Who is applying for an overseas MBA program knows the importance of a perfect application in their presentation. Everything needs to be in place, in a clear, organized and timely manner. Knowing what happens after your application leaves your hands helps to highlight the importance you should give to the preparation of this document.
Most MBA programs process similar form. In any case, the universities’ websites offer information and contact channels that can be useful to answer your questions.
As soon as the applications arrive at the admission departments, they are checked. All complete applications are forwarded to the first revision. Those who have some missing part, be it their history, some translation or even the TOEFL or GMAT scores, are what the schools call “on hold”, that is, on hold. However, there is no guarantee that applications that are incomplete are considered.
That’s why it’s so important to set up checklists for the universities you’re applying for. A large number of universities, including, already makes these checklists available on their websites. Also, it’s worth checking all the documents twice before finalizing the application, in order to ensure that you are not sending anything more or less.
FIRST REVIEW
In this first review two members of the admission committee will evaluate the relevance of the application independently from 5 categories: Notes, Essays, GMAT, Professional Experience and References.
GRADES:
The first category, grades, is judged against its context: the more relevant and academically rigorous your university and course, the more difficult it is to keep grades extremely high. Therefore, evaluators take this into account.
ESSAYS:
Essays, in turn, are considered the most important part of a successful application. Usually the criteria take into account the clarity of the candidate in expressing his goals, ambitions and professional dreams, as well as in expressing his ideas. Schools want to know you and, most importantly, know why you want to join an MBA program.
Your goal in Essay is to make it clear where you are from because you want to take an MBA and how you are going to use it to pursue your aspirations. It is important to be honest and genuine. Equally important is to keep an eye on the word limit stipulated by the university and check grammar and spelling before sending.
GMAT:
The GMAT grades are a critical point especially for students who wish to enter a top 10 university. Notes from 700 are ideal for students in this profile. Did not get 700? Try again, and again. Many evaluators understand as determined candidates those who strive to reach the 700-point barrier.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
As for your work experience, keep in mind what schools want to know is how you have progressed within your field. Did you receive promotions in less time than your peers? Have you taken leadership positions in important projects in the companies where you worked? What, in your trajectory, highlights you from your fellow workers? Experience in not-so-traditional work camps can be an interesting point as schools seek out professionals with diverse backgrounds.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:
Often candidates ask letters of recommendation to important figures who they think would make a good impression on the committee, however, it is important to know that this connection will only be valuable if the candidate in question has a relevant work experience directly with the author of the letter. If this is not the case, invest in close working relationships: a direct supervisor, project coordinator or manager who knows your work more intimately.
INTERVIEWS
At this point the universities are very different: some only invite to interview students who want to have the chance to know better before deciding whether or not to enter. Others conduct interviews with all potential candidates.
The important thing to keep in mind is that during an interview with the admissions office you should be accurate in answers and faithful to your application. Always respond with as much detail as possible, this will help you demonstrate control over the subject, but avoid unnecessary detours.
Remember that you do not have to go through all this alone. Here we work side by side with students to build an application that reflects and highlights their trajectory and helps you to join the MBA program of your dreams.