How An Admissions Officer Views An Application

At the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, each MBA applicant is evaluated on four key criteria. We asked Leigh Gauthier, acting director of recruitment & admissions at Rotman, for a bit more insight into what exactly the schools is looking for on each of these four dimensions.

Intellectual Horsepower

“While most students can’t afford to go back and upgrade their GPA
students should seriously consider if their GMAT score (and component
scores) are a true reflection of their ability. If not, consider taking it
again. A higher score does not necessarily equal an automatic bump, but
don’t put a score forward when you know it could be better with effort and
focus thinking that it is good enough. If it is your best effort then great
– it’s not the only way we measure intellect. Consider, is there something
that you’ve done that could demonstrate your cognitive abilities? – make
sure it’s in your resume, essay, or interview answers.”

Impact

“Not everyone has the opportunity to save a company thousands, or bring in
a multi-million dollar contracts and an early age – but does your resume
accurately reflect what you’ve done? How has the company improved as a
result of you being there? A laundry list of tasks at an organization, even
if it is a recognizable brand, will not an impressive resume make. Spend
time to reflect and detail on what you personally have accomplished, and
demonstrate your value-add. Lots left on the table here by many applicants.”

Presence

“Every interaction is an opportunity to confirm or change the recruiter’s
opinion of a candidate. The assessment does not end at the interview.
Remember that the scholarship decision is a result of the sum of the parts,
and not just the formal interview. In the Self Development Lab we recognize
that content is key to be credible. Yet if you do not pay attention to how
you are making others feel, or how you are coming across, or your
‘presence’ – when delivering said “content” you won’t get past initial
screen.”

Spike Factor

“What’s the pop? Any one of us can accomplish tremendous academic or
workplace feats if that is all we do. The problem is that it leaves our
experiences one-sided and quite frankly boring. What have you attempted or
accomplished outside of work or academics that is another indicator of your
future success (note epic failures count too if there is a good lesson
learned). How will this signal to a recruiter or future employer some of
your key characteristics? What are the things that you have done in your
life that demonstrate Passion? Grit? Resilience? Innovation? Drive?
Ambition? This crosses all aspects of life – hobbies, volunteerism, awards,
entrepreneurial ventures, and sports.”