Imagine that you are standing in the lobby of a large building and have just pushed the button to go up to the 10th floor for an appointment you have in a few minutes. As you are waiting for the elevator to arrive, you strike up a conversation with the person waiting next to you. To your amazement, you find that your companion for the elevator ride will be none other than an MBA admissions officer from your top b-school – the very b-school that you are applying to this fall! What will you say in the 30-45 seconds you have to make a great impression and potentially secure your dream?
Before you begin to meet admissions officers and send in that application to your programs of choice, it is essential that you define and refine your elevator pitch. This is the synopsis, in under one minute, of what qualifies you as a candidate and why they should be interested in admitting you. There are three vital questions to answer in your elevator pitch.
1) Why do you want to go to business school?
2) Why our business school rather than others?
3) Why is now the right time for you to go to business school?
These three questions are the heart of any good application, and if you can’t answer them, you need to spend some time refining your answers to them in order to present a compelling case in person and in your b-school application. You will want to answer these questions in long form in your personal statement, but you will also want a short form for your interview and for events in which you have the opportunity to meet these officers.
When you are answering these questions, make sure that you are authentic. The rationale behind your answers needs to come from a place and a desire within you. Admissions officers want to know that you have taken the time to do your research about the differences between schools. Know the specifics of the program you’re interested in. Get specific about why you would choose their program over others. What classes interest you, what groups will you join, and how will you fit the culture of the school?
Finally, before you attend any event where you will meet admissions officers, practice your elevator pitch. Present your pitch to friends, family, coworkers, etc. until it feels natural and polished. Remember to get to the point and make every word count — just like when you are tweeting. This process will also set you up nicely to write your personal statement and prepare for your interview.
Get started now - you never know when you’ll get that short elevator ride that could change the trajectory of your future!
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