Duke Fuqua’s Associate Dean of Admissions on the value of an MBA in 2026

Asian business schools are becoming an increasingly compelling alternative to the traditional U.S. and European paths. Sachin Tipnis is a Senior Executive Director at HKU Business School, The University of Hong Kong, where he focuses on strategic direction, career development, and the growth of the school’s graduate programs. In this episode, Sachin discusses Asian vs. Western MBA programs, top business and tech hubs, and cultural differences between them.    Achievable GRE uses adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/gre/overview/#s=podcast to try it for free.

If you’re considering a doctorate in business, choosing the right path could shape your entire career. Dr. Christie St-John is an admissions consultant with Accepted, specializing in MBA, specialized master’s, and EMBA admissions. With more than 25 years of experience in higher education, admissions, and career coaching, she helps students navigate the graduate admissions process and strengthen their applications. In this episode, Christie walks us through the purpose of a PhD and DOB/DBA, which one to choose, and the opportunities each unlocks.    Achievable GRE uses adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/gre/overview/#s=podcast to try it for free.

Is grad school still worth it in today’s job market? Dr. Emmanuela Stanislaus is a career and higher education professional passionate about helping students and young professionals navigate graduate school, career development, networking, and an evolving job market. In this episode, Emmanuela walks us through how to approach grad school, navigate an uncertain job market, build meaningful professional connections, and understand how AI is reshaping the future of work.   https://www.dremmanuelaconsulting.com/    Achievable GRE uses adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/gre/overview/#s=podcast to try it for free.

What does it really feel like to prepare for the GRE when English isn’t your first language? Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal is a career development strategist, certified professional coach, and researcher with 15+ years of experience in higher education, international development, and career coaching. In this episode, Analia walks us through her experience taking the GRE and the TOEFL at the same time, the biggest language challenges during exam prep, and how she improved her vocabulary by watching Friends.    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lucky-to-be-here-building-lives-careers-abroad/id1841946312     Achievable GRE uses adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/gre/overview/#s=podcast to try it for free.

Not all graduate school admissions counselors are created equal. Candy Lee LaBalle is the founder of LaBalle Admissions and has been working in MBA admissions consulting for almost two decades. In this episode, Candy shares expert advice on choosing the right graduate school admissions counselor, including what qualities to look for, how to find someone who aligns with your goals, and what makes for a successful counselor-student partnership.   Achievable GRE uses adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/gre/overview/#s=podcast to try it for free.

Can AI actually help you stand out on admissions essays? Ellin Lolis is the founder of Ellin Lolis Consulting, one of the most successful MBA admissions firms in the world, with a 98.9% success rate, helping applicants get into top programs like Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, and beyond. In this episode, Ellin talks about how to leverage AI to help your writing stand out, avoiding obvious AI tells, and using effective prompts to produce the best results.    Achievable GRE uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/gre/overview/#s=podcast to try it for free.

Are you considering whether an MBA is worth it in 2026? Shari Hubert is the Associate Dean of Admissions at Duke's Fuqua School of Business, where she has led admissions since 2017. With previous leadership roles at Georgetown University, the Peace Corps, and major companies including General Electric, Citigroup, Boston Consulting Group, and Merck & Co., she is passionate about expanding access to MBA education and helping future business leaders achieve their goals. In this episode, Shari talks about student life, knowledge, and how alignment with culture and values plays a vital part in your MBA decision.  Achievable GRE uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/gre/overview/#s=podcast to try it for free.

Want to upgrade your writing from student to scholar? Alison Miller is the Founder and Facilitator of The Academic Writers' Space, a supportive, nurturing co-working community for graduate students and other academic professionals. In this episode, Alison discusses her tried-and-true process that creates great academic writers. Spoiler: it just takes practice.  Achievable GRE uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/gre/overview/#s=podcast to try it for free.

Are you struggling with anxiety around your MBA application? Karthik Rajeswaran is the owner of MBALink, the premier MBA consultancy in Singapore. In this episode, Karthik talks about how low attention spans create study roadblocks, test-taking anxiety, and procrastination, and how to overcome these common habits to succeed.  Achievable's GRE prep course uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/gre/overview/#s=podcast to try it for free.

Applying to a PhD program? Eva Meza is a fifth-year psychology PhD candidate at the University of California, Davis. In this episode, Eva offers tips for applying to PhD programs, from understanding your motivations to apply to letters of recommendation and finding the right mentors.    Connect with Eva on Instagram: @latinxsuccessnetwork   Achievable GRE uses AI-powered adaptive learning to target your weak areas and boost your score - visit https://achievable.me/exams/gre/overview/#s=podcast to try it for free.