short notice. I followed up persistently, even during his vacation. I even had a backup ready in case he backed out. It was a stressful stretch, but it all turned out well, and I got the admit!

Poonam: Do you have any advice for prospective applicants on how to approach recommenders?

Tanu: Yes. Choose someone who has evaluated you, someone who has seen your work, guided you, and supported you. The person who wrote for me had seen me through every project, every challenge, and all the contributions I made. That made a big difference.

Also, almost every school asks for a critical or constructive feedback question. Sometimes we do not take that feedback well, but it is one of the best things that can happen to you, as it helps you grow. And your reaction to it matters most. And make sure the second person you approach is available, and communicate very clearly. If they cannot write the letter, they should tell you that, instead of ghosting you.

Poonam: Yes, and approach them well ahead of time.

Tanu: Absolutely. They are busy professionals, and this is extra work for them. So you must approach them much before the deadlines.

Differentiating as a Tech Professional

Poonam: Now, let’s talk about the applicant pool you belong to. You are part of a very competitive group—Indian tech professionals. What factors do you think distinguished you from others and helped you gain admission to such selective programs?

Tanu: I think the most important thing is how you approach the situation you are in. Are you making the most of it, or are you always looking to be somewhere else? For example, when I started working, many people around me wanted to move out quickly to find something better to help them grow faster. But I always believed that if I had this opportunity, I needed to give my 100%. I focused on excelling wherever I was. Whatever landed in my bucket, I made sure to stand out in that team. I looked for solutions, spent more time on tasks, and ensured they left an impact. That kind of ownership and initiative is reflected in my résumé. Whenever I had the chance to mentor people, I jumped in. As a leader, you are not standing alone; you are expected to be great with people. Whether you are leading a team, a company, or a project, your success depends on how you work with others. So, I think that people leadership was a crucial factor in my journey.

Also, my international experience gave me the confidence that I had already worked in the United States, and knew how to interact with professionals here. Additionally, I  had strong experience in India. There were times I worked with teams here in the U.S. while managing a team back in India. Coordinating across time zones and handling the full project added to my story.

Interview Insights

Poonam: Yes, and you were accepted into a very selective program that has only 50 seats, that too in Round 3. You distinguished yourself among countless applicants, which is a great achievement. Let’s talk about the interview stage. After candidates are selected for interviews, that is the final hurdle they have to cross. One can be accepted or rejected based on the interview.

Can you share your interview experience and tell us about a moment when you felt truly connected with the interviewer?

Tanu: Yes. I had two interviews, Kellogg and NYU Stern, just two days apart.

The first was Kellogg. The interviewer was an admissions committee member, and she was amazing. It felt more like a conversation. She framed situational questions around what I had said, rather than asking generic questions like, “What challenges have you faced?” She was listening carefully and forming follow-up questions. It was refreshing.

But the one where I truly felt a deep connection was NYU Stern. The interviewer was an alumnus. He began by introducing himself and said, “I wanted to be a doctor. That’s what I was pursuing. But then life happened—and now I’m here.” He said the best thing he did was to embrace it. That stuck with me. He said, “Sometimes, your plans don’t work out. You have to accept and adapt.” That’s the core of NYU’s tagline: “Change: How will you embrace it?”

That is exactly how I approach life, accepting change, adapting, and shaping my life from there. At that moment, I knew we were on the same page. Whatever answers I gave after that just clicked with him. I was so happy they accepted me.

Poonam: It is very important for applicants to connect with their interviewers. That connection matters.

Tanu: Absolutely. Even in the Kellogg interview, the lady was into yoga and meditation. We spoke for 10 minutes about yoga! So, I felt a connection in both interviews.

⏳Applying with 10 Years of Work Experience

Poonam: You applied with nearly 10 years of work experience. Many applicants with 10 or 11 years of experience opt for Executive MBA programs. But you were determined to apply for only full-time programs. What convinced you that a full-time MBA was the right fit for you?

Tanu: First, I do not carry the “baggage” of 10 years of experience. I just look at it as: this is what I have experienced, and this is how much I know. That’s it.

Since I give 100% to anything I do, I did not want to divide myself between work and studies. When you have been with a company for a while, you are expected to perform, no matter what else is going on. I didn’t want to be mediocre at work and mediocre in my MBA. I didn’t want to sit at the end of the day and say, “I’m too drained to study,” or “I don’t have the mental energy for work.”

I thought, “I do not care how many years of experience I have. I want to give my undivided attention to this next phase, my MBA.” That is where I want to put my energy and reach the goals I have set for myself. Experience is just an addition to my résumé; it shows the rigor and capability I bring. But for me, that does not mean I have to do an Executive MBA.

Poonam: I totally get you. I have worked with many applicants who got into top full-time MBA programs with 10 or 11 years of experience. But I ask this question because many older applicants are apprehensive about applying to full-time programs. What advice would you give them?

Tanu: I am a big believer in my inner mindset. If you have a limiting belief that a school will not accept you into a full-time MBA because you have 10 years of experience, that belief is what will stop you. Find the school that is the right fit for you. Have a clear intention: why do you want a full-time MBA at this stage of your career? If that intention is clear, things will fall into place.

Inner Strength: Yoga, Meditation, and Books

Poonam: True. There is always a way if your story makes sense, your career goals make sense, and the school aligns with those goals.

You are a strong believer and practitioner of Yoga and meditation, as you just mentioned, and have also read 20-plus self-help books. Which practice proved the most powerful tool during the hectic application process of almost six months?

Tanu: I leaned on a combination of practices, meditation, inspirational content, and affirmations. One of the most powerful resources was an app called Black Lotus, where I watched videos of top performers like Michael Phelps and Virat Kohli. Michael Phelps shared that he trained 365 days a year, whether it was his birthday or he was sick, he’d still be in the pool.

Virat Kohli was another huge inspiration. I recall sitting in my living room after lunch, watching his videos—especially the one where he was written off by critics and then played a historic match against Pakistan. He hit those final two sixes and said, "It just came to me." He believed it was part of a divine plan and said that whenever God plans to give you something, He gives it to you at the right moment. That stayed with me. From that point on, I began channeling my energy differently. I started trusting that whatever was happening was for the best. My job was to navigate it calmly, with faith.

Another big part of my process was how I spoke to myself. I learned that if I don’t believe in myself, no one else will. For example, when I knew I had an interview, I reminded myself: “My job is to prepare and show up. That’s it. The rest is not in my control.” That mindset helped me stay calm throughout.

After submitting my applications, I genuinely enjoyed the wait. I had done everything in my control. I believed in my story and wasn’t expecting anything specific; I just let it be.

Poonam: Even though you could not boost your score, I never saw you dejected. That is something I admire about you -your unwavering faith that the universe, or a higher power, was taking care of you.

Tanu: Yes, and if people as gifted as these sports legends can surrender to a higher power, why can’t we? I learned that surrendering doesn’t mean giving up; it means doing your best without obsessing over the outcome.

Just give your 100%. Don’t think, “If I do this, will I get it?” Instead, think, “This is what I must do to achieve my goals.” If it happens, great. If it doesn’t, that’s okay too. You're not going to die. Trust me.

Key Factors Behind Her Success

Poonam: So, about the GMAT score, I'm asking you again for the benefit of people who get discouraged with the modest GMAT or GRE scores. Despite a modest score, you received admits from three out of four schools you applied to, and that too in round 3, the most competitive round. What do you believe were the key factors behind this success, apart from your faith?

Tanu: Apart from my faith, the most important thing was looking at my strengths that can make me stand out despite my modest score.  I took care of that in the best possible way, highlighted my story, kept my ego aside, and wrote an optional essay to address my low GRE score.

Poonam: Yes, it was very hard for me to convince you to write it.

Tanu: I had to give in, and it worked out for the best. The optional essay is there for a reason, so use it. Second, I made sure I was surrounded by positivity through the words I spoke, the books I read, and the people around me. At that time, the closest people to me were you and my family in India. I remember after the third GMAT attempt, I came out of the center and burst into tears. The first two times, I held back. The final time, I just cried in front of my parents. It is important to know how to release that energy and where to direct it. If you take care of that, you can center yourself, think clearly, and let go. Don’t dwell on what happened. Don’t react negatively; respond calmly. I learned all of that from the books I read. So read the right books and implement them in your life. That positivity is essential.

Poonam: Absolutely. So, to sum up, if you could describe your entire MBA journey in one word, what would it be?

Tanu: I think I’ll use two: Never Quit.

Poonam: Wonderful, never quit. It has been a fantastic experience hearing you share your thoughts and insights from your MBA journey, one I was privileged to be part of for six to seven months. I am sure that all your feedback on positivity, resilience, and never quitting will be helpful to prospective applicants, especially those who find the MBA application process daunting and exhausting. Thank you again for flying into Phoenix to meet me and celebrate your success in person. This is my first in-person celebratory interview.

Tanu: You are the best person I could share this with. As I told you, my circle during this process was very small; it was just you and my family. I have already celebrated with my family, and I wanted to express my gratitude to you. Thank you for being my mentor throughout this journey.

Final Reflections: Words of Wisdom

Poonam: It was truly my privilege. I remember—you signed up for the multiple-school package without even contacting me beforehand. No emails, no calls. That says a lot about your faith in your decisions. Most people have a consultation or write an email first. Nobody just signs up for a multiple-school package without reaching out first. That speaks volumes about your personality, your faith in your instincts and in your decisions.

Tanu: It was your website that gave me that confidence—your accomplishments, and the success stories you showcased. The giveaway was Mansi’s video, where she got into all five top schools. I thought, “If someone is guiding others to that level of success, she clearly knows what she is doing.” Your academic background, your PhD in English also impressed me. I knew I would get quality guidance. The amazing reviews on GMAT Club, your website, and on LinkedIn—everything spoke for itself. I thought, “I don’t need to speak to her first. I will just sign up. We will figure it out as we start working.”

Poonam: Thank you for your kind words. Thanks again for coming down to meet me; it means a lot. Come again.

Tanu: For sure. I will stay in touch.

Poonam: Thank you.

You can connect with Tanu via LinkedIn.

For Tanu’s LinkedIn Testimonial of Poonam’s services, click here

For Tanu’s Testimonial of Poonam’s services on our website, click here

Related Posts

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An American Candidate’s Journey to USC and UCLA with Scholarships

For more student interviews, click here.

For Case Studies, click here.

About MER (myEssayReview)

Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER (myEssayReview), is a Ph.D. in English with 14 years of MBA consulting experience and 3 decades of teaching experience in India and the US. Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students worldwide to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,000+ essays written by applicants worldwide.  Poonam was among the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023.

 Email me at poonam@myessayreveiw.com for questions about your application for the 2025-26 application season.

The post Admitted to Kellogg, Haas, and Stern (w/scholarship) with a 311 GRE – A Tech Professional’s Inspiring Journey- Part 2 appeared first on MyessayReview.

Over six months, we applied to four schools. She took the GMAT twice without improving her score, then switched to the GRE and earned a 311. As the score didn’t improve, we moved her applications to Round 3 and focused on strengthening every other part of her profile.

Tanu’s perseverance, hard work, and faith in a higher power, combined with our strategic guidance, earned her three admits: Berkeley Haas, NYU Stern (with a $15K scholarship), and her dream program, Kellogg MBAi, where she will enroll this fall.

Tanu’s results challenge several common MBA admissions myths. She achieved these admits despite:

✔️ A modest GRE score of 311
✔️ Applying in Round 3, the most competitive round
✔️ Having 10 years of work experience
✔️ Coming from a highly competitive tech applicant pool

Last month, Tanu flew from Connecticut to Phoenix for an in-person celebration. During her two-day stay, we celebrated her success through sightseeing, dining out, and long conversations, and also recorded a special interview at my office about her MBA journey.

The transcript of this in-depth one-hour conversation will be published in two parts.

In the first part, Tanu shares insights into:

• Admissions Summary – 00:18
• Academic and Professional Background – 01:15
• Leadership Experience & Rapid Career Growth – 02:28
• Motivation for an MBA / Career Goals – 05:38
• School Selection Strategy – 07:45
• Choosing Kellogg Over Other Admits – 09:35
• Test-Score Struggle & Resilience – 11:06
• Questionnaire for Brainstorming Ideas – 15:06
• The Most Challenging Essay – 18:18

In the second part, we will cover:

• Résumé Building – 20:20
• Recommendation Letters – 22:07
• Advice to Incoming Applicants – 24:55
• Differentiating as a Tech Professional – 26:57
• Interview Insights – 30:40
• Applying with 10 Years of Work Experience – 34:13
• Inner Strength: Yoga, Meditation, and Books – 38:38
• Key Factors Behind Her Success – 48:36
• Final Reflections: Words of Wisdom – 50:42

Let’s dive into Tanu’s story of resilience, hard work, and an unshakable belief that a higher power was guiding her through the journey.

Poonam: Hello, Tanu! How are you?

Tanu: I am doing great. How are you?

Poonam: I am doing well too. I am so happy to have you here in Phoenix for an in-person celebration of your phenomenal success.

Admissions Summary

Poonam: To give context to our viewers, Tanu Sharma worked with me on four MBA programs, and she got into three of them—one with a scholarship. The programs she got into are NYU Stern, Berkeley Haas, and Kellogg. Stern offered her a scholarship, but she is heading towards Kellogg, her dream school. Congratulations!

Tanu: Thank you so much. I think it has been an amazing journey. There were ups and downs, but everything was worth it, especially having you by my side to guide me as my mentor, so thank you so much.

Poonam: My pleasure. It has been a long journey for you. It took us almost six months to get through all this.

Tanu: Yes.

Academic and Professional Background

Poonam: Let’s begin by having you tell our viewers about your academic and professional journey.

Tanu: I was born and brought up in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. It is a beautiful city, known as the City of Lakes. Since then, I have developed an absolute love for nature, having such amazing things around me.

I did my undergraduate degree in Computer Science Engineering—Bachelor of Technology. After completing my undergrad, I immediately started working for Wipro Technologies, where I worked for about three and a half years. Then I moved to HCL Technologies, where I worked for about six months.

I realized there was not a lot of progress for me, so I pivoted to Excel Services, which is my current employer. I have been working with them for about six years now, and I decided it was time to get my MBA. So here I am.

Leadership Experience & Rapid Career Growth

Poonam: You have managed people just two and a half years into your career and earned several fast-track promotions. That is not very common, so it is exceptional. Which leadership experiences have shaped you the most, and what specific mindset helped you rise so quickly in your career?

Tanu: I have leadership experiences that I learned through the leaders I had around me at a very early stage in my career. One thing I learned was to believe in people around you, even during phases when they are not performing well.

Early in my career, I had an amazing leader whom I was reporting to. He had this unshakable faith in me that I could do more than what I was doing. He never gave up on me. That is what I learned from him. When I had new hires coming into the team and people reporting to me, I just made sure that before judging them, I gave them time to learn. If nobody else was providing that support, and there were expectations from someone else, I would just step in, take them under my umbrella, and teach them in a way that they could learn by example.

Two things are very important to me: leading with empathy and leading by example. The more they see you in a certain setup, the more they learn how things can be handled and start developing their own instincts from there. But they must have a start, and if you can be a part of their journey, I think it is a great blessing.

What really helped me secure those fast-track promotions was my curiosity to learn and grow, wherever and in whatever aspect of my life I was involved. I want to ensure I am giving my best and 100%. I do not like doing things half-heartedly. That is just one of my core values in life.

