If you dream of getting into Top MBA Programs, then you are in competition with several others, who have similar goals and aspirations. This is because (whether it is justified or not), an MBA from a reputed business school like Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, NYU Stern, Columbia and several others, does give an edge to your future career prospects, salary package, recognition and most importantly your inner personality. Yes, an MBA experience from an International B-school can transform your whole thinking and outlook towards life!
It is for these reasons, that many students and professionals are ready to spend heavily to get into their dream B-school. So, how to get into Top MBA Programs?
Here are important steps or aspects you need to take into consideration to help you take your career to the next level…
1. Why an MBA?
Though the answer to this question seems to be obvious at the surface, it has a deep down connection with your long-term goals. Whatever career path you want to follow, first you need to decide - Do you really want to do an MBA? MBA requires a heavy investment in terms of time, effort and money. Before applying to any MBA program, analyze yourself, your passion, and your goals for the next 10-15 years. And then ask yourself - Do you really require an MBA to achieve your goals? Do you have a Plan-B if you are not able to get into a top MBA program? Read good books related to career in MBA, take active part in discussion forums, get help from a mentor, talk to those who have graduated from your dream B-school and how it changed their lives. In a nutshell, get a clear picture -- why an MBA?
2. Selecting the B-schools:
If you have decided to be on the other side of the bridge…that is, to do an MBA, then the next step is to select the B-schools you want to apply to. It is always recommended to apply to 4-5 B-schools. This decision should be based on several factors like the geography of the B-school; kind of courses taught there, 1 year or 2 year program, the fee structure, the size and kind of networking opportunities, the culture of the B-school and so on. Yes, all these factors do matter while you shortlist B-schools. For instance, if you are aspiring to work in US, then aim for a US MBA program, instead of a UK or any other MBAs.
3. Aim 700+ on the GMAT:
Majority of the MBA programs look for a 700+ GMAT score. So, work seriously on the GMAT. It doesn’t mean that with a lower GMAT score it is impossible to get into your dream MBA program, a high GMAT score increases your chances of getting into a reputed B-school and it also helps in getting a scholarship. If you are not confident of scoring well through self-study, join a reputed test prep institute, thoroughly practice the Official Guide for GMAT, solve full-length mock-test, network with others who are preparing for the GMAT, ask questions and get your doubts cleared. It is always good to take your GMAT by May, so that even if you do not score well in the first attempt, you have time to reattempt and improve your score. An average GPA of 3.5 and 700+ on the GMAT, illustrate your academic excellence to a great extent.
4. Essays for MBA Application:
Essays are important aspects of MBA application. In fact, essays create the first impression on the Admission’s Committee. To write compelling essays, make sure that the essays are originally written by you (it could be edited by someone else). The essays should convey a true story about your past achievements and failures, your aspirations, your leadership qualities, and so on. Do adhere to the word limit and adapt the content for each B-school. Then get it edited by someone who is well-aware of the MBA application procedures. Your goal should be to differentiate yourself from others and bring out the unique qualities in you.
5. MBA Recommendations:
Recommendations are another crucial aspects of MBA Application. Generally B-schools require 2-3 recommendations. The first step is to choose your recommender very carefully. He/she needn’t be the CEO or a person from the Top management. The recommender should be someone who has worked with you very closely. He/she could be your manager or a professional colleague. Instead of writing in general terms, ask him/her to narrate some examples or incidences that demonstrate your Leadership skills and abilities. Also, the content of the recommendation letter should look like an extended thread of your story. It should be well-knitted with your essays.
6. MBA Interview:
So, you are through with your GMAT, Essays and Recommendations! Great! Now you need to prepare for the interview with the Admissions Committee. This interview could be taken by the faculty, or alumni or other important people related with the B-School. Prepare well for the interview in advance. Prepare answers for questions like why are you interested in doing an MBA? Why this B-school? Where do you see 10 years down the line? And so on…while preparing for the intercview, always keep in mind that what you say is what oyu have written in your essays and recommendations. Apart from judging your communications kills, Admission Committee judge whether you are in sink with your MBA goals or not. So, have a thorough understanding of your goals and aspirations.
To conclude, whether you are working on your GMAT, essays, recommendations or the face to face interview, everything should look like a complete unified story. B-School authorities look for whether you know yourself well or not, have you done anything exciting in your life which differentiate you from other, worked for any voluntary services, pursued any hobby, are you aware where your strengths and weaknesses lie or not and are you ready to be an inspiring leader after you graduate from the respective B-school.
So, start exploring yourself!
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