You’re excited and ready to apply to b-school. As you begin to map out a plan, you realize that you’re overwhelmed with information and unclear as to what to do first. Everyone has an opinion and you soon realize that you’re unable to sort the facts from the urban legends. Before you start downloading applications and cranking out essays, you need to survey the MBA admissions landscape. This is not a quick-hit process that can be completed over a weekend. It’s complex and will require you to invest a substantial amount of time and money. Let’s ensure that you do it right the first time. After all, who has the time or energy for do-overs!
Here’s my bright and shiny list of the top 5 MBA Admissions and Application Mistakes:
- Not building enough time into your schedule to submit compelling MBA applications. If you take the process seriously, you will quickly discover that applying to business school is labor and time intensive. You have a lot of information to organize and prepare as well as a host of deadlines to meet. It’s not too early. There are actions you can take right now to strengthen your candidacy even if you’re applying a year or two from now. Start early and finish strong.
- Not marketing yourself and failing to determine and articulate your unique selling proposition. Strong branding and positioning are a critical yet overlooked part of the MBA admissions process. It’s a key component to success because it helps the Admissions Committee (Adcom) determine what makes you unique and why you would be an asset to the school. Invest in this step ASAP as it will provide the foundation for your admissions essays and interviews.
- Not understanding that MBA Admissions Officers want to create a diverse class of students. If you’re not an investment banker or management consult have no fear. You can get into b-school if you learn how to demonstrate your value. The Adcom is looking to create the ultimate community — a class of interesting people with deep and varied interests who are going to participate fully in the MBA experience and leave the program equipped to contribute to the world. That means you!
- Underestimating the importance of the essays; stats alone will not get you in.
- Applying to the wrong school(s). Select schools that fit your goals and complement your learning style. It’s not about the brand name. Concentrate on “fitting-in” as well as “getting-in.” It’s critical that you not only know your skill set intimately but also the unique selling propositions of the schools to which you’ll be applying. Remember, at the end of this adventure, ideally you’ll get to choose a program. Smile and take a moment to picture of all of those Admission Officers at the admissions party just waiting to be chosen.
Your grades, GMATs and work experience are historical data points that can’t be altered. The difference between you and someone with the same profile could be your essays. Successful applicants realize that essays are a powerful part of the process and represent your opportunity to speak to the Adcom directly. Take control over your essays and make them work for you.
