As covid-restrictions were eased out globally last year, the number of MBA applications to b-schools surged. The upcoming MBA admissions cycles are set to be equally competitive. So, how do you make your MBA application stand out and improve your chances of admission? What are the key requirements of a successful MBA application?
It’s time to culminate all that work ex and academics labor into a stellar MBA admission application. In this blog, Jamboree brings the guide to your MBA admission process.
IN THIS BLOG:
1. When to Apply for an MBA Admission?
2. How to Build Your MBA Admission profile?
3. MBA Admission Guide
4. Standardized Tests for MBA Admissions
5. Academic Transcripts for MBA Admissions
6. Essay for MBA Admissions
7. Resume for MBA Admissions
8. LORs for MBA Admissions
When to Apply for an MBA Admission?
For starters, check the application deadline for your target b-schools. Submitting your MBA application in time is crucial to securing an acceptance letter. Generally, business schools accept applications in rounds or on a rolling basis.
- Rounds: Schools that accept applications in rounds usually do in approximately three timed cycles or rounds. Applications received in one round are batched together and reviewed along with those received in that round. It is best to apply as soon as possible. Fall intake is the most preferred of all intakes since it also aligns with the Indian academic calendar.
- Rolling Basis: Some b-schools review applications as and when they are received when accepting applications on a rolling basis. After carefully examining the applications, offers for MBA admissions are made to the selected candidates.
Intake | Duration |
Fall Term | From August to December |
Spring Term | From January to April |
Summer Term | From May to August |
Check the type of MBA admission cycles your targeted b-schools carry out and apply as early as possible. Also, decide on the kind of MBA program you would be applying for: deferred, executive, part-time, or full-time. You can pick a program based on your work experience and professional aspirations.
Find the right MBA program for you.
Have you taken the GMAT before?
How to Build Your MBA Admission profile?
Preparing ahead for your MBA admission process will give you an edge over other applicants besides helping you target those early deadlines. If you have almost a year till you apply for your MBA admissions, you can build a strong profile by working on your GPA, extracurriculars, etc.
But don’t be disheartened even if you didn’t get an early start. Whatever your profile, there is always a business school for you. Additionally, there are ways to offset the weaker spots on your MBA application by:
- Making up for a low GPA with a high GMAT/GRE score,
- Explaining gap years, if any
- Securing strong letters of recommendation
MBA Admission Guide
In our guide to MBA admissions, we tell you about all the things you’ll need to make a successful application.
Standardized Tests for MBA Admissions
Almost every MBA program across the world requires applicants to submit GMAT or GRE scores. As the premier admission test for b-schools, the GMAT reflects a candidate’s suitability for an MBA program. B-schools value your GMAT scores greatly. A good GMAT score for your target b-school should be at least 20 points higher than the average GMAT score of the previous year’s incoming class.
If your test score is way below the average score of your target schools, you might want to retake the GMAT. We recommend you be ready with your GMAT score at least three months before your MBA application deadlines; this gives you enough time to improve your score and shortlist schools accordingly.
Academic Transcripts for MBA Admissions
Academic transcripts are a set of documents used to show your education record. It is a detailed record of your academic performance and has all the information about your courses, grades, study areas, degrees, and awards.
Academic Transcripts are duly signed and stamped by your education institutions where you have previously studied. If your academic transcripts are in any language other than English, they have to be translated into English when submitting your MBA application.
Essay for MBA Admissions
The MBA admission essays describe aspects of your identity that do not reflect in other parts of your MBA application like personal background, interests, extracurriculars, goals, etc. Admissions committees take a holistic view of MBA essays to assess candidates who are all-rounded and can make commendable contributions to the school.
The best way to send your application to the rejection pile is by submitting a cookie-cutter essay to multiple b-schools. For a winning MBA application essay, do thorough research of the school and the course, re-read and proofread your essay multiple times and check if the essay answer aligns with the question.
Resume for MBA Admissions
Tailor and adapt your resume for your MBA application as per the requirements of the b-schools you are applying to. Include information about your accomplishments, leadership roles, and team projects.
Any community service or extracurricular activities that you think can add value to your application should make it to your resume. Highlight your quantifiable achievements such as an increase in revenue or market share, increased website traffic, etc.
LORs for MBA Admissions
Letters of Recommendation give the admissions committee an outside perspective on your candidature. Usually, B-schools require a professional or academic reference.
For your academic reference, it is recommended that you choose somebody who has had the opportunity to evaluate your performance directly in an academic setting like a college professor or research advisor.
Professional letters of recommendation should come from people who worked with you closely and supervised you directly and with whom you share a good working relationship. They can better present your professional capabilities and put in the time to write a good recommendation letter.
Getting into a top MBA program can significantly impact your career and life. It will also allow you to network with like-minded people. A successful MBA application encompasses many factors- from high GMAT scores to strong SOPs & LORs.
With scores as high as 790 on their GMAT, Jamboree students have found their way to top business schools. Book a free fifteen-minute session with our MBA experts and get started with your MBA journey.