From Fashion Design to the MBA: How Ashwini Landed at Kellogg with a 700+ GMAT Score
Inside the GMAT
In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Ashwini Deshpande, a former fashion designer turned MBA candidate whose two-month GMAT sprint transformed her entire career trajectory. Ashwini shares how she went from designing digital fashion at Meta to scoring a 750 on the exam (roughly a 715 on today’s scale), earning admission—and a scholarship—to the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She walks through her unconventional path, why she approached GMAT prep like a creative challenge, how the right prep tools accelerated her progress, and why...
info_outline
EA Prep Week 5: MPrep Fraction Hunters with Stacey Koprince from Manhattan Prep | Inside the GMAT
Inside the GMAT
In the latest installment of GMAC Zach's EA prep journey, Zach is joined by test prep expert Stacey Koprince for another candid conversation about tacking the exam. Fresh off completing the Foundations of Math book, Zach shares what surprised him, what clicked, and what still feels intimidating — from story problems that suddenly felt accessible to "age problems" that he hopes never appear on test day. Stacey breaks down the science of curiosity-driven learning, reveals which math topics appear more or less frequently on the EA, and offers practical strategies for prioritizing prep when time...
info_outline
Deployed for Success: A Marine’s MBA Journey from UC Irvine’s Merage School to MedTech Leadership
Inside the GMAT
What does it take to pivot from military service to medical technology leadership? In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach talks with Alec Burris, a former U.S. Marine turned MBA graduate from the , and Burt Slusher, Assistant Dean for MBA and Specialty Masters Programs. Alec shares how he translated his military discipline into business school success—and ultimately into a purpose-driven career at Edwards Lifesciences, where innovations save lives every day. Burt explains how Merage helps veterans and career changers discover their leadership strengths, connect with mission-driven...
info_outline
EA Prep Week 4: Brain Games
Inside the GMAT
Even the best test-takers struggle with doubt, careless mistakes, and burnout — but according to , that’s where real progress begins. In this episode, GMAC Zach continues his on-air EA prep journey, diving deep into the psychology of confidence, practical study modes, and why “getting it wrong” is actually the most valuable part of prep. Stacey shares her signature strategies for diagnosing errors, building test-day habits, and even tricking your brain into enjoying Reading Comprehension (hint: it involves a little acting). From grammar vs. vocabulary to the difference between exam and...
info_outline
Doing Good with Your MBA with Leland's Spencer Anderson
Inside the GMAT
When most people think about business school, they imagine case studies, strategy sessions, and career advancement. But what if your MBA could help you do more than just get ahead? What if it could help you do good? In this episode, Spencer Anderson, Head of Operations at and Harvard Business School alum, joins Inside the GMAT to explore how reflection, coaching, and purpose can shape a more meaningful MBA journey. From his early setbacks to his transition from Bain to a mission-driven startup, Spencer shares how business education — and the right mindset — can turn ambition into impact....
info_outline
EA Prep Week 3: When Life Has Different Plans for Your Prep
Inside the GMAT
In this emotional and insightful episode, GMAC Zach opens up about receiving difficult family news that put his EA prep on pause. Joined by Manhattan Prep’s Stacey Koprince, he explores how to regain focus and motivation when life throws unexpected challenges your way. Zach and Stacey discuss how to rebuild a study rhythm after disruption, balance personal well-being with academic goals, and use mindfulness to manage anxiety and intrusive thoughts. Stacey also shares practical techniques—from giving yourself grace to diagnosing your own study needs—and offers simple exercises to...
info_outline
MBA Career Pivots with MBA Pathfinders
Inside the GMAT
Many MBA applicants see business school as a chance to pivot—to shift industries, roles, or even entire careers. But how realistic is your pivot story, and how can you make it resonate with admissions committees and recruiters? In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach is joined by Pamela Jaffe and Laura Nelson, founders of , who have over 30 years of combined experience guiding applicants through successful career transitions. Together, they break down the realities of the modern job market, why the MBA remains a powerful bridge for change, and how to craft an application that’s...
