Hello everyone! This is TJ.

Today, I want to discuss a somewhat provocative topic: “Should you go for an MBA, or remain stuck in a system that exploits you in Japan?” You may have heard the news that Japanese professionals with top American MBAs are now receiving offers of up to 30 million yen (around \$200,000) in starting salaries. Yet many people still hesitate, thinking “It’s impossible for me,” or “The competition is too intense, and it’s too expensive.”

However, I want to emphasize that 2025 presents a “double chance” for those aiming to apply to MBA programs. Looking at current political and economic trends, as well as how business schools handle admissions, the next year or two could be the best timing to pursue admission to a top MBA.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through why staying in Japan might be riskier than you think, how you can strategically target admission to a top MBA, and what concrete steps you should take right away. My hope is that, by the end, you’ll clearly see your path to tripling your annual salary—and transforming your entire future.

Why 2025 Is a Double Chance for MBA Applicants

You may have heard rumors that “MBA hiring is down.” Yet, a closer look reveals that any slowdown might be specific to the consulting sector. In fact, financial services and tech (IT) continue to hire MBAs aggressively at top salaries.

On top of that, with the upcoming U.S. presidential election, it’s speculated that if Donald Trump wins, we might see a period of U.S. dollar depreciation—potentially lowering the cost of studying abroad. That means your tuition and living expenses could be more affordable than anticipated.

Furthermore, schools like Columbia and Chicago Booth have an Early Admission (EA) process that can boost your odds if you apply early. If you plan strategically for 2025 admission, you can leverage EA to increase your chances of acceptance. In short, 2025 truly is a “double chance” for those aiming for an MBA.

“I Want to Save the World!” Will Get You Rejected: The Real Art of the Essay

When it comes to writing essays and interviewing for top MBA programs, token altruism or fake “save the world” statements usually won’t cut it. Admissions officers want to see authentic personal stories—the real challenges you’ve faced, how you overcame them, and what you genuinely hope to achieve in business and life.

• At Stanford, they often ask more about failure than success. Demonstrating how you responded to a failed venture—and what you learned from it—can be more compelling than merely listing triumphs.
  
• At MIT, they may explore deeply personal issues, like family hardships or even the loss of a loved one, to see how you grew and what values guide you now.
  
• Chicago Booth might be intrigued by how you perceive Japan’s cultural barriers and how you plan to navigate and overcome them.
  
• Columbia may appreciate frank discussions about real challenges—such as difficulties women face in building their careers—and how you’ve tackled those issues.

The common thread is that superficial talk of “social good” rarely succeeds. Instead, share how your own history, setbacks, and ambitions have shaped you into the individual you are today.

Five Practical Steps to Secure Your Spot at a Top MBA

So how can you actually achieve admission to a top-tier MBA? Here are five key moves:

1. Aim for Early Rounds (Round 1)
   
   Many business schools split applications into several rounds. Round 1 typically offers better odds, as well as a higher likelihood of winning scholarships. Start preparing early so you can maximize your chances.

2. Perfect Your Resume Using the Alpha Template
   
   Writing a resume (the English version of your CV) for MBA applications is completely different from typical Japanese job-hunting formats. In most cases, you’re expected to limit your resume to a single page, highlight your achievements quantitatively, and follow specific guidelines. You need the kind of expertise that comes from studying successful applicants’ resumes. At Alpha, we provide our students with a “Fail-Proof, Dominant Resume Format” inspired by global elite resumes, including those from Goldman Sachs. We then offer powerful editing support to ensure your resume is unbeatable. This “Alpha Ultimate Resume,” which you can use throughout your career, is a must-have!

3. Use Your Genuine Story as an Essay Weapon
   
   As mentioned earlier, superficial statements can lead to rejection. The key is to candidly convey your personal experiences—including failures—what you learned from them, and what you hope to accomplish in the future. Make sure it’s in your own words, reflecting your true motivations and aspirations.

4. Actively Participate in Campus Visits and Online Events
   
   If possible, actually visiting a campus and speaking directly with admissions officers or current students can make a strong impression. Even if traveling to the U.S. is challenging, take advantage of webinars and online sessions to build connections with the school. Doing so can give you a valuable edge later on.

