DO: Complete your app dataset early – it will take more time than you expect!
DO: Proofread carefully, including cross-checking dates and data across your resume and transcripts!
DO: Follow each school’s instructions, and don’t assume that the way one school does it is the same as how any other one will!
DO: Request a waiver for the app fee early if you qualify for one! This usually includes U.S. military (active duty and veteran) plus alumni from TFA, TFI, TFC, the Peace Corps, and a few others – check with your school!
DO: Ask admissions if you have a question! This year we’ve been spotting a high number of errors in different schools’ app forms. If something does not make sense, it could be a mistake — or, if enough applicants get confused by it, then it’ll be useful feedback for the admissions ops team, so that they can change the wording or add more instructions! Always ask if you’re unsure of what they want!!
DON’T: WRITE YOUR ANSWERS IN THE APPLICATION FIELDS IN ALL CAPS! IT’S LIKE YOU’RE SHOUTING AT THE ADCOM. IT’S REALLY ANNOYING AND THEY WON’T LIKE IT.
DON’T: Use exclamation points! They almost NEVER belong in an application or an essay! They just DON’T!
School-specific tips are also available in My SnarkCenter! Enter your School Targets and then scroll down to see EssaySnark’s latest observations on common issues and some advice based on what we’re seeing others do with their essays this season.
Got any MBA app tips to suggest to your fellow BSers? LEAVE ‘EM IN THE COMMENTS!
Tell us what you think.