GOALisB Insights

 Thinking about applying to a U.S. MBA program and wondering what GRE score you need? While there’s no fixed minimum score that guarantees an admit, looking at typical ranges can help you set a strong target. Here’s a breakdown: For top 10 MBA programs , competitive GRE scores tend to be 325 + . For top 20–30 MBA programs , a range around 315–325 is often seen. For many mid-tier programs, scores in the 305–315 range may be acceptable though you’ll still want strengths in other parts of your application. Key take-aways: Quant score matters a lot, especially for international applicants and those from analytical backgrounds—aiming for 160+ in Quant is smart. GRE is just one part of your profile work experience, leadership, essays, fit, and recommendations matter too. If your score is a bit below top ranges, you can still be competitive if you bring exceptional strengths elsewhere. Read the full guide here: What Is a Good GRE Score for MBA in USA in 2025?...

 If you’re considering business school in Asia, the CEIBS guide on what defines quality education at the China Europe International Business School is a must-read. It offers an in-depth view into how CEIBS blends Chinese business depth with global breadth, creating a learning experience that’s both rigorous and international. Here are some of the highlights: CEIBS emphasises the philosophy of “China depth, Global breadth” meaning you gain strong exposure to China’s dynamic business environment while still engaging globally. With campuses in Shanghai, Zurich, Accra, and more, CEIBS provides students with diverse cultural and business settings. The programmes (MBA, Finance MBA, EMBA, etc.) are structured with core modules, electives, international exchanges, and real-world projects to ensure you don’t just learn theory you apply it. Quality is underpinned by strong faculty, research centres dedicated to digital economy and private enterprise, and industry immersion comp...

 The QS MBA Rankings 2026 reveal how business schools across the world are evolving and competing for top talent. Beyond just numbers, these rankings highlight trends that matter for every MBA applicant, from regional strengths to shifts in global reputation. Top U.S. schools continue to lead the list, but European programs are rapidly closing the gap with strong outcomes, diverse cohorts, and shorter program formats. Meanwhile, Asian business schools are gaining attention for innovation, global partnerships, and competitive ROI, even if they’re not yet in the ultra-elite tier. For MBA aspirants, rankings like QS offer more than bragging rights; they provide valuable insights into program quality, employability, and international reach. The key is to balance rankings with your personal fit, career goals, and return on investment. Read the full guide here: QS MBA Rankings 2026

 If you’re applying to the NYU Stern School of Business MBA program, your essays are a golden opportunity to stand out they’re not just about your résumé, they’re about you . The guide on “NYU Stern MBA Essay Guide” digs into how to respond to Stern’s distinctive prompts in a way that reflects your personality, goals, and fit with the school. Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll get: Short Answer: 150 words – What are your short-term career goals? Keep it precise, specific, and grounded in your experience and the post-MBA landscape. Essay 1: “Change: ______ it” (350 words) – You’ll choose a word to complete that phrase (e.g., “Drive”, “Empower”, “Manifest”) and explain how it reflects who you are and how you’ll act at Stern. Essay 2: “Pick Six” – Six images & captions – This visual/creative prompt invites you to introduce yourself to the Stern community through six images that speak to your values, interests, perspectives, and what you bring beyond just work. Opti...

 If you’re applying to the Kellogg School of Management MBA, your essays are a key way to demonstrate why you , why now , and why Kellogg . This guide breaks down how to craft strong responses that speak to Kellogg’s values and your story. What the essays ask of you Essay 1: Articulate your motivations for an MBA, your specific career goals, why you’re doing it now, and why Kellogg is the right place for you. Essay 2: Describe a professional situation where you faced a tough decision, reflect on the values guiding you, and show how it shaped your leadership style. If you’re applying to a specialized program or re-applying, an additional prompt asks about your fit or what’s changed since your last attempt. You’ll also complete video essays (typically within 96 hours of submitting your application) to convey your personality, communication skills, and presence beyond the written word. How to make your essays stand out Be intentional : Show you’ve thought deeply ab...

