India's growing economy has created many exciting opportunities for people with a business education that will enable them to lead and manage growth. But because of this, elite MBA programs are deluged with applications from Indian applicants. So how can you pull yourself out of the crowd and distinguish yourself in the eyes of the admissions committees?
First, understand what typical Indian applicants reveal in their applications. Then, differentiate your own.
Average Indian MBA Applicant: Works for a family business
Working for a family business can be extremely educational: You earn high-level responsibility earlier, manage teams of employees, and gain perspective into the workings of the entire company. However, family businesses lack the influence and scope of larger companies, and it is difficult to compare your performance to that of others.
Differentiated Applicant: Has made a broader impact
Applicants who have proven their abilities in a family business and then applied the skills in management at a large international company are able to demonstrate that they are truly talented beyond the scope of their own family. Letters of recommendation written by impartial superiors, unlike those from family members, employees, or even clients of a family business, carry more weight with admissions committees and can demonstrate that you truly outperform your peers and have honestly won the recognition of senior management. The Differentiated Applicant’s resume, work history, and essays can illustrate his or her impact on this large organization.
Average Indian MBA Applicant: Works in India's burgeoning high-tech industry
India's high-tech sector has blossomed in recent years as global companies tap the nation’s highly educated, tech-savvy population. Many of today's business school applicants have experience in that industry.
Differentiated Applicant: Has management experience
While your background may be in technology, you can prove to the admissions committees that you have what it takes to lead companies in the future by demonstrating that you are leading and managing teams of employees, designing company strategy, earning promotions, and boosting your company's bottom line.
Average Indian MBA Applicant: Has modest goals
Most Indian applicants aspire to either expand their family business or launch their own small business.
Differentiated Applicant: Has great ambitions
The top business schools are searching for applicants whose ambitions will have impact on a larger scale. Furthermore, you need to convey your excitement and enthusiasm for your career and your goals. Grant the reader some insight into the emotional reasons behind your decision to pursue your path.
Average Indian MBA Applicant: Has many extracurricular activities
Unlike many other population groups, Indian applicants are often involved in many activities outside of school and work.
Differentiated Applicant: Takes leadership roles outside of work
Don't confuse hobbies for involvement and impact. The top business schools are looking for applicants who hold active leadership roles in a few organizations, not a jumble of low-key memberships. Be sure to continue your active extracurricular involvement and leadership even after college.
Average Indian MBA Applicant: Thinks all top business schools are the same
Indian applicants tend to know they want a top MBA, but they don't do enough research on the programs to determine if and how each aligns with their goals. They tend to give a brief overview of the skills they hope to gain from the MBA and don't demonstrate that they know anything about each program.
Differentiated Applicant: Knows why he/she is applying to each school
Just as it is in your interest to know a school’s requirements, such as a fourth post-high school year of study (e.g., the Master in Commerce), before you apply to ensure that your application is even considered, it also is in your interest to determine if the schools you are considering will meet your needs. If you plan to concentrate in a particular industry, you need to make sure that the schools you are applying to have courses of study in that industry.
The top business schools seek applicants who can demonstrate that they understand the school's goals and how they fit with the applicant's needs. They are looking for applicants who have visited the school, spoken to alumni, researched their specific interests, and know what makes this school distinct.
Putting it all together
Each school is sifting through hundreds of applications to find the applicants who will benefit from its program and enhance the education and experience of other students. But determining which stories differentiate your application is daunting. An Accepted.com editor can help you reflect on your experiences, select the anecdotes that best portray your exceptionality, and fit them into each school's individual questions to help your application become one that they don't let slip through their fingers. Check out Accepted.com's services to ensure that you stand out from the crowd.
Copyright Accepted.com 2003
