Many business school applicants come from similar backgrounds – they went to the same schools, had the same experiences and worked the same jobs. They are all very talented, but also very similar. Like a Volvo – it’s a great car, but there are many of them on the road, and their applications have all come off the assembly line of the same admissions services.
The problem is, there are so many of these candidates they all blur together in the minds of admissions committees and it’s hard to remember what stood out for one versus another. Any given admissions committee member will meet and read applications of hundreds of applicants. Because of that many great candidates don’t understand why they didn’t get into the same schools as their peers with similar credentials. If you talk to MBA students about it, most don’t seem to understand the discrepancy. The truth is, soft skills and your relationships really make a difference.
Be Memorable
The Harley candidate on the other hand is always memorable. They embrace their individuality and aren’t afraid to blaze their own trail down the road, even if it means going between the lines. At the same time, you also see groups of Harleys together on the road. They know how to work with others towards a mutual goal. This is what we believe, and the schools feel the same. Consider these examples:
HBS – “Instead of looking for an "ideal" candidate, HBS invites applicants who bring a variety of skills, accomplishments, and aspirations to form a very special community. To create a dynamic environment that mirrors the breadth and depth of our world economy, we seek diversity.” [1]
Stanford – “If you concentrate your efforts on telling us who you are, differentiation will occur naturally; if your goal is to appear unique, you actually may achieve the opposite effect.”[2]
Kellogg – “The best way to differentiate yourself from other applicants is to be your authentic self. We want to hear and read 'your voice' about who you are; be careful not to fall into the trap of trying to articulate who you think the admissions committee wants to see." [3]
Stand Out
So to stand out from the crowd, you need to be your unique self. At 7L associates we don’t want to take the you out of your application. We will have high level discussions about approach to essays and topics, but the voice in your essays needs to be yours, not the rehashed version of the last 200 candidates that your advisor is working from. That’s how you can stand out.
We feel the same way about the interviews. It is important to maintain a balance between professionalism and projecting your personality during those interviews. Too much coaching leads to cookie cutter answers and a cookie cutter candidate. Business schools have become wary of this which is why Wharton and Michigan have begun implementing group interviews; these are more difficult to prepare for and help expose the real candidate.
7L Associates MBA Admissions Consultants
7L Associates have deep experience in the MBA application process. We have a track record of helping students successfully apply to top US MBA programs. Our MBA Admissions consulting clients come from a variety of applicant pools; we take pride in the work we have done for non-US applicants, career switchers, and those with minimal work experience.