Tips On Applying For An MBA Program

Posted: 1/19/2007 by Staff

While requirement for admission vary from school to school when applying for an MBA program, certain elements are uniform and can be planned and prepared for ahead of time.

Application Form
This is usually a standardized form unique to the particular school, but will have common elements. It's most important to make sure that the document is clean, neatly typed with minimal erasures or corrections, and contains no misspellings, grammatical errors or slang. Take the time to do the application correctly. Ask for a person you do not know well to critique the form. Make sure all data is correct, including names, dates and addresses for contacts.

Resume
This document allows the person or committee who reviews your information to gain a good picture of your experience and interests. For this reason, make it present your strengths and shore up your weaknesses as well. Again, accuracy in details, grammar and spelling is an absolute must. Also, a review by a person other than yourself is usually helpful in pointing out weak areas in the resume.

Recommendations and References
It's particularly important to choose these writers carefully. They should be people who know and like you. They must also be willing to go beyond checking the boxes in order to describe you to the admissions committee in the best possible light. Choose a person who has the time to prepare and submit a strong letter. It is helpful to show them your completed application form and resume in order that they may comment on various aspects of each. This will enable the person to emphasize your strong points without sounding rehearsed.