Avoiding Toxicity in the Application Process | Deferred MBA Weekly Check-In: January 8, 2024
Don't get stuck comparing your GMAT scores with strangers on the internet.
Happy Monday! This week, we’re discussing how to benchmark your application prospects without getting toxically competitive. Read on!
On Your Radar
Here’s what’s going on this week in the world of deferred MBAs.
Berkeley Haas: Accelerated Access Info Session: Berkeley Haas Deferred MBA
When: Tuesday, January 9, 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM PST
Where: Virtual
Description: “Curious about Accelerated Access, the deferred admission application pathway to Berkeley Haas's top rated full-time MBA program? In this session, you'll learn about the value of an MBA, what makes Berkeley Haas special, and what we look for in outstanding candidates to the program.”
UVA Darden: Take a Turn as AdCom: The Future Year Scholars Application Review Process
When: Tuesday, January 9, 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM EST
Where: Virtual
Description: “Application workshops are virtual events hosted by a member of the Admissions Committee. Connect with fellow prospective students through these interactive sessions, and gain insights into specific components of the application in these themed workshops.”
Harvard (HBS): 2+2 Program Information Session
When: Wednesday, January 10, 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM EST
Where: Virtual
Description: “Calling all college students! This virtual information session, hosted by a member of the MBA Admissions Team, will outline the enriching journey of the HBS MBA program, the admissions process, and financial aid.”
Chicago Booth: Zoom in on Booth: Chicago Booth Scholars
When: Wednesday, January 24, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM CST
Where: Virtual
Description: “This Zoom in on Booth Scholars Information Session is an opportunity for undergraduate students to learn about deferred MBA admissions and the application process for the Chicago Booth Scholars Program.”
Columbia Business School (CBS): Virtual Deferred Enrollment Program Information Session
When: Monday, January 29, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM EST
Where: Virtual
Description: “Interested in the Deferred Enrollment Program? Register for this webinar to hear from CBS admissions about the program and our application process.”
Also, check out HBS Peek! See the December 26 check-in for details.
All times displayed are local to the respective institutions.
MBAxcel Tip of the Week: Don’t get hung up on the numbers.
When applying to any academic program, it’s easy to start comparing yourself to others. What GMAT score do I need? Do I even have a chance at this school with my GPA?
Often, human nature gets to the best of us. In the past, I found myself doom-scrolling on exam subreddits and MBA admissions forums and consuming what I can only describe as toxic competitive content. If you’ve ever seen r/chanceme, you’ll know what I mean: thousands of applicants online, humble-bragging about all of their exam scores and extracurriculars, seeking validation from strangers who will tell them whether they have a chance at getting into Yale.
Let me be blunt: do NOT consume toxic competitive content!
It’s only going to make you feel worse about yourself. Everything on your MBA application, from recommendation letters to essays, heck, even to interviews, will all be considered holistically. And that’s across the board.
Now, full disclaimer, some deferred MBA programs may value certain aspects of your application more or less. But just because some stranger on the internet had a 790 GMAT and didn’t get into Stanford, doesn’t mean that anyone lower than that hasn’t gotten in. Anything you see of this nature is anecdotal.
For benchmarking, use the school’s official statistics.
If you’re really looking to benchmark where you lie on the applicant range, check the program’s official stats. Be warned: not a lot of deferred MBA programs publish exact numbers such as acceptance rates and test score ranges for the deferred program specifically. However, it may still help to look at the incoming class profile. Here’s the 2025 class profile for Kellogg, for example.
Bottom line: it’s all about what you have control over at this very moment.
At this point, there’s not a lot you can do to boost your GPA or increase your extracurricular involvement. We’re just a few months from hitting the submit button. If you feel that you have weaknesses in your application, use the assets that are still in your control—specifically, your essays and interviews—to stand out and prove yourself. You got this!
Postscript.
Remember to keep checking events calendars yourself and plan ahead! Many popular events have capacity limits, so I highly recommend registering as soon as possible.
If you haven’t already, remember to consider visiting campuses in person! I talked all about how to do this two weeks ago, so take a read if you’re looking for some inspiration.
Thanks for reading! Onward!