Piyush Ranjan’s Post

Yesterday, my lovely colleague and AIGAC peer Krithika Srinivasan and I were discussing the purpose of MBA admissions rounds: https://lnkd.in/e2QAQPss So there are two things that deserve to be mentioned when it comes to the admissions rounds: 1) 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐨 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭? 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬? 𝐘𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨.... The rounds exist so the MBA AdComs can evaluate a sizable pool of applicants simultaneously. This helps them *select* the most qualified candidates and shape the composition of their MBA class in terms of academic qualifications, professional backgrounds, and diversity. Back in the day, Round 1 used to have a certain "signaling power". It indicated the candidate is very committed and that program is a top choice for them. This is no longer the case, people have all sorts of strategies about how they split their schools across rounds. And they often plan on multiple deposits before they make a choice. So the guiding light should always be - when can you submit the strongest application possible. 2) 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 2: 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐭. While pushing things from Round 1 to Round 2 is a relatively risk-free option, what happens if you can't pull things off for Round 2? In Round 3, if it even exists (Harvard Business School no longer has one), your odds do go down significantly. That often leaves you with the only viable option being to apply next year... 𝐒𝐨 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 2, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖. And to make sure your efforts are smart and efficient, next month I will open MBA ABC one last time this year for Round 2 candidates. 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰: https://lnkd.in/ekcd2QVm #mba #mbaadmissions #mbaaplication

MBA Entrance Exam Season 2023-24: Reflections and Next Steps The season of MBA entrance exams 2023-24 has come to an end, and the results are finally out. For many of you, this means you've secured a spot at your dream college, congratulations! 🎉 For others, it might not have gone as planned. Some of you may decide to give it another shot because you know you can achieve your dream, while others may choose to join a good college this year because waiting another year isn't an option. If you're in the process of choosing your college, here are a few important things to keep in mind: Placement Stats and ROI: These are crucial, but they're not the whole picture. Course and Curriculum: Ensure the programs offered align with your career goals. Alumni Base: A strong network can be incredibly valuable. Batch Strength: Consider the student-faculty ratio and peer interactions. Location: Being in a Tier 1 city or prominent Tier 2 city can provide more opportunities and exposure. Remember, the journey to your MBA is a marathon, not a sprint. Consider all factors and make the best decision for your future. Best of luck to all of you embarking on this exciting journey! 🌟📚 #MBA #CollegeSelection #FutureLeaders #Opportunities #CareerGrowth

𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐁𝐀? 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰!! As a deferred admit to Stanford University Graduate School of Business, I can attest to the powerful benefits that come with pursuing a Deferred MBA (DMBA). For those of you still in undergrad and considering this path, here are a few major advantages: 🚀 Secure Your Spot Early Locking in a spot at a top MBA program years in advance allows you to focus on career growth without the pressure of later applications. There will be no need to study for your GMAT/GRE while you're working at your full-time job. 🌐 Flexibility for Non-Traditional Paths The DMBA is ideal if you want to work in non-traditional careers like entrepreneurship, pursue international experiences, or explore different industries. With your seat secured, you can take on high-risk, high-reward roles without worrying about an MBA admissions cycle down the line. 🤝 Increased Access to Mentorship Deferred admits gain early access to an invaluable network of peers, alumni, and faculty. These connections help you hone in on your goals, and you’ll have that network in place when you start the MBA journey. 📈 Plan Financially A deferred MBA can give you time to strategically manage finances—whether that means paying off undergrad debt or saving up for business school. With a few years to plan, you can reduce financial stress and focus on your growth. Next week, Leland is hosting a free Deferred MBA Week to help applicants navigate this process! This is an incredible opportunity to gain insights, strategies, and practical tips from experts and former admits. If you're thinking about a DMBA, check it out! Feel free to register through the link below: https://lnkd.in/gcCNi-7k I'm also happy to answer any questions you have—reach out anytime!

