Happy 4th of July! GMAT Club Tests will be completely free for one day - July 4th (12:01 AM to 11:59 PM PST).

Here’s what you get:

• Full access to all 1,400+ questions
• Up to 15 full adaptive tests (including GMAT Focus-style tests)
• 30 Quant & 10 Verbal sectional tests
• Custom test builder to help target only your weak areas
• Adaptive analytics similar to the real exam

One catch: reviews only work until midnight. After that, access closes. So if you’re planning to test, make sure you leave time to go over mistakes before the day ends.

Hope this helps a few of you squeeze in some quality prep. Happy studying!

- BB

Correction on title: Kellogg's essays changed, Wharton's hidden AI major, and the full MBA Spotlight 2026 recap.

What a two days it has been! MBA Spotlight 2026 covered 48+ sessions with adcoms, students, panels, and admissions experts across both days. We sat through all of them and pulled out the most useful takeaways for applicants, organized by school group.

M7

Chicago Booth

• "Random Walk" trips before orientation build early friendships
• Holistic review — extracurriculars and personal stories genuinely matter
• Strong support beyond finance, including consulting and tech
• According to current students, GMAT/GRE prep was the hardest part of the app.

Harvard Business School

• Need-based financial aid only, no merit scholarships
• First year is fully case-based (~550 cases over 2 years), ends with a project abroad
• No single admit archetype — diverse backgrounds valued
• Often compared to Stanford GSB: HBS = general management, GSB = more entrepreneurial

Kellogg (updated)

• New format: 1 written essay + 5 video essays, due 96 hours after deadline
• No test waivers — GMAT or GRE required from everyone
• All degrees STEM-eligible
• Deadlines: Sept 9, Jan 6, Apr 6 — no preference by round
• Rolling decisions, virtual interviews, optional career-gap essay
• MBAi program = tech-focused immersion in San Francisco
• Culture pitch: collaborative leadership, high-impact, low-ego
• Class of 2025: 39% Midwest placement, 6% international, 70,000+ alumni

Stanford GSB

• New application opens later this month
• GMAT or GRE required, no exceptions or preference between the two — take early to avoid technical issues invalidating scores
• No minimum work experience requirement
• Two essays: "What matters most to you and why?" (personal insight, not achievements) + "Why Stanford GSB now?"
• Optional short answer questions for additional impactful experiences
• Need-based financial aid only — over $20M distributed annually
• Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program covers up to 3 years of full funding
• Loan forgiveness available for grads entering public sector/nonprofits
• Strong GMAT/GRE can help offset lower grades for non-traditional/non-quant backgrounds
• MSX program recommended for those with 8+ years of experience (one-year, full-time master's)

MIT Sloan (updated)

• Down to 2 application rounds (was 3); new apps release July/August
• Only 1 letter of recommendation required
• Video essays: self-intro + randomly generated question
• Merit scholarships automatic — no need-based fee waivers
• Core semester + 3 elective semesters; new AI courses across 3 tiers
• ~45-50% international, motto "Sloanies helping Sloanies"

Wharton

• App = 2 essays + team-based discussion (5-6 candidates, moderated)
• Advice: be participative, build on others' ideas, don't interrupt
• Distinctive AI for Business major + Semester in San Francisco
• Merit scholarships typically cover up to 50% of tuition
• Outcomes: ~25-30% IB, 20-25% consulting, 15-20% tech

Columbia

• 2026 grad: applied R1 to Columbia, R2 to Wharton/Harvard, chose Columbia for the scholarship
• MBB/IB internship return offer rate is 90%+
• Strong AI, tech strategy, and digital product management courses
• NYC location is a major recruiting advantage for finance/IB
• Visa issues currently impacting international job prospects

