Chapter 28

Ten Ways to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Business School

IN THIS CHAPTER

check Discovering what’s important to admissions committees

check Finding out how to make the most of your MBA admissions application

The number of business school applications continues to increase, but quantity doesn’t necessarily mean quality. And the quality of your application remains your single best bet for standing out among the crowd. A great application emphasizes your academic preparation, strong work experience, and a clear sense of what you hope to gain from your quest for an MBA. This chapter highlights what you can do to make sure your application process provides what it takes to impress the decision makers.

Accumulate a Little Work Experience

You don’t have to get your MBA right after you graduate. In fact, waiting and working for a while may be to your advantage. Many admissions officers like to see at least three years of managerial work experience when you apply for an MBA program so they can be sure you’re cut out for a career in business. They also look for signs of competence and career progress, such as promotions, the acquisition of new skills, and increased responsibilities in the workplace.

Ace the Interview

Some programs require an interview; others may recommend one. If a business school states that an interview is optional, grab this opportunity to demonstrate your social skills and highlight your passions. To make a good impression, heed the following advice:

  • Dress in business attire.
  • Smile, look your interviewer in the eye, and answer questions honestly.
  • Exude confidence without arrogance.
  • Ask questions of the interviewer that demonstrate your knowledge of the program.
  • Follow up with a thank-you note.

Apply Early

Applying early to an MBA program demonstrates strong planning skills and a significant interest in the program. Submitting your application before the rest of the crowd also increases the chances of your application getting the time and attention from admissions officers it rightfully deserves!

Apply While You’re Upwardly Mobile

Business schools want go-getters, and what better time to catch someone than on the way up? Show your school of choice that you’re a force to be reckoned with by highlighting any recent promotions, achievements, accolades, or anything that helps suggest that it had better snatch you up while you’re in your prime before another school beats it to the punch.

Capitalize on What Makes You Unique

Don’t waste too much time trying to fit into some imaginary mold of the ideal business student. Business school admissions officers are seeking students with varying life experiences and from a broad variety of backgrounds, so embrace who you are and avoid trying to present a false persona that may ultimately backfire. In fact, your non-traditional profile may make you even more desirable to a program that seeks to diversify its class.

Demonstrate Interest

Business schools want to know that if they accept you, you’ll actually attend. Admissions committees equate communication with interest, so the more you reach out to them, the more interested they’ll be in you. Contact your admissions representative regularly with pertinent questions. Just make sure you don’t become a pest!

Focus on Fit

Just as you want to know what school is the best fit for you, admissions officers seek the students who are the best fit for them. Do your research about what a particular school is known for and what sorts of skills and personality traits it embraces, and tailor your application, essay, and interview accordingly. You can find out a lot about a particular business school’s personality by researching its website, searching the Internet for articles about the program and its graduates, and visiting the campus.

Get the Right Recommendations

Business school applicants commonly fixate so much on the essay process that they diminish the importance of securing solid recommendations. Don’t undervalue the crucial role of recommendations. Choose supervisors who know you well, both personally and professionally. Admissions officers focus on how well your reference knows your strengths and weaknesses. Find someone who can expound on how well you interact with others and provide evidence of your academic prowess and leadership abilities.

Remember The person who knows you best is more likely to be your direct supervisor than the company CEO.

Study for the GMAT

Your GMAT score matters. The test was designed to determine how well you’ll likely do in an MBA program in comparison to a plethora of other applicants, so scoring sky-high on the GMAT can place you head and shoulders above the rest of the crowd. Use this book’s step-by-step instruction for each area of the test to help you prepare, and be sure to take the practice tests to help you identify areas where you could benefit from a bit of a refresher.

Write a Memorable Admissions Essay

When crafting your admissions essay, keep in mind that the admissions committee already knows your facts and figures — what you studied, where you worked, and your scores on the GMAT. The point of the essay is to give application readers a glimpse of the real you — what makes you stand out from the crowd, what motivates you, what you have overcome, and what you want to achieve in life. Keep in mind that admissions committees are reading thousands of responses to the same questions, so avoid falling into the trap of writing what you think they want to hear and instead shift your focus to self-revelation through vivid details and thoughtful anecdotes.