MBA Wire Taps 273—Strong profile, GMAT worry. Targeting Johnson and Stern. Wharton versus Yale and money

In this episode of WireTaps, Alex and Graham discuss the flurry of interview invites popping up on MBA LiveWire. Many programs are starting to release their Round 2 invites - and some appear to be earlier than last season. Graham highlighted the renewal of Dartmouth Tuck’s Dean’s tenure, as well as the s school's decision to waive the GMAT for recently laid-off tech workers; your hosts discussed the implications of that latter decision, which is a tactic that several programs are adopting. Graham also commented on a recently published piece that looks at trends in tech recruiting (we are clearly seeing the down slope of what might have been a bubble). Your hosts then discussed a recently published piece on the cost of European MBA programs, where there is quite a broad range in price. Graham then reminded listeners about the two deferred enrolment events that Clear Admit is hosting this Wednesday and then on February 8. Signups are here: https://bit.ly/defer23 For this episode's candidate reviews, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry: The first candidate reviewed is targeting next season. She has a very interesting profile, with a strong focus on data analytics. Her academic record also looks very strong. Her big concern is the GMAT test, which she hasn’t taken, but is nervous about as she claims to be a poor standardized test taker. Alex and Graham discussed the implications of this, and how things might be if she had a GMAT score of 650 vs. 700+.  This week's second candidate looks to have a decent career in financial services and is awaiting word from Cornell / Johnson and NYU / Stern on R2 applications. Alex and Graham worry about the combination of a 700 GMAT score and 3.2 GPA (an international degree). Despite these concerns, your hosts are keeping their fingers crossed for interview invites. This week's final candidate is taken from a DecisionWire entry.  The lucky applicant is debating between offers from UPenn / Wharton and Yale (with a large scholarship). They are focused on entrepreneurship and there are potentially good reasons to choose either option... This episode was recorded in Cornwall, England and Paris, France. It was produced in 'always sunny' Philadelphia by Dennis Crowley. Please remember to rate and review this podcast wherever you listen and to 'stay safe everybody'!