KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Trying to craft the “perfect” answer to impress admissions teams can weaken your application.
- Focus on your unique journey and values rather than just listing achievements.
- Ensure your stated goals are logical and demonstrate how an MBA is essential to your professional growth.
Making the cut for an MBA program is a difficult feat even with excellent credentials.
MBA programs are among the top business schools in the world, and their admissions process is famously known to be highly competitive. A strong application can make all the difference, but even small mistakes can hurt your chances. If you’re going to apply, you need to give it your very best shot.
While you might be eager to start writing your application soon as possible, not dedicating enough time to carefully research each business school can start you off on the wrong foot. Remember that behind an MBA admissions team are real people who know their school inside out — they can easily differentiate a personalized essay from a generic one. Online resources, campus visits, and connecting with faculty members can provide you with an understanding of the kind of qualities they are looking for in candidates, and how closely you align with these attributes.
Before submitting your MBA application, check your application for these common errors.
1. Pandering to schools too much
Most admissions specialists will tell you they receive too many applications that while on paper seem good, but are actually peppered with surface level pandering. This is a really insidious and pervasive approach to an application. If you’ve ever found yourself asking “What does Imperial College Business School want to hear so that I can get into Harvard?” or “I know IMD is a great school, so what do I need to say to make myself an attractive candidate for IMD?”, and so forth and so on, go over your application again and re-assess it if you’re trying to manipulate or convince the schools into accepting you and if the application is just the exact right cocktail of things to say to convince them that you’re good enough. That’s called pandering and is actually a huge mistake to make. So being realistic about your profile and aligning yourself with the school that meshes with your particular academic and professional background is the surest recipe for success.
2. Having a weak personal statement
Your personal statement is your chance to tell your story and stand out from other applicants. Many candidates make the mistake of focusing too much on their achievements and not enough on their personal journey. Top MBA schools want to know what makes you unique. Your values, experiences, and what drives you. Make sure your personal statement reflects who you are, not just what you have done. Admissions officers say sending generic MBA essays that could be sent to any business school conveys a lack of effort. Applicants should tailor each application they submit to the school receiving it, because if you copy and paste your answers between schools, you’re missing a great opportunity to demonstrate how you fit with the culture and values of each institution.
3. Having illogical career goals
In general, be specific and decisive when stating your MBA goals. It can be challenging to communicate true passion for goals that are illogical or not genuine. An inconsistent career goal is a common MBA application mistake. Admissions committees want to see that you have a proper blueprint for your future and that an MBA from their school is essential to reaching that goal. Be specific about your career path and state how the program aligns with your objectives.
4. Lying or exaggerating on your application
Any dishonesty in an MBA application that is discovered will typically lead to automatic rejection, and if it’s found after a student has begun MBA courses, they will likely be expelled. MBA admissions officers will typically reject an applicant suspected of deception. Business schools want and need to believe they’re admitting someone who has done exactly what they say they’ve done. When in doubt, the application is discarded just like that. So make sure all your application components should be consistent, including your letters of recommendation or references. An application that fails to do so will not be perceived as genuine. Each should tell a story of the same person and not include conflicting examples or characteristics.
5. Repetition
Each component of the MBA application should introduce some new and valuable information about yourself. Overemphasizing a single accomplishment in an MBA application can give a negative impression. Your application pieces can complement each other, but you don’t want to repeat everything because that’s a waste of the admission officer’s time. While you may have a very impressive role or accomplishments, this does not mean you need to mention them in every essay and in your LORs. Instead, think about your entire story and everything you have to offer.
Avoiding these common MBA application mistakes can significantly improve your chances of securing a spot in a top MBA program. With careful planning, tailored applications, and a focus on showcasing your authentic self, you can stand out even in the highly competitive admissions process. So instead of having bad aim or pandering or being defensive in your MBA applications, we recommend that you do your best just to be yourself.