I made sure that whatever I was assigned, I did it to the best of my capabilities and ensured that I was an asset to the team, someone who could find solutions, even in difficult times. That, I think, has been helpful.

Motivation for an MBA / Career Goals

Poonam: Right. So, leading with empathy, leading by example, and putting in your best. These are the key traits of your leadership style. When did you start thinking about an MBA, and what are your career goals?

Tanu: I first started thinking about an MBA around five to six years into my career. I wanted to grow more and take on more strategic roles. I wanted to be in a top leadership position in a company, but at the same time, I did not want to leave tech.

At that time, not many colleges were offering tech MBAs the way they are now. I saw people around me, even in my own family, who pivoted from tech to MBAs and moved into general management. So, I decided to stay rooted in tech and move up from there.

Recently, I realized I had hit a threshold. I could handle the technical aspects, but I wanted to understand what goes into a product or a company to help it grow. What drives product decisions? How do you measure impact? To be one of the top leaders, I have to learn those aspects too. That is when I realized I need business knowledge as well. I have handled the technical part so far; I need the business part now. So, I decided to pursue my MBA in Tech, and I am excited about it.

As for my career goals, I am currently looking at product management roles where I have taken care of the technical part, but I need to learn about the business aspect for which I need an MBA.

School Selection Strategy

Poonam: Each school you applied to offered something you needed. What specifically attracted you to the four programs, Kellogg MBA, NYU Stern Tech MBA, Cornell Tech MBA, and Berkeley Haas?

Tanu: The amazing technical program that all these four schools offer was my main criterion. During my research, I found that not every top school offers a technical specialization. Cornell, Kellogg, Stern, and Berkeley Haas have it. And Haas is the number one program; it is consistently ranked number one. So, I ideally wanted to go in that direction.

I did not care about rejections or acceptances or whether I should apply to ten schools just to get into one. I was sure: this is what I want, and this is what I am going ahead with. If it happens, it happens. If it does not, it does not. I did not want to be misaligned with my industry. I will apply only where I truly fit in.

Choosing Kellogg Over Other Admits

Poonam: You had your heart set on these four programs, and you were accepted into three of them. How is Kellogg the best choice for you among the three?

Tanu: While I was doing my research, a friend of mine who did a tech MBA in the United States, advised me, “If you are going for a tech MBA, make sure the program includes an internship. It is a great way to gain experience and build toward a full-time job, ideally with a conversion opportunity.” That stayed with me. I want an internship, and a tech-focused program, and Kellogg offered both. I looked at their curriculum, their core business classes have been updated to include Artificial Intelligence. It is amazing to see that they are moving in that direction.

Poonam: And we are so glad you got into it.

Tanu: Yes, and it still feels surreal sometimes.

Test-Score Struggle & Resilience

Poonam: Let’s now talk about test scores, your struggles and the resilience it took to get through them. You took the GMAT twice, then switched to the GRE and got a modest score. That could discourage any applicant, especially when the struggle went on for a few months. It was difficult for you. What kept you going?

Tanu: When I moved to the United States, I had a big poster in my room that said, “Look at solutions, not problems.”

I knew these were my challenges, but I was determined to apply in this cycle. I knew that if I waited any longer, I would cross the 10-year mark in my career. At that point, full-time programs may no longer consider me seriously. So, I told myself, “I am not quitting.” I sat down and analyzed: what are my strengths, apart from the test score? What would I bring to the table?

The test score was just one aspect. I had strong leadership experience, an impressive professional track record, international experience, mentoring experience, and a history of being very active in extracurriculars. Why should I let a score define me? Instead, I chose to tell them who I am. That score is not a true reflection of my potential. I just believed that I could do it, and I went ahead.

Poonam: Yes. We even had to move your application from Round 2 to Round 3, which is the most competitive round when people are generally apprehensive about applying. I advised you to write an optional essay and be honest about your struggles with the GMAT and GRE. Then we demonstrated your quantitative skills through your professional accomplishments and all your certifications in advanced mathematics. That all worked. You have also been working in the United States for three years, which speaks to your verbal skills. All these accomplishments convinced the admission committee that you can handle the academic rigor of the program.

Tanu: Absolutely. Initially, I took it personally. I thought, “No, I must get the score. I am not submitting an optional essay. Why should I do that?” But then we made a last-minute decision. I told myself, “It is not working. Let’s address this in the optional essay. That is why they give you an optional essay, right?” I had to sit myself down and say, “It is okay. You have other things that speak for you. Relax. It is just a test.” So, we did that, and it worked.

Application Process: Questionnaire for brainstorming ideas

Poonam: Let’s talk about the application process. Self-reflection is a key component of the MBA application. Before we even started working on your résumé, I had you fill out that brainstorming questionnaire of 25 in-depth questions. How did it help you brainstorm your stories for the essays across different schools?

Tanu: I think we do not usually reflect on the events that have happened in our lives or the experiences we have gained over the years. Sitting with that 25-question document brought me closer to my roots. We often take our families for granted and don’t realize how much they bring into our lives. I remember when I was filling out the personal information section, I realized I am blessed to have such overachievers in my family. it made me reflect and ask, “What am I doing with my life?” That became another motivation for me to do better in life and pursue higher education.

That questionnaire made me realize I have a strong background, and I can handle challenges. Reflecting on the professional aspects, looking back at stories about the challenges I faced, the achievements I’m proud of, the accomplishments that matter to me personally, everything brought back the right memories. This made it easier for me to write my essays. Everything was already there; I did not have to sit and think, “What should I write?” I had already done heavy lifting. I think I dedicated a week or so to the questionnaire.

Poonam: Sometimes people take even longer to complete it.

Tanu: Yes. But since I had poured so much into it already, I just needed to tailor it to what each school was asking.

Poonam: It was not just an idea-generation exercise; it helped capture the content required for all the essays. Many applicants tell me it feels like a journey of self-discovery.

Tanu: Yes, it sure is.

The Most Challenging Essay

Poonam: Of all the essay prompts, which one challenged you the most, and how did you finally crack it?

Tanu: Kellogg had quite a few essays- three main ones and some additional questions as well. That was a rigorous process.

The most challenging one for me was the essay about a difficult decision I had to make in a professional setting. I had a story in mind, but it carried a little negativity. I was not happy with how things had unfolded. The most difficult part was portraying that experience respectfully and objectively. I had to avoid sounding bitter. I had to make it clear that, yes, it was a difficult decision, but I had to convey it gracefully. You advised me against writing anything negative. That was a learning moment for me. Whatever happens, you must describe it with grace and respect.

Poonam: That was a tough one for you. But we finally managed to do it. That is the sign of a true leader: look at things objectively and solve the problem. It is not always smooth sailing. You have to face challenges with courage and resilience.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this in-depth conversation, where Tanu shares insights on building a strong résumé, working with recommenders, preparing for interviews, and how she stood out as a senior tech applicant with 10 years of experience.

Connect with Tanu via LinkedIn.

For Tanu’s LinkedIn Testimonial of Poonam’s services, click here

For Tanu’s  Testimonial of Poonam’s services on our website, click here

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MBA at 41 – An Exceptional Tale of Perseverance, Sense of Duty, and Faith

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For more student interviews, click here.

For Case Studies, click here.

About MER (myEssayReview)

Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER (myEssayReview), is a Ph.D. in English with 14 years of MBA consulting experience and 3 decades of teaching experience in India and the US. Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students worldwide to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,000+ essays written by applicants worldwide.  Poonam was among the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023.

Email me at poonam@myessayreveiw.com for questions about your application for the 2025-26 application season.

The post Admitted to Kellogg, Haas, and Stern (w/scholarship) with a 311 GRE – A Tech Professional’s Inspiring Journey- Part 1 appeared first on MyessayReview.

On the final day of the conference, I sent her a quick message saying I’d be in Mariam Hall, just in case she was around. To my delight, she walked into the room during our professional development session, radiating her signature enthusiasm! ✨

We had a brief but cheerful chat outside the hall—she had class, and I was in a session. But the story didn’t end there…

That weekend, Katherine drove an hour to meet me at my hotel for a proper catch-up. Over a lovely three-hour get-together, she shared highlights of her incredible two-year journey at Anderson - she’s graduating next month! ��

There was so much to talk about that we ended up recording my first-ever in-person student interview. I can’t wait to share it with you all soon, complete with the transcript.

Sometimes, small gestures create the most lasting bonds. Katherine’s effort to meet up despite the distance meant a lot. Moments like these reaffirm the value of what we do.

Stay tuned for Katherine’s reflections on her Anderson experience, including her classes,
internship, post-MBA plans, and favorite moments from her two-year journey. ��

Read Katherine's first interview, where she shared how she got accepted into Kellogg, UC Davis, and UCLA Anderson, with substantial scholarships:

A Chinese Finance Professional’s Path to Kellogg, UCLA, & UC Davis with Scholarships

About MER (myEssayReview)

Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER (myEssayReview), is a Ph.D. in English with 14 years of MBA consulting experience and 3 decades of teaching experience in India and the US. Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students worldwide to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,750+ essays written by applicants worldwide.  Poonam was among the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023.

Click here for my students’ testimonials on LinkedIn.

You may email Poonam at poonam@myessayreview.com with questions about your application for the 2025-26 application cycle.

Sign up here for a profile evaluation.

��Follow me on Facebook and LinkedIn

��Subscribe to my YouTube channel for my students’ interviews.

The post Meeting Katherine at UCLA : My First In-Person Interview with a Former Student appeared first on MyessayReview.

My happiest moments are when we celebrate their success on Zoom calls. What made my most recent celebration truly special is that it happened in person, with my mentee, Tanu Sharma.

Tanu recently received admission offers from three top programs:

✨ NYU Stern (with scholarship)
✨ Berkeley Haas
✨ Kellogg MBAi (M7)

To mark the occasion, Tanu flew from Connecticut to Phoenix for an in-person celebration with the MER team, including my husband, who is MER’s business manager.

Tanu’s incredible results challenge several common MBA admissions myths. She achieved these admits despite:

✔️ A modest GRE score of 311
✔️ Applying in Round 3, the most competitive round
✔️ Having 10 years of work experience
✔️ Coming from a highly competitive tech applicant pool

During her two-day stay in Phoenix, we not only celebrated her success through sightseeing, dining out, and long conversations but also recorded a special in-person interview, as I usually meet students on Zoom.

�� Stay tuned for our candid conversation about her long application journey—her leadership experiences, career goals, school choices, why she chose Kellogg over other programs, and much more.

For now, I’m delighted to share some pictures from Tanu’s celebratory visit to Phoenix!

If you’re navigating the MBA journey and need inspiration or guidance, don’t miss Tanu’s
upcoming interview—her story will truly motivate you!

About MER (myEssayReview)

Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER (myEssayReview), is a Ph.D. in English with 14 years of MBA consulting experience and 3 decades of teaching experience in India and the US. Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students worldwide to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,000+ essays written by applicants worldwide.  Poonam was among the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023.

Click here for my students’ testimonials on LinkedIn.

You may email Poonam at poonam@myessayreview.com with questions about your application for the 2025-26 application cycle.

Sign up here for a profile evaluation.

��Follow me on Facebook and LinkedIn

��Subscribe to my YouTube channel for my students’ interviews.

.

The post MER’s First In-Person Celebration: Tanu’s Journey to Kellogg, Haas & Stern (w/scholarship) appeared first on MyessayReview.

Each year, the AIGAC conference brings together admissions consultants and admissions officers from around the world to foster meaningful dialogue, strengthen professional ties, and stay current on trends shaping graduate management education. The event re-energizes us before application season and enables us to guide our clients with greater insight and context.

This year’s conference brought together representatives from leading programs in the U.S. (including HBS, Stanford, Kellogg, Booth, Sloan, CBS, Fuqua, Ross, Darden, and more), Europe (LBS, INSEAD, HEC, IESE, ESADE, SDA Bocconi, Imperial), and Canada (Rotman). Through interactive sessions, panel discussions, school tours, and masterclasses, we delved deep into emerging topics like AI in education, DEI, leadership development, sustainability, and the evolving role of essays and career services in MBA admissions.

May 12–13: UC Berkeley Haas

At Haas, the second-oldest business school in the U.S., we explored the school’s defining principles: ' Student Always,’ ‘Confidence Without Attitude,’ ‘Question the Status Quo,’ and ‘Beyond Yourself.’ These values shape Haas’s commitment to ethical leadership and entrepreneurial innovation. We learned about Haas’s new cross-campus entrepreneurship hub, the role of career services, and how video essays and recommendation letters are evaluated.

A highlight was the Master Class on “AI for Business Leaders,” where we explored how AI is transforming decision-making in both the classroom and the corporate world.

Equally valuable were our networking opportunities with admissions teams from over 30 top global MBA programs. Through candid discussions and breakout sessions, we gained critical insights into the admissions landscape, including application volume trends, student visa updates, and how AI is reshaping both candidate evaluation and instruction.

Breakout Session at Haas

With fellow AIGAC members and admissions officers at Berkeley Haas

May 14: Stanford GSB

Our third day took us to Stanford GSB, a school committed to developing leaders who “change lives, organizations, and the world.” We experienced firsthand Stanford’s emphasis on bold thinking, personal reflection, and integrity.

The conversations focused on helping applicants craft meaningful narratives through deeper self-awareness. We also discussed how Stanford is preparing AI-fluent leaders who can thrive in a rapidly evolving business environment.

The Stanford GSB campus, where bold ideas and values intersect

May 15: UCLA Anderson

At Anderson, the school’s core values—“Think Fearlessly,” “Drive Change,” and “Share Success”—came alive through every session. The career development resources impressed me most: with 8 Parker advisors and over 70 ACT coaches, students receive highly personalized support from day one. Programs like Alive, Summer Immersions, and Anderson-facilitated interviews (AFT) are key to their career success.

The MBA student panel offered authentic insights into student life and learning outcomes. The day ended with a compelling Masterclass on “Building the Transformative Leader’s Toolkit: AI as a Strategic Asset,” demonstrating how Anderson integrates AI into its curriculum to prepare students for future-ready leadership.

Ending the conference on a high note at UCLA Anderson

A special moment with my former student at Anderson

Key Takeaways from AIGAC 2025

• AI as a Strategic Imperative: Across all three schools, AI was not just a discussion topic but a strategic focus—integrated into coursework, leadership training, and even the admissions process.
• Values-Based Leadership: All programs reinforced their commitment to cultivating values-driven leaders capable of navigating complexity with purpose and empathy.
• Student-Centered Career Development: From Berkeley’s career services to Anderson’s ACT coaching model, the emphasis was on tailoring support to help students achieve their unique goals.
• Admissions Transparency & Collaboration: Panels and breakout discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment of schools and consultants to support applicants holistically.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: DEI continues to be a cornerstone of admissions strategy, program design, and student experience across schools.
• Evolving Application Tools: Schools are refining how they use essays, video prompts, and letters of recommendation to assess not just competence, but character and fit.

Final Reflections

Though each school we visited had its unique identity and values, they all shared a common goal: to prepare agile, forward-thinking leaders for an increasingly complex world. As an admissions consultant, I work closely with applicants to align them with programs that reflect their values, goals, and potential. Attending this conference empowers me to guide my mentees more effectively.

A big thank you to UC Berkeley Haas, Stanford GSB, and UCLA Anderson for their generous hospitality. Special thanks to the incredible AIGAC Conference Committee—Maria Cecilia Pineda, Paulo Cesar Moraes Oliveira, Eric Lucrezia, Kelly R. Wilson, Thomas Kalandranis, Manan Maheshwari, and our dynamic Executive Director, Faye Mackenzie.