Writing compelling MBA essays is one of the most important parts of your application and also one of the hardest. These essays are your chance to go beyond test scores and experience; they show who you are , what you want to do , and why this program fits you . The guide on “MBA Essays” from GOALisB walks you through how to craft meaningful responses, choose the right stories, and avoid common pitfalls. Here’s what you’ll discover: What the admissions committee really wants : clarity of goals, impact in your past roles, leadership potential, and authenticity. How to structure your goals : short-term role → long-term vision, and how your MBA plays a part in connecting them. How to pick your stories : choose experiences that show growth, challenge, outcome and tie them to your career narrative. Fit matters : Show how you’ll contribute to the program, and how the program’s features align with your professional and personal path. Avoid these mistakes : vague goals, generic s...

Thinking of studying in the UK? Before you pack your bags, it’s smart to know what life as an international student really looks like. The GOALisB guide on “What to Expect as an International Student in the United Kingdom” gives a rundown of the key realities from living costs and culture shock, to student accommodation and part-time work. Key insights: Visa + pre-arrival prep : Once you accept an offer, you’ll receive a CAS reference number and apply for the correct student visa. You’ll also need to show proof of funds for living and tuition. Academic system : UK universities emphasise independent learning, critical thinking and research. Expect group projects, fewer structured lectures, and an emphasis on analysis. Living & costs : Beyond tuition, plan for rent, transport, food and entertainment. Costs vary by city expect higher expenses in London than elsewhere. Accommodation & travel : On-campus halls are common in your first year. Public transport is strong; s...

 If you’re evaluating graduate business programs and want something beyond the traditional MBA, the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto has a strong suite of master s-level programs tailored to specific career goals. Here’s a look at what’s on offer and how to decide which might fit you best. What’s On Offer Rotman’s key master’s programs include: A full-time MBA (typically 16–20 months depending on format) designed for professionals with work experience. Master of Management (MMgt): An 11-month full-time program for recent graduates or those with limited experience, especially from non-business backgrounds. Master of Financial Risk Management (MFRM): A 10-month specialized program geared towards quantitative finance, risk modeling, and related roles. Master of Management Analytics (MMA): An 11-month full-time program (plus a practicum) focused on data, analytics, machine learning, and business decision-making. Master of Finance (MFin): A m...

 Looking for an MBA that brings global prestige, unparalleled flexibility, and a truly data-driven approach? The Leeds of elite business schools, Chicago Booth’s MBA, stands out from the crowd. Here’s why the Booth MBA deserves serious consideration: It offers a highly flexible curriculum that lets you tailor your experience around your career goals, from finance and consulting to tech and entrepreneurship. The environment prioritizes analytical thinking and evidence-based decision-making. You’ll engage deeply with the fundamentals of business, not just case studies. It draws a diverse, high-caliber peer group from around the world, creating a vibrant learning community where you’ll be challenged and supported. For those targeting top roles, whether in investment banking, private equity, strategy, or launching a start-up, Booth delivers strong outcomes and a network that lives far beyond graduation. If your ambition is to elevate your career, expand your global mind...

 Ready to apply for your MBA but feeling the pressure with deadlines looming? Use this one-month checklist to stay organized, hit key milestones, and submit a polished application. Week 1 – Research & Prep Research each target school: curriculum, culture, location, and career outcomes. Mark application deadlines and create a schedule for all tasks. Brainstorm essay themes around your strengths, goals, and fit. Request academic transcripts and start preparing for any required tests. Week 2 – Draft & Engage Finalize your list of target schools and confirm each school’s requirements. Draft essays and get feedback from mentors or peers. Approach recommenders early; give them context about your goals and submissions. Prepare a strong résumé that highlights achievements and impact. Continue consistent test prep (GMAT/GRE or other as required). Week 3 – Polish & Coordinate Complete first drafts of essays; revise for clarity and coherence. ...

