3 Key Focus Areas in Your MBA Application

Having a strategy in MBA admissions is essential for success. But what does that strategy look like and what aspects of your application should you focus on most? Stacy Blackman, founder of Stacy Blackman Consulting, recently highlighted key focus areas that every applicant should try to maximize.

BOLSTER A LOW GPA

While it’s not the only factor that admissions officers take into consideration, your undergraduate GPA does play a big role in admissions.

“Your GPA tells admissions whether you can excel in an academic setting,” according to Ivy Advisors. “Your GPA is also a measure of the effort and time that you devoted to your previous education. Admissions don’t just look at your GPA, but also your school transcript. Your choice of classes helps them understand who you are. The rigor of the institution and your choice of major also play a factor in the evaluation.”

GPA is also one of the only factors in your MBA application that is hard to change. If you do have a low GPA, however, there are some things that you can do.

“If you have a below-average GPA or low grades in quantitative/business classes, consider taking an online course this summer,” Blackman says. “Earning A’s in college-level quant courses will help convince the admissions committee that you can succeed in a challenging, fast-paced MBA program. Also, taking steps to shore up those weaknesses shows maturity and your ability to balance academics with work.”

SHOW CAREER PROGRESSION

Your resume should demonstrate a clear path of professional growth—especially if you’re applying to a top B-school.

“The admissions team likes to meet potential students who have the drive to advance their skills and leadership abilities continually,” Blackman says.

If your resume lacks career progression, there are a few things you can do to add value.

“If an official title change is not in the cards in the coming months, find other ways to take on more senior responsibilities at work,” Blackman says. “Ask to join a high-level project. Take on a leadership role. If you have a new member on the team, volunteer to mentor that person. Even within a flat organization with no title change, you can still show career progression on your resume. Review your accomplishments and see how you can portray them in a way that reveals your professional growth.”

GUIDE YOUR RECOMMENDER

Recommendation letters are another factor that applicants should focus on. While applicants should never write the letter themselves, Blackman says, they can guide their recommender to focus on key traits to highlight.

“Remind them of at least three compelling, work-related anecdotes that show how you contributed to a project, led a team, inspired others, communicated effectively, etc.,” Blackman says. “Your recommenders can help you stand out from thousands of other highly qualified applicants by painting a clear picture of both the personal and professional you.”

Sources: Stacy Blackman Consulting, Ivy Advisors

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