6 Helpful Tips To Maximise Your MBA Application
We have outlined 6 tips to help maximise your MBA application for 2023.
Most people would have abandoned their entire New Year’s resolution by now, but a life-changing resolution takes courage and determination to fulfil. And if you’re looking to start an MBA application for the 2023 summer intake, now is the perfect chance to maximise your chances of admission. If you’re hoping to join one of the world’s more competitive business schools, now is the time to start.
1- Look beyond your goals
You should take a step back to consider where you are in life and why you are now choosing to pursue an MBA. A New Year’s resolution brings moments to initiate a good practice of thoughtful perspectives on your goals and planning for the year ahead.
Not allowing yourself the time and space early on to think out why the MBA is a vital next step is a missed opportunity between being successful in your career and crashing into debt with no career prospects.
2- Join meaningful extracurriculars
As an MBA candidate, you want to surround yourself with meaningful extracurriculars which contribute to your overall admission story. Ideally, the extracurriculars should help reinforce your passions, community involvement and commitments outside of work. These can be a part of your community, fundraising contributions, part of boards, sports teams, or even a club.
If your self-reflection looks a little light, now may be the time to invest.
3- Start your MBA application early
Your chosen MBA program will most likely offer multiple rounds of admissions, but you should do your best to apply before the second round. As business schools accept more applicants, spaces and sponsorship funds dwindle. The longer you wait, the less chance you will receive a prestigious spot or access to a scholarship.
4- Don’t go alone
Most people tend to struggle to stand out and may feel discouraged to finish their application. But there are benefits of having an expert MBA or admissions coach who can help guide and support you. They can aim to help push you to go deeper, helping to light your stories, reflections, and any achievements which can help distinguish you ahead of the admission committee.
If you are stuck on an application, don’t hesitate to reach out to the university or alumni for additional help.
5- Release the perfect profile expectations
Too many candidates spend invaluable time overthinking what the admission officers want to hear and trying to create an exciting narrative to fit their perspective of a perfect MBA application. However, it can be challenging to pinpoint who you are and your worth. You will be judged by the authenticity of your application, and mistakes can trigger a wave of doubt which may likely cause your rejection.
6- Recommendations
The business schools will always ask for recommendations from two referees. It’s generally a good idea to best obtain recommendations from employers and a previous professor. This is so the admission office can obtain a picture of the candidate from both an academic and workplace perspective.
There are 3 general rules when choosing your referees:
Rule 1 – Choose someone that knows you well and can make the recommendation credible by illustrating their points to show you well.
Rule 2 – Choose someone who genuinely likes you. They will take time to write a polished and careful recommendation.
Rule 3 – Choose someone who can point out more than one key subject point, such as intellectual ability, personal attributes, leadership skills and your career plan.
MBAs are some of the most expensive postgraduate degrees available, but you may not need to be discouraged from applying due to financial restraints. At Lendwise, we have a portfolio of successful students who have graduated with honours by using the assistance of a Lendwise loan to help fund their course stress-free.
Tick your new year’s resolution and start your MBA application today. Fund your MBA course with a student-friendly and student-tailored loan a lendwise.com/borrow
9.2%* Representative APR (Fixed). Credit is subject to status. Only those over 18 can apply. Terms and conditions apply.
*This figure was correct as of 29 June 2023
