【2025 MBA Applications Begin!】Harvard, Stanford, and Columbia – This Year Is a Major Opportunity! Consult Alpha Advisors Now!

TJ
Admin

The 2025 MBA Application Season Officially Kicks Off! This Year Brings the Biggest Opportunity Ever!

Hello, this is TJ, founder of Alpha Advisors!

The 2025 MBA application season has officially begun. Top schools in the U.S. and Europe, including Harvard, Stanford, and Columbia, have released their application details, and now is the time to commit seriously to your applications.

While some people may hesitate to apply following recent political developments in the U.S., Alpha believes that this year presents an unprecedented “golden opportunity for admission.” Because certain nationalities face enrollment restrictions, many international students may delay or withdraw their applications. As we saw during the COVID-19 era, this creates a window where admission chances increase at top schools.

This year, even those who feel “not entirely confident” can be admitted to top MBA programs with serious preparation. Admission is not determined by “standardized test scores” or “academic pedigree.” These no longer serve as strong differentiators, and moreover, MBA programs are moving toward test de-emphasis. What ultimately matters most is the quality of your essays. And what drives essay quality is your long-term career goal—the single most important element Alpha emphasizes.

Today, I will share the latest MBA application deadlines and the key points for gaining admission to top programs. If you are truly committed to career advancement, higher income, and global opportunities, read to the end. Start by booking a free individual consultation and take the first step toward maximizing your potential!

Click here for free consultation! > Free Consultation

At Alpha Advisors, we have guided more than 500 applicants each year to admission at the world’s top universities. Our track record includes Harvard, Stanford, Chicago Booth, Wharton, Columbia, NYU, LBS, Cambridge, Oxford, and many more prestigious schools.

We also provide full support for post-MBA career development. Our graduates secure offers from top global companies such as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, Mitsubishi Corporation, Itochu Corporation, McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Google, and Amazon. We are especially recognized as one of the leading firms in Japan for placing candidates in highly competitive industries such as global finance, consulting, multinational trading firms, and top tech (GAFAM).

Whether you are pursuing job placement (domestic or international), MBA/graduate/undergraduate/boarding school study abroad, career transitions, certifications/test preparation, or entrepreneurship, Alpha is here to support you. Start with a free consultation today!

2025 Application Schedule (Round 1 Deadlines)

Applications for 2025 intake (matriculation in 2026) are now open, and leading MBA programs have announced their Round 1 deadlines. Round 1 offers the highest number of admission spots and scholarship opportunities, making it the most advantageous time to apply. If you are aiming for a secure admission, submitting in this round is critical.

Below is a list of major MBA schools’ Round 1 deadlines.


United States

Harvard Business School: September 3, 2025
Stanford Graduate School of Business: September 9, 2025
Columbia Business School: September 3, 2025 (J-Term: August 13, 2025)
Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania: September 3, 2025
MIT Sloan School of Management: September 29, 2025
UC Berkeley Haas School of Business: September 11, 2025
Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management: September 10, 2025
Duke University Fuqua School of Business: September 4, 2025 (Early Action)
University of Michigan Ross School of Business: September 8, 2025
NYU Stern School of Business: September 15, 2025


Europe & UK

University of Oxford Saïd Business School: September 1, 2025
University of Cambridge Judge Business School: August 26, 2025
INSEAD: September 16, 2025

▶ Check the latest application information for each school here: MBA Program List


Why This Year’s Application Cycle Is a “Major Opportunity”

1. Restrictions on International Students Under Trump

The most significant structural shift this year is the return of Trump and its potential impact on U.S. higher education. As seen in the Harvard case, moves to restrict admissions from certain countries have already begun. However, U.S.-allied countries such as Japan are far less likely to face such headwinds. In fact, MBA applicants report that visa interviews have already resumed, suggesting that the impact will likely remain limited.

