New Delhi: Experts suggest that strong essays, interviews, and recommendations hold more weight than numbers alone in MBA admissions. Beyond a good GPA or an impressive resume, the three important components play a big part in demonstrating to admissions authorities who an applicant is.
According to Stacy Blackman, CEO of Stacy Blackman Consulting, while there isn't one "most important" component of an application, essays, interviews, and references are all important.
Blackman writes, “Compelling essays, recommendations, and interviews can provide context for a low GMAT score or GPA. But the reverse is not true”. Strong numbers will never make up for weak essays or a disorganized, negative recommendation.”
According to Blackman, essays are an excellent way to be open about your weaknesses. While it may appear contradictory, one technique for developing a successful application is to be open about your shortcomings.
Blackman writes, “Everyone has weaknesses. You’re better off acknowledging and incorporating them into your application than hoping the person reading your application will miss them.”
“While we doubt that many business school admissions committees would formally support this statement, we would cast our vote for essays as the most important part of your application,” Blackman further writes.
Essays, according to Blackman, serve an important part in the admissions process since they offer a level playing field for candidates to convince the admissions panel of their eligibility. The essays provide a chance to highlight and explain one's strengths and faults. They also help to persuade the adcomm that you have a lot to give the programme and that you belong in their class.
Interviews are another important part of the admissions process that allows applicants to demonstrate their personalities. Furthermore, good recommendation letters may assist admissions authorities to construct a picture of who you are.
Illana Kowarski, a reporter for US News said, “B-school admissions officers say they use interviews to gauge whether an applicant has key personality traits that are beneficial for future executives, such as clarity, self-awareness, humility and sincerity”.
Natalie Lahiff, an MBA admissions consultant stated to Fortune,” Getting that third-party perspective on applicants is really important to figure out their personality, their passions, and their goals. The recommendation will either boost that application or it could go the opposite way.”
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