How to write a winning master's application

When you're applying to a business master’s program, you have to know the schools you're applying to inside and out, so you can demonstrate you're a great fit.

But there’s more that goes into a successful master’s application. While business schools consider the whole of each individual application—meaning you don’t always need to meet every requirement to be accepted—there are ways to improve your chances.

Here are three ways to successfully demonstrate your readiness for a business master’s at your chosen school.

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How do I write a winning master’s application?

1. Adjust your application to each program or school

It’s crucial to remember that your master’s application must stand out among hundreds (or even thousands) of others. The best Master’s in Management programs in the world are highly selective—the highest ranked MiM in the world at the University of St Gallen typically has a class size of just 50 students.

To be one of those successful applicants, you must understand what matters to the business school you’re applying to—and tailor your application to each school, if you’re applying to more than one.

Every piece of application information will be useful, whether that’s from reading a prospectus or connecting with the school at an event. The time you spend reading about the program and admissions expectations is never wasted, and will help you avoid a standard approach to your application—using the same personal statement and answers to application questions across all programs you apply to.

Firstly, read carefully about the school’s positioning and branding, looking at the core values and principles the school embodies. Your objective isn't to morph into something you think that school is looking for. This is a useful exercise to evaluate if you are on the same page. At this stage, you can start shaping the narrative in your applicant profile, considering the authentic, personal qualities in your story that may appeal to that particular school.

There are some simple guidelines for writing the qualitative pieces in your application, such as your personal statement and responses to application questions. Firstly, ensure you stick to the specified word counts, make sure to give it a thorough proofread before submitting, and follow document format requirements (for example, for your resume and recommendation letters).

Not all schools will ask for the same documents, and you may need to submit them in different formats depending on where you’re applying.

2. Be authentic and highlight your real strengths

Many applicants believe they need to match a standard profile to be accepted into a business school. As a result, they shape their character by inventing particular strengths or finding compensations for their shortcomings.

As well as seeking the necessary quantitative skills, which might be assessed through standardized entrance exams like the GMAT Exam, admissions directors are looking to recruit diverse perspectives. While business master’s applicants can have similar backgrounds and goals, admissions staff want to see what makes you unique.

Provide examples of experiences that have shaped your journey toward business school, and focus on offering insights into the learner you will be and the future graduate you could become.

Are you thinking about joining an industry that your profile doesn't already suit? Are you afraid your atypical path may not serve you well? These are the kinds of differences that could help make for a diverse and enriching master’s classroom.

It’s also worthwhile addressing any weaknesses in your application, and spending time considering how you plan to work on them while studying before communicating this to admissions staff. 

You’ll need to showcase how you will contribute as part of a team, how you will behave as a student and in your future professional environment, and justify your points with examples.

One useful tip is to think about and explain why a particular program is suitable for you, highlighting your unique qualities, rather than what you expect from the program and the business school.

At this point, admissions is more about what you will bring to the class, your cohort, and the wider program.

3. Know the expectations for general versus specialized master’s programs

Depending on your level of work experience and background, there may be different expectations placed upon you as an applicant. This can particularly be the case when applying to a generalist program, such as a Master’s in Management, versus a specialized master’s, such as a Master's in Finance.

Business schools often don't require a specific number of years of work experience for acceptance into a business master’s program. However, when applying to a specialized program, you’ll need to explain why this degree is the best route for you and your career goals. 

Around 35 percent of Master's in Finance students at ESSEC Business School, ranked among the top three programs in the world, don't hold finance, economics, or business degrees. A lack of experience doesn’t automatically mean a rejection; you must however be able to explain how a program can contribute to your ambitions. 

If you do have practical experience in the subject area, leverage this in your application and explain what you’ve learned so far, and how your experience makes you an ideal fit for the program you’re applying to.