As an admissions consultant, I often have to answer one question frequently: “Why did someone with a lower score or similar background get accepted over others with similar backgrounds or even higher scores?”
Recently, a candidate asked why I encouraged him to apply to a mix of reach and safe schools, along with a couple of dream programs. He had seen testimonials from my past students who gained admission to top MBA programs with lower GMAT scores, which made him wonder why I advised him to apply to reach, and safe schools.
Here is what I shared with him:
1. Increasingly Competitive Admissions: In recent years, admissions have become extremely competitive. With limited spots for international candidates, even highly qualified applicants are sometimes waitlisted or rejected without an interview. What was feasible a few years ago may no longer hold today.
2. High Competition Among Indian Applicants: Schools receive a large number of strong candidates from India. However, they cannot accept all of them to maintain diversity across demographics and industries, which intensifies the competition.
3. Holistic Admissions Approach: While the GMAT is a critical component of MBA applications, it's just one part of your profile. Admissions teams evaluate your entire profile—career progression, achievements, leadership experience, career goals, personal stories, and non-work engagements, such as hobbies and community involvement.
4. The unpredictability of Admissions Decisions: MBA admissions can often be unpredictable. I have seen candidates with a 760 GMAT accepted by an M7 school with a scholarship yet rejected by a T-10 school without an interview. This underscores the importance of 'fit' with the school that accepted them.
The takeaway? No two candidates share the same journey. Your strengths are unique, and your path to success doesn’t have to mirror someone else’s. Focus on crafting your unique story rather than comparing yourself to others. Broaden your school list, research schools thoroughly to assess your fit, and embrace what makes you, you – it could make all the difference!
About MER (myEssayReview)
Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER (myEssayReview), is a Ph.D. in English with 13 years of MBA consulting experience and three decades of teaching experience in India and the US. Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students from around the world to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,000+ essays written by applicants worldwide. Poonam was among the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023.
Need help with resumé construction? Fill out the free consultation form or email Poonam at poonam@myessayreveiw.com
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