The Secret to Getting in (and it's Not Your GMAT Score!)

If you've done diligence on your target MBA programs... or even if you've lightly explored pursuing an MBA, you'll probably hear admissions committees say something like:

"Your application will be evaluated holistically."

(If only we had a few bucks for every time we heard that... !)

Candidates often fixate on their GMAT or GRE scores, GPAs, job titles, extracurriculars, etc. While these are certainly important components of your MBA candidacy, one characteristic stands above the rest: self-awareness.

The candidates who get in aren't always the most accomplished... but they are almost always the most self-aware.

What does self-awareness look like in MBA applications?

Self-awareness in the context of your MBA applications goes beyond surface-level introspection. It often shows up in three key areas:

1. Understanding your strengths: This means identifying what you're genuinely great at, not what you think sounds impressive to MBA admissions committees. Self-aware candidates can articulate their unique value propositions based on real examples.
2. Acknowledging your weaknesses: Rather than pretending weaknesses don't exist or offering BS "weaknesses" like "working too hard," self-aware applicants address their gaps directly. Then, they discuss how they plan to grow.
3. Setting realistic, yet ambitious targets: There's a real difference between ambition and delusion. Self-aware candidates set goals that will stretch them, but also stay grounded in their experiences and capabilities.

Why do ad comms value self-awareness?

Top MBA programs aren't just picking students – they're actually investing in future business leaders. Admissions committees look for candidates who can:

• Assess situations accurately
• Leverage their strengths effectively
• Recognize and address their weaknesses
• Navigate setbacks

If you can't demonstrate these qualities in an MBA application, you'll have a tough time building confidence with admissions committees.

How to demonstrate self-awareness in your MBA applications

Here are a few areas where your self-awareness can shine through:

Your career goals

Build on your past experiences and existing skills. Then, share realistic goals that pull from some of these experiences and capabilities. It's OK to be ambitious – many candidates pivot careers, and it's still possible in today's market. However, moonshot career goals just make you look ridiculous and generally won't cut it with admissions committees.

School selection

Apply to programs where you're genuinely competitive and where you can make a meaningful impact. That doesn't mean you shouldn't apply to some reach programs. Instead, just be realistic about your targets. This requires an honest assessment of your candidacy against each program's class profile.

Essays

You need to own your complete story – the highs AND the lows. Share the real reasons why you need an MBA, rather than generic sentiments that you believe will check the box for admissions committees.

Interviews

This is a real opportunity to form a human connection and make your final case for pursuing an MBA. Be real about where you shine and where you'd like to improve. Provide real, actual examples and don't over-rehearse. Be prepared to talk about these examples and your personal qualities in a conversational setting.

The long-term value of self-awareness

The MBA experience is designed to facilitate your personal and professional growth. However, it's critical to develop a clear understanding of your starting point.

Candidates who can articulate where they are today and where they're headed demonstrate the foundational self-knowledge necessary to maximize their MBA experience. More importantly, this self-awareness becomes a competitive advantage that extends well beyond b-school.

Whether you're just beginning to consider an MBA or are deep in the application process, ensure that your application materials reflect the self-reflection you've undertaken. It'll pay dividends now and years down the line!