It was also a joy to reconnect with founding member Maxx Duffy and to welcome our new president, Candy Lee LaBalle, whose energy and vision will continue to strengthen AIGAC’s mission. Special thanks to outgoing president Adam Markus, whose leadership took us to new heights, including a visit to the Indian School of Business earlier this year.

Looking forward to AIGAC 2026!

Read My Previous AIGAC Conference Blogs:

• 15^th AIGAC Conference 2022 – Changing Trends in Management Education- Key Takeaways
• AIGAC 2021- Virtual Conference -MER’s key Takeaways
• AIGAC 2020 Virtual Conference- the Key Takeaways on Changes amid COVID-19
• AIGAC Virtual Conference 2020 - an Astounding Success
• AIGAC 2016 School Representatives Share their Insights at AIGAC Conference at MIT-Part 2
• AIGAC# 16 School Representatives Share their Insights at AIGAC Conference at MIT-Part 2
• AIGAC #16 School Representatives Share their Insights at AIGAC Conference at MIT -Part 1
• AIGAC# 2015 8th Annual Conference – Reflections of AIGAC 15

About MER (myEssayReview)

Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER (myEssayReview), is a Ph.D. in English with 14 years of MBA consulting experience and 3 decades of teaching experience in India and the US. Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students worldwide to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,000+ essays written by applicants worldwide.  Poonam was among the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023.

Contact & Follow: Need help with your application for 2025-26 application cycle?  Email Poonam at poonam@myessayreview.com with questions.

Sign up here for a profile evaluation.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for my students’ interviews.

Follow me on LinkedIn and like my Facebook  page.

The post AIGAC 2025 Conference: Values, Sustainability & Transformative Leadership – My Key Learnings appeared first on MyessayReview.

Thinking about an MBA but dreading the GMAT or GRE? You are not alone! The first hurdle in your MBA journey is getting that test score out of the way. With Round 1 deadlines less than 4 months away, this is the perfect time to start building your test prep strategy

To support applicants through this crucial first step, I’m excited to launch my MBA Application Series. This blog (and accompanying video) brings you real-world insights from students who worked with myEssayReview (MER) and earned admits—and scholarships—from top business schools.

In Part 1, we focus on test preparation strategies. You’ll hear directly from three students who successfully tackled their test prep journeys:

✅ Katherine, a second-year student at UCLA Anderson, shares her GRE prep experience and tips.
✅ Shekhar, a 2023 graduate of Chicago Booth, reflects on GMAT Classic prep. Although GMAT Classic has been replaced by GMAT Focus, many of his strategies are still highly relevant.
✅ Tyler, a first-year student at USC Marshall, discusses his experience with the GMAT Focus Edition.

Below, you’ll find highlights from Katherine, Shekhar, and Tyler.  Each excerpt includes a few lines of direct advice followed by key takeaways.

Watch the Video

Catch the full video version of this episode right here:
Watch on YouTube (replace with actual URL)

Tyler Sweeney | GMAT Focus 675 (Equivalent to 720) | USC & UCLA Admit with Scholarships

Tyler's Advice; “With the GMAT Focus Edition, each section gives you about 2 minutes per question, so speed was critical. I started prep in early summer and spaced it over six months. I practiced Data Insights heavily and learned that staying calm and interpreting the logic clearly was key.”

Key Takeaways:

• Start early and be consistent
• Prioritize speed and accuracy
• Stay calm and confident, especially with Data Insights

Watch Tyler's full interview
Read Tyler’s full story

Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/tyler-sweeney

Katherine Shang | GRE Prep | UCLA Anderson, Kellogg, UC Davis Admits with Scholarships

Katherine's Advice: “GRE prep was about balancing consistency and managing pressure. I treated it like a project, breaking it into small, manageable steps. That helped me stay calm and focused on weak areas.”

Key Takeaways:

• Treat prep like a structured project
• Manage stress by creating small goals
• Stay focused on continuous improvement

Watch Katherine’s full interview
Read Katherine’s full story

Connect with Katherine on LinkedIn:– linkedin.com/in/katherine-shang

Shekhar Iyer | 780 GMAT | Booth Admit with $40K Scholarship

Shekhar's Advice “I prepared for my GMAT for five months and didn’t miss a single day—even if it was just 30 minutes. Sentence correction was more predictable for me, so I focused on mastering it. The test is very unpredictable, so be consistent, take mock tests, and stay calm.”

Key Takeaways:

• Be consistent in your daily prep
• Focus on your strengths and weaknesses
• Use trusted resources like GMAT Club and “Thursdays with Ron”

Watch Shekhar's full interview
Read Shekhar’s full story

Connect with Shekhar on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ishekhariyer

Summary: Top 3 Test Prep Tips from MER Students

1. Start early and stay consistent
2. Tailor your prep to your strengths and weaknesses
3. Stay calm and trust your reasoning under pressure

If you found these tips helpful, don’t miss what’s coming next! In Part 2 of the MBA Application Series, we’ll dive into MBA application strategy—how to plan, prepare, and position yourself for success.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more videos.

Follow me on LinkedIn and Facebook for updates and MBA application tips

The post MBA Application Series – Part 1: GMAT & GRE Prep Tips from Successful MER Students appeared first on MyessayReview.

Here’s an example that illustrates the difference:

Before (too technical):
“In order to save the tooling cost and time, I did not ask for tooling amending of the washer, but asked the supplier to decrease the hardness of the washer by 10 degrees… passed the water leakage test… sent it by FedEx…”

After (clear and outcome-focused):
“I substituted a softer washer that satisfied the manager; the sample passed the leak test and was ready ahead of the trade show deadline.”

The revised version not only communicates more clearly but also does so in fewer words, which is especially helpful given the strict word limits of MBA essays.

Admissions committees want to understand your decisions and impact, not decode technical specifications. Use simple, reader-friendly language that reflects your ability to communicate with a broader audience.

When in doubt, simplify. Clarity always wins.

✨ Have questions about your MBA journey? Email Poonam at poonam@myessayreview.com

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more MBA tips and student interviews.
Follow me on LinkedIn and Facebook for insights and updates.

Sign up here for a profile evaluation.

The post Avoid Technical Details in Your MBA Essays appeared first on MyessayReview.

If you’re a Round 2 MBA applicant, you have finished submitting your applications. Congratulations on hitting the submit button after months of hard work. Now what?

First, pause and acknowledge what you’ve accomplished. This process takes discipline, clarity, and stamina. You’ve earned that moment.

Now comes the part many applicants mishandle.

That is - What to do after submitting your Round 2 applications:

1. Take a short break

Step away from essays and portals. Rest your mind before the next phase begins.

2. Stop overanalyzing what you submitted

Replaying every sentence or decision won’t change the outcome. It only adds unnecessary stress.

3. Start preparing for interviews now

The biggest mistake I see every year is applicants waiting for interview invites before preparing.

Make sure that by the time interview calls arrive, you are ready for them.

Use this time to:

– Review your essays and résumé
– Reflect on your leadership stories and career goals
– Practice articulating why this school clearly and confidently

Interview preparation isn’t about sounding perfect. It’s about sounding thoughtful, grounded, and authentic.

A little preparation now goes a long way later.

Need help with interview prep, email me at poonam@myessayreview.com

The post Round 2 Applications Submitted. Now What? appeared first on MyessayReview.

Business schools have begun rolling out interview invites for Round 2 MBA applicants. If you have already received the interview offer, congratulations. You have crossed a crucial stage. Now it's time to focus on interview preparation.

The MBA interview is the final step in your journey to your target school that can significantly impact your chances of admission. Through the interview, schools aim to understand who you are beyond those carefully crafted words. Therefore, the first and most critical step in the MBA interview preparation is to know your content and understand the type of questions a particular school may ask.

At MER, we reached out to our previous admission cycle’s successful students. Some of them gladly shared their interview debriefs. In this blog, we have compiled their interview questions and experience, including interview questions of candidates who went to different programs, but shared interview debriefs of schools that interviewed and waitlisted them.

In this blog, we explore the interview questions and candidates’ insights for MIT, Emory, UNC, Marshall, Vanderbilt, UCLA, and Kellogg.

1. MIT

Robert Hall- Accepted into MIT with a 20K Scholarship and Kellogg with a 40 K scholarship; Joined Kellogg

An admissions director interviewed me. She wanted to cover so many questions and hardly gave me 40 seconds to a minute to answer each question. The interview was with another interviewee. There were two one-hour interviews: one was a behavioral/fit, and the other was business/management-focused.

The following are some of the questions they asked me.

Behavioral interview

1. Why MIT? Why now?

Robert: In the follow-up questions, I detailed my family and employer and how I developed a plan to balance it all.

3. What is one thing that you have put immense time into in your personal life and that you are most proud of in the past three years?

Robert: I answered by training my service dog, who was there with me.

4. Why an EMBA?

Robert: The other questions were follow-ups to my answers; they always asked follow-ups.

Management interview

1. Tell me about a time when one of your direct reports was not fully functioning in their role, and how you approached it, and what you did?

2. What do you see as the biggest threat to your organization, Alpine, in the next two years?

3. What have you learned from building a start-up?

4. What fiscal responsibilities did you have at Korn Ferry?

Robert: I provided details of my fiscal responsibilities.

5.  Has Alpine's strategy changed since the beginning? Was I involved?

Robert:  70% of my interview was focused on my role at Alpine and my involvement in the company's strategy and future.

Click here for Robert Hall's testimonial.

2. Emory

Anupriya - Accepted by Vanderbilt and UNC with a 100K scholarship each; Joined UNC

Here are the interview questions for Emory.

1. Tell me about yourself

2. What is your role in your family business?

3.  Tell me about your current role in your company.

4. What are you working on/targeting for next week at your current job?

5. What are your short-term and long-term goals?

6. How will you utilise the resources available at Emory?

7. How will you contribute to the group projects at Emory?

8. Who is your current supervisor?  How would he describe you in 3 words?

10. How would your peers describe you? (3 words)

11. How will your father describe you? (3 words)

3. UNC

Anupriya- Accepted by UNC and Vanderbilt with a 100K scholarship each.

 My interviewer was the Admissions Director.

1. Tell me about yourself?

2. What are your goals? How will UNC help achieve them?

2. What is your role in your family business? What challenges did you face there, and how did you resolve them?

3. Tell us about a leadership story in your current job other than the one mentioned in your application.

4. How do you manage disagreements within a team?

4. What am I currently working on? What is your target for next week?

5. How have you empowered women?

6. Why are you interested in the Vetter program?

7. Do you have any questions for me?

4. Vanderbilt

Anupriya- Accepted by Vanderbilt with a 100K scholarship  

A second-year student interviewed me. The interview questions were very basic.

1. Walk me through your resume.

2. Tell me about your goals.

3. How will Vanderbilt help you achieve it? Why Vanderbilt and not another school?

4. Tell me your proudest leadership story.

5. Do you have any questions for me?

5. USC, UCI, UCB, and UCLA

Ashish Anil Rajmane- Accepted into USC ( 20K scholarship), UCI (35 K scholarship), UCLA Anderson, and Berkeley Haas; Joined Berkeley Haas

The following were the types of questions that were asked in my interviews with USC, UCI, UCB, and UCLA.

1. Why did you choose Civil Engineering as your undergraduate major?

2. Why are you pursuing an MBA at this point in your career?

3. What specifically attracted you to our MBA program, and how did you learn about it?

4. How do you plan to manage your time effectively during the MBA program?

5. In addition to the hobbies you have mentioned, do you have any other personal interests?

If you are accepted into multiple programs, what will be the key factors in your decision-making process?

Click here for Ashish's testimonial.

6. Kellogg

Tanu- Accepted into Berkeley Haas, NYU Stern (15K scholarship), and Kellogg; Joined Kellogg

1. Tell me about yourself, your journey to this long career path. How did you reach here?

2. Explain your day-to-day work from the perspective of the MBAi course.

3. Since I had mentioned 'lead 11-member team', she asked me what it is that you, as a leader, bring that helps your team achieve the intended success?

4. How will your teammates define me in 3 words?

5. What is your leadership style?

6. Have you faced any obstacles that you thought you would not, and how do you react?

7. What is the critical feedback that you received and still hurts thinking about?

8. Why the MBAi course?

9. What are your short-term and long-term goals?

10. Looking at the economy today, are you ready to work globally?

11. If you don't get your intended short-term goal role, do you have a plan B?

12. Why Kellogg? Why now?

13. What will be your contribution to Kellogg?

Then we both talked about my experiences with Yoga, and if I have tried a certain class, and how it feels, etc.

14. What is something that you want to tell her that I haven't asked about?

15. What is one thing that you want to change about yourself and are actively working on?

16. Do you have any questions for me?

I asked, 'How should I prepare well before starting the program, if I am provided with the opportunity?'

Video Interview Questions

1. Tell me something about yourself that is not on your resume?

2. How do you deal with a situation when you have multiple projects, and you are asked to integrate changes into another project that you were not asked to accommodate initially?

2. What makes you think you are ready for an MBA now? Given an example outside of your work?

Click here for Tanu's testimonial.

7. NYU Stern

Tanu-  NYU Stern Admit w/ 15K scholarship

1. Imagine that it is Fall and you are starting your Fall semester in New York. You are in the Auditorium with your batch, and you are called on stage to introduce yourself. You have 2 mins now, please introduce yourself to your batchmates.

2. I see you have leadership experience. What is your leadership style?

3. Why are you applying to the NYU Executive MBA program?

4. Why NYU Stern

8. Haas Video Interview

Tanu-  Berkeley Haas Admit

1. What is your favourite food and why?

2. Why Haas? What do you think Haas is the right school for you?

She gave me her email ID after that and said I could write to her if I had more questions.

9. SMU Cox

Anupam Chatterji- Accepted into SMU Cox ( 10K scholarship), Kelly (20K Scholarship), and McCombs; Joined McCombs

An Admission Officer interviewed me for about 45 minutes. The interview questions were mostly behavioral in type.

1. My resume was discussed in detail.

2 . Tell me a time when you did not agree with a situation and how you handled it.

3. Tell me about your accomplishments.

4. You come from an Engineering background, and you are opting for Finance. Why are you choosing Finance?

10. McCombs

Anupam Chatterji- McCombs Admit

1. What are your hobbies?

2. Why MBA?

3. How did you meet your wife?

4. Have you visitedMcCombs? Which classes did you visit and when? How did you like it?

5. Video Assessment

The interviewer noted that she saw a lot of interaction with the students.

11. Kelly

Anupam Chatterji- Accepted into Kelly with 20K Scholarship

1. Why MBA after a decade of graduation, and why now?

Related Resources

Interview Debriefs of MER Students- 2023-24

Interview Debriefs of MER Students – 2022-23

Interview Debriefs of MER Students – 2021-22 Application Cycle

MBA Interview Debriefs of MER Students

How to Ace MBA Interviews

How to Present Your Best Self in Virtual Interviews

How to Write a Thank You Note after your MBA Interview

About MER (myEssayReview)

Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER (myEssayReview), has a Ph.D. in English with 15+ years of MBA consulting experience and three decades of teaching experience in India and the US. A master storyteller, Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students worldwide to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,750+ essays written by applicants worldwide.

Poonam was among the top 5 most-reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023. Click here for her students’ testimonials on LinkedIn.

You may email Poonam at poonam@myessayreview.com with questions about your application or sign up here for a Profile Evaluation.

