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We offer a wealth of tips and strategies across a range of topics—from application advice on Harvard or INSEAD to acing the GMAT, writing essays, navigating MBA interviews and more.

MBA Essay advice and Tips

How to Answer Stanford GSB’s Essay: What Matters Most To You and Why?

Sep. 9th, 2021 | by: Matt Symonds

In opening its application for the 2020-2021 cycle, Stanford GSB demonstrated that its iconic essay question persists for well over a decade. Stanford’s “What matters most to you, and why?” query embodies the sentiment ‘simple but not easy.’ It demands a level of profound self-awareness and unapologetic authenticity that can overwhelm the most excellence-driven applicant in […]

Man taking notes on paper

Top MBA Programs Waiving the GMAT – Waiver Information

Sep. 3rd, 2021 | by: Caroline Diarte Edwards

Top MBA Programs Waiving GMAT Test Scores An increasing number of MBA programs are waiving the GMAT. In other words, you can submit your application without a GMAT or GRE score. Should you consider applying in round one without a GMAT score? Or should you take the GMAT and see how you do, and apply […]

woman working at home at table

GMAT Prep Strategies: How to Study While Working

Aug. 23rd, 2021 | by: Scott Woodbury-Stewart

So you’re preparing for the GMAT — no easy task by itself — and you’re also working a demanding job that has the uncanny ability to usurp your every waking moment. Do you worry about how to prepare for the GMAT efficiently without going bonkers? There are a few time-tested strategies that you can use […]

IESE campus

How to Get Into IESE Business School: 5 Top Tips

Aug. 12th, 2021 | by: Lisa Bevill

IESE’s star continues to rise. This year, the Barcelona-based business school ranked #1 in the Economist’s Full-time MBA ranking, where it has maintained the #1 or #2 spot since 2016, and it is rarely out of the top five in the Financial Times. It also boasts an impressive ROI: more than 95% of the graduates […]

Tips For MBA Recommendations: Does Prestige Matter and Mistakes to Avoid

Jun. 24th, 2021 | by: Matt Symonds

Would it help my MBA admissions chances if I secured a recommendation letter from the President of the United States? As hypothetical as it sounds, we fielded this question from a prospective candidate during the Obama administration. While it was a subject of much discussion among our coaches at Fortuna Admissions, ultimately, we advised against […]

gmat quant score

How to Earn a High GMAT Quant Score Without a Calculator

Jun. 6th, 2021 | by: Scott Woodbury-Stewart

Guest article by Scott Woodbury-Stewart, Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep Many GMAT test-takers, particularly those who don’t consider math their strongest subject, start to panic when they learn that they won’t have access to the GMAT calculator for the Quant section of the exam. The truth is that — unless there are special circumstances […]

stanfords mba program

How to Get Into Stanford GSB: Entering Stanford’s MBA Program

May. 26th, 2021 | by: Rachel Erickson Hee

Stanford GSB is the most selective MBA program in the world – only 6.2% of its annual MBA applicants secure a seat in its class. The dean estimates that Stanford is the preferred choice for 3 out of every 4 applicants admitted to both HBS and the GSB. Meanwhile, the school’s small size lends itself to […]

executive MBA vs MBA

Executive MBA vs MBA: 5 Key Differences

May. 24th, 2021 | by: Bill Kooser

As the MBA degree becomes more popular and competitive, an increasing number of schools are offering an alternative in the Executive MBA (EMBA). What is an Executive MBA? As opposed to a traditional full-time MBA, the EMBA is designed to appeal to working managers with significant experience. Both are general management degrees. Where the MBA […]

financing MBA

MBA FINANCIAL AID: MAXIMIZE YOUR RESOURCES

May. 23rd, 2021 | by: Caroline Diarte Edwards

Investing in an MBA will pay great dividends. On average, those who earn an MBA at one of the world’s premier schools will also double their pre-MBA salary within three years. It’s also one of the largest financial outlays you’ll ever make, and it comes with the added cost of foregoing your annual salary. That’s […]

apply for mba

10 Tips to Apply for a Specialized Masters in Business (MiM, Mfin, MSMS & more)

May. 5th, 2021 | by: Matt Symonds

Over the past few years, my Fortuna Admissions colleagues and I have witnessed a surge in interest for specialty masters degrees across a variety of business disciplines. On the heels of our CentreCourt Specialized Masters Event last month, I hosted a live conversation with Poets&Quants editor John A. Byrne alongside my Fortuna Admissions colleagues and […]

MBA GMAT Prep

How To Increase Your GMAT Score: Tips from Test Prep Experts

Apr. 26th, 2021 | by: Matt Symonds

Securing a competitive and well-balanced GMAT or GRE score is imperative for maximizing your chances of admissions success to the top MBA programs. Though MIT Sloan and Darden are among those that have introduced a test-optional policy, you’ll still need to nail a great score if your target list includes HBS, Stanford, Wharton, INSEAD, LBS, […]

international mba

Why Now Is A Good Time to Pursue An International MBA

Mar. 29th, 2021 | by: Caroline Diarte Edwards

If your shortlist of business schools doesn’t include a European program, it should. There are several distinctive advantages to pursuing an international MBA, particularly in Europe. From the impressive ROI to peerless global leadership experience, more candidates are taking notice and targeting the international MBA. European schools have maintained strong appeal, even during the global […]

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