3 Steps To Improving Your Fall Candidacy

With this past application cycles being one of the most competitive in recent years, it’s never too early to start prepping for fall applications.

Stacy Blackman, of Stacy Blackman Consulting, recently shared a few ways that applicants can start improving their candidacy for fall applications now.

BEEF UP YOUR QUANTITATIVE SKILLS

Admissions officers like to see applicants who have strong quantitative skills. If you have a background in liberal arts or a low GPA, Blackman suggests enhancing your academic portfolio to show admissions officers that you have the quantitative chops. One of the best ways to do that is to score highly on the GMAT.

“If you took the GMAT once or twice and did not receive the score you think you are capable of, consider taking a prep course to remind you how to solve those high school math logic problems,” Blackman writes. “Retake the GMAT until you get the score you feel good about. Or, prove you have the quantitative chops by acing a college-level statistics, microeconomics, or calculus course at the local community college.”

GET INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY

The best applicants are ones who show admissions officers that they are more than just the numbers on their papers.

Blackman says applicants should try to incorporate extracurriculars into their resume.

“The best way to seamlessly incorporate extracurriculars is to think about longstanding passions and interests and build upon them,” Blackman writes. “The key is to think hard about what excites you. Get creative and discover how you can leverage those interests for the greater good.”

DEVELOP LEADERSHIP

Leadership isn’t something that’s developed overnight. To build on your leadership potential, Blackman recommends stepping up to challenges at work.

“Volunteer for that cross-functional team or project or offer to help your boss with a challenging long-term goal,” Blackman writes. “Consider getting involved with employee groups at work—whether through volunteering in the community or promoting diversity in your company. All of these avenues can provide great material for your resume and essays.”

Sources: Stacy Blackman Consulting, The Wall Street Journal