The mbaMission Podcast
Episodes
Ep 95 | Harvard Business School vs Stanford GSB
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business sit at the very top of the MBA world—but the experience at each school can be drama...
Ep 94 | MBA Reapplication Strategy: What Successful Reapplicants Do Differently
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What should you do if your first MBA application cycle did not go as planned?In this episode of The mbaMission Podcast, host Harold Simansky is joined...
Ep 93 | What Makes a Great MBA Admissions Consultant? Experience, Strategy, and Expertise
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How do you choose the right MBA admissions consultant, and what separates experienced advisors from newcomers to the industry?In this episode of The m...
Ep 92 | Finance Applicants Beyond Private Equity: How to Stand Out in MBA Admissions
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Private equity often dominates the MBA admissions conversation — but finance is far broader than PE alone.In this episode, host Harold Simansky is j...
Ep 91 | West Coast MBA Programs You Are Probably Not Considering (But Should)
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
West Coast MBA programs offer more than just proximity to tech. In this episode of The mbaMission Podcast, host Harold Simansky is joined by MBA Admis...
Navigating DEI in MBA Admissions: Advice for Today’s Applicants | Ep 90
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
DEI may be under scrutiny, but diversity hasn’t disappeared from MBA admissions — it’s evolving.In this episode of The mbaMission Podcast, host ...
Ep 89 | Stanford GSB Interview Breakdown
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What makes the Stanford GSB interview so different from every other MBA interview?In this episode of the mbaMission Podcast, Harold Simansky sits down...
Ep 88 | Exploring the EMBA
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode of the @mbaMission podcast, the team takes a deep dive into Executive MBA (EMBA) programs and how they compare to part-time, ...
Ep 87 | The US MBA Visa Maze
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The U.S. MBA visa process can feel overwhelming for international applicants—but it’s far more navigable than many assume. In this episode of the ...
Ep 86 | When is the right time to apply to business school?
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Timing your MBA application can be just as important as your credentials. Applying too early—or too late—can affect everything from your testing s...
Ep 85 | Why Mid-career Pros Choose These Business Schools
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mid-career MBA programs offer a very different experience from traditional two-year MBAs—and for the right candidates, they can be transformational....
Ep 84 | Insights From a Former Stanford GSB Admissions Committee Member
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Stanford GSB is the most selective business school in the country, admitting only 6-8% of applicants each year. So how can you stand out in an inc...
Ep 83 | Nontraditional vs. Overrepresented MBA Applicants
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it mean to be a nontraditional MBA applicant? What about an overrepresented applicant? Understanding these distinctions can make a big diffe...
Ep 82 | The Best MBA Programs for Healthcare
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Healthcare is a dynamic and fast-changing industry. More and more MBA students hope to improve lives by driving innovation and strategy in the healthc...
Ep 80 | Stanford GSB Application Essays: What the AdCom is Looking For
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Stanford GSB application is notoriously challenging, and includes a variety of essay and short answer prompts including the famous: "What mat...
Ep 80 | The Impact of AI on Business School and MBA Careers
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we think, work, and lead. If you're thinking about earning your MBA, AI is likely on your mind. In this ...
Ep 79 | How to Land Your Dream MBA Internship
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For many business school students, securing a summer internship between the first and second years of their MBA program is a top priority. These MBA i...
Ep 78 | The State of MBA Admissions in 2025
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
2025 has been a unique (and at times unpredictable) year when it comes to business school admissions. Questions around the economy, tariffs, AI, inter...
Ep 77 | MBA Application Essays: The Dos and Don'ts of Final Revisions
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As MBA application deadlines approach, many applicants feel the pressure to make their application essays "perfect." But how should you actu...
Ep 76 | Career Pivots and the Foundations of Effective Leadership
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, we welcome back Liz Ramos, former head of human capital at Bain & Company. Today Liz is sha...
Ep 75 | How to Secure Standout MBA Recommendation Letters
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Letters of recommendation are a critical -- and often overlooked -- part of the MBA application process. In this week's episode of the mbaMission...
EP 74 | Financing Your MBA: Merit Scholarships and Financial Aid
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Getting into business school is challenging, but PAYING for business school can be just as stressful for many MBA hopefuls. In this week's episod...
Ep 73 | What Makes the UVA Darden MBA Program Stand Out?
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia is known for it's top-ranked faculty,dedication to the case method, and stunning faci...