Lately, I've been noticing a lot of posts celebrating admissions into various MBA colleges. While it's certainly a milestone 🎉, I believe we should also keep perspective. Is it an achievement? Absolutely! 🏆 But it's essential to remember that getting into a top MBA college is just the beginning of the journey, not the end goal. Securing a spot in a prestigious program doesn't guarantee great placements. In fact, many top colleges have struggled to achieve even 90% placement rates this year 📉. So, while it's a happy moment worth acknowledging 🎊, it's also crucial to stay grounded and focused on the bigger picture. This is a personal achievement, a starting gate to a longer race 🏁. The true measure of success will be what you accomplish during and after the program. Let's celebrate quietly and let our future successes speak volumes 📣. "Work hard in silence, let your success make the noise." Disclaimer: Don't take it personally, rather think about it in a more practical way.

Breaking down the 23-24 MBA admission cycle 📚💼 As Round 1 wraps up, the bar remains high with standout candidates leading the pack. Whether you're eyeing Round 3 or strategizing for the future, remember, exceptional preparation makes for exceptional candidates. Here's to navigating the admissions journey with confidence and grace. 🌟✨ #MBAAdmissions #Round1Reflections #FutureMBALeaders #AdmissionsTips #StayCompetitive #Round3Challenge 📈🎓

For anyone wanting to learn more about how I and others have secured our spots into top business schools while in undergrad!!!! Sign up for Deferred MBA Week here: https://lnkd.in/gjDddsfP Did you know all top MBA programs offer a "deferred" option? This unique route allows you to apply in your senior year of undergrad (or final year of your master's program) and secure admission ahead of time. After acceptance, you gain 2-5 years of work experience before choosing when to start your MBA. Here are a few reasons why I decided to apply to a Deferred MBA: 1. Secure your place at a prestigious MBA program years in advance. 2. Gain the freedom to explore new career opportunities without the risk during your deferral period. 3. If you don’t get in, you can reapply without re-applicant status—this time with established connections. 4. Enjoy waived application fees. 5. Complete the GMAT/GRE while you’re still a student, avoiding the challenge of studying while working full-time. If you’re considering applying for a Deferred MBA, I highly recommend signing up for Leland’s Deferred MBA Week from November 12-14. This event features over nine sessions designed to guide you through the process and set you up for success. Reach out if you have any questions or want to learn more! Sign up for Deferred MBA Week here: https://lnkd.in/gjDddsfP Leland

WHAT IS THE EASIEST MBA PROGRAM TO GET INTO? Ans. The notion of identifying the "easiest" MBA program is akin to chasing a mirage in the world of higher education. It's vital to grasp that all MBA programs demand dedication and rigorous effort. Yet, there may exist programs with marginally less stringent admission criteria, potentially easing the entry process. However, it's paramount to bear in mind that the ease of admission doesn't necessarily correlate with program quality. The journey to choosing the right MBA program should harmonize with your career objectives and intellectual inclinations. https://lnkd.in/dWaavwBp

What dooms most good candidates is that on paper, they look like many other candidates. This is particularly true if you are in a competitive sub-pool of applicants. Remember, there is always someone with just a little better GPA, GMAT score, or work experience. So, you need to make sure that the narrative that you are presenting through your application is uniquely yours and clearly explains why YOU need to get an MBA at that particular school. For the full list of things to consider when selecting an MBA admissions consultant, read Stratus Senior MBA Admissions Counselor Jennifer Jackson's article linked below👇 https://hubs.la/Q02r3rlp0 #MBA #MBAadmissions #overrepresentedapplicant #MBAessay #bschool #businessschool

I am thrilled to share my journey to Simon Business School in a recent feature article! As a first generation-Ecuadorean, I recognized an MBA's transformative power to redefine my family's trajectory. Choosing Simon was a no-brainer. My advice to prospective students would be to trust the process, embrace the journey, and seize the opportunities the market has to offer, no matter the timing. Have any questions about the MBA recruiting process? Let's connect!  #SimonStrong #MBAJourney #BusinessSchoolSuccess