Business school admissions committees ask about your activities outside of work, but what are they really looking for? Although much about the admissions process can be unpredictable, business schools generally have clear expectations for what an applicant’s extracurricular profile should look like and include—and understanding those expectations is key to building a stronger application.
In this episode of The mbaMission Podcast, host Harold Simanskyis joined by mbaMission Executive Director Jessica Shklar and mbaMission Managing Director Rachel Beck to break down how a candidate’s extracurricular activities are evaluated, why “who you are as a person” matters just as much as your professional story, and how to identify meaningful experiences you already have, rather than trying to fabricate something in an attempt to impress the admissions committee.
Their conversation explores critical factors such as what “extraprofessional” really means for your application, how admissions committees use three key questions to assess your activities, why high-hours professionals and candidates with family responsibilities are not at a disadvantage, what makes an activity description credible, and why nontraditional activities and authenticity often outweigh prestigious-sounding accomplishments. Jessica, Rachel, and Harold also discuss the difference between participation and leadership, how to find meaningful moments in everyday life, and what business schools are trying to learn about you from this section of your application.
If you are wondering whether your extracurricular activities are compelling enough for top MBA programs, are worried that your lack of formal extracurriculars puts you at a disadvantage, or simply want to understand why admissions committees ask about this facet of your life, this episode offers practical, actionable guidance to help you think about your application differently and present yourself with greater authenticity and confidence.
New episodes of The mbaMission Podcast are released every Tuesday on all major streaming platforms, with full video episodes available on its YouTube channel. Sign up for a free 30-minute consultation with Harold, Jessica, Rachel, or another member of mbaMission’s admissions team.
