How Applying to MBA Programs Has Changed Since Your Co-Worker Applied

MBA admissions changes happen faster than most people realize.

My Personal Experience
When I applied to business school, I worked at an investment bank. There, I was surrounded by MBA graduates. I eagerly sought their advice. Their stories helped me understand two things. First, why they chose particular schools. Second, how they navigated the process.

Why Context Still Matters
At Vantage Point, we still recommend speaking with as many people as possible about their MBA experiences. Indeed, context strengthens your application. However, business school admissions have evolved significantly. Therefore, advice from five years ago may no longer apply.

But there’s a catch—things have changed a lot in recent years. As you’re having conversations with post-MBA co-workers and friends, remember something. Specifically, business schools have changed significantly. Additionally, the application process itself has evolved. For example, MBA graduates are shunning “traditional” careers. Specifically, fields such as banking are seeing this trend. Moreover, graduates are moving more and more into Silicon Valley.

Consequently, this change is driving innovation in curriculums across the top 10 schools. For example, there’s now a data class at Kellogg. Specifically, knowing how to code in Python is a prerequisite. Additionally, HBS’s class of 2015 had nearly as many students go into technology as consulting.

Having worked with hundreds of clients over the last couple of years, we can attest to something. Specifically, the application process itself is also remarkably different. In addition to shifts in post-MBA career priorities over time, schools have adjusted their application processes. Perhaps this is in response to these shifts. Specifically, they want to better determine who may be a good fit. This helps them address their changing focus areas. For example, over the past 5-7 years, many schools have reduced the number of specific, focused essay prompts.

Instead, they now require fewer, more open-ended prompts. In years past, you may have had multiple questions. These asked you directly to address major evaluation aspects of the application. For example, “describe a time when” or “why do you want to go to our school?” Now, there are generally fewer questions. Additionally, they have a more open-ended tone. Therefore, you are free to express yourself in any way you like. This includes the qualities the schools are looking for. Indeed, creativity counts oftentimes. Gone are the days of boilerplate essay questions (for now)!

Let’s look at two examples from top schools. They have shifted from multiple, direct questions to fewer, open-ended questions.

There are also more indirect methods for evaluating you. These include video essays (spontaneous, on-the-spot). They also include group interviews. The latter helps determine real-time how you work with others. In many ways, this gives you a better opportunity to differentiate yourself. However, you also need to be careful. Specifically, ensure that you still provide evidence. You must show that you meet the schools’ main qualification areas. After all, they are no longer directly asking for many schools.

Bottom line – the game has changed.

We strongly recommend that you continue to leverage your older MBA coworkers and friends. They serve as a great overall resource. They can help you determine whether pursuing an MBA is right for you. At the same time, be careful about taking their advice. Specifically, be cautious about how best to approach your application. After all, the game has changed. It tends to do so every 5-10 years. This happens based on the economy, changes in career preferences, etc.

More questions about how this applies to you and your MBA application process? Contact us at vantagepoint@vantagepointadmissions.com