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StrategiForZen
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Schools: Ross '25 (A$$) ISB '25 (A$$$)
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Schools: Ross '25 (A$$) ISB '25 (A$$$)
GRE 1: Q168 V162
Posts: 32
Kudos: 19
Weak Extracurriculars? Here Is Something What You Can Do Updated on: 15 Jul 2025, 00:02
Originally posted by StrategiForZen on 19 Jun 2025, 06:13.
Last edited by StrategiForZen on 15 Jul 2025, 00:02, edited 4 times in total.
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A common concern I hear during profile reviews is, "My extracurriculars are weak, will this impact my chances of admission to an MBA program?" As is widely known, extracurriculars do matter for MBA admissions. They reflect your personality, leadership, passion areas, etc. Additionally, they can often be used for useful anecdotes in essays and interviews.

That said, extracurriculars are just one part of the application. Not having a long list does not mean you cannot get admitted to a top MBA program. When I was applying to MBA programs, a consultant once told me I would not make it to a top B-school because I had not led any diversity initiative or had major extracurriculars. But he was wrong. I have seen many similar profiles not only get admits but also scholarships.

If extracurriculars are not your strength, in my opinion, here is something what you can do:
  1. Be strategic with what you include: Dont try to add things you have done in the year you are applying unless they are truly meaningful, as adcoms will generally see through it. Focus on depth, not just breadth.
  2. Highlight extracurriculars that show continuity: Even small things matter if you have done them consistently over a long period. In my opinion, adcoms value commitment.
  3. Include informal involvement (either directly or indirectly through essays): Maybe you have tutored someone or run a blog. These things also show initiative and depth, and they do count.
  4. Quantify your impact: Wherever possible, please try quantifying the impact your role has had. It helps adcoms understand the scale of your involvement.
  5. Strengthen other areas of the application: Strengthen the rest of your profile such as GMAT/GRE score, essays, resume, and career story. Strong performance elsewhere can easily balance a weaker extracurricular section
It is not about ticking boxes; it is rather about telling a compelling and authentic story. And that is still possible with light extracurriculars.

Working on your MBA apps? Book a free 25-min call - ask me anything!
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Mrc00ool
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Weak Extracurriculars? Here Is Something What You Can Do 19 Jun 2025, 08:06
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Thanks for sharing
StrategiZen
A common concern I hear during profile reviews is, "My extracurriculars are weak, will this impact my chances of admission to an MBA program?" As is widely known, extracurriculars do matter for MBA admissions. They reflect your personality, leadership, passion areas, etc. Additionally, they can often be used for useful anecdotes in essays and interviews.

That said, extracurriculars are just one part of the application. Not having a long list does not mean you cannot get admitted to a top MBA program. When I was applying to MBA programs, a consultant once told me I would not make it to a top B-school because I had not led any diversity initiative or had major extracurriculars. But he was wrong. I have seen many similar profiles not only get admits but also scholarships.

If extracurriculars are not your strength, in my opinion, here is something what you can do:
  1. Be strategic with what you include: Dont try to add things you have done in the year you are applying unless they are truly meaningful, as adcoms will generally see through it. Focus on depth, not just breadth.
  2. Highlight extracurriculars that show continuity: Even small things matter if you have done them consistently over a long period. In my opinion, adcoms value commitment.
  3. Include informal involvement (either directly or indirectly through essays): Maybe you have tutored someone or run a blog. These things also show initiative and depth, and they do count.
  4. Quantify your impact: Wherever possible, please try quantifying the impact your role has had. It helps adcoms understand the scale of your involvement.
  5. Strengthen other areas of the application: Strengthen the rest of your profile such as GMAT/GRE score, essays, resume, and career story. Strong performance elsewhere can easily balance a weaker extracurricular section
It is not about ticking boxes; it is rather about telling a compelling and authentic story. And that is still possible with light extracurriculars.

P.S. You can reach me at zenstrategi@gmail.co or at https://topmate.io/strategizen/
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Archit3110
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Weak Extracurriculars? Here Is Something What You Can Do 19 Jun 2025, 08:24
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Good tips.. holistic profile detailing is always best..