EP 72 | Attending B-School in the U.S. as an International Student
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jessica Shklar welcome back Aman Singh, a former mbaMission client and curr...
EP 71 | How (and When) to Prepare for MBA Recruitment
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jeremy Shinewald welcome Liz Ramos. Liz has spent decades recruiting and hi...
Ep 70 | Assistant Dean Breaks Down UVA Darden Admissions
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia offers one of the most rigorous and transformational MBA programs in the country. In this ...
Ep 69 | Journey to Business School: How Aman Got Into MIT Sloan
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jessica Shklar welcome Aman Singh, former mbaMission client and current student at the MIT Sl...
Ep 68 | Avoid These Last-Minute MBA Application Traps
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When working on business school applications, MBA applicants tend to focus on their essays, resumes, and recommendations. But inside the applications ...
Ep 67 | Tips for Nailing Your MBA Interviews
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Round 1 business school application deadlines are here, which means interview season is just around the corner. In this week's episode of the mba...
Ep 66 | Pitfalls of Bad MBA Interviews (and Hallmarks of Great Ones)
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast we're discussing common MBA interview pitfalls. Where do MBA interviews tend to go wrong, a...
EP 65 | Insider Tips From an HBS Interviewer
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jeremey Shinewald welcome back mbaMission Executive Director Devi Vallabhan...
Ep 64 | Our Clients' Toughest MBA Interview Stories ***UPDATED***
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jeremey Shinewald are joined by Devi Vallabhaneni, HBS alum and mbaMission&apos...
Ep 63 | Does an Entrepreneur Need an MBA?
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode of the mbaMission podcast, we're tackling a question that we're hearing more and more often these days: can business...
Ep 62 | How to Get a Job in Private Equity, Venture Capital, or a Hedge Fund
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the private equity industry continues to expand, the number of PE associates applying to business school -- and the number of MBA students interest...
Ep 61 | MBA 101: All You Need to Know About Business School
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode of the mbaMission podcast, we're breaking down MBA basics: What exactly do you learn in business school? How is the curri...
Ep 60 | How I Decided Between MBA Programs
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After navigating the rigorous MBA application process, receiving an acceptance from one of your target business school can be a huge relief. But what ...
Ep 59 | The Best MBA Programs Outside of the M7
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Most MBA applicants are familiar with the M7 -- or "Magnificent Seven" -- a group of seven highly selective business schools that are consis...
Ep 58 | From Low Test Score to Dream MBA Program
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it take to gain admission to your target MBA program? What if you have a below-average GMAT or GRE score... can you still earn a spot at a t...
Ep 57 | The Realities of Being an International MBA Applicant in 2025
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With the constantly evolving sociopolitical news about immigration, Visa policies, and international enrollment restrictions at top American universit...
Ep 56 | How the Yale SOM Prepares Grads for Post-MBA Careers
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Yale School of Management prepares MBA graduates for a broad range of careers. In our latest episode of the mbaMission podcast we welcome back Lau...
Ep 55 | Strategies for Nailing the HBS Application Essays
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Last year Harvard Business School changed it's MBA application essays for the first time in nearly a decade. The changes were significant, and ca...
Ep 54 | How to Nail Your Post-MBA Career Goals
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Most business schools will ask you to discuss your career goals in your MBA application. Why do MBA programs ask about your goals when they know that ...
Ep 53 | Underdog MBA Applicants Accepted at Top Programs
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The MBA admissions process is, in many ways, subjective. Broadly speaking the top MBA programs want to see a high GMAT or GRE score, a strong undergra...
EP 52 | How Can Consultants Stand Out in the MBA Application Process?
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you look at the class profiles of the top business schools, you will find that more admits come from consulting than from any other field. MBA prog...
EP 51 | What Makes The Yale SOM Stand Out Among Top MBA Programs?
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Yale School of Management's mission is to educate leaders for business and society. How does this mission inform the program's approach ...
Ep 50 | Inside HBS: Community, Culture, and the Social Scene
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Harvard Business School is known for its top tier faculty and its pioneering use of the case method. But what about outside of the classroom? What are...
Ep 49 | Top Tips From MBA Admissions Insiders
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The team at mbaMission has helped thousands of MBA applicants gain admission to the business schools of their dreams over the last twenty years. In to...
Ep 48 | How to Choose an MBA Admissions Consultant
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you are applying to business school -- and especially if you are applying to the most competitive MBA programs -- having an admissions expert in yo...