5. Aim for “Good Enough” Scores on GMAT/GRE/TOEFL/IELTS
   
   If you’re targeting a top school, you do need to meet a certain score threshold. However, it’s more crucial to hit the required range quickly rather than obsessing over a perfect score. Don’t spend all your time studying for exams—put effort into essays and interview prep as well. The best option is to rely on Alpha’s professional advisors who know how to help you reach the necessary scores as efficiently as possible. We offer specialized programs called “Alpha Training” for each test, and Alpha students have unlimited access to them. Take full advantage to achieve top scores in the shortest amount of time!

If You Want to Enroll in 2025, Start Now

For 2025 enrollment, deadlines might be earlier than you think. Harvard’s Round 1 usually closes in early September, with Columbia and other schools following soon after in fall or winter. Many applicants get overwhelmed if they start too late because essays, recommendations, and tests can each take months.

If you’re considering Columbia or NYU’s Early Admission, you’ll have to plan even more carefully to ensure a polished application by the earlier deadline. Self-study can be quite time-consuming; collaborating with proven experts often saves time in the long run and helps you avoid pitfalls.

Why Choose Alpha Advisors to Triple Your Salary Post-MBA?

If you’re reading this and wondering, “Can I really do this? How do I even begin?”—that’s where Alpha Advisors comes in.

• A Strong Track Record of Top MBA Admissions
  
  Alpha Advisors has guided numerous students to admission at Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, Chicago, MIT, and many more. On top of that, they’ve helped many secure scholarships—which can significantly reduce the financial burden.

• One-Stop Support for Tests, Essays, and Interviews
  
  MBA applications involve many moving parts, from standardized tests (GMAT/GRE/TOEFL/IELTS) to résumés, essays, and interviews. Alpha Advisors provides comprehensive support so you can focus on what matters: presenting your strongest self.

• Free Consultations
  
  Start with a free consultation to gauge your current standing—academic record, work experience, and English proficiency—to form a real action plan. Sometimes just a single conversation can reveal a path you never realized was open.

Investing in an MBA can reshape your entire future, opening doors to high-paying roles around the world and drastically increasing your professional value. It’s a significant step, and going it alone with limited or outdated information can be costly.

Conclusion: If You Don’t Act, You May Regret It Forever

“MBA or keep being exploited in Japan”—this framing may sound extreme, but the window of opportunity for ambitious professionals to go global is wide open right now. The longer you wait, the more hurdles (like age and life commitments) can crop up.

• If you’ve ever dreamed of going abroad or advancing your career, now is the best time to act.
  
• For 2025 enrollment, you need to start preparing immediately to meet application deadlines.
  
• Partnering with expert advisors can significantly boost your chances of acceptance—and reduce mistakes.

Fast-forward a couple of years: Will you be earning three times your current salary after graduating from a top MBA? Or will you still be stuck in the same situation you’re in now?

The choice is yours—and the difference comes down to whether you decide to act today. If you’re even a little curious or excited about the possibilities, reach out to Alpha Advisors for a free consultation. Hear directly from seasoned experts who have navigated the process and supported countless successful applicants.

The double chance for MBAs in 2025 is waiting. Don’t miss out on your chance to triple your salary and reshape your future. Go for it, and go boldly!

Talk to Alpha right now – your go-to solution awaits

TJアドバイザーズ│MBA合格・外資商社内定・東大早慶合格。圧倒的実績が口コミで評判！

TJ
TJ@Alpha, Founder and CEO of Alpha Advisors

Served in Sumitomo Corporation’s Finance Department, managing budgeting, accounting, performance evaluations, and investor relations for the head office and over 800 affiliated companies. Selected as the youngest trainee for Sumitomo Corporation of America (New York), where he was responsible for financing global mega-deals in Europe, the United States, Asia, and Latin America within the Project Finance Department.

He then pursued an MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business under corporate sponsorship. Following graduation, he joined Goldman Sachs Japan in the Investment Banking Division, working on numerous M&A, financing, and restructuring transactions. He was one of six individuals (from over 200 applicants) selected for the 4th Entrepreneurial Leadership Program organized by the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai). From 2006 to 2010, he served as President of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business Alumni Association in Japan.

In 2009, he founded Alpha Academy. Since then, he has provided guidance to more than 20,000 individuals—securing admissions to top global programs including Harvard and Stanford, as well as job offers from leading companies such as Mitsubishi Corporation, McKinsey & Company, and Goldman Sachs. The Alpha community now exceeds 100,000 members. Through comprehensive career support services—ranging from job hunting, study abroad, MBA and career transitions, to TOEIC, TOEFL, GMAT, and GRE—he continues to expand opportunities for countless people with outstanding quality of advice.