The post Interview Debriefs of MER Students– 2024-25 appeared first on MyessayReview.

Choosing the right MBA program isn't just about choosing the right business school. It is also about choosing the right MBA program format.

Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA, Executive MBA, hybrid programs: with so many options available, how do you decide which format is right for you?

Applicants often look first at their years of work experience. Someone with five or six years of experience may naturally consider a Full-Time MBA, while someone with 10–15 years of experience may assume that an Executive MBA is the obvious choice. But in my experience working with MBA applicants, the decision is rarely that simple.

Over the past 15+ years, I have worked with applicants with similar years of experience who chose very different MBA formats based on their career stage, goals, learning preferences, and the kind of MBA experience they wanted.

In this article, I discuss six factors to consider when choosing your preferred MBA program format and illustrate them with the experiences of five MER students.

1. The MBA Experience You Want

Before choosing an MBA format, think about the kind of experience you want from the program. Do you want to step away from work and immerse yourself completely in the MBA, or would you prefer to continue working while pursuing your degree? Your answer can be more important than the number of years you have worked.

Tanu Sharma, now a second-year Kellogg Full-Time MBA student, applied with nearly 10 years of work experience. Since she was working in the United States, Part-Time and Executive MBA programs were also options for her. But she was determined to pursue a Full-Time MBA.

For Tanu, the decision came down to how she wanted to experience her MBA. She did not want to divide her energy between a demanding job and school.

“I do not care how many years of experience I have. I want to give my undivided attention to this next phase, my MBA. That is where I want to put my energy.”

For her, 10 years of experience did not automatically mean that she needed to pursue an Executive MBA. What mattered more was the immersive MBA experience she wanted.

Read/Watch my full interview with Tanu.

2. Your Career Stage

Years of work experience alone do not always indicate which MBA format will be the best fit. It is equally important to consider the nature of your experience, your level of responsibility, and where you are in your career.

Anupam Chatterjee, now a second-year McCombs Professional MBA student, is a good example. He had about 15 years of work experience when he applied, so an Executive MBA might have seemed like the natural choice.

Instead of making his decision based on years of experience, Anupam visited McCombs and attended classes in both the Executive MBA and Professional MBA programs.

He found that the Executive MBA cohort included very senior professionals, some already in C-suite roles. Although he had considerable experience, he felt that his own level of leadership responsibility was different.

“I was not leading very large teams or driving business functions. I have mostly been working in tech. I want to contribute to class, not just learn from others.”

He also preferred the teaching approach and more frequent interaction offered by the Professional MBA.

Anupam's experience shows that the nature and scope of your experience can matter as much as the number of years on your résumé.

Read/Watch my full interview with Anupam.

3. The Right Peer Group

Your classmates are an important part of your MBA experience. You will learn not only from professors but also from your peers' experiences, perspectives, and discussions. Therefore, it is important to consider whether the cohort matches your professional stage and the kind of peer learning you are looking for.

Apoorva Dandekar, now a first-year Darden Executive MBA student, initially applied to Part-Time MBA programs despite her extensive professional and managerial experience. I had suggested that she also consider an Executive MBA, but she felt that Part-Time was the right choice for her.

After being admitted to Darden's Part-Time MBA, however, she attended an introductory session and met prospective classmates. That experience changed her mind.

“Most of the cohort appeared to be about ten years younger than I was, and I could recognize the kinds of conversations I might have had ten years earlier.”

She realized that she did not want to invest significant time, money, and family sacrifices in a program where she did not feel she was at the same professional stage as her peers.

Darden also clarified some misconceptions she had about the Executive MBA format, particularly about the amount of in-person interaction. She subsequently applied to switch to the Executive MBA program.

Apoorva and Anupam offer an interesting contrast. Apoorva moved from Part-Time to Executive MBA, while Anupam chose Part-Time over Executive MBA. Their experiences demonstrate why career stage and peer fit cannot be determined by years of experience alone.

Read/Watch my full interview with Apoorva.

4. Your Next Career Move

The right MBA format should also support where you want your career to go next. Consider the skills you need to develop, the type of responsibilities you want to take on, and how the MBA will help you bridge the gap between your current role and your future goals.

Kruthika Rathinavel, now a first-year Wharton Executive MBA student, knew from the beginning that an Executive MBA was the right format for her.

As a software architect, she enjoyed working in technology, but she had also become increasingly interested in creating alignment among stakeholders and participating in organizational decision-making. She wanted to move toward strategy, transformation, and broader leadership roles.

“I needed to bridge certain skill gaps before moving into a decision-making role. I wanted to strengthen my knowledge of finance and organizational strategy.”

For Kruthika, the Executive MBA was not simply a choice based on her years of experience. It was closely connected to where she wanted her career to go next.

Her experience shows why applicants should look beyond their current role and ask what skills and exposure they need for the next stage of their career.

Read/Watch my full interview with Kruthika.

5. Learning While Working

For some applicants, continuing to work while pursuing an MBA is not simply about convenience or finances. It can also become part of the learning experience, allowing them to connect classroom concepts with real workplace situations and apply their learning immediately.

Paramvir Sawhney, a Kelley Part-Time MBA graduate, chose a hybrid program that combined online and on-campus learning while allowing him to continue working full-time.

The flexibility was important to him, but so was the opportunity to put his learning into practice immediately.

“It gave me the flexibility to apply what I learned in class in the evening to my job the very next day. It was almost like following an experiential learning model.”

Paramvir's experience provides an interesting contrast to Tanu's. Tanu wanted to step away from work so she could devote her full attention to her MBA. Paramvir valued continuing to work because it allowed him to apply his MBA learning immediately.

Both choices made sense because they reflected what each applicant wanted from the MBA experience.

Read/Watch my full interview with Paramvir.

6. Fit With Your Work and Family Life

For working professionals, an MBA format must fit not only their career goals but also their work and family responsibilities. Part-Time and Executive MBA applicants should carefully consider class schedules, commute or travel requirements, and time away from family. Full-Time applicants, on the other hand, need to consider the implications of stepping away from work and, in some cases, relocating.

I see this consideration frequently with Part-Time and Executive MBA applicants. They are managing demanding careers, and many also have families. Spending significant time commuting or flying to attend classes can add another layer of pressure to an already demanding schedule.

Both Anupam and Apoorva considered travel and location among the factors in their decisions. Anupam considered the travel involved in attending the Executive MBA in Austin while he was based in Dallas, while Apoorva wanted to balance her MBA with time with her family, including her younger daughter.

Practical considerations should not be treated as an afterthought. The right format needs to work not only for your professional goals but also for your life outside the classroom.

Final Thoughts

There is no single formula for choosing the right MBA program format. As the experiences of these five MER students demonstrate, years of work experience are only one part of the decision.

Your career stage, the peer group you want to learn with, your future goals, the kind of learning experience you prefer, and your work and family responsibilities all matter.

Do your research before making the decision. Attend information sessions and classes, speak with current students, understand the cohort profile, and learn how the program actually works rather than relying only on assumptions about Full-Time, Part-Time, or Executive MBA programs.

Instead of asking only, “How many years of experience do I have?”, ask yourself: “What do I want from my MBA, and which format will best help me achieve it?”

Making that choice thoughtfully can help ensure that your MBA experience delivers what you are truly looking for.

About Poonam and MER (myEssayReview)

Poonam Tandon, founder of MER (myEssayReview), holds a Ph.D. in English and has 15+ years of MBA consulting experience and three decades of teaching experience in India and the US. A master storyteller, Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students worldwide to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,000+ essays written by applicants worldwide. Poonam was among the top 5 most-reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023.

Subscribe to her YouTube Channel for more MBA tips and student interviews.

Follow her on LinkedIn and Facebook for insights and updates.

Explore blogs, interview transcripts, and resources: https://myessayreview.com

✨ Have questions about your MBA journey? Email Poonam at poonam@myessayreview.com

Sign up here for a free consultation.

The post Full-Time, Part-Time, Executive, or Hybrid MBA? How Five MER Clients Chose the Right Format appeared first on MyessayReview.

MBA applications require considerable thought and self-reflection. Applicants make numerous decisions throughout the application process, from researching schools and identifying the right stories to presenting their goals and experiences effectively.

But over the years, I have noticed that thoughtful preparation can sometimes turn into overthinking. In fact, I feel that overthinking among MBA applicants has increased in the past few years.

Applicants begin worrying about what the admissions committee “really wants,” looking for hidden meanings in straightforward instructions, second-guessing decisions they have already made, and repeatedly asking themselves: What if I do this? What if I don’t? What are my chances?

Careful thinking can strengthen an application. Overthinking can create unnecessary anxiety and make applicants lose confidence in themselves and in the process.

In this article, I am going to share some examples of overthinking that I have seen among MBA applicants in the past few years.

1. Trying to Fit the “Ideal Applicant” Mold

One of the most common questions applicants ask me is: “What are the AdComs looking for?”

Often, behind this question is the assumption that admissions committees are looking for a certain kind of “ideal” applicant and that candidates need to figure out whether they fit that mold.

But MBA classes are not built by selecting hundreds of versions of the same applicant. Admissions decisions are made in the context of building an entire class, not simply by evaluating each applicant against one fixed ideal profile.

Schools bring together people from different industries, professional backgrounds, geographies, experiences, and career paths. Applicants should certainly understand what a school values, but they should focus on presenting their own experiences, accomplishments, goals, and personality rather than trying to become the applicant they think the AdCom wants.

2. Looking for Hidden Preferences in Clear Instructions

Sometimes applicants overthink even when a school has given them a clear choice.

One applicant was applying to Ross, which allowed candidates to answer its optional question either in essay form or through bullet points. He asked me whether Ross might prefer bullet points.

My response was simple: Ross had explicitly provided both options. If it preferred one format, it would have said so. An option is not a requirement.

I have seen similar overthinking around recommendations. One applicant hesitated to use a strong leadership example in her essay because her recommender was also planning to mention it.

I explained to her that this was not unnecessary repetition. Rather, it showed that her essay and recommendation were in sync. She was sharing the experience from her perspective, while her recommender was validating her leadership from another perspective. Moreover, the recommender would be sharing other examples as well.

In another case, an applicant wondered whether his recommender should upload an entire GMAC recommendation as a PDF when the recommender had already answered the questions required by the school. Again, my advice was to follow what the school was asking for rather than make a straightforward instruction more complicated.

3. Overthinking How to Address a Weakness

Applicants also tend to overthink how the AdCom will perceive a weakness.

One applicant wanted to provide context for his GMAT score in the optional essay. His opening sentence directly stated that he wanted to provide additional context regarding his score. He then worried that mentioning the GMAT might “plant” the weakness in the reader’s mind and considered replacing it with a more indirect opening.

I told him he was overthinking something that wasn’t really an issue. The AdCom could already see the score. Addressing a genuine concern directly and providing relevant context can demonstrate self-awareness.

4. When More Research Creates More Doubt

I always encourage applicants to research their target schools thoroughly. But sometimes even good research can become counterproductive when applicants use every new piece of information to second-guess their work.

One applicant continued going through Wharton’s application requirements after we had already completed the two edits of her essay and discussed it extensively. She came across a page describing qualities Wharton looks for—leadership, empathy, communication skills, teamwork, entrepreneurial spirit, and others—and became worried that her essay might not sufficiently address all these criteria.

Applicants need to understand that an essay does not need to demonstrate every quality mentioned on a school’s website. The application needs to be viewed as a whole. Different components reveal different aspects of the applicant.

5. Overthinking Essay Structure

One applicant was concerned because his final MBA goals essay had six paragraphs rather than following the traditional five-paragraph format. He found the essay well-structured and easy to read but still wondered whether having six paragraphs might make it less effective.

I explained that there is no required number of paragraphs for an MBA essay. The structure should follow the logic of the prompt, not a rigid formula. What matters is that each paragraph has a clear purpose and that the essay is cohesive and addresses the prompt effectively.

For more on this topic, see the following two blogs:

MBA Essay Structure: What Really Matters

The Master Art of Structuring MBA Essays.

6. “What Are My Chances?”

Another question I have heard countless times over the years is: “What do you think my chances are?”

This is a difficult question for anyone to answer with certainty. Even admissions officers may find it difficult to answer when prospective applicants ask them this question. Admissions decisions are determined by many factors, and admissions committees are building an entire class, not simply evaluating each applicant against one fixed profile.

Over the years, I have seen strong applicants rejected by one school and admitted to another school they considered more competitive. There is no one-size-fits-all formula for predicting an admissions decision.

Once you have researched your schools, evaluated your profile, and decided where to apply, I believe your energy is better spent putting your best foot forward than repeatedly trying to calculate your chances.

7. Overthinking MBA Applications: Getting Trapped in the “What Ifs”

Then there are the endless “What if?” questions.

One applicant who was preparing to retake an admissions test worried: What if I take it again and still get a low score? As the deadline approached, the “what ifs” were adding to her test and application anxiety.

Another applicant became concerned because she had not included her personal blog on her resume, but the blog appeared when her name was searched online. She worried about what the AdCom might think if it found the blog.

When there is a genuine issue, address it. When there is a decision to make, consider the available information and make it. But repeatedly imagining every possible negative outcome rarely makes an application stronger.

Thoughtful Preparation or Overthinking?

I always advise MBA applicants to think deeply about their applications. Self-reflection, school research, careful writing, feedback, and multiple rounds of revision are all essential to developing a strong application.

But thoughtful preparation differs from overthinking.

If you find yourself repeatedly revisiting decisions you have already made, searching for hidden meanings in clear instructions, trying to fit yourself into an imaginary “ideal applicant” mold, or repeatedly asking “What if?” and “What are my chances?”, ask yourself one simple question:

Is this additional thinking actually improving my application?

If it is, keep working on it.

If it isn’t, trust the work you have done, trust your own story, and move forward.

Good luck with your applications.

About MER (myEssayReview)

Poonam Tandon, founder of MER (myEssayReview), holds a Ph.D. in English and has 15+ years of MBA consulting experience and three decades of teaching experience in India and the US. A master storyteller, Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students worldwide to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,000+ essays written by applicants worldwide. Poonam was among the top 5 most-reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023.

Subscribe to her YouTube Channel for more MBA tips and student interviews.

Follow her on LinkedIn and Facebook for insights and updates.

Explore blogs, interview transcripts, and resources: https://myessayreview.com

✨ Have questions about your MBA journey? Email Poonam at poonam@myessayreview.com

Sign up here for a profile evaluation.

The post MBA Applications: When Thoughtful Preparation Turns into Overthinking appeared first on MyessayReview.

Over the last few years, I have noticed that B-schools have been increasingly “on a diet” with words, giving applicants fewer words in which to present their candidacy to the Ad Com.

In my 15+ years as an MBA admissions consultant, I have witnessed this trend gradually evolve. The 2026–27 application cycle makes it even more evident: several schools are not only asking applicants to communicate their stories in fewer words but, in some cases, are also giving them fewer written essays in which to do so.

Wharton, for example, asks applicants to explain their immediate post-MBA professional goal in just 50 words and their medium- and long-term goals in 150 words. Chicago Booth has gone even further this year, replacing its two 250-word essays with four required short-answer prompts of only 300 characters each.

At the same time, some schools are reducing the number of traditional written essays. NYU Stern has removed its long-standing “Change: ____ it.” essay. Darden has reduced its required written essays from three to two and introduced a video essay. Kellogg has also reduced its required written essays from two to one while increasing its video essays from three to five.

