{"id":38060,"date":"2017-07-02T15:45:04","date_gmt":"2017-07-02T22:45:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=38060"},"modified":"2017-07-02T15:45:04","modified_gmt":"2017-07-02T22:45:04","slug":"the-schools-culture-mission-fitting-in-standing-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/the-schools-culture-mission-fitting-in-standing-out\/","title":{"rendered":"The School’s Culture & Mission [Fitting In & Standing Out]"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Find<\/a><\/p>\n

The application process is a tricky balancing act: You want to show your target schools that you\u2019re a perfect match, but you don\u2019t want to blend into the multitude of applicants or become just a number. How can you show your authentic self in the application process? How can you present your strengths, and stand out? This series<\/a> shows you how.<\/em><\/p>\n

In our last post, I discussed the first necessary ingredient of \u201cfit\u201d \u2013 demonstrating you can do the work in your target program<\/a>. The next key to showing your fit as an applicant is demonstrating that you\u2019re a perfect match for the program\u2019s culture and mission.<\/p>\n

This means going beyond the rankings and doing research on each program you\u2019re applying to. Ask yourself the following:<\/p>\n

\u2022 What are the core values of the program?<\/p>\n

\u2022 What type of community does the program promote?<\/p>\n

\u2022 What unique opportunities would you have at the target program that make it a perfect fit?<\/p>\n

\u2022 Does the program have a distinct mission or teaching philosophy? For example, if you\u2019re applying to an MBA program<\/a>, are you drawn to schools with a case-based methodology? An emphasis on experiential learning?<\/p>\n

\u2022 If you\u2019re applying to medical school<\/a>, do you want a research or clinical focus?<\/p>\n

The key here is research<\/strong>. Your reasons for choosing a particular school need to go further than rankings and deeper than platitudes.<\/p>\n

How to Research Schools Effectively<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are many ways to do this research.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Your first stop is the school\u2019s (or department\u2019s) website. Scour it for information related to your goals. Many programs offer the opportunity to contact or meet with current students or alumni, or attend admissions events. Those are all great opportunities to learn more.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Reading student blogs or student-run newspapers can also give you insight into what life is actually like on campus.<\/p>\n

\u2022 If you\u2019re applying to a research-oriented program, read up on the current projects that people in the department are working on. Department websites normally provide profiles of professors, along with their CVs. You may also find profiles of current or recent grad students, with descriptions of their research topics. This is all there for your benefit, so take advantage of it!<\/p>\n

Using Your Research to Demonstrate Fit<\/strong><\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve done your homework, it\u2019s time for you to demonstrate cultural fit throughout your application. Your coursework reflects your interests. Your work experience, hobbies, and community service reflect your values and impact. The way you describe what you\u2019ve done can highlight those experiences that scream shared values.<\/p>\n

Finally, there are the essays \u2013 prime time for showing fit.<\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s in the context of an MBA goals essay<\/a> that also discusses how a particular program will help you achieve those goals, a MA\/MS or PhD statement of purpose that highlights why the department is a perfect match for your research and career goals, or a med school secondary essay that discusses the school\u2019s mission statement head-on, your essays are the first place for you to show your fit with the school\u2019s culture.<\/p>\n

Show you\u2019ve done your homework by referring to specifics: which opportunities (such as research opportunities, experiential learning, clinical training, etc. \u2013 depending on your field) make their program compelling? It is never enough to say that a program is appealing because it has a great reputation and is in a location you like. Instead, you need to go deep.<\/p>\n

Pay Attention to the Details<\/strong><\/p>\n

As you identify the school\u2019s core values, think about how you exemplify them, and keep that in mind as you choose examples for your essays and your resume\/activity history. For example, some med schools place an especially high premium on volunteer service<\/a>. Say your target school specifies a minimum of 300 hours of volunteer service. Your further research has revealed that admitted students actually average about twice that. You should definitely highlight your service experience in your application, since this is a core value of that school.<\/p>\n

One thing to remember: don\u2019t just repeat the school\u2019s mission statement or phrases from their website. Do your research and show<\/em> how your experiences make you a great fit<\/a> for what the school is looking for, as well as how the school\u2019s offerings make it a perfect fit for your interests and goals.<\/p>\n

In our next post in this series on \u201cfit,\u201d we\u2019ll talk about the importance of defining and demonstrating your realistic goals.<\/p>\n

\"Download<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Accepted<\/a><\/p>\n

Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Best MBA Programs<\/a>, a guide to selecting the right one
\n\u2022 Focus on Fit<\/a>, a podcast episode
\n\u2022 4 Application Strategy Tips: Stand Out AND Fit In<\/a><\/p>\n

This article<\/a>\u00a0originally appeared on\u00a0<\/i>blog.accepted.com<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n

Applying to a top b-school? The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to their dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where to apply, writing your application essays, or prepping for your interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.<\/p>\n

Contact us, and get matched up with the consultant who will help\u00a0you\u00a0<\/i>get accepted<\/a>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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