10 Tips For A Successful MBA Admissions Process

MBA recruiting teams take into account multiple factors when analyzing applications. Some of those include demonstrated evidence of soft skills, having an international and strategic mindset, and mastery of business language and maths. For applicants, this translates into a lengthy and stressful process of preparing and gathering documents, often marred by self-doubt. This post gives you essential clues to manage your application successfully.

• Choose the right MBA for you

Consider your education needs and post-graduation goals and use them to analyze the value propositions of renowned MBAs. The right fit between you and your chosen MBA will be evident in your application, increasing your chances of success.

• Apply early

Nowadays, most institutions accept applications on a rolling basis. This means that the possibility of applying will disappear once all seats are filled. Therefore, apply early, striking a balance between the quality of your application and the calendar.

• Read the information regarding the application process online

Good institutions have a lot of information on applications in their websites. This typically includes things like application deadlines, supporting documents, guidelines for recommendations and CVs, examples of essay questions, and advice for interviews. Take the time to go through all of it, and you’ll avoid a lot of stress and wasted time.

• Schedule your GMAT and plan your study time

A convincing GMAT score is one of the main elements of a successful application. And since studying for the GMAT can be time consuming, prioritize it. Beware that you cannot “cram” for the GMAT. You’ll need long hours of study and practice, so make sure you define specific times in your busy schedule to prepare for it.

• Plan for a unique application

The fact that an application for a top MBA involves several steps and documents gives applicants multiple opportunities to shine. That’s why an application must be thought through strategically. For example, if you’re planning on telling a particular story about your leadership skills, don’t ask for a recommendation to someone who will tell the same story. If your CV is well constructed and fact-based, your motivation letter shouldn’t recap your professional history in great detail. Instead, it should complement your CV and highlight those skills and achievements that are most difficult to communicate in a CV. Overall, your application must address your background, career, ambitions, and personality in a well-rounded way to ensure you stand out from the crowd.

• Present a fact-based CV

A well-rounded CV is particularly important for MBA applicants, given that it allows them to demonstrate soft skills such as communication and interpersonal abilities, teamwork, and leadership. Showing a constant investment in education and in personal and professional challenges is also important. The key words here are “to demonstrate.” A CV should present the reader with facts that allow her to make up her own mind about who the applicant is.

• Deliver excellent essays

Excellent essays are bold, informed, structured, and memorable. Of course, regardless of the actual question you’re asked to answer, the true question you must answer is “Why should we choose you for our MBA?” In terms of substance, applicants must therefore strike a delicate balance between addressing the issue at stake and promoting their personal brand. Always proofread your essays before submitting them.

• Choose your recommenders wisely

Recommendation letters and forms must show that the applicant has the necessary skills, willingness to learn and ambition to succeed during and after an MBA program. Choose recommenders who can testify to all of the above and contribute to your application’s uniqueness.

• Contact your MBA’s admissions team if you have any doubts and …

• Click “Submit”!

Good luck and come and meet The Lisbon MBA Admissions team if you wish to know more about this topic. Book your meeting here.

Marta Andaluz is Director of Marketing and Admissions at The Lisbon MBA, a joint venture between two top European Schools based in Lisbon: Católica-Lisbon and Nova SBE. They offer a 1-year Full-Time MBA and an Executive MBA in collaboration with MIT Sloan School of Management.