Neethling McGrath, an Admissions Edge Member, shares the ups and downs of applying, reapplying and getting into his first choice: Columbia GSB.

Neethling shares what he did differently the second time around and what he believes were the factors for his application success

To those of you who got dinged and are re-applying to top programs, this episode is for you.

• Neethling applies the first time (5:15)
• Gets dinged form his 2 schools, now what? (9:50)
• How Neethling focused his career goals and improved resume (14:20)
• How to reach out to current students, faculty and admissions (19:11)
• Dealing with space constraints in reapplicant essay (25:40)
• Neethling's reflections and lessons learned (29:34)

About Our Guest

Neethling McGrath got his Bachelors in Electronic Engineering and Masters Degree in Music Technology from Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Before pursuing his MBA, he worked as a consultant for KPMG Management Consulting focusing on telecommunications, technology and media. A recording engineer, Neethling has also recorded live concerts, bands and solo performers.

Episode summary, links and more at: http://touchmba.com/advice-for-mba-reapplicants-neethling-mcgrath-columbia

You decide you need an MBA. You check your schools' application deadlines - only 1 month left before Round 1 apps are due!  What to do?

Clare Simonis found her herself in this situation last Fall. With deadlines 1 month away, she applied to HBS, Stanford GSB, MIT Sloan and Berkeley Haas. She got into HBS and Haas and will be starting at HBS this Fall.

In this episode, Clare shares her journey and tips for those of you scrambling to apply last minute. Not the ideal situation - but certainly a common one. Enjoy the episode!

• Clare's application strategy with only 1 month left before the deadline (6:25)
• Prepping for interviews at HBS, MIT Sloan, Stanford, Berkeley Haas and deciding on HBS (22:02)
• Miscellaneous application tips and thoughts on MBAs vs. starting a business (28:30)

About Our Guest

Clare Simonis graduated from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management, majoring in Supply Chain and Operations Management and minoring in Asian Languages and Literature. She worked for Deloitte Consulting as a Management and Strategy Consultant for 3 years and current serves as Chief of Staff to the Integrated Care Group President at Fresenius Medical Care North America.

Episode summary, links and more at: http://touchmba.com/last-minute-application-tips-clare-simonis-hbs