MLT Admissions

[NextGreatLeader]

I've seen a few posts on MLT (Management Leaders for Tomorrow), but I haven't seen much information on MLT admissions. I'd like to apply to the program this fall. Does anyone know if your GMAT score is taken into consideration by the admissions committee? I know you have to submit a score >500 when you apply, but does how high you score actually matter?

[NicoleLindsay]

NextGreatLeader,

I no longer work at MLT so please consider that when reading my comments (i.e., confirm with MLT what the requirements will be). In past years, an official GMAT score was not required to complete an MLT application (only an unofficial score was required). An official score of 500 or higher is required to START the program. The unofficial test requirement during the application ensures that all applicants have exposure to the GMAT - generally upon taking a practice test, candidates realize that they have a lot of studying to do (and hopefully pick up a study guide and get busy!) There is no minimum score for the unofficial test. An unofficial score has almost no value to the admissions committee (you could have taken the test untimed, had a friend take it for you, etc) - it tells them nothing about your potential performance on the real test. With that said, submitting a really low score (like a 300) would make anyone raise an eyebrow.

So many candidates focus on the minimum requirements and lose sight of the real goal. If you want to be in MBA Prep or better still in business school, study seriously and thoroughly for the GMAT. Try to get it out of the way. Don't wait until you hear back from MLT to start preparing for or to sit for the GMAT. You've got four months until the first deadline and eight months until the MLT GMAT deadline (Feb. 1), you have plenty of time to ace the GMAT. Good luck!

Nicole (former MBA Prep Director)
www.slingbacksandslingshots.com

[NextGreatLeader]

Nicole, thanks for your reply! I've started a GMAT prep course and I'm studying my butt off, but it's refreshing to hear that I don't have to have my target GMAT score by the time the MLT app is due.

Keeping in mind that you no longer work at MLT, I'm still wondering if you have any other advice about admissions? During your time with the MBA Prep program, were there certain things that made a candidate stand out?

[NicoleLindsay]

What makes a candidate stand out? I think you would be surprised...it's no secret, but candidates think there must be something else!
(1) Follow instructions - answer the questions as asked, submit materials as requested (if you can't follow instructions in the application process, what's the likelihood that you are going to do so when in the program?)
(2) Submit your best product - with essays, have a friend (with attention to detail) review your essays to avoid grammatical mistakes; thoroughly complete the application; use a solid recommender (versus a friend or peer or MLT alumnus...they can send an additional letter of support)
(3) Be "professionally honest" - when you describe your career goals and respond to other essya question, or when you have to explain deficiencies in your profile (academics, work experience) or in the interview, be professionally honest. Tell the true, but do so in a compelling way. With your goals, do I need to know every goal that you have under the sun. Give me the high points - tell me a story. Where there are issues, explain what happened without excuses, but then outline what is different now. (Another example: MLT wants you to be ambitious and a go getter, but if you have three years of work experience with three different companies, have a 2.5 from a liberal arts college, have a poor test taking history and throughout the application you keep saying that you only want to go to Wharton, your application will be a lot less compelling. Professionally honest, talk about going to a competitive school that matches your goals and your profile)

Sometimes candidates are just not a good fit for MLT (not enough work experience is a big reason), but usually candidates take themselves out of contention because of sloppy submissions. If you take time with your application, you should put yourself in a great position to be admitted to the program. Finally, check out the YouTube videos from MLT; some are a few years old, but they include an overview of the app process and an alumni panel.

Good luck!

Nicole
www.slingbacksandslingshots.com

[money9111]

<3 my MLT Fam.

[Johnsoid]

Hello MLT Alum, Past Employees, and Hopefuls,

So I've applied to the first round of the MLT applications recently, and I'm currently nervously awaiting to hear back from the admissions board. I was wondering if anyone knew the time line for when request for interviews are sent out after an application deadline has passed. I'm really nervous that request have already been sent out and I've already missed the boat.

Any information would help!

Thanks,

Johnsoid aka MLT Hopeful!

[NicoleLindsay]

Hi Johnsoid - the first round application deadline for MBA Prep just passed so you will be waiting awhile. After you hit the submit button, the MBA Prep team compiles your application, application reviewers then review it, then you are selected for an interview. If you haven't hear anything by late November/ early December, I might inquire, but there is absolutely no reason to be nervous at this point. If you have submitted your MBA Prep application, your only priority should be studying for the GMAT (and taking it well before February 1st).

Nicole Lindsay
www.DiversityMBAPrep.com

[Johnsoid]

Nicole,

Thanks for the response. I am fully focused on the GMAT this point as it;s the only thing I have control over. But, I was hoping to maybe get a sense of the timeline on when MLT invites applicants for interview sessions. I know I have to wait, but there's usually a time when interview invites are sent out that you can gauge if app has become a lost cause or not. I'm primarily curious because I saw a retweet posted on Twitter today from @MLTMBAPrep from an alum speaking about conducting interviews. I'm also not sure if interviews are conducted by the internal MLT staff or by alum. Either way I was just asking for a timeline reference.

Thanks,

Johnsoid

[NicoleLindsay]

Makes sense, Johnsoid.

Only the MLT staff can tell you by what date they expect to complete interviews (and even then that date may be off a little bit - with so many moving pieces). It's my understanding that interviews are still conducted by staff and by MBA Prep alumni. Every week interviews are being conducted and unfortunately, there is no way of knowing when they will get to your application (to review it and select you for an interview).

Nicole Lindsay
www.DiversityMBAPrep.com