The M7 By The Numbers: What It Takes To Get In & What It Means For Your Career

INSIGHTS FROM THE M7: SCHOOL DIFFERENTIATORS

The M7 By The Numbers: What It Takes To Get In & What It Means For Your Life

Clare Norton, senior associate dean of enrollment management: “Our professors bring a combination of research-based insights, theoretical frameworks, and practice-based understanding to the classroom”

Clare Norton, Senior Associate Dean of Enrollment Management, COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL

“At Columbia Business School, we’ve been shaping leaders for over a century. What makes us unique? Well, we blend management fundamentals with data science and real-time business intelligence, giving our students unmatched insights in areas like the digital future, entrepreneurship, finance, climate, and more. Our cutting-edge curriculum keeps evolving with the industry, ensuring you get both core concepts and specialized knowledge. Our professors are top-notch, bringing research-based insights and real-world experience to the classroom. Plus, we’re located in the center of global business and our global alumni network of 50,000+ is out there changing the world.

So, if you want a business school that’s ahead of the curve and focused on your success, Columbia Business School is the place to be.

“Key elements in our teaching of leadership include experiential workshops, personalized coaching, and team-based projects. Additionally, we offer leadership immersion programs and executive mentorship opportunities to enhance students’ competitiveness in the job market. Our courses are taught by award-winning faculty from across disciplines, and our professors bring a combination of research-based insights, theoretical frameworks, and practice-based understanding to the classroom.

Our internationally recognized centers, including the Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. Center for Leadership and Ethics, build on the classroom experience with programs, events, mentorship, networking opportunities, and more.”

Rupal Gadhia, HBS managing director of MBA admissions and financial aid: “We educate leaders who make a difference in the world”

Rupal Gadhia, Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid, HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL

“We continue to make a Harvard Business School MBA degree more affordable to a wide range of students. In 2022, we announced that we will provide fellowships covering the total cost of tuition and course fees for 10 percent of our student body—those with the greatest financial need. Additionally, our application fee waiver is now automatically applied to any applicant whose annual income at their current or most recent place of employment is $65,000 USD or less. If one does not automatically qualify, they may still submit a need-based waiver request.

“We also continue to invest in international programming as we believe that today’s business leaders must be ready to work in a global context. As part of the FIELD course, all first-year students travel to one of 15 international locations for 10 days to develop new product or service concepts with local companies. Additionally, in the second-year elective curriculum, students can enroll in an Immersive Field Course (IFC) in the fall, leading up to a 10-14 day immersion during the January term. Locations vary each year based on the IFC portfolio, ranging from Tokyo to Accra to Milan.

“Our mission statement is the foundation of everything we do at HBS: We educate leaders who make a difference in the world. We believe that business can and must play a critical role in addressing today’s unprecedented challenges and opportunities.

“It all starts in the classroom, where our students discuss up to 500 cases over their two years on campus. At HBS, content and community go hand-in-hand. Case method teaching and learning —in all its various forms— is about the respectful debate of ideas. HBS brings together amazingly talented people from diverse backgrounds and puts their experiences front and center. Students do most of the talking (and lots of active listening), and their job is to better understand the decision at hand, what they would do in the case protagonist’s shoes, and why. They leave the class thinking differently about the case than they did coming in. That’s the beauty of the case method. Our powerful learning experience, combined with a residential campus and deeply supportive alumni network, creates a community of bold thinkers and collaborative learners energized to test new ideas and solve problems.

“What I remember most from my experience is how classmates went above and beyond to help one other succeed both in and outside of the classroom. Even today, I continue to be amazed at how connected the alumni network is. Whenever I call on HBS alumni, they still exceed my expectations on how much they are willing to help, even 20 years post-graduation.”

Blair Mannix, Director of MBA Admission, THE WHARTON SCHOOL

Blair Mannix, Wharton director of MBA admissions: “The Wharton experience is fundamentally about choice”

“What sets Wharton apart is the flexibility of the program. The curriculum offers both a business foundation and a ton of freedom to explore new topics. We offer 21 majors and over 200 electives, a variety of course styles like case studies, lectures, and simulations, and students can learn across two campuses in Philadelphia and San Francisco. The Wharton experience is fundamentally about choice, and we love that our students can tailor their experience to meet their unique personal and professional goals.

“Students can study the complex relationships between business and the natural environment through our Business, Energy, Environment, and Sustainability (BEES) major and our Environmental, Social, and Governance Factors for Business (ESGB) major, which are housed under Wharton’s faculty-led ESG Initiative. Additionally, there’s a student-led group called the Wharton Sustainable Business Club (SBC) who are bringing together students interested in addressing global environmental and sustainability issues by increasing related academic and career opportunities on campus.

“Wharton puts a strong emphasis on leadership development and helping students get a deeper understanding of themselves, their organizations, and communities. The McNulty Leadership Program is a research-based program that develops communities and spaces that foster and facilitate leadership learning experiences. The program offers travel opportunities that are physically intense and provide genuine moments of uncertainty and challenge. They also offer on-campus experiences like one-on-one executive coaching. Students can also create their own leadership opportunities outside of the classroom by taking on board roles in student clubs, conferences, and extra-curricular programs.”

