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INSIDER SECRETS to ACE M7 MBA Applications Ft. Ex-Admissions Dean, Chicago Booth

Education

Introduction

Welcome to the GMAT Club and Fortuna Admissions session focused on applying to M7 schools in Round Two. My name is Bill Ker, Director at Fortuna Admissions and former Associate Dean at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. With nearly 30 years of experience in admissions, I am excited to share insights on how to succeed in your MBA applications.

I’m joined by Rachel Erikson, my colleague at Fortuna, who has extensive experience as a Stanford Business School interviewer and now works with applicants to strengthen their business school applications. Let’s dive into what today’s elite business schools are looking for in candidates.

What Are Schools Looking For?

  1. Strong Academic Background: Emphasis is placed on quantitative ability due to the rigorous nature of the programs. Schools expect proof that you can handle challenging coursework.

  2. Career Experience: It’s about progression and accomplishments within your roles rather than just the organizations you’ve been part of. Schools look for examples of how candidates have tackled challenges and made a difference.

  3. Community Engagement: Schools value applicants who demonstrate involvement and a passion for making a positive impact on their communities.

  4. Team and Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrated leadership and collaboration experiences are crucial. Candidates must show how they’ve stepped up in team settings.

  5. Personality and Cultural Fit: Admissions committees are looking for individuals whose personalities align with their school culture—positivity, collaboration, and contribution to the campus environment are prioritized.

  6. Communication Skills: Effective communication should be evident throughout your application, including letters of recommendation and interviews.

  7. Clear Career Goals: You must articulate a defined vision for your career and explain how an MBA will help you achieve it.

Round Two Applications

Applying in Round Two is not a disadvantage. Many candidates fear they'll be at a disadvantage compared to Round One applicants. However, both rounds maintain similar competitiveness. What matters most is whether your application is ready. It's advisable to allocate three months to prepare a solid application involving introspection, reflection, and essay edits.

Keep in mind that the holidays may interrupt your timeline; plan accordingly and allow for possible distractions during this period.

Specific Tips for M7 Schools

Harvard Business School

  • Focus on leadership and authenticity in your application.
  • Be concise; Harvard limits you to three jobs, three extracurriculars, and three awards. Focus on the most impressive examples.
  • Use specific cases to demonstrate personal growth and leadership impact—personal insights matter more than detailing why Harvard is great.

Columbia Business School

  • Review the complete application for “hidden essays” to avoid last-minute surprises.
  • The main essay should include your long-term career goals and aspirations.
  • Their second essay focuses on diversity and inclusion, where you should provide concrete examples of your advocacy.

Stanford Graduate School of Business

  • High emphasis on the hidden essays; show your impact and personal growth experiences.
  • Be vulnerable in the first essay, which asks "what matters most to you."
  • Use the second essay to link your career vision with Stanford’s offerings.

Chicago Booth

  • Understand the Chicago Approach—they pride themselves on analytical thinking.
  • The first essay should outline your career goals and the role Booth plays in achieving them.
  • Discuss your work and non-work experiences to show who you are outside the office.

Wharton

  • Wharton’s unique structure allows for extensive discussion of recognition, which can include promotions and other accomplishments.
  • You need to clearly articulate your career vision and how you plan to contribute to Wharton’s community.

Kellogg

  • Clearly outline your career goals tailored to Kellogg’s strengths.
  • Discuss a difficult decision you made and the lessons learned from that experience.

MIT Sloan

  • Offers a unique application with a strong focus on analytical skills and creative problem-solving.
  • Includes a visual data presentation in the interview process.

Recommendations and Resumes

  • Seek recommenders who can provide specific examples of your leadership and contributions—authenticity is critical.
  • Resumes for MBA applications should highlight impactful experiences rather than detailing technical skills.

Conclusion

In summary, focus on authenticity, develop a compelling narrative about your journey, and tailor your application to each school. Reach out to Fortuna Admissions if you need guidance through this process.

Keyword

  • MBA Applications
  • M7 Schools
  • Admissions Committee
  • Leadership Experience
  • Community Engagement
  • Career Goals
  • Authenticity

FAQ

What is the importance of applying in Round Two?
Round Two is just as competitive as Round One and provides an opportunity for applicants to showcase their readiness to join the program.

Can I apply if I have a non-traditional background?
Yes, non-traditional backgrounds can enhance diversity within the class and are welcomed by MBA programs.

How do I choose my recommenders?
Select recommenders who know your work well, ideally someone who can cover specific instances of your achievements and growth.

What type of resume should I submit?
Tailor your resume to highlight impacts and insights rather than just job responsibilities. It should reflect your qualifications in the context of an MBA program.

Do I need to apply to multiple schools?
While it’s common to apply to several programs, always be truthful about your applications without ranking them if they ask.