My Recommender’s Grammar Will Ruin My Chances
At Leap Quest, we emphasize the need for effective written communication. Indeed, gaining admission to your target business school involves no real “trick”—earning that coveted letter of acceptance depends on your ability to tell your story in a compelling way and in your own words. But is good grammar vital to good communication? And if so, will your recommender’s bad grammar be detrimental to your chances?
We can assure you that no MBA admissions committee will reject a candidate’s application because they incorrectly used a semicolon instead of a comma. The committee is seeking to learn about you as an individual to evaluate you and your potential, both as a student at the school and in the business world after graduation. What is most important in your application is that you convey your unique stories—and ideally captivate your reader—in your own voice. Of course, you should always strive to perfect your presentation, but in the end, the quality and authenticity of your content carry more weight than your verbiage and punctuation. And if you are not a native English speaker, you can certainly be forgiven for the occasional idiosyncrasy in your expression.
This is even truer for your recommenders. The committee is not evaluating these individuals for a spot in the school’s program, so their grammar is largely irrelevant to your candidacy. And again, if your recommender is not a native English speaker, the admissions committees can be even more forgiving. The school will not penalize you for having a recommender who grew up in another country or whose English skills are not very polished for any other reason. As long as your recommender can offer anecdotes about your performance that create a strong impression about you and complement the abilities and qualities you have presented elsewhere in your application, you should be just fine. The substance of the recommendation is always what matters most.
Leap Quest is planning to bust more MBA Application Myths. Continue Reading…
Yes, Indian, IT, and male are probably the three most dreaded words in MBA admissions. In that order.
In fact, so huge is the category by itself, that it is the biggest of its kind at most global MBA programs. Sometimes, it even outnumbers the number of local (citizen) candidates. Despite the size, the commonality, and the competitiveness, this category is still sending plenty of students to top MBA programs every year. If you’re in this category, are you already doomed, or is there hope?
That’s not the only category of Indian MBA applicants looking at top business schools though, even if it is the largest by far. We also have doctors, lawyers, administrators, chartered accountants, merchant navy officers, and (a small but growing legion of) fashion designers, media professionals, and even artists applying to business school from the sub-continent. The number of Indian applicants to top MBA programs is rising every year. We should know – we work with hundreds of them every year, and by now, have worked with easily more than a thousand. The MBA is more than a degree for Indian applicants. For many, it is a life accomplishment, and even a life qualification. Most still view it as the transition from a job (usually an engineering one) to a career (of choice).
This is why we are focusing on the top myths that Indian applicants have about the MBA admissions process. Given the sheer numbers, this should help plenty of people get a better grip on MBA admissions, and even the journey beyond.
Myth #1: Business school prepares students to work in only a few fields.
In the past, an MBA degree helped boost the careers of professionals primarily focused on banking and consulting. These days, people heading to b-school are interested in entrepreneurship, healthcare, technology, human resources, real estate, marketing, non-profits, entertainment, and much more.
Even if you work in a field that doesn’t traditionally require an MBA degree, you may still benefit from it. This is especially true if your career goals include rising to senior management within your company or starting your own company. Seek out people who are pursuing your target career at any level. It’s a great way to understand what you need to do to accomplish your goals.
Myth #2: I won’t be successful because I don’t have a business background.
This is one of the most common MBA admissions myths that we’d like to debunk permanently. Admissions teams continue to ramp up efforts to attract non-traditional applicants to their MBA programs, says the Graduate Management Admission Council. These prospective students bring unique experiences and skills to business school and the business world.
Applicants with unconventional or less traditional work or academic experience before business school often worry about how admissions committees will assess their records. However, it’s more than okay to be different. No MBA program wants to fill an entire class solely with candidates from investment banking or consulting. In fact, non-traditional applicants often stand out in the MBA admissions process.
Such applicants bring different perspectives to classroom discussions, which enhances the learning environment for all. Working in diverse teams is one of the most effective ways to learn essential soft management skills.
Myth #3: High rankings mean the school must be better for me.
The majority of applicants fall for admissions myths such as this one. But, you should determine if a school is better in ways that suit your list of priorities. Job placement statistics and average salary post-MBA are the most important criteria for many MBA candidates. You may find that a smaller regional school, while not highly ranked nationally, has an excellent record of placing graduates in the industries of their choice.
