Standing Out in the MBA Application Process

MBA candidates are so anxious to know what business schools want in MBA applicants. They want the inside scope on the ideal or model applicant so they can follow the blueprint to get admitted to business school. Of course, business schools have the same party line – there is not an ideal MBA candidate, but rather admissions teams are looking for lots of different and unique candidates. In making statements about not having a standard candidate profile, Admissions Officers:

(1) have already assumed that you are qualified for admission to the MBA program – that you are academically ready to excel in the MBA program, and that you have the career and leadership potential to be successful in the future, and

(2) are telling you that they want candidates who went to different schools, worked in different companies and industries in various roles, who are different ages and come from different places and experiences.

But what does it mean to be different or stand out in the MBA application process? In part it may be based on life experiences, such as being from an under-represented group or coming from another country or culture. But regardless of gender, ethnicity, cultural or socio-economic background, any candidate can stand out in his or her MBA applications. Standing out at its core requires personal leadership and authenticity.

Personal Leadership

In the application to Stanford’s MBA program, candidates are required to answer the essay question “what matters most to you, and why?” Regardless, of whether you want to attend Stanford GSB or not, to stand out in the application process you must be able to answer my slightly adapted question, “what matters most to you, and what evidence to do have to prove it?” Your passions and pursuits can be anything that you want them to be. But it’s not enough to just have an interest in addressing inequality in public education or an interest in finding a technology-based solution to address a challenge that you see. You must show the admissions committee that you have taken personal leadership, to not just see a need, but take steps to address it. Those steps can vary from person to person – you don’t have to go out and start a non-profit or a company to show evidence of your commitment. But can you volunteer, or can you take learn to code a website? That would be yes.

Authenticity

There are lots of MBA candidates doing incredible things – starting organizations, volunteering in the most remote of locations, writing books, etc. Candidates have done things that I had never imagined when I was a pre-MBA. If that’s your thing, than go for it. If climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is your next “feat of strength”, have at it. But standing out in the MBA application doesn’t require over-the-top, newsworthy actions and activities. It’s definitely cool and can help. If you can win an Olympic medal that will likely make you distinctive in the MBA application process. All that is required though is authenticity. To stand out in the MBA application, be true to who you are and what you want. When you determine your goals and aspirations, make sure that they are significant and important to you. That they align with who you are and want to be.  When you are authentic about your goals and aspirations, it will foster an enthusiasm from others, including admissions officers, to support you in achieving your goals.