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MBA Application Tips

2009-10-30T19:10:15Z

Choosing to further your education by obtaining an Australian MBA is a solid educational choice that will result in personal and professional growth, increased earning potential and a well-regarded degree that receives international respect.

To improve your chances of being accepted at one of Australia’s esteemed business schools, follow these 10 tips that are sure to get your application noticed and increase your marketability.

1. Cross every T. This may seem like it goes without saying, but an incomplete application packet – or an application packet with spelling or grammatical errors - will quell your chances of acceptance before you even have your foot in the door. Complete your application packet thoroughly and proofread every word.

2. Clearly state your goals. You wouldn’t be going for a graduate degree in business administration if you didn’t have ambition. Entice the admissions committee with your well-thought out plans for the future.

3. Be a show off. It’s one thing to say how wonderful you are in a personal statement or essay, but an entirely different – and better – thing to show your accomplishments by including information about awards, promotions or other forms of recognition you have received.

4. Be yourself. Let the committee know enough about you to make you stand out from other applicants and don’t try to be too perfect. No one is perfect and the committee is well aware of that. Trying to prove your perfection will only raise doubts. Let yourself shine through your application.

5. Why here? Why now? If you are an international or returning student make your intentions clear and let the admissions committee know why you want to attend graduate school in Australia, or why you want to go back to school.

6. Demonstrate your ability to lead. MBAs are leaders and managers that shape the business world and bring teams together to function effectively. Include your leadership experience and skills to show the committee that you are ready to lead.

7. Know thyself. A solid understanding of who you are, what you want, where you are headed and why you need an MBA to continue on that journey is central to your success as a graduate student and an applicant.

8. Be distinctive. You are a unique individual with distinctive characteristics, skills and goals. But, you’ll be just another application packet if you don’t portray your uniqueness to the committee. Consider your qualities that distinguish you from the pack and make sure they are front and center during the application process.

9. Be personable. Show your charm and let the committee know what a likeable person you are. Objectivity aside, committees are made up of people, and people are apt to choose people they like.

10. Lay out your plans to change the world. Or, at least the business world. As leaders and managers, MBAs are in a position to be change makers and to improve business practices and policies. Let the committee catch a glimpse of how you want to make a difference in the world.

Following these 10 simple tips will improve your application and enhance your chances of being chosen for a coveted position in an Australian MBA program. The application process can be highly competitive, but demonstrating your qualifications and showing that you have clear goals and a plan to reach them will greatly increase your appeal and ensure that the admissions committee will notice your application.

MBA Application Guide

2009-05-19T00:15:24Z

The admissions committees of Australian MBA programs carefully examines resumes, essays, letters of recommendations, and personal interviews to seek out the candidates that they believe have what it takes to succeed in their program and in the business world. While some schools prioritize particular characteristics above others, there are essential attributes that every MBA program looks for in their candidates.

These attributes include:

1. Motivation to succeed
2. Integrity
3. Ambition
4. Focus and drive
5. Professionalism
6. Perseverance
7. Leadership capabilities
8. Creativity
9. Qualitative and quantitative analysis abilities
10. Exceptional communication skills

Naturally, each candidate will have a particular set of strengths, as well as areas in need of continued growth and development. So, do not let this list of desired attributes scare you away from applying to an Australian MBA program if you feel you might be lacking in an area or two. Admissions committees are looking for candidates with potential, not perfection.

Approach the application process and prepare for your application interview the same way you would prepare for an interview for a senior management position. Display your strengths and don’t attempt to come across as perfect.

Keep the above attributes in mind as you write your application essays and prepare for your application interview to help ensure that you display your strengths and clearly show that you have what it takes to succeed in an Australian MBA program, as well as the business world.

Advice when applying for MBA school in Australia

2009-05-18T23:47:59Z

The MBA has become the degree of choice for employers looking for top-notch, highly educated employees. This means that if you are applying to an MBA program, you will probably have a lot of competition. Aside from the usual strategies--good grades in the bachelor’s program and a good work resume--there are some other things you can do to help your chances of getting accepted to a high quality Australian MBA program.

Tooting the Horn

Of course you have to showcase your talents. Tell them about your success in undergraduate years, your community service, and your work experience. Help them understand your strong points and how they relate to an Australian MBA program. Some things admissions counselors like to see: leadership, organization, problem-solving skills, and willingness to try new things.

However, do not toot your horn too loudly. Bragging is often a sign of compensation for a weak background, so be realistic. It is said that when something sounds too good to be true, it is--that goes for you as well. Be ready to back up every claim you make with facts and proof.

What Makes You Different?

You will be competing with hundreds of other applicants. You will need to stand out. Make a list of things that will set you apart. Do not tailor this to what you think their ideal student is--tailor it for outside that list. For instance, they may not list international relations as an important part of the admission criteria, but if you have successful experience in it, that will be a plus.

Here are just a few things that will set you apart:

• Professional and scholastic awards and honors
• References from others about unusual things you did for them
• Testimonials about your willingness not only to work hard, but work smart as well

Also, let the admissions committee know what you want you want to be doing five, ten, and twenty years after you graduate--in other words, the things that would make them proud to call you a graduate.

Also, remember that no matter where you take your Australian MBA, the degree is what you make it. You will only be in school for a couple of years at the most, so get everything you can out of it and prepare well for your future.