These changes point to an important trend in MBA admissions: applicants may have fewer words and fewer written opportunities to communicate their stories, making every word even more important.

How Do You Cut Words Without Cutting the Essence of Your Story?

Over the years, I have worked with many applicants who had strong content but struggled to bring their essays within the required word limits.

One thing I have often noticed is that when applicants are significantly over the limit, they start cutting details simply to create space. Unfortunately, sometimes they end up removing the very details that bring their experiences to life and make their stories personal and compelling.

Meeting a word or character limit isn't simply about deleting words or details. It is about identifying what is essential to your story, what can be expressed more concisely, and what doesn't need to be there at all.

My first advice is: Do not limit yourself while writing your first draft.

Write down the details you need to tell your story effectively. Then organize and structure your content. Once you have the substance and structure in place, you can begin trimming the essay strategically to meet the required limit.

There are many ways to do this. You can eliminate repetition, remove unnecessary background information, replace wordy expressions with precise words, tighten sentences, and look carefully at whether every detail is contributing something meaningful to your narrative.

In the following two short videos, I share 11 practical strategies that I have used over the years to help applicants meet strict MBA essay word limits without losing the essence and impact of their stories.

Depending on your essay, some strategies may help you more than others.

Also, don't expect to reach the required word limit in one round of editing. Conciseness often comes through multiple rounds of revision. With each round, you may find another sentence that can be tightened, another repetition that can be removed, or another idea that can be expressed more simply.

But throughout this process, make sure that you are not cutting the details that reveal who you are, what you did, why it mattered, and what you learned simply because you need to save a few words.

The goal is not simply to make your essay shorter. It is to make every word earn its place.

11 Strategies With Before-and-After Essay Examples

If you would like to explore these techniques in greater detail, my earlier article, “11 Strategies to Meet Strict Word Limits in MBA Essays,” explains all 11 strategies and includes examples showing how MBA essay content can be tightened without losing its meaning or impact.

Read the detailed article:
https://myessayreview.com/essay-tips/11-strategies-meet-strict-word-limits-mba-essays/

I also discussed these strategies in a GMAT Club webinar, where I used before-and-after examples from applicants' essays to demonstrate how they can reduce word count while preserving the essence of their stories.

Watch the webinar:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOCYc01kme

MBA essay questions and formats will continue to change. Schools may shorten word limits, reduce the number of written essays, or use video responses to learn more about their applicants. But the fundamental challenge remains the same: you need to decide what matters most and communicate it clearly and effectively within the space you are given.

When you have fewer words to tell your story, make every word count.

MBA essay questions and formats will continue to change. Schools may shorten word limits, reduce the number of written essays, or use video responses to learn more about their applicants. But the fundamental challenge remains the same: you need to decide what matters most and communicate it clearly and effectively within the space you are given.

When you have fewer words to tell your story, make every word count.

About MER (myEssayReview)

Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER (myEssayReview), is a Ph.D. in English with 14 years of MBA consulting experience and three decades of teaching experience in India and the US. A master storyteller, Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students worldwide to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,000+ essays written by applicants worldwide. Poonam was among the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023.

Subscribe to her YouTube Channel for more MBA tips and student interviews.

Follow her on LinkedIn and Facebook for insights and updates.

Explore blogs, interview transcripts, and resources:

https://myessayreview.com

✨ Have questions about your MBA journey? Email Poonam at poonam@myessayreview.com

Sign up here for a profile evaluation.

The post Fewer Words, Fewer Essays: Every Word Matters in MBA Applications appeared first on MyessayReview.

For applicants planning to apply this year, these announcements provide an opportunity to do more than simply mark deadlines on a calendar. Essay questions often reveal what admissions committees value most and where they have chosen to place greater emphasis in evaluating candidates.

In this article, I have compiled the application deadlines and essay questions for six leading MBA programs. I also highlight whether the schools have made significant changes, minor changes, or no changes to their essays compared to last year.

If you are planning to apply in Round 1, this information should help you prioritize your research and begin developing your application strategy.

1. Kellogg School of Management

Application Deadlines

Written Essays

Essay Question (550 words max)

Part I: An MBA is a significant investment of time, energy and resources, and the decision to pursue one deserves serious reflection. Tell us about the pivotal experiences and decisions that have brought you to this moment in your career, how they have shaped your ambitions, and why now is the right time to take this next step.

Part II: Now turn the lens outward: beyond what you hope to gain, what do you hope to contribute to the students who will learn alongside you?

Re-applicants will receive a prompt about their growth since their last application: How have you grown or changed personally and professionally since you previously applied and what steps have you taken to become the strongest candidate you can be? (250 words)

Video Essays:

Kellogg now requires applicants to record 5 video essays of 60 seconds each.

“The video will be comprised of five questions, each designed to help you showcase your personality and share some of the experiences that brought you here today.”

What's Changed?

Kellogg has made one of the most significant changes among the schools that have released their essays so far. The school has reduced the number of written essays from two to just one and increased the number of video essays from three to five.

This change may reflect a broader trend in MBA admissions. In an AI-driven world, admissions committees may increasingly rely on video essays and interviews to evaluate communication skills, confidence, executive presence, and authenticity.

2. The Wharton School

Application Deadlines

Essay Questions

Essay 1- Two short-form questions

1. What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (50 words)

2. Describe your medium-term and long-term goals after your Wharton MBA ( 150 words)

Essay 2- Long Form Essay

Taking into consideration your background- personal, professional, and /or academic- how do you plan to add meaningful value to the Wharton community?

Reapplicant Essay (required for all applications)

Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)

Additional Information Essay

Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. (500 words)

What's Changed?

Wharton's essay questions remain largely unchanged this year. The school continues to focus on career goals, leadership, and contributions to the Wharton community. The structure has been refined, but the underlying questions are familiar.

3. Berkeley Haas

Application Deadlines

Essay Questions

Required Essay # 1- Video Essay

Briefly introduce yourself, then tell us what makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why?

Please share something about yourself that may not be evident in other parts of your application. We are looking for an authentic and introspective response that demonstrates how you will contribute to the MBA class and culture at UC Berkeley Haas.

You will be able to test your audio-visual connection before recording. Video essays should last 1-2 minutes and may not exceed 2 minutes. You have two (2) attempts to record your video essay.

Required Essay # 2

What are your post-MBA career goals, and how will the resources at UC Berkeley Haas help you achieve them? How do you plan to remain adaptable as your career evolves? (300 words max)

Supplemental Information

Distance Traveled

At Berkeley Haas, we consider "distance traveled" as the contextual information that helps us understand the unique circumstances, challenges, or influences that have shaped your personal and professional journey.

We invite you to share aspects of your background, personal circumstances, or significant experiences that have meaningfully impacted who you are today and how you've reached this point. Please tell us how these experiences have influenced your perspectives, decisions, and aspirations, and how they contribute to the person you are becoming. (300 words max)

This section is optional.

Optional Statement 

This section should only be used to convey relevant information not addressed elsewhere in your application. This may include an explanation of employment gaps, academic aberrations, supplemental coursework, etc. You are encouraged to use bullet points where appropriate. (300 words max)

What has changed?

Haas continues to emphasize its four defining leadership principles and culture-focused essays with no major structural changes. The required video essay remains unchanged.

But Haas has added the adaptability component to the written essay about goals. The applicants are asked to explain if they are adaptable to change as their careers evolve.

4. Columbia Business School

August 2027 Entry Application Deadlines

Essay Questions

Short Answer Question 1:

What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (50 characters maximum)

Short Answer Question 2: How do you plan to spend the summer after the first year of the MBA? If in an internship, please include the target industry (industries) and/or function (functions). If you plan to work on your own venture, please indicate a focus of business. (50 characters maximum)

Essay 1: Through your resume and recommendation, we have a clear sense of your professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next three to five years, and what is your long-term dream job? (500 words)

Essay 2: Please share a specific example of how you made a team more collaborative, more inclusive, or fostered a greater sense of community within an organization. (250 words)

Essay 3 We believe Columbia Business School is a special place with a collaborative learning environment in which students feel a sense of belonging, agency, and partnership--academically, culturally, and professionally.

How would you co-create your optimal MBA experience at CBS? Please be specific. (250 words)

Optional Essay: If you wish to provide further information or additional context around your application to the Admissions Committee, please upload a brief explanation of any areas of concern in your academic record or personal history. This does not need to be a formal essay. You may submit bullet points. (Maximum 500 Words)

What's Changed?

The essay questions remain unchanged this year.

5. Duke Fuqua

Application Deadlines

Essay Questions

Required short-answer essay question

Instructions: Answer the following question in 100 words.

• What are your post-MBA career goals? Share with us your first-choice career plan and your alternate plan.

First required essay: 25 random things about yourself

The 'Team Fuqua' spirit and community is one of the things that sets the MBA experience apart, and it is a concept that extends beyond the student body to include faculty, staff, and administration. Please share with us “25 Random Things” about you. The Admissions Committee wants to get to know YOU - beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript. Share with us important life experiences, your hobbies, achievements, fun facts, or anything that helps us understand what makes you who you are.

Your list will be limited to 2 pages (750 words maximum). Please present your response in list form, numbered 1 to 25. Some points may be brief, while others may be longer.

 Second required essay: The Fuqua community and you

Fuqua prides itself on cultivating a culture of engagement. Our students enjoy a wide range of student-led organizations that provide opportunities for leadership development and personal fulfillment, as well as an outlet for contributing to society. Our student-led government, clubs, centers, and events are an integral part of the student culture and to the development of leaders. Based on your understanding of the Fuqua culture, what are 3 ways you expect to contribute at Fuqua?

Your response will be limited to 1 page (500 words maximum).

Optional essay: Tell us more

If you feel there are circumstances of which the admissions committee should be aware, please explain them here (e.g., unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance). Note that you should NOT upload additional essays or additional recommendations in this area. The Optional Information section is intended to provide the admissions committee with insight into your circumstances only.

Your response will be limited to 1 page (500 words maximum).

What's Changed?

Fuqua has retained their core essays, and the application continues to be heavily focused on fit, leadership, and community. Have fun with Duke Fuqua’s signature essay about ’25 random things about yourself’.

6. UCLA Anderson

Application Deadlines

Essay Questions

Short Essay Prompts:

1 - Why is the MBA the right degree for you to pursue both personally and professionally? (150 words)

2 - Describe your post-MBA short-term and long-term career goals. (150 words)

3 - What makes UCLA Anderson a top choice for you, and how will you engage with and contribute to the community? (250 words)

Optional Essay: Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions committee should be aware? (250 words maximum)

No preference is given in the evaluation process to those who choose to respond to this optional essay, so please use your best judgment.

What's Changed?

Anderson has retained its questions from last year. With only 550 words to present their profile, applicants need to make every word count. Write the optional essay only if you have a glaring weakness in your profile, not to provide additional information.

Key Admissions Trends Emerging So Far

Although it is still early in the admissions cycle, several themes are already beginning to emerge:

Increased Use of Video Assessments

Kellogg's increased emphasis on video essays suggests that schools may be looking for additional ways to assess communication skills and authenticity in an AI-assisted world.

Continued Focus on Leadership and Impact

Leadership, initiative, and measurable impact remain central themes across many applications.

Career Clarity Remains Critical

Schools continue to place significant emphasis on applicants' career goals and the rationale behind pursuing an MBA.

Authenticity and Self-Awareness Matter More Than Ever

Admissions committees are looking beyond resumes and test scores to understand candidates' motivations, values, and potential contributions.

Final Thoughts

If you are targeting Round 1, now is the time to begin working on your applications.

My experience working with MBA applicants over the past 15 years has taught me one thing: applicants who start early are often the most successful.

Strong applications are rarely built in a few weeks. School research, networking, self-reflection, recommendation planning, and essay development all take time.

The earlier you start, the stronger and more thoughtful your application is likely to be.

About MER (myEssayReview)

Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER (myEssayReview), is a Ph.D. in English with 15 years of MBA consulting experience and three decades of teaching experience in India and the US. A master storyteller, Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students worldwide to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,000+ essays written by applicants worldwide. Poonam was among the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more MBA tips and student interviews.
Follow me on LinkedIn and Facebook for insights and updates.
Explore blogs, interview transcripts, and resources:
https://myessayreview.com

The post MBA Application Deadlines and Essay Questions 2026–27: Key Updates and Admission Trends appeared first on MyessayReview.

While it is always wonderful to reconnect with them online and hear about their application journeys and MBA experiences, meeting them in person, often in their home country or adopted country, feels truly special.

Over the years, I have had the pleasure of meeting several former clients across the globe—Joseph (IESE MBA) in Lisbon, Mansi (Harvard MBA) in Gurgaon, Karan (Kelley MBA) in Faridabad, Katherine (UCLA, Anderson MBA) in California, Tanu (Kellogg admit) in Phoenix, and Cheska (Hitotsubashi ICS MBA) in Tokyo. Each meeting has been a wonderful opportunity to learn more about their application journeys, post-MBA experiences, life stories, and future plans.

Last month, when my husband and I were planning our trip to Egypt, I remembered my former client, Mohamed (RSM MBA), who lives and works in Cairo. I reached out to see if he might be available to meet during our four-day stay, and he graciously agreed.

Mohamed drove nearly an hour through Cairo’s traffic to meet us at the Marriott Hotel, where we were staying. It was an absolute pleasure reconnecting with him.

Our conversation covered many topics—his MBA and post-MBA journey, life in the Netherlands, cultural differences, life experiences, the growing importance of AI, and how he is using AI in his newly founded consulting firm.

Thank you, Mohamed, for taking the time to meet us, especially during the holy month of Ramadan while you were fasting. I truly appreciated the effort.

I’m delighted to share a few pictures from our meeting in Cairo.

Meeting with Mohamed at the Marriott in Cairo

Mohamed had earlier shared his inspiring MBA journey and post-MBA experience in a video interview with me.

You can watch the full conversation here:

https://myessayreview.com/student-interviews/mba-41-exceptional-tale-perseverance-sense-duty-faith/

 Related Blogs:

From mentoring online to meeting in Tokyo, Coffee Chat with Cheska

 MER’s first in-person celebration of student success-Tanu’s journey to Kellogg, Haas, and Stern w/$$$

Meeting a former student at UCLA Anderson during the AIGAC conference  

 About MER (myEssayReview)

Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER (myEssayReview), has a Ph.D. in English with 15+ years of MBA consulting experience and three decades of teaching experience in India and the US. A master storyteller, Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students worldwide to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,750+ essays written by applicants worldwide.

Poonam was among the top 5 most-reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023. Click here for her students’ testimonials on LinkedIn.

You may email Poonam at poonam@myessayreview.com with questions about your application or sign up here for a Profile Evaluation.

The post Meeting Former Clients Around the World: A Memorable Meeting in Cairo appeared first on MyessayReview.

If you’re a Round 2 MBA applicant, you have finished submitting your applications. Congratulations on hitting the submit button after months of hard work. Now what?

First, pause and acknowledge what you’ve accomplished. This process takes discipline, clarity, and stamina. You’ve earned that moment.

Now comes the part many applicants mishandle.

That is - What to do after submitting your Round 2 applications:

1. Take a short break

Step away from essays and portals. Rest your mind before the next phase begins.

2. Stop overanalyzing what you submitted

Replaying every sentence or decision won’t change the outcome. It only adds unnecessary stress.

3. Start preparing for interviews now

The biggest mistake I see every year is applicants waiting for interview invites before preparing.

Make sure that by the time interview calls arrive, you are ready for them.

