As political tension rattles the U.S. visa system and high-profile schools like Harvard face international admissions delays, panic is setting in among global MBA applicants. But with 15 years in the field, I see this moment differently: not as a crisis, but as a strategic window. The fear is thinning out competitive applicant pools, creating rare opportunities for those willing to act decisively.
Columbia Business School has revised its 2025 MBA Essay 2 prompt, removing direct references to DEI and inclusive leadership frameworks. While the language is now broader, focusing on collaboration, inclusion, and community, the underlying goal remains the same: Columbia wants applicants who can lead with empathy and build effective teams across differences. Here’s why the change likely happened and how to approach the new essay with strategy and authenticity.
The playing field has finally leveled out as global MBA candidates now have as much access to MBA programs as local students do. MBA candidates can now take advantage of the new ways to engage with business school programs virtually. Here are five ways to stay on track with your virtual MBA research.
How do you know if you are right for INSEAD? And what are the things INSEAD is looking for in their prospective MBA students? We discuss the language requirements, the narrow internship options, the consulting focus and the desired post-MBA location at INSEAD with Amerasia Consulting's founder Paul Lanzillotti.
One of the reasons for this expansion is to appeal to applicants from diverse backgrounds and interests. The interest from candidates other than the undergraduate business programs. Another reason, is the upward trend of applications to the full-time MBA program. Interested in applying? Click here to read more.
How to make your MBA application package competitive in 2021? Engaging in virtual MBA events is crucial. If you have waived the standardized tests, demonstrating quantitative analysis skills is even more important. Showing resilience and growth during the pandemic is an opportunity to make your MBA application shine.
Ideas for your 2021 MBA New Year's resolutions. What to include? Become more informed. Incorporate project management into your MBA resolutions routine. Make one new professional MBA connection each month. Identify a strength and improve it. Identify a weakness and enhance it. Get extra certifications. Self-care.
How to be an effective communicator at your next MBA networking event? Take the pressure off. Walk into a conversation with your head held high, your confidence will come through. Quality over quantity. Have a genuine interest and concern for the person you are conversing with. Be prepared. Know your outcome. Be yourself.
What are the MBA application readers looking for? Get into the mind of how MBA application readers think. Avoid too much jargon. Understand how the admissions committee is constructed. Remember that you are APPLYING to attend b-school & not yet graduated. Do NOT submit the same resume you would for a job opportunity.
