Janice Lozano
Getting into a business school can be a rigorous and time-consuming process. Universities look for a variety of factors in a business student, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, and work experience. A strong grade point average and a top-class undergraduate degree are often the most significant aspects of an application. Additionally, universities value soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication. They also seek students with a passion for the subject and a genuine interest in the course and the school. Applying early and showcaseing extracurricular activities that demonstrate commitment and the development of soft skills can also enhance an application.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Grades | Good grades can help, but they are not the only thing universities look for. |
| Passion for the subject | A passion for knowledge and a genuine interest in the course are important. |
| Work experience | While not essential for undergraduate applications, business schools want to see evidence of high-quality work. Postgraduate programs expect 3-5 years of professional experience. |
| Soft skills | Leadership, teamwork, communication, and other soft skills are highly valued by employers. |
| Academic improvement | Universities look favourably upon strong improvement in academic performance over time. |
| Challenging oneself | Taking on challenging courses and seeking challenges outside of school is seen positively. |
| Standardised test scores | Scores on tests like the GMAT, SAT, and ACT are scrutinised and considered important by some universities. |
| Extracurricular activities | Participation in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community involvement are considered. |
| Motivation | Persistence, commitment, and motivation are important traits. |
Academic performance
Firstly, your Grade Point Average (GPA) is a significant factor in the admissions process. A strong GPA demonstrates your academic prowess and ability to handle the rigours of a business degree. Universities will scrutinise your transcript, which details the classes you took and the grades you received. They will assess the types of classes you chose, whether you challenged yourself with advanced or honours-level courses, and your overall academic trajectory. A consistent record of strong grades in demanding courses reflects well on your application.
Standardised test scores, such as the GMAT, SAT, or ACT, are another critical component. These scores can make or break your application, especially for highly selective colleges. Your performance on these tests showcases your academic prowess and readiness for the demands of a business programme.
Beyond grades and test scores, universities seek well-rounded students with a passion for knowledge and a commitment to their education. They value applicants who have taken on challenging courses or sought academic enrichment outside of school, such as community college or online courses. Demonstrating improvement over time, even if you had a rocky start, showcases resilience and a willingness to learn.
Additionally, business schools are increasingly emphasising the importance of soft skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and communication. They want to see how you've applied these skills in extracurricular activities, part-time work, or volunteering projects. These experiences not only enhance your soft skills but also demonstrate your time management, organisation, and ability to juggle multiple commitments.
Remember, while academic performance is essential, it is not the sole factor in your application. Universities also consider your personal qualities, interests, and how well you align with their institution. Each university has its own admissions criteria, so be sure to research the specific requirements of your chosen schools.
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Soft skills
Universities look for soft skills that indicate an ability to work well in a team, such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. These skills are essential in a business context, where collaboration and effective communication are required to achieve goals and complete projects.
Leadership skills are also highly sought after by universities, as they demonstrate an ability to motivate and guide others, as well as possessing a strong sense of initiative. Business schools are keen to see evidence of these skills through extracurricular activities, part-time work, or volunteering projects. For example, holding a leadership position in a club or society showcases your ability to take on responsibility and influence others.
Another important soft skill is resilience, which can be demonstrated by discussing setbacks or obstacles you have faced and how you overcame them. This showcases your ability to learn from mistakes, adapt, and persist in the face of challenges.
Universities also value passion and motivation in prospective business students. They seek individuals who are genuinely interested in the course and the school, and who can articulate how the program aligns with their long-term career goals. This could be a passion for knowledge, a global mindset, or a strong work ethic.
When applying to business school, it is essential to showcase a well-rounded set of soft skills that complement your academic achievements. These skills will not only make your application stand out but also better prepare you for the challenges and opportunities of a business degree and your future career.
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Work experience
For undergraduate business programs, work experience may not be mandatory, but it can significantly strengthen your application and set you apart from other applicants. Business schools seek well-rounded students with diverse backgrounds and experiences. They value commitment, skills, and concrete achievements demonstrated through your work history.
