Applying for your MBA is more than test scores and transcripts. Admissions offices, especially at top business schools, want to see more than the data that defines a student—they also look for the character of an applicant.
When you’re preparing your MBA application, it’s important to take a step back. Look at ways to present your story that go beyond collecting the right documentation and data.
Consider these six unique tips that can help prepare you for the unexpected aspects of the MBA program.
1. Organize finances for experiences
Paying for your MBA is undoubtedly top of mind for all MBA candidates. When considering the cost of an MBA, many prospective students think only about the cost of tuition. However, your financial organization should also include a budget for experiences that deepen your MBA experience.
To get the full MBA experience, students should also factor in:
- Conferences
- Leadership retreats
- Business competitions
- Trips and treks
Each of these co-curriculars will deepen your immersion in the program and make for a genuinely comprehensive MBA experience. Admissions officers will encourage you to participate in these events as well.
Contact a current student who is involved in the types of activities you’re interested in and ask what they spend to participate in the events. By getting real-time cost information, you can get an informed estimate of the amount of money necessary to complete your MBA program while still making the most of the experience.
With that said, don’t let finances overwhelm you. Take time to develop a relationship with your admissions officers. Talk to them about which co-curriculars you’re considering during your MBA program, and work with them to apply for and obtain scholarships to help defray the costs. They can also advise you on other outlets for funding your MBA if money is an issue.
2. Get up-to-date with current events
When we are settled into the routine of a job, focusing on academia isn’t always a part of our day-to-day life. For example, maybe you don’t read much beyond your social media feed or workplace emails currently.
When it comes time to write an MBA essay or have an interview, neglecting to brush up on global events could hinder you.
- Do you feel confident discussing current events?
- Have you stayed on top of current trends in business?
Casual conversation starters could wind up catching you off-guard if you haven’t taken time to update your business acumen.
Take time to deep dive into current events, so that you can refresh and reset your perspective. As a bonus, deep diving into business news can help you succeed once you’ve gotten into an MBA program where you’ll immediately dive into reading, writing, and digesting information quickly each day.
3. Keep a journal
When applying for an MBA, essays and interview prep seem to top the list of stress factors for prospective students. To make the creative juices flow more easily, keep a journal of your day-to-day life.
This technique is especially useful if you’re currently in the workforce.
A journal can help you keep track of—and flesh out—instances in the workplace that may stand out as character highlights during your interview. For example, let’s say your interviewer asks, “What type of team member are you?” Every day you’re in the workplace, you’re demonstrating your character as a team member, regardless of how mundane the actions are. By logging your daily interactions, you can assess them, and create specific examples that form a thoughtful answer.
Rereading your journals can also help you draw inspiration for essay questions. Each time you reflect on your experiences, you’re improving your narrative. This period of reflection is critical for responding well to both interview and essay questions.
4. Grab a mirror
Another way to prepare for your interview questions is to hold mock interviews with yourself or a trusted friend or family member.
It can be uncomfortable and even awkward to answer questions about yourself, especially if you’re not a particularly reflective person. Without proper preparation, you run the risk of tripping up during your responses or being caught completely off-guard.
Pluck sample interview questions from the internet and quiz yourself. Respond to the questions that make you feel most uncomfortable looking at yourself in a mirror. Practice as though you are sitting in front of the interviewer or a camera (some interviews are done remotely online). As you respond, watch your body language, and listen to your answers. Are there ways you can improve your responses?
5. Update your social media
Your social media is an extension of your personal brand. As you begin to increase your network through an MBA program, new eyes will be scanning your social media. What do your social platforms say about you?
Take time to curate platforms like LinkedIn to reflect your current interests. Use social media to showcase your existing skillset, and clearly articulate your previous work and education experience so new contacts can get to know you better.
It’s also worth taking a look at your existing content. Are the articles and photos you’ve shared in the past still relevant to your persona today?
6. Reframe your thinking
As humans, we naturally fall into patterns including our ways of thinking.
One of the biggest takeaways from your MBA program will be the ability to open your perspective and consider business decisions from multiple perspectives not bound by borders, gender, ethnicity, religion, or otherwise.
To prepare yourself for development, start making it a point to welcome change. As cliche as it sounds, do something every day that scares you while you’re preparing your MBA application.
Be open and welcoming to new experiences, and above all, embrace risk-taking. By practicing the skills of openness and taking the time to focus on character-building, you’ll be able to stand out while applying for your MBA program.
Gearing up for your MBA program is an exciting time. For more tips on how to prepare for your MBA application, or what to do when you’re ready to apply, contact our admissions office today.