info_outline
EA Prep Week 2: Striking the Balance
Inside the GMAT
“When you approach EA prep the right way, you’re not just studying for a test—you’re training your brain for your business career.” GMAC Zach continues his EA exam prep journey with expert coach Stacey Koprince from Manhattan Prep. Zach shares his early research into Executive MBA programs close to home in Washington, DC — from Georgetown McDonough to UVA Darden — and reflects on how to find the right academic fit without sacrificing career goals or personal passions. Together, Zach and Stacey discuss how to balance work, study, and life commitments, including how to have the...
info_outline
AI Can't Tell Your Story: Authenticity in MBA Admissions
Inside the GMAT
Do you know how to tell your story authentically, not artificially? GMAC Zach and Susan Berishaj, founder of , discuss the evolving role of AI in MBA admissions and the importance of authentic storytelling. They explore common misconceptions about the admissions process, the risks of over-reliance on AI, and the significance of introspection in crafting a compelling application. Susan shares her journey in founding Sia Admissions and emphasizes the need for applicants to find their unique voice and story, while also providing practical advice on how to navigate the application process...
info_outline
EA Prep Week 1: The Practice Results Are In...!
Inside the GMAT
Can you get a good EA score after one week of prep? It turns out you can! In the first week of his Executive Assessment journey, GMAC Zach finally puts his skills to the test — literally. After taking both the EA Question Sampler and his very first full-length practice exam, he sits down with test-prep legend Stacey Koprince of Manhattan Prep to unpack every result. Together, they dig into what went right (and wrong) across Integrated Reasoning, Verbal, and Quant — including Zach’s surprise 150 score and how close that is to being competitive for top programs. Stacey breaks down how to...
info_outlineDo you know how to tell your story authentically, not artificially?
GMAC Zach and Susan Berishaj, founder of Sia Admissions, discuss the evolving role of AI in MBA admissions and the importance of authentic storytelling. They explore common misconceptions about the admissions process, the risks of over-reliance on AI, and the significance of introspection in crafting a compelling application. Susan shares her journey in founding Sia Admissions and emphasizes the need for applicants to find their unique voice and story, while also providing practical advice on how to navigate the application process effectively.
Resources:
Learn About Sia Admissions/Book a Consultation: https://www.siaadmissions.com/mba-admissions-consulting
Free Written Profile Evaluation: https://sia-admissions-mba-profile-evaluation.paperform.co/
Sia Admissions on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@siaadmissions
About Our Guest:
Susan Berishaj is the founder of Sia Admissions, a boutique MBA admissions firm trusted by high-performing professionals across consulting, finance, tech, and healthcare. Known for her strategic, psychology-informed approach, Susan helps applicants translate complex career paths into powerful, purpose-driven MBA narratives. Her clients span top global firms and industries, with admissions to every M7 and Top 20 program. Susan’s process is rigorous, insight-driven, and built to position candidates as the kind of leaders business schools compete to admit.
Takeaways:
- AI can assist in polishing applications but cannot replace authenticity.
- Admissions teams look for fit, resilience, and a clear vision beyond just grades.
- Introspection is crucial for applicants to understand their unique stories.
- AI should be used as a tool, not a crutch for critical thinking.
- An application must convey the applicant's soul and personal journey.
- Every applicant has a place in a business school that fits their goals.
- Childhood experiences can inform and enrich an MBA application.
- The 'why' behind pursuing an MBA is essential for a compelling narrative.
- Balancing authenticity with polish is key to effective storytelling in applications.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to AI in MBA Admissions
02:25 Susan's Journey and the Birth of SIA Admissions
07:03 Misconceptions in the Admissions Process
08:58 Authenticity in Applications
11:52 The Role of AI in Applications
15:27 What Gives an Application Its Soul?
22:13 Using AI Responsibly in the Application Process
23:48 The Power of Introspection in MBA Applications
30:56 Defining Your Goals and Authentic Story
39:38 Crafting Your Narrative: Balancing Authenticity and Professionalism
42:21 Bringing Authenticity Beyond Essays: Interviews and Recommendations