Bloomberg Businessweek has been killing it recently. The magazine published great articles aimed at exactly what MBA hopefuls want to know. Here are a few articles on how MBA essay questions get written and other topics. We think you need to read these with our comments on how this can apply to business school wannabes in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Who Came Up With That? How MBA Essay Questions Get Written
This article includes lots of general (and somewhat obvious) information on how questions are chosen. In addition, there is specific information from top schools that professionals from the MENA region commonly apply to (e.g., UC Berkeley and Chicago). The gist of the article is that admissions officers get rid of essays that solicit manufactured and uninteresting responses from many applicants. Officers also talk to each other to see which ones are working. They also check which fall flat. Sometimes, officers eliminate the least popular essay questions. One trend this year is to reduce the number of essay questions.
Applicants should also expect new formats including:
- writing your own recommendation
- 25 short answer list
- video essays
- PowerPoint presentations
Mold Yourself Into a Great MBA Candidate in Three Years
This article list 6 key things you should do to mold yourself into the ideal B-school applicant. We won’t provide spoilers, but we do agree with most of the advice.
Hopefully, you can also make these changes within 2 years so you can start applying as soon as possible. The only recommendation we don’t agree with is to compensate for a low GPA by taking a course to show that your academic skills have improved. We have found that a low GPA may not matter depending on:
1. What your former major was.
Engineers with low GPAs aren’t likely to be frowned upon. However, liberal arts majors with low GPAs have got some explaining to do.
2. How long ago you graduated.
You probably don’t have to worry about this if it’s been more than 10 years since you graduated.
3. How high your GMAT score is.
Admissions officers use the GMAT as a predictor for how well you’ll do in the MBA program. A 680 or above usually trumps a low GPA.
4. The uniqueness of your profile.
If you’ve got other great, standout aspects in your profile, specific undergraduate achievements (or failures) will probably be the last thing B-schools care about. If don’t have any standouts, it’s time to start cultivating some. Get involved with a volunteer organization. Start a business or nonprofit. Travel the world. Do something interesting…anything that gives you richer life experience and, ideally, showcases your leadership potential.
Summer Reading: 10 Fun & Free Business Classics You Should Have on Your Kindle
Okay, this one is from Forbes. The link goes to the alternatively titled article but it’s still a great source for summer reading ideas to get you in the B-school application mindset. Our favorites are Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds (definitely for those who consider themselves “counter-culture”) and The Gentle Grafter (an easy and entertaining read).
Summer = GMAT!
Summer is the perfect time to start preparing for the GMAT! If you haven’t started yet, you may miss Round 1! Email us at eden@apply-me.com or Whatsapp us to begin your GMAT preparation. We offer private tutoring with American tutors that will boost your score!
