How To Get Into Business School

Getting an MBA (master’s in business administration) has become increasingly popular – as well as increasingly necessary – to advance in your career, set yourself apart from others in your field, and increase your salary. Once you have decided that business school is for you, you need to stand out from the large pack of like-minded people trying to fill limited slots within MBA programs. Here are some tips to help ensure your application will shine through and get you noticed—and accepted.

Take the GMAT seriously

One surefire way to immediately stand out is to have an excellent GMAT score, which is the industry standard exam that almost all business schools require for admission. Take advantage of every resource available to you, such as study aides, possibly tutoring, and practice tests. Inevitably, there will be questions and topics on the test you may not have seen since high school. It is essential that you brush up on those math and language skills again so that you’re not blindsided by what the test contains. Come test time, you’ll know you’re adequately prepared and you limit any stress or anxiety on the day of the test.

Think hard about your essays

A high GMAT score is only a small part of the equation. The essay portion of the application is where you want to impress those reviewing your application. This is your best chance to tell the school why you want to be there and why they should want you there.

Detail what you hope to achieve at the school and in your career, why that school in particular aligns with your long-term career goals, and how you are the ideal MBA candidate for their institution. Also explain your short-term goals, what you hope to achieve at the school and how their academic and campus environment best suits your needs. Get creative, but stay grounded when you discuss where you want your career to be. Talk about the industry you want to become a leader in, the sort of business you might want to run, what ideas you have to innovate within existing markets or to create a new niche of your own. Your desire should be evident, as should your realistic pathway to achieving your dreams.

Spend a lot of time crafting these essays: tailor each one for the individual school to which you’re applying, block out large chunks of time each day to write and revise your essay, and make sure you are telling your story clearly, concisely, and elegantly. This is your time to spotlight yourself. Be confident, be persuasive, but don’t be pushy or too self-aggrandizing. Clearly and confidently expressing your aspirations, taken together with your academic and work experience, will speak volumes for you.

Set yourself up for success; don’t be discouraged by failure

You may not get into your dream school. Set realistic goals for yourself as far as which programs you’re more likely to get accepted in, but also aim high. If you think you have what it takes to get accepted to Wharton, give it your best shot. But remember, slots at top-tier schools are extremely limited and supremely competitive. Missing out on a top school may be less a reflection on you and more reflect the realities of the application process. As you did when you applied to your 4-year college, target some less prestigious institutions that will still help you achieve your goals but may have more slots available or a more liberal acceptance rate. A top-tier school would look great on a resume, but it’s more important to find the school that most suits your needs, that you can realistically be accepted to, and where you achieve at the highest level.

The decision to obtain your MBA is an important and intelligent one. Think just as hard about the kind of school you want to attend, what environment will most support your dreams and help you achieve your loftiest of goals. Work diligently on each application; show each school you’re a can’t-miss candidate. With lots of hard work, and a little luck, you will attend the school most aligned with your goals and be on the fast track to a successful career.