Plan ahead and Be Awesome!
We have some more top-notch advice by another HBS admit here at Service 2 School – sensing any trends? The common theme here is start early, know your weaknesses, and work hard to improve. And, as always, let us know where we can help!
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If you had all the time in the world, you could write a novel, climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, and submit a stellar MBA application all in one month. Of course, you can’t. The good news is that although you are busy juggling work, family, extracurricular activities – whatever – so is everyone else. The key is to hone in on those important tasks that carry you through the application process. Oftentimes, figuring out what to prioritize is more important than doing everything.
Juggling applications and work. How do you juggle the application process while working at your military job? Simple: early planning and efficient time-management. Two years ago, I knew I was getting out of the military. I looked up several options (business school, engineering masters, head hunters) and did my homework. I sketched out quick timelines for each career option to figure out where I stood in that career timeline based on my experiences and education compared to what the schools were looking for and what they offered in their respective curriculums. Then, I shot off dozens of emails and calls, and consulted my friends and colleagues. I made a decision on what I wanted to do, stopped doing the other stuff, and then went after my goal.
Efficiency. I’m a neurotic multitasker. One of my favorite combinations is the elliptical, a literary magazine, and a podcast. Yes, that’s a bit crazy and probably degrades the quality of absorption, but my point is that you can combine tasks and you can get things done in white space. Read background info on the websites of the MBA programs while you wait for the train, or scribble edits on your resume at the dental office.
Hacking the GMAT. I do think you can learn the GMAT. These standardized tests do not indicate how intelligent you are; in my opinion you have to conform to their way of thinking (even though your thinking process may be different). This is how I did it: I’d do a couple of problems, go back and compare to the correct answers very thoroughly and do the problems the right way. I’d do another set of problems elsewhere to make me forget somewhat, then come back to the original and do them all over again. Yes, you remember the answers quite well, but when you make yourself do again by rote, your brain conforms and learns how to think the way the test thinks. Trust me, it works! I do recommend a GMAT class – they can really help you focus your efforts. For me, I bought three GMAT books and focused on the data sufficiency questions. Then I would take practice test after practice test – yes, the whole thing in one sitting! Because 1) you build the stamina to take a full test, and 2) forcing yourself to take it all in one gulp is very efficient.
Applications. I always ask my recommenders as early as possible to give them enough time, and I talked to them about how I was presenting “the big picture” of myself to each school so they could tailor their recommendations. You don’t want their recommendations to be disjointed from what you are trying to convey overall in your cohesive story as an applicant.
Essays. I wrote one or two pieces for each essay prompt, and then gave them to my family, friends, and S2S mentors to read over. As soon as they gave me feedback, I’d change it immediately and send it right back. Look, it’s okay to bombard them – that’s what they’re there for, right?
Interview Preparation. I wrote on paper all the answers I’d have to possible interview questions. Then, here’s a really important part: write down all of your really cool experience stories. For each one, write down two bullet points for each: summary of what you did, how it made a big difference, and what you learned from it. Now you can use your arsenal of stories to answer questions like, “Tell me a time your leadership abilities were challenged” or “Tell me a time you overcame a handicap” and your stories can apply to multiple prompts, whatever they throw at you. Lastly, I practiced interviews as much as possible. In-person is best, but Skype is a good alternative. You want to feel the pressure, so try to practice with people you aren’t too familiar with. I had about six practice interviews.
The Interview. I interviewed for Harvard and Stanford business schools. I was overwhelmed by a red-carpeted Harvard Club with supersmart, well-dressed people milling everywhere. I had two interviewers and the questions were downright tough. I stuck with honesty, so when I didn’t know something, I asked more questions and didn’t try to pretend or steer away from it, and I even whipped out my pen and paper to figure something out because the question was that hard. I think they were looking to see what the applicant’s problem-solving techniques and thinking processes were. In my mind, the way you approach challenges is much more important than what you know. So, be open and humble, and be on your feet mentally. When I interviewed with Stanford, it was a total 180. We met at a coffee shop in casual clothes and chatted informally. Don’t be lulled into complacency though. I think Stanford was confirming that the applicant would be a team-player and had social skills, but I did get asked the necessary questions of why Stanford and what do I want to do in life.
You’re awesome. Above all, keep it in perspective: you are awesome no matter what! Getting in or not getting in to business school is never, ever a reflection of your abilities or what you are capable of doing. Remember that admissions boards see a tiny version of you, and many times it is simply left to chance. Pick yourself up, drive on. That being said, when you prepare, GO ALL OUT. Good luck and godspeed!