Ensure you’re looking at the data points necessary to your career path when determining a particular ranking’s value. Don’t worry about whether you’ll get into the best MBA program of all. Figure out which business school is the best one for you.
Myth #4: I don’t have a perfect GPA or GMAT. So, good schools won’t accept me.
While it’s natural to become hung up on achieving the highest score possible or fixate on the average GMAT score reported by the schools, we urge test-challenged clients to focus instead on aligning their scores within the 80 percent range. Many schools list this information directly within their class profiles.
Are you worried that your ho-hum undergrad performance will hamper your chances of getting into a top MBA program? The most important thing is to show exceptional focus and leadership skills in your career and openly acknowledge to the admissions committee the reason for your lackluster college GPA.
The admissions process is a complex one. So, do the best you can on the GMAT, but then focus on developing your personal brand. Figure out how to package your goals, passions, work experience, and “why business school, why now” into a compelling case for your admission. In the end, your exceptional accomplishments will likely shine through despite some academic challenges.
Myth #5: Business school is too expensive, and I can’t afford it.
Worthy applicants often get scared off of applying to a top school, fearing the expense will be too great to bear. This is one of the most pervasive MBA admissions myths out there. But, the good news is, there are several options available to help you pay for your MBA.
Plus, scholarships for MBA students have increased in recent years. Finally, cash-strapped applicants should take heart. Many top schools will work with applicants to ensure cost is not a barrier to attending.
In fact, in an interview with Bloomberg, former Harvard Business School Dean Nitin Nohria said: “What we’re looking for is the brightest people with great leadership potential. And I promise you, if you apply to Harvard Business School you will be able to attend irrespective of your financial needs.”
Myth #6 – Social leadership is valued above other extra-curricular or leadership activities by top business schools:
Sure, if you have it, you should talk about it, but that’s not all that B-schools look for from Indian applicants. More than doubts on genuine leadership or personal growth, Indian applicants that we have worked with over the past decade have been taken up with the thought that somehow, social leadership/NGO work/volunteer experience counts as pure blood on the holy altar of top MBA admissions.
While genuine leadership and volunteering experience has its place, it is by no means superior to equivalent achievement in other spheres. Just last year, we had a candidate with a 740+ GMAT worried sick about the fact that he had nothing to show on the social volunteering front. He had been speaking to several of his former (Indian) classmates in B-school, and reasoned that he was behind the curve on their achievements. This belief had a debilitating effect on his self-belief, and he refused to apply to a top-10 school. While we could convince him to showcase his achievements across other considerable spheres (including his passion for theatre), he ultimately punched below his weight for reasons that were superficial, and settled for a top-15 school.
Ultimately, MBA admissions committees look for well-rounded profiles and the potential to contribute outside the classroom. That can come from a multitude of experiences. The notion that social work somehow outranks other activities possibly came about because it was one of the easier things to get into. One would find it hard to suddenly show a passion for music, the arts, or sports. What many people forget is that volunteering experience is not going to carry much value unless a genuine history of involvement is seen. It is probably better to skip joining that NGO a few months before you apply.
Myth #7 – Top US MBA programs do not value three-year degrees or people seeking second MBAs:
A few years ago, this was a lot more applicable, but over time, it has been reduced to a non-factor. Traditional bachelor’s degrees in India (except Engineering and Medicine ones) are usually 3-year degrees; the traditional Bachelor’s degree in America is a four-year one. Many Indian folks can sometimes feel anxious in approaching the MBA admissions process for US schools. Some even opt to enroll for the first year of a 2-year Master’s degree, hoping to complete the 16-year education requirement this way.
The truth is that there are very few business schools that do not accept 3-year Bachelor’s degrees today. All top European MBA programs will certainly accept it, given the fact that 3-year degrees are common in Europe itself, and certainly in the UK too. When it comes to American schools, there are a few notable exceptions that still don’t accept them – Stanford, Kelley, McCombs, and Berkeley. UCLA Anderson and Yale SOM earlier hesitated, but will now accept three-year bachelor degrees. Vanderbilt too accepts them now, but prefers a WES accreditation to support the transcript. Apart from that, any Indian applicant should be fine applying to a top 30 MBA program in the USA with a three-year degree.
