Each year, thousands of high-achieving applicants submit stellar MBA applications—yet only a small fraction earn a coveted admit. What distinguishes those who ultimately make the cut?
Join Susan Berishaj, Founder of Sia Admissions, for a focused, strategy-driven session during GMAT Club’s Spotlight Series:
How Top MBA Programs Choose Who to Admit.
Drawing on insights from working with elite candidates across M7 and Top 15 MBA programs, Susan will break down how admissions committees actually approach the evaluation process—what drives decision-making behind closed doors, which qualities consistently rise to the top, and what differentiates exceptional candidates from merely impressive ones.
This session will teach you:
What Top MBA Programs Truly Prioritize: Beyond test scores and résumés, elite MBA programs are evaluating a sophisticated matrix of leadership potential, clarity of purpose, long-term vision, personal character, and cultural fit. We’ll explore how adcoms read between the lines to surface these dimensions—often in ways applicants do not anticipate.
Why Some Profiles “Stick” — and Others Blend In: Many highly qualified applicants appear interchangeable on paper. We’ll discuss what makes certain candidates memorable to admissions readers and decision committees, and why nuanced differentiation—rooted in narrative strategy and positioning—is critical to moving beyond the “maybe” pile.
What Differentiates a Stellar MBA Application Strategy: There is a clear strategic gap between the approaches of average applicants and those who earn admission at the highest levels. You’ll gain an understanding of the strategic levers top candidates use—timing, sequencing, narrative construction, and calibration to program culture—and why simply “executing well” on essays and interviews isn’t enough.
Why Timing and Sequencing Matter: Knowing what to do—and when—is often overlooked. We’ll cover how elite candidates deliberately shape their profile and application milestones over the arc of an admissions season, rather than rushing into last-minute execution.
How to Shape Your Own Candidacy with Greater Precision: You’ll leave with a sharper understanding of what “fit” really means at the M7 and Top 15 level, and how to think more rigorously about aligning your goals, leadership story, and future vision with the schools you target.
Bonus: Live Q&A Booth
After the main session, meet Susan virtually at the Sia Admissions booth:
June 10 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET
Bring your questions, test your thinking, and explore how top-tier coaching can elevate your application outcomes.
Who Should Attend:
Professionals targeting M7, Top 15 US and European MBA programs this cycle
High-achievers seeking a competitive edge beyond “standard” advice
Candidates who value rigorous, strategic coaching on par with leading firms (Menlo-tier positioning)
Why Attend:
Most applicants severely underestimate the subtle signals and strategic nuances that drive admissions decisions. This session will help you avoid that mistake—arming you with a deeper understanding of the game you are about to play.
Serious about applying to top MBA programs this year?
If you’re preparing for Round 1 or Round 2 and ready for expert support—not surface-level advice—book a private consultation with Sia Admissions. This is for high-achieving applicants ready to make strategic moves, not just gather tips.
Due to high demand, spots are limited and reserved for applicants actively exploring support.