Want Your Application to Stand Out? Here Are a Few Ways

Getting into your dream business school isn’t easy. But with some solid preparation, it’s possible to build a strong, unique MBA application. Financial Times recently spoke to experts who offered helpful tips on how applicants can make their application stand out.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Experts say finding the right fit with a business school requires doing thorough research. Applicants who can demonstrate a strong understanding of a B-school will tend to stand out more.

“Applying for an MBA is a process of you and the admissions committee getting to know each other,” Paula Amorim, MBA admissions director at IESE Business School in Barcelona, tells Financial Times. “Do your research, taking time to reflect deeply on your motivations and how the specific business school can help you achieve your goals.”

Thorough research includes looking at aspects of the business school, such as the MBA curriculum, assessing how well they align to your own professional goals.

“All general management MBA programs will provide you with the fundamentals of core management skills,” Stacy Blackman, founder of Stacy Blackman Consulting, writes. “The next step to determining fit requires you to find out just how well the programs align with your post-MBA career goals. Top business schools are known for their strengths in specific fields—finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, health care, real estate development, etc. So start by narrowing your list based on how well the program can prepare you for that industry.”

SELF-REFLECT, THEN WRITE

The essay serves as an important element in the MBA application. Having a strong essay can make a big difference in helping you stand out amongst a competitive landscape.

“Your essays, in particular, offer precious real estate to convey your uniqueness, so this is where you want to capture your reader’s attention by bringing your story to life,” Caroline Diarte Edwards, director at MBA admissions coaching firm Fortuna Admissions and former INSEAD director of admissions, marketing and financial aid, writes for P&Q.

Brandon Kirby, senior director of marketing, sales and admissions at Rotterdam School of Management, recommends applicants to spend some time doing self-reflection before actually writing their essay.

“Start by taking a walk or something that will allow you to get lost in your thoughts,” he tells Financial Times. “Go beyond the first thing that comes to your mind. An MBA is a lot about self-reflection and this starts in the application process.”

Sources: Financial Times, Stacy Blackman Consulting, P&Q

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