Empowering future leaders to land the MBA of their dreams. 🚀 From higher ed executive to entrepreneurial innovator, I've spent years on the frontlines of Graduate Management Education, shaping how tomorrow’s leaders are formed. Now, I’m bringing that experience directly to you, connecting ambitious minds with the right MBA paths to unlock their full potential. Because where there’s a will, I find the way.
Zoom In, Zoom Out: Critical Strategies for MBA Application Success
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“This was incredibly helpful.” Yesterday, I heard that a lot. If you’ve ever worked with me, you’ve likely heard me preach: “We don’t praise our own work!” That’s what I say to candidates who try to sneak “I’ve worked tirelessly” or “My dedication and hard work have allowed me to…” into their essay. But “incredibly helpful” was literally used by Every.Single.Candidate who had a Get Unstuck session with me yesterday. So, I’m allowing myself to break my own rule. Now, the most important part is not what they said, but why.​These Get Unstuck sessions were a powerful breakthrough for the candidates. They were able to gain clarity, conviction, and a massive upgrade to their MBA application blueprint. How did I do it?For those 60 minutes to become a power hour, two things need to happen: Zooming In and Zooming Out. Zooming Out: Strategic AlignmentWhen I zoom out, I use my experience as a former Dean of MBA Admissions to take a broad, strategic view of your entire application. I evaluate how well the dots connect between your resume and essays, and whether your narrative is compelling and cohesive. It’s about ensuring that the big picture tells a story that’s not only true to you but also resonates with the MBA AdComs. Are your essays aligned with your career goals? Is your story consistent and relevant? Is your leadership track record presented with clarity and impact? Zooming In: Tactical Precision​ The combination of these two powerful actions —strategic alignment and tactical precision—is how I help MBA candidates set themselves apart. ​ Seeing the powerful boost this week’s sessions provided, I’ve opened up another tiny handful of slots in September. ​ This will be your final chance to refine both the big picture and the crucial details for any Round 1 deadlines. If you’re serious about making sure your application hits the mark, this is your moment. ​ But what if you are interested in working with me in Round 2?Because I give all prospective candidates the ability to speak with me directly, instead of filtering them through a salesperson, the wait for a free consultation is currently longer. And since I was ranked as one of the 10 best MBA admissions consultants in the world this month, the volume of candidates who want to work with me has increased even more. If your goal is to be one of the only dozen candidates I’ll work with in Round 2, you’d better grab your spot now.​ How about the group coaching service, MBA ABC?MBA Application Boost Camp (MBA ABC) will open one last time this year in October – just in time for all Round 2 candidates who can’t afford to work with me 1:1. Those seats will be limited too – and the first to be notified will be the candidates on the invite list. If you know you want to be one of them, get on that priority list right now. ​ Onwards and upwards, Petia |
My MBA Path
Empowering future leaders to land the MBA of their dreams. 🚀 From higher ed executive to entrepreneurial innovator, I've spent years on the frontlines of Graduate Management Education, shaping how tomorrow’s leaders are formed. Now, I’m bringing that experience directly to you, connecting ambitious minds with the right MBA paths to unlock their full potential. Because where there’s a will, I find the way.
It's that time of year again. MBA candidates who entered the race with high hopes but faced rejection are asking for ding analyses. Reviewing their failed apps is heartbreaking. Why? Because too often I find a ton of potential left untapped. Here’s how it usually plays out When we speak, the candidate sounds fun and interesting. Their resume presents great. Then I open their “What matters most to you and why?” or “What experiences have shaped who you are, how you invest in others, and what...
What the Strongest Applicants Actually Do There’s a misconception in MBA admissions that only candidates who are struggling or insecure seek out help from admissions consultants. That if you’re smart enough, you should be able to do it all on your own. But here’s what actually happens: The strongest candidates are the ones who are most likely to bring in outside expertise. They know they have a shot at top programs, and they’re not about to leave things to chance. So they seek...
Happy New 2025! I’m not much for New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I like to reflect — on the choices we make, the paths we take, and the questions that guide us along the way. In the last days of 2024, I had the joy of celebrating with one of my Round 1 MBA ABC stars. She had just ended her year with the ultimate champagne problem: deciding between Stanford and HBS. (Yes, both.) A Space to Ask, Refine, and Shine In our conversation, she shared something that stuck with me. What drew her to...