Background Checks Are Nearing: Here’s What To Expect

As MBA decision notifications come to a close, many admitted applicants will need to go through the background check process. While background checks are not performed by every business school, experts say it’s a good idea for applicants to be aware of the process.

Stacy Blackman, founder of Stacy Blackman Consulting, recently discussed what admitted applicants can expect from the background check process and what red flags business schools are looking for.

“The vast majority of people shouldn’t stress over this verification process,” Blackman writes. “Business schools aren’t on a mission to grill candidates about every last detail of their applications. They simply want to ensure that applicants have honestly represented themselves, their experience, and their accomplishments.”

HOW IT WORKS

At a high-level, background checks for MBA programs exist to verify the information an applicant has provided.

“Although the process varies from school to school, it usually includes checking that an applicant attended the undergraduate (or graduate) school(s) that he or she claims to have attended, received the grades indicated and earned the GMAT score reported,” according to Clear Admit. “It also involves the verification of the candidate’s employment history, job titles, starting and ending dates and salary/bonus information. Finally, some background checks involve contacting recommenders to verify their support and confirming applicant involvement in community activities.”

Due to the nature of the background check process, Blackman says applicants should be fully transparent with business schools about their application details.

“If you’re on the fence about whether to include or explain something in your application, chances are you probably should mention it,” Blackman writes. “When the issue is something like poor academic performance or a gap in employment history, it’s always best to come completely clean. The admissions team isn’t looking for perfection in applicants.”

POTENTIAL RED FLAGS

In general, most applicants don’t need to worry about having their decision rescinded due to a background check. There are, however, a few red flags that may be grounds for rejection. According to Blackman red flags generally include ethical lapses, questionable behavior, not disclosing a layoff or firing, evidence of plagiarism, and not disclosing a criminal conviction.

“Willful deception or lying by omission will jeopardize your admission,” Blackman writes. “Minor discrepancies such as being off by a month when listing your employment dates likely won’t. Most schools give applicants a chance to explain any plausible mistakes.”

Sources: Stacy Blackman Consulting, Clear Admit 

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