The SECRET Formula to Getting Into Your Dream B-School

The secret to success in life is to know what you want to do. Once you have achieved it, the next phase is figuring out how to do it. If you are a management aspirant and want to pursue an MBA or PGDM, you must be seeking to go to your dream business school. Indeed it is an exhilarating experience to get into your dream business school. But, with so many best B-schools in Kolkata, how can you get into the one you want?

We did some research and spoke with different postgraduate management students to learn about their road to admission to their selected business school. Combining what we've learned, we came up with this blog, which will focus on the (secret) formula for getting into the business school of your dreams.

Get Into Your Dream B-School: The Secret Formula

"It is not the destination but the journey that matters."

Although this adage is correct in several senses, it may not be completely true in the case of management students searching for ways to get into their dream institution. Here, the journey is important, and the ultimate destination- the dream business school- matters a lot in terms of making a shining career prospect.

So, here are the three tried-and-true approaches that will help you move one step closer to your desired business school.

Academic & Test Scores

Maintaining a consistently good academic record or score throughout one’s school and college years should be taken as the first formula toward unlocking the pathway to get into one’s dream business school.

Now the question that comes to mind is "What is a good academic score?" or "How much score is a good score?"

In India, most business schools need a minimum of 50-60% aggregate scores in graduation. In terms of management admission test scores, top-tier business schools in India accept 90 percentiles or above.

Meeting the minimum GMAT or GRE cutoff score is required for admission to international business schools. According to former students of leading international business schools, GMAT scores are often between 650- 700. In addition, to get enrolled in an international business school, one must score well on the TOEFL (72-100 overall) or IELTS (at least 6.5 overall, with 6.0 in each area).

Profile

What is a profile?

Well, a profile is anything that one does outside the classroom, comprising one's hobbies, passions, interests, and unique attributes.

Getting into your dream business school is not just about having good scores. Good scores are instrumental but sufficient to take you through the gates of your dream college. This is where your profile becomes pivotal.

Hence, if you want to go to a reputed business school of your choice, make sure to build a robust profile. There’s nothing better than building a profile by displaying the extra-curricular activities you have undertaken.

Here is one thing to note do not participate in an extracurricular activity just for the sake of bolstering your application. Remember these activities should display the uniqueness in your personality. So, pursue what you genuinely love and are passionate about.

College Admission Form

This stands out as the most important aspect, requiring careful consideration. Mishandling the college admissions form could ruin your chances of admission to your dream business school.

Among other things, three main parts stand out as essential in a college application: essays, letters of recommendation, and supplemental materials.

Essay/ SOP

Of these three, the essay or SOP is the most important to work on. The essay is where you can articulate your narrative--who you are and why you wish to pursue your chosen course. So, make sure your SOP stands out. A well-designed SOP holds the potential to work wonders for you.

Here are a few items to consider while writing a SOP or essay:

• Candid
• Conversational
• To the point
• Must represent you as who you are
• Keep it original
• Don’t be too cliché

Most business schools ask students to submit one major essay or personal statement. However, depending on the course of study or institution, additional essays may be required. So, it is essential to check the application criteria with the colleges to which you are applying.

Letter Of Recommendation

The next step is to write a letter of recommendation (LOR). A letter of recommendation is valuable because it provides information about you and your application from a different perspective. LORs must always be from a reliable source. However, this does not imply that you must have a high-profile individual write a letter of recommendation for you. Rather, prefer those who are dependable and familiar with you on a personal level beyond your academic or extracurricular activities. Someone who can provide a whole picture of who you are, including your strengths, faults, failures, achievements, and uniqueness.

Typically, you'll need three letters of recommendation: two from professors and one from a counselor. If necessary, you can obtain additional letters of recommendation that may bolster your application.

For MBA applicants, LORs from professors and professionals may be required. Consider seeking recommendations from your internship or employment for professional LORs.

Supplement Material

It could be anything from your portfolio of music, dancing, writing, and art to research papers you've produced and published. You can also discuss topics that you were unable to address elsewhere in the application. Do not compose a full-fledged essay though, but rather something meaningful that you wish to inform the admissions committee.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that the SECRET method for getting into your dream school is not so secret after all. It all comes down to your hard work, devotion, passion, and how you fill out the application form. Emphasize academic success, highlight your unique skills and knowledge, develop significant connections, and express your enthusiasm for your chosen career. Combine this with the approaches outlined in the blog to make your goal a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)s there any secret formula to get into my dream business school?

No, there is no secret formula to get into your business school. Your hard work, passion, and interest can only help you secure a spot in the business school you desire.

What factors can help me enroll in my dream business school?

Here are some of the top factors that, if considered, could land you in your dream business school:

• Good academic score
• Valid management test score
• A good score on language proficiency test (for foreign colleges)
• A creative SOP
• Letters of recommendation from a credible source

Is it easy to get into my dream business school?

It depends on how you apply for your chosen business school. Read the blog above to learn more.

What are the minimum eligibility criteria to get into business schools in Kolkata?

The minimum eligibility criteria to get into business schools in Kolkata include the following:

• Minimum 50% marks in aggregate in graduation
• A valid score in management entrance tests like CAT/MAT/XAT. etc.

About the Author

Globsyn Business School (GBS): Shaping future leaders with innovative education and industry-oriented programs. Empowering minds for global success.

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