Preparing the Perfect Package for Your MBA Application in 4 Steps

You have done all the hard work and put in the hours to get to this point. Your GPA, GMAT, work experience, and extracurricular activities are what they are. You have researched schools extensively, even visiting campuses  and making an effort to connect  with alumni. Now, it is about putting  this  all together into one application package that will  determine whether you get to attend your dream  school or not no pressure. Here are three ways you can prepare the perfect package for your target programs: Selecting Stories As you start sorting through potential ideas for your essays, list the interesting anecdotes that would best present you in a nutshell   think of these as scenes in a movie that would best capture the essence of the lead character. These can  help you stand out through your interesting experiences and serve as attention-grabbers that captivate your audience. These stories could come  from your personal life, professional accomplishments, or passions. Recommenders can also add to this aspect of your application by relating specific stories about you that will help substantiate the qualities that you are highlighting. Powerful examples of your leadership and teamwork skills or ability to benefit from constructive criticism will greatly help. Thus, reminding your recommenders of these episodes in your relationship could come in handy. Presenting Perspectives Your application  essays are also avenues that allow the Admissions Committee to understand where you  come from, what motivates you, and where you want to go post-MBA. Sharing your unique upbringing, family values and inspirations  will help present a more personal profile. This is not limited to just the positive events or outstanding accomplishments in your life,  either   the challenges you have overcome or even the weaknesses you are still addressing also humanize you, making you more relatable so that the Admissions Committee  wants to root for your success. Sharing your personal story and challenging circumstances will also emphasize  that you will be able to  contribute to the classroom experiences of your future peers. In addition, use your interesting passions or  talents that showcase surprising skills to also help you stand out among the other applicants, similar to the way football players singing and dancing to Beyonce’s music make for a memorable bit. Tweaking the Tone Apart from the theme and the great stories  you choose to showcase in your application, fine-tuning the overall tone of your presentation can go a long way in delivering a powerful message. Having the perfect mix of displaying your  strengths, humbly admitting your weaknesses, and showing fit between your target program and career goals is  critical. However, be sure to show personal accountability for, and general reflection on, your failures as you plan your next steps   make sure your choice to pursue an MBA at this time in your life is  displayed with clear purpose  for the Admissions Committee. Delivering these details with a personal tone and a positive vibe shows your ability to collaborate and be in sync with a select group of star performers as you apply  for a coveted slot in a top-tier  program. Fitting Finale Take some care to end your application on a positive note, carefully considering the last impression you want to make, just as the last song of a musical has to be well thought-out and excellently executed to deliver a fitting finale. Applying to business school? Call us at 1-800-925-7737 and speak with an MBA admissions expert today, or take our free MBA Admissions Profile Evaluation  for personalized advice for your unique application situation! And as always, be sure to find us on Facebook, YouTube, Google+  and Twitter. Written by Edison Cu, a Veritas Prep Head Consultant for  INSEAD.