What are the most common MBA application mistakes? And how can I avoid them?

TL;DR

• MBA applications often fall short due to avoidable mistakes like generic essays, poor research, unprofessional interviews, and weak references
• Standing out requires careful attention to what each school is looking for, along with authentic storytelling, thorough preparation, and professional conduct throughout the process
• Strong applications also depend on strategic referees who can clearly articulate your leadership potential and future career trajectory

Crafting a great MBA application is no easy task. Most MBA programs are highly competitive, attracting top business talent from every corner of the globe. Not to mention, they usually feature several components—from getting a great GMAT score, to composing an essay, to impressing in the interview.  

So, how do you make sure your application stands out from the pile (and stays clear of the waste basket)? 

We spoke with Dr Anastasia Kynighou (pictured right), MBA director at Manchester Metropolitan University Business School, to find out what the most common MBA application mistakes are and how you can avoid them. 

Common MBA application mistakes + how to avoid them 

Mistake 1: Getting names wrong

“Some people write University X in their applications when you're University Y, so it’s obvious they’ve just submitted the same essay that they've used elsewhere,” Anastasia says. 

There’s no bigger faux pas than getting someone’s name wrong. Not least, when that “someone” is your dream business school. It makes it clear to whoever’s reading through your essay on the admissions team that you’ve not put a lot of thought into the reasons why you’re applying. 

The solution? 

“Read the essay instructions, read the manual. It's like when I buy something from IKEA, if I try to put it together without reading the instructions, and then it looks messy.” 

Blatant mistakes like getting a school’s name wrong can easily be avoided by strictly answering the essay prompt asked. Each institution is looking for different strengths, skills, and stories, so copy-and-pasting essay answers is a definite no-go. 

Mistake 2: Being clichéd

“Not being descriptive and using very generic phrases. For example, writing things like: I want to do an MBA because it's going to accelerate my career,” Anastasia says.

Clichés become clichés for a reason: they’re succinct, easy to understand, and they usually accurately describe whatever point you’re trying to make. Unfortunately, they’re also tedious to read. They indicate to admissions team that you a) lack creativity and b) haven’t put a lot of effort into what you’re writing (whether that’s true or not). 

The solution?

“If you want to pop out of the page, you can become more relatable if you tell a strong story. It will also help to tell the story of who you plan to be later in your career,” says Anastasia.

The best way to avoid clichés is to be authentic and creative. Be honest about your professional journey and your future career plans; this will read as far more compelling and relatable to an admissions board than the same cookie-cutter essay.  

Mistake 3: Asking obvious questions in the interview

“We’ve been asked in interviews, ‘can you tell me about the fees?’ You would expect someone to sort of know those things beforehand,” Anastasia says.

While asking questions is an important way to show curiosity and interest, ill-thought-out ones can also be quite revealing as to how little research an interviewee has done on the school. 

The solution?

“Do your homework to have a better understanding of the program. Have a clear motivation for doing an MBA.” 

It’s easier to demonstrate interest in an interview when you have a thorough understanding of not just the program, but also exactly what you want to get out of it. 

Mistake 4: Unprofessional behavior 

“People come to the interviews and come across like they didn't even prepare for the meeting. They join the meeting from their phone, there are things happening in the background, or they look like they just got out of bed,” Anastasia says. 

You should treat the MBA interview as a demonstration of your capabilities as a professional. Things like dressing inappropriately and not having a prepared space to conduct the interview may show a lack of serious interest in the program.  

The solution? 

Don’t leave interview prep to the last minute. Give yourself time to pick an outfit, and, if attending the interview online, make sure you are in a quiet space. 

Mistake 5: Providing lukewarm references 

“Some people aren’t strategic enough with who they ask to give a reference letter. If you get a lukewarm reference, it might do more damage than good,” says Anastasia. 

There’s no point in having a brilliant resume, essay, and interview, only for it all to come crashing down as soon as the admissions board contacts a referee with less than stellar things to say about you. Or, even worse, who barely knows you. 

The solution? 

“In your reference letters, the person should talk about the future, because it's not just about whether someone is good at their job now, it is important they see potential in you. We’re also looking to see potential in terms of leadership, because someone can be very good at their job operationally, but you want to see how the MBA will support them in their future career.”

Finding someone who knows you well enough to not only speak to your current abilities, but also your future potential is imperative to showing an admissions board why you would be a strong candidate for the program. 

So, there you have it. These are just some of the most common MBA application mistakes and the simple steps you can take to avoid them. Good luck applying!