In our previous articles we talked about the various steps which are involved in crafting a star profile for the MBA and MIM applications for the best programs in the world. In this article, we will start diving deeper into these steps - to provide you insights into how you could go about finding which experiences you should highlight in your application.
Thousands of candidates apply to the top schools, fighting for a few hundred seats. So what does it take for some of them to be able to get that coveted call from the school?
What do the successful candidates do differently from the ones who get “dinged”?
Well, the above question itself has the answer.
Successful candidates differentiate themselves from the rest of the group.
When it comes to applying to the top programs, it is absolutely critical that you are able to stand apart from the cohort of applications that these programs receive. Otherwise, you are just a needle in the haystack. Very difficult to find.
So what can you do? How can you be different?
Every single person is a product of his/her circumstances and experiences.
This is what makes everyone unique.
Let’s start there.
Identify the different categories in which you can classify your life experiences - for example: you can have categories for your personal achievements, professional achievements, hobbies, passions, special talents and many others.
Start writing down your experiences. Assign these experiences into the different categories that you have created. For example: I would put my debating experience in college in the category for personal achievements.
The most important step: Identify which of those experiences are the most impactful.
Once you have a list of your top 5 impactful experiences - you know your differentiators. Use these experiences as the ones to highlight in your resume, in your essays and SOP. That will ensure that the admission committees are able to spot you easily.
So that’s about figuring out your key strengths!
If you feel that you would probably need direction and support in following the process, get in touch with us at contact@managementmasters.in. We will be happy to assist you in creating your best profile for your target schools.
Piyush Ranjan is the chief consultant for Management Masters. He did his undergrad from IIT-BHU, and then studied at the SIM program of the University of St. Gallen. He has helped multiple students get admission calls from Indian Business School, HEC Paris, ESSEC Business School, and other top Business schools worldwide.