📝 Applications

DIY US Master’s Applications: How Phil Stood Out by Reaching Out

Phil applied to US biomedical engineering master's programs without an agency. He explains how reaching...

Study Abroad Essays: A 10-Point Checklist for Your SOP, Essay and PS

Ten ideas to make your study-abroad application stronger, from using every chance to tell your...

GMAT/GRE Optional: Should You Still Take the Test?

When the GMAT/GRE is optional, whether to take it depends on where your prep time...

3 Things to Know Before Applying to Study Abroad (Podcast Highlights)

Before you apply abroad, reflect on your experiences, decide whether studying abroad suits you and...

Top US MBA Programs: Scores, Employment and Class Profiles (2023)

How the 2023 US News Best Business Schools ranking is scored, plus a table of...

Low GPA? How It Affects Grad School Applications and How to Fix It

Can you still get into a top school with a low GPA? Here is which...

How to Choose a Grad School: 9 Factors That Matter More Than Rankings

Rankings are the easiest way to compare schools, but they move. If your school drops...

The Hidden Factor in Grad School Applications: Showing Fit & Match

Common application mistakes that hurt your fit with a school, such as missing relevant experience,...

Rejected for Being “Too Good”? Why Fit Beats Being Overqualified

Strong applicants often blame a safety-school rejection on being overqualified. In my view the real...

The Complete Guide to Recommendation Letters for Grad School

A recommendation letter should not repeat your resume or essays. It should come from the...

2 Overlooked Factors That Helped Me Get into Columbia’s MBA

Two important but often overlooked ideas in study-abroad applications: Track Record and Pool. Understanding them...