You could hazard a guess (recommendation letter? GMAT score? acing your interview?). Instead, let our Talon Rindels help you see the light on how to elevate your MBA application!

Even though UC Berkeley and MIT are on opposite US coasts, 3,000 miles away, there’s a similar vibe. Close community defines both programs and enables an environment of innovation, ideas and impact. “I advise applicants to draw their own conclusions. I ask clients to visit the schools or engage virtually to get a sense of whether one would fit in,” says a former Haas admissions officer.

Location and culture are certainly important. But what about post-MBA career outcomes? What about program selectivity and admissions requirements? Susie Gruda, MBA Exchange consultant, weighs in with some compelling perspective.

Liz Bender, senior member of the management team at MBA Exchange, contributes her perspective on this incredible pair of MBA programs!

The Lake Michigan shoreline connects them (sort of). What differentiates these two giant MBA programs? Talon Rindels, of The MBA Exchange management team (and a Kellogg MBA), offers her expert opinion.

Who better to weigh in on this than Julie Strong – formerly the senior director of admission at MIT Sloan and now a Principal Consultant at The MBA Exchange!

How to get into Wharton? Ask an expert! Senior consultant with The MBA Exchange Susie Gruda contributes to this timely article.

Tamara Clarkson, Senior Career Consultant at The MBA Exchange, contributes her wisdom, insights and experience to this article.

CEO of The MBA Exchange Alex Min on a historic Round 1.

Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange, contributes to this overview of the stark contrast between these top schools' response to COVID-19.

GRE or GMAT? Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange, contributes in this article.

Rivalry is intense but there are real differences between these two. Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange, weighs in.

Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange, shares insights to help potential applicants navigate the unchartered waters of Covid-19's impact on business school admission:

CEO of The MBA Exchange, Alex Min, on why adcoms view the "80% range" as a viable way of expanding the applicant pool.

With more clients taking GRE than GMAT in recent years, Alex Min (CEO, The MBA Exchange) offers expert insights in this P&Q article:

CEO Alex Min on the importance of "EQ" in this FindMBA article:

Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange, shines some light on this global trend.

Alex Min and Dr. James Spitalny of The MBA Exchange contribute!

Timely indeed! Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange, acknowledges what's happening but is optimistic. See why:

Rankings. Global mobility. And – adds Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange and self-described "foodie" – cuisine!

Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange, cites "perfect storm" for prospective applicants in this Forbes article.

JP Odunlami, senior consultant at The MBA Exchange, gives global applicants some very valuable insights in this article published by BusinessBecause:

CEO of The MBA Exchange Alex Min contributes insights in this compelling article:

Angela Helfrich, senior admissions consultant at The MBA Exchange, is author of this compelling article that will resonate with EMBA and MBA applicants. Enjoy!

Jessica Burlingame, a principal consultant and head of the financial aid consulting practice at The MBA Exchange, shares her expertise in this timely article:

When will you recoup on your investment? CEO Alex Min weighs in:

Cost of living, cohort quality, location.... Alex Min contributes to this solid Find MBA article:

Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange, contributes his opinions and insights to this P&Q article:

What does the current MBA admissions climate mean for you? Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange, contributes to this timely article:

The "most important" part of the business school application process? CEO Alex Min of The MBA Exchange thinks that might be the case. Read more in this MiM-Guide article.

Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange, contributes to this article:

Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange, contributes to this excellent article:

Deepak Punwani of The MBA Exchange contributes to this fascinating Financial Times article:

Excellent insights, with comments from Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange, on the live video test component that's becoming commonplace in b-school applications.

Both are impressive! Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange, contributes his point of view in this comparison of two CA b-schools:

Invaluable insights and answers from our own resident "TBD" experts, Alina Zhitskaya and Inna Rudsky n this timely P&Q article.

Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange, on what "serious" MBA applicants should know in this P&Q article:

Observations and more from Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange, on some of the drivers and trends behind falloff in applications to full-time MBA programs:

CEO of The MBA Exchange, Alex Min on the "shift to specialized Masters' degrees" in this timely article:

Dan Bauer, chairman and founder of The MBA Exchange, on this all-important step in the b-school admissions process:

"Achieving perfection....challenging, but achievable" says Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange. More comments and insights in this article!

CEO Alex Min contributes to this fascinating article.

CEO Alex Min opines on the TOEFL in selective MiM programs in this MiM article.

Deepak Punwani of The MBA Exchange shares insights gained over nearly a decade of working with MBA applicants in this P&Q article.

Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange, contributes to this Find MBA article.

In this thorough analysis of the issues surrounding rankings, Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange, adds perspective.

"It happens more than you might think!" MBA Exchange CEO Alex Min shares insights in this thoughtful Poets & Quants piece.

Contributing to this ongoing series, MBA Exchange CEO Alex Min raises the issue of loyalty in this Find MBA article.

Joining other admissions experts, Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange, weighs in on this timely topic.

MBA Exchange CEO Alex Min contributes to this timely article.

In this BusinessBecause feature, Alex Min -- CEO of The MBA Exchange and (spoiler alert!) former client -- speaks frankly about his b-school journey.

CEO of The MBA Exchange, Alex Min, contributes his insights -- and has the final word -- in this article in Find MBA's ongoing series!

The pros and cons of two of the world's top b-schools are addressed in this timely article:

Check out this Valley News article for valuable insights into Tuck's recently announced "EQ" component to admissions including comments from Tuck MBA grad and Senior Consultant at The MBA Exchange, Jessica Seymour.

Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange, shares his insights on the "x" factor for Generation Z applicants in this BusinessBecause article.

Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange, offers insights into this exciting development in MBA admissions!

Jessica Burlingame, Managing Consultant for MBAMoney(sm) at The MBA Exchange, provides 5 timely and expert suggestions.

Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange, contributes to fascinating dive into the concept of "emotional quotient."

Dan Bauer of The MBA Exchange joins this expert panel discussion, moderated by John Byrne, in this YouTube webinar.

In this timely article, Dan Bauer of The MBA Exchange joins other admissions experts in examining a few key reasons NOT to apply to b-school.

If they have "significant" work experience, some MBAapplicants may receive a test score waiver. Is it a good move to accept the pass?Dan Bauer, founder and chairman of The MBAExchange, thinks not. USNews &World Report:"What MBAApplicants Should Know About Test Waivers."

Be yourself... but most of all, be honest!Expert insight into adcom officers' point of view on dishonesty from Dan Bauer. US News & World Report - "10 Mistakes to Avoid in MBA Applications"

You can't make a second first impression. Dan Bauer shares insights in this timely article:Business Insider - "Experts reveal the rules for how you should look at your business school interview"

With insights from a team that includes experienced Wharton grads and a TBD facilitator, here are some valuable insights on preparing for your practice session in this timely article.

Article by Dan Bauer of TheMBAExchange on the preparation you should take as an admitted MBA student for the background checks that b-schools will be doing on you!PoetsandQuants.com - "MBAAdmits, Ready For That Background Check?"

Experts including Dan Bauer of The MBAExchange offer sage advice to the MBAapplicant tempted to exaggerate their credentials.USNews &World Report - "Be Honest, Genuine in Your MBAApplications"

Going global with your MBA?

Is online or a blended MBAprogram REALLYa viable option for you? MBAExchange CEOand founder Dan Bauer weighs in:

MBA grads and expert consultants share insights into the incredible opportunity -- and challenge -- that an international MBA affords you in this article.

MBA admissions consultant and founder of The MBA Exchange, Dan Bauer offers insights into this great article by Canadian Business - "Going for an MBA? This is how to ace the application"

MBA Exchange founder and CEO Dan Bauer on the value proposition of a non-top-tier MBA to job seekers in finance and other high-paying fields. efinancialcareers - "How to get a job in finance with a second-tier MBA"

Euro-Asian institutions challenge prestige-steeped USpeers, especially 1-year programs, comments HBS grad and MBA Exchange founder, Dan Bauer.

Dan Bauer, founder of The MBA Exchange, weighs in on the question of which schools draw top-quality b-school applicants.

An admit letter from your top b-school choice is amazing, but it's not the only awesome way to find out that you're in. This article, with comments from Dan Bauer, examines a few of the way adcoms reach out and say, 'Yes!'

CEO and founder of MBA Exchange Dan Bauer poses some important questions, and important answers, to this key question that all potential MBA applicants face: Noodle.com - "Is Now the Right Time in Your Career for an MBA?"

Dan Bauer shares expert opinion and offers up four primary benefits of a top MBA education: Noodle.com - "Are Low-Ranked B-Schools Worth Your Time?"

Dan Bauer responds with insights and advice on how to target the right b-school for your sports-focused MBA: Noodle.com - "What are some good MBA programs for careers in sports business?"

