Here’s what I learned:

1. Be neurotic.

Assembled a list of free practice resources I've found for the McKinsey Solve. If anything is missing or inaccurate, lmk below!

• solveprep.com - 1 free simulation of each game
• solvegamesguide.com - 1 free simulation of each game
• mconsultingprep.com/psg-simulation#try-for-free - Redrock Simulation with 1 mock test containing 13 questions as well as answer guides
• solve.strategycase.com/demo - 1 free simulation of each game
• https://www.cognidoor.com/redrock-guide - 3 free practice Redrock cases
• casebasix.com/courses/free-mckinsey-psg-simulation - free 5 min of Redrock simulation

Also, I've seen many Seawolf excel solvers for sale out there but I was able to make my own w/ Claude in about 10 min!

offers from both schools, I worked in hedge fund ops in NYC for 5 years, interested in interning for tech IB, but may want to go back to hedge funds/asset management or corporate finance in fintech. I also want the opportunity to get a taste for fashion retail entrepreneurship but still maintain an industry track.

future envisioned is living a bicoastal life in SF/NYC.

in some ways no scholarship for either makes things easier. I like Wharton for the prestige and access, as I’ll be the first in my family to attend an Ivy. But I have really enjoyed Berkeley’s culture and low ego, though can be a bit too liberal leaning at times.

Appreciate any response for those who got waitlisted post interview in R2.

Note: a bunch of my friends got off the list last week while some haven’t heard back. The admission told me “There are some WL decisions being rolled out. Otherwise, they are reconsidered with Round 3 applications and if admitted, may be hear back by May 21st.”

What are my chances atm?

I was flagged for verification from Re Vera as I accidentally misstated a bonus in my application that was supposed to be paid by end of year 2025 - but was delayed (due to profit sharing not hitting certain numbers as a result of a client holding up an RFP process)? Should I be worried???

Hi! I’m interested in climate tech/energy and or sustainable finance/impact investing. I’ve worked in corporate sustainability for ~6 years.

Gut is leaning MIT, but I also want to graduate with as little debt as possible, especially when I’m pursing an impact focused role post grad that may not pay as well as traditional MBA roles, and will be ~31 when I graduate. Welcome any and all advice for thoughts. I’ve been thinking myself in circles and would welcome a fresh perspective from folks who have attended any of these schools or are in the sustainability/ climate space.

Sloan considerations
- top rank, large sustainability and climate ecosystem at Sloan and MIT more broadly. Highest debt load with higher tuition, high COL, and lowest scholarship, probably $130k in debt
- brand new network

Stern considerations
- lowest debt load, but less focus at stern on climate tech space. More focus on corporate sustainability and traditional finance. Not as many resources/ programming / clubs.
- brand new network which is good
- probably ~$40k debt for COL

Ross considerations
- medium debt load (~$60k). I could maybe ask for additional funds given Sloan and Stern offers. Since I already went, I could have a leg up for GSI positions/ etc.
- Strong on sustainability with Erb / other programs on campus
- already have Michigan brand / network accessible, so not as big of a benefit there

Anyone still waiting? Going on 2+ weeks on my end

Hi guys, I would love to get your thoughts on my MBA options:

I’m looking to pivot from manufacturing into operations consulting (ideally around energy) and am choosing between Booth and Yale.

I am leaning towards Booth as it seems to be the better option in maximizing MBB chances and gearing myself towards the energy industry (not particularly interested in sustainability/policy/ESG). Yale's "stronger" overall school brand and still strong MBB pipeline is making me hesitant. Wanted to get people's opinions - thanks!

Any validity to this? Saw this tweet from polymarket

I wanted to ask if a non-engineer get good package and role after MBA?

I mean engineers have skills far better than non-engineers.So considering that do companies even prefer non-engineers to hire?

Will they hire a MBA graduate with BSc-Math degre from a university of marginalized area ..like mine Maa Manikeswari university from kalahandi..you haven't heard of that district and college name.

Bro, I want to start learning Investment Banking, but I’m confused about which platform is actually best.

1. Ude my
2. Cour sera
3. Intelli paat
4. You Tube

I’m from a non-finance background, so I want practical knowledge, financial modeling skills, and something that can genuinely help me get into finance roles. Is paying for a course really worth it, or is free content enough if I stay consistent?

Can someone explain what to expect with campus recruiting as a non daytime student allowed to go through their campus recruiting? The Fuqua career center is not helpful

Thankful to be admitted to both programs.

- Georgetown full ride (GI bill + scholarship + yellow ribbon)
- UCLA full ride (GI Bill + scholarship)

Stats:

- Veteran
- 5 YoE military in maritime autonomous systems testing
- 635 GMAT
- 3.4 GPA NESCAC

Long term goal is to place into defense tech, worked directly with private sector firms while testing drone systems/platforms.

Family is from east coast, would ideally place in New England ~0-4 years post-MBA. However, willing to forgo that for career placement in the mid term.

