13 things Top Universities look at while assessing your MBA Applications Abroad

Unlike the Universities in India, universities abroad have a rather elaborate selection criteria. Some come back and say that it does not matter what your GMAT score is but if your essay’s are good, then you have a chance. Some say Essays are a mere eyewash. Some go on to talk about your undergraduate degree and others talk about the university/ school you have attended. In such scenario…it is easy to be confused and wonder – which is important? The answer…all and in fact many more.

The Admission Committees (or Ad-Coms as commonly referred) have an exhaustive list of points on which they mark each and every application. Each application is individually assessed and marked on a weighted scale. There is no way of knowing exactly what weightage each university gives to a particular point, however. What we do know is that they consider the following points and mark you on all these parameters. Here is a list of 13 of the more famous and actively used pointers:

1. GMAT Total Score

A large number of universities use GMAT as a qualifier – this we all know. What is important to note is that they also segregate the applications in piles of GMAT total score and then assess them accordingly. Off late, a large number of universities, especially the Top Universities have started putting more emphasis on this score. It is evident from the increase in the average GMAT of the classes’ batches at the Top B-Schools over the past 5 years.

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2. GMAT Quant Percentile

Here’s something that adds more weight to how well you score in your GMAT. While your total score is considered, an extra check is given to your profile for a relatively well attempted Quant section. Many top B Schools believe that students ought to have a strong analytical mind frame which is effectively tested by the Quant section of the test.  With the two added up, GMAT becomes a rather large determiner for your admissions to Universities abroad.

3. Essays

When people turn around and tell you that Admission Essays play a crucial role, they are not lying. Some of the top universities are believed to give as high as 15% weight to the admission essays. While it may vary from university to university, the fact remains that after GMAT test score, the only thing that adds a lot of weight to your application are your essays. For the highly competitive students aiming for the very best of the universities abroad, the essays are, in fact, the real heroes that can make or break your chances.

4. Admission Interviews

For the Top Universities, admission interviews are rather important. While getting to this stage is a factor of all the other points mentioned here, it is the interview that would cohesively bring together the merits of all the points. This is where you validate what all you have promised and share how you can do justice to your applications.

5. Recommendation Letters

What you think of yourself is not enough to ensure a seat in the top b-schools. What other’s think about you is also important. In the same line, the recommendation letters or the LORs that you submit would have a large bearing on the probability of your admission. As high as about 8%. What is important to note is that it is not only what the Recommendation Letter says that matter – who is the recommender is the clincher. The more impressive your recommender – the better your chances to get a bold check against this column.

6. Undergraduate College

While your eligibility criteria says graduation – the fact remains that your college gets a vote too. It is important to note that India is a big market for universities abroad and attract a large number of their international student pool. As such, they are well aware of the better colleges of the country. So if you are from an IIT or a NIT, you get a thumbs up as well. But there is no reason to fret if your college is not amongst the more illustrious. You can always look at point 7 for your great equalizer.

7. Undergraduate GPA

Or percentage/ score. While scoring a lesser score from an IIT would tip the scales in favour of someone else, an excellent score in a tier 2 college would not go amiss. What would further add value to your application is an overall good score in your graduation.

8. Undergraduate Major

This is a point many students often leave out. And perhaps with good reason. At about 2% weight, it is perhaps not really important. But if you belong to the more extensive engineering pool…this is the point of your worry. Universities abroad seek to create a certain balance in the class they bring together. As such, they look for students from all across the spectrum. The more unique the course you have done in your bachelors, the more the chances of your application finding a special hearing by the AdCom.

9. Extra-curricular

The games that you play…all matters. The higher the level, the better the marks. And it’s not only about games. Universities look at the candidate’s unique offering and that includes debates, drama and even your community service.

10. Employers/ Industry

Universities also look at where you have worked and who were your employers. In simple words, if you have worked in a rather illustrious MNC, then you have greater chances than if you have worked with a small firm. Up-coming start-ups that are making ripples are also given an extra bonus point. Simillarly, universities seek diversity and look for candidates from different industries. Hence, while your competition would be high if you are from the IT domain, you might get a bonus if you belong to the real sciences or perhaps the more bold fine arts group.

11. Length of Work Experience

Universities often list a requirement of 2 – 4 years of work experience. However, the more it is towards the higher end of the range, the better. However, what you need to understand is that every application would be assessed on what you have accomplished in your work experience. If, for instance, you have achieved brilliantly in a 2 year tenure…that should give you a point up.

12. International Experience

Universities abroad do understand that working in an international community requires special skills and abilities. As such, they also weigh your international experience. If you don’t have any, however, there is no reason to lose a lot of heart over it. Universities across put about 3% of weight to this point and you can easily cover these points.

13. Languages

Just being good in mathematics is not enough. Languages play an important role in a person’s success…especially if you wish to be a Manager. And if you are multi-lingual, that’s an extra point right there. While this is perhaps the least important of the points, sometimes all it takes is one straw to tip the scales in your favour.

So, when you start your applications this admission season, keep in mind these 13 points. Remember, you might be one of many that apply…but if you are one in many…you would get selected.