Mission Admission: What are they looking for?
July 13th, 2008 | Posted in Mission Admission, Blogroll
One of the most common questions that we hear from applicants is: “What type of candidate is (HBS, Stanford, Wharton, Chicago, etc.) looking for?” Of course, the answer to that question is that schools do not want one type of applicant. In fact, each school wants a remarkably diverse class and thus wants to be able to identify distinct qualities in each candidate.
While it can be appealing to try to simplify a school’s approach to admissions, (”Kellogg wants team players!”) you should avoid trying to fit some perceived mold, as it will compromise your distinct qualities. Instead of pandering to a stereotype in terms of your personal/professional experiences or changing goals to match an imagined bias of an MBA Admissions Committee, you should spend a great deal of time brainstorming in order to understand how you can showcase your unique traits. By showing that you offer something different than other candidates, you have the greatest chance of succeeding.
“A common trap is [when they] present themselves in a manner in which they think we want to see them, vs. being their true selves. I cannot stress enough: What’s most important to us…is to know who you truly are.”
- Beth Flye, Director of Admissions, Kellogg, Businessweek Interview
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