Should I Consider an MBA Admissions Bootcamp?
Securing your spot on an MBA program at your target school can be challenging. With admissions often a highly competitive affair, business schools look for compelling narratives, strong resumes, and applicants who stand out from the crowd.
To get ahead of your competition, you may consider employing an MBA coach who can offer assistance with key parts of the admissions process, such as taking the GMAT or acing your admissions interview.
Another option is participating in an MBA admissions bootcamp, cohort-based courses which combine expert instruction, practical activities, and opportunities to network with other top MBA applicants. These additional resources can help give you the best chance of success.
Through live sessions involving Q&As, access to expert advice, and practice tests or mock interviews, bootcamps can take your application to the next level and help you gain your spot on a top MBA program.
So, here’s what you need to know about MBA admissions bootcamps.
What Types of MBA Admissions Bootcamp are There?
You can find a range of bootcamps available through specialist providers such as Leland, a personalized coaching marketplace connecting MBA applicants with expert coaches in all areas of the admissions process. Bootcamps therefore cover a range of admissions-related topics, from broad MBA application courses to specific GMAT preparation sessions.
MBA application bootcamps cover the entire admissions process: from helping you navigate the requirements of different schools, to refining your personal story at the early stages, to providing mock interview environments to help you get over that final hurdle.
Meanwhile, GMAT preparation bootcamps consist of live sessions hosted by experts, offering an alternative to the more typical asynchronous methods of studying for the test. These courses provide access to practice questions and full-length exams, as well as flashcards and other study materials to help improve your chances of scoring highly.
Beyond applying to business school, bootcamps can also help with other key parts of the professional journey. For example, Leland offers career-focused bootcamps, including courses on management consulting or product management, which are available for both MBA students and those looking for a career change.
Career bootcamps are designed to help participants refine their resume to target a particular industry, providing career advice from expert recruitment coaches, as well as mock interviews.
Who are MBA Admissions Bootcamps for?
Application-focused bootcamps are suitable for anyone targeting an MBA program at a competitive school, particularly busy professionals and students looking to take their application to the next level.
International applicants who are unfamiliar with the admissions systems abroad may also benefit from the expert advice an application bootcamp can provide.
A GMAT preparation bootcamp may be suitable if you are a working professional or student looking to refine your approach to the exam and maximize your potential score. If you need help staying accountable, the live sessions and expert instruction available during a test preparation course can help you stay on track.
When should I consider a bootcamp?
The earlier you consider bolstering your application with expert help, the more time you will have to prepare and the greater impact it could have on your studies.
Considering a bootcamp during the early stages of the application process will help you get the most out of a course, benefitting from expert advice and Q&A sessions.
For example, an MBA application bootcamp will provide advice on personal narratives you can convey throughout your entire application which are tailored to your background and goals. Bootcamps will also help you to decide who to select for your recommendation letters, provide guidance on outlining and drafting MBA essays, prepare you for interviews, and ensure you feel comfortable navigating the application requirements for different schools.
If you haven’t spoken with an MBA coach before, a bootcamp will enable you to access the expert guidance that a coach may provide, creating a strong foundation for your application.
For those already working with a one-on-one mentor for their application, bootcamps can provide structured learning environments and custom activities, offering a different experience to individual MBA coaching. Cohort-based courses connect you with a network of other MBA applicants to different schools who you can share the admissions experience with, as well as a range of experts.
If a bootcamp feels like the right next step, Advancery members can join for half the cost and gain access to focused, expert-led preparation designed to strengthen every part of the admissions process.
How do I choose the right MBA admissions bootcamp?
Through Advancery, GMAC’s AI-powered tool designed to help professionals advance their educational and career journeys, you can gain exclusive access to coaching and bootcamps offered by Leland.
Leland’s MBA Application and GMAT Preparation bootcamps are available at a discounted price for Advancery members, as are career-focused courses. These bootcamps are taught by former admissions officers and experts from top-ranked schools, including Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton.
The MBA application bootcamp has helped applicants secure places at top schools, with the GMAT preparation course helping many students achieve upper percentile scores. Leland also offers a Deferred MBA Application Bootcamp, specifically targeted toward those applying to a deferred program.
Do I Need an MBA Admissions Bootcamp?
An MBA admissions bootcamp or MBA coach is worth considering if you’re planning to apply to business school in the near future, providing access to expertise and potentially impactful resources.
This support could make a difference in helping you secure a place at your target b-school, though it’s worth bearing in mind that gaining expert advice is not a guarantee of success and candidates must work hard to ensure their application stands out.