Emily Haydon, Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, NORTHWESTERN KELLOGG SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

Emily Haydon, Kellogg assistant dean of admissions and financial aid: School focuses on “developing a leader that can navigate an environment of change”

“Kellogg is committed to evolving our curriculum and class offerings to give students the necessary opportunities and skills to become the leaders of tomorrow. …

“Kellogg equips students with a unique and special combination of analytical, creative and social intelligence to help them thrive and lead in today’s unpredictable and increasingly complex business environment.

“Confirmed by incoming students every year, our culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and empathy is what truly sets our program apart. We are always looking for students who aren’t afraid to take risks, who want to drive lasting impact for their organizations and communities and who truly embody ‘high-impact, low ego’ leadership.

“The school’s focus is on developing a leader than can navigate an environment of change, and a leader who has been shaped by and embodies the essential quality of creativity and collaboration. With this focus and shared culture, we produce leaders who leverage this empathic mindset to drive relationships and performance both professionally and personally.”

UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS OF THE M7 MBA CLASSES OF 2024 & 2025

Harvard Class of 2025 (Class of 2024)	Wharton Class of 2025 (Class of 2024)	Columbia Class of 2025 (Class of 2024)	Booth Class of 2025 (Class of 2024)	Kellogg Class of 2025 (Class of 2024)	Stanford Class of 2025 (Class of 2024)	MIT Sloan Class of 2025 (Class of 2024)
Engineering: 25% (28%)	Humanities: 40% (34%)	Business: 35% (37%)	Business: 26% (25%)	Economics/Business: 50% (49%)	Business/Commerce/Econ: 41% (45%)	Engineering: 33% (29%)
Business/Commerce: 22% (24%)	Business: 27% (32%)	Economics: 20% (18%)	Economics: 20% (25%)	STEM: 38% (35%)	Engineering, Math & Natural Sciences: 41% (38%)	Economics: 18% (17%)
Economics: 21% (19%)	STEM: 33% (34%)	Engineering: 17% (15%)	Engineering: 25% (24%)	Humanities: 25% (21%)	Humanities, Social Sciences: 18% (24%)	Business: 16% (23%)
Math/Physical Science: 17% (14%)		Social Sciences: 11% (13%)	Liberal Arts: 14% (13%)			Math & Science: 12% (15%)
Social Sciences: 12% (10%)		Humanities: 6% (6%)	Physical Sciences: 8% (9%)			Social Science: 5% (10%)
Arts/Humanities: 4% (5%)		Sciences: 8% (7%)	Other: 6% (4%)			Other: 6% (1%)
		Technology: 2% (2%)	Law 1% (N/A)			Humanities: 3% (2%)
		Other: 1% (N/A)				Computer Science: 6% (2%)
						Law: 1% (1%)

Source: B-school class profiles

Starr Marcello, Deputy Dean, CHICAGO BOOTH SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Starr Marcello, Chicago Booth deputy dean: “Flexibility and choice are intentionally built into the program”

“Chicago Booth is the best academic business school in the world. Period. It is a school with the power and potential to transform a student’s life, and with a global community and immense support systems in place to foster student success. The Booth experience is a manifestation of the unique goals and passions of each student—providing countless opportunities to lead effectively and build tight-knit relationships that define our pay-it-forward culture. Flexibility and choice are intentionally built into the program in ways that enhance all parts of the student journey, from communal living in downtown Chicago to recruiting support; from curriculum flexibility to leadership development. Our renowned faculty, including several Nobel Prize winners, combine pathbreaking research and inspirational teaching to shape current and future leaders of the world. Graduates leave with the confidence, connections, and skills to develop groundbreaking ideas and drive meaningful impact throughout every stage of their career.

“As MBA students and future business leaders, graduates will inevitably face decisions around sustainability and social responsibility. Chicago Booth equips students, alumni, organizations, and policymakers with the knowledge and tools to prepare for those challenges. Across numerous areas of study, Booth faculty bring to students—sometimes within the first week of class—their research and scholarly work on subjects such as the importance and benefits of sustainable investing. Additionally, we have created new courses that explore issues of sustainability across several disciplines, including Real Estate and Equity; Navigating the ESG Landscape: Information, Sustainability Reporting, and Analysis; Marketing Strategy (with Sustainability Simulation); Business with Purpose, and our Global Social Entrepreneurship Lab. We also offer lab classes like Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Social Impact Practicum, in which students work with corporate clients on sustainability-related projects.”

Paul Oyer, Associate Dean, STANFORD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Paul Oyer, Stanford associate dean: School’s culture “fosters teamwork and innovation both inside the classroom and elsewhere at the GSB”

“We believe that what differentiates the GSB is a commitment to training students in the craft of leadership. Our curriculum embeds the core principle that leadership is a craft, one that blends discipline and logic with intuition and feeling. We do not simply aim to transform our students by deepening and broadening their grasp of general management functions and disciplines, although that is critical.

“We also push our students to work on honing the craft of leadership, to balance and integrate reason and imagination, the insights gained from first principles and the lessons won from experience. We strive to amplify students’ existing strengths and give them the opportunity to recognize and develop their relative weaknesses, so that they emerge as more balanced business leaders who are ready to take on the world’s greatest challenges.