Use this time to:

– Review your essays and résumé
– Reflect on your leadership stories and career goals
– Practice articulating why this school clearly and confidently

Interview preparation isn’t about sounding perfect. It’s about sounding thoughtful, grounded, and authentic.

A little preparation now goes a long way later.

Need help with interview prep, email me at poonam@myessayreview.com

The post Round 2 Applications Submitted. Now What? appeared first on MyessayReview.

Business schools have begun rolling out interview invites for Round 2 MBA applicants. If you have already received the interview offer, congratulations. You have crossed a crucial stage. Now it's time to focus on interview preparation.

The MBA interview is the final step in your journey to your target school that can significantly impact your chances of admission. Through the interview, schools aim to understand who you are beyond those carefully crafted words. Therefore, the first and most critical step in the MBA interview preparation is to know your content and understand the type of questions a particular school may ask.

At MER, we reached out to our previous admission cycle’s successful students. Some of them gladly shared their interview debriefs. In this blog, we have compiled their interview questions and experience, including interview questions of candidates who went to different programs, but shared interview debriefs of schools that interviewed and waitlisted them.

In this blog, we explore the interview questions and candidates’ insights for MIT, Emory, UNC, Marshall, Vanderbilt, UCLA, and Kellogg.

1. MIT

Robert Hall- Accepted into MIT with a 20K Scholarship and Kellogg with a 40 K scholarship; Joined Kellogg

An admissions director interviewed me. She wanted to cover so many questions and hardly gave me 40 seconds to a minute to answer each question. The interview was with another interviewee. There were two one-hour interviews: one was a behavioral/fit, and the other was business/management-focused.

The following are some of the questions they asked me.

Behavioral interview

1. Why MIT? Why now?

Robert: In the follow-up questions, I detailed my family and employer and how I developed a plan to balance it all.

3. What is one thing that you have put immense time into in your personal life and that you are most proud of in the past three years?

Robert: I answered by training my service dog, who was there with me.

4. Why an EMBA?

Robert: The other questions were follow-ups to my answers; they always asked follow-ups.

Management interview

1. Tell me about a time when one of your direct reports was not fully functioning in their role, and how you approached it, and what you did?

2. What do you see as the biggest threat to your organization, Alpine, in the next two years?

3. What have you learned from building a start-up?

4. What fiscal responsibilities did you have at Korn Ferry?

Robert: I provided details of my fiscal responsibilities.

5.  Has Alpine's strategy changed since the beginning? Was I involved?

Robert:  70% of my interview was focused on my role at Alpine and my involvement in the company's strategy and future.

Click here for Robert Hall's testimonial.

2. Emory

Anupriya - Accepted by Vanderbilt and UNC with a 100K scholarship each; Joined UNC

Here are the interview questions for Emory.

1. Tell me about yourself

2. What is your role in your family business?

3.  Tell me about your current role in your company.

4. What are you working on/targeting for next week at your current job?

5. What are your short-term and long-term goals?

6. How will you utilise the resources available at Emory?

7. How will you contribute to the group projects at Emory?

8. Who is your current supervisor?  How would he describe you in 3 words?

10. How would your peers describe you? (3 words)

11. How will your father describe you? (3 words)

3. UNC

Anupriya- Accepted by UNC and Vanderbilt with a 100K scholarship each.

 My interviewer was the Admissions Director.

1. Tell me about yourself?

2. What are your goals? How will UNC help achieve them?

2. What is your role in your family business? What challenges did you face there, and how did you resolve them?

3. Tell us about a leadership story in your current job other than the one mentioned in your application.

4. How do you manage disagreements within a team?

4. What am I currently working on? What is your target for next week?

5. How have you empowered women?

6. Why are you interested in the Vetter program?

7. Do you have any questions for me?

4. Vanderbilt

Anupriya- Accepted by Vanderbilt with a 100K scholarship  

A second-year student interviewed me. The interview questions were very basic.

1. Walk me through your resume.

2. Tell me about your goals.

3. How will Vanderbilt help you achieve it? Why Vanderbilt and not another school?

4. Tell me your proudest leadership story.

5. Do you have any questions for me?

5. USC, UCI, UCB, and UCLA

Ashish Anil Rajmane- Accepted into USC ( 20K scholarship), UCI (35 K scholarship), UCLA Anderson, and Berkeley Haas; Joined Berkeley Haas

The following were the types of questions that were asked in my interviews with USC, UCI, UCB, and UCLA.

1. Why did you choose Civil Engineering as your undergraduate major?

2. Why are you pursuing an MBA at this point in your career?

3. What specifically attracted you to our MBA program, and how did you learn about it?

4. How do you plan to manage your time effectively during the MBA program?

5. In addition to the hobbies you have mentioned, do you have any other personal interests?

If you are accepted into multiple programs, what will be the key factors in your decision-making process?

Click here for Ashish's testimonial.

6. Kellogg

Tanu- Accepted into Berkeley Haas, NYU Stern (15K scholarship), and Kellogg; Joined Kellogg

1. Tell me about yourself, your journey to this long career path. How did you reach here?

2. Explain your day-to-day work from the perspective of the MBAi course.

3. Since I had mentioned 'lead 11-member team', she asked me what it is that you, as a leader, bring that helps your team achieve the intended success?

4. How will your teammates define me in 3 words?

5. What is your leadership style?

6. Have you faced any obstacles that you thought you would not, and how do you react?

7. What is the critical feedback that you received and still hurts thinking about?

8. Why the MBAi course?

9. What are your short-term and long-term goals?

10. Looking at the economy today, are you ready to work globally?

11. If you don't get your intended short-term goal role, do you have a plan B?

12. Why Kellogg? Why now?

13. What will be your contribution to Kellogg?

Then we both talked about my experiences with Yoga, and if I have tried a certain class, and how it feels, etc.

14. What is something that you want to tell her that I haven't asked about?

15. What is one thing that you want to change about yourself and are actively working on?

16. Do you have any questions for me?

I asked, 'How should I prepare well before starting the program, if I am provided with the opportunity?'

Video Interview Questions

1. Tell me something about yourself that is not on your resume?

2. How do you deal with a situation when you have multiple projects, and you are asked to integrate changes into another project that you were not asked to accommodate initially?

2. What makes you think you are ready for an MBA now? Given an example outside of your work?

Click here for Tanu's testimonial.

7. NYU Stern

Tanu-  NYU Stern Admit w/ 15K scholarship

1. Imagine that it is Fall and you are starting your Fall semester in New York. You are in the Auditorium with your batch, and you are called on stage to introduce yourself. You have 2 mins now, please introduce yourself to your batchmates.

2. I see you have leadership experience. What is your leadership style?

3. Why are you applying to the NYU Executive MBA program?

4. Why NYU Stern

8. Haas Video Interview

Tanu-  Berkeley Haas Admit

1. What is your favourite food and why?

2. Why Haas? What do you think Haas is the right school for you?

She gave me her email ID after that and said I could write to her if I had more questions.

9. SMU Cox

Anupam Chatterji- Accepted into SMU Cox ( 10K scholarship), Kelly (20K Scholarship), and McCombs; Joined McCombs

An Admission Officer interviewed me for about 45 minutes. The interview questions were mostly behavioral in type.

1. My resume was discussed in detail.

2 . Tell me a time when you did not agree with a situation and how you handled it.

3. Tell me about your accomplishments.

4. You come from an Engineering background, and you are opting for Finance. Why are you choosing Finance?

10. McCombs

Anupam Chatterji- McCombs Admit

1. What are your hobbies?

2. Why MBA?

3. How did you meet your wife?

4. Have you visitedMcCombs? Which classes did you visit and when? How did you like it?

5. Video Assessment

The interviewer noted that she saw a lot of interaction with the students.

11. Kelly

Anupam Chatterji- Accepted into Kelly with 20K Scholarship

1. Why MBA after a decade of graduation, and why now?

Related Resources

Interview Debriefs of MER Students- 2023-24

Interview Debriefs of MER Students – 2022-23

Interview Debriefs of MER Students – 2021-22 Application Cycle

MBA Interview Debriefs of MER Students

How to Ace MBA Interviews

How to Present Your Best Self in Virtual Interviews

How to Write a Thank You Note after your MBA Interview

About MER (myEssayReview)

Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER (myEssayReview), has a Ph.D. in English with 15+ years of MBA consulting experience and three decades of teaching experience in India and the US. A master storyteller, Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students worldwide to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,750+ essays written by applicants worldwide.

Poonam was among the top 5 most-reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023. Click here for her students’ testimonials on LinkedIn.

You may email Poonam at poonam@myessayreview.com with questions about your application or sign up here for a Profile Evaluation.

The post Interview Debriefs of MER Students– 2024-25 appeared first on MyessayReview.

Is There a “Correct” Number of Paragraphs in an MBA Essay?

Last week, a thoughtful client asked me if it was okay that their final MBA goals essay had six paragraphs. They found the essay well-structured and easy to read—but were unsure if exceeding the traditional 5-paragraph format might raise red flags.

The question surprised me.
It also made me reflect on the rigid myths that continue to circulate in the MBA application world, such as:

• Your essay must follow a strict 5-paragraph formula

• Every paragraph should be the same length

• Adding personality or storytelling might hurt your chances

In my years of teaching English, I often taught the classic 5-paragraph structure—an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. It’s an excellent framework for building clarity and discipline in writing.

However, MBA essays are different. They must follow the logic of the prompt, not the constraints of a formula. Some prompts naturally call for four paragraphs; others for six. The structure should always serve the story you are telling—not the other way around.

What Actually Matters in MBA Essay Structure?

Here’s my perspective based on 14+ years of guiding applicants:

• A strong MBA essay is not defined by paragraph count.

• It is defined by how clearly and cohesively it addresses each part of the prompt.

• If each paragraph serves a distinct purpose and contributes meaningfully to your message, the structure is working.

A Real Example of Effective Structure

In this client’s case, his goals essay naturally broke into six paragraphs:

1. Career history

2. Short-term and long-term goals

3. Why MBA now

4. Why this program

5. How they will contribute

6. Conclusion

The number wasn’t important.
What mattered was that each paragraph had a clear purpose, and together they told a complete, compelling story.

Final Thoughts

Instead of worrying about whether you have four, five, or six paragraphs, focus on creating a structure that makes your story clear, cohesive, and engaging. Strong MBA essays prioritize purpose, clarity, and flow over formulas.

If you’d like to see more examples and strategies for effective MBA essay writing, explore my related resources below.

Additional Resources

Related Blog Post

The Master Art of Structuring MBA Essays
https://myessayreview.com/essay-tips/master-art-structuring-mba-essays/

YouTube Video

How to Write a Compelling MBA Goals Essay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmbxbCIqv2Y

The post MBA Essay Structure: What Really Matters appeared first on MyessayReview.

When my husband and I planned our vacation to Japan (Tokyo and Kyoto) early this month, I was reminded of my Filipino client, Francesca Lucia Pinlac (Cheska), who had worked with me on three Japanese MBA programs — Hitotsubashi ICS, Waseda, and NUCB — and was accepted into all three. She chose her dream program, Hitotsubashi ICS, where she was also awarded a prestigious Japanese government scholarship that covered her full tuition and living expenses.

Cheska graduated last year and is now a Senior Consultant at Ernst & Young in Tokyo. I reached out to let her know I would be in Tokyo, and we decided to meet for coffee at my hotel. Those two hours flew by as we talked about MBA experience, life and work in Japan, and her plans to eventually return to the Philippines.

It was a pleasure reconnecting with a former mentee whose growth and achievements make me deeply proud. It reaffirmed my belief that mentoring goes beyond guiding someone through applications; it’s about watching them grow, achieve, and thrive in new environments. Meeting Cheska in Tokyo reminded me how rewarding this journey truly is.

For those interested in reading about her MBA application experience, read Cheska’s inspiring story about her MBA application journey:

A Filipino Candidate Got into 3 Japanese B-Schools, including Hitotsubashi ICS, with Japanese National Scholarship

Sharing a few photos from our lovely coffee chat in Tokyo below.

Cheska came to meet me at Tokyo Dome Hotel

Since it was my birthday, I cut the birthday pastry.

In the hotel lobby after coffee .

Selfie with my husband

The post From mentoring online to meeting in Tokyo — meeting with my former mentee, Cheska. ✨ appeared first on MyessayReview.

Most applicants see it as a checklist item, a document needed only to get into business school. But here is what many of my students discovered later: the résumé we built together became a career-long asset that continued to shape their growth well beyond admission.

It helped them communicate their impact more clearly, lead with purpose, and focus on results.

Here’s what some of our students shared:

The résumé we build together doesn’t just help you get admitted—it helps you thrive during and beyond your MBA.

Shekhar, Booth MBA '23:
“I used the same résumé we prepared for MBA apps to apply for jobs at Booth.”

Nikhil, INSEAD MBA '24:
“The resume-building process helped me simplify technical language and craft clear, results-focused presentations at work.”

Tanu, Kellogg MBAi '25:
“Building my résumé with you made me intentional at work. I now lead with outcomes in mind—thanks to the STAR method.”

Robert, MIT & Kellogg admit:
“The essays and résumé we built will serve me throughout my career.”

Anupam, McCombs admit:
“You helped me showcase 15 years of experience with clarity, career growth, and purpose. The application process changed me as a person.”

Your MBA résumé isn’t just a gateway to business school; it’s a living document that grows with you. It helps you thrive during nd after your MBA.

Watch my YouTube video where two MER students—Nikhil (Wharton MBA ’24) and Tanu (Kellogg MBAi ’25)—share how the résumé-building process helped them sharpen communication, improve performance at work, and lead more thoughtfully.

The post Your MBA Résumé: More Than an Application Tool appeared first on MyessayReview.

Your résumé is not just a summary of your career; it’s a snapshot of you. It should reflect your values, interests, and commitments beyond the workplace.

Below, I am sharing some common misconceptions I have observed among candidates regarding their non-work experience, along with my advice on how to address them.

1. “I don’t have a certificate to prove it.”

Some applicants hesitate to include their extracurricular or volunteer work because they lack a formal certificate. To them, I say: you don’t necessarily need one. If you have genuinely engaged in an activity—teaching underprivileged children,     volunteering at an NGO, distributing food, mentoring, or organizing community events- your honesty will speak for itself. The Ad Com trusts authenticity and can always verify such experiences if necessary.

2. “It’s not significant enough to mention.”

Many applicants undervalue their non-work achievements. I’ve seen candidates hesitate to include long-term commitments like donating blood regularly since college or pursuing seven years of formal music training, simply because they couldn’t complete a diploma due to work relocations. What may seem ordinary to you could actually reveal commitment, compassion, discipline, or creativity, qualities the Ad Com values deeply.

3. “One word in the hobbies section is enough.”

Some candidates provide a laundry list of hobbies—reading, traveling, hiking, cooking,  etc., and feel their job is done. But this one-word approach doesn’t reveal anything about who you are. Provide context and depth instead. A list of single-word hobbies, such as travel, reading, or cooking, doesn’t tell the reader anything meaningful. Provide context and depth instead. For example:

• Instead of Travel, write “Visited 15 countries; lived and worked in Hong Kong and the U.S.”
• Instead of Reading, write “Enjoy biographies of global leaders to study their decision-making styles.”

These brief details make your interests memorable and distinctive. (For more on this, read my blog on Let Your Hobbies Speak

4. “If I did it years ago, it doesn’t count.”