 Looking for a serious MBA upgrade that won’t take two years out of your life? A one-year MBA in Europe could be your ideal route. The article “One Year MBA in Europe – A Comprehensive Guide” covers why this format is popular, what you should look out for, and which schools are leading the pack. Here’s what you’ll gain from the read: Learn why Europe is home to many top one-year MBA programs, offering shorter durations, strong global exposure, and generally lower opportunity cost compared with the US two-year model. Get clarity on key considerations: duration (often 10-15 months), required experience (typically 3-7 years), tuition & living costs, placement outcomes, visa/work permit rules. Explore the stand-out schools: institutions in France, UK, Switzerland, Italy and Spain offering elite one-year or slightly longer MBA formats. Understand trade-offs: while a one-year MBA means less time for internships and fewer electives for some, it’s strong for those with cl...

 Applying to the Cornell Johnson MBA program? Your essays are one of the most powerful tools to showcase your personality, clarity of goals, and fit with the school. The Cornell Johnson MBA Essays and Tips guide explains exactly how to approach each prompt strategically. The goals statement requires you to be clear and specific about your post-MBA role, target industry, and long-term vision. For the main essays, you’ll choose between writing about your biggest impact or what makes you unique, both designed to highlight leadership and authenticity. There’s also an optional essay, ideal for explaining gaps, reapplications, or additional context that strengthens your story. To make your essays shine, keep them concise, personal, and aligned with Cornell’s collaborative culture. Show what you’ll contribute to the Johnson community and how the program connects to your career aspirations. Read the full guide here: Cornell Johnson MBA Essays and Tips

  If you’re preparing your application for the HEC Paris MBA, the essay section is a major opportunity to stand out. The guide at “HEC Paris MBA Essays – GOALisB” gives a clear, structured walkthrough of the essay prompts and how to approach them. Here are a few key takeaways: The first essay asks why now and why HEC Paris , so you’ll need to articulate your career goals and explicitly tie them to what HEC Paris offers. Other essays dig into your life story and values: one asks about your most significant achievement, another about a leadership & ethics challenge, a third imagines a completely different life you might have had, and a fourth asks you to pick from one of three more creative prompts. The optional essay exists for you to fill in any gaps or provide additional context (such as a career break, change of industry, or unconventional background). Importantly: don’t treat all essays the same. Each one has its own purpose; some are about goals and fit, others...

  Deciding between ISB and IE Business School can be challenging both offer world-class MBA programs but cater to different goals and geographies. The ISB vs IE Business School comparison highlights the core differences every applicant should know before applying. ISB stands out for its strong reputation in Asia and rapid post-MBA salary growth, while IE excels in global diversity and entrepreneurial exposure. ISB’s one-year program attracts professionals looking to accelerate careers in India or Asia-Pacific, with a curriculum designed around leadership and strategy. IE, based in Spain, offers a globally immersive experience that emphasizes innovation, technology, and international business, making it ideal for those seeking global mobility. In short, if you’re aiming for leadership roles in emerging markets, ISB offers unmatched regional strength. If your goal is to explore global opportunities and innovation-driven roles, IE could be the better fit. Read the full breakdown ...

  Writing about your short-term and long-term career goals? The guide from GOALisB – “How do you answer the long-term and short-term career goals question” – gives you the blueprint you need. Here’s the essence: Short-Term Goals (2-5 years): Be specific. Mention the industry, role, and company (or type of company) you’re targeting. Long-Term Goals (10-15+ years): This is your vision leadership responsibility, entrepreneurship, or industry impact. Make sure your short-term goals logically connect to your long-term vision. Use the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to structure your goals. Back everything up with your past experience: what you’ve done so far, the skills you bring, and how the next step (e.g., MBA or job) fits into that story. Why it matters: Admissions committees and interviewers use this question to gauge your clarity of purpose, alignment with their program or role, and your realism. A strong goals-narra...