From the time of applying until the admissions, an MBA demands intense effort that spans several months, including preparing for entrance exams, evaluating business schools, conducting dedicated academic analysis, and planning and crafting a compelling narrative!

As MBA students work to complete their programs, they sometimes overlook a few aspects or make hasty decisions to finish sooner, which can cost them a fulfilling degree and outcomes.

Here are some common mistakes applicants should avoid –

1. Failing to research and analyse the offerings of specific B-schools. Candidates might apply to too many colleges without giving a thought to the curriculum, placement opportunities, alumni network, and such crucial aspects. When they focus on the fees, location of the institution, infrastructure, etc., they might miss out on the factors that can give them long-term return on investment.

2. Using generic essays while applying to all colleges. Students should avoid taking a standardised approach and customise every application based on the requirements of the college, including deep self-awareness, personal achievements and projects, challenges, and growth reflections based on what the institution is looking for in a candidate. Generic descriptions might lead to rejections. Applicants must build a good narrative to showcase their personal branding by showcasing their understanding of the specific culture and curriculum of each school to show why they are the right fit.  

3. Unclear short-term and long-term goals. While sharing their personal goals, students should be able to clearly articulate why they need an MBA degree and why they think they are ready for it now. Without proper vision and establishing the intention and readiness for a postgraduate degree, they might fail to convince the selection committee.

4. Weak resume. A poorly structured and under-defined resume can defeat the purpose.

A resume should contain –

a.  A strong header to captivate the selection team, followed by a professional summary establishing years of experience and industry/function, key strengths, and career direction.

b. Educational qualification along with academic achievements and relevant coursework.

c.  For the panel to understand the urge to take up initiatives, the authority to influence team members and the ability to take up responsibility of tasks, it is important to include the activities taken up as a volunteer, as part of clubs and committees, various college positions held, and participation in other extracurricular activities.

d.  Information about internship projects, entrepreneurial projects, consulting work, research projects, etc., can add great value.

e.  Add relevant and specific skills; avoid generic ones such as hardworking, sincere, etc.

f.  Include all the relevant courses and certifications.

g.  To act as proof of excellence, include all relevant awards and achievements.

h.  It will be good to showcase the personality through meaningful interests, such as blogging, teaching underprivileged kids, photography, etc.

5.  Providing inaccurate data and committing elementary mistakes. A major put off for selectors is when they detect grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, inconsistencies, and incomplete data. Providing inaccurate personal details without checking can hurt their prospects; when candidates provide wrong professional details and other details, it can have grave consequences.

6. Missing deadlines and hurried applications. When candidates miss the deadlines and are forced to apply in a hurry, there are bound to be errors with poorly drafted essays and resumes that can lead to missed opportunities.

7.  Limited or inadequate practice for entrance tests. Limited practice can result in poor time management, low accuracy, weak sectional scores, unclear articulation, and the inability to put the best foot forward. For sharpened clarity, composure, and well-thought-out strategy, it is important to give 3-5 months for preparation and get a competitive score to be able to be recognised by top business schools.

8.  Weak LOR. While choosing the Letter of recommendation (LOR), it is imperative that the recommenders know the candidate personally, along with their projects and achievements, and do not provide generic endorsements and hollow praises.

Conclusion

The acceptance rate in top business schools is less than 12%, making the MBA a highly competitive post-graduation degree. The admissions committee takes a holistic approach to assessing a candidate; they consider the academic work, professional experience, participation in extracurriculars, personalised essays, and test scores, which means a weakness in one area should be compensated by a strength in another area, making the journey demanding but rewarding for candidates who value it with the right preparation and efforts.

For personalised guidance and more information, write to us at marketing@igauge.in and our team will get in touch with you.

Disclaimer

The blog is curated by referring to various credible sources and does not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of QS I-GAUGE. The information provided is for general informational purposes only, readers are advised to conduct their own research and seek professional advice before making any decisions.