Top US Programs

Yale SOM

• Holistic admissions: academic prep, professional impact, community fit
• Unique behavioral assessment complements test scores/transcripts
• No preference given to any application round
• No TOEFL required — video questions assess English language skills post-application (genuine responses valued over scripted/AI-assisted)
• New core course on AI tools introduced this year
• ~70% of MBA students take at least one elective outside SOM; 10 joint degree options (15% of students pursue these)
• Global Network for Advanced Management — 33 partner schools across 6 continents, 60-70 global experience courses annually
• Merit scholarships for 60% of students, $10,000 to full tuition
• Avg starting salary $175,000, signing bonuses $30,000-$40,000
• Loan forgiveness for nonprofit/government/B Corp roles
• Social Impact Consulting Club, Nonprofit Board Fellows

UVA Darden (updated)

• New video essay component this cycle
• Test-waiver applicants may be disadvantaged for scholarships/recruiting
• Core curriculum 100% case-based (~600 cases over 2 years) — only Darden and HBS do this
• Global experience funding: $4,000/student
• Strongest alumni network in NY and DC

Duke Fuqua (updated)

• Adcom evaluates IQ, EQ, and DQ (decency quotient)
• No minimum test score or GPA
• Correction: essay is officially "25 Random Things," not "Facts" — free workshops available
• No test waivers — GMAT, GRE, or EA required
• Concrete Early Action deadline: September 2, 2026
• LOR should come from a current supervisor
• Merit scholarships range 0-100% of tuition, everyone considered
• STEM designation = 2 extra years of US work authorization for internationals
• 28,000+ alumni worldwide; small companies on resume are not a disadvantage

Berkeley Haas (updated)

• Video essay prompt: "What makes you feel alive and why?"
• 2 professional LORs required, ideally from supervisors
• No GMAT/GRE waiver — test required from everyone
• New AI graduate certificate; AI integrated across all courses
• Class size ~280, curriculum 40% core / 60% electives
• Avg alumni salary 3 years post-grad: $220,000+; 90%+ employed within 6 months
• Leadership principles: question the status quo, confidence without attitude

Cornell Johnson (updated)

• New cycle details releasing in coming weeks
• GMAT waiver available for strong quant backgrounds — not viewed negatively
• Apply by Round 2 for best merit scholarship odds
• Immersion programs (Corporate Finance, Digital Tech, IB, Strategy & Consulting) act as pre-internship boot camps
• Second-year flexibility: electives across Cornell, study abroad, NYC Tech campus
• Work experience counts up to matriculation (August) — internships don't count

UT Austin McCombs (updated)

• New Hildebrand Scholars Program: full-ride, automatic merit consideration, R1 priority
• Fall 2027 app opens August 2026; R1 deadline October 15, R3 April 1
• 80%+ of students receive aid averaging $20,000/year
• 70% of curriculum customizable across 20+ concentrations
• International salaries jump from avg $52,000 to $156,000 post-MBA
• Cohorts of ~60, study groups of 4-6
• New sports fellows group + growing healthcare focus

Georgetown McDonough (updated)

• Domestic deadline extended to June 19
• New 1-minute video essay on personal joys outside work
• Essay topics: Georgetown Community, Cura Personalis, or Achieving Excellence + 1 LOR
• 52% of class gets merit scholarships averaging $25,000/year
• Early action applicants more competitive for Dean's Fellow Merit Scholarships
• 39% of applicants now submit GRE
• New AI-fluency curriculum starts this fall
• No concentrations — certificates instead (e.g. Global Real Estate)
• Next part-time/online deadline: July 6 (domestic)

Michigan Ross (updated)

• New AI concentration alongside ESG and data analytics
• Application fee waiver for fair attendees — indicate attendance in app
• Essays changing next year, more focus on personal stories
• Mandatory MAP project: 7-week real-world consulting experience for all MBA1s
• Only 1 essay + 1 LOR required
• Median grad salary $170,000; 95% successfully pivot careers
• UM alumni network: 695,000+ across 179 countries (59,000 from Ross)
• Dedicated wellness director + free Calm subscriptions

