Clear Admit: Advice on how to prep for an MBA, from a company that’s done it for 25 years

When Eliot Ingram and Graham Richmond founded Clear Admit in Philadelphia in 2001, their goal was simple: help applicants to Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs navigate the admissions process. 

“It started off as a service firm doing MBA admissions consulting, working one-on-one with MBA applicants,” Ingram told Technical.ly. “Our goal was to help level the playing field, to give access to valuable information to a wider array of applicants.”

Bootstrapped in the beginning, the Philly-founded edtech startup guided prospective MBA candidates into top programs. Over time, it raised capital from friends and family, angel investors and the state-backed venture development org Ben Franklin Technology Partners. 

In 2015, Clear Admit made a major change, as the market for one‑on‑one consulting was changing, and Ingram and Richmond realized its biggest advantage was the large digital audience that accessed its resources for free. It shifted from serving individual applicants one-on-one to working directly with business schools, offering digital advertising, marketing and market research. 

Nearly 25 years since it first launched, Clear Admit, with its team of less than 10 employees, remains lean and profitable, according to Ingram.

It serves hundreds of thousands of MBA applicants worldwide and is embracing AI tools like its “Ask Clear Admit” bot as it moves into its second quarter-century. For applicants, there are new ways to make their way through the application process, while for business schools, it means deeper insights into what candidates want.

The real differentiator when it comes to MBA success, Ingram says, is purpose. Thinking about getting an MBA to further your career? Here are 5 tips.

Build authentic career narratives

Applicants should begin by asking themselves what they truly want to do, what they’re good at, and what people will pay them for, Ingram says. Defining your career story turns the MBA into a deliberate step, not a default choice.

“It’s really important to think carefully about your career goals,” he said. “What do you really want to do?”

Know when NOT to get an MBA

The MBA process may be his business, but Ingram knows that it’s not for everyone. Some people discover during the process that another graduate path (or none at all) fits better. Honest self‑assessment is essential.

“Some people realize they don’t need to go, and that’s okay,” Ingram said. “Everyone has their own journey.”

Prioritize fit over rankings

Prestige matters less than alignment. In Ingram’s experience, applicants who choose universities and programs that match their goals and values are often more successful in their careers than those who prioritize status.

“When applicants take the time to use this process to authentically think about what they’re good at, they’re better at finding the right school that’s the right fit for them.” he said.

Listen actively to mentors and peers

Outside perspectives often reveal strengths and blind spots. Ingram advises listening carefully to mentors and peers when shaping your MBA story. 

“They often see things about you that you don’t see about yourself,” he said.

Take lessons from entrepreneurship

Preparing for an MBA resembles launching a startup, Ingram says: know your “why,” act decisively and accept setbacks.

“Using a baseball analogy, it’s better to bat seven for 10 than three for three,” he said. “Meaning you have to be willing to go out there and try things, knowing you’re going to make some mistakes.”

At the end of the day, Clear Admit is about education transforming careers.

“We want people to reach their full potential,” Ingram said, “and we believe in the power of business education.”