2. Fewer Competitors as More Applicants Take a “Wait-and-See” Approach

Due to political developments and global uncertainty, some applicants are choosing to delay their study abroad plans this year. Applications from countries such as China and Russia are expected to decrease significantly, and even some applicants from unaffected regions may hold back. Yet this creates an excellent “contrarian” opportunity. As seen during the COVID-19 years, fewer applicants meant higher admission chances at top schools. Those who applied during that window are now MBA graduates, advancing their careers at companies with annual salaries in the $300,000 range. A similar opportunity is emerging right now.

3. Relaxation of Testing Requirements → The End of the Score-Driven Era

In recent years, programs have increasingly shifted toward more accessible tests such as the GMAT Focus Edition and the Executive Assessment (EA), reducing the weight of test score differences. For example, even M7 schools like Columbia now accept the EA, and more programs allow English proficiency tests like Duolingo in place of TOEFL or IELTS. However, this does not mean admission has become easier.

With tests carrying less weight, what matters most? Without question, the essays. Long-term career vision and essay quality are now the ultimate determinants of admission.


This year, those who think, “I’ll wait a few more years before applying,” are at the greatest risk of missing the easiest admission cycle. At Alpha, we are already seeing a sharp increase in applicants preparing earlier than usual. Many are now drafting applications and essays targeting September deadlines.

This Year Is a Major Opportunity! Consult Alpha Now!

As explained, this year offers an exceptionally strong chance of admission. Especially if you apply in Round 1, your probability of admission to a top school is significantly higher. Programs that were extremely competitive in previous years are now seeing fewer applicants, creating a rare opportunity to gain admission where it may have felt out of reach before. On the other hand, from next year onward, applicant numbers are likely to rebound, bringing back tougher competition—so applying this year is of critical importance.

Most importantly, the key is to take action right now. If you are thinking, “MBA applications take more than a year,” or “I’m not ready yet,” you are exactly the kind of person who should consult Alpha immediately. For example, Columbia MBA accepts EA + Duolingo for applications, meaning it is absolutely possible to be admitted with just three months of preparation. In today’s era of test flexibility, spending over a year on GMAT + TOEFL is truly inefficient. With Alpha, you can move forward and apply in the shortest possible timeframe—so reach out to us today!

Already, those who started early are securing admissions to top MBA programs and launching careers with annual salaries exceeding $300,000.

“I feel limited in my current career.”
“I have vague concerns about my future.”
“I want to aim much higher.”

If this resonates with you, join Alpha’s free consultation today! We will begin by advising you on your career strategy.

▶ Apply here for a free individual consultation: Free Consultation

For MBA Applications, Alpha Advisors Is the Only Choice!

For the past 17 years, Alpha Advisors has guided countless applicants to the world’s top MBAs and graduate schools, including Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, Chicago Booth, MIT Sloan, London Business School, INSEAD, and IESE. After admission, we continue providing comprehensive support for career development, with an outstanding track record of placements at global companies such as Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, BCG, BlackRock, P&G, and Google.

Our Support Includes:

・MBA/graduate/undergraduate application strategy design
・Scholarship application support (essays, recommendations, interviews)
・Self-analysis and long-term career planning
・School selection and networking strategy
・Application materials (resume/essays) preparation
・GRE/GMAT preparation
・TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo preparation
・Internship and job-hunting strategy support (including MBA recruiting)

We serve as the best possible team to realize your vision. From scholarship awards to MBA/graduate/undergraduate admission, and ultimately job offers at top global companies, Alpha Advisors ensures you reach your goals in the shortest path possible.

Get in Touch Here!