Great article, with comments from Dan Bauer:eFinancial Careers - "Five things you should do before starting your MBA"

Ni hao! Buongiorno! Hola! Namaste!Bonjour! When English isn't your first language, getting into b-school can be even tougher. Lost in translation?Read this article with comments from Dan Bauer:PoetsandQuants.com - "When Translators Make Sense For Applicants"

Click to read this article with comments by Dan Bauer:Bloomberg Businessweek - "Business Schools Get Smarter About Weeding Out Uninterested Applicants"

Senior MBA Admissions Consultant Deepak Punwani advises Indian applicants on how to stand out in PoetsandQuants.com -- "Savvy Advice for MBA Applicants in India"

Read this article with comments from Dan Bauer:eFinancial Careers - "GMAT or GRE? It shouldn't be a question for aspiring MBAs"

Dan Bauer shares insights into what parents of MBA applicants should, and should not, do: PoetsAndQuants.com - "Do's & Dont's For Parents Of MBAs"

Click to read this article with comments from Dan Bauer: PoetsAndQuants.com - "Helicopter Parents Hover Over B-Schools"

Click to read this article with comments by Dan Bauer:Bloomberg Businessweek - "Can Being Yourself Sink an MBA Application? I Go 'Undercover' to Find Out"

Click to read this article with comments by MBAExchange admissions consultant Deepak Punwani: "Bloomberg Businessweek - "India's MBACandidates Have an Entrance-Exam Problem"

Click to read this ICEA Insights, Special Focus: Grad School Advising article by Dan Bauer: "What's Changing in MBA Admissions?"

Click to read this article with comments by Dan Bauer: Bloomburg Businessweek - "Gotten Arrested? Put It on Your B-School Application"

Click to read this article with comments by Dan Bauer:eFinancial Careers - "Red Flags and opportunities: What to look out for while choosing an MBA internship"

eFinancial Careers - "Full-time or part-time MBA? Really it's all about you"

PoetsandQuants.com - "Low GMAT Top Reason For Getting Dinged"

eFinancial Careers - "Nine key ways to ace your MBA interview"

PoetsandQuants.com - "Kellogg Hits Snag in New Video Adcom Test"

The Daily Pennsylvanian - "MBA director's leave not detrimental to Wharton, some say"

PoetsAndQuants.com - "Is Wharton An Undervalued Stock?"

Wall Street Journal - "Ten Things That Grad Schools Won't Tell You"

Fortune - "Will video kill the B-school admissions essay?"

Financial Times - "Aguide on the road to business school"

The Daily Pennsylvanian - "Admissions consulting firms cater to MBAprograms"

PoetsAndQuants.com - "Ex-adcoms now consultants"

PoetsAndQuants.com - "Cornell Changes Direction of MBA Application Essays"

PoetsAndQuants.com - "More Anxiety for HBS Applicants?"

IEEE Spectrum - "The Benefits of MBAs in Europe"

Chicago Tribune - "Find Program that Fits Your Dream"

PoetsAndQuants.com - "Wharton May Add New Admissions Test"

Chicago Tribune - "IJust Work Here"

PoetsAndQuants.com - How to Overcome a Low GMATScore

Financial Times - "One Application Fits All:MBAand EMBA"

U.S. News - "MBADegree Seekers Can Receive Help Managing Their Online History"

Bloomberg Businessweek - "When College Says Yes But B-School Says No"

Wall Street Journal - "Looking for an Edge"

WGN Radio Chicago - "Why a Top MBA?" Interview with The MBA Exchange

"My consultant was a complete scam. She's really money grubbing, obsessed with Coach products, and her positioning did not help me get into an Ivy League business school. It was a waste of $7,000, and she had the audacity to give me a discount rate to try again next year."

CNN/Fortune - MBA Exchange Launches 1st Social Media Audit for MBAs

F1GMAT.com - "MBA - Stepping Stone for Career Transition?"

Smart Money - "Ten Things Graduate Schools Won't Tell You"

Graduates of prestigious schools are landing higher salaries, but others see less benefit 06/16/2002 By Victor Godinez / The Dallas Morning News

April 2, 2002By Kris Maher and Rachel Emma Silverman

More business-school hopefuls will receive thin envelopes bearing disappointing news this spring.

Chicago, June 27, 2001 - Marketing professionals are realizing more every day that a top-quality MBA education is essential to their organizational effectiveness and career advancement. However, being admitted to selective business schools -- such as Harvard, Wharton and Stanford -- can be a true challenge for even the best marketer.

September 14, 1998By Tim Opler, Professor of Finance, Ohio State University and Director, Deutsche Morgan Grenfell