Each year, AIGAC conducts a survey of over 2,000 current and previous MBA applicants aimed at better understanding the MBA application process and collecting advice for students, schools and consultants on how to improve this process.
While both MBA consultants and Admissions Directors took away the clear message that applicants have high expectations, the survey also yielded some interesting information for applicants.
Check out this year’s highlights and get some important tips for getting to know perspective schools throughout the application process.
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How to Get to Know Business Schools
As is often believed, and reiterated in admissions circles, getting to know Business Schools better is a crucial part of the application process!
This year, we asked candidates once again what sources they use to research target programs. While it is no surprise that nearly all applicants used school websites and other online resources, many applicants go above and beyond this step.
Over 50% of applicants have spoken to current students, over 40% to alumni and over 40% have communicated directly with admissions staff.
Further, over 40% have attended an MBA fair or off campus information session.
Keep in mind that while you do not have to do all of these things, it is crucial to leverage multiple avenues for getting to know your target programs. This also helps the schools get to know you, a very important part of the process for some schools!
How Consultants Help
When asked how consultants helped during the process, survey respondents said the top two benefits were being educated to apply to more schools and retake the GMAT. Applicants also valued consultants’ advice to consider schools they otherwise would not have considered. Having this “reality check” to make sure that you target the right programs for you is really important (often this means reaching for a school you may not have considered previously).
Check out the full survey results here for complete details!
For a more detailed and customized plan, and individualized support with various aspects of the MBA application process such as early planning, school selection, essay editing or interview preparation, visit Personal MBA Coach.
This article has been re-published from Personal MBA Coach’s blog.
