There’s a myriad of advice and information available when you’re looking to apply for an MBA. This is a decision that can alter the entire course of your future, and help secure the career of your dreams. The potential impact of getting a place in your dream school is huge, and so it’s vital to ensure that your application stands out from the crowd, and you don’t fall for the many myths that circulate about the application process.
1. You Need an Undergraduate Degree to Get Into a Good School
Many people who don’t have a college diploma assume they won’t get into a top-tier school, and don’t even check admissions policies for schools that they assume are out of their league. While a good degree is never going to harm an application, there are some highly respected schools who will accept outstanding candidates, whose background is more practical than academic. If you have valuable experience, you are still very much a contender for a spot in a good school.
2. Campus Visits Aren’t Important
It’s true that there’s an abundance of information available online, however none of this can really make up for experiencing the real thing. If your time and resources permit, a visit will add real meat to the bones of your application – as mentioning classes you’ve observed, staff that you’ve spoken to, and an insight into the campus atmosphere and environment will set you apart. Everyone will have the right word count, great writing skills, and a well produced essay, but having this showcases your passion and dedication.
3. Recommendations Should Be From CEOs and Powerful Alumni
Having an impersonal and generic recommendation from someone perceived as authoritative and important will not make your application stand out. Having a personal and detailed recommendation, from somebody who clearly knows you is much better. Not only because it will include specific positive details about you, but also because it’s much more reliable when someone who actually knows you has good things to say.
4. Create a Persona That Will Appeal to the School
While there may be forums full of the ‘ideal candidate’ description, being your authentic self is the absolute best way to make a good impression. Schools want diversity, not clones, and so make sure your personality and individuality shine throughout your application. Your life experience, professional career so far, and even where you’re from can all combine to make you an appealing candidate that could provide fresh perspective to your class.
5. Writing One Good Application Essay Is Fine
While putting a lot of effort into your admissions essay and being proud of the result is vitally important, using the same essay for every school is a mistake. While some of the questions schools ask may look similar, if you delve into what they’re expecting and looking to gain from your answer, you will see that one response will not adequately answer every question. An MBA is hard work, and that work begins with applications, so do not neglect asking for a piece of advice and getting any kind of assignment help during your preparation.
6. Not All Extracurricular Activities and Hobbies Are Worth Mentioning
While being a leader or volunteer in a group is commendable, there are many more noteworthy activities that are relevant to your application. Sports, skills like cooking or gardening, or any hobby provides further insight into who you are, and rounds off your application. It shows that you will get involved with activities in school that you will add to the campus and classroom environment. There is rarely a need to delay applying to try and build some skills you think will be well-received.
7. If You Tick Certain Boxes, You’ll get In a Good School
There is an idea circulating that having a good GMAT score, a good grade point average from your undergraduate degree, and recognized extracurricular activities will guarantee your admission. The issue here is that the majority of other applicants will be relying on this exact same formula. The admissions team will review your application are humans – so your best chance of currying their favour is by showing you are human too – well rounded and not reduced to a GPA. It’s a subjective process – so never set your sights on one school, and never take rejection personally.
While being aware of these myths and staying away from the false advice, is a great start, nothing can substitute putting a lot of work into your admissions essay, and getting some hep and feedback can be really beneficial.
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