NYU Stern

• No minimum GPA or test score — GMAT, GRE, EA, MCAT, LSAT, or Dental Exam accepted
• New AI specialization including "Leading in the Age of AI"
• Two specialized one-year MBAs: Tech (Andre Koo) and Luxury & Retail
• Unique "Pick 6" photo essay + "Change, ___ It" essay
• 40+ student clubs
• NYC location leveraged for finance, tech, media recruiting

Dartmouth Tuck (updated)

• Application goes live early July, possible essay sneak peeks on Tuck 360 blog
• Limited fee waivers for proactive session attendees
• Accepts online GRE but NOT Executive Assessment
• All scholarships merit-based, awarded at admission offer
• Class size ~300, 100% internship placement
• 90%+ have job offers within 3 months, median comp $205,000
• TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo all accepted, no minimum scores
• Discover Tuck event: October 30-31
• Admissions criteria: Smart, Accomplished, Aware, Encouraging

Emory Goizueta (updated)

• App fee waived for 2027 cycle — apply by Sept 30 for scholarship consideration
• Merit scholarships range 20-100% of tuition
• STEM-designated, AI and leadership focus, 100% internship placement
• One-year MBA: starts early May, 12 months, no summer internship required
• Standardized test waiver application available

CMU Tepper (updated)

• STEM MBA in 3 formats: full-time (21mo + internship), online hybrid, accelerated (12-16mo)
• App fee waived for session attendees, test waivers available
• 14 concentrations including AI in Business
• Avg starting salary $154,000, 83% receive offers within 3 months
• BECCI program eases international students into US academic life
• International financing via Prodigy Finance and Empower
• Merit scholarships automatic, no separate application
• Common mistakes: applying before profile is strongest, neglecting video essay, under-prepping interviews

UCI Merage (updated)

• App fee waiver code: GMATClub2026
• GMAT/GRE optional — strong profiles may skip entirely
• Application deadline extended to June 30
• Admitted students typically get 50% tuition scholarship automatically, some full rides
• 21-month program, mandatory summer internship, 100% placement for 25+ years
• Avg starting salary $125,000
• JD/MBA and MD/MBA dual degrees available
• New AI integration in electives (competitive intelligence, negotiations)

UC Riverside (updated)

• GMAT/GRE optional; English-instruction undergrads waive TOEFL/IELTS
• NEW: first UC-approved fully online MBA in Southern California
• 96-97% of admitted students receive a scholarship offer
• Fee waiver for MBA Spotlight attendees who complete an application
• ~50 TA roles worth ~$55,000 each in year 2
• All business master's programs STEM-designated
• Applications open Sept 1, rounds run to Aug 1 (domestic), int'l deadline June 1

UNC Kenan-Flagler (updated)

• New video essay: self-intro + behavioral question — do this last
• MBA Spotlight attendees get a fee waiver
• Curriculum redesign: career pathways, early electives, embedded data/tech sequence
• All applicants auto-considered for fellowships; Better Deans Fellows needs 3 extra essays
• STAR program: consulting projects with Coca-Cola, P&G

Canada

Toronto Rotman (updated)

• 3 formats: 20mo full-time (4mo paid internship), 32mo evening, new 12mo one-year MBA
• Fee waiver for session attendees — details emailed directly
• Merit scholarships: $5K-$40K (full-time), $5K-$20K (evening), automatic
• GMAT/GRE waivers for CFA Level 2 and similar qualifications
• 92% employed within 6 months, avg salary $134,000
• ~21% of grads enter consulting (McKinsey, Bain, BCG)
• Fall 2027 applications open late August 2026

European Programs

INSEAD (updated)

• January intake = 2-month internship window; August intake does not
• Program length: 10 months (Aug) vs 12 months (Jan)
• New Master's in Finance launching 2027 + new AI Institute
• 4 campuses: Fontainebleau, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, San Francisco — FT #2 globally
• ~40% receive donor-based scholarships up to EUR 30,000, earlier rounds = better odds
• January deadlines: Round 3 = June 30, Round 4 = August 4
• International exposure can be multinational work/clients, not just living abroad
• No GMAT vs GRE preference (GMAT ~630 or GRE ~320 recommended)