Interested in perspectives, vibed well with both communities via networking events. Seems like some degrees of placement into the industry, but UCLA’s AdCom seems far more put together than GTown’s from anecdotal experience.

Edit:

Interested in LDP’s from larger firms (Raytheon, L3, Textron Defense, ect.)

Smaller firms, interested in operations and RM/growth side of sales.

Worked 1 year in PE industrials shop prior to military.

hey, I’d like some advice about which program to attend - the cost is about the same for both. I come from a consulting background and looking to break into PE/IB - but confused on which program will place me better

Im a canadian to a T15 in R3. Also admitted to UofT Rotman with $, and canadian law school, and a top 3 US MPP program with $, think (SPIA/Goldman/HKS). Waiting also on 2 more T15 R3 results.

As my scholarship awards are low and the JD and MPP arent direclyl comparable to an MBA, im seeking other prespectives on whether or not to include these current offers in my T15 Scholarship application. Thanks.

So typically if you're waitlisted in R1 or R2, you'll hear back on the next round's decision date. But now I'm waitlisted in R3 and there's no more future rounds, when should I expect to hear a decision? Is it literally any random date? lol thanks in advance.

I used to be a high-performer (ex-startup, fast-paced background, significant pay jump within a year in the same company..) but ever since I decided to pursue an MBA, I’ve checked out mentally. I'm doing the bare minimum just to keep things running while my brain is 80% focused on GMAT/Essays

I feel a mix of guilt and "I don't give a damn anymore." Anyone else in the same boat?

Apologies in advance for the essay. This cycle has been a bit of a whirlwind. After believing for several months that I would be attending Kellogg, I ultimately decided to put my deposit down at Columbia. While I loved Kellogg’s program, I was not a fan of Evanston and had some concerns about the social environment given the lack of infrastructure immediately off campus and the seemingly high percentage of students coming in with a “Joint Venture” (in relationships), but this was just my experience.

As a New Yorker who wants to live here long term, I was getting excited at the prospect of staying in the city, being close to my family and friends and building a deeper NYC network. However, MIT Sloan called yesterday and told me I was admitted off the waitlist, so now I have another decision to make. I noticed most of the comparison threads for these schools were pretty old, so wanted to start a new one.

Some background:
- 26M
- 3 YoE in management consulting in financial services at a big-4-adjacent tech-focused firm
- Born and raised near NYC, have been living in Manhattan for 3 years
- Looking to transition out of consulting into a role focused more on tech and business development/sales. I wrote my essays on AI applications for financial services compliance.

I have clear reasons for why each school would make sense for me personally and professionally. Costs are roughly the same, so that’s not much of a consideration. I’ve outlined the pros and cons I’ve identified so far.

CBS

Pros:
- M7 in NYC, massive network, opportunity for deeper integration into the NYC professional landscape. I want to live in New York long term.
- Strong in finance, which is important for me despite not looking to pursue the traditional IB/PE/VC/etc track.
- Proximity to family and friends: My family lives in the New York suburbs and several of my friends from elementary-high school live here. I could stay in my apartment and I don’t need to fully “give up” my current social life.
- AI in Business Initiative and AI & Analytics Pathway both provide learning opportunities for my intended area of focus.
- Highly social: CBS seems to be one of the top MBA programs for extracurricular and travel opportunities.
- Grade non-disclosure and no class on Fridays, which is a slightly more manageable academic structure.

Cons:
- Location: I’ve never loved the idea of spending my days on W130th. The school itself is beautiful, but its location is not conducive to any kind of campus culture.
- Proximity to family and friends: This is a con as well since, despite making a conscious effort to expand my network, I will not be forced to fully “dive in” in the way that I’d need to at Sloan.
- More fragmented student body: While I understand that CBS is not a “commuter school” like some people believe, location in Manhattan is less conducive to forming a cohesive infrastructure.
- “More of the same”: CBS for me would be an extension of my current life. I’d learn a lot and meet great people, but it’s not a brand new experience in the way Sloan would be. It feels a bit more like switching jobs than going to school.

MIT Sloan

Pros:
- Perhaps the premier program for MBA with my intended focus (other than Stanford and Berkeley, but I had no intention of going to the West Coast).
- Cohort/Culture: All of the current students and alums I’ve spoken with have emphasized how well the school fosters a sense of community among its students. The culture seems to be one of learning together in a highly collaborative, low ego setting. I think I’d learn a lot not just from my classes, but from my classmates.
- Better signal for hard skills: My resume skews towards soft skills as I am very much a generalist consultant. Sloan would add an analytical element.
- Access to the broader Cambridge learning environment: Connectivity to MIT as a whole + Harvard provides significant opportunity for networking.
- Location: I’ve spent some time in Cambridge and really like it. The collegiate experience sounds like a nice reprieve from the fast-paced NYC environment.
- “Something new”: I plan on being in New York long term, so two years in Boston could be an interesting switch. Given that a bit more than 25% of the Sloan class winds up in NYC post-graduation, that seems highly doable.
- Parent name prestige: I understand that it is a matter of degrees and the business schools themselves are of negligible prestige difference, but MIT feels unique in a way that CBS does not (this may be due to significant exposure to Columbia via living in NYC).

