WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE NOT ACCEPTED TO THE BUSINESS
SCHOOL OF YOUR CHOICE
by Dominic Basulto
Given the fact that continued economic weakness in
the Russian economy has enhanced the attractiveness of western business
schools, it is understandable that the number of Russian applicants
to the leading, "name-brand" MBA programs is on a sharp upswing.
This is simply the realization of many young Russian professionals that
it makes sense to pursue advanced business education in the West until
the fallout from the financial crisis has dissipated. On the other hand
of the coin, though, there simply may not be enough places to accommodate
the increased flow of Russian candidates to Western Europe and the USA.
The number of places available for students at the leading MBA programs
in Europe and the USA is limited at best. Even INSEAD, the largest European
school with a total intake of over 300 students per term, has historically
accepted only a small number of Russian applicants. The current July
1999 graduating class of 305 at INSEAD consists of only four Russians.
How, then, to salvage a potentially awkward situation
when you have not been accepted to any of the top European or American
business schools? First of all, the failure to receive admission to
any business school is probably more the result of a flawed application
strategy (i.e. only applying to the highest-ranked programs with the
most competitive entrance requirements) than any demonstrable weakness
in the underlying application. Business schools essentially act as a
"screen" for the corporations which hire their MBA graduates,
placing a guarantee of quality on these future corporate professionals.
As such, the admissions process to the leading European and American
business schools is often more challenging than landing any eventual
job offer after graduation.
OPTION #1: RE-ASSESS THE APPLICATION PACKAGE IN ORDER
TO RE-APPLY FOR THE NEXT ADMISSIONS STAGE
There are essentially two reasons why candidates are
refused admission to an MBA program: (1) failure to articulate the uniqueness
of the application (2) a lack of "seasoning" in business.
These two weaknesses can be easily addressed and used as the focal point
of the re-application process. However, once a school has denied acceptance
to a candidate, it becomes incrementally harder to win the favor of
the admissions committee in the next application cycle. Candidates must
demonstrate a "quantum leap" in background or experience.
This is important to bear in mind, since a "jump" of 20-30
points in the GMAT score is not enough. In thinking about this "quantum
leap," candidates should focus on increased managerial responsibilities
at work, extra-curricular activities, and possible new international
experience.
Once the deficiencies in the overall package have
been isolated, it becomes important to highlight any changes within
the new application essays. As pointed out in an earlier article (Feb
27-Mar 13, Career Forum, "How To Think Like a Business School Admissions
Officer"), the essays should be incorporated as an integral part
of the application package and leveraged as part of one's "unique
selling proposition." Focus on what makes you unique and distinctive
from other candidates, not on how you are similar to every other candidate
to B-school.
OPTION #2: INVESTIGATE NON-TRADITIONAL BUSINESS SCHOOL
PROGRAMS
In the absence of an admissions offer, it is sometimes
instructive to re-assess career goals and ambitions. While the MBA degree
certainly confers a recognizable distinction accepted on a global basis,
this degree may not be the appropriate step in one's career. If business
school is viewed as simply fodder for the resume, then it is probably
the wrong choice. Take a minute to read through the admissions brochures-
most of the interviewed students speak about truly life-changing experiences
and a wholesale changing of their approach to business.
In lieu of the garden-variety MBA, other options at
the leading business schools do exist. There are three basic options
available: (1) Executive MBA (2) Master's-level programs within a specialized
discipline and (3) short-term corporate-sponsored training at the business
school. Most top B-schools with significant links to industry offer
an executive MBA (EMBA) program, tailored to older candidates who are
not willing to take an extended break in their career. The length of
the EMBA can be anywhere between 1-3 years, and comprises an alternating
schedule of classroom teaching (either at night or on weekends) and
extended company assignments. Other schools such as London Business
School offer a number of master's level programs which differ more in
scope than in content from its traditional 2-year MBA program and are
designed more for candidates intent on a more narrow career training
than that provided by a well-rounded MBA program. Finally, the newest
generation of business education offers a number of on-site programs
which are typically substantially shorter, and geared towards more experienced
executives, senior managers, and even line managers with significant
professional experience.
OPTION #3: CONSIDER LESSER-KNOWN BUSINESS SCHOOLS
Since MBA programs position themselves as "brands"
and commit a number of resources in order to develop their PR image,
there are some MBA programs that are well known in Russia (INSEAD, London
Business School, IMD, IESE), almost to the exclusion of other programs.
However, there are a number of other programs that are regarded just
as highly (or in some cases, higher) in the eyes of future corporate
recruiters. Applying to lower-ranked or less-visible MBA programs is
not an admission of defeat. In fact, most of these programs offer an
academic program that is just as rigorous as that at a "Top 10"
business school. The difference between a school being in the "Top
10" or not being in the "Top 10" is often just a matter
of perception. In the realm of the MBA, perception is reality. While
schools such as IMD and INSEAD have staked out a highly visible presence
in continental Europe, there is a number of worthy competitors. For
instance, in Spain there are two other B-school programs (Instituto
de Empresa, ESADE) that vie with IESE for the honor of being the best
Spanish business school. Also within continental Europe, there are three
quality Dutch programs (Maastricht, Nijenrode, NIMBAS) that can rival
the traditional powerhouse Rotterdam and two French programs (Lyon,
HEC School of Management) that are alternatives to INSEAD. Similarly,
while London Business School often receives top billing in the U.K.,
there is a number of top British MBA programs, among them Cranfield
and Manchester.
For candidates who prefer the traditional 2-year MBA
program, the USA offers the most depth and breadth in B-school education.
Without a doubt, the Top 50 U.S. business schools offer just as much
in terms of academic content and rigor as the average European school.
Since the American MBA programs are typically larger and more established
than their European competitors, however, these programs can offer a
more diverse selection of elective courses and expanded access to a
wider spectrum of employers.
In the final analysis, for professionals intent on
attaining a world-class business education in the West, there are various
options other than the traditional full-time MBA at one of the "Top
10" name-brand business school programs. Candidates can (1) wait
for the next deadline and simply re-polish the application package (2)
"trade down" to lesser-known, but equally respectable MBA
programs or (3) attend non-traditional (i.e. non-MBA) programs at a
business school. The appropriate choice dependents completely on the
unique profile of each candidate.
Dominic Basulto is a 1998 graduate of Yale School
of Management and currently works as a consultant for Pericles ABLE
(American Business and Legal Education) in Moscow. Pericles offers a
full MBA advising program.