Blog: Archive for the “Admissions Myths Destroyed” Category

Human nature dictates that while engaged in a competitive MBA application process—exaggerated by the pervasiveness of rankings and the chatter surrounding them—some candidates will perceive that they are “ahead” of others because they were accepted at a top school, while others will perceive that they are “behind” their peers because they were accepted at a … Read More  

What does a 3.8 GPA + a 670 GMAT Classic score + four years of work experience + three years of community service equal? It could equal a letter of admission or rejection. However, knowing with absolute certainty is impossible because admissions is not a science. If it were, the Admissions Office would just do away … Read More  

Recently, we discussed observing limits with your resume. This time, we take a similar approach with your essays—in particular, your goals essay. Some business schools ask applicants to discuss their career progress first in a classic goals essay: Briefly asses your career progress to date. Elaborate on your future career plans and your motivation for … Read More  

Some MBA programs—Harvard Business School, for one—have gone on record stating that class visits are not a factor in their admissions decisions. But this definitely does not mean you have nothing to gain from visiting your target school’s campus. Imagine that you are considering buying a $250–$500K home. Would you not want to visit it before … Read More  

We at mbaMission often receive panicked phone calls from applicants in their late 20s, asking if they are too old to get into business school. Why do so many candidates have this concern? Over the past decade or so, several top schools have declared their openness to younger candidates and have even been courting them. Harvard … Read More