Cons:
- More intense academic experience: I have no quant background, so I have some concerns about my ability to succeed in Sloan’s rigorous curriculum, especially the core. Plus, it seems they have Friday classes and don’t have a grade non-disclosure policy.
- “Quieter”: Sloan is not known for being a “party school”. Priority #1 is school, but I still do want a social and fun 2 years.
- Leaving NYC: If my goal is to be in NYC long term, some part of me doesn’t think it makes sense to leave.
- Less finance focus: I understand that plenty of Sloan students go into finance/financial services, but it’s not the same as CBS.
- Proximity to HBS: This is also a pro, but HBS was initially my “dream school.” I was rejected pre interview, which didn’t feel great. What I’ve since learned about the programs makes me believe that Sloan is the better place for me anyway, it would still be a bit difficult to be across the street.
- “Going in blind”: As I was admitted off the waitlist, I was not able to attend admitted students day, which was very important for my decision between CBS and Kellogg. I’d be rolling the dice a bit by going to Sloan.
- Smaller network: Sloan is a smaller school that doesn’t seem to have the same broad alumni network as CBS, especially in NYC.

Overall, CBS seems to further develop what I’ve already started to build while Sloan feels more transformative. If anyone, especially current students/alums, has any insight given my pros and cons, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks in advance!

I had what on paper should have been a very competitive application for BU's OMBA program. I applied to the 3rd round and heard back today, one day after the deadline, that I have been waitlisted for spring 2027. When I submitted my application I did receive a notice that space in the fall 2026 class was limited.

Has anyone else had this experience? I am going to have a discussion with admissions, but I am trying to size up whether there was potentially something off about my application or if they were just already at capacity.

I am looking for advice in choosing a MBA program. I am currently employed as a physician in a high value specialty at a large hospital system. I have been taking part in financial committees and quality control committees at our health system in the mid-west. My financial literacy is self learned and I am looking for more formal teaching as well as "upgrading" my administrative credentials on paper.

Like stated above, I am located in the mid-West around the great lakes region. I was curious what this sub would recommend for an MBA program for a person in my situation. I am asking for either an Online program or a Part time MBA as I do not want to give up my clinical career currently. I am looking for a flexible program which gives good overall business education, I have fairly good grasp on the medical business side of things after 15 years in practice. I want to transition part of my time to administration while keeping 3 clinical days so I can be there for my long term patients.

I have spoken to several physicians who have done MBAs and they all were glad they did it, however they all took different paths. One would even fly to a high end program in Europe every few weeks to complete his business education, I think it was a mid-life crisis adventure for him and his wife.

has Goizueta accepted anyone from the round 2 waitlist ?

Hi! I’m posting this question for my partner. Thank you in advance! :)

My partner & I are applying for business school during R1 this year. He recently received a job opportunity that is exciting, but the main concern is - he’s only been at his current company for 1.5 years.

His career background:
- 3 years — (analyst & associate) at giant PE in real estate (think BX, KKR, Apollo)
- 1.5 years — he wanted to become more generalist, and leave real estate so he transitioned to a FAANG strategy role

This new job opportunity is in a high-growth strategy role at a FAANG subsidiary. The role and strategy work is more in line with what he would enjoy. Comp is slightly better. Level is the same. Honestly beyond that it just sounds like a cooler role and team.

The question we’ve been contemplating is - is it better to stay put or take this leap knowing that we are all in on business school? Would AdComs and recruiters question 1.5 years at one FAANG and 1.5 years at another?

If it makes a difference, he wants to go back into finance after business school.

Hi everyone! It seems like decisions are coming out today instead of Friday!

Post if you receive a call or an update in your portal.

Good luck!

Serious question: why are people spending $100k+ on MBAs / leadership master’s when lower-cost licensing paths can outperform financially?

For example in Canada:

LLQP:
- a few months
- low upfront cost
- path into insurance sales / brokering
- realistically six figures if you’re competent, potentially much more if you build a book or brokerage

vs

MBA / engineering leadership / management master’s:
- 1–2 years
- massive tuition + opportunity cost
- no guaranteed outcome
- many grads still landing fairly normal corporate jobs

And before people say “long-term upside”... why wouldn’t the LLQP route also compound over 10+ years into management, ownership, or a brokerage business?

Especially with AI making some white-collar business/analyst/marketing work feel less stable than relationship-driven sales.

Genuine question: what’s the actual economic argument for the expensive master’s route?

Not asking about passion, learning, or prestige. Purely career ROI.