The second MBA bit is a little more complicated. At the outset, the rationale for seeking one is complex too. Logically, it would make little sense for someone to pursue the same educational program twice. For Indian applicants, though, other considerations may often warrant the need for a second MBA. For example, many Indian applicants want to get deeper insight into strategy or leadership aspects, components that may not have been the mainstay of more functionally-focused Indian programs, as they gain seniority in their career. Changing geographies or simply making more money act as poor explanations for the need for a second MBA, though they may also act as real needs behind the pursuit of one. When applying for a second MBA, it is important to keep a few things in mind. A second MBA from a top global brand (even an H/S/W) is likely to yield limited advantages in India compared to top Indian schools, so those seeking a second MBA just for that reason should be cautious. Also, if one has significant work experience already, the second MBA may not really be a viable avenue to change industries substantially.
That said, top MBA programs are quite readily accepting of second MBA applicants now, with the notable exceptions of Tuck, Fuqua, and Berkeley. Schools such as Columbia, which had been a bit reluctant of accepting second MBA applicants earlier, do now consider them. Others such as Kellogg and Cornell may prefer that second MBA applicants instead opt for the full-time one-year offerings at these schools. Darden is that one exception which will accept second MBA applicants provided that their first MBA is AACSB accredited.
Myth #8 – GPA conversion and reporting is an elaborate and complex process for Indian applicants:
Indian universities follow all kinds of grade reporting systems. A vast majority of universities still report absolute percentages. Some (like the elite IITs) follow the 10-point CGPA system. A smaller number have their own CGPA scales, that can range from four-point scales to five-point ones, and even something in between (one prominent university even grades people on a 4.5 point scale).
With so many different grading systems around, the Indian top MBA applicant is often confused. Should the GPA be simply linearly scaled? Should one ask the university itself for an official conversion? Would only a WES evaluation (that is also not accepted as official by many MBA programs) be the right alternative?
While getting a WES evaluation done and supporting one’s documents can be a useful addendum for many applications, most schools will simply allow you to upload your transcripts and report your grades as they are. This is the preferred option over trying to convert your grading system to a 4 point scale by approximation, scaling, or unauthorized conversion.
Myth #9 – Business school hopefuls should target only a few schools.
Years ago, business school applicants may have targeted only a few programs. Today, however, Admitem’s average client applies to 5 to 8 schools. In fact, at this year’s AIGAC Conference, we discussed how many candidates are now in the 6+ range.
This is in part tied to the fact that the number of strong MBA programs is on the rise. As more universities invest in their business schools, applicants have many options to consider.
Additionally, as competition increases every year and acceptance rates fall, even very qualified candidates face rejection. Successful applicants invest the time and money to apply to additional programs, recognizing that one cannot always predict which school is looking for someone who fits their profile.
Myth #10 – There is a “correct” career goal.
While you might feel inclined to discuss a career goal that you think the admissions committee wants to hear, we do not advise this. Just because a lot of applicants are interested in pursuing finance or consulting does not automatically mean this is the path you should take. A strong career goals essay should demonstrate a passion for your future field, and business schools will see right through your effort to mold to what you think is expected.
Instead, write about what you truly want to do, as long as it is logical and attainable.
Myth #11 – MBA programs want to hear how wonderful they are.
Too often, Admitem reads about how a candidate aims to leverage Harvard Business School’s “powerful” alumni network or grow through Kellogg’s “renowned” curriculum. Of course, business schools want you to express genuine interest in their programs, but using this type of praise is not an effective way to do so.
A far more successful approach is to share specific elements of a school’s program that you hope to avail yourself of. When doing your research, be sure that these offerings are specific to you and align with your goals and background.
Myth #12 – Business schools seek candidates only from certain career backgrounds.
Although some industries including consulting and investment banking attract a high number of MBA hopefuls, there is no ideal pre-MBA career path. As a matter of fact, a less traditional career background may work in your favor.
MBA programs want well-rounded classes and value the different perspectives that those from unique career backgrounds bring to the classroom. No matter what pre-MBA career you are coming from, you should demonstrate how you can leverage your past experiences through your future career path.
Myth #13 – Applicants must mention everything they have accomplished to date.
Many candidates fear that they will hurt their chances of acceptance if their MBA essays do not outline everything that they have done. However, this is not the case.
Rather, applicants should highlight their passions and leadership experience by sharing how they have done a few things exceptionally well. A select number of well-articulated stories that clearly show who you are and what makes you unique will be much more compelling.
