COVID-19 is a symbol of our disruptive age. Unseen and never far away, it is always top of mind — a reminder of the frailty of our systems and a mockery of our plans. For MBA students, COVID-19 was a sign to slow down, step back, and take stock. That meant reflecting on the activities and relationships that brought value — and the guiding beliefs and ongoing investments that were holding them back. In the process, many discovered purpose, a return on time and talent that enabled them to make a difference as much as a living.

Business schools experienced similar soul searching over the past two years. Even amid COVID constraints, businesses continued to operate faster, more globally, and often online. All the while, stakeholders — students, employers, consumers, and critics alike — demanded more from them. As barriers lessened and competition intensified, business models grew more complex, as the overlap with technological innovation and social change made running a business all the more unpredictable.

And MBA students were in the middle of it all — as business headlines became live cases and evolving requirements churned out opportunities for student-company partnerships.

THE NEWS THAT MATTERS

Call it the step forward and step back era, one marked by a shaky new normal that could bottom out at any moment. This winter has started the same as the previous one: COVID has forced students to shuttle back-and-forth between in-person and online classes. In a world where information is surplus and accuracy is currency, unreliable data — be it from craven deans or dubious rankings — left many MBAs wondering which sources they should trust. As new buildings were erected at Columbia and IE, stalwarts like Michigan Ross, NYU Stern and Ohio State Fisher turned their resources to online learning. In the wake of COVID, students returned and pay rose as employers paid a premium for talent and expertise.

Yes, many programs waived GMAT and GRE requirements. For many, it was harder than ever to gain acceptance as demand rose. Pinched by market forces, business schools offered new degrees, centers, and student funds — when they weren’t busy poaching each other’s faculty. Many rolled out new programming too, often to accommodate student interests in DEI and sustainability. As climate change and social justice took center stage, artificial intelligence and analytics continued to upend the established order. In response, MBA programs accelerated their move to being STEM designated, ensuring students’ know-how could match their intentions.

Sure enough, Poets&Quants has covered it all. Since 2010, we have viewed our role as helping applicants stand out in admissions, gain insights into how to best invest their time, and develop strategies for finding the right job after graduation. In a nutshell, we outline what’s happening and what it means. That’s particularly true with our school coverage. From A-to-Z — literally Arizona State to Yale SOM — P&Q helps you better understand the latest developments, student experiences, cultural nuances, and unique differentiators of the top programs.

What was the big 2021 news at your target schools? What can you expect as a student at these schools? Here is a school-by-school breakdown of the biggest stories at the top MBA programs (along with profiles of some of the top students at each school).

Page 1: Best & Brightest Profiles To Columbia Business School

Page 2: C-I (Cornell-Indiana Kelley)

Page 3: I-S (INSEAD – SMU Cox)

Page 4: S-Y (Stanford GSB – Yale SOM)