3 Ways to Craft a Cohesive Narrative in Your MBA Application

One of the best ways to make your MBA application stand out from the competition is to have a cohesive narrative—from start-to-finish.

“The more your unique and authentic narrative comes through the application materials, the more you will stand out from other applicants,” according to the admissions team at UVA Darden School of Business.

Stacy Blackman, founder of Stacy Blackman Consulting, recently walked through the process of how to weave your personal and professional journey together to form a cohesive narrative.

IDENTIFY YOUR STORY

To put together a cohesive narrative, you have to first start by understanding what your unique story is. Blackman suggests thinking of pivotal life moments and how they’ve influenced your decision to pursue an MBA.

“Share anecdotes and experiences that make you unique,” Blackman says. “You may have traveled the world for work, started a side hustle, or overcome a significant obstacle. Use these stories to show your resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.”

CONVEY A SENSE OF PURPOSE

Your application should convey a sense of purpose throughout. It can help to think of each aspect of your application as a chapter in a book.

“Your goals should be specific, realistic, and aligned with your past experiences and future ambitions,” Blackman says. “The application reader should be immediately able to connect the dots between your past, present, and future.”

While you want to explain how you’re well-prepared for the challenges of business school, it’s also beneficial to be honest about your shortcomings and show self-awareness.

“Be honest about your weaknesses and share how you see their program helping you fill those gaps,” Blackman says. “Highlight specific aspects of the program that align with your goals and values. Explain why this school is the ideal place to pursue your MBA degree.”

HIGHLIGHT SOFT SKILLS

Emphasizing your soft skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and communication, can also help paint a picture of well-roundedness.

“Share stories that showcase your ability to work well with others and your emotional intelligence,” Blackman says.

And while it may be tempting to try and craft the “ideal applicant” story, Blackman warns against it.

“Be yourself, and let your true personality shine through in your writing,” Blackman says. “Admissions committees can spot insincerity from a mile away.”

Sources: Stacy Blackman Consulting, UVA Darden

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