“We also believe that the collaborative culture at the GSB is unique. This culture fosters teamwork and innovation both inside the classroom and elsewhere at the GSB. Our students also have close access to world-class faculty and prominent leaders from across the globe through a variety of campus events. Whether in the classroom or at clubs, activities, and beyond – this collaborative spirit establishes strong relationships that persist and evolve well past our students’ time on campus.”

Tara Walor, Assistant Dean of Student Services, MIT SLOAN SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

Tara Walor, assistant dean of student services: MIT students “assimilate management theory” and become “intentional about their leadership journey”

“MIT Sloan now offers seven certificate programs in the following areas: Business Analytics, Digital Product Management, Enterprise Management, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Finance, Healthcare, and Sustainability. The certificates allow students to focus their studies and deep dive into an area of interest. Each certificate program provides foundational knowledge and hands-on industry experience while allowing students to tailor their education, build their network, and meet their professional goals.

“MIT Sloan’s Action Learning embodies MIT’s Mens et Manus (Latin for ‘Mind and Hand’) motto. Students apply their classroom knowledge to real-world business challenges, which equips them with problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a team mindset that they can apply to their own organizations and careers. Students enrolled in Action Learning Labs work with startups, domestic and international corporations, and non-profits located across the globe.

“Throughout this immersive learning experience, students reflect on themselves professionally and personally, both to assimilate management theory and to be intentional about their leadership journey. Most recently, we have introduced our Digital Product Management Lab, Organizations Lab: Leading with Impact, ASEAN Lab, and Alternative Investments Lab to our current portfolio which, each year, includes approximately 20 Labs.”

PRE-MBA INDUSTRIES FOR STUDENTS AT M7 SCHOOLS: 2024-2025

Harvard Class of 2025: 938 students (2024: 1,015)	Wharton Class of 2025: 874 students (2024: 877)	Columbia Class of 2025: 829 students (2024: 864)	Booth Class of 2025: 637 students (2024: 621)	Kellogg Class of 2025: 529 students (2024: 503)	Stanford Class of 2025: 431 students (2024: 424)	MIT Sloan Class of 2025: 409 students (2024: 408)
Venture Capital/Private Equity: 17% (16%)	Consulting 27% (27%)	Financial Services 29% (31%)	Financial Services 19% (19%)	Consulting 26% (24%)	Consulting 17% (20%)	Consulting 26% (23%)
Consulting 17% (16%)	PE/VC 14% (9%)	Consulting 21% (22%)	Consulting 18% (25%)	Financial Services 19% (19%)	PE/VC/Investment Banking 19% (20%)	Financial Services 17% (23%)
Technology 13% (14%)	Other 7% (9%)	Marketing/Media 12% (12%)	Marketing/Media N/A (N/A)	Technology 19% (17%)	Technology 13% (15%)	Technology 23% (14%)
Finance 10% (10%)	Nonprofit/Government 10% (11%)	Technology 11% (9%)	Technology 15% (13%)	Other 9% (8%)	Government/Education/Nonprofit 10% (8%)	Government/Nonprofit 10% (14%)
Manufacturing 9% (9%)	Tech/Internet Services 12% (12%)	Other 6% (N/A%)	Other 12% (12%)	Government/Nonprofit 4% (7%)	Consumer Products & Services 9% (7%)	Pharmaceutical/Healthcare/Biotech 7% (6%)
CPG/Retail 10% (9%)	Financial Services 7% (5%)	Nonprofit 3% (3%)	Nonprofit/Government 14% (11%)	Media/Entertainment 4% (4%)	Media/Entertainment 4% (5%)	Other 7% (7%)
Healthcare/Biotech 7% (8%)	Healthcare 5% (5%)	Healthcare 5% (5%)	Healthcare 7% (6%)	Consumer Goods 5% (7%)	Healthcare 7% (5%)	Energy 2% (4%)
Nonprofit/Government 6% (6%)	CPG/Retail 3% (2%)	Real Estate 5% (7%)	Real Estate N/A (N/A)	Health/Bio 8% (7%)	Financial Services 5% (4%)	Manufacturing 3% (3%)
Military 6% (4%)	Energy 1% (2%)	Military/Government 5% (4%)	Military 11% (11%)	Manufacturing 3% (2%)	Clean Tech/Energy/Environmental 4% (3%)	Consumer Products/Retail 2% (3%)
Services 2% (3%)	Media/Entertainment 1% (2%)	Energy 2% (1%)	Energy 2% (4%)	Military 3% (4%)	Military 5% (4%)	Automotive/Transportation/Defense 2% (2%)
Media/Entertainment 3% (4%)	Investment Banking/Management 12% (N/A)	Manufacturing N/A (1%)	PE/VC 7% (5%)	Energy 1% (2%)	Manufacturing 3% (3%)	Media/Entertainment/Sports 1% (0.5%)
			Manufacturing 2% (N/A)		Other 1% (N/A)
			Consumer Products 3% (N/A)
			Accounting 1% (N/A)