5 Pillars for getting into a top B-School

You will get into a top B-School only if you have these 5 strong pillars:

1. Academics: The most important filtering criteria for any B-School. Good academics. Now what does this exactly mean? If you are not from an IIT or NIT, does it mean you don't stand a chance? If you did not score well in your undergrad, does this mean you don't stand a chance? You do! That's why they have the GMAT/GRE. For schools apart from the M7 in the US, if you are able to score well in GMAT/GRE, that is more than enough to cover the first pillar of Academics for you.

   
   

2. Work Experience: For this pillar, you are judged on 4 main things

   -Brands: Worked with well known brands

   -Managerial Roles: Managed a team

   -International Exposure: Worked abroad or with clients abroad

   -The X Factor: Been an Entrepreneur is one of the things that counts here

   Now, it is not mandatory to tick mark all the above 4 points, but more the better.

3. Extra Curricular Activities: Having good extra curricular activities is always a plus because B-Schools are looking for all rounders who have a potential to become future leaders. Having said this, they are not looking for athletes or singers etc, else they would have gone and admitted directly those people. The purpose of this pillar is to showcase your strengths and other qualities that align with your professional personality and long terms and short terms goals.

4. SOPs and Essays: Arguably the most important pillar of your applications. You might be the best candidate out there, but if you are not able to portray your profile in a positive light and as per needed by the specific B-Schools, then you won't make the cut. Important thing to note is that you need to convey two things. One, why should they take you, what do you bring to the table and the cohort, what makes you better than the rest. Two, Why should you take that specific B-School, how will they benefit your career. For instance, if you are applying to B-School that is famous for finance and you want to eventually get into Product Roles, then it is a mis-match and can become a simple reason for rejection.

5. Interviews: Interviews are the final step that you need to clear to get your dream admit. Interviews vary from B-School to B-School. Some have a panel defined to take interviews, others have their alumni to take interviews.

   
   

   However, interviews are the last thing one should worry about and only after you get your shortlist and interview call. If you need help with it, MBA Compass is there for it :)