Common application mistakes by MBA aspirants

With the MBA application season around the corner, it is time for MBA applicants to make some choices. It is common for applicants to confront some different and unexpected questions. When you are applying to a top business school, you are effectively swimming against the tide.

To get the odds in our favour, you should avoid common mistakes many applicants make. We have listed down some of the most common mistakes made by applicants and how you should avoid them:

Emphasising on your work experience in application essays: Most of the MBA programmes want to know you as a person, your passions and your experiences that have shaped you into the person you are today. Listing your professional accomplishment will not make the college accept your application.

Overemphasis on the GMAT/GRE scores: Applicants should keep in mind that admission to MBA programmes is based more on qualitative factors than quantitative factors.

Not having a focused career vision: Many students will think there is an opportunity to explore a number of career options during their first year of school. But the reality of situation is different, as you will find very little time for exploration and the admission officers are well aware of this situation. So make sure to have a focused career path and convey it in your application.

Sending the same essay to multiple schools: It is a known fact that each school is looking for a very different student profile. Hence, it is always advised to write completely unique essays for each school that position you best for acceptance.

Importance of extracurricular activities: Many students tend to assume that schools just want to see you give back to your community through extracurricular activities. In the real scenario, the schools assess your leadership potential through your extracurricular involvement. Remember, the depth of involvement is more important than breadth.

Choosing average recommendation: One of the top factors why applicants do not get into business schools is because they tend to choose recommenders who are tough just because they are direct supervisors. Applicants have to choose recommenders who will say that the applicant is the most incredible professional and individual they have worked with in their career.

MBA is indeed a transformational experience. If your are quite accomplished and driven to take on this challenge, you will have to overcome the application hurdle. So be prepared and do your homework to understand the mistakes that often derail most of the applicants.