What Can I do to Improve my MBA Application Chances?

Vast career benefits and the potential for a significant salary boost make studying an MBA a desirable step for professional growth. 

However, applying to an MBA program at a top-school is often a highly competitive process, and it can be challenging to navigate the application requirements for different schools. 

You’ll want to do what you can to give yourself the best possible chance of success. MBA applicants must ensure their resumes are polished, their essays are strong, and they’re well prepared to impress in interviews. 

Whether you need help developing your personal narrative or extra preparation for the GMAT exam, there are various resources available to help you refine your application and stand out within a crowded applicant pool.

So, what are the resources available and how can they help strengthen your application? Here are some key ways to help you succeed in landing a spot on your dream MBA program.

What MBA Application Resources are Available?

There are many resources available to those wanting to strengthen their MBA application, from online GMAT practice questions to MBA admissions coaching schemes. 

MBA coaches are one effective option for those wanting to strengthen their application. Through expert one-to-one mentoring, coaches can offer guidance and actionable plans in areas such as resume writing, choosing who to select for your recommendation letters, and preparing for your MBA interview. Speaking with a coach when preparing for the GMAT exam can be particularly beneficial if you’re looking to achieve your maximum possible score. 

Often MBA coaches are graduates from top schools themselves, or have previously worked as admissions directors, so they know exactly what it takes to succeed.

Admissions bootcamps are another effective option available to MBA applicants. These cohort-based courses combine expert instruction with practical activities, offering an opportunity to connect and network with other MBA applicants. Bootcamps cover a range of topics, from broad MBA admissions courses to specific GMAT preparation sessions. 

Both one-to-one MBA coaching and group bootcamps can be highly beneficial to your application as you can gain valuable insights based on experience and expertise. However, for those looking to enhance their application as much as possible, it might be worth considering both. 

For those already working with a one-to-one mentor, bootcamps can provide structured learning environments and provide a different experience to individual MBA coaching. As cohort-based courses, they can connect you with a network of other MBA applicants to different schools who you can share the admissions experience with. Through individual mentoring, however, your application is tailored specifically to you—helping you highlight your skills, values, and why you’re the right fit for an MBA program.

However, it is important to remember that these resources aren’t a guarantee of success. Consulting with an MBA coach or attending a series of bootcamps can equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to craft a winning application, but you must still work hard to earn a spot in an MBA program.

If MBA coaching or an admissions bootcamp feels like the right next step for you, Advancery members can access exclusive discounts and benefits to help with every part of the admissions process. 

When Should I Consider Help With my MBA Application? 

Although not essential, enlisting extra help can be useful for many MBA applicants, whatever stage in the admissions process they find themselves. 

If you’re just starting out, a coach could help you refine your goals and provide some clarity when choosing which school to study at. They’ll be able to help you evaluate exactly how a particular program or institution could benefit your career.

Additionally, expert mentorship during the early stages of admissions can help you navigate tricky parts of the application process—from developing personal narratives to polishing your resume. Throughout the entire experience, a coach can help you stay accountable and engaged, giving you the best shot of securing a place on an MBA program.

Seeking additional assistance when further along the admissions process can also benefit your chances. If you’re specifically looking for GMAT preparation resources, for example, a coach can equip you with practice questions and even full-length mock exams. You may also benefit from a GMAT-focused bootcamps .

If you’re targeting a program at a top institution, such as one of the M7 business schools, (including Harvard, Stanford, and the Financial Times’ top-ranked MBA, Wharton) MBA coaching or admissions bootcamps could be particularly beneficial in helping you beat the competition. 

How can I Find MBA Application Resources?

If you’ve decided that sourcing extra help with your application will make a difference, there are various options available to you.  

Through Advancery, GMAC’s AI-powered education and career planning tool, you can gain access to both coaching and bootcamps via a partnership with the personalized coaching platform, Leland. 

Combining technology with human connection to help MBA applicants navigate the admissions process. Leland offers one-to-one coaching personalized to each individual’s application needs. This support covers the entire admissions process, from refining the story you wish to put forward to providing feedback on resumes and essays. 

As an Advancery member, you can also access discounts on Leland’s exclusive cohort-based bootcamps, led by coaches including former admissions officers from top business schools. Covering topics such as MBA admissions and GMAT preparation, these bootcamps offer structure, peer support, and guidance. 

In addition to these resources, you may also find the data and resources available with an Advancery membership beneficial for your application. The tool helps users identify the right program for their career goals using up to date, verified information about programs at business schools across the globe. Advancery offers guidance based on what has been successful for previous applicants, and draws on insights from over one million verified application conversations.

So, if you’re looking to improve your MBA application chances, there are a wide variety of options available to you. The next step is deciding which combination of resources could make the all-important difference in helping you land a place at your dream business school.