Ep 47 | Private Equity MBA Applicants: What Are Your Chances at Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton?
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Many individuals working in private equity have their sights set on Harvard Business School, the Stanford GSB, and Wharton for their MBA education. Bu...
Ep 46 | From 11 MBA Acceptances to HBS Student Body President
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Former mbaMission client Hayden Tanabe was admitted to a whopping eleven MBA programs, including Harvard Business School, the Stanford GSB, Dartmouth ...
Ep 45 | What is the Yale SOM Admissions Team Looking For?
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Yale School of Management has a distinct mission: to educate leaders for both business and society. While the school has a strong social orientati...
Ep. 44 | Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your MBA Applications
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Gavriella Semaya discuss their pet peeves when it comes to crafting MBA applications. T...
Ep 43 | What Makes a Compelling MBA Application Essay?
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For many business school applicants, writing application essays is the most daunting piece of the admissions process. What are MBA admissions committe...
Ep 42 | Does Community Engagement Matter in MBA Admissions?
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you need a track record of community service in your MBA applications? If so, how much community engagement do you need, and what kinds of communit...
Ep 41 | How Should You Use AI in Your MBA Applications?
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can ChatGPT and other AI programs make the MBA application easier? Can you use ChatGPT for your business school research? Can you use it for your ...
Ep 40 | Breaking Down the MIT Sloan MBA Application
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
MIT Sloan is consistently ranked one of the top business schools in the country, and is one of the elite M7 programs known for their excellence and co...
Ep 39 | How to Tackle the Most Common MBA Interview Questions
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you have been invited to interview by one or more of your target MBA programs, you are likely feeling both excited and a bit nervous. Being invited...
Ep 38 | The Wharton Team-Based Discussion
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you have been invited to interview at Wharton, you probably know that the Wharton Team-Based Discussion is unlike any other business school intervi...
Ep 37 | GMAT & GRE Expert Shares Her Pet Peeves
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the mbaMission podcast, Stacey Koprince of Manhattan Prep is back to talk about her biggest pet peeves when it comes to the GMAT an...
Ep 36 | Who Gets Into HBS and the Stanford GSB?
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Harvard Business School and the Stanford GSB are two of the most prestigious business schools in the world, and -- not surprisingly -- have some of th...
Ep 35 | Insights From the MIT Sloan Admissions Team
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
MIT Sloan is consistently ranked one of the top business schools in the country, and is one of the elite M7 programs known for their excellence and co...
Ep 34 |The Skills You Need to Ace the GMAT or GRE
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For many business school hopefuls, standardized testing is the most daunting part of the application process. Applicants often find that they cannot r...
Ep 33 | How Early Should You Start the MBA Application Process?
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Business school applications typically open in late spring or early summer -- but when should you actually start preparing your MBA candidacy? Earlier...
Ep 32 | Test Prep Expert Breaks Down the New GMAT and GRE
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It has been just over a year since the Graduate Management Admission Council, or GMAC, introduced the new GMAT Focus Edition which replaced the tradit...
Ep 31 |Top MBA Admissions Trends for 2025
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In our first podcast episode of 2025, mbaMission's Harold Simansky, Jeremy Shinewald, and Jessica Shklar share their takeaways from the 2024 MBA ...
Ep 30 | MBA Waitlist Strategies
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Harold Simansky and Michael Guttman discuss the intricacies of being waitlisted by business schools, particularly focusing on st...
Ep 29 | Mastering the MBA Resume
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the mbaMission Podcast, Harold Simansky and Gavriella Semaya discuss the critical role of resumes in the MBA application process. T...
Ep 28 | Inside the Stanford GSB's Unique Culture
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the mbaMission Podcast, Harold Simansky interviews Christine Patel, a graduate of the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Christi...
Ep 27 | Why MBA Applications Succeed or Fall Short
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Harold Simansky and Rachel Beck discuss the complexities of the MBA application process, focusing on what can go right and wrong...
Ep 26 | What You Need to Know About Healthcare MBA Programs
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Harold Simansky and Christine Patel discuss the landscape of MBA programs focused on healthcare. Christine shares her background in h...
Ep 25 | 5 Minutes on the Kellogg School of Management
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this mbaMission podcast episode, Harold Simansky interviews Kimberly Hoey, an mbaMission colleague and Kellogg MBA alum, about her experience at No...
