MBA Application Mistakes to Avoid

In the frenzied quest to complete the MBA applications process, it can be easy to slip up and make an error. Unfortunately, admissions committees aren't normally very forgiving of mistakes.

What is the Most Common Mistake That Applicants Make?
To help you answer this question, I asked several admissions representatives from top business schools about the most common mistake that applicants make when applying. Here's what they had to say:

"They submit generic essays that could be used for any business school. Also, we get many essays that don't answer the question that was asked." - The Associate Director of Admissions at Ross School of Business

"Not researching a school well. Deciding to get a MBA is a major decision. We want to know why you want to get an MBA and why you think McCombs is the best place for you to get it." - Christina Mabley, the Director of MBA Admissions at McCombs School of Business

"An MBA is a decision you make once in a lifetime, and you want to get the most value you can from your MBA. Too often I see people apply to MBA programs who haven't done the proper preparation with respect to career ambitions, and finding a program that best fits who they are as a person." - Isser Gallogly, the Executive Director of MBA Admissions at NYU Stern School of Business

"Trying to be someone they are not, and trying to impress the admissions committee." - Rosemaria Martinelli, the Associate Dean of Student Recruitment & Admissions at the Chicago Graduate School of Business

Additional Resources
To learn more about what it takes to get into a top business program, read more Advice from Admissions Officers.