application components
For any newbie in the GMAT circuit, this information can be handy in knowing broadly about the application components of a typical GMAT application.
THE APPLICATION FORM
The cumbersome but very important element of the process is to fill this form properly. Thanks to the electronic forms at most schools, you need not spend hours working on scratch papers before filling up the actual form. You can fill up the electronic form without worrying about your hand writing. Remember the following details while filling up the form:
- Spend enough time and do the job properly. The information should be clear and complete in all regards.
- Apply for interviews if you can carry yourself well during personal communications. If you are applying to a different country then request for alumni/telephonic or admission personnel's interview during a tour to your country/state.
- Fill out the information about your financial resources carefully; it may be used for visa/ scholarship purposes.
If anything changes in your candidature after you submit the form, feel free to write to the school about new developments like new professional achievements, change of address etc.
THE RESUME This will give them the bird's eye view of your personality. Since this is a brief overview of your personality, they prefer to go through it during early phases of the review. So, be very careful about what you write.
- Be sure to make a word document/ PDF and upload it in the space provided, else you may also send with the supporting materials
- Be short and crisp, try to stick to one page or at most two pages
- Tell them about your learnings, accomplishments, team work and leadership skills
- Highlight skills and abilities that differentiate you from other applicants. Do not do a quick job of putting the facts together, work diligently on your resume and convince the schools that you want to get interviewed.
APPLICATION ESSAYS
This will help them judge your communication skills and your thought process
- Follow school's requirements in terms of formats and express your ideas clearly
- Follow the structured and logical, play special attention to grammar
- Present your strengths - but also recognize your weaknesses
- Tell them what will you bring to the school and how will it help fellow students and in turn the school
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
These are going to be the only testimonials which they will evaluate before they interview you in person.
- Choose people in business or education who know you and who like you; the people who have, and will give, the time to do a good job
- Ask them before and thank them afterwards (preferably when you have the result of the application).
- Brief them - but don't tell them what to write. Share with them copy of your completed application form
TRANSCRIPTS
You will be asked to submit an official transcript from every undergraduate and graduate institution you have attended. This may require a lot of legwork and time, especially if you have attended several schools. Many schools will only accept written transcript requests, so you might not be able to call your college's registrar and handle this task over the phone. So, prepare well before time.
STANDARD TESTS
Important tests are GMAT and if you are an international student then TOEFL. Prepare well before the exam, if needed join some professional coaching
THE INTERVIEW
In many schools, if you get this far - you are high on their close list. Prepare very well; it may be a make or break for you.
- Think about possible questions you might be asked and be ready to answer them. A lot of introspection guys!!! Be prepared with questions like 'Why do you want to do this MBA? 'Why do you want to do it now?
- Be natural, do not act. Remember to go through your resume and application essays which you submitted to the school
- If it is a personal interview, dress smartly and reach well before time. Now relax!
- Learn about the School and the program. It will help you show that you are seriously interested in attending their program.
- During concluding discussion, if given the opportunity to ask questions to the interviewer have two or three (at most) unique and good questions ready. Remember that the interview is not there to help you solve your personal problems like financial concerns etc.
