The admission procedures to business schools are often described as a two-way beauty contest, where both the school and the applicant are keen to find out about each other. The application form serves as a crucial instrument in the judging process, and it typically seeks detailed information beyond personal details. Some of the aspects that business schools may want to know about applicants include:
Current job details: This includes the level of responsibility and salary associated with the position.
Previous job details: Similar to the current job, schools may ask for information about previous employment experiences.
Education background: Schools may inquire about the subjects taken during secondary and higher education, as well as the results achieved. In some cases, certified copies of degrees, diplomas, and other qualifications may be requested.
Non-curricular/extra professional activities: Applicants may be asked to provide information about their involvement in activities outside of work, such as leadership roles in clubs or organizations.
International experience: Business schools often value international exposure, either through personal travel experiences or job-related assignments in different countries.
Financial resources: Applicants may be required to provide information on how they plan to fund their studies, including personal savings, scholarships, sponsorships, or loans.
Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) score: While not all schools use the GMAT as an admission criterion, many consider it a crucial component, especially for applicants from abroad or those with non-traditional academic backgrounds. Some South African schools may have their own tests that cover similar areas of numeracy, literacy, and reasoning skills.
Apart from these quantitative measures, business schools also take into account the “softer” attributes of applicants, such as motivation, character, and personality. This is often assessed through essay questions or specific inquiries on the application form. Schools may ask questions like:
What factors have contributed to your academic and professional development thus far?
What are your major strengths and weaknesses? Please provide examples.
How do you believe you would contribute to the MBA program or the specific school?
It is essential to be honest when answering these questions, as admission administrators are skilled at identifying genuine responses versus those that are merely trying to create a favorable impression. While some job application advice books may suggest preferred answers, it’s important to remember that admission administrators can see through insincere or inconsistent responses.
Taking care when filling out the application form is crucial. It is recommended to make a photocopy of the document and draft answers beforehand to ensure coherence and accuracy. Attention to detail is essential, and before submitting the form, applicants should double-check that all questions have been answered. Keeping a copy of the completed form is also advisable for reference during potential interviews.
Essay questions require particular care, as they provide an opportunity to showcase qualities that a school values. Tailoring essays to align with a school’s emphasized qualities, such as internationalization, can make an impact on the admissions committee.
Overall, admissions administrators are looking for evidence of intelligent awareness regarding how an MBA can add value to an applicant’s current job and future managerial career. Demonstrating a commitment to self-development and a willingness to go beyond job requirements in the pursuit of excellence can be favorably regarded, as an MBA program demands a high level of dedication and hard work.
