- Introduction
- Mistakes to avoid when applying to a B-school
- Mistake 1: Sending the same essay to different schools
- Mistake 2: Talking just about your past achievements
- Mistake 3: Not following instructions
- Mistake 4: Not being consistent
- Mistake 5: Your recommenders don’t know you
- Mistake 6: Not being yourself
- Mistake 7: Failing to express why the program is right for you
- Wrapping up
Introduction
Every year, the business school Admissions Committee skims through thousands of MBA applications in search of “ideal” applicants who’ll get through their rigorous selection process and secure a seat in coveted MBA institutions. That’s why it is extremely important to stand out amongst the crowd in the application procedure.
It’s perfectly understandable if you find a business school’s application procedure to be challenging. After all, no one is perfect, and most people will only apply to business school once in their lives. Many candidates, however, commit a few errors consciously or unconsciously, which costs them their spot at the desired business school.
Has this left you wondering, “What are those mistakes that have the potential to cost me dearly?” Let’s read some of the most common but easily avoidable mistakes.
Mistakes to avoid when applying to a B-school
Mistake 1: Sending the same essay to different schools
One of the biggest errors in an MBA application is when an applicant cites the wrong name of the school in the essay. Admission officials indicate that this is often the case and usually ends in rejection. By writing one generic essay and submitting it in all the schools, you’ll miss an ideal opportunity to demonstrate how well you fit a program.
You need to understand that each business school is particular about how they want to build their cohorts. Including distinct, intentional remarks about how well you fit the institute can help you score well. This will not only show that you are a good candidate for the program but also that you are motivated to do your research and enthusiastic about customizing your essay.
Mistake 2: Talking just about your past achievements
Yes, communicating what you’ve accomplished is crucial but what matters the most is that you have a clear idea of what you want to do with that experience.
While attending a business school is an investment in your career, admissions committees also want to know how you will give back to the institute. The Admission Committee expects you to have considered your future to describe your short and long-term intentions clearly. They’re more interested in learning why you’ve set those goals in the first place.
Applicants frequently make the mistake of believing that an application should be entirely about them. However, the most impressive applications are not about themselves and are focused more on intertwining the individual’s and institution’s common goals.
Mistake 3: Not following instructions
Many applicants wander away and begin answering questions that aren’t asked, ignoring ones that were asked and exhibiting that they can’t follow instructions. Before you start writing, make sure you completely understand the aim of the essay prompt.
For example, if the application form’s question asks “how?” or “why?” answering it with “what” is not a good option. Business schools spend a lot of time and effort crafting these application questions to determine how well a candidate suits their program and failing to reply to them communicates a lack of fit right away.
You can have a friend or coworker read your essay without knowing the question and then ask them to say what they think you’re trying to answer. Their response will tell you if you’re on the right track.
Mistake 4: Not being consistent
Because this is your only chance to show the admissions committee who you are, it’s imperative to present a consistent story and develop a strong profile. It can be misleading and make you appear inauthentic if you are a positive go-getter with a desire for non-traditional learning in one essay and a cautious rule-follower in the next.
Try to connect your essays, statements of purpose, and even recommendations to present a consistent story about who you are so that admissions committees can get a clear picture of you and see how well you could fit into that school.
Mistake 5: Your recommenders don’t know you
Many candidates make the error of selecting recommenders based on job positions or perceived prestige rather than how well they know the applicant or how useful their reference will be.
Telling a consistent story, as described in Mistake 4, is crucial. It’s necessary to choose the right recommender who will keep your narrative on track and who knows you well enough to provide memorable details about you rather than simply repeating what’s on your CV. Keep in mind that admissions committees review hundreds of applications each year, and even the most deserving candidates are turned down—often due to these blunders.
Mistake 6: Not being yourself
Some MBA candidates, according to experts, make the error of writing admissions essays that display what they think admissions authorities want to hear rather than what reflects their genuine personalities.
If you tweak your writings in an attempt to become the “ideal” MBA applicant, you’ve completely missed the goal of the essay in the first place. The objective is to show that you are an interesting and thoughtful candidate.
The beauty of the MBA process is that it enables the aspirant to think about themselves and realize that they are more unique than they think. So be yourself, and write in a style that lets the admissions committee get to know you on a personal level.
Mistake 7: Failing to express why the program is right for you
Although many elite B-schools on the surface appear identical, they all take pride in the features of their school that distinguish them from their competitors. Whatever be the reason for pursuing an MBA, make sure you can pinpoint specific components of the skill set required for your future employment that will be strengthened by attending that particular business school.
The admissions committee wants to know how their course will meet your personal goals, so leverage the essays to demonstrate that you have done your homework.
Wrapping up
Business school applications necessitate a high level of attention to detail and can take several hours to complete. Common, preventable errors can make the difference between acceptance and rejection of your application. You’ll be well on your way to impressing the admission committee and joining the next class of MBAs at your preferred business school if you avoid these errors and follow the guidelines provided above.
One such business school that can function as a stepping stone to your professional journey is the MBA Degree Program by Shiv Nadar University, Delhi NCR. It follows a simple application process and will help you develop the expertise you need to get to the next level of your career. For more information, click on the link above. Apply now!