HEC Paris (updated)

• Two intakes (Sept and Jan), both 16 months, 12-month option in Jan
• Avg GMAT for Class of 2026: 635
• 5 mandatory essays + 2 alumni interviews
• Tuition: EUR 102,000 + ~EUR 25,000 living expenses
• Forte Foundation scholarship covers FULL tuition for women
• Class profile: 94% international, avg age 30
• Member of Station F, world's largest startup campus
• Outcomes: 50%+ employed in EU, 26% in France — B2 French recommended
• EUR 1M in scholarships annually, automatic merit consideration

IESE

• GMAT or GRE required, no exceptions — legal requirement
• 2-year program, case method + peer learning, 85% international (60 nationalities)
• 4 application rounds: Sept, Jan, Mar, May
• AI integrated across all courses + pre-MBA AI literacy course
• Separate essay required for scholarship consideration

ESB (updated)

• GMAT waived for business-degree holders; 35th percentile minimum otherwise (80th percentile computer adaptive test for Indian applicants)
• International deadline June 15; German-degree holders get until August 1
• 18 months / 3 semesters including a work placement
• 90-95% international students
• English proficiency: B2/C1 via IELTS/TOEFL unless bachelor's was in English
• Total cost: ~EUR 10,500 + ~EUR 200/semester
• Students secure their own internships with school support

HHL Leipzig (updated)

• Partial scholarships covering 10-50% of tuition; Dean's List needs high GMAT
• No application fee, early-bird discounts up to EUR 6,000
• Tuition: EUR 42,500 before discounts/scholarships
• New AI track in development
• 91% employed within 6 months, 92% start careers in Germany
• 18-month job-seekers visa post-grad, part-time work allowed during studies
• Application window: Sept-June for Sept intake
• 97% international students, 18 nationalities

Cambridge Judge

• One-year program, AI for Business core module + AI Transformation concentration
• 5 rounds: August, October, January, March, May
• 82% secure job offers by January post-grad
• Students belong to one of Cambridge's 31 colleges
• Earlier rounds = better scholarship chances
• English requirements depend on background/country, possible waivers
• Located in "Silicon Fen" tech hub

Asia

I S B

• One-year PGP, April to March, requires 2+ years work experience
• R1 deadline September 28, 11:59 PM (note: one source said Sept 20 — verify)
• 25% of class receives scholarships (merit, need-based, diversity, donor — not stackable)
• Program fee ~INR 33.16 L + taxes for shared accommodation
• 2026 cohort: 1,117 offers for 808 students, avg comp INR 37.29 L , 248% salary increase — #1 globally for salary increase
• 67% change industries, 69% change functions
• Failed business attempts can explain career gaps

NTU Nanyang (updated)

• Ranked 12th globally, 1st in Singapore for 2026 (up from 32nd in 2024)
• Avg GMAT for admitted students: 625
• No tuition increase for 2027 intake
• Class: 50% women, 90% international, 15-20 nationalities, avg age 29
• APEC scholarship = 100% tuition + stipend; merit scholarships cover 10-40%
• Double degrees (Waseda, ASEG, St. Gallen) — no extra tuition
• Application portal for July 2027 opens August 2026, rolling
• Capstone SPAN consulting project is a highlight
• Fee waivers available via promo code form

Panels

Financing Your MBA

• Apply R1 to maximize merit aid and meet external scholarship deadlines
• Budget for hidden costs: travel, social activities
• Maintain good credit score for competitive loan rates (Juno: group-negotiated loans, rate match guarantee)
• Look into overlooked funding: on-campus work, niche scholarships (e.g. Stanford Knight-Hennessy)