Demand for consultations is very high, so contact us early! Many regret saying, “I should have reached out sooner...”
Experience the guidance only Alpha can provide—advice based on deep expertise in global careers that ordinary schools or prep centers cannot offer.

https://global.alpha-academy.com/

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 17:06:45 +0900
TJ
Admin

TJ Profile

TJ: Formerly with Sumitomo Corporation, where he worked in the Corporate Accounting Department overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and performance management for over 800 domestic and overseas group companies, as well as IR (Investor Relations) activities. Selected as the youngest trainee for Sumitomo Corporation of America (New York), where he contributed to the restructuring of a U.S. electric arc furnace steel business invested in by Sumitomo. Later joined the Project Finance Department, where he was engaged in arranging large-scale financings for infrastructure projects in developing countries and financing for Jupiter Telecommunications. Selected as a company-sponsored candidate for overseas MBA programs.

Earned his MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, with concentrations in Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Organizational Management. Founder of the University of Chicago Japanese Association. Initiated and executed the school’s first-ever “Japan Trip”, which has since become an annual tradition.

Subsequently joined Goldman Sachs Japan’s Investment Banking Division, where he advised on numerous M&A transactions in the media and consumer sectors, supported capital raising including IPOs, and worked on private equity investments and corporate restructuring assignments.

Selected as one of only six fellows (out of over 200 applicants) for the 4th Entrepreneurial Leadership Program of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai), where he received mentorship from leading entrepreneurs including Hideo Sawada, Chairman of H.I.S.

Served as President of the Chicago Booth Alumni Association in Japan (2006–2010). Has guided numerous candidates to admission at top MBA programs (Harvard, Stanford, and other leading schools in the U.S., Europe, and Asia), graduate schools, universities, and boarding schools. Track record of placing students at leading global firms including Mitsubishi Corporation, McKinsey & Company, Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, Google, Big 4 consulting/FAS, Dentsu, Toyota, MUFG Bank, Nomura Securities, among others.

Renowned for his rigorous one-on-one coaching for TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, and GRE, with a reputation for pushing candidates to fully complete their preparation. Highly regarded for his ability to design and achieve career and academic goals with unmatched quality and precision. As a result, he is in high demand as an advisor, with numerous requests to work directly under his guidance.

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 17:07:57 +0900
TJ
Admin

TJ Profile

TJ: Formerly with Sumitomo Corporation, where he worked in the Corporate Accounting Department overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and performance management for over 800 domestic and overseas group companies, as well as IR (Investor Relations) activities. Selected as the youngest trainee for Sumitomo Corporation of America (New York), where he contributed to the restructuring of a U.S. electric arc furnace steel business invested in by Sumitomo. Later joined the Project Finance Department, where he was engaged in arranging large-scale financings for infrastructure projects in developing countries and financing for Jupiter Telecommunications. Selected as a company-sponsored candidate for overseas MBA programs.

Earned his MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, with concentrations in Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Organizational Management. Founder of the University of Chicago Japanese Association. Initiated and executed the school’s first-ever “Japan Trip”, which has since become an annual tradition.

Subsequently joined Goldman Sachs Japan’s Investment Banking Division, where he advised on numerous M&A transactions in the media and consumer sectors, supported capital raising including IPOs, and worked on private equity investments and corporate restructuring assignments.

Selected as one of only six fellows (out of over 200 applicants) for the 4th Entrepreneurial Leadership Program of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai), where he received mentorship from leading entrepreneurs including Hideo Sawada, Chairman of H.I.S.

Served as President of the Chicago Booth Alumni Association in Japan (2006–2010). Has guided numerous candidates to admission at top MBA programs (Harvard, Stanford, and other leading schools in the U.S., Europe, and Asia), graduate schools, universities, and boarding schools. Track record of placing students at leading global firms including Mitsubishi Corporation, McKinsey & Company, Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, Google, Big 4 consulting/FAS, Dentsu, Toyota, MUFG Bank, Nomura Securities, among others.

Renowned for his rigorous one-on-one coaching for TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, and GRE, with a reputation for pushing candidates to fully complete their preparation. Highly regarded for his ability to design and achieve career and academic goals with unmatched quality and precision. As a result, he is in high demand as an advisor, with numerous requests to work directly under his guidance.

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 17:14:16 +0900

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