Applying to an MBA: Myths and Truths

What really impacts your application

Myth #1: If I score above a 750 on the GMAT, I'll most likely get into the top five business schools.Truth #1: The GMAT is an influential factor in your overall application, but scoring above 750 doesn't guarantee anything. A high GMAT score demonstrates your strong analytical and verbal skills, but it doesn't tell much about what type of person you are. Schools look for well-rounded individuals who fit their culture. Plenty of applicants get rejected from all of the top with an almost perfect GMAT score.Myth #2: I need to lobby for my candidacy. I am investing a lot of time networking with professors, alumni, staff, and current students; so they can endorse my application and influence the admissions office's decision.Truth #2: You are applying for the first time (or maybe second); the admissions office has been screening people for decades. The lobbying game is a waste of your time. If anything, it might be frowned upon. It implies that you don't play by the rules and that you think that you deserve special treatment. Getting to know students, staff, and alumni is a good way to learn about their experiences and understand the school's culture. Schools like it when you show that you have done your homework. But lobbying for your ticket to the program implies that the office of admission yields to the pressure of outsiders. How realistic is that? Admissions officers know very well who fits and who doesn't. If the lobbying game worked, it would not be a fair admission process- as those who don't have the network would be at a disadvantage.Myth #3: I have a friend who was accepted by my dream school and said that he wrote about his family background for his essay. he and I have the same personal story. To be safe, I'll just write about the same thing.Truth #3: No two people are the same, not even twins. Although you might have similar backgrounds, work histories, and even test scores, your individual characters are different. Your friend got in using this story because it complimented his profile. Being authentic is also important. Admissions officers screen tens of thousands of applications every year and they can easily tell whether you're being sincere or that you're faking it.Myth #4: If I ask the CEO or managing partner of my company, who also graduated from the same school, to write my recommendation letter, I'll get a leg up in the application process.Truth #4: Titles, degrees, or status of your references don't matter. What truly matters is how much they can comment on your ability to grow, your performance at work, and your potential as a leader. Your reference should be someone who has a positive, professional relationship with you, and can provide context to who you are. Being an alumnus might be a slight help if the reference meets these basic criteria first.Myth #5: I will show my application to all the alumni and students I know. their opinions will help me get in because they got in too.Truth #5: Showing your application to 20 people just means that you will get 20 different perspectives. Taking feedback from too many people will make for an incoherent application. Getting advice from alumni is actually a good thing- they also went through the process and they'll know the kind of personality that the school is looking for. But it's best if you can find one alumnus who can dedicate time to your application and provide continuity to his or her feedback. Ideally, this person has successfully helped others gain admission, which means, that he or she can provide the objectivity that you'll need.