Aspirants usually spend an agonizing amount of time with their decision to pursue an MBA. And once the decision is made, they get busy with working on the applications. After all, there are many components to be dealt with, from filling out forms and securing documents to pursuing recommenders and crafting compelling essays, not to mention the subtle differences that characterise the admissions process of different schools.
As candidates get busy with completing their applications meticulously, they often forget the reason they decided to pursue an MBA, or more accurately, they fail to communicate the reason behind their decision to admissions committees. They get so caught up with putting together all the elements that their motivation to attend business school gets relegated to a distant memory. But why is it important to convey your need to get an MBA?
Before we address this question, it’s important to note that the reason why you wish to pursue an MBA is very different from why you want to attend a particular school. In the second case, you specifically spend time researching a program in terms of its curriculum, culture, clubs, etc. to elaborate on why you decided on that particular school. Instead, we’re talking about taking a step back and explaining your reasons to pursue an MBA.
So then, why is it important to express your need to do an MBA? Because admissions committees want to know. Perhaps you want to develop certain skills. Or you want to switch functions. Or you feel like your career hasn’t been progressing. Whatever it is, it gives you an opportunity to present your case and add a certain gravitas to your application. Moreover, it also helps admissions committees put some context to the rest of the information.
The question that arises next is how exactly one goes about articulating the rationale behind their decision. You can either cover your reasons succinctly within a relevant essay or, if available, present this information in the optional essay. It’s also a great idea to clearly communicate your reasons for pursuing an MBA to your recommenders. They can then mention these in the recommendation letters and support your application.
The decision to pursue an MBA is usually a well thought out one. After all, it takes a lot of effort as well as financial resources to get an MBA degree. That’s precisely why it’s also important to let admissions committees know your motivation to join their MBA program. It gives them a clear idea about how you (and your cohort) will benefit from the same, rather than having them make that decision for you based on their own assumptions.
LemonEd can help you with all elements of your MBA application.
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