The 2025 AIGAC conference spanned 4 days, in three awe-inspiring business schools that consistently attract large numbers of MBA candidates: UC Berkeley – Haas School of Business, Stanford GSB, and UCLA Anderson School of Management. Expectations were very high by all and the conference did not disappoint.
Day 1 Berkeley Haas School of Business
The first day of our conference started with a packed room of AIGAC consultants, Admission Committee representatives from most of the top Business Schools in the USA and Europe, and of course, our hosts at UC Berkeley – Haas School of Business, who went above and beyond to make all feel welcome.
We started with an overview of the past year in Admissions where most schools reported higher, or even record, numbers of applicants. Not surprisingly, average test scores went up (mostly because of International students!!) and admission rates down. Overall, it was a competitive year for new admits. With respect of what will happen in the Fall of 2025, most American schools expect a decline in international applicants, while there is uncertainty about domestic applicants. One interesting conclusion is that for those international candidates that will apply, their chances of being admitted may be better than average. European schools on the other hand are expecting a surge in application numbers. Already, there is increased interest and participation in their admission webinars and all indications are that getting admitted into a top European school in the ‘25-’26 cycle will get tougher.
In the second panel of the day we discussed Diversity, Equality, and Inclusivity (DEI) issues, which are under fire by the current US Administration. Energy levels were high in the discussions that followed with the most important message being that all schools stand by their commitment to DEI, even if they have to finesse their approach to it. Good news indeed!
With Eric Askins, Executive director of MBA (Berkeley Haas)
Day 2 Berkeley Haas School of Business
Day 2 started with the most hotly anticipated topic: AI. In the multiple panels and round-table discussions that followed, we explored all aspects of AI, from application essays, to curriculum changes, to workshops and practicums that leverage AI.
Among the many interesting and important things that were discussed, one stands out: AI generated essays that have not been worked on by the candidate stand out in the most negative way. Although they may not be the reason for a rejection, their generic, bland nature usually does a disservice to the candidate. AI is fine for a first draft but from then on the candidate, perhaps together with a consultant, must customize and personalize what will be presented to AdComs.
The rest of the day was divided into an overview of how recruiting went for MBA graduates (half on campus, half virtual), what changes we should expect to see in the applications for MBA programs (many schools changing, increased use of video interviews), and the transformative power of a top MBA program.
The latter was truly inspirational and motivating. Obtaining an MBA is much more than just a step towards getting a better job; it is a process that might change one’s outlook on life! If you are still on the fence about pursuing an MBA, talk to an AIGAC consultant for further insight.
Day 3 Stanford GSB
Day 3 found us on the Stanford GSB campus and it gorgeous facilities. After a brief introduction by the new Head of Admissions, we spent our morning in a very vigorous discourse of the way Stanford GSB is navigating the current challenges in Education, in the US, and the key changes in the MBA curriculum that will address the changing landscape in the work place. We pressed on what makes a candidate Stanford “material” and strategies to best present oneself in the application. The long and short of it: Be Outstanding. The Stanford GSB MBA program is arguably the leading program in the world and they will fill the seats with the best candidates they can find. Top grades, high test schores, and work experience from a Big-4 consulting company may not be enough. At the same time, it is possible to see past the myth and focus on the brass tacks that will earn the Admit decision. Talk to a qualified AIGAC consultant on how to present yourself in the Stanford GSB application!
Startup companies sprout out of the Stanford GSB ecosystem like mushrooms! The reason is rather simple: the entire university allocates large amounts of resources to supporting their students, in any way imaginable, including encouraging them to discard all fear of failure. At Stanford, failure is a sure sign of progress!
We left Stanford GSB enchanted, caught up in the magic of this outstanding university that justifies the lore of its reputation, without exception.
Day 4 UCLA Anderson School of Management
Day 4 started on the UCLA campus, at the Anderson School of Management. It is easy to forget that UCLA is a public university, as it was to do the same at UC Berkeley, because the campus facilities are astounding. Functionality, aesthetics, green spaces, and the latest in education technology are amply provided to all students, in every possible way!
We were greeted by the Dean of the Anderson School of Management who, among many other things, pointed out the superior concentration tracks of the MBA program in Healthcare and of course, Media and Entertainment. A lesser-known fact is that more tech startups are launched in the Los Angeles area than the rest of the state of California. The MBA program at UCLA justifiably ranks among the top programs globally.
We spent the rest of the day in an AI Masterclass, presented by an Anderson professor, we analyzed the ins and outs of what makes a strong candidate for UCLA, and we were very impressed by the startup incubator on campus that supports MBA students in their most ambitious plans.
There were so many takeaways from this 2025 AIGAC conference, each providing further insight into how to pursue an MBA degree that will literally change one’s life. Furthermore, visiting these three excellent and most coveted business schools certainly confirmed in our minds the value and the quality of education they offer their students. California might lie a bit further away for many but what all these three schools have to offer should eliminate all hesitation.
With Effie Kravariti, MBA 26′ UCLA, proud student of Dia Gerontoudi Prep Center