ADVICE TO FUTURE MBA APPLICANTS

Now that the Class of 2024 has reached their destination, what advice do they offer to prospective applicants? For the University of Rochester’s Jasurbek Tursunov, it boils down to a three-step formula: “Do your research and determine “WHY” this school; explain “WHAT” you are going to bring to this community; and “HOW” you are going to achieve your goals.” Harvard Business School’s Carolina Romeo shares a similar three question formula: “Think about what the table stakes are and what sets you apart – what makes your story unique, where have you been and where do you want to go.” For HEC Paris’ Monica Van Den Boon, the key to getting accepted involves flipping your mindset.

Monica Van Den Boon, HEC Paris

“What turned my application journey upside down was changing the game from “What do they want to hear me say in the application?” into “What would I love to tell them about myself?”. It’s so easy to forget that it’s not a robot reading your application, but an actual person just like yourself. If you only met that person for 5 or 10 minutes at the airport, what would you genuinely love them to know? If you can answer that question, you can find your own unique voice within your words.”

That requires deep reflection – which is perhaps the most consistent piece of advice given by the Class of 2024. At INSEAD, for example, that may involve looking back at how you respond to differences, says Hiro Herfert – such as dealing with a “tricky customer from a different culture” or an “uncollaborative overseas subsidiary.” More broadly, according the University of Michigan’s Alex Perez-Garcia, reflection means finding your “why” or what she calls your “North Star.”

“Consider: What is a story that only you can tell? What is the unique perspective that you bring to your work? What keeps you curious, awake at night, or gets you up in the morning? Sometimes it helps to do this exercise alone or with a partner or coworker who can help draw those answers out. This intentional reflection early on will also be helpful when navigating the plethora of opportunities available at Michigan Ross and keep you grounded in the process. Once you have your North Star, it’s easier to flesh out a narrative of where you want to go and how [your] MBA will help you get there.”

Welcome to campus, MBAs. Make the next two years matter!

Meet The MBA Class of 2024

Editor’s Note: This year, Poets&Quants will be profiling some of the most promising MBA students at over45 top business schools, including the programs featured above. Please note that Stanford GSB submits Class of 2024 candidates in the spring.