Getting into an elite MBA program is no easy feat. At Stanford’s Graduate School of Business last year, for instance, the acceptance rate was 7%. Applicants must factor in a myriad of factors — essays, GMAT score, interviews — while competing against thousands of other bright, talented business managers.Jean-Philippe Odunlami, a Harvard Business School MBA graduate who has worked at Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase, has a tip: Using internet research to connect with business school affiliates can set your application apart. “Something very simple like emailing a student club can add tremendous value to your application,” JP says.
Admissions directors tend to be coy when pressed on what they look for in MBA candidates.
Virginie Fougea, INSEAD’s associate director for admissions, says the world’s number-one ranked business school has “a strong focus on international, professional, and educational diversity”.
She adds: “In today’s global arena, the exchange of ideas and best practices by individuals and companies from around the world is clearly key.” So, diversity is important, I guess.
Amid the waffle, MBAs can be among the best sources of admissions advice. Karl Maturana, an MBA candidate at ESADE Business School in Barcelona, who previously worked for Deloitte in Santiago, says: “Be yourself. Trying to be someone that you aren’t will not benefit you at all. Be prepared. And try to make a positive impression on the person that interviews you, so you will be remembered.”
Below, BusinessBecause speaks to four other MBAs who share their tips for getting into top schools.
Aubrey Chapnick, UBC Sauder School of Business, MBA candidate
Background: Talent development consultant, Lee Hecht Harrison Knightsbridge
Getting accepted to a top business program like Sauder’s is all about storytelling. Whether it’s in the business world or business school, being intelligent and ambitious are merely table stakes.
What differentiates candidates is their ability to paint a clear picture of who they are personally and professionally, and speak to why going to Sauder specifically will help them achieve their goals.
Candidates should highlight their unique experiences and achievements, as these are critical elements of one’s application, which brings an applicant’s profile to life.
I would advise candidates to focus more on who they are, what they believe in, what they value and what good they are driven to create in the world after leaving Sauder, instead of just relying on their academic aptitude. Acing the GMAT alone is not the key to getting in.
Rodrigo Diaz Mendez, IESE Business School, MBA candidate
Background: Advisor to the general director of administration, Banco de México
Be nice, be likeable, and show that you are a people person.
They know you are good, they know you have the aptitudes, so just show that you are a likeable person, with soft skills, who is able to work in a scenario where participation and teamwork are key.
You hear so many cases where people had an impressive GMAT score, yet when they got to the interview they didn’t make the cut. They were trying to impress by bragging about how much they have done, and how good they are.
Rodolfo Mitchell, Grenoble École de Management, MBA candidate
Background: Head of securities market analysis for Banco de México
In order to impress the admissions committee, I would recommend investing time in researching how GEM fits into your career path, and highlight that when applying.
You should show what your passions are, what motivates you and what your dreams are, so that the committee can identify if your profile fits the program.
Alessandro Ibelli, EMLYON Business School, MBA graduate
Background: Executive assistant, LACOTE S.r.l.
Be yourself!
A high GMAT score is 50% of the work; the rest is just about a good presentation of yourself, and an ability to articulate your plans for the future.
My suggestion is to see the admissions committee as experts in psychology and HR, who are there to help you, and to check if the next step you will make in your life is the right one, or not.
Student Reviews
Intense courses, helpful professors
I am an international student in my 3rd year and I love going to this school and do not regret chosing it for my BBA.
The classes are helpful, professors are always there to help as well and we have a very understanding administration.
Leadership in an amazing city
I decided to do my exchange in Emlyon because I wanted to get out of my comfort zone, and I found a space with very capable People.. participatory, empathetic and full of leadership. I will never forget Lyon, apart from giving me an unforgettable experience, he gave me great friends
A lot of opportunities professionally and socially. A unique program in France.
You can choose your courses and do your internship, exchange whenever you want. It's flexible and adapted to the needs of each student. A great program and a great city! Professionally, it opens a lot of doors for you to find internships or jobs in France or abroad thanks to the network and career events.
MSc in Digital Marketing
Combining both worlds into one, this course gave me all the on-demand technical skills in data science while maintaining a business-oriented approach. Thanks to the strong academic profile of this university I was able to secure an internship and full-time job at Amazon.
Top Business School fostering innovative entrepreneurs
EMLyon is one of the best business schools. The campuses, associations and courses offered provide the students with the best options to build the future they have chosen. The various opportunities to study and work abroad also offer a deeper understanding of the world, not only economy-wise but social, which helps the student become as well a better individual and not only a pre-formated business school student.
Emlyon campus in Paris
It has a great international community and you have access to many international tools, courses and professors. I had many networking events and workshops for students. Campus and some details of the program could have been improved or need to be bigger in order to have a better student life.
Entrepreneurship
Overall good content and good activities.
Lack of administration but still ok.
Good flexibility and liberty offered to the students. Finally, the amount of internship is also a good way to improve qualifications.
Good Reputation and International Business School
The course was not well adapted but it was up to the mark.
The professors are very well experienced and their experience comes in handy while working on assignments.
The facilities on the campus are top class. Truly professional. I really like spending time in the learning hub and using all the available resources.
Lyon is an amazing city. You will never get bored.
MSc International Hospitality Management
The best educational experience of my life so far!
It’s been full of exposure and great connections. From Lyon to London, Paris, Los Angeles and Las Vegas! Truly an exceptional way to discover the world of hospitality.
Real networking opportunities
- meeting new people, specially professionals during seminars or evening meeting at school.
- going abroad to study luxury
- being involved as an ambassador to promote the school and the program I was into (MSc LMM)
- having such a great professional core
white baccalaureate in the world of work
I really appreciated the MS SDAI as a whole. The teaching staff, the different subjects, the university exchange, TEM... I started my internship in a consulting firm having acquired a solid foundation. Downside for CentraleSupélec, which I found far too academic for a program such as this.
Great
Pretty great !
Emlyon business school is a top educational institution known for its outstanding academic programs, nurturing environment, and state-of-the-art facilities. It fosters creativity, critical thinking, and leadership in students.