GMAT Panel

• Track errors religiously, build consistent habits — discipline beats cramming
• Slow down to reduce careless mistakes, especially in quant
• Don't neglect Data Insights — treat it like Quant and Verbal
• Use a benchmark approach for time management
• Considering GRE? Take a practice test first, confirm target schools accept it

Student Panel (Columbia / Ross / Stanford / Fuqua)

• Columbia: IB/consulting recruiting moves fast (NYC) — be proactive, network early
• Ross: new AI concentration (AI for Business, Product Innovation) now in curriculum
• Stanford: cross-school collaboration encouraged, strong VC/tech pipelines via Silicon Valley
• Fuqua: collaborative environment, strong peer accountability; GMAT matters for MBB — check school-specific stats

GMAC (with GMAT Ninja)

• Schools prioritize adaptability, problem-solving, leadership over pure AI skills
• Essays should reveal personality/thought process, not repeat the resume
• Don't use AI to write essays — use it to refine/structure thoughts
• AI expertise helpful but not essential — curiosity and adaptability matter more

Forte Foundation

• Forte Fellowship: $6M+ awarded to 24,000+ individuals via partner schools
• MBA Launch On Demand: $349 ($50 off with code LAUNCH50), 40+ hours, fee waivers at 40+ schools
• Forte events registration opens mid-July, 12 sessions (8 in-person US, 4 virtual)
• R1/R2 doesn't significantly impact scholarship chances — R3+ more competitive

AIGAC

• Promotes ethics/professionalism in admissions consulting, 200+ members, 20th anniversary
• Good consultants offer strategic + emotional support — never guarantee admission or write essays
• Use AI cautiously for research only, never for essay writing
• 5-step playbook for finding the right advisor — start by assessing if you need one

Admissions Consultants & Test Prep

Avanti Prep

• Be specific about career goals — target companies/roles post-MBA (critical for international students/visas)
• Research each school's unique offerings to address profile gaps
• Manage recommenders actively — need detailed anecdotes, not generic praise
• 10% discount on services for sign-ups by June 30

mbaMission

• 40% of applicants now use GRE instead of GMAT — consider taking both
• Low GPA? A high test score or online course (e.g. HBS CORe) can help
• Free 30-minute consultations available
• No single clear goal? Use the app to tell a compelling story of your interests

Manhattan Prep

• 90-day roadmap: baseline → comprehensive curriculum → review/peak
• Free resources: math diagnostic, foundations program, starter kit with review log
• Code SCORE20 = 20% off live courses, tutoring, or on-demand until June 15
• 100-point score improvement is common with comprehensive study

Target Test Prep — R1 Sprint to 705+

• R1 deadlines: early Sept-Oct (Wharton Sept 8, Columbia Sept 9 for 2026) — test 3-4 weeks prior
• 705+ in 9-10 weeks realistic only if already high 600s
• 50-80 point improvement ≈ 180 study hours
• 705+ not necessary — top-5-percentile differences matter less than resume/essays (90-240 hours)

Vikram Shah Consulting

• Strategic timing can offset low GMAT or overrepresented profiles — strengthen before applying
• Younger applicants: shift narrative from length of experience to quality/impact
• European schools may be more forgiving of lower academic records than US schools
• Build school list around safer options first

Stratus Admissions Counseling

• "Five C's" framework: curriculum, clubs, community/culture, competitiveness, cost
• Four-school guarantee — free extra application next round if not admitted to first four
• "Why MBA" should articulate specific skills you need from the program
• Career gaps okay if logically explained; be honest about AI usage

ARINGO

• M7 acceptance rates: 6-10% — consider T10/T15/European schools as real alternatives
• European one-year programs (INSEAD, LBS, HEC, IESE) cut opportunity costs ~50%, ~90% international
• Balanced list: 4-6 schools — 1-2 reach, 2-3 target, 1-2 safety
• Evaluate by employment reports, not just rankings
• Video essays are being added specifically to counter AI-generated applications

Gatehouse Admissions

• Acceptance rates: Harvard 10%, Stanford 7%, Wharton 20% — the "trifecta" is rare
• Gatehouse clients: 80% acceptance into at least one of the three (3x market average)
• Leadership and authenticity matter as much as scores/GPA
• Don't tailor goals per school — build a diverse list so you're not over-reliant on the top tier

That's a wrap on MBA Spotlight 2026.

