Author: darren

#238 Feel Ordinary? Try “The J.D. Vance” Positioning Strategy

Do you feel like your profile is ordinary for business school? Why not try the “J.D. Vance?” Instead of sharing positions and achievements, why not talk about the significant obstacles you overcame to get where you are? Why not offer admissions readers more context in which to evaluate your performance?
#237 3 Storytelling Strategies to Power Up your MBA Application (from Storytelling Champion & Author Matthew Dicks)

Darren shares 3 storytelling lessons from ten-time Moth GrandSLAM winner Matthew Dicks that will help you capture your MBA admissions readers’ and interviewers’ attention.
#236 Get Ahead Before You Apply with MBA Pre-Assessments

Many top-ranked MBA programs in Europe, Asia, Canada, and Australia actively encourage applicants to connect with admissions teams before submitting an application. But most applicants don’t know this – or are too nervous to reach out. Should you contact admissions before you’re ready? What if you haven’t taken the GMAT yet, or your resume isn’t…
#235 EDHEC Global MBA Program & Admissions Interview with Sandra Richez

Sandra Richez, Program Director of the Global MBA at EDHEC Business School, discusses what makes the EDHEC MBA unique, the school’s admissions process, career opportunities and more.
The Best MBA Programs in the United Kingdom Compared Head-to-Head (2026)

The ultimate guide to the United Kingdom’s best full-time MBA programs. Compare the United Kingdom’s top MBA programs head-to-head and get the inside scoop from Admissions Directors and students.
The Best MBA Programs in Hong Kong – Head to Head (2026)

Compare Hong Kong’s best MBA programs head-to-head and get the inside scoop from admissions teams & students.
#234 HKUST MBA Program & Admissions Interview with Stephen Shih

Stephen Shih, Associate Dean (MBA Programs) at HKUST Business School, discusses what makes the HKUST MBA unique, the school’s admissions process, career opportunities and more.
The Best MBA Programs in Germany Compared Head-to-Head (2026)

The ultimate guide to Germany’s best full-time MBA programs. Compare Germany’s top MBA programs head-to-head and get the inside scoop from Admissions Directors and students.
How to Choose the Right MBA Programs for You

We’ve helped over 4,000 MBA applicants from 50 countries shortlist MBA programs. Follow these 4 steps to find business schools that fit you best.
The Best MBA Programs in Singapore Compared Head-to-Head (2026)

Compare Singapore’s best MBA programs head-to-head and get the inside scoop from Admissions Directors, MBA alumni and more from Singapore’s best MBA programs.
#233 6 Ways to Make Your Application Stick (Repost)

Darren uses the marketing classic Made to Stick as inspiration for how to create a memorable MBA application. Six elements – Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, and Story (SUCCES) – are the building blocks of sticky ideas. Be sure to incorporate all 6 elements into your MBA application.
#232 IESE MBA Admissions Insights with Patrik Wallen

Patrik Wallen, MBA Admissions Director at IESE Business School, discusses what makes the IESE MBA unique, the school’s admissions process, career opportunities and more.
#231 Crafting a Personal Narrative that Stands Out with Ellin Lolis

How can you stand out from thousands of MBA applicants with impressive CVs? Darren sits down with Ellin Lolis, Founder and President of Ellin Lolis Consulting and one of the top ranked MBA admissions consultants on Poets & Quants, to learn how she helps MBA applicants craft powerful personal narratives. With a near 99% success…
#230 Five Keys to MBA Admissions Success with N’doli Jean-Hugues Cherif, Insead MBA ’26

Darren talks with N’doli Jean-Hugues “Cherif,” a French and Ivorian candidate who gained admission to both INSEAD and London Business School’s MBA programs. Cherif, an older full-time MBA candidate with diverse experience across five roles – including audit, management consulting, investment banking and infrastructure project finance in the public and private sector – shares his…
How I Got Into Insead & London Business School: 5 Game-Changing Success Factors

N’doli Jean-Hugues Cherif, a French and Ivorian applicant with a background in financial advisory and project finance, shares five key success factors that helped him get into Insead and London Business School.