Events

Duke Fuqua left its MBA essays unchanged for 2026-2027 — the career-goals short answer, “25 Random Things,” and the Fuqua community essay. Susan Berishaj explains why that stability doesn’t make the target any easier to hit.

Dartmouth Tuck revised all three MBA essays for 2026-2027, shifting from a goals statement, a broad identity question, and a story of generosity to a growth question, a narrower identity prompt, and a story of difficult support.

Yale SOM confirmed its MBA application is unchanged for 2026-2027. Essay, video questions, and Behavioral Assessment are all held over, and Susan Berishaj explains what that stability still requires from a candidacy.

NYU Stern replaced its “Change: ___ it” essay with a professional aspirations prompt for 2026-2027, while Pick Six and the optional third essay stay the same. Susan Berishaj explains what that shift means for the rest of the candidacy.

Darden replaced its Community essay with a 90-second video question for 2026-2027, while its two other essay prompts stayed the same. Susan Berishaj explains what that shift asks of candidates ahead of Darden’s October 7 deadline.

Most MBA candidates prepare for interviews the way they’d prepare for any interview. Susan Berishaj explains why that instinct is exactly what gets otherwise strong candidates caught flat-footed.