Thank you to everyone who joined us across both days. All replays remain available, and everyone who attended a live session gets their free week of GMAT Club Tests via email on June 12th. In case you want to stay updated with our upcoming events, join our MBA WhatsApp Community here.

- The GMAT Club Team

What a day! Day 1 of MBA Spotlight is in the books: 33 sessions with adcoms, students, panels and admissions experts. We sat through the sessions and pulled out the most useful takeaways for applicants, organized by school group.

M7

Chicago Booth

• Unique "Random Walk" trips before orientation to build early friendships
• Holistic application review: extracurriculars and personal stories genuinely matter
• Strong support for paths beyond finance, including consulting and tech

Harvard Business School

• Need-based financial aid only - no merit scholarships
• First year is fully case-based and ends with a practical project abroad
• No single admit "archetype" - diverse backgrounds valued

Kellogg

• New application format: 1 written essay + 5 video essays
• MBAi program with industry immersion in San Francisco for tech-focused applicants
• Culture pitch: collaborative leadership, "high-impact, low-ego"

MIT Sloan

• Only two application rounds this year, down from three
• Core semester followed by three elective semesters
• New AI courses added across three tiers of the curriculum

More M7 Sessions on June 11th!

Top US Programs

UVA Darden

• New video essay component this cycle
• Test-waiver applicants may be at a disadvantage for scholarships and recruiting
• Batten scholarship funds a global experience for every student

Duke Fuqua

• Adcom looks for IQ, EQ and DQ ("decency quotient")
• The "25 Random Facts" essay is back, with free workshops for guidance
• STEM designation = up to 3 years of US work authorization for internationals

Berkeley Haas

• Video essay prompt: "What makes you feel alive and why?"
• Two letters of recommendation required, preferably from supervisors
• Leadership principles front and center: "Question the status quo," "Confidence without attitude"

Cornell Johnson

• New application cycle details dropping in the next few weeks
• Immersion programs act as pre-internship boot camps
• Second-year flexibility includes study abroad and the NYC Tech campus

UT Austin McCombs

• Round 1 applications prioritized for scholarships; over 80% of students receive aid
• 70% of the curriculum is customizable with 20+ concentrations
• New sports fellows group; healthcare focus growing

Georgetown McDonough

• Domestic application deadline extended to June 19
• 52% of the full-time class gets merit scholarships, averaging $25,000/year
• New curriculum adds AI and digital literacy

Michigan Ross

• New AI concentration, alongside ESG and data analytics
• Mandatory MAP project = real-world consulting experience for every student
• Light application: one essay and one letter of recommendation

NYU Stern

• New AI specialization, including "Leading in the Age of AI"
• Two specialized one-year MBAs: Tech and Luxury & Retail
• No minimum GPA or test score; GMAT, GRE and even LSAT accepted

Dartmouth Tuck

• Application goes live in early July, possibly with essay prompt sneak peeks
• All scholarships are merit-based and awarded with the admission offer
• Discover Tuck campus event: October 30-31

Emory Goizueta

• Application fee waived this cycle; apply by September 30 for scholarship consideration
• STEM-designated MBA with AI and leadership focus
• 100% internship placement; small cohorts and personalized learning

CMU Tepper

• STEM MBA in three formats: full-time, online hybrid and accelerated
• Application fee waived for fair attendees; test waivers available within the application
• AI in Business among 15 concentrations on a flexible curriculum

UCI Merage

• GMAT/GRE optional; instruction in English can waive TOEFL/IELTS
• All admitted students considered for scholarships; TA roles worth up to $55,000
• Application opens September 1 with a December 15 priority deadline