Ep 24 | MBA Interview Tips
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the mbaMission Podcast, Harold Simansky and Rachel Beck discuss effective strategies for MBA interviews. They emphasize the importa...
Ep 23 | Advice for Highly Represented MBA Applicants
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Harshad Mali discuss the intricacies of the MBA admissions process, focusing on the imp...
Ep 22 | Five Minutes on the Stanford GSB
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Debbie Choy discuss the unique aspects of the MBA experience at the Stanford Graduate S...
Ep 21 | Five Minutes on MBA Application Fatal Flaws
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the mbaMission Podcast, Harold Simansky and Kim Hoey discuss the common fatal flaws that lead to rejection from business schools. T...
Ep 20 | BONUS - What You Need to Know About Harvard Business School Interviews
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Devi Vallabhaneni discuss the intricacies of preparing for the Harvard Business School ...
Ep 19 | What You Need To Know About The Wharton TBD
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the mbaMission Podcast, Harold Simansky and Kate Richardson discuss the unique team-based discussion format used by Wharton for MBA...
Ep 18 |The Wharton Team-Based Discussion
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Harold Simansky, Kate Richardson, and Katrina Evans discuss the Wharton team-based discussion, which is a unique interview forma...
Ep 17 | 5 Minutes on Columbia Business School
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Harold Simansky and Rachel Beck discuss Columbia Business School. Rachel shares her experience as a student and highlights the c...
Ep 16 | Navigating the Business School Selection Process + Stanford GSB Tips
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Harold Simansky and Debbie Choy discuss school selection for MBA programs. Debbie shares her experience of choosing Stanford and...
Ep 15 | 5 Minutes on Chicago Booth
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Harold Simansky interviews Kate Richardson, a University of Chicago Booth MBA, about her experience at Booth. Kate highlights th...
Ep 14 | How To Assess YOUR MBA Profile
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Harold Simansky and Rachel Beck discuss how to assess one's chances of acceptance into business school. They cover topics s...
Ep 13 | Everything You Need to Know About MBA Recommenders
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Harold Simansky and Kim Hoey discuss the importance of recommendations in the MBA application process. They address the question...
Ep 12 | Choosing an MBA Admissions Consultant
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Harold Simansky and Gavriella Semaya discuss how to choose an MBA admissions consultant and the qualities that make a consultant...
Ep 11 | All About The Cornell Tech MBA
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Harold Simansky and Gavriella Semaya discuss Cornell Tech, a school that focuses on technology and entrepreneurship. They talk a...
Ep 10 | Underrated MBA Programs and the Importance of School Selection
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Harold Simansky and Gavriella Semaya discuss the topic of school selection for MBA programs. They emphasize the importance of co...
Ep 9 | MBA Application Short Answers
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Gavriella Semaya discuss the importance of the short answer section in MBA applications...
Ep 8 | The Harvard Business School MBA Application
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Harold Simansky, Jessica Shklar, and Devi Vallabhaneni discuss their experiences at Harvard Business School and delve into the c...
Ep 7 | Using Business Etiquette in the MBA Admissions Process
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
SummaryIn this conversation, Harold Simansky interviews Nisha Trivedi, a certified business etiquette trainer and mbaMission MBA admissions consultant...
Ep 6 | Benefits of Applying through The Consortium
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
SummaryIn this conversation, Harold Simansky and Nisha Trivedi discuss The Consortium, an organization that focuses on uplifting underrepresented grou...
Ep 5 | The Crucial Role of Recommendations in Business School Applications
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
mbaMission senior MBA admissions consultant Harold Simansky talks with mbaMission executive director Katy Lewis about the important role recommendatio...
Ep 4 | Preparing Your MBA Profile
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
SummaryIn this conversation, mbaMission Senior MBA Admissions Consultant Harold Simansky interviews Katharine Lewis, an executive director at mbaMissi...
Ep 3 | MBA Letters of Recommendation
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
SummaryIn this podcast episode, Senior MBA Admissions Consultant Harold Simansky and mbaMission Founder and President Jeremy Shinewald discuss the imp...
Ep 2 | MBA Application Fatal Flaws
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Summary:In this episode of the mbaMission podcast, Senior MBA Admissions Consultant Harold Simansky and mbaMission Founder and President Jeremy Shinew...
Ep 1 | The MBA Application Process
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky, a Senior MBA Admissions Consultant at mbaMission and Jeremy Shinewald, mbaMission Founder ...