The No-BS Guide to Business School Admissions:
Everything You Need to Know—and Nothing You Don’t
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Hear What Others Are Saying
We're confident that THE MBA REALITY CHECK will transform the way you approach your candidacy. But don't take our word for it - see what leading experts, reviewers, readers, and Forster-Thomas clients have to say.
"No one, and I mean no one, better understands what changes are taking place in MBA admissions better than Evan and David. They have their finger on the pulse of the newfound emphasis on leadership and contribution to community. In this book they get at the heart of the matter: what applicants need to do to communicate their unique brand and how it fits the wants of the business school. Evan and David don't seek to 'game the system,' rather they teach you how to make the system work for you while discovering yourself and your strengths. You could apply to an MBA program without reading this book, but it would be a costly error. The ROI is incalculable."
- Mark Sklarow, Executive Director, Independent Educational Consultants Association
"Through vivid narratives of learning experiences (both their own and their clients') and hearty dollops of humor, Forster and Thomas make the arduous process of applying to MBA programs seem less daunting ... Naturally, getAbstract recommends this sassy but savvy book primarily to those considering graduate education in business, but also to those running MBA programs, to their admissions staffs and to corporate human resources officers who want to help guide their employees' careers."
- Rolf Dobelli, Entrepreneur and Founder of getAbstract.com, the world's largest library of business book summaries
"The bottom line is, I loved this book. I feel a lot calmer now that I've 'seen' other people go through the same worries I'm having and ask the same questions. Highly recommended!"
- Amanda Giroux (5-star Amazon.com review)
"Evan and David are the ultimate authorities on MBA admissions in today's fast-changing business world. They have an uncanny ability to cut straight to the heart of your candidacy and pull out what makes you a compelling and powerful MBA applicant."
- Daniel Zilberman, Principal, Warburg Pincus
"Let me introduce you to your new bible ... I have never had to look at my life so deeply before, and what's more, I have never been so inspired to do more with my life than I already do."
- ralexander26 (5-star Amazon.com review)
"Evan and David are two of the freshest and most impactful thinkers in MBA admissions. Their perspective on taking charge of your career sets the standard for the twenty-first-century model, where leadership comes from within, not from a job title. This book will definitely bring out the best candidate in you."
- Bill Kapler, Retired partner, Accenture
"I never thought that a book on business school essays could be such an eye-opening AND fun read! It is entertaining, and full of advice that extends beyond the scope of just business school applications. In fact, the thing I love most about this book is that it shows how anyone can be a leader, and how leadership is more than just volunteering a few times a year. It offers practical advice on how to make a difference in your workplace, school, or a charitable organization in a short amount of time. I thought this was life-changing advice!"
- Caitlin (5-star Amazon.com review)
"Auntie Evan" taps his experience and his substantial track record to share with readers the secrets of the application process. Why are most "failure" essays failures? How are "safe" essays actually dangerous? How can a greater sense of self-awareness overcome a weak GMAT score? It's all in here. For anyone seeking admission to a competitive entry program.
- Ellen Neuborne, former business reporter for USA Today
"I'm wrapping up my MBA applications and I feel compelled to share that this book has been a huge help in thinking about how to respond to the numerous essay questions, many of which are paralyzingly broad and open-ended. Forster-Thomas's emphasis on how to dig deep into your own experiences rather than trying to divine what answer the schools are "looking" for has been invaluable, especially as someone with a non-finance background. I highly recommend this book for anyone who needs a jump-start to get into the right mindset for their own applications."
- Lindsay (5-star Amazon.com review)
"Forster and Thomas have written a compelling book revealing two of the keys to successful business school applications. They stress the art of 'giving back' distinguishing the doers from the talkers. This is a must-read for anyone interested in succeeding in getting into business school."
- Lewis B. Cullman, LBO pioneer, philanthropist, author of Can't Take It With You – The Art of Making and Giving Money
"As a candidate who has been aspiring to go for an MBA program for about half a decade, I own a lot of books on MBA admissions but this is the only one that I have read cover to cover."
- Kartikeya (5-star Amazon.com review)
"MBA Reality Check is a refreshingly candid and colorful read with excellent pointers for anyone considering applying to an MBA program, grad school, or even college! Evan and David never hesitate to tell the truth and speak to their rich experience with hundreds of clients. So many books offer up a magic formula to writing the 'right' essay or crafting the ‘right' application. Evan and David take an alternate path, one grounded in authenticity rather than posturing ... Authenticity is powerful!"
- Jed Appelrouth (5-star Amazon.com review)
Connect with Evan & David
About the Authors
Evan Forster, a former journalist, is founder of Forster-Thomas Inc., the premier MBA consulting firm serving b-school candidates from leading Wall Street investment banks as well as foreign candidates from Beijing to Brazil. He has spoken at such leading institutions as Goldman Sachs, Barclays Capital, and Morgan Stanley. He also volunteers as a college advisor to Chess-in-the-Schools, a nonprofit organization that reaches 3,000 inner-city public school students.
David Thomas is an award-winning journalist and Internet program producer. A graduate of Northwestern University's prestigious Medill Graduate School of Journalism, he has interviewed such well-known players in the financial sector as Lou Dobbs, Richard Grasso, James Grant, and Henry Blodgett.
Evan's full bio on forsterthomas.com
David's full bio on forsterthomas.com
BOOK EVAN & DAVID TO SPEAK
