Application Advice

A friend of mine wrote me asking for tips on the B-School application process. I thought I would post my advice/ thoughts for everyone's benefit:

1) Focus on your GMAT… it’s the ONE thing you can do that will really increase your odds at a school. Schools really view high gmat scores favorably, and to be considered “competitive” at a top 10 school, you will want to break 700… otherwise, 680 is ok, but it will be more of an uphill battle. You want to be a GMAT “donor” (schools try very hard to keep their averages above or at 700). Schools will also care about the “split”… you want to aim for at least an 80% on each section. Potential recruiters regularly ask your GMAT score as well, so do the best you possibly can. However, it is only one factor. While a great GMAT score will not guarantee you into a top school, a low one will definitely keep you out.

2) Decide if you want to go full or part time, and start researching programs. Once you have your GMAT score, you will know where you are a competitive applicant. Go to Business Week online to see current school rankings (but don’t rely solely on rankings, look into quality of life, program etc… to make sure you get what you want out of your experience) Some schools like Harvard and Darden are very case based. Some schools, like Stanford, Kellogg, and Michigan are more of a mix between case, lecture, and other methods. Some schools, like Wharton and Chicago have a reputation of being more quantitative. Some schools let you create your curriculum (Chicago) and some schools won’t let you pass out of a single class (Harvard). Almost all schools can get you into any area, but for something like Private Equity, you may have better networks at the top three schools. Talk to current students about their experiences: browse message boards and blogs, network, etc. Find out where the companies and firms you would potentially want to work for recruit.

3) Do some introspection on yourself: what you want to do after your MBA, what you hope to get out of it, are you a career switcher, are you looking at this as a stepping stone. Inventory your interests, your accomplishments, and your dreams. Create a story about yourself, why you have done what you have done so far, what you want to contribute to the school and your class, and where you want to go after school. Now you will know what points you want to hit on your application and essay.

4) Re-do your resume to reflect results and accomplishments. What did you do at your jobs that resulted in cost savings or improved efficiencies? (quantify your results).

5) Select the programs you want to apply to and start writing (and rewriting) your essays, especially the “WHY MBA, WHY NOW?”. Have people that know you well and one person that doesn’t know you well read your essays. Most importantly, are they honest? Do they have voice? Do they really reflect the real you in a GOOD light? Do they answer the question at hand? Decide if you want to use a consultant or writing service. (I didn’t, and I know plenty of people that got into top 10 schools without one. But I know plenty of people that got into top 10 schools and used one.)

6) Contact potential recommenders. Schedule meetings with them, tell them about your goals and direction, and give them at least 4 weeks to complete your recs. Provide them with information such as your GMAT, your essays (you don’t want them to say anything contradictory to what you say), and your position or “story” that you are trying to sell to each school. Tell them of weaknesses in your application that you are aware of and how they can help you mitigate those weaknesses through their recommendation. (ie.. if you have poor quant grades in college, have them rave about your quantitative skill set... or if your verbal GMAT score is low, have them talk about your great communication and presentation skills.).

7) Apply in round one or two! Interview! And when you are done, treat yourself. You have worked hard! Now just wait for the acceptances to roll in….

Good Luck to all future applicants!