If you're applying straight out of college, your application may be at a slight disadvantage compared to those with extensive work experience. However, you can still make your application stand out. Consider gaining experience through internships, volunteer roles, or work shadowing. These opportunities allow you to develop practical skills and gain insights into different industries and career paths.
When applying for work experience, treat it like a job application. Tailor your CV and cover letter to each opportunity, highlighting your skills, education, and career goals. Be proactive and reach out to companies you're interested in, explaining why you want to gain work experience with them. Remember, it's a two-way exchange, so showcase what you can offer them.
During your work experience placement, be enthusiastic, proactive, and contribute to ongoing projects. Focus on building positive relationships with colleagues and impressing them with your dedication and skills. These connections could lead to future job opportunities or serve as valuable references.
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Extracurricular activities
When it comes to extracurricular activities, universities are looking for students who are well-rounded, engaged, and passionate about their interests. While grades and test scores are important, extracurricular activities are a great way for applicants to stand out and showcase their unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. These activities provide valuable insights into a student's character, talents, ambitions, and potential contributions to campus life.
For business students, in particular, extracurricular activities can demonstrate key business-relevant qualities such as leadership, initiative, responsibility, and communication skills. Joining business clubs or organizations is a great way to develop these qualities and network with like-minded individuals. The Future Business Leaders of America, for example, helps future executives develop networking and communication skills, while the Business Professionals of America allows students to start and run their own clubs.
Starting your own business-related club or organization can also showcase your initiative and ability to take charge. Leadership roles within these groups can help you stand out and develop valuable skills such as project management, confidence, and problem-solving. Universities value these characteristics as they indicate a student's potential to excel academically and represent the university well in the future.
In addition to clubs and organizations, internships are highly valued by admissions committees. They provide real-world experience and demonstrate a student's proactivity, dedication, and ability to apply classroom knowledge to practical challenges. Interning with a nonprofit or local business can set you apart and enhance your application, especially for selective colleges.
Finally, community service and volunteer work are excellent ways to showcase your commitment to personal growth and community involvement. These activities can build character, allow you to contribute positively to society, and develop important skills such as leadership and time management. Universities recognize that extracurricular activities enrich a student's life and demonstrate their potential to thrive and innovate within their campus community.
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Motivation
Extracurricular activities are another way for applicants to exhibit their motivation. Universities look for students who are actively involved in extracurricular pursuits, such as sports, clubs, academic teams, or business-related activities. It's not just about participating but also about demonstrating commitment and highlighting achievements and the skills gained through these activities, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication.
When it comes to academic performance, universities want to see motivation reflected in an applicant's grades and improvement over time. They may consider an applicant's performance in college prep courses, AP courses, or community college courses taken outside of school. A strong grade point average and a top-class undergraduate degree are significant factors in the application process, as they indicate an applicant's motivation and ability to handle the workload of a business degree.
Additionally, universities value motivation in the form of persistence and a passion for knowledge. They want to see applicants who are resilient and able to overcome setbacks. Demonstrating honesty and a willingness to learn from mistakes can set applicants apart. Universities may also look for individuals with a global mindset and the drive to continuously seek out new challenges, showcasing their motivation to grow and learn.
In summary, universities seek motivated business students who exhibit passion, commitment, and a genuine interest in their chosen field. This motivation can be demonstrated through various aspects of an applicant's profile, from extracurricular activities to academic performance and personal traits.
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Frequently asked questions
Good grades will help your application, but they are not the only factor. A strong GPA and a good undergraduate degree are important, and if you are applying for a Master's, your GMAT score will be scrutinized. However, business schools want to see other qualities too.
Universities want to see evidence of high-quality work and, for postgraduate courses, several years of professional experience in a business setting. They also want to see soft skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and communication.
Yes, universities will look at your extracurricular activities, but quality is more important than quantity. They want to see what you have achieved and how these activities have enhanced your skillset.
Work experience is not essential for an undergraduate business application, but it is usually expected for postgraduate courses.
Your application should include a motivation letter, a copy of your high school diploma and transcript, a CV detailing your professional experience, internships, and volunteer activities, and recommendation letters.
