What's Happening in MBA Admissions Right Now: Insights from August 2025
With Round 1 deadlines around the corner, a few patterns are emerging:
Concerns about AI persist... but everyone's using it
Nearly every MBA candidate asks "Will the ad comms know I used ChatGPT?"
The real concern isn't whether you used AI – it's whether your essay sounds identical to 500 others. ChatGPT, Claude, and other tools are great for checking grammar and making structural improvements. However, relying on AI as a ghostwriter could be a fast track to a ding.
MBA admissions committees have been vocal about the generic and AI slop they're seeing in applications, so you won't be pulling one over. The key is finding the right balance: leverage AI for what it does best (editing, brainstorming, structure) while ensuring your unique voice drives the narrative.
Candidates are taking a hard look at European MBAs
Political and economic uncertainty in the U.S. are inspiring candidates to explore options beyond the M7.
The math is compelling: 12 months versus 2 years, half the cost, and access to global networks. As the ROI of an MBA faces scrutiny, this could make a lot of sense for candidates who are location agnostic.
The finances make a lot of sense; however, this trend goes beyond dollars and cents. Business education is going global, and is no longer completely dominated by programs in the U.S.
The double pivot is less likely
One of the most significant changes relates to goal-setting and career strategy. Double pivots (switching function and industry) and triple jumps (switching function, industry, AND geography) are really tough in today's market. Therefore, candidates have to be realistic when discussing their career goals.
As Doug Massa at Haas recommends, focus on one pivot first. Moonshots are less likely to succeed in the current market. This reflects the broader reality that employers are being selective in the hiring process.
Some companies, like startups, are risk averse. They aren't hiring for potential. Instead, they want candidates who have already done the job. As Fuqua's Josh Cohen says, "You have to DO the job in order to GET the job."
So, when defining your career goals, think about what you'll build on. Is it industry expertise? Is it functional knowledge? Build from there.
What's working: Owning your story
Candidates with non-traditional backgrounds can still win in MBA admissions. However, this is only when they fully embrace their unique stories. A "weird" background isn't a liability. When properly positioned, that can be a true differentiator.
Regardless of background, the candidates who will succeed are those who demonstrate genuine self-awareness. This means that they know who they are, what they do well, what they don't do well, and what they want. This helps set the stage for why an MBA is the next best step in your career.
What's not working: Generic approaches and half-baked career goals
Here's what's not working:
Vapid mission statements: Candidates who write "I want to help people" without concrete evidence or specific plans won't win. Don't pander to the admissions committee. Share real, actual evidence of this, with believable plans.
Strategies based on anonymous feedback: Relying on commentary from forums like r/MBA is counterproductive. While there is some genuinely good advice from industry experts on the forums, there's a ton of bad advice. Don't let failed candidates who have just a sliver of information about your candidacy shape your entire outlook and strategy.
Bogus career goals: Claiming that you want to work at an MBB when it clearly doesn't align with your background, interests, or career trajectory will be a tough sell in your MBA application and the interview room.
Be yourself – really!
A common thread running through all successful applications is authenticity. Ad comms talk about this a LOT in info sessions, and it probably feels like I'm beating a dead horse – but it's true.
Authenticity requires true self-reflection and the confidence to present your actual experiences, perspectives, and intentions. It's about building out your unique value proposition, rather than trying to fit the mold.
September is almost here – make sure that your application reflects YOUR story!
