Last night's panel, with admissions officers from Harvard, Stanford, Wharton and UC Berkeley Haas was a big success. We originally expected around 100 attendees -- it turns out about 150 were there!

There are lots of good candidates out there, and I expect a number of those good candidates are members of 85 Broads!

So here are a few items that I recall very quickly

* Applications are trending up. This year is slightly up from last year, but the real amazing statistic is that Stanford's applications have grown 50% in three years.

* But don't be scared. Admissions offices all over the country are much more transparent than they have ever been about what they are looking for -- they will tell you pretty much what kind of person, or what kind of "fit" they actually want. Do your homework and read the websites, talk to alums, visit a class.

* In the current entering class of HBS, more students came from non-profit (including government) than from investment banking. Takeaway: You can come from a "non-traditional" background and still get in.

* The curricula for the schools is changing -- so it's good to stay on top of how each school approaches teaching business courses in the current environment. Programs are incorporating sustainability, corporate social responsibility and ethics, not just as courses, but integrated within what is being taught.

* Lots of international opportunities, especially at Wharton and UC Berkeley Haas

The event was recorded by MBA Podcaster, who is producing a show as I write this. Will link to the Podcast as soon as it is ready.