Do MBA Admissions Events Like a Pro
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the MBA admissions journey is learning all you can about each business school. Once you’ve exhausted all the intel you can find on the schools’ websites, your next steps are to attend MBA admissions events in person and online.
As you set out to impress the AdCom and secure a spot in your dream B-school, be sure to approach both virtual and in-person MBA admissions events with finesse and enthusiasm. Here’s a guide on effectively engaging with committee members while steering clear of potential red flags that could hurt your application.
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Navigate In-Person MBA Admissions Events with Grace
Thankfully, most business schools have returned to hosting events on campus or on the road. In-person admissions events offer a unique chance to connect face-to-face with committee members. When done well, these encounters can leave a lasting positive impression on the folks who will one day read your MBA application. So, bring your A-game in terms of interpersonal skills.
Dressing professionally for in-person events is a must. Your attire reflects your respect for the occasion and understanding of an MBA program’s professional environment. Also, come ready with a brief and compelling introduction.
Your MBA elevator pitch should highlight your professional background, achievements, and why you’re passionate about pursuing an MBA. Practice it beforehand to ensure coherence, but avoid sounding scripted or overemphasizing achievements in a way that comes across as boastful.
When chatting with members of the AdCom, make sure your keen interest in their program comes through. Admissions officers remember and appreciate applicants who have taken the time to research and understand what makes their institution special. Showcase your knowledge about the school’s unique offerings and explain how they’ll help you achieve your career goals. Avoid generic statements that signal a lack of understanding about the specific features that set the program apart.
A recent Michigan Ross School MBA admissions blog post on the subject advises attendees, “Let the conversation flow naturally and weave in your stories where appropriate.”
“We can always recognize genuine passion when we encounter it,” notes Lysa Wang, the Ross School’s associate director of full-time MBA admissions. “Let your true self shine, making our interaction not just informative but genuinely memorable.”
Embrace Virtual Admissions Events with Enthusiasm
Attending online admissions events has become the norm in an era dominated by virtual interactions. While the setting may differ, the importance of making a positive impression remains the same.
Begin by perfecting your “virtual handshake”—the online equivalent of a firm, confident introduction. Ensure your camera and microphone are in working order, dress professionally, and choose a quiet, well-lit space for virtual meetings. A solid first impression is just as crucial in the virtual realm.
Aim to be an active participant during webinars. Engage by asking insightful questions in the chat, participating in polls, and expressing genuine interest in the discussions. Just don’t hog the spotlight. Avoid dominating the conversation or asking questions that reflect a lack of basic research about the program.
“Your questions will make you stand out when you focus on your specific interest in Michigan Ross,” notes Associate Director Wang. “What courses spark your curiosity? Which clubs, initiatives, or competitions align with your passions? Are there any professors you’re excited to learn from?”
“By asking about the specific resources that resonate with you, you’re not just expressing interest; you’re showing genuine dedication to pursuing an MBA and your search for a program that aligns with your aspirations.”
Striking the Right Balance Between Virtual and In-Person Engagement
As you navigate both virtual and in-person interactions, remember to strike a balance between professionalism and authenticity. Regardless of the format, the admissions committee seeks applicants with academic aptitude who fit seamlessly into the school’s culture.
Follow Up Appropriately:
- After any virtual or in-person event:
- Send a polite thank-you email to express gratitude for the opportunity to connect.
- Reference specific points from your conversation to personalize your message and reiterate your enthusiasm for the program.
- Avoid red flags by ensuring your follow-up is genuine and not overly persistent.
Engaging with the MBA admissions committee during virtual and in-person events requires a thoughtful approach. By actively participating in webinars, navigating in-person events gracefully, and striking the right balance between professionalism and authenticity, you’ll set yourself on a path to success while steering clear of potential red flags that could hinder your application.
Remember, these interactions are all about showcasing your qualifications, building connections, and aligning yourself with the values of the MBA program you aspire to join.
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Stacy Blackman Consulting offers multiple services to meet your MBA application needs, from our All-In Partnership to hourly help reviewing your MBA resume. Contact us today for a free 15-minute advising session to talk strategy with a Principal SBC consultant.
Here’s a snapshot of the caliber of expertise on our SBC team.
Ashley
Ashley is a former MBA Admissions Board Member for Harvard Business School (HBS), where she interviewed and evaluated thousands of business school applicants for over a six year tenure. Ashley holds an MBA from HBS. During her HBS years, Ashley was the Sports Editor for the Harbus and a member of the B-School Blades Ice Hockey Team. After HBS, she worked in Marketing at the Gillette Company on Male and Female shaving ...
×Kerry
Kerry is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS). During her 5+ year tenure at HBS, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a wide range of backgrounds across the globe. She also led marketing and outreach efforts focused on increasing diversity and inclusion, ran the Summer Venture in Management Program (SVMP), and launched the 2+2 Program during her time in Admissions. Kerry holds a B.A. from Bates College and ...
