Easier to get in with marketing?

[nm1158]

I heard this in passing and wanted to know how much of a myth it is.
I heard someone say it is easier to get into the top schools if you say you are going into marketing rather than consulting after graduation.
The logic being, most of the students would want to go into consulting and it would show diversity.

Thoughts?

[CriticalSquareMBA]

Hey there,

Be very careful - you're on a slippery slope here. Here's the nugget of truth in that statement - researched, engaging, and passionate stories will resonate. That does NOT mean marketing > consulting or banking or anything else.

If you go down the path of "hmm, I think the adcom will want to hear this" or "I think this will help my chances" you're in for a rough ride. Your goals need to be realistic, ambitious, and well researched. If marketing makes sense for you, go for it. But if it doesn't, if there isn't anything in your career that makes sense for your exit path, then don't mention it. You'll hurt your story more than help it.

Bhavik

[Kaneisha Grayson]

Thumbs up for Bhavik's answer. Applying to top MBA programs isn't a mindreading game. It's up to you put your clearest, most compelling argument forward of your candidacy for a place in the class-and the best way to do that is to tell the truth. You might fool them in the essay, but AdComs would sniff out insincerity in an interview instantly. If consulting is your thing, don't apologize for it! It's a popular career path among MBAs for a reason.