No Extracurriculars? Here’s How To Bolster Your Application

In MBA applications, extracurricular activities may not be carry the same weight as other factors. However, they can give some candidates a distinct advantage with admissions officers.

“Extracurricular activities are not a primary factor when reviewing applications but they can matter – and especially help – when factors like GMAT, GPA, etc. fall below expectations,” Phil Miller, assistant dean for MBA and M.S. programs at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities Carlson School of Management, tells US News.

For those with minimal or no extracurricular activities, it’s important to leverage other aspects of your life to show admissions officers that you have what it takes to excel in B-school. Stacy Blackman, founder of Stacy Blackman Consulting, recently discussed how applicants with minimal extracurriculars can still put together a compelling application.

LOOK BEYOND WORK

When considering what other aspects to talk about in your application, Blackman recommends looking outside of your work and professional life.

“Think along the lines of travel or cultural experiences or even a family situation,” she writes. “What else are you passionate about besides your job, and how has that passion manifested itself? Hobbies or extracurriculars can be windows into character qualities.”

GET INVOLVED

While Blackman warns that it may look disingenuous to join a slew of volunteer organization right before Round 1 deadlines, applicants looking to bolster their extracurricular activities can seek out opportunities to get involved in causes that they are passionate about.

“You could see if your employer has any community-focused committees that you could get involved with soon,” Blackman writes. “Perhaps you could mentor a junior employee or head up a company-sponsored fundraising drive. Alternatively, taking an active role in a community organization or nonprofit that’s currently in dire need of someone with expertise or skills is an excellent way to differentiate yourself from the competition.”

Since admissions officers like to see growth in applicants, it’s important to also consider opportunities where you can demonstrate your potential.

“If you’ve volunteered for a certain group before, see what else you can help them with that’s more high profile, or ask if they have new roles that have sprung up over the last year due to the COVID-19 crisis that would be a good fit,” Blackman writes.

Sources: Stacy Blackman Consulting, US News