Most Important Part of an MBA Application?
An Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a great addition to any CV that will improve your chances of landing a managerial position in most businesses or companies. With the number of MBA applications on the rise, reputable universities and colleges are raising the bar to ensure that only the best make it to their business schools. Knowing what to look out for when putting together your MBA application can help you be more successful and end up at a school that’s right for you.
Begin the Application Early
The biggest mistake most MBA applicants do is waiting until it is too late to begin the application. Start preparing for the application six to nine months before it is time to turn in the application. This gives you ample time to prepare solid letters of recommendation, gather relevant material and write convincing application essays.
The closer to the deadline it gets the more you will feel under pressure. Chances are that you will make simple mistakes as you won’t have enough time to go through your applications, proof read and make necessary amendments before submitting the application.
The admission committee needs to see that you are a high potential student joining the MBA class for solid reasons. Haphazard applications will always be turned down since they won’t paint a positive portrait of your capabilities and eligibility to study at most of the top business schools.
Register and Get Ready for the GMAT
The GMAT is mandatory for anyone applying to join an MBA class. The alternative to GMAT would be GRE. Regardless of which you choose, registering and preparing for the test three to six months before the D-Day increases your chances of getting the best score at the exam.
Identify your target score and work towards it, gauging your progress all along by taking diagnostic exams. A good target would be 20 points above the average score at your business school of choice. You might need a GMAT tutor with a Real GMAT score of 760+ to improve your score in the tests. You could get a physical tutor or a virtual one if that suits your needs better.
Iron Out Your Resume
Review your resume and look for any gaps that might water down your application. Three years of work experience with little activities outside work could be a hint that you aren’t an all round person. The good thing is you will have up to nine months to change this. Participate in community work and other leadership related activities that will add weight to your CV.
When doing the revisions, you should consider changing your recommendations and if possible reach out to them. Strengthen your relationship with them and ensure that they know your achievements and what you have been up to. Working to impress them is the best way to get favorable reviews should the business school reach out to them for independent reviews of your capabilities.
The Essay Matters
MBA application essays are the hands-on test to see what you are made of. They will reflect your thinking, your communication skills, work experience, integrity, and ability to come up with original but practical solutions to existing problems.
Writing your essay too fast without structuring it right and taking time to present your ideas, give credible backing to any claims you make and develop a mature argument will drastically reduce your entry chances. It is wise to write the essays and go through them with a critic to poke holes to the arguments.
Most committee members will be interested in fluency and a smooth flow of ideas. The essay must be easy to read, comprehensive and convincing.
The Physical Interviews Must Resonate With Your Application Material
The most common mistake MBA applicants make is hyping their documented applications with information or skills they cannot back up in person. The interviewer will have gone through your CV, the essay, the GMAT score, and forms and will try to relate the information you provided with what you are in person.
A popular mistake many people make is including qualifications and skills they never achieved in their resumes. The interviewer will know you lied if you cannot offer additional information on a topic you addressed. The same applies if your language prowess and communication skills aren’t similar to what the essays depicted.
Remember, Put Your Best Foot Forward
It goes without saying that you need to be honest, upfront, and sincere when putting together your MBA application. You should always put your best foot forward and present the best version of you that you can, just remember you need to be truthful.
Are you ready to begin your MBA journey? If you’re considering earning a Master of Business Administration, ECPI University offers this degree online in an accelerated format. This gives you the opportunity to complete your education without disrupting your everyday life. For more information, contact a helpful admissions counselor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – MBA (Master of Business Administration)
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