Getting into one of the top business schools has become an achievement in itself nowadays with a planning and preparation process necessary that easily covers several months or even up to a year from preparing and sitting entrance exams like the GMAT, filling out application forms, writing essays, initiating and collecting letters of recommendation and preparing for interviews.
As candidates put a lot of sweat and time into applications, it is extremely useful to know more about the decisive criteria for business schools before admitting a candidate. FT has spoken to the head of admissions from the Imperial College Business School in London, Ceibs in Shanghai, Rotterdam School of Management, Melbourne Business School, Essec Business School and IIM Bangalore.
Ambitionet has summarised the most important statements, but for the full overview, follow the link at the end of this article:
Brandon Kirby, MBA recruitment and admissions director, Rotterdam School of Management, Netherlands
“We look for people who are dynamic in both their personality and their viewpoint, and are risk-takers. Are they pushing and challenging themselves? We want people who are looking to learn. (…) We want inquisitive individuals who want to make an impact – and by impact I mean within business, culture or the community. It is about business and leading others, but also about working with other people in complex organisations.”
Sally Forrester, Admissions director, Melbourne Business School, Australia
“It is not just about how smart you are – soft skills are very important. Our MBA uses a personal effectiveness programme to assess the development of these soft skills, such as self-awareness and communication skills, which our students tell us is valuable in helping them achieve their potential.”
Crystal Grant, Head of admissions, Imperial College Business School, UK
“Finding original thinkers with a passion and a flair for innovation is important for us. We are experimental by nature. We recognise that real innovation comes from diversity and collaboration, so we look for candidates from a wide range of backgrounds who enjoy working in dynamic groups.”
Yvonne Li, MBA director of admissions and career services, Ceibs, China
“We are based in one of the world’s most dynamic metropolises, Shanghai. Our location helps shape our identity. (…) in short, we are seeking students who can take the lead. We want the responsible global business leaders of tomorrow who will embrace China’s depth and global breadth.”
Hugues Contant, Director of admissions, Essec Business School, France
“At the MBA level, we have traditionally had strong specialisations — luxury brand management, hospitality, strategy and management. (…) so what we are looking for is a correlation between an individual and a realistic project that we can help bring to fruition through increased knowledge, hands-on learning and international exposure.”
Professor Rajendra Bandi, Chairperson admissions, IIM Bangalore, India
“IIM Bangalore looks for people who, beyond having consistent academic excellence, are socially sensitive, self-motivated, willing to learn, accept responsibility, have good quality professional experience and who will be a good citizen both in an organisation and in wider society. (…) We also want applicants who are good team players in cross-cultural teams.”
The full recommendations can be found inthe Financial Times