The Most Expensive MBA Programs

WHAT MBA ADCOMS WANT FROM APPLICANTS

 

“If I only knew what they’re thinking…”

Ever been there? From job interviews to first dates, we’re always looking for clues. Am I making the right impression?  Do they think I’m trying too hard or saying what they want to hear? Where do I stand?  Chances are, you won’t get any feedback if they pass on you…leaving you to re-live those moments and dissect every possible faux pas.

You’ve probably heard this sports cliché, “Games are won and lost long before they start.” Generally, it is a coach’s crutch to keep players from sloughing off or neglecting fundamentals. When it comes to being accepted into an MBA program, it hits the mark. Your destiny was shaped long before you submitted your application. Your GPA reflects youthful seriousness. Your work history reveals potential. Your GMAT signifies smarts. And your extracurriculars expose how passionate you truly are.

If your interest in career or community surges in the months before the application deadline, a few adcoms may assume that you had an epiphany. Chances are, they’ll view it as the proverbial ‘Hail Mary,’ a last gasp effort to cover for those missed opportunities from years past. That doesn’t mean slow starters are automatically disqualified in favor of cutthroat careerists. It just means they have a smaller margin for error.

This week, Linkedin and Admissionado tackled the “what do adcoms want” question from different angles. On Linkedin, Diana Y.K. Chan, a career coach who spent two years as a recruitment manager at Canada’s Richard Ivey School of Business, outlines both the basic and advanced requirements for landing a spot at the school. Taking it a step further, Admissionado shared some no-holds-barred advice from an anonymous former admissions counselor.

Let’s start with Chan, who notes that a high GMAT and 4-5 years of experience are givens. However, she adds that adcoms are also curious about your undergrad major, particularly how you “applied your education” to your current career path.

Beyond that, she names four areas where applicants can differentiate themselves beginning with “Experience.” According to Chan, adcoms are focused on assembling a “well-rounded” class that represents a number of industry and professions.” In team-based environments like business schools, this enables students to learn from each other and gain a broad view of an entire business operation.

Chan also cites an applicant’s employer as an advanced metric, as it provides adcoms with “a better sense of your career trajectory and opportunities for advancement.” However, this prestige factor must be coupled with actual performance. “Staying in the same role for more than five or so years is a red flag to admissions,” writes Chan, “because it means that you haven’t been growing and taking on more responsibilities.”

In particular, adcoms are hunting for leadership experience such as “leading teams, managing projects, training new employees, and taking initiative.” In other words, they want track records that indicate growth and success…qualities certain to carry over to the business school curriculum.

Of course, an impeccable resume – coupled with strapping essays and references – don’t automatically guarantee admission. Applicants still need to pass the interview process. Call it the “rubber-meets-the-road” test, where adcoms determine if what they read matches who they meet.

“We have all the numbers, the accolades, the resume, and the recommendations,” an anonymous former adcom tells Admissionado. “But what we don’t have is an understanding of you – up close and personal. This interview is your opportunity to convince us that all the information on paper is in sync with the person sitting in front of us.”

According to Admissionado’s source, attitude and energy is what truly separates candidates during the interview process. “We interview for many hours each day during interview season, so what ARE we looking for in an applicant? Someone who grabs our attention. who captivates our interest and, truthfully, keeps us from drifting off into thoughts of what we have to do when we get home that day. Walk in with confidence and a purpose, yet be humble and appreciative of the opportunity to interview at the school of your dreams. Show some energy, life, passion and enthusiasm.”

Noting that applicants only have a few minutes to “hook” them, the adcom also encourages them to come with clear and compelling stories. “…we are looking for insights into the applicant’s character, which is defined as “the mental and moral qualities distinctive to the individual.” We are evaluating, both subjectively and objectively, how that person will fit into our environment, our classroom, and out student body. We are making note of what he will contribute to our school as both a student and future alumnus.”

In fact, these stories are what sticks with this adcom long after an interview. “I love learning about lives outside of mine. I love hearing about their travels, their hobbies, their adversities and their courage…I have gained immeasurable insight into what it takes to be a problem solver, a good teammate, an outstanding manager/boss…Thought it all, I have been grateful for the connections made and inspired by the determination, focus and resolve demonstrated by those I am interviewing.”

That said, these stories are only good as the intent and preparation behind them, the former adcom counsels.  “Remember, strong preparation beforehand will help you be ready for any interview style. The way you spin your story, rather grand or mundane in your mind, is what is important. The links you make throughout your story and thoughtfulness and authenticity shown are what are important.”

To read the full articles, click on the links below.

DON’T MISS: ADCOM ADVICE: ‘BE THOUGHTFUL, BE YOURSELF’

Sources: Linkedin,  Admissionado