Overcoming MBA Anxiety With The Help of an HBS Admissions Officer

• Part One: Understanding What Anxiety Is In The MBA Application Context

For this very special three-part series, we are joined by SBC Consultant Pauline. Pauline holds an MBA from the Wharton School of Business, worked for years as an HBS Admissions Officer, and has presented/lectured at Stanford, Tufts and Villanova.

Pauline is also uniquely positioned to speak about anxiety as it relates to the MBA application process. Pauline is passionate about Business, Education and Spirituality and worked as a Level 1 Hospital Trauma Chaplain. She also holds a Divinity degree in Pastoral Counseling and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

This episode starts with a bit of radical candor about the fact that there are LOTS of things that applicants can find themselves worrying about. This includes the test taking process, starting your application, writing (and rewriting) those essays, pressing send, preparing for interviews, managing worries while waiting for your decision, wrestling with imposter syndrome, and so many other topics.

In this episode, Pauline draws from he work as an HBS Admissions Officer—as well as her masters and doctoral work—to:

• Dive into the scienctific underpinings of anxiety, what it is, and where it comes from
• Share perspectives from various experts about phsiology of anxiety
• Discuss the neurocognitive components, including the way anxiety affects the way you process information

And there is good news—so much good news. Chandler and Pauline also share:

• a reminder that ALL applicants face axiety at some point in their application process
• the benefits of "leaning in" to the discomfort anxiety sometimes brings
• understanding your own "window of tolerance" as it relates to anxiety
• ways procrastination and anxiety are often interconnected
• specific tips and tricks to implement IN THE MOMENT when anxiety strikes
• the difference between "self-care" and "self-preservation" on your application journey
• powerful things you can learn about yourself by facing anxiety head-on

This podcast is a must for anyone struggling with anxiety, worry, or self-doubt on their MBA journey.

After you submit your MBA applications, should you contact the admissions committee with updates on your candidacy? What should you do if you find an error in your materials? Should you start preparing for your interviews now?

This episode answers those questions and more, and advises listeners on the best way to make use of their time between submission deadlines and their interviews.

Life Lessons I'd wished I learned 20 Years Ago – Part 2: B-Schooled Episode 260

For this occasional ongoing podcast series, our host Chandler speaks with a number of corporate executives, nonprofit leaders, and wellness icons and asks the question: what life lessons do you know today you wish you’d known 20 years ago?

In this episode, Chandler shares 5 pieces of wisdom that stood out – including a personal piece of advice from Stacy Blackman, our founder.

Some of these lessons are narrowly focused on applying to business school. Some lessons are about making the most of the magical period of time you are actually *in* business school. And some lessons center the many years that come after… as you use what you have learned to build a life that is hopefully full of meaning, joy, and impact.

Whether you are applying to business school, in business school, or working as a professional post business school – this is a very special episode not to be missed.