As many of our listeners already know, Kellogg recently updated its MBA application. For this episode, our host Chandler sits down with former Kellogg Admissions Officer—and longtime SBC Consultant—Caryn to talk about all the changes… and how to tackle them.

Caryn not only holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, she also worked as an Admissions Officer for Kellogg before joining SBC. In this role Caryn read and evaluated thousands of applications. For this podcast Caryn touches on a range of topics, including:

• SBC’s recent conversations with the Kellogg Admissions Team about a range of topics of interest to current and future students,
• The fact that Kellogg is much more than a marketing school (in fact you might be surprised what most students are focusing on), and
• A deep dive conversation about Kellogg’s wide range of MBA program options, including their—two year program, one year program, MBAi program, joint degree offerings, and other program options.

Caryn also shares specific advice on the updated Kellogg application, including specific suggestions regarding:

• Two new essay questions, what you should focus on (and what you shouldn’t),
• Possible ways to approach each of these questions,
• Ways you might structure your essays,
• Potential pitfalls applicants should be aware of, and
• How to tackle all of these things within a very tight word count.

Caryn then closes out the podcast with a few pieces of personal advice from her position as a former Kellogg MBA admissions officer that we promise you don’t want to miss.

Round 1 of the 2024-25 MBA application cycle is soon drawing to a close, and along with those deadlines comes a surge in self-sabotaging applicant behavior. This episode covers 3 things you should do before submitting, as well as 3 mistakes you should avoid making after your materials are in.

In May, B-Schooled co-host Chandler returned to the Bay Area for his 20-year Stanford GSB reunion.

During the weekend, Chandler kept a notebook at his side and wrote down a number of thought-provoking quotes and notes from classmates and friends. In the second part of this two-episode arc, Chandler shares 5 additional reflections related to his MBA experience and intervening 20 years.

These reflections--coming both from his own experience as well as those of his classmates--touch on a range of topics, including why:

• one big problem with perfection,

• why changing your own narrative is not only ok but essential,

• the double-edged sword of social media, and

• several very specific dangers of the very successful.

Whether you’re targeting Stanford or are just curious to hear how Stanford GSB grads reflect on their experience, this podcast provides a unique sneak peek into the reunion experience at one of the world’s top business schools.

In May, B-Schooled co-host Chandler returned to the Bay Area for his 20-year Stanford GSB reunion.

During the weekend, Chandler kept a notebook at his side and wrote down a number of thought-provoking quotes and notes from classmates and friends. In the first part of this two-episode arc, Chandler shares 5 reflections related to his MBA experience and intervening 20 years.

These reflections--coming both from his own experience as well as those of his classmates--touch on a range of topics, including why:

• focusing on what you are “supposed to do” is only valuable up to a point,

• the power of being “joyfully irritated” shouldn’t be ignored,

• the “write your own obituary” exercise isn't necessarily the way to look back on your life.

• Not enough people are discussing a little secret about imposter syndrome, and

• two specific criteria to look for in friends during business school (and beyond)

Whether you’re targeting Stanford or are just curious to hear how Stanford GSB grads reflect on their experience, this podcast provides a unique sneak peek into the reunion experience at one of the world’s top business schools.

In this replay of a popular past episode, we discuss how your social media behavior could affect your MBA candidacy — both positively and negatively. We cover what admissions committees might be looking for that could be problematic, as well as what kinds of social media posts might actually end up strengthening your profile. We also talk about how reviews of your social media accounts don’t end with the adcom once you’re admitted.

For the first time in more than a decade, Harvard Business School has updated its essay questions.

In this much-anticipated series, we sit down with HBS alum and longtime SBC consultant Yvette to talk about each of these questions and share suggestions, tips and strategies regarding how best to approach these new essay prompts.

In this segment, we tackle the third question:

Growth-Oriented Essay: Curiosity can be seen in many ways. Please share an example of how you have demonstrated curiosity and how that has influenced your growth. (up to 250 words)

In this episode, we discuss:

• What this question is REALLY asking (and what it isn't),
• A discussion of what "curiosity" means in the context of this question and what curiosity-related experiences might be appropriate for this essay
• Possible ways to structure your essay response,
• Specific things you should do when answering this question,
• Possible pitfalls you should avoid when answering this question, and
• How this essay fits into your larger application

This essay is a MUST for anyone thinking of applying to HBS. Special thanks the many SBC consultants and former admissions officers who shared useful advice and guidance that informed this episode.

For the first time in more than a decade, Harvard Business School has updated its essay questions.

In this much-anticipated series, we sit down with HBS alum and longtime SBC consultant Yvette to talk about each of these questions and share suggestions, tips and strategies regarding how best to approach these new essay prompts.

In this segment, we tackle the second question:

Leadership-Focused Essay: What experiences have shaped who you are, how you invest in others, and what kind of leader you want to become? (up to 250 words)

In this episode, we discuss:

• What this question is REALLY asking (and what it isn't),
• A discussion of what "leadership" means in the context of this question and what leaership experiences might be appropriate for this essay
• Possible ways to structure your essay response,
• Specific things you should do when answering this question,
• Possible pitfalls you should avoid when answering this question, and
• How this essay fits into your larger application

This essay is a MUST for anyone thinking of applying to HBS. Special thanks the many SBC consultants and former admissions officers who shared useful advice and guidance that informed this episode.

For the first time in more than a decade, Harvard Business School has updated its essay questions.

In this much-anticipated series, we sit down with HBS alum and longtime SBC consultant Yvette to talk about each of these questions and share suggestions, tips and strategies regarding how best to approach these new essay prompts.

In this segment, we tackle the first question:

Business-Minded Essay: Please reflect on how your experiences have influenced your career choices and aspirations and the impact you will have on the businesses, organizations, and communities you plan to serve. (up to 300 words)

In this episode, we discuss:

• What this question is REALLY asking (and what it isn't),
• One possible way to structure your essay response,
• How to decide which experience(s) from your own life to share (and the importance of sharing what you LEARNED),
• Specific things you should do when answering this question,
• Possible pitfalls you should avoid when answering this question, and
• How this essay fits into your larger application

This essay is a MUST for anyone thinking of applying to HBS. Special thanks the many SBC consultants and former admissions officers who shared useful advice and guidance that informed this episode.