Application Tip #3 from the Director of Admissions
Stand out by being yourself.
Soojin Kwon Koh is the director of admissions at the Ross School of Business. Since joining the Ross admissions team in 2004, Soojin has evaluated more than 10,000 applications. She knows what makes applications stand out. In the Ross MBA Newsletter, Soojin shares advice on how to put your best application forward.
See Soojin's first piece of advice: Commit to a training plan for the GMAT or GRE.
See Soojin’s second piece of advice: Be smart about choosing your recommenders.
Soojin’s third piece of advice: “Stand out by being yourself.”
What does this advice mean?
Throughout the application process, you will have numerous opportunities to tell your story to the admissions team. Whether in an essay, interview, or informal conversation, use each opportunity to differentiate yourself from the thousands of other applicants. This may sound like a difficult task, but simply put, we’re asking you to stand out by being yourself. No two applicants are the same, and it’s up to you to help us learn how you will bring a unique perspective to the school.
How do I make sure I have differentiated myself?
- Take a long look in the mirror. Before applying, reflect on your life and career. You won’t be able to articulate your values, priorities, and decision-making frameworks if you have not taken the time to identify them first.
- Be authentic, not cookie-cutter. Being authentic will go a long way toward making you stand out to us. Use the essays and interview to paint as complete a picture of yourself as possible. Whatever you do, don’t tell us just what you think we want to hear ... unless what you think we want to hear is the inside story about the person behind the application. Our ability to evaluate your fit with Ross depends on how well you know and tell us about yourself.
Where in the application can I make myself stand out?
The essays and admissions interview are the two main opportunities to bring your application to life. In this cycle, we are putting even more emphasis on the interview than we have in the past, since we’ve found we often get the truest impression of candidates through the interview. In both the essay and interview contexts, enlighten the admissions committee by explaining the “whys” and not just the “whats.” The admissions committee wants to know the reasons behind your choices, interests, goals, and passions. For instance, when describing your post-MBA goals, your work experience, or even your hobbies and extracurricular activities, you should reveal your values, priorities, and decision-making frameworks in the process. Don’t just tell us you want to get from Point A to Point B. Share your rationale so we can understand what’s driving you to pursue Point B instead of Point C.
For example, instead of telling your interviewer that you’re pursuing an MBA to broaden your skills and change careers, describe how your past experiences, talents, skills, and intrinsic motivations have led you to be interested in a new career. Explain why an MBA from Ross will help you make the switch in the short term, and also how it will give you the tools to fulfill long-term passions and interests. Don’t be afraid to explain your full rationale as well as your game plan for achieving those goals. The better you explain this, the more likely you are to distinguish yourself.
While clearly articulating your story is critical, an accurate reflection of you is more important than a grammatically perfect essay or an interview response that you think the interviewer wants to hear but isn’t a correct reflection of you. Have friends and colleagues review your essays and work with you on mock interviews to ensure that you come across as polished, professional, and authentically you, not someone auditioning for the role of an MBA student. Whatever assistance or advice you seek, let your unique voice be heard.
Remember, many applicants will have the same goals or may look alike from a quick glance. However, your unique experiences and drivers for reaching your goals are what set you apart and keep the admissions committee interested. What are your passions and reasons for your next steps? Tell us what motivates you and why.
