MBA applicants from traditional, overrepresented backgrounds such as consulting and finance—and candidates from less conventional fields such as architecture, military service, and operational roles—often wrestle with the same admissions-related questions. Which test should I take? Can I overcome a lower GPA? How should I demonstrate leadership? Should I apply now or spend another year strengthening my profile?
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In Episode 120 of The mbaMission Podcast, mbaMission Senior Consultant Harold Simansky and Managing Director Gavriella Semaya answer questions submitted by prospective MBA students. Their discussion offers practical ways of assessing each part of one’s candidacy to determine where focused improvements could make the greatest difference.
Choose the Test That Best Demonstrates Academic Readiness
Harold and Gavi begin by discussing the GMAT, GRE, and Executive Assessment. Applicants should identify the exam on which they believe they can perform best, typically by taking practice tests, making sure to confirm that their target program accepts scores from that exam. But test scores are only one way that candidates can convey their academic readiness. Applicants who have weaker undergraduate records can demonstrate their abilities by completing rigorous supplemental coursework (and earning strong grades in those classes) or by earning a recognized academic credential.
Build Reapplications and Recommendations Around New Evidence
Reapplicants need to show that they have grown and progressed in meaningful ways since the last time they applied. A stronger test score, a promotion at work, the completion of a demanding project, clarification of one’s career goals, and having engaged more deeply with a target program are all effective ways of demonstrating forward movement.
Recommendations deserve focused attention as well. A direct supervisor or close collaborator can often provide the best examples of your judgment, initiative, influence, and growth. Admissions readers remember credible stories supported by specific evidence.
Frame Your Experience with Respect to Leadership and Impact
Military veterans, architects, accountants, and applicants from other specialized or highly represented professional profiles should focus on identifying the transferable qualities and skills from their work. For example, experience with strategic problem-solving, stakeholder management, negotiation, communication, and team leadership all matter in an MBA classroom.
Demonstrating leadership does not require you to have had direct reports. Launching an initiative, improving a process, motivating colleagues, organizing a community project, and becoming someone that others trust in the workplace are all examples of leadership in action. Conveying the examples effectively requires both explaining the outcome and pinpointing the strengths and skills that made that outcome possible.
Address Weaknesses Directly, Then Focus on the Future
The optional essay is where candidates can explain the circumstances behind a layoff, other employment gap, or academic concern. Harold and Gavi recommend providing context for the issue in question, taking ownership where appropriate, and conveying what followed, including any lessons learned.
Having a GPA that is below your target program’s average can create a bit of a hurdle, but providing other evidence of your academic abilities can reduce any concern the admissions committee might have about your competency to handle the rigors of the MBA curriculum. Some options are earning a strong test score and completing supplemental coursework.
Present a Focused Reason for Pursuing an MBA
Although MBA students are known to explore different possible careers paths after enrolling, when crafting your application, you need to offer a clear and coherent intention for your professional future. Well-defined goals help the admissions committee understand why earning an MBA makes sense for you, why their particular program fits your needs, and how your past experience has prepared you for your proposed next step.
You need to provide the same clarity with respect to the timing of your MBA. Candidates should explain why this particular moment is the right inflection point. If you are unsure about whether to apply now or delay, take some time to identify what would materially improve in your profile and readiness during the coming year. If you do not feel that your candidacy would be meaningfully stronger at a future date, then moving ahead with your application is likely your best plan.
New episodes of The mbaMission Podcast are released every Tuesday on all major streaming platforms, with full video episodes available on mbaMission’s YouTube channel.
If you are curious about how your story, experiences, and goals align with what top business schools are looking for, sign up for a free 30-minute consultation with Harold, Gavi, or another member of mbaMission’s admissions team.
