How can I get a great recommendation?

Well, you already know that you should be looking for professional references after all you are applying for a professional degree. But what you probably didn’t know is that there’s a lot that you can do to help make those references great. One of the first things you should do is look at the application form, look at the reference questions, and ask yourself when you’re reading them “Who do I know who can answer these questions to my best advantage?” Once you make that decision then sit down with your references. Talk to them. Take them out for coffee. Take them out for lunch. Remind them of specific projects that you worked on so that those specific examples can make it into your letters. We see lots of letters of recommendation that have lists of adjectives, but it’s always the ones that have the specific examples that really stand out.

What are your Top 10 Dos & Don’ts for the essays?

Number one do is make sure that you answer the question being asked. Don’t try and write a generic essay and make it fit for all of your business goal applications. Make sure that you’re yourself when you’re answering the questions. Don’t use the wrong business goal name in your essays. Make sure that you’re creative. Don’t answer only part of the question. Be sure to answer the question fully. Make sure that you highlight your own strengths. Don’t plagiarize. Never plagiarize. And make sure that you edit your essays before you submit them. Don’t rush or shortchange your essays. The essay is a very important part of the application process so do take your time, and when you put all of your effort into it, hand them. From us here in Vancouver, best of luck with your application.

What qualities does a strong candidate possess?

[0:01:52] [Inaudible] MBA programs that many of them look for very similar characteristics in their applicants. However, here at Sauder we look for three additional factors in all of our applications. One of the cornerstones of our new MBA program is creativity. We’re looking for creative problem-solvers, people who have come up with innovative solutions that have had long-lasting effects at work. We’re looking for risk takers. We are committed to diversity in the classroom. Over 50% of our class is international. So please tell us about your cross-cultural experience and informational experience that you have.

And finally, remember that you are applying for this program with hundreds of other people. So make sure that you show us what makes you unique. Really think about your experiences. What makes you stand out? At Sauder, we’ve had people who were hockey players, opera singers, people who have come from very different walks of life and it’s really brought a lot of exciting life to the program.

What are your interview Dos & Don’ts?

First of all, do dress smartly. Dress to impress and look your best on interview day. Make sure that you treat us like you would another interview. So leave your board shorts at home. Do smile and relax. Make sure you try not to fidget too much during the interview. Do be confident. You’ve done really well to get this far so be as confident as you can be. Try not to make too many statements that you’re unable to back up with really good examples. Do highlight [0:03:19] [Inaudible] from previous experiences both inside and outside of the web place.

Try not to use too many technical terms or management speak. Try to be yourself. Do tell interviewer and know exactly why you want to do an MBA at this particular school. Try not to worry too much. Everybody gets a little bit nervous before an interview. But really view this an opportunity to let us know in the admissions committee why you want to come to our school and what makes you unique. And good luck.

How important is the GMAT?

Well, aside from the fact that it is a requirement for most top MBA programs, it is obviously very important. But I want to let you know a little bit more about how it falls into the decision. The GMAT, along with your GPA, forms our look at your academic potential. Of course, we’re going to look at your work experience, we’re going to look at your leadership experience, we’re going to look at references, but we want to know that you will also be successful in the classroom and the GMAT gives us the most accurate depiction of that.

So one of the things that I always tell applicants is when you’re thinking of the GMAT, look at it as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. It is your chance to right some wrongs. If your GPA is a little bit lower, the GMAT gives you a great opportunity to overcome that. So to begin your preparation, look at the www.mba.com, have a look at sample GMATs, and happy studying.