Myth #14 – I have a gap in my resume
The perfect MBA applicant does not actually exist. However, the perception of the perfect applicant absolutely does—such an individual scales greater and greater personal, community, and professional peaks undeterred until finally applying to business school. Because of this idealized image of an applicant, candidates who have taken any time off from their professional pursuits believe they are automatically at a disadvantage. They worry that the admissions committees will see the gap(s) in their professional timeline and dismiss their candidacy outright. After all, the schools probably have many other, seemingly more determined individuals they could admit instead, right?
Time off has the potential to be destructive, true. If you spent a year sitting on your couch watching reality TV, you might be in trouble. If you have a strong professional history and spent one month between jobs sitting on your couch watching reality TV, your record should still speak for itself. But even if you do take (or have taken) an extended leave, as long as you are productive during that time and grow personally, you should still be just fine. In fact, an adventure may even add to your story and help you differentiate yourself.
If you spend six months or a year traveling before you start your professional career, you are certainly still an eligible candidate for a top MBA program. If you take personal leave to care for a family member, do charity work, or even pursue a personal passion—an art form, for example—as long as you can show a purpose behind your decision and reveal a broad record of competency, a school should still see your merits. Admissions officers are (this may be surprising to some!) actual human beings. They understand that applicants are not robots and that they have interests, passions, and personal lives. If you make good use of your time, they will not condemn you. They just might envy you.
Myth #15 – I Love Your School So Much I Cannot Stop Writing About It
Although admissions officers want to know that you are interested in their school, they do not want to read your repeated professions of love for it. Some candidates mistakenly believe that in their essays, they must constantly repeat enthusiastic statements about how they will improve their skills at their target school, regardless of whether the school asks for such information.
For instance, consider the following sample (hypothetical) response to the essay question “What achievement are you most proud of and why?”:
“In starting ABC Distributors, I learned a great deal about entrepreneurship, and I hope to formalize this knowledge at the XYZ School of Management. Only with XYZ’s vast entrepreneurial resources and profound alumni connections will I be able to take my next venture to a higher level. At XYZ, I will grow my business skills and potential.”
We can identify numerous problems with this submission—including that the statements are cloying and have no real substance. However, the most egregious issue is that the school never asked applicants to discuss how the program would affect their abilities. Thus, the “Why our school?” the component is just empty pandering.
As you write your essays, always focus on answering the essay questions as they are written—do not try to anticipate or respond to unasked questions. So, if your target school does not explicitly request that you address the question “Why our school?,” do not look for ways to sneakily answer that question in your essay(s).
Of course, if the school does ask for this information, then certainly do your research and provide it. Again, the key is to always respond to the school’s question and give the admissions committee the information it wants.
How Can We Help You ?
Getting started early will greatly reduce anxiety, allowing you to maintain a balanced life while working thoroughly on each part of your MBA application. Your Head Consultant, who will work closely with all aspects of your application and with the experiences of handling many similar clients will be a great sounding board and adviser to weigh the pros and cons on these nerve-wracking Applications
Leap Quest MBA Admission service includes all elements of MBA applications that consist of:
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Shortlisting the list of target B-Schools
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Guidance in building MBA application essay write-ups (how to draft essays for MBA application)
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MBA essay editing and guidance in organizing any other aspect of MBA application.
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Guidance in preparing CV/Resume
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MBA Interview preparation service in the event an MBA applicant gets an interview call from a shortlisted B-School
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Any other related part that is inside the scope of B-School application process
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Social Media Consulting
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LinkedIn Assistance
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Drafting Scholarship letters
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Application Form Guidance
Major chunk of the MBA aspirants face a lot of dilemma in deciding whether to pursue their MBA dreams or not. There are a lot of challenges candidates face regardless of the Industry or work experience they come with. If there is something that’s stopping you from proceeding with your plans, Revert with the list of challenges and we’re pretty sure a quick discussion with our team will help you put things into perspective and take a call.
If you’re confused about the decision and want to be sure you’re taking the right decision , here’s something that may help. Drop in a email to Info@theleapquest.com for professional help
At Leap Quest, we’ve done a lot of research into this topic. Having spent several years in the industry, we’ve gathered loads of information and data.
There is a greater deal of human involvement to judge the non-objective aspects of your profile too – your clarity of career goals, your ability to connect the dots and make an overall good impression on the Admissions Officer.
We’re determined to get you the admit you deserve. Our question is, will it be yours?
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