Expert Advice
The Application and Interview Process—What to Expect and How You Can Prepare
Admissions committees today are charged with the task of building a cohesive micro community out of each incoming class. To ensure students receive an educational experience that helps them fulfill their individual and professional goals, business schools often intentionally limit their class enrollment to a small number of students. Business schools tend to admit well-rounded students from a variety of backgrounds with diverse and stimulating life experiences. Essays, résumés, statistical documentation such as undergraduate and GMAT® performance records, and interviews are all used to find candidates who fit into the business school community. Therefore, it is paramount that candidates present their strengths, profile leadership experience, exhibit potential academic excellence, and give insight into personal experiences and goals for the future.
Work Experience
Work experience is a crucial part of a candidate's
profile. It usually carries the most weight during
the selection process and without it many programs
will not even consider you. Some schools do not
require work experience but most do.
"Students that have been successful in all areas of our program are consistently strong in the areas of work experience and undergraduate performance," says Paul Pinckley, executive director of student recruitment at Pepperdine University's Graziadio School of Business and Management. "Those are the first two things we look for—if they come in with good, quality work experience and a good history of undergraduate performance. The third thing is GMAT® scores."
Essays
Essays are another crucial part of the application
and admission process.
"There is no right or wrong answer for the essays," says Pinckley. "Don't look at them as questions to be answered, but rather as themes by which students can reveal information about themselves."
In other words, essays are a great opportunity for schools to get a closer look at applicants on a personal level by examining their writing style and the topics they choose to address in their essays.
Information Sessions and Interviews
Aside from looking good on paper, candidates
must also look good in person.
"The number one thing is human contact, whether it is through informational meetings or an actual interview," says Pinckley. "Seeing if candidates are a good fit and if we are a good fit is important. Judging their commitment and measuring their heart. That's key."
David Smith, director of the graduate programs office at the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University, says candidates should be honest and open.
"The most important advice the admissions committee offers to candidates is to be true to yourself, don't say what you think we want to hear, show us who you are and who you could become," Smith says.
And just how important is the interview?
"Very important," says Pinckley. "The analogy I use is this: the numbers, like undergraduate statistics and work experience, are the skeleton. The essays flesh out the candidates, and the interviews put a face on them. We want to know who they are, what kind of personality they have, what their learning style is, and what kind of leaders they are."
Apply Early
Prospective students are encouraged to apply early
since schools limit class enrollment, and financial
aid is usually awarded on a merit basis. Applying
as early as possible will ensure full consideration,
especially if applicants are in need of financial
aid. In most cases, admissions decisions are
given within two months after the completed
application package is received. Some schools,
such as the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio
State University, have admissions staff members
who travel worldwide and conduct interviews
at several locations for added convenience
for applicants.
Applications are usually checked for completion of requirements and transcript authenticity, and an admissions counselor or committee reviews credentials for an admission decision. An application is considered complete when the program receives all required materials.
Visit the School
Finally, Pinckley says that prospective students
should be sure to visit the schools to which they
are applying.
"Make an actual visit," he advises. "Nothing takes place of standing where the students stand. Look at the brochures and the Web sites, but go beyond the diligence. You have to spend time physically being there—nothing takes the place of that."
