How to Dig Deep to Demonstrate Fit

by , Aug 15, 2010

The problem: You are an excellent candidate for top b-school X, but so are hundreds of other applicants, many of whom possess similar on-paper qualifications.

The solution: Learn how to stand out in an extraordinarily crowded applicant pool by demonstrating fit. You may have the same GPA, the same GMAT score, and similar work experience as applicants A, B, and C. But if you can show that your target program complements your goals to a "T," then you'll be the obvious shoo-in, while candidates A, B, and C will have to search elsewhere for their matches.

Go beyond the surface

I titled this post "How to Dig Deep to Demonstrate Fit" because achieving this elusive goal of "demonstrating fit" is not something you'll be able to do by discussing superficial criteria. To truly demonstrate fit--that is, to really convince the adcoms that you and top b-school X are a heart-and-soul pair--you'll need to go beyond the surface of GMAT scores and transcripts. You'll need to dig deep to mine your experiences and to uncover that buried treasure that illustrates just how perfect your target school fits you--your goals, your personality, and your passions.

I know--easier said than done, right? You've spent so long working up your profile--your scores, your resume, and your GPA--that you probably haven't spent much time unearthing your goals, your needs, and your preferences when it comes to actually choosing a business school program.

Is your target school's "character" in line with your own?

Here's one way you can dig deep to establish fit: See what your target MBA program offers in addition to its in-class coursework. For example, many applicants have no idea that top b-schools offer various tracks, centers, and institutes outside the basic curriculum. These "extra" activities and resources show a great deal about the character and goals of the program; they set it apart and make it extraordinary. Is that character and are those goals in line with your own? Are those extraordinary elements that set your target program apart from other MBA programs the same sorts of elements that distinguish you from your competition? This could be a great jumping off point for you to begin understanding--and then expressing--how you and b-school X are a perfect duo.

Related Accepted.com Resources:

• Accepted's B-School Zones
• Navigate the MBA Maze, a free, 9-day email course