How to be a good MBA applicant
I’ve been doing a lot of driving lately, and recently listened to a segment on a Toronto radio station about what makes someone a good Facebook friend. Admittedly, because I’m almost always thinking about work, I thought that the concept translated well to the dos and don’ts of being a good MBA Applicant and thought I’d share my perspective.
Six Tips for being a good MBA Applicant
- Do your homework
- If the opportunity exists to create an account with your target school(s), do so
- Attend events hosted by your target b-school(s)
- Read the application requirements / instructions carefully
- Plan ahead
- Be patient
Let me explain…
1. Do your homework
Before you send of an email to an admissions officer or to general inquiries, make sure that you’ve really taken the time to thoroughly read a school’s website. While all are not created equal, the key information is there, and it reflects poorly on you and your level of commitment to the program if the admissions officer can reply to your questions with a series of links to info on the website. Not sure where to start reading? We suggest starting with the FAQ page.
2. If the opportunity exists to create an account with your target school(s), do so
Having an account with a school allows us to better target information so that you don’t constantly have to be searching for location specific events, application deadlines, etc. Many schools send out newsletters with important information, and being on the mailing list assures you are kept in the loop. Additionally, some schools host invite-only events, and if we don’t know that you’re interested in the Program (and where you live), we can’t invite you!
3. Attend events hosted by your target b-school(s)
Once you determine that you like what a school has to offer and you’re thinking about applying, do your best to attend a recruiting event. Whether it is an MBA Fair, Info Session, Open House, etc., attending an event in person and meeting representatives from the school is a great way to determine if the school is a good fit with your personality and background. It also shows that you are serious about learning more about the program, and have a higher level of commitment than a person who simply submits an application without any interaction. It’s very hard for the admissions team to assess fit if we’ve never interacted with you. (Note: I recognize that it’s not always possible for applicants to attend events, but many programs, Ivey included, host online sessions).
4. Read the application requirements / instructions carefully
While requirements are similar amongst b-schools, they are not identical, so be sure to know exactly what you need to submit, and what the minimum application requirements are. For example, Ivey has a reference template that needs to be completed by your references as opposed to having them writing a letter on your behalf, and you need to have at least 2 years of full-time work experience in order to be considered. You will save yourself (and the admissions team) a lot of time and frustration if you take the time to print out the checklist and follow the directions.
5. Plan Ahead
Avoid the stress of having to cram for your GMAT in order to make an application deadline, or the disappointment of being accepted to your top choice, only to discover that you can’t get financing together. Once you determine which schools you will apply to, work backwards: determine which deadline you are targeting to submit your application, schedule your GMAT for at least a month before this date (just in case you decide you want to re-write), and have a conversation with your banker/parents/financial advisor about the investment you are looking to make in your education. I’m not saying that you have to have funds lined up before you apply, but with scholarship awards not guaranteed and competitive, you want to make sure that if you are accepted to a program, you will be able to accept the offer!
6. Be Patient
MBA Programs receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applications each year, and they take time to process because we really do read through everything you submit! Having read the website and application instructions thoroughly (Tips #1 and 4), you should have a sense of what will happen after you click the submit button on your application: if the school indicates that we will contact you, be patient and let us contact you. Many programs have a ‘no news is good news’ policy, so if anything is missing from your application, or if you are required to schedule an interview, you will be notified as soon as possible.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be off to a great start this application season. Good luck!