{"id":7723,"date":"2017-06-22T16:03:53","date_gmt":"2017-06-22T20:03:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/?p=7723"},"modified":"2020-07-18T17:40:08","modified_gmt":"2020-07-18T21:40:08","slug":"five-things-you-should-know-before-applying-to-an-mba-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stratusadmissionscounseling.com\/blog\/five-things-you-should-know-before-applying-to-an-mba-program\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Things You Should Know Before Applying to an MBA Program"},"content":{"rendered":"

The AIGAC Annual Conference that I attended this week explores the latest trends in the graduate application process. Whether you are considering an MBA, law or other advanced degree, considerable planning and resources are required to apply and then attend.<\/p>\n

Relationships between career demands, school curricula, and the admissions process were discussed during the conference’s Evolving Curricula and the Admissions Process panel. Here are my five key takeaways for getting admitted into the best business schools.<\/p>\n

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  1. Make sure that you<\/em> are defining what the best school is for you<\/strong>. Yes, rankings are important — MBA rankings (79%) are the most influential for external sources of information. Indeed, reputation continues to drive candidates\u2019 initial b-school list,” according to the 2017 AIGAC Applicant Survey<\/a>. Treat rankings as a part not the whole in your decision-making process. Do use third-party rankings to compare and contrast different programs, but not to decide for you.<\/li>\n
  2. Be yourself<\/strong>. Admissions directors want to know who you<\/em> are and that you will find enjoyable success at their school. Senior MBA admissions counselor Harold Simansky adds, “Real people are looking at your application and thinking, ‘Is this a person who will enrich our academic community?’ Show the Admissions Committees (AdComs) that you are that person, even before they see your application.”<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    This means attending events, participating in Webinars, talking to current students, and making a real connection to the Admissions staff. Being recognized and remembered for your good human qualities provide a tremendous leg up when your application is finally opened for its initial review.<\/p>\n

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    1. Tell all the parts of your story<\/strong>. Business schools strategically focus each question or prompt on their applications to learn about all aspects of the applicant – and hopefully, to eliminate overlap between sections.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      The MBA applications process<\/a> is typically comprised of the following:<\/p>\n