Wherever you are in the corporate jungle, it is almost sure that you have one target in mind—the top. But being surrounded by people with great talent and expertise in the field, you are also aware that it will be hard for you to start climbing the obstacle-ridden corporate ladder. So, there is only one way to equip yourself for the challenge—increase your competitiveness. And if you will ask many of the highest business executives and experts in the field, they will tell you that one sure way to increase your competitiveness is to earn a master’s degree in Business Administration or an MBA. With an MBA, you will not only upgrade your resume, but you will also invariably enhance your knowledge in your field—making you ready for any problem that you will tackle, just like your seniors. The MBA school admissions criteriaAdvancing your career, whether you are directly working in the corporate world or not, is almost always sure with an MBA degree. After all, management is vital in every field and discipline. It is for this reason that this degree attracts many prospective students every year. However, getting in an MBA program is far from easy. As a professional course, most business schools have a very competitive and selective admissions process. The prospective student should be competitive in almost every admissions criterion. Though it may vary from country to country or even school to school, the admissions criteria for an MBA degree are generally the same for all. One of the most important requirements for admission would be the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score. The transcript of records for the baccalaureate degree and work experience are also very important factors. Furthermore, another two very important criteria are the interview — wherein the admissions committee will know if the personality of the applicant is fit for the program — and the MBA admissions essay. Getting help from MBA alumni Looking at the criteria, and probably at your future competitors at the slot, you will surely at least feel like giving up. But MBA degree holders are known for their perseverance, so as a prospective student, you also shouldn’t give up. You should look for help, and if there are people who can offer you everything that you need to know, it’s the alumni of the MBA program that you are interested in. As previous applicants, they have gone through what you are going through right now, and they have passed through successfully. The MBA admission essayAs mentioned before, the MBA admission essay is one of the most important criteria in the admission process. It is your voice to the admissions committee before you are even invited for the interview. It is where you will let them know information about you that cannot be seen on your CV. The essay is where you can let the admissions panel see a more personal side of yourself. Alumni friends can surely help you with tips on how to write your admission essay. Furthermore, you can ask them for their own samples of essays — those that got them through the admissions process — and use those as guides in making your own.
Nancy Haverford is an expert in giving tips in writing an MBA admission essay. She also offers tips on how to use a sample MBA admission essay as a guide.