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Adcoms are looking for Exceptional people who are well ahead of the curve and progressing faster than their peers. MBA candidates are mission-driven at their core, someone who is looking to create a positive change in the world and will be interested in serving a larger purpose!
But it’s not just restricted to wanting to be successful in the business world; b-schools wish to see a variety of characteristics in any applicant’s profile, whether they are evidenced by personal interests, professional experience, Academic brilliance, or extracurricular activities!
However, the problem with MBA Candidates is that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to this!
When it comes to MBA students, it’s really hard to generalize as MBA students come in all different “colors, sizes and flavors.” Therefore, there can’t be a perfectly set benchmark to describe whether a candidate is the best fit or not! (unless you are a top performer in every aspect, a Mr/Mrs/Miss Perfect!)
So what to do?
Well, the good news is that Top MBA Programs aren’t just composed of brainiacs and geniuses; we have dealt with a fair share of candidates who had average scores, no big four listed, low IR, and even candidates with low academic scores. Still, the good thing is that their Application finally turned out great!
How, you ask?
Well, I assure you, we don’t practice witchcraft! (Although we got a great team of magicians of their Spells! 🧙)
The key is to excel at certain activities and add small pinches of distinction and greatness in whatever you do! As they say, excellence is in the details (well, they don’t, but they should). The devil is in the details. It’s all about deliberately finding the good examples in a heap that would help support the other elements forming a network of interlinked models to engage, and trying to bring the adcom onboard with the script prepared by you! Once they enter “YOUR ZONE,” from there, it’s all a cakewalk!
Positioning for MBA applicants
With the Round 1 season in commencement, every MBA aspirant has put their 100% effort into building a near-perfect application with stellar scores, achievements, and various accolades! Of course, all of this takes a lot of hard work, late nights, and a lot of your time from an already tight schedule! However, even after all this, MBA candidates often face rejection or are waitlisted.
Nothing hurts us more than seeing an honest, hardworking candidate fail! Hence, to help aspiring MBA candidates deeper, we found that one of the key challenges most MBAs face is “how to position the crucial elements of their profile.” Knowing where to make the mark is something that moves your name to the pile labeled Admitted!
So which elements of the application matter most?
If you are not a fresh MBA applicant, you likely know about the different pieces of a candidate’s profile that hold the most importance, like GMAT, GPA, Essays, Resume, etc. However, this article is not about the elements of a stellar profile; you can check out our article at the link — How to build your MBA Application 101.
However, we must keep in mind that whether you are a beginner or not, you need to understand the chronology of elements of your profile, and YES, GMAT is NOT the No. 1 MOST important thing (There, Said it)! 😌
With help from the AdComs of several top B-schools, our team has listed all the elements in priority, dividing them further into either relatively Static things or components that are more under the immediate control of an MBA candidate.
“Fixed / Static Things”
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GMAT / GRE score – This element becomes pretty much fixed for someone who has already taken any standardized test. Yes, we know some people retake and even do better with dramatic score increases but keeping all exceptions aside, it’s usually seen that after three tries, most people change their focus point. Hence, the fixed category!
If you haven’t taken your test yet, here’s a blog post with the — Average GMAT scores for top MBA programs - US, Europe, Canada
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GPA – This is the MOST “fixed” element of your overall profile. Again excluding any exceptions of pursuing an entirely new graduate curriculum or building a time machine to improve your past (in which case, Congratulations, you are already an elite entrepreneur!)
Jokes aside, we got you covered! 👍Here’s an article to help you out in case of a low GPA! — How to justify a low GPA in your MBA application?
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Overall Background/ Student biography includes a candidate’s background elements: hometown, family, hobbies, early life, etc. This plays a pretty small role (hence the last spot) in the admissions process, but any unusual facts (struggle, determination, vision) might catch their attention.
Dynamic Things / Things under immediate control.”
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Interview – Undoubtedly the most important factor. Whether you have stellar scores or an average performer, have many leadership examples, have a brand name, or own a startup, this is it! Try to make a first impression that will last. Bring out the smoldering fire inside you so that the adcoms want to be a part of that fire!
Suggested Reading: How To Prepare For Some Most Frequently Asked MBA interview questions?
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Resume – Well, you may think that all the hard work done in crafting a creative essay that could win a Booker prize (well, on a serious note, some essays are just Marvelous) could amount to less than a one-page Resume. Strange? Here’s why — How to create a Strong Resume for Your MBA Application?
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Essays – are one of the most difficult parts of your Application. You need to be creative, look ambitious and highlight that you are positioned for success, and I could add more adjectives!
So allow me to be brief, YES, it’s very easy to screw them up, but it’s not necessary to lose so much sleep over them, as other elements of your Application DO balance it out.
But no matter what, there is no point in screwing them up knowingly! Hence, it’s always helpful to have some expert advice; you can refer to a series of articles starting with
The Approach — STAR Approach Strategies to ace your MBA essays
For Post-MBA Goals — How to frame practical post-MBA goals essays?
Creativity & Uniqueness — How to Distinguish Yourself in Your MBA Application Essays
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Recommendations – Believe it or not, Recommendations are almost as important as B-school essays themselves. It’s an opportunity for someone to provide the adcoms with information about you shared from a different perspective.
Let’s look at it differently: All the stellar leadership examples, situations that you turned around single-handedly, professional accolades/promotions earned, and everything else about being a STAR employee whom employers feel lucky to have… This is where a LOR comes in handy; it’s your proof/alibi to testify for you!
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Any optional/ Short answer questions – The little text boxes in the application form ask for things like Describe this “extracurricular activity” or “your job function”- all of these allow you to provide a bit more in-depth detail about important moments of your life.
Important Note: For certain schools, the video questions and short answer questions can be incredibly important.
How Can We Help With Better Positioning in your Application?
Hiring an admissions consultant is an independent choice. You may not need a consultant if you think you can pull off a great application. However, this is a self-reflective journey where not only you need a consultant but also a mentor and a friend who can help you bring your authentic self.
That is exactly where MBA and Beyond come into the picture. We follow a unique framework that allows applicants to dive deeply into their profile, background, stories, and aspirations, which helps them create a unique and authentic MBA pitch.
Read How our unique process helps applicants in their MBA journey and beyond?
Feel free to hop on a 1:1 FREE profile evaluation call with our experts if you'd like. We’ll dive deep into your profile and help you understand your chances to top B-schools with honest feedback.
Always remember, we are here for you, and together with your Hardwork & Determination, and Expertise, no problem is big enough to stop you from achieving your Dream!🎉
Until Next Time,
Adios! 😊
