Stanford GSB | Mr. Lucky Loggie
GMAT 750, GPA 3.29
Harvard | Mr. PM Looking For Something New
GRE 330, GPA 3.71
Harvard | Mr. International Business
GMAT 750, GPA 3.3
Berkeley Haas | Mr. Brainiac
GRE 330, GPA 3.71
Tuck | Ms. Ballerina
GRE 640 on practice test, GPA 3.8
Kellogg | Mr. Baseball Analytics
GMAT 720, GPA 3.62
Duke Fuqua | Ms. Sustainable Food Manufacturing
GMAT 710, GPA 2.94
Harvard | Ms. Community Engagement
GRE 320, GPA 3.4
MIT Sloan | Mr. CPG Senior Manager/ Climbing Enthusiast
GMAT 720, GPA 3.6 (Top 5%)
INSEAD | Mr. Dr Global
GMAT 700, GPA 3.7
Ross | Mr. Soccer Dad
GMAT Waiving, GPA 3.93
Columbia | Ms. Ambitious (Audit To Agribusiness)
GMAT 750, GPA 8.08
Stanford GSB | Mr. Software Developer
GMAT 740, GPA 3.8
MIT Sloan | Mr. Tim Cook Of Seafood
GMAT 700, GPA 3.8
NYU Stern | Ms. Professional Storyteller
GRE 326, GPA 3.4
Stay informed.
Sign Up!
PQ Logo
Featured Schools
Search for:
Toggle navigation PQ Logo
Today's Featured Schools
Featured Schools
  • Search for:
  • Sign In
  • Register
  • News
    • MBA News
    • Archives By Category
  • Rankings
    • Rankings Home
    • Poets&Quants Top 100 MBA Ranking
    • Poets&Quants International Top 50 MBA Ranking
    • Poets&Quants Best Online MBA Ranking
    • Best MBA Programs For Entrepreneurship
    • Fantasy MBA Ranking Game
  • Schools
    • MBA Programs
    • Cornell Johnson MBA Handbook
    • Executive MBA Programs
    • Online MBA Programs
    • Specialized Masters Programs
    • Kelley Direct Day In The Life
    • Spotlight On IE Tower
    • Insider’s Guides to the Top Business Schools
    • School Videos & Deep Dives
  • Admissions
    • MBA Admissions News & Advice
    • MBA Admissions Consultant Directory
    • MBA Game Plan With Fortuna Admissions
    • Handicapping Your MBA Odds
    • Calculate My MBA Odds
    • Podcasts By P&Q
  • Financing
    • Financing Your MBA
  • GMAT / GRE
    • Test Prep Advice & News
    • Target Test Prep
  • Students
  • Jobs
  • EMBA
  • Online MBA
  • Masters
  • Events
  • Videos
  • Home
  • News
  • Rankings
    • Top 100 MBA Ranking
    • Top 50 International MBA Ranking
    • Top Programs For Entrepreneurship
    • Top Online MBA Ranking
    • All MBA Rankings
    • Fantasy MBA Ranking Game
  • Schools & Programs
    • MBA Programs
    • Cornell Johnson MBA Handbook
    • Executive MBA Programs
    • Online MBA Programs
    • Specialized Masters Programs
    • Kelley Direct Journal
    • IE Tower Spotlight
    • Insider’s Guides To Top Schools
  • Admissions
    • Admissions News & Advice
    • Admissions Consultant Directory
    • MBA Adventure With Fortuna Admissions
    • Handicapping Your MBA Odds
    • Calculate My MBA Odds
  • Financing
    • Financing Your MBA
  • GMAT / GRE
    • Test Prep News & Advice
    • Target Test Prep
  • Students
  • MBA Jobs
  • Executive MBA
  • Online MBA
  • Specialized Masters
  • Events
  • Videos & Podcasts
  1. Home
  2. Admissions News & Features
  3. Sponsored Blogs: Insights & Advice From MBA Admissions Consultants
  4. Personal MBA Coach Busts Top MBA Application Myths

Personal MBA Coach Busts Top MBA Application Myths

by: Scott Edinburgh, Founder of Personal MBA Coach on June 25, 2021 | 767 Views
June 25, 2021
    • Copy Link
    • Share on Facebook
    • Share on Twitter
    • Email
    • Share on LinkedIn
    • Share on WhatsApp
    • Share on Reddit

mba application myths

With over 14 years of experience in the admissions consulting industry, Personal MBA Coach has seen it all when it comes to MBA applications. Through the years, we have found that many candidates share similar misconceptions about the application process.

Given the amount of information out there about business school admissions and application strategies, it comes as no surprise that some of these myths continue to circulate. 

Wondering how to separate these myths from the truth? Leave it to an industry expert who has helped past clients gain admission to every top business school in the world!

Below, Personal MBA Coach shares the top 5 application misconceptions that we commonly see and hear when working with MBA hopefuls.  

