MBA SPECIAL...Applying to a B School in US

Applying to a B School in US 

Dan McCleary, regional director for India at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, advises Indian students on how to approach the application process to US business schools 

MBAMAGIC

    Thinking about getting an MBA and applying to a US school? If yes, one of the obvious challenges is getting accepted. The application process can indeed seem overwhelming. I have come across hundreds of applications from Indian students over the years in my previous role as director of admissions at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and now as the school’s regional director for India. Here are some tips for prospective MBA applicants on strengthening applications to United States business schools.
APPLICATION AS A MOSAIC
As with all applicants, one of the greatest challenges you face is differentiation — making yourself stand out among other applicants. By definition, there is no single answer as to how to differentiate yourself from other candidates, and only you can decide which of many unique factors in your biography deserve greater emphasis. Unfortunately, many applicants work harder on their GMAT than on their differentiation in the hope that scores alone will be a ticket to a top-tier institution. I often advise candidates to think of the application as a mosaic. There is never one piece of a mosaic that is so good it makes the picture come together, and there is never one piece so weak as to ruin the whole image. But the different pieces do need to work together to create an indelible picture of you. At most schools, an admissions committee will evaluate you holistically based on a variety of criteria, including:
    Demonstrated academic performance at a respected
    institution Strong standardised test scores Work experience, with a focus on quality over quantity Independent recommendations from people who know you in business settings Essays - your best opportunity to differentiate yourself
GOING GLOBAL
Among prospective applicants, business schools look for indicators that admitted students will be engaged in the academic community and culture of the school, and will graduate to a successful career.
    Among international candidates in particular, business schools are looking for a diversity of backgrounds to add regional business and cultural perspectives to the learning environment. And you can demonstrate those perspectives in the application process by showing your global sophistication and business awareness. Ask yourself which impression you would prefer to create: a leader already immersed in international business or one who aspires to be; a person who can teach others about a particular industry and culture, or one who is primarily looking to learn; one who projects the confidence of an MBA, or one arriving at school with a hope to gain that confidence? If you aspire to work abroad after business school, the time to start thinking of yourself as an international businessperson is before you apply.
WORDSWORTH
Here are some common terms used by Indian applicants in interviews or essays, and their US equivalents. Be careful using these terms when speaking with US admissions officers, especially if you are unsure of their familiarity with India
Pass out - graduate

Batchmate/batch - classmate/class

My senior/junior - in a class ahead of me, behind me

Topper - honors student/Dean's list

Lakh - 100,000

Crore - 10,000,000

Hostel room - dorm room

Placement office - career management office

Work-ex - work experience

12th standard - 12th grade

PGP - graduate programme

Fresher - freshmen (or if speaking of MBA students, 'first-year')

Write the GMAT - take the GMAT

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