by Karen Marks | Aug 21, 2025 | advice column, Business School Admissions, essays, General Admissions, mistakes
The Round 1 business school deadlines are fast approaching, and this cycle is shaping up to be super competitive. If you’re applying, you’re likely finalizing your essays. As you review your materials, be sure that you aren’t making these common MBA essay mistakes....
by Karen Marks | May 4, 2018 | Business School Admissions, General Admissions, Uncategorized
Unsuccessful business school applicants often make one of these common MBA application mistakes. The good news is that they are usually totally fixable and preventable– the first step is taking an honest look at your candidacy. Unclear and/or Unrealistic Goals. This...
by Karen Marks | Apr 28, 2016 | Business School Admissions, General Admissions, Uncategorized
Do you want to know why you were really rejected from a top MBA program, despite having great grades from an elite college, strong test scores and impressive employment? As a former Tuck admissions officer and an experienced admissions consultant, I can tell you that...
by Karen Marks | Jun 27, 2014 | Business School Admissions, General Admissions, Uncategorized
There is a lot of advice out there about crafting your story. Many experts – myself included – urge candidates to be transparent and to tell the committee what really matters to them. While I absolutely believe that this is the most ethical and advantageous strategy,...
by Karen Marks | Jan 22, 2014 | Business School Admissions, General Admissions, Uncategorized
As the Associate Director of Admissions at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, I met and evaluated thousands of applicants. Most were well prepared and professional, but a surprising number of candidates made mistakes that eliminated them from further...