  • Business school hopefuls should target only a few schools.

Years ago, business school applicants may have targeted only a few programs. Today, however, Personal MBA Coach’s average client applies to 5 to 8 schools. In fact, at this year’s AIGAC Conference, we discussed how many candidates are now in the 6+ range.

This is in part tied to the fact that the number of strong MBA programs is on the rise. As more universities invest in their business schools, applicants have many options to consider. 

Additionally, as competition increases every year and acceptance rates fall, even very qualified candidates face rejection. Successful applicants invest the time and money to apply to additional programs, recognizing that one cannot always predict which school is looking for someone who fits their profile. 

  • There is a “correct” career goal.

While you might feel inclined to discuss a career goal that you think the admissions committee wants to hear, we do not advise this. Just because a lot of applicants are interested in pursuing finance or consulting does not automatically mean this is the path you should take. A strong career goals essay should demonstrate a passion for your future field, and business schools will see right through your effort to mold to what you think is expected.

Instead, write about what you truly want to do, as long as it is logical and attainable. Need help articulating your MBA goals? Check out Personal MBA Coach’s six key pieces of advice here.

  • MBA programs want to hear how wonderful they are.

Too often, Personal MBA Coach reads about how a candidate aims to leverage Harvard Business School’s “powerful” alumni network or grow through Kellogg’s “renowned” curriculum. Of course, business schools want you to express genuine interest in their programs, but using this type of praise is not an effective way to do so.

A far more successful approach is to share specific elements of a school’s program that you hope to avail yourself of. When doing your research, be sure that these offerings are specific to you and align with your goals and background.

  • Business schools seek candidates only from certain career backgrounds.

Although some industries including consulting and investment banking attract a high number of MBA hopefuls, there is no ideal pre-MBA career path. As a matter of fact, a less traditional career background may work in your favor.

MBA programs want well-rounded classes and value the different perspectives that those from unique career backgrounds bring to the classroom. No matter what pre-MBA career you are coming from, you should demonstrate how you can leverage your past experiences through your future career path.

  • Applicants must mention everything they have accomplished to date.

Many candidates fear that they will hurt their chances of acceptance if their MBA essays do not outline everything that they have done. However, this is not the case.

Rather, applicants should highlight their passions and leadership experience by sharing how they have done a few things exceptionally well. A select number of well-articulated stories that clearly show who you are and what makes you unique will be much more compelling.


Scott Edinburgh is a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan BS graduate and founded Personal MBA Coach 15 years ago with the goal of providing customized one-on-one support. Scott also serves on the Board of Directors for AIGAC, the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants, and is invited to speak at MBA Admissions events globally. Our clients have been accepted to all top schools globally with a 96% success rate. They received $6.5M+ in scholarships last cycle.

Comments or questions about this article? Email us.

Trending

How ChatGPT-4 Ranks The World’s Best MBA Programs

MBA rankings

New Ranking Measures ROI At The Top 30 U.S. MBA Programs

top Asian MBA programs

The Hottest MBA Programs In Asia

Some MBAs With Consulting Job Offers Report Being Asked To Delay Their Start Dates

Tagged: mba admissions consultant, MBA application myths, Personal MBA Coach, Scott Edinburgh

Post navigation

Previous Article: 2021 MBAs To Watch: Santiago Vazquez, University of Chicago (Booth)
Next Article: Harvard Business School Faculty Published 70 Cases With Black Protagonists This Past Year
  • Stay Informed. Sign Up! Login
    Logout
    Follow Us
  • Sponsored Blogs
    Melissa Jones, Fortuna Admissions

    How To Prepare For The INSEAD Admissions Interview

    by Melissa Jones, Fortuna Admissions (2 days ago)
    Karen Marks, president and founder of North Star Admissions Consulting

    Are You Deciding Between MBA Programs?

    by Karen Marks, North Star Admissions (2 weeks ago)
    Caroline Diarte Edwards

    Top MBA Programs Waiving The GMAT Or GRE – But Should You Request One?

    by Caroline Diarte Edwards, Fortuna Admissions (2 weeks ago)

    You’re More Than Scores: MBA Admissions Directors Share How They Look Beyond Data Points For Applicants’ Stories

    by Matt Symonds, Fortuna Admissions (4 weeks ago)
  • Advice and Articles
    • How To Use Poets&Quants MBA Admissions Consultant Directory
    • How To Select An MBA Admissions Consultant
    • MBA Admission Consulting Claims: How Credible?
    • Suddenly Cozy: MBA Consultants and B-Schools
    • The Cost: $6,850 Result: B-School

Our Partner Sites: Poets&Quants for Execs | Poets&Quants for Undergrads | Tipping the Scales | We See Genius

About Poets&Quants | P&Q News Archives | Privacy Policy | Advertising & Partnerships | Editorial | Contact Us | Sign In / Register

Copyright© 2023 Poets&Quants, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Website Design By: Yellowfarmstudios.com