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.
Round 1, Round 2 or Round 3? What MBA Applicants Need to Know
May. 14th, 2025
When it comes to applying to business school, timing is everything—but not in the way many people think. At Fortuna Admissions, we’re often asked, “Should I apply in Round 1 to maximize my chances?” Or, “Is Round 3 ever worth considering?” The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. While the admissions calendar is clearly defined, […]
MBA or JD: Choosing the Right Path for Your Future
Mar. 4th, 2025
At Fortuna Admissions, we often work with candidates deciding between an MBA or JD, helping them navigate the unique opportunities each degree offers. The right choice depends on your goals, interests, and career aspirations. An MBA provides versatility and high earning potential across industries, equipping professionals with leadership, financial acumen, and strategic thinking skills. On […]
Stanford GSB Essays: Tips & Strategy on Writing What Matters Most
Jul. 31st, 2024
The Stanford GSB essays continue to present a formidable exercise in self-awareness. The Stanford GSB application esssays include two required questions and two optional short-answer questions. From these questions, the GSB wants to understand why we do the things we do, why we make certain choices in life, and the opportunities and challenges we face. […]
Dress for Success: The MBA Interview
Mar. 28th, 2024
The MBA interview is all about standing out for the right reasons. Candidates should want to be remembered for what they say, not what they wear. In my role as an expert coach at Fortuna Admissions, I advise many clients on preparing for their MBA admission interview, and field many concerned — and valid — […]
MBA Waitlist: Strategies and Actions for Getting Admitted
Jan. 23rd, 2024
Being waitlisted can be tormenting, but there are actions you can take now to boost your chances of admission. After all the work you put into polishing every sentence of your MBA application, it can be frustrating to get the news that you’ve been placed on the waitlist for admissions. As Poets&Quants editor John Byrne […]
How Parents Can Help (Or Hinder) Their Children on the Road to Grad School
Nov. 15th, 2023
As you slice up the Thanksgiving turkey, sit down to a big family meal, and begin to pass side dishes around the table, your son or daughter announces they want to get an MBA, earn a JD, or get a graduate degree in public health. You haven’t even gotten to dessert–your grandmother’s famous pumpkin pie–and […]
Mistakes to Avoid Before, During & After Your MBA Interview
Jan. 17th, 2023
The MBA interview is a relational process, and the sphere of influence goes well beyond your assessor. It’s vital to recognize that every interaction before, during, and after your interview can impact your candidacy. As a coach at Fortuna Admissions, a Columbia Business School alumna, and a former recruiting lead at Deloitte Consulting, I’ve seen […]
MBA Admissions Etiquette: 5 Essentials & Mistakes to Avoid
Jan. 5th, 2023
I have a few MBA applicants who talk to me like we are buddies, and we are not. I fear that if they communicate with anyone else in the business school admissions process (admissions officers, alums, student ambassadors, etc.) in the same way they communicate with me, they will seriously harm their chances of admission. […]
MBA Application Advice: 5 Must-Dos Before You Hit Submit
Dec. 5th, 2022
The single most important thing you can do when you hit submit on your MBA application is to be confident that it’s the very best reflection of you and your candidacy – no matter which admissions round you’re targeting. Having reviewed thousands of applications during my career in MBA admissions, as head of Admissions at INSEAD […]
5 Top Tips: Reapply to Harvard Business School
Jan. 26th, 2022
The first question I am usually asked is, “What did I do wrong?” after an MBA applicant is rejected. Don’t assume you did anything wrong – it could be you applied from an overcrowded sector and/or demographic. Check your assumptions and solicit feedback but be careful not to fall prey to hindsight bias. Just because […]
One Action That Will Dramatically Improve Your MBA Application
Dec. 29th, 2021
Making good on a resolution that’s truly life-changing takes both courage and introspection. If yours is to apply for an MBA this year, you’ll also need determination and a great strategy to develop your business school application. Are you ready? I’ve reviewed thousands of applications during my career in MBA admissions, from serving as head […]
How to Get Into Stanford GSB: Entering Stanford’s MBA Program
May. 26th, 2021
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 […]
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