As a former Dean of MBA Admissions with over 15 years of experience, I have seen many misconceptions about the MBA admissions process that can hinder your progress towards creating a strong MBA candidacy. Let's explore some of the most common myths about the MBA admissions process and help you learn how to approach the process with a sense of curiosity, possibility, and authenticity.

MBA Admissions Odds Tools Are Not Reliable

Many online MBA admissions odds or MBA profile evaluation tools can offer some insights into strengths and weaknesses. However, they are formulaic and rely on an algorithm, which does not reflect the actual reality of the MBA admissions process. Perhaps worst of all, they don’t take into account the actual weights of the MBA admissions criteria the way MBA AdComs apply them.

Applicants need to understand that what makes an MBA candidate truly competitive is the essence of a compelling background, personal and professional experiences, and a passion for solving business and societal problems. The most important thing to remember is that the MBA admissions process is holistic, and MBA AdComs do not rely on a formulaic approach when they determine who to admit.

Instead of relying on MBA profile evaluation tools, do your own homework. Research the class profiles of your target programs. Certainly look at the statistics but go beyond that. Consider your overall background and your career trajectory. Take stock of your most notable leadership accomplishments. What makes an MBA candidate truly competitive is not numbers but substance - and a strong MBA story.

The MBA Application is Not a Puzzle

The MBA application process can feel like a puzzle with many pieces that must fit together perfectly. However, this perspective can drive you crazy as an MBA candidate by making you believe that you somehow must acquire and meticulously arrange specific pieces, each molded and contoured to fit seamlessly within some imaginary picture of what a successful MBA applicant looks like. It fosters this misguided belief that there is a singular set of characteristics that guarantees success. The puzzle analogy fails to capture the dynamic and holistic nature of the MBA application, which thrives on the individuality and authentic narratives of you as an applicant. Equally harmfully, it can send you on a quest of looking for – or in some instances even manufacturing! – pieces you simply don’t have in your background.

Rather than reducing the MBA application process to some rigid jigsaw puzzle, it is crucial to recognize the multifaceted nature of a compelling application.

Instead, Think of Your MBA Application as a Collage

It’s a much more inspiring way to think of your MBA story. The MBA admissions process, with its holistic approach, presents a remarkable opportunity for self-reflection and authenticity. So instead of perceiving it as a rigid puzzle, it is far more appropriate to envision it as a collage. You can examine the pieces that are part of your true essence and are integral to your identity. Each piece represents a significant aspect of who you are, intertwining in a natural way to create an overarching narrative rich in leadership, accomplishments, challenges, and personal growth.

The MBA AdCom is Rooting for You

As you browse the online conversations about MBA admissions, a worrisome picture can often emerge. It instills fear that the MBA AdCom will use any of your shortcomings as a reason to deny your application. The very word “gatekeepers,” which is often used in the world of admission, implies that someone is there to keep you from getting in. A bouncer that turns you away.

So you end up thinking of the MBA admissions process in an almost adversarial way. You end up, consciously or subconsciously, looking for ways to get the better of the MBA AdCom. You are led to believe you need to outsmart them somehow. This mindset can prevent you from approaching your MBA application with a sense of possibility.

Over the course of the last fifteen years, I have met, talked with, and worked with MBA admissions colleagues from every top business school. And here is my message for you. The MBA AdCom is rooting for you! Yes, they want to give you an opportunity to show them all the amazing facets of you. They also “read to admit,” meaning they are looking for reasons to say “yes” to you.

Now, this is not the same as saying they will admit everyone. The nature of the MBA admissions process is that there will always be more qualified applicants than there are seats available. But the MBA admissions teams are not looking for ways to trip you, trick you, or catch you doing something wrong.

Your journey to an MBA is arguably one of the most important endeavors you will undertake in your life. It’s important to walk through your MBA application process with a sense of curiosity and possibility instead of uncertainty and fear.

Embrace the Process

The MBA admissions process is multifaceted and requires a holistic approach that emphasizes authenticity, self-reflection, and a genuine passion for solving business and societal problems. By embracing the process, you can position yourself to approach the MBA application deadlines with a sense of opportunity and curiosity rather than fear and overwhelm.

Think of every single part of the application as an opportunity to shine a bright light on who you are as a candidate and how your “why, what, and how” are genuine and compelling. Prioritize sincere effort to build a strong candidacy over tricks, shortcuts, or secret formulas.

Don't rely on inspiration, lean on discipline. Schedule your work and do it, even if you have zero desire right then and there. Attend that MBA coffee chat even when it’s the last thing on earth you want to do. Write a crappy first draft (you can fix it later but you have to start first!). Even ten minutes spent working can bring progress. In ten minutes, you can draft a new paragraph for your MBA admissions essay - or fix a clunky transition in the most recent one. But you need to spend the ten minutes it takes to do it.

Conclusion

The MBA admissions process is complex and requires a holistic approach that reflects the holistic review your MBA application will be given by the MBA AdCom. By recognizing these common misconceptions about the MBA admissions process, you can position yourself to approach the MBA application deadlines with a sense of opportunity and curiosity rather than fear and overwhelm. Your journey to an MBA is one of the most important endeavors you will undertake in your life. Embrace the process, prioritize sincere effort, and lean on discipline to build a strong candidacy that showcases your unique self and your potential as a future business leader.

Onwards and upwards,

Petia