Re: How important is EC for admission decision?
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03 May 2014, 12:25
Hi Changert,
Thank you for sharing a great question.
I agree with Bhavik: there is no formulaic approach to application success. I also agree that "work + GMAT score + GPA account" does count significantly, but it is far from 100%.
Depending on your target school, many of your 'competitor' applicants will demonstrate great success in those work, GMAT, and GPA areas. This is why demonstrating leadership in extracurricular activities (i.e. ECs) is a great way to round out your application and differentiate yourself.
Aside from getting involved with a local charity, I suggest that you look into becoming a volunteer management consultant for an organization that assists non-profits or small businesses. (Schools place great value on leadership within corporate, non-profit, and entrepreneurship.)
Consider one of the below organizations as a way to gain a differentiating leadership experience.
1) SCORE
2) Taproot Foundation
3) USA Leadership Corps
These organizations recruit, train, and match driven professionals like yourself with small businesses or nonprofits in need of business planning or strategy assistance. The experience you gain will round-out the remaining 10 to 25% of your application (if I had to put a number to it).
Thank you again for sharing your question, Changert. Best of luck to you.
Maxwell Roper
Outreach Director
USA Leadership Corps (USALC)
www usaLeadershipCorps org