The Process of Evaluation in MBA Admissions

Have you ever wondered how exactly MBA AdComs determine the competitiveness of MBA candidates?

In this article, I will share my experience as an MBA AdCom to demistify the evaluation process used by top MBA programs to identify promising MBA applicants. By understanding what makes an MBA candidate stand out, you can navigate the MBA admissions journey with confidence. Let's lift the curtain and explore the intricacies of the MBA evaluation process together.

The Initial MBA Application Review

Imagine a bustling MBA admissions office just after the round 1 application deadlines. Applications are meticulously processed and sorted for review. One crucial element that captures immediate attention is your resume. Your MBA resume serves as a concise snapshot of your educational background, qualifications, work experience, and personal interests. It represents your identity as an MBA candidate and acts as a captivating trailer for the movie of your life and career.

Next: Credentials and Hard Statistics

Next, the admissions reviewer delves into your hard statistics, such as GMAT or GRE scores, GPA, work experience, and language exam results (if applicable). Some of these statistics may already be listed on your resume, and including them can be advantageous if they are impressive. The reviewer gains a comprehensive understanding of your background, trajectory, and quantitative achievements. They then shift their focus to your essays and data forms.

Essays and Data Forms: Showcasing Your MBA Story

Your MBA essays provide a platform for you to shine and demonstrate your unique qualities. By answering the MBA essay questions with sharing compelling stories, you bring your MBA application to life. This is where the admissions reviewer begins to form an opinion about you as a potential MBA candidate. They evaluate your trajectory as a professional and a leader, your strengths, and your fit with their program.

MBA Letters of Recommendation: Critical Source of External Validation

The MBA letters of recommendation play a crucial role in confirming your self-described leadership abilities and providing an external perspective on your accomplishments. MBA admissions reviewers seek nuanced insights about your character and how you compare to your peers. Strong letters of recommendation affirm your leadership potential and contribute to the overall picture of your competitiveness.

Crafting the Picture of a Competitive MBA Candidate

To emerge as a competitive MBA candidate, it is vital to present a clear picture of your journey as a leader. Leadership takes various forms and is not limited to formal positions or grand achievements. It can manifest through personal initiatives, fostering inclusivity, or taking charge in any situation. Demonstrating your leadership potential in your MBA application is critically important.

Ability to Succeed in an MBA Program

As an MBA is a professional degree with rigorous academic requirements, schools put a huge emphasis on assessing your potential for academic success. They review your undergraduate or previous academic records and evaluate your performance in tests like the GMAT or GRE. The goal of the initial application review is to leave no substantial doubt about your ability to excel academically as an MBA student.

From Evaluation to Selection

Once the evaluation stage is complete, the MBA AdCom proceeds to form an overall opinion about your candidacy. This opinion is based on your resume, essays, the application data forms, and letters of recommendation. If you have effectively portrayed your leadership abilities, left no doubt about your academic potential, and painted a picture of an MBA candidate who would be a great fit for the class and community at your dream MBA program, you have a strong chance of being invited for an MBA admissions interview—a crucial opportunity to "plead your case" and progress towards acceptance.

Next stop: MBA Interview

Understanding the MBA evaluation process is essential for positioning yourself as a competitive MBA candidate. The initial review focuses on assessing your leadership journey, academic potential, and overall fit within the program. By highlighting your strengths, demonstrating leadership in diverse ways, and demonstrating strong academic ability, you can enhance your chances of “getting a hearing” - receiving the coveted MBA interview invite!

Learn more about the MBA Admissions process and the weight of each part of your MBA Application.

Onwards and upwards,

Petia