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Learn what truly sets the UC Riverside MBA apart and how it helps in your professional growth
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If you’re applying to Columbia, NYU Stern, or Yale SOM, you need more than strong stats. Each school defines “leadership” differently, and your essays must reflect that. Join Sia Admissions founder, Susan Berishaj on November 20th
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MBAGuide
Joined: 24 Jul 2019
Last visit: 11 Nov 2025
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Location: India
Concentration: Operations, Marketing
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
23 Apr 2023, 01:20
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When it comes to MBA applications, there is one aspect that can stump even the most prepared applicants: the diversity profile. After polishing your GMAT score and work experience, you may still be left wondering what makes you unique and what you can contribute to the class.
Debunking a Common Misconception
First, let's debunk a common misconception: not everyone needs to be an outlier in an MBA class. While it's true that schools are looking for a diverse student body, that doesn't mean you need to have an exotic background or a rare skillset. Admissions committees are looking for students who will add flavor to the class and bring different perspectives to the table. The source of these experiences can vary widely.
Identifying Your Diversity Factors
When it comes to identifying what makes you stand out and what value you can contribute to the class, it's important to take a holistic inventory of your life experiences. Don't just limit yourself to conventional definitions of diversity like race and gender. Think beyond those boundaries and consider your cultural, geographic, and socioeconomic background. Have you faced and overcome significant challenges in your life? Have you excelled in a particular field or hobby? Have you had a unique education or work experience? These experiences can be potential diversity factors that will make you stand out and bring a unique perspective to the classroom.
Demonstrating the Value You Can Add
It's not enough to simply identify your diversity factors to set yourself apart in your MBA application. You must also demonstrate to the admissions committee how your experiences will add value to the MBA experience for your fellow classmates. Consider what unique perspective or skillset you can bring to the table and how you can contribute to your peers' learning experience. Your essays should highlight your thoughtful reflection on these questions and showcase your commitment to sharing your distinctive perspective in the classroom.
Examples of Unique Perspectives
For example, if you have worked in the non-profit sector, you may have a unique perspective on social entrepreneurship, impact investing, and community development.
If you have served in the military, you may have a leadership style that is focused on teamwork, resilience, and strategic thinking.
If you come from a different culture or have lived in multiple countries, you may have a unique ideas on globalization, cross-cultural communication, and international business.
If you have worked in a specific industry, such as healthcare, technology, or finance, you may have a deep understanding of the trends, challenges, and opportunities in that sector.
If you have started your own business, you may have much to say about innovation, risk-taking, budget management and creativity.
Crafting a Compelling Diversity Essay
Most B schools' applications will have dedicated essays to bring out your diversity aspect. These could be Personal Narrative essays or "How will you contribute" type of essays. To craft a truly compelling essay, it's important to be authentic and vulnerable when sharing your personal story. Admissions committees are seeking candidates who can bring their whole selves to the classroom and contribute to the learning experience. Don't shy away from sharing what makes you unique, but also showcase how you have grown and what you have learned from your experiences. Doing so will not only make your essay more compelling but also demonstrate your potential for personal and professional growth during the MBA program.
Embracing Your Unique Qualities
Don't sell yourself short. Many candidates think their profiles are not diverse or unique enough and they eliminate themselves prematurely due to this mindset, without even trying. It is important to understand that by combining all your experiences and characteristics, you can still create a one-of-a-kind profile that will leave a lasting impression on admissions committees.
Feeling confused about your B school prospects? Write to us at mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com to schedule a discussion
Debunking a Common Misconception
First, let's debunk a common misconception: not everyone needs to be an outlier in an MBA class. While it's true that schools are looking for a diverse student body, that doesn't mean you need to have an exotic background or a rare skillset. Admissions committees are looking for students who will add flavor to the class and bring different perspectives to the table. The source of these experiences can vary widely.
Identifying Your Diversity Factors
When it comes to identifying what makes you stand out and what value you can contribute to the class, it's important to take a holistic inventory of your life experiences. Don't just limit yourself to conventional definitions of diversity like race and gender. Think beyond those boundaries and consider your cultural, geographic, and socioeconomic background. Have you faced and overcome significant challenges in your life? Have you excelled in a particular field or hobby? Have you had a unique education or work experience? These experiences can be potential diversity factors that will make you stand out and bring a unique perspective to the classroom.
Demonstrating the Value You Can Add
It's not enough to simply identify your diversity factors to set yourself apart in your MBA application. You must also demonstrate to the admissions committee how your experiences will add value to the MBA experience for your fellow classmates. Consider what unique perspective or skillset you can bring to the table and how you can contribute to your peers' learning experience. Your essays should highlight your thoughtful reflection on these questions and showcase your commitment to sharing your distinctive perspective in the classroom.
Examples of Unique Perspectives
For example, if you have worked in the non-profit sector, you may have a unique perspective on social entrepreneurship, impact investing, and community development.
If you have served in the military, you may have a leadership style that is focused on teamwork, resilience, and strategic thinking.
If you come from a different culture or have lived in multiple countries, you may have a unique ideas on globalization, cross-cultural communication, and international business.
If you have worked in a specific industry, such as healthcare, technology, or finance, you may have a deep understanding of the trends, challenges, and opportunities in that sector.
If you have started your own business, you may have much to say about innovation, risk-taking, budget management and creativity.
Crafting a Compelling Diversity Essay
Most B schools' applications will have dedicated essays to bring out your diversity aspect. These could be Personal Narrative essays or "How will you contribute" type of essays. To craft a truly compelling essay, it's important to be authentic and vulnerable when sharing your personal story. Admissions committees are seeking candidates who can bring their whole selves to the classroom and contribute to the learning experience. Don't shy away from sharing what makes you unique, but also showcase how you have grown and what you have learned from your experiences. Doing so will not only make your essay more compelling but also demonstrate your potential for personal and professional growth during the MBA program.
Embracing Your Unique Qualities
Don't sell yourself short. Many candidates think their profiles are not diverse or unique enough and they eliminate themselves prematurely due to this mindset, without even trying. It is important to understand that by combining all your experiences and characteristics, you can still create a one-of-a-kind profile that will leave a lasting impression on admissions committees.
Feeling confused about your B school prospects? Write to us at mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com to schedule a discussion