UC Riverside

• Application fee waiver code for attendees: GMATClub2026
• GMAT/GRE optional with strong undergrad record and work experience
• AI being integrated into electives like competitive intelligence and negotiations

Canada

Toronto Rotman

• Application fee waiver for session attendees (email Rotman admissions to claim)
• Three MBA formats: full-time, evening, and a new one-year MBA
• GMAT/GRE waivers available for qualifications like CFA Level 2

European Programs

INSEAD

• January intake includes a 2-month internship window; August intake does not
• No GMAT vs GRE preference - balanced scores recommended
• Essays should highlight core values, doubts and reciprocity

HEC Paris

• Two intakes (September and January), both 16 months, with a 12-month January option
• Holistic admissions: essays, CV and international exposure matter more than just the GMAT
• EUR 1M in scholarships annually with automatic merit-based consideration

IESE

• GMAT/GRE required with no exceptions (legal requirement)
• Two-year program built on the case method and peer learning
• AI being integrated across all courses

ESB Reutlingen

• Mandatory German classes added to the MBA curriculum
• June 15 application deadline for international degrees
• Total cost around EUR 10,500 plus roughly EUR 200 per semester

HHL Leipzig

• Partial scholarships covering 10-50% of tuition
• Flexible 15-21 month duration with internship and double-degree options
• No application fee; early-bird discounts up to EUR 6,000

Asia

IS B (two sessions)

• One-year PGP running April to March; 2+ years of work experience required
• Round 1 deadline in late September
• 25% of the class receives scholarships (merit, need-based and diversity)
• Program fee around INR 33.16 lakh plus taxes (shared accommodation)

NTU Nanyang (Singapore)

• Ranked 1st in Singapore and 12th globally (FT 2026)
• Class profile: 50% women, 90% international students
• Application fee waivers available via promo code form

Panels

Financing Your MBA

• Apply in Round 1 to maximize merit aid and meet scholarship deadlines

GMAT Panel

• Track your errors and build consistent study habits - discipline beats cramming
• Slow down to reduce careless mistakes
• Don't neglect Data Insights - practice it as seriously as Quant and Verbal

Student Panel (Columbia / Ross / Stanford students)

• Columbia: IB and consulting recruiting moves fast thanks to the NYC location
• Ross: students highlighted the new AI concentration woven into the curriculum
• Stanford: cross-collaboration with other schools encouraged for broader learning

Admissions Consultants & Test Prep Experts

Avanti Prep

• Career goal specificity and real school research make applications stand out
• Lead essays with unique contributions and personal stories
• 10% discount for sign-ups by June 30

mbaMission

• Free 30-minute consultations available
• Online courses like HBS CORe can help offset a low GPA

Manhattan Prep

• 90-day GMAT roadmap: baseline test, comprehensive curriculum, review & peak
• Free resources: math diagnostic, foundations program, starter kit with review log
• 20% off courses with code SCORE20 until June 15

Application Strategy (Vikram's session)

• Strategic application timing can offset weaknesses like a lower GMAT
• Younger applicants: shift the narrative from length of experience to quality
• Build the school list around safer options first to manage risk

Day 2 is Thursday, June 11

• Stanford GSB, Yale SOM, Cambridge Judge, Wharton and Columbia student panels, Kellogg, INSEAD, Fuqua, Tuck, Haas, Darden and 20+ more sessions, starting 12:00 PM PDT.
• 🎬 Missed Day 1? Watch all session replays here.
• Questions about any specific session? Ask below and I'll share more detail from my notes.
• Join Day 2 here - free to attend, and everyone who joins a session gets one free week of GMAT Club Tests.

- BB (Founder of GMAT Club)

It's Happening! GMAT Club MBA Rankings 2026 are out on 28th May 2026. Which B-school do you think has taken the #1 spot?

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It's Happening! GMAT Club MBA Rankings 2026 are out on 28th May 2026. Which B-school do you think has taken the #1 spot?

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