Are all applicants to top b-schools as neurotic as we are?

Question

Just to preface, when I say neurotic...I just mean, as concerned and dedicated to the application process as people who frequent these boards seem to be. And believe you me, I find solace in the fact that I have found a place where I have "met" people similar to me in that respect. In addition, I'm not even certain I can consider myself a potential applicant to a top school because I haven't taken the GMAT yet...still studying, but I'm dedicated to get there.

I guess I'm just wondering what percentage of admits to top bschools never really did much research prior to applying? For example... somebody decided they wanted to get an MBA, so they studied for the GMAT and did well, wrote their essays, got their recs, paid their app fee and never really gave another thought about it. Just went through the motions. I guess the essence of what I'm asking is, are we the exception or the norm?

togafoot · Answer

The application procedure makes it difficult for someone to just go through the motions. Moreso because of the essays. They force you to think about what you have done, what you want to do and why that school in particular. Some people will put more effort into it and can relay different experiences and include how they did something, why they did something, what personal value does it hold, and what was learned from the experience (irrespective of the result).

Some are more neurotic than others, but generally speaking, i believe most people applying to b-schools will go through similar neuroticisims but to different degrees.

Some are more neurotic than others, but generally speaking, i believe most people applying to b-schools will go through similar neuroticisims but to different degrees.

89nk · Answer

I wish that hypo situation was my case. I feel the same way as you do.

I feel unsure about whether or not I am top school material as well, due to my undergrad institute, WE, and I also haven't taken the GMAT. However, like yourself, I am very dedicated to get into a top b school.

I am very glad I found this forum as well. Great quality information by a lot of amazing individuals. I just hope that I will learn enough to provide quality information as well in the near future. I also hope that we can create some sort of gmatclub network as well.

Back to answering your question, I think only a small percentage get in to top b schools with minimal effort. This could be answered by talking to 1st and 2nd year students during campus visits. I do think most on this forum are 'exceptional', and people on this forum are individuals who carefully researched their options to get the best ROI. Also, I do not know a lot of people who go onto forums, browse countless hours reading other peoples comments and post, then contemplate over the information present and then make informed decisions based on this knowledge.

helg · Answer

If you mean "do most of the successful applicants invest a lot of time and energy in their application and stress a lot, while waiting for the admit results?" then yes, I would think so.

dosa_don · Answer

But if you mean "do most of the succesful applicants spend hours together on forums sweating over every single detail for over a year?" - then the answer is no

I would say that about 5-10% of the applicants are pretty active on forums/blogs or other internet avenues. About 20-40% of the applicants are in the feeder industries, so they know what to do. About 20-30% are just good solid applicants- good GMAT, profile etc- they dont put in a lot of effort and just get in.

helg · Answer

Good point, Dosa! Only the biggest slackers do! :lol:

jbguy · Answer

On one hand, I wish I had found this forum much earlier. I did not start trolling here until February, and I began posting in March. All the advice and information on this forum is incredible, and the members are incredibly helpful. I've learned a LOT in the last few months.

On the other hand, I would have become extremely neurotic and the application process may have consumed me if I had found this place last summer. I suppose it all worked out in the end.

kryzak · Answer

I think most are neurotic to some degree. I do know a friend who got into Stanford with one week's preparation (GMAT, essays, recs). But the guy worked at BCG, graduated from MIT, and had BCG internal consultants help him out (and took 1 week off work to devote himself on one single application). Oh yeah, he was young too (24-25 years old).

I would say those people are the exception rather than the norm. Most of us will just lose a few months of our lives to get into top b-schools.

sm332 · Answer

yeah ... I am neurotic ... but I reckon that I need to get more focused on the plans and just execute them. At times I am guilty of analysis paralysis ... then again I am a consultant so we are paid for that kind of work usually!!

Now just next round of GMAT - hoping the lack of post University EC's and community involvement dont drive a stake through my apps

Now just next round of GMAT - hoping the lack of post University EC's and community involvement dont drive a stake through my apps

Are all applicants to top b-schools as neurotic as we are?

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