This is a misconception I encounter frequently. Just yesterday, during a résumé discussion, a candidate told me he had completed several Coursera certifications a               few years ago but didn’t think they were relevant anymore. Another had passed                     CFA Level 1 but omitted it because she hadn’t cleared Level 2.

5. “I didn’t have enough space to include it.

    Sometimes, candidates simply run out of room. One applicant told me he received “plenty” of awards but left them out for lack of space. When prompted, he shared a long list of honors recognizing his work performance—none of which appeared on his résumé! Select your most meaningful awards and include them concisely, but don’t leave them out altogether.

6. “It’s unrelated to my professional goals, so why mention it?” 

   Some candidates hesitate to include activities that are not directly tied to their career or post-MBA goals. For example, a software engineer once asked me if his years of community involvement were worth mentioning. My answer was an emphatic yes! Experiences like these often demonstrate transferable qualities—leadership, teamwork, creativity, empathy, and perseverance—that are equally valuable in business school and beyond

For more résumé insights, you may also enjoy my related blogs:

• Avoid these 10 Mistakes when Creating your MBA Resume
• 20 Useful Tips to Craft an Effective MBA Résumé 
• 12 Formatting Mistakes to Avoid in Your MBA Résumé

If  you prefer watching instead of reading, check out my YouTube videos on résumé writing:

•   How Your MBA Resume Can Boost Your Performance at Work
• https://youtu.be/xALWJyTtN_I
•  7 Powerful Tips to Craft a Winning MBA Resume
• https://youtu.be/5K5uasPzGPU: 
• Both resources complement this article and will help you strengthen every section of your résumé.

Final Thoughts

Your non-work experience rounds out your candidacy and adds dimension to your story. Admissions committees want to admit individuals who are curious, well-rounded, and engaged with life beyond work. Extracurricular activities, community service, certifications, awards, and personal interests provide valuable insight into your personality, values, and passions—helping the Ad Com see the complete you.

Think of your résumé as a portrait, not a checklist. While your professional journey paints the main picture, your non-work experiences fill in the color, depth, and texture that make it memorable. So, save space for them, they are what make your story truly stand out.

Need support with painting your portrait? Email me at poonam@myessayreview.com

About MER (myEssayReview)

Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER (myEssayReview), holds a Ph.D. in English and has 14 years of experience in MBA consulting, complemented by three decades of teaching experience in India and the US. A master storyteller, Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students worldwide in gaining admission to the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,000+ essays written by applicants worldwide. Poonam was among the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more MBA tips and student interviews.
Follow me on LinkedIn and Facebook for insights and updates.

Sign up here for a profile evaluation.

The post Don’t Underestimate Your Non-Work Experience appeared first on MyessayReview.

Here’s an example that illustrates the difference:

Before (too technical):
“In order to save the tooling cost and time, I did not ask for tooling amending of the washer, but asked the supplier to decrease the hardness of the washer by 10 degrees… passed the water leakage test… sent it by FedEx…”

After (clear and outcome-focused):
“I substituted a softer washer that satisfied the manager; the sample passed the leak test and was ready ahead of the trade show deadline.”

The revised version not only communicates more clearly but also does so in fewer words, which is especially helpful given the strict word limits of MBA essays.

Admissions committees want to understand your decisions and impact, not decode technical specifications. Use simple, reader-friendly language that reflects your ability to communicate with a broader audience.

When in doubt, simplify. Clarity always wins.

✨ Have questions about your MBA journey? Email Poonam at poonam@myessayreview.com

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more MBA tips and student interviews.
Follow me on LinkedIn and Facebook for insights and updates.

Sign up here for a profile evaluation.

The post Avoid Technical Details in Your MBA Essays appeared first on MyessayReview.

Here is the breakdown of results with details about their GMAT/GRE/EA, industry, work experience, schools they applied to, and application results (interview offer, admission, scholarship, waitlist, rejection). To protect student privacy, we have not revealed their names.

Analysis

Total: 9 (Indians: 6, Others: 3)

Indian Applicants: 6 (4 from India, 2 from outside India)

International Applicants: 3 (2 from the USA and one from Hong Kong)

Percentage- Indian Students: 67%

Percentage- International Students: 33%

Unsuccessful Students: 1 

Successful Students: 8 

Success Rate: 89%

Schools Interviewed: 16

School admissions received from: 15

Full-time MBA Applicants: 4 (45%)

Part-time/ EMBA Applicants: 3 (34%)

Scholarship: $262K

About MER (myEssayReview)

Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER (myEssayReview), has a Ph.D. in English with 14 years of MBA consulting experience and three decades of teaching experience in India and the US. A master storyteller, Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students worldwide to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,000+ essays written by applicants worldwide. Poonam was among the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more MBA tips and student interviews.
Follow me on LinkedIn and Facebook for insights and updates.
✨ Have questions about your MBA journey? Email Poonam at poonam@myessayreview.com

Sign up here for a profile evaluation.

The post MER Students’ Application Results for 2024-25 Admission Cycle appeared first on MyessayReview.

Over six months, we applied to four schools. She took the GMAT twice without improving her score, then switched to the GRE and earned a 311. As the score didn’t improve, we moved her applications to Round 3 and focused on strengthening every other part of her profile.

Tanu’s perseverance, hard work, and faith in a higher power, combined with our strategic guidance, earned her three admits: Berkeley Haas, NYU Stern (with a $15K scholarship), and her dream program, Kellogg MBAi, where she will enroll this fall.

Tanu’s results challenge several common MBA admissions myths. She achieved these admits despite:

✔️ A modest GRE score of 311
✔️ Applying in Round 3, the most competitive round
✔️ Having 10 years of work experience
✔️ Coming from a highly competitive tech applicant pool

Last month, Tanu flew from Connecticut to Phoenix for an in-person celebration. During her two-day stay, we celebrated her success through sightseeing, dining out, and long conversations, and also recorded a special interview at my office about her MBA journey.

The transcript of this in-depth one-hour conversation will be published in two parts.

In the first part, Tanu shares insights into:

• Admissions Summary – 00:18
• Academic and Professional Background – 01:15
• Leadership Experience & Rapid Career Growth – 02:28
• Motivation for an MBA / Career Goals – 05:38
• School Selection Strategy – 07:45
• Choosing Kellogg Over Other Admits – 09:35
• Test-Score Struggle & Resilience – 11:06
• Questionnaire for Brainstorming Ideas – 15:06
• The Most Challenging Essay – 18:18

In the second part, we will cover:

• Résumé Building – 20:20
• Recommendation Letters – 22:07
• Advice to Incoming Applicants – 24:55
• Differentiating as a Tech Professional – 26:57
• Interview Insights – 30:40
• Applying with 10 Years of Work Experience – 34:13
• Inner Strength: Yoga, Meditation, and Books – 38:38
• Key Factors Behind Her Success – 48:36
• Final Reflections: Words of Wisdom – 50:42

Let’s dive into Tanu’s story of resilience, hard work, and an unshakable belief that a higher power was guiding her through the journey.

Poonam: Hello, Tanu! How are you?

Tanu: I am doing great. How are you?

Poonam: I am doing well too. I am so happy to have you here in Phoenix for an in-person celebration of your phenomenal success.

Admissions Summary

Poonam: To give context to our viewers, Tanu Sharma worked with me on four MBA programs, and she got into three of them—one with a scholarship. The programs she got into are NYU Stern, Berkeley Haas, and Kellogg. Stern offered her a scholarship, but she is heading towards Kellogg, her dream school. Congratulations!

Tanu: Thank you so much. I think it has been an amazing journey. There were ups and downs, but everything was worth it, especially having you by my side to guide me as my mentor, so thank you so much.

Poonam: My pleasure. It has been a long journey for you. It took us almost six months to get through all this.

Tanu: Yes.

Academic and Professional Background

Poonam: Let’s begin by having you tell our viewers about your academic and professional journey.

Tanu: I was born and brought up in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. It is a beautiful city, known as the City of Lakes. Since then, I have developed an absolute love for nature, having such amazing things around me.

I did my undergraduate degree in Computer Science Engineering—Bachelor of Technology. After completing my undergrad, I immediately started working for Wipro Technologies, where I worked for about three and a half years. Then I moved to HCL Technologies, where I worked for about six months.

I realized there was not a lot of progress for me, so I pivoted to Excel Services, which is my current employer. I have been working with them for about six years now, and I decided it was time to get my MBA. So here I am.

Leadership Experience & Rapid Career Growth

Poonam: You have managed people just two and a half years into your career and earned several fast-track promotions. That is not very common, so it is exceptional. Which leadership experiences have shaped you the most, and what specific mindset helped you rise so quickly in your career?

Tanu: I have leadership experiences that I learned through the leaders I had around me at a very early stage in my career. One thing I learned was to believe in people around you, even during phases when they are not performing well.

Early in my career, I had an amazing leader whom I was reporting to. He had this unshakable faith in me that I could do more than what I was doing. He never gave up on me. That is what I learned from him. When I had new hires coming into the team and people reporting to me, I just made sure that before judging them, I gave them time to learn. If nobody else was providing that support, and there were expectations from someone else, I would just step in, take them under my umbrella, and teach them in a way that they could learn by example.

Two things are very important to me: leading with empathy and leading by example. The more they see you in a certain setup, the more they learn how things can be handled and start developing their own instincts from there. But they must have a start, and if you can be a part of their journey, I think it is a great blessing.

What really helped me secure those fast-track promotions was my curiosity to learn and grow, wherever and in whatever aspect of my life I was involved. I want to ensure I am giving my best and 100%. I do not like doing things half-heartedly. That is just one of my core values in life.

I made sure that whatever I was assigned, I did it to the best of my capabilities and ensured that I was an asset to the team, someone who could find solutions, even in difficult times. That, I think, has been helpful.

Motivation for an MBA / Career Goals

Poonam: Right. So, leading with empathy, leading by example, and putting in your best. These are the key traits of your leadership style. When did you start thinking about an MBA, and what are your career goals?

Tanu: I first started thinking about an MBA around five to six years into my career. I wanted to grow more and take on more strategic roles. I wanted to be in a top leadership position in a company, but at the same time, I did not want to leave tech.

At that time, not many colleges were offering tech MBAs the way they are now. I saw people around me, even in my own family, who pivoted from tech to MBAs and moved into general management. So, I decided to stay rooted in tech and move up from there.

Recently, I realized I had hit a threshold. I could handle the technical aspects, but I wanted to understand what goes into a product or a company to help it grow. What drives product decisions? How do you measure impact? To be one of the top leaders, I have to learn those aspects too. That is when I realized I need business knowledge as well. I have handled the technical part so far; I need the business part now. So, I decided to pursue my MBA in Tech, and I am excited about it.

As for my career goals, I am currently looking at product management roles where I have taken care of the technical part, but I need to learn about the business aspect for which I need an MBA.

School Selection Strategy

Poonam: Each school you applied to offered something you needed. What specifically attracted you to the four programs, Kellogg MBA, NYU Stern Tech MBA, Cornell Tech MBA, and Berkeley Haas?

Tanu: The amazing technical program that all these four schools offer was my main criterion. During my research, I found that not every top school offers a technical specialization. Cornell, Kellogg, Stern, and Berkeley Haas have it. And Haas is the number one program; it is consistently ranked number one. So, I ideally wanted to go in that direction.

I did not care about rejections or acceptances or whether I should apply to ten schools just to get into one. I was sure: this is what I want, and this is what I am going ahead with. If it happens, it happens. If it does not, it does not. I did not want to be misaligned with my industry. I will apply only where I truly fit in.

Choosing Kellogg Over Other Admits

Poonam: You had your heart set on these four programs, and you were accepted into three of them. How is Kellogg the best choice for you among the three?

Tanu: While I was doing my research, a friend of mine who did a tech MBA in the United States, advised me, “If you are going for a tech MBA, make sure the program includes an internship. It is a great way to gain experience and build toward a full-time job, ideally with a conversion opportunity.” That stayed with me. I want an internship, and a tech-focused program, and Kellogg offered both. I looked at their curriculum, their core business classes have been updated to include Artificial Intelligence. It is amazing to see that they are moving in that direction.

Poonam: And we are so glad you got into it.

Tanu: Yes, and it still feels surreal sometimes.

Test-Score Struggle & Resilience

Poonam: Let’s now talk about test scores, your struggles and the resilience it took to get through them. You took the GMAT twice, then switched to the GRE and got a modest score. That could discourage any applicant, especially when the struggle went on for a few months. It was difficult for you. What kept you going?

Tanu: When I moved to the United States, I had a big poster in my room that said, “Look at solutions, not problems.”

I knew these were my challenges, but I was determined to apply in this cycle. I knew that if I waited any longer, I would cross the 10-year mark in my career. At that point, full-time programs may no longer consider me seriously. So, I told myself, “I am not quitting.” I sat down and analyzed: what are my strengths, apart from the test score? What would I bring to the table?

The test score was just one aspect. I had strong leadership experience, an impressive professional track record, international experience, mentoring experience, and a history of being very active in extracurriculars. Why should I let a score define me? Instead, I chose to tell them who I am. That score is not a true reflection of my potential. I just believed that I could do it, and I went ahead.

Poonam: Yes. We even had to move your application from Round 2 to Round 3, which is the most competitive round when people are generally apprehensive about applying. I advised you to write an optional essay and be honest about your struggles with the GMAT and GRE. Then we demonstrated your quantitative skills through your professional accomplishments and all your certifications in advanced mathematics. That all worked. You have also been working in the United States for three years, which speaks to your verbal skills. All these accomplishments convinced the admission committee that you can handle the academic rigor of the program.

Tanu: Absolutely. Initially, I took it personally. I thought, “No, I must get the score. I am not submitting an optional essay. Why should I do that?” But then we made a last-minute decision. I told myself, “It is not working. Let’s address this in the optional essay. That is why they give you an optional essay, right?” I had to sit myself down and say, “It is okay. You have other things that speak for you. Relax. It is just a test.” So, we did that, and it worked.

Application Process: Questionnaire for brainstorming ideas

Poonam: Let’s talk about the application process. Self-reflection is a key component of the MBA application. Before we even started working on your résumé, I had you fill out that brainstorming questionnaire of 25 in-depth questions. How did it help you brainstorm your stories for the essays across different schools?

Tanu: I think we do not usually reflect on the events that have happened in our lives or the experiences we have gained over the years. Sitting with that 25-question document brought me closer to my roots. We often take our families for granted and don’t realize how much they bring into our lives. I remember when I was filling out the personal information section, I realized I am blessed to have such overachievers in my family. it made me reflect and ask, “What am I doing with my life?” That became another motivation for me to do better in life and pursue higher education.

That questionnaire made me realize I have a strong background, and I can handle challenges. Reflecting on the professional aspects, looking back at stories about the challenges I faced, the achievements I’m proud of, the accomplishments that matter to me personally, everything brought back the right memories. This made it easier for me to write my essays. Everything was already there; I did not have to sit and think, “What should I write?” I had already done heavy lifting. I think I dedicated a week or so to the questionnaire.

Poonam: Sometimes people take even longer to complete it.

Tanu: Yes. But since I had poured so much into it already, I just needed to tailor it to what each school was asking.

Poonam: It was not just an idea-generation exercise; it helped capture the content required for all the essays. Many applicants tell me it feels like a journey of self-discovery.

Tanu: Yes, it sure is.

The Most Challenging Essay

Poonam: Of all the essay prompts, which one challenged you the most, and how did you finally crack it?

Tanu: Kellogg had quite a few essays- three main ones and some additional questions as well. That was a rigorous process.

