Given the level of competition in the MBA admissions process, it often helps to think creatively about ways to ensure that your candidacy gets the needed attention. Along these lines, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1) Use brightly colored paper for all written correspondence with the school (transcripts, supplemental materials, etc.). If possible, spray the paper with perfume or cologne prior to sealing it in the envelope.
2) Bring a crisp $50 bill to your interview and casually drop it on the floor when pulling out your resume. While winking, insist that the $50 must belong to the interviewer. Once the interviewer takes the cash, say the following: “So how do my chances look now that this just happened?”
3) Instead of applying online, just fill all the forms out in pencil and send them in to the committee along with photos, a homemade CD-ROM about yourself, and a video tape of your wedding, Bar Mitzvah or any other milestone events.
4) Once you’ve applied, call the admissions office at least once a week to verify that your file is complete. Then ask when they think you might hear back.
5) Bring your parents when you visit the school’s campus. Mention them frequently in your essays and interviews too.
6) When asked “Why school x?” in your essays or interviews, give this sort of response: “First and foremost, I am drawn to this program because of the ranking it received in both US News and Business Week. Second, I am looking to make some serious cash and the starting salaries for grads seems to indicate that I’ll be in good shape. Third, it’s either law school or business school and b-school seems cheaper and faster.”
7) Mention that your GMAT score is as high as it is because of the prep course you took.
April Fool’s,
Clear Admit
