The Highest MBA Signing Bonuses

Adcom Tips For Being Accepted

“Most people have the will to win. Few have the will to prepare to win.”

Coach Bobby Knight probably delivered that zinger to his players every year. In fact, he likely repeated it over-and-over to drive it home. For Knight, his 1987 National Championship wasn’t won with a Keith Smart jump shot. It was the culmination of a season-long struggle. Like every team, they struggled through fatigue, injuries, and distractions. They would lose focus, take shortcuts, and experience doubt. In those times – after a tough loss or a sloppy scrimmage – Knight would reel his team back in. Whether through bombastic speeches or quiet personal counsel, he would reinforce the vision, fundamentals, and the plan. Teams don’t win games on last second jumpers, Knight would think. They would win because they repeated scenarios over-and-over until they were poised and perfected for the big moment.

Alas, few MBAs have the benefit of a personal coach to guide (or needle) them. When it comes to the application and interview, however, they can apply Knight’s dictum. Getting into business school is the end result of a long process. The interview, like a game, is their final exam that reflects their commitment to following the plan and improving every day. Success is about the depth they’re willing to go in understanding their true motives and ambitions. And the result often hinges on the time they’re willing to spend in figuring out how to position and differentiate themselves from other applicants. That, more than anything else, is why some candidates are accepted and others must wait another year.

These themes run throughout the adcom advice collected by Matt Symonds, a Forbes columnist and Director at Fortuna Admissions. As the current admissions cycle comes to a close and the new one gains steam, here are some strategies for getting the attention of your target schools:

“Spend time talking to many people in careers that seem interesting to you so that by the time you apply, you have a much better sense of your post-MBA plans. If you’re looking to make a career transition, consider speaking to people at your current company in positions that you’d like to go into after your MBA since they could be great resources that are highly accessible.”

– Dina Glasofer, NYU Stern

 

“When talking about your long-term goals, think big. You will inspire the reader with your plans to change the world, not with your goal of retiring at 50. Find the thread that links your past decisions with your future goals. Make sure your story makes sense with a clear vision of where you want to go.”

– Heidi Hillis, Stanford GSB

“Don’t settle for the ordinary — by definition a stretch school is within reach and by stretching yourself you will improve your reach. Believe in yourself, so that the admissions office can believe in you.”

 – Julie Ferguson, Chicago Booth

. “Improving your GMAT score by 100 points is achieved in 10 point increments. Test success is the sum of small efforts practiced day in and day out.”

– Cassandra Pittman, Columbia Business School

“Every school wants diversity – think how could your professional background, upbringing, nationality, age, future ambitions or interests add a unique dimension to your MBA class.”

– Melissa Jones, INSEAD

“There is probably someone applying to your target school with the exact same job title as you. Your resume needs to show exactly why you are better at that job.”

– Jodi Keating, Wharton

“Telling a story that illustrates the type of person you are has far more impact than telling the reader what kind of person you are.  Show, don’t tell.”

– Heather Lamb Friedman, Harvard Business School

“In your essays, go for the why, not the what. The resume tells what you did, it is up to the essays to explain what motivated you.”

– Heidi Hillis, Stanford GSB

“Devote your time and energy to something that supports your personal purpose in life. Don’t just get involved because it’s an admissions criterion. Do it because it genuinely resonates with who you are, your values, and your sense of purpose.”

– Catherine Tuttle, Duke Fuqua

“Don’t underestimate the importance of your passions outside of work. The 10 years spent training as a ballerina shows dedication and drive, and can help you dance your way to the top of the applicant pile.”

— Melissa Jones, INSEAD

“Focus on what you can do, rather than what you cannot undo. A brand-new start is not an option, so put your energy into a brand-new ending.”

– Brittany Maschal, Wharton

“Don’t assume that your recommenders know what they are doing. Details, depth and insight add value; generalisations and do not. Help them to help you.”

– Caroline Diarte Edwards, INSEAD

To read 18 other essential pieces of advice from adcoms, click on Symonds’ Forbes column below.

DON’T MISS: ACCEPTED TO BUSINESS SCHOOL? NOW WHAT?

Source: Forbes