Plan Your MBA Essays Application - MBAkarma

Expanding on my previous post on Plan your MBA- The Steps to Success I will target the most crucial step in the timeline- Writing MBA Essays and Applications.

If you went through the MBA applications calendar we discussed previously, you would remember that I suggested to finalize post MBA goals and shortlist B-Schools sometime between January to March in the year you wish to apply in. Refer the timeline below.

Up until now we have focused on the pre-application processes, that is, Exams (GMAT) and research (post-MBA goals and shortlisting universities)

However, the actual work begins when you get down to writing MBA essays.

Essays are the most important part of an MBA application. One thing that admission committee relies most on while selecting candidates.

Why, you ask? Simple, this is where you get a chance to show them who you really are.

How well you tell your story can offset low GMAT scores, years of work ex (low or high) or any other gaps that your profile may have. And there are always some weaknesses, even in the most stellar profiles.

Just as there are strengths in all profiles.

Each university has a different set of essays or Statement of Purpose (SoP), however most universities ask the following questions in one form or the other-

1. Why do you wish to do an MBA?

2. Why do you wish to do it now?

3. Why should we admit you?

4. Why do you wish to study at our university?

There can be several other questions, but you will surely need to bring out compelling answers for the above in order to become a successful candidate.

Applications usually open in second half of the year. Be ready with your answers to the above questions in the first half, so that you can produce quality applications.

As mentioned in my earlier post, you should brainstorm and finalize your Post-MBA goals while preparing for the GMAT. This will not only help you shortlist the right universities, but also set you up for success when the application season opens.

In addition to writing MBA essays there may be other parts to the application which may require a quality effort such as preparing a résumé or writing scholarship applications. These can also take up a chunk of your time. Considering that most applications are open only for a couple of months, your focus should be on producing a high quality application. If you followed through my advice in the previous article, all the documents from your alma mater and previous companies would be in order, allowing you to focus on excellence.

The day applications open- you do nothing but churn great essays.

Still have questions? Reach out to us on info@MBAkarma.com to get a free consultation on your career goals.