While some candidates may feel deflated after reading her remarks, fearing they might have to switch strategies mid-stream, Leopold’s tips benefit anyone applying to Harvard and other case method-based MBA programs.

Tip #1

“Try to resist the urge to make “standing out” your primary goal in the admissions process. If you have made traditional choices all along (college, extra-curriculars, major field of study, jobs), own it. You’ll look silly if you try to portray yourself as a rogue daredevil. There are plenty of people at HBS who come from traditional backgrounds.”

I would add that excellence comes in many different packages, and sometimes small examples can brilliantly illustrate your distinctive contributions. Avoid any attempt to manufacture a memorable impression and instead focus on relaying with enthusiasm your own unique accomplishments and interests. You’re not being asked to talk about yourself for any other reason than to help a school learn why you made the choices you did. What those choices were is hardly relevant.

Tip #2

“Do your homework about the case method. It’s our signature pedagogy and it is nothing like traditional academia. Watch Inside the Case Method on our website and ask yourself if you find this method of learning intriguing and exciting. If it’s not for you, choose another school now vs. later.”

The Case Method approach is a proven winner because it brings the subject to life, brings business back to reality, and allows you to benefit from the professional experiences of a diverse group of classmates. However, this method may not be for everyone.  Other top programs, such as Chicago Booth School of Business, Kellogg School of Management, Yale School of Management and more rely on a broader mix of teaching methods.

Tip #3

“Stay curious. It’s so easy to stay “heads down” during the application process and become so introspective that you lose sight of the larger world. Keep reading. Keep listening. We’re looking for people who can dig into a case about a company they have never heard of, in an industry they don’t think they care about – and be 100% engaged.”

I like to remind applicants to stay connected to the bigger picture – remember what this process is all about.  Ultimately it is not about submitting a set of essays.  It is not even about getting in to X school.  It is about your future, your career, creating opportunities for yourself.  Tap into all the things in life that inspire you; this will help you to make things happen.

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If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, Stacy Blackman Consulting can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Contact us to learn more. Visit the website for Stacy Blackman Reviews, and check out the company’s e-publications for more in depth school-by-school guidance.

St-John returns to Vanderbilt from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, where she has served as Senior Associate Director of Admissions and Recruiting since 2004. St-John began her MBA admissions career at Vanderbilt in 1997, where she oversaw international recruitment.

Previously St-John held roles in marketing, as well as in oil and gas trading. A Nashville native, she holds a Master’s degree and Ph.D. from Vanderbilt. St-John has lived abroad and travelled to 70 countries for both work and pleasure.

“We are excited to welcome Christie back to Vanderbilt,” said Jim Bradford, Dean of the Owen Graduate School. “She combines a vast global experience with a keen understanding and appreciation of what makes a top graduate management program.”

Tami Fassinger, Chief Recruiting Officer for the Owen Graduate School, added that St-John would also play a key role in the school’s larger strategy of aligning incoming student career objectives with placement results on a broad geographic scale.

“Christie’s ability to relate to our global talent pool is invaluable to where we’re going as a school. We’re glad to have her back on our team.” Fassinger said. “I hired Christie in her first tenure at Vanderbilt. We’ve missed her talent, as well as her international mindset and far-reaching network.”

St-John will handle recruiting and admissions for the full-time MBA and one-year Master of Finance (MSF) programs.

“Vanderbilt has seen a great deal of positive momentum in recent years,” St-John said. “I am pleased to have the opportunity to increase the school’s reach, both in the U.S. and globally.”

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If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, Stacy Blackman Consulting can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Contact us to learn more. Visit the website for Stacy Blackman Reviews, and check out the company’s e-publications for more in depth school-by-school guidance.