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.
You are sitting on a goldmine
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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 kind of leader you want to become?” and the ugly truth emerges. The essays are lukewarm. The typecasting is barely concealed; the language platitudinal. ​ Why is this happening?​ ​ In too many cases, I hear a background story about the candidate using a consultant who asked them to fill out a long questionnaire. Then they were given one or two brainstorming sessions with their consultant. They often felt rushed. The consultant was quick to gravitate to the first story pieces that surfaced, never allowing time for genuine exploration to happen, for different angles to be explored, for the story to develop. Ever heard of Herbert Simon? He talked about 'satisficing.' That’s when we stop looking because something is "good enough." That sure works well for the admissions consulting firm that serves hundreds of MBA hopefuls on a conveyer belt. But it does a terrible disservice to you. Because “good enough” won’t cut it. Not in the top MBA game. ​ What should you do instead?​ ​ Inside you is a gold mine of experiences. And you sure should not be aiming for "good enough." You're gunning for gold. So tap that wealth. Don’t leave it in the dark. You’ve lived a life rich with experiences. You just need the right questions to unearth that gold. As a consultant, my top priority is to be your thought partner. To help find those compelling stories. The ones that make admissions readers sit up. This is how one recent triple-M7 admit described the process: ​ Through a series of Mr. Miyagi-esque exercises, Petia helped me pull out threads of passion that have been woven throughout my life, allowing me to create an authentic and meaningful story. I would never have gained this level of clarity without her. This clarity gave me the conviction I needed to write powerful essays, certain of who I am and what I want to achieve in my career.
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In a world where most applicants write what they think admissions committees want to hear, authenticity is what truly stands out.
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​ So, let's not settle. Let’s dig deeper. With the right questions, we can spotlight your unique journey. ​Eager to start digging for your own gold? Let’s talk.​ ​ Should you give Round 3 a shot?R1 and R2 this year have brought a lot of heartbreak to candidates who entered the race with high hopes. More rejections. More waitlists. More frustration from strong applicants who thought they had a shot—but didn’t make the cut. So, what now? Should you try again in Round 3? The truth: Round 3 is not for everyone. The bar is high, and spots are limited. But for the right candidate—one with a rock-solid application and a compelling reason to apply now—it can still be a winning move. Are you that candidate? Before you roll the dice, watch this: ​ ​ Onwards and upwards, Petia ​ P.S. A few updates: ⚡ Before they read a single word of your essays, the MBA AdCom is sizing you up through your resume. Let’s build one that positions you as a top-tier candidate. ⚡ Did you catch the newest Guide to the get into the Stanford MBA?​ ⚡ The MBA Tour Spotlights on Veterans, Women in Business, and MBAs for LGBTQ+ Candidates are all coming up. There's no good reason to miss them. ​ |
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.
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...
Are you lost in a sea of essay prompts? Or picked one, only to be stared down by a blank page for days? You’re not alone. But the MBA application is a job to be done, and today is November 10. The first Round 2 deadlines are 55 days away. It’s time to cover some ground. Or should I say, it’s time to generate some word count? Start with your “Why” If you’ve been in my orbit for a while, you know how often I talk about how you need to start with your "why". Defining your “why” means taking...