Barbara Coward
Admisssions and Marketing Manager,School of Management,University of Bath,UK.

MAKING THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS WORK FOR YOU

If you are an ambitious manager looking to further your career, or change direction, you may have considered an MBA to help achieve your goals. Research by the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) has shown that attending a top MBA offers the highest return in terms of career opportunities and post-MBA salaries. But assuming you are willing to put in a year or more of hard work to realise these enticing benefits, but how do you get into a selective and prestigious programme? Each programme has its own admissions criteria, but this article will highlight a few key "secrets" of the admissions process at leading b-schools and will provide some general tips to consider when you're ready to apply for your "passport" to your next career. Top tier business schools are looking not only to assess applicants' ability to perform as MBA students, but also as ambassadors for the brand name of the school post-graduation. Schools want to recruit students that will make a difference, who will become leaders in their organisations. So how you present yourself in the admissions process, both on paper, and in person, is critical.

The application

In many cases, admissions officers are unable to conduct personal interviews with overseas candidates so the application is the only means of assessing candidates' motivation and abilities. Solid credentials, good work experience, or even sound academic achievements do not outweigh an application that is poorly presented. Illegible handwriting, crumpled paper, and forms smelling like cigarettes or last night's dinner do not make a good first impression! Professional managers are expected to write many reports and give presentations. Application essays enable an evaluation of candidates' ability to communicate their thoughts in the clear, concise manner expected of senior managers. Essays consisting of only a few sentences tell me the candidate hasn't put much time or thought into the application. An accredited MBA demands a high degree of effort and commitment. Applications apparently dashed off in fifteen minutes definitely send the wrong signals to recruiters. Include (honest) examples of achievements that demonstrate your integrity, motivation, leadership, creative, and teamwork skills, and, if possible, an unusual accomplishment that shows you have something to contribute to the programme. Mass-produced essays should be avoided at all costs. Admissions Officers are proud of their programme and want candidates to talk about it!

The Interview

As in a job interview, professional appearance and punctuality give the candidate a good start. As in the written application, demonstrate how you can contribute to the programme. You may be thinking why you want the MBA, but the Admissions Committee needs to know why they should fill a seat (often with five to ten candidates applying for each place) with you. How will you enrich the programme? Try to be original or creative in your answers to distinguish yourself. Admissions Officers will also test candidates to check their objectives for pursuing an MBA. An MBA from a top school is a big investment, and it is important to ensure that the candidate is pursuing an MBA for the right reasons. Successful applicants are also those who can demonstrate their ability to work in teams. This is where extra-curricular activities, such as voluntary work, can strengthen an application. In interviews, it is also good to have a few meaningful questions to ask the interviewer to show that you have done your homework. I am always impressed with candidates who arrive with a written list of questions. Remember, the interview is a reflection of how you will participate in lectures and case study discussions (as well as conduct yourself as a alumnus/a of the school later on). Admissions Officers want to see how you will be able to raise the level of debate through insightful, intelligent questions.

References

Consider carefully who you will ask to write your recommendations. Where possible, a reference from a senior manager is particularly impressive, as these individuals are familiar with the issues addressed on an MBA programme. It always enhances your application to include a reference from someone who works in a well-known organisation. However, Admissions Officers recognise that many talented applicants work in a family business, or small firms, and take that into consideration.

A good balance of skills and experience

The level of work experience, particularly for accredited British MBA programmes that require a minimum of three years, is something that is reviewed very carefully in the admissions process. Above all, we look for solid professional work experience. You may be working as an officer in the military commanding troops, or as a financial analyst "managing" figures, but we like to see evidence of some practical familiarity with topics that will be addressed on the course. Career progression suggests a student is capable of going places after the MBA so make sure you emphasise increasing responsibility and promotion. We look for a good balance of quantitative and qualitative skills. If you are an Engineer with a mathematical educational background, it is important to show that you have the communication and interpersonal skills to work with others. Likewise, if someone has an arts background we want to see that they can understand quantitative subjects – for example, by having had responsibility for managing budgets. Academic capabilities are usually demonstrated by a first degree from a reputable undergraduate school. Again, Admissions Officers look at the entire picture. This is where the GMAT test is used to add another piece to the evaluation. Most schools, while looking for a certain minimum score, will use the GMAT as only one of many criteria alongside work experience, essays, references, and interview results. Successful candidates are those who can demonstrate the drive, tenacity and capacity for hard work, along with teamwork, communication, and analytical skills. Candidates who further distinguish themselves are those who are creative, innovative, and can contribute something a little bit different to the course community. In return, a top MBA will enhance your critical thinking skills and give you confidence in the language of business. And that's the real benefit for the investment of a year or two of extremely hard work - the professional and financial dividends that last a lifetime.