When AI first became widely used in MBA applications, I wrote a piece cautioning applicants about relying on it too heavily for essay writing. At the time, many schools were still reacting quickly—some even introducing early restrictions around AI use. Two years later, the landscape has evolved significantly. Current AI Usage Policies and Application Changes Based on discussions with AdCom during this year’s AIGAC Conference, the current reality is this: schools no longer ass

Every consultation call I take, while prospective clients worry about test scores, GPAs, or years of experience, I focus on hearing their story: why they want an MBA, what programs interest them, who they hope to be with an MBA, and how their experiences tie to this vision. Because while numbers are important, personal brand is what makes an applicant stand out. What Personal Branding Really Means in the Application process Your personal brand isn’t a logo or LinkedIn headlin

Please note this post was originally written September 2025 - updates made in June 2026 are noted with a * In the last year, everyone in the MBA Admissions world, including yours truly, is talking about AI. We all know that applicants are increasingly using AI in their application process, whether it's writing entire drafts of the essay or just a polish on the resume. And while most AdComm are "okay" with it, knowing that AI is here to stay, AdComm still hopes to know the app