Five Tips to Master the MBA Application Process
Scot Sanders, assistant director of graduate enrollment, shares his top tips to give Online MBA and Executive MBA students an edge in the application process.
Every MBA journey begins with an application. Whether a prospective student is several years or several decades into their career, the task of condensing their skills, experience and personality onto a few pages can feel daunting.
Below, Scot Sanders offers practical advice for prospective Online MBA (OMBA) and Executive MBA (EMBA) students who are looking to put their best foot forward.
1. Start early.
One of the most common pieces of advice Sanders gives to prospective students is to apply as soon as an application window opens.
“Starting as early as possible ensures that you have time to write a high-quality cover letter and resume,” Sanders said. “You never want to make a mistake because you are racing to meet a deadline. It is also helpful to leave enough time for a peer or mentor to review your application materials.”
Another advantage of applying early, said Sanders, is the ability to narrow down options more quickly. As a student receives acceptance and rejection letters, they eliminate the unknown and gain a clearer perspective on the pros and cons of the options available to them.
2. Keep the Three “Bs” in mind.
When writing a personal statement or cover letter, keep the three “Bs” in mind: Be Brief, Be Bright and Be Gone.
“Make one or two strong points and deliver them in a concise way,” Sanders said. “Do not feel like you have to share your entire life story or every step of your professional journey.”
In his experience, the most effective applications get right to the bottom line. Candidates explain why they want to pursue an MBA and how that MBA, combined with their professional experience, will help them reach a defined career goal.
3. Keep your LinkedIn profile professional and up to date.
LinkedIn matters far more than prospective MBA students may realize. Admission committees at Baylor frequently peruse a candidate’s profile to ensure their industry and function match their resume. Any major discrepancy raises a red flag. They also look at awards, recommendations, volunteer positions and overall engagement to gain a better sense of the candidate’s professional presence. For example, if someone is applying for an MBA with a cybersecurity concentration, engagement with cybersecurity professionals and thought pieces can boost their application. On the flip side of the coin, any unprofessional content—whether political commentary or overly personal details—can quickly become a liability.
4. Use the STAR method to showcase leadership skills.
Whether they are writing impactful bullet points on a resume or answering an in-person interview question, every prospective MBA student can benefit from the STAR method. They begin with the Situation—the context of a problem they once confronted in the workplace. Next, they share the specific Task or goal they were expected to achieve. They continue by describing the Actions they took to complete that task and end on a high note by noting the Result of their action.
“Following the STAR Method, a prospective student can demonstrate their ability to solve complex problems and lead under pressure to arrive at a desired goal,” Sanders said. By telling a simple story, they can display leadership traits like decisiveness, emotional intelligence and versatility.
5. Invest time to tailor your supporting documents.
It is always worth the time and resources to craft a resume, personal statement or cover letter in a way that aligns with the focus of a program. For example, a prospective student applying to an OMBA program should highlight their adeptness at remote work in order to position themself as a strong online learner. For an EMBA program, painting a clear portrait of leadership skills and critical thinking is essential.
If a prospective student is struggling to decide which information to prioritize, they can often turn to their undergraduate institution’s career center, even after they have graduated, or hire an admissions consultant to weigh in. They can also seek trusted peers or mentors to provide honest feedback.
“While you should always tailor your application materials to fit the specific features of the MBA program to which you are applying, it is crucial that you are still truthful and authentic,” Sanders said. “Few things turn off an admissions team as quickly as feeling as though they are being sold. Cover letters or interviews that simply regurgitate information from the program’s website feel pandering and unprofessional. Being authentic and truthful will always net you the best results.”
What’s Next
Are you ready to submit your Baylor MBA application?
Click here for more information about Baylor’s Executive MBA admissions.
Click here for more information about Baylor’s Online MBA admissions.
Click here to fill out a form to speak with one of our Enrollment Coordinators.