The most challenging one for me was the essay about a difficult decision I had to make in a professional setting. I had a story in mind, but it carried a little negativity. I was not happy with how things had unfolded. The most difficult part was portraying that experience respectfully and objectively. I had to avoid sounding bitter. I had to make it clear that, yes, it was a difficult decision, but I had to convey it gracefully. You advised me against writing anything negative. That was a learning moment for me. Whatever happens, you must describe it with grace and respect.

Poonam: That was a tough one for you. But we finally managed to do it. That is the sign of a true leader: look at things objectively and solve the problem. It is not always smooth sailing. You have to face challenges with courage and resilience.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this in-depth conversation, where Tanu shares insights on building a strong résumé, working with recommenders, preparing for interviews, and how she stood out as a senior tech applicant with 10 years of experience.

Connect with Tanu via LinkedIn.

For Tanu’s LinkedIn Testimonial of Poonam’s services, click here

For Tanu’s  Testimonial of Poonam’s services on our website, click here

Related Posts

A UCLA MBA Student’s Journey: From a 610 GMAT to Thriving in B School

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For more student interviews, click here.

For Case Studies, click here.

About MER (myEssayReview)

Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER (myEssayReview), is a Ph.D. in English with 14 years of MBA consulting experience and 3 decades of teaching experience in India and the US. Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students worldwide to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,000+ essays written by applicants worldwide.  Poonam was among the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023.

Email me at poonam@myessayreveiw.com for questions about your application for the 2025-26 application season.

The post Admitted to Kellogg, Haas, and Stern (w/scholarship) with a 311 GRE – A Tech Professional’s Inspiring Journey- Part 1 appeared first on MyessayReview.

This is Part 2 of my in-person interview with Tanu, a senior tech professional

In Part 1, Tanu discussed her academic and professional background, rapid career growth, motivation for pursuing an MBA, school selection strategy, the brainstorming questionnaire, and the most challenging essay in her application journey.

In this second half, we explore the other key components of her application—résumé building, recommendation letters, interview insights, and her reflections on applying with a senior profile, as well as the inner strength that sustained her through the process.

Talking Points of the Conversation:

• Résumé Building– 20:20
• Recommendation Letters – 22:07
• Advice to Incoming Applicants – 24:55
• Differentiating as a Tech Professional – 26:57
• Interview Insights – 30:40
• Applying with 10 Years of Work Experience – 34:13
• Inner Strength: Yoga, Meditation, and Books – 38:38
• Key Factors Behind Her Success – 48:36
• Final Reflections: Words of Wisdom – 50:42

Let’s dive into Tanu’s story of resilience, hard work, and an unshakable belief that a higher power was guiding her through the journey.

Resume Building

Poonam: Would you like to share your thoughts on the MBA résumé we built? After the brainstorming questionnaire, we worked on the résumé before moving on to the essays.

Tanu: It was a very fresh take on building a résumé. Earlier, I had worked on my résumé while switching jobs, but that job résumé was completely different from what we built for the MBA. We used the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. Earlier, I never highlighted the outcomes of my work, just the responsibilities.

After building this resume with you, I have become intentional in my current work, and find myself asking, “Why am I doing this? What is the intended outcome?” It has changed my perspective. I believe this shift in mindset will help me both during my MBA and later in my career. And when I have a team of my own someday, I will probably drill this into them too, tell them to look at tasks from the STAR method perspective: Why are you doing it? What result do you want?

Poonam: Yes, Situation, Task, Action, and Result. That is exactly how we structured it. A very objective way of looking at things.

Tanu: I am so glad we did that.

Recommendation Letters

Poonam: Let’s move on to recommendation letters. They are a crucial part of the MBA application. Many applicants struggle with choosing the right recommenders and following up with them for timely submissions. What challenges did you face and how did you navigate them?

Tanu: That part of the process was not very smooth. Thankfully, two or three programs require only one recommender. But I got overenthusiastic and initially decided to submit two recommendations.”

I contacted my previous managers, but they were occupied with work and couldn’t follow through. I felt dejected, especially because Kellogg required two recommenders. With the other schools, I finally decided to submit only one. But for Kellogg, I had to find a second recommender. I reached out to one person, but they were too busy. I reached out to another, and after initially agreeing, he stopped responding.

Luckily, someone I had reported to here in the United States for six months was gracious enough to write the letter for me on short notice. I followed up persistently, even during his vacation. I even had a backup ready in case he backed out. It was a stressful stretch, but it all turned out well, and I got the admit!

Poonam: Do you have any advice for prospective applicants on how to approach recommenders?

Tanu: Yes. Choose someone who has evaluated you, someone who has seen your work, guided you, and supported you. The person who wrote for me had seen me through every project, every challenge, and all the contributions I made. That made a big difference.

Also, almost every school asks for a critical or constructive feedback question. Sometimes we do not take that feedback well, but it is one of the best things that can happen to you, as it helps you grow. And your reaction to it matters most. And make sure the second person you approach is available, and communicate very clearly. If they cannot write the letter, they should tell you that, instead of ghosting you.

Poonam: Yes, and approach them well ahead of time.

Tanu: Absolutely. They are busy professionals, and this is extra work for them. So you must approach them much before the deadlines.

Differentiating as a Tech Professional

Poonam: Now, let’s talk about the applicant pool you belong to. You are part of a very competitive group—Indian tech professionals. What factors do you think distinguished you from others and helped you gain admission to such selective programs?

Tanu: I think the most important thing is how you approach the situation you are in. Are you making the most of it, or are you always looking to be somewhere else? For example, when I started working, many people around me wanted to move out quickly to find something better to help them grow faster. But I always believed that if I had this opportunity, I needed to give my 100%. I focused on excelling wherever I was. Whatever landed in my bucket, I made sure to stand out in that team. I looked for solutions, spent more time on tasks, and ensured they left an impact. That kind of ownership and initiative is reflected in my résumé. Whenever I had the chance to mentor people, I jumped in. As a leader, you are not standing alone; you are expected to be great with people. Whether you are leading a team, a company, or a project, your success depends on how you work with others. So, I think that people leadership was a crucial factor in my journey.

Also, my international experience gave me the confidence that I had already worked in the United States, and knew how to interact with professionals here. Additionally, I  had strong experience in India. There were times I worked with teams here in the U.S. while managing a team back in India. Coordinating across time zones and handling the full project added to my story.

Interview Insights

Poonam: Yes, and you were accepted into a very selective program that has only 50 seats, that too in Round 3. You distinguished yourself among countless applicants, which is a great achievement. Let’s talk about the interview stage. After candidates are selected for interviews, that is the final hurdle they have to cross. One can be accepted or rejected based on the interview.

Can you share your interview experience and tell us about a moment when you felt truly connected with the interviewer?

Tanu: Yes. I had two interviews, Kellogg and NYU Stern, just two days apart.

The first was Kellogg. The interviewer was an admissions committee member, and she was amazing. It felt more like a conversation. She framed situational questions around what I had said, rather than asking generic questions like, “What challenges have you faced?” She was listening carefully and forming follow-up questions. It was refreshing.

But the one where I truly felt a deep connection was NYU Stern. The interviewer was an alumnus. He began by introducing himself and said, “I wanted to be a doctor. That’s what I was pursuing. But then life happened—and now I’m here.” He said the best thing he did was to embrace it. That stuck with me. He said, “Sometimes, your plans don’t work out. You have to accept and adapt.” That’s the core of NYU’s tagline: “Change: How will you embrace it?”

That is exactly how I approach life, accepting change, adapting, and shaping my life from there. At that moment, I knew we were on the same page. Whatever answers I gave after that just clicked with him. I was so happy they accepted me.

Poonam: It is very important for applicants to connect with their interviewers. That connection matters.

Tanu: Absolutely. Even in the Kellogg interview, the lady was into yoga and meditation. We spoke for 10 minutes about yoga! So, I felt a connection in both interviews.

⏳Applying with 10 Years of Work Experience

Poonam: You applied with nearly 10 years of work experience. Many applicants with 10 or 11 years of experience opt for Executive MBA programs. But you were determined to apply for only full-time programs. What convinced you that a full-time MBA was the right fit for you?

Tanu: First, I do not carry the “baggage” of 10 years of experience. I just look at it as: this is what I have experienced, and this is how much I know. That’s it.

Since I give 100% to anything I do, I did not want to divide myself between work and studies. When you have been with a company for a while, you are expected to perform, no matter what else is going on. I didn’t want to be mediocre at work and mediocre in my MBA. I didn’t want to sit at the end of the day and say, “I’m too drained to study,” or “I don’t have the mental energy for work.”

I thought, “I do not care how many years of experience I have. I want to give my undivided attention to this next phase, my MBA.” That is where I want to put my energy and reach the goals I have set for myself. Experience is just an addition to my résumé; it shows the rigor and capability I bring. But for me, that does not mean I have to do an Executive MBA.

Poonam: I totally get you. I have worked with many applicants who got into top full-time MBA programs with 10 or 11 years of experience. But I ask this question because many older applicants are apprehensive about applying to full-time programs. What advice would you give them?

Tanu: I am a big believer in my inner mindset. If you have a limiting belief that a school will not accept you into a full-time MBA because you have 10 years of experience, that belief is what will stop you. Find the school that is the right fit for you. Have a clear intention: why do you want a full-time MBA at this stage of your career? If that intention is clear, things will fall into place.

Inner Strength: Yoga, Meditation, and Books

Poonam: True. There is always a way if your story makes sense, your career goals make sense, and the school aligns with those goals.

You are a strong believer and practitioner of Yoga and meditation, as you just mentioned, and have also read 20-plus self-help books. Which practice proved the most powerful tool during the hectic application process of almost six months?

Tanu: I leaned on a combination of practices, meditation, inspirational content, and affirmations. One of the most powerful resources was an app called Black Lotus, where I watched videos of top performers like Michael Phelps and Virat Kohli. Michael Phelps shared that he trained 365 days a year, whether it was his birthday or he was sick, he’d still be in the pool.

Virat Kohli was another huge inspiration. I recall sitting in my living room after lunch, watching his videos—especially the one where he was written off by critics and then played a historic match against Pakistan. He hit those final two sixes and said, "It just came to me." He believed it was part of a divine plan and said that whenever God plans to give you something, He gives it to you at the right moment. That stayed with me. From that point on, I began channeling my energy differently. I started trusting that whatever was happening was for the best. My job was to navigate it calmly, with faith.

Another big part of my process was how I spoke to myself. I learned that if I don’t believe in myself, no one else will. For example, when I knew I had an interview, I reminded myself: “My job is to prepare and show up. That’s it. The rest is not in my control.” That mindset helped me stay calm throughout.

After submitting my applications, I genuinely enjoyed the wait. I had done everything in my control. I believed in my story and wasn’t expecting anything specific; I just let it be.

Poonam: Even though you could not boost your score, I never saw you dejected. That is something I admire about you -your unwavering faith that the universe, or a higher power, was taking care of you.

Tanu: Yes, and if people as gifted as these sports legends can surrender to a higher power, why can’t we? I learned that surrendering doesn’t mean giving up; it means doing your best without obsessing over the outcome.

Just give your 100%. Don’t think, “If I do this, will I get it?” Instead, think, “This is what I must do to achieve my goals.” If it happens, great. If it doesn’t, that’s okay too. You're not going to die. Trust me.

Key Factors Behind Her Success

Poonam: So, about the GMAT score, I'm asking you again for the benefit of people who get discouraged with the modest GMAT or GRE scores. Despite a modest score, you received admits from three out of four schools you applied to, and that too in round 3, the most competitive round. What do you believe were the key factors behind this success, apart from your faith?

Tanu: Apart from my faith, the most important thing was looking at my strengths that can make me stand out despite my modest score.  I took care of that in the best possible way, highlighted my story, kept my ego aside, and wrote an optional essay to address my low GRE score.

Poonam: Yes, it was very hard for me to convince you to write it.

Tanu: I had to give in, and it worked out for the best. The optional essay is there for a reason, so use it. Second, I made sure I was surrounded by positivity through the words I spoke, the books I read, and the people around me. At that time, the closest people to me were you and my family in India. I remember after the third GMAT attempt, I came out of the center and burst into tears. The first two times, I held back. The final time, I just cried in front of my parents. It is important to know how to release that energy and where to direct it. If you take care of that, you can center yourself, think clearly, and let go. Don’t dwell on what happened. Don’t react negatively; respond calmly. I learned all of that from the books I read. So read the right books and implement them in your life. That positivity is essential.

Poonam: Absolutely. So, to sum up, if you could describe your entire MBA journey in one word, what would it be?

Tanu: I think I’ll use two: Never Quit.

Poonam: Wonderful, never quit. It has been a fantastic experience hearing you share your thoughts and insights from your MBA journey, one I was privileged to be part of for six to seven months. I am sure that all your feedback on positivity, resilience, and never quitting will be helpful to prospective applicants, especially those who find the MBA application process daunting and exhausting. Thank you again for flying into Phoenix to meet me and celebrate your success in person. This is my first in-person celebratory interview.

Tanu: You are the best person I could share this with. As I told you, my circle during this process was very small; it was just you and my family. I have already celebrated with my family, and I wanted to express my gratitude to you. Thank you for being my mentor throughout this journey.

Final Reflections: Words of Wisdom

Poonam: It was truly my privilege. I remember—you signed up for the multiple-school package without even contacting me beforehand. No emails, no calls. That says a lot about your faith in your decisions. Most people have a consultation or write an email first. Nobody just signs up for a multiple-school package without reaching out first. That speaks volumes about your personality, your faith in your instincts and in your decisions.

Tanu: It was your website that gave me that confidence—your accomplishments, and the success stories you showcased. The giveaway was Mansi’s video, where she got into all five top schools. I thought, “If someone is guiding others to that level of success, she clearly knows what she is doing.” Your academic background, your PhD in English also impressed me. I knew I would get quality guidance. The amazing reviews on GMAT Club, your website, and on LinkedIn—everything spoke for itself. I thought, “I don’t need to speak to her first. I will just sign up. We will figure it out as we start working.”

Poonam: Thank you for your kind words. Thanks again for coming down to meet me; it means a lot. Come again.

Tanu: For sure. I will stay in touch.

Poonam: Thank you.

You can connect with Tanu via LinkedIn.

For Tanu’s LinkedIn Testimonial of Poonam’s services, click here

For Tanu’s Testimonial of Poonam’s services on our website, click here

Related Posts

A UCLA MBA Student’s Journey: From a 610 GMAT to Thriving in B School

UCLA FEMBA Advice from a Current Student

4 MBA Admits (Haas, UCLA, USC, UCI) With Scholarships: Ashish’s Journey

MBA at 41 – An Exceptional Tale of Perseverance, Sense of Duty, and Faith

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A Filipino Candidate Got into 3 Japanese B-Schools, including Hitotsubashi ICS, with Japanese National Scholarship

An American Candidate’s Journey to USC and UCLA with Scholarships

For more student interviews, click here.

For Case Studies, click here.

About MER (myEssayReview)

Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER (myEssayReview), is a Ph.D. in English with 14 years of MBA consulting experience and 3 decades of teaching experience in India and the US. Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students worldwide to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,000+ essays written by applicants worldwide.  Poonam was among the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023.

 Email me at poonam@myessayreveiw.com for questions about your application for the 2025-26 application season.

The post Admitted to Kellogg, Haas, and Stern (w/scholarship) with a 311 GRE – A Tech Professional’s Inspiring Journey- Part 2 appeared first on MyessayReview.