×Pauline
A former associate director of admissions at Harvard Business School, Pauline served on the HBS MBA Admissions Board full-time for four years. She evaluated and interviewed HBS applicants, both on-campus and globally. Pauline's career has included sales and marketing management roles with Coca-Cola, Gillette, Procter & Gamble, and IBM. For over 10 years, Pauline has expertly guided MBA applicants, and her clients h ...
×Geri
Geri is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS). In her 7 year tenure in HBS Admissions, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a diverse set of academic, geographic, and employment backgrounds. Geri also traveled globally representing the school at outreach events in order to raise awareness for women and international students. In additio ...
×Laura
Laura comes from the MBA Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS) and is an HBS MBA alumnus. In her HBS Admissions role, she evaluated and interviewed hundreds of business school candidates, including internationals, women, military and other applicant pools, for five years. Prior to her time as a student at HBS, Laura began her career in advertising and marketing in Chicago at Leo Burnett where she worked on th ...
×Andrea
Andrea served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at Harvard Business School (HBS) for over five years. In this role, she provided strategic direction for student yield-management activities and also served as a full member of the admissions committee. In 2007, Andrea launched the new 2+2 Program at Harvard Business School – a program targeted at college junior applicants to Harvard Business School. Andrea has also served as a Career Coach for Harvard Business School for both cu ...
×Jennifer
Jennifer served as Admissions Officer at the Stanford (GSB) for five years. She holds an MBA from Stanford (GSB) and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Jennifer has over 15 years experience in guiding applicants through the increasingly competitive admissions process into top MBA programs. Having read thousands and thousands of essays and applications while at Stanford (GSB) Admiss ...
×Erin K.
Erin served in key roles in MBA Admissions--as Director at Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and Assistant Director at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB). Erin served on the admissions committee at each school and has read thousands of applications in her career. At Haas, she served for seven years in roles that encompassed evaluation, outreach, and diversity and inclusion. During her tenure in Admissions at GSB, she was responsible for candidate evaluation, applicant outreach, ...
×Susie
Susie comes from the Admissions Office of the Stanford Graduate School of Business where she reviewed and evaluated hundreds of prospective students’ applications. She holds an MBA from Stanford’s GSB and a BA from Stanford in Economics. Prior to advising MBA applicants, Susie held a variety of roles over a 15-year period in capital markets, finance, and real estate, including as partner in one of the nation’s most innovative finance and real estate investment organizations. In that r ...
×Dione
Dione holds an MBA degree from Stanford Business School (GSB) and a BA degree from Stanford University, where she double majored in Economics and Communication with concentrations in journalism and sociology. Dione has served as an Admissions reader and member of the Minority Admissions Advisory Committee at Stanford. Dione is an accomplished and respected advocate and thought leader on education and diversity. She is ...
×Anthony
Anthony served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he dedicated over 10 years of expertise. During his time as a Wharton Admissions Officer, he read and reviewed thousands of applications and helped bring in a class of 800+ students a year. Anthony has traveled both domestically and internationally to recruit a ...
×Meghan
Meghan served as the Associate Director of Admissions and Marketing at the Wharton MBA’s Lauder Institute, a joint degree program combining the Wharton MBA with an MA in International Studies. In her role on the Wharton MBA admissions committee, Meghan advised domestic and international applicants; conducted interviews and information sessions domestically and overseas in Asia, Central and South America, and Europe; and evaluated applicants for admission to the program. Meghan also managed ...
×Amy
Amy comes from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where she was Associate Director. Amy devoted 12 years at the Wharton School, working closely with MBA students and supporting the admissions team. During her tenure at Wharton, Amy served as a trusted adviser to prospective applicants as well as admitted and matriculated students. She conducted admissions chats with applicants early in the admissions ...
×Ally
Ally brings six years of admissions experience to the SBC team, most recently as an Assistant Director of Admission for the full-time MBA program at Columbia Business School (CBS). During her time at Columbia, Ally was responsible for reviewing applications, planning recruitment events, and interviewing candidates for both the full-time MBA program and the Executive MBA program. She traveled both internationally and dome ...
×Erin B.
Erin has over seven years of experience working across major institutions, including University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School, and NYU's Stern School of Business. At Columbia Business School, Erin was an Assistant Director of Admissions where she evaluated applications for both the full time and executive MBA programs, sat on the admissions and merit scholarship committees and advised applicants on which program might be the best fit for them based on their work experience and pro ...
×Emma
Emma comes from the MBA Admissions Office at Columbia Business School (CBS), where she was Associate Director. Emma conducted dozens of interviews each cycle for the MBA and EMBA programs, as well as coordinating the alumni ambassador interview program. She read and evaluated hundreds of applications each cycle, delivered information sessions to audiences across the globe, and advised countless waitlisted applicants. ×
