We spend a lot of time on this blog talking about all of the things that can help you get a handle on the admissions process and prepare you to submit the best MBA application you can. But what exactly is the role of the recruiting and admissions team and how should you interact with us throughout the process?
The first thing to know is that we are here to help. Part of our role is to support and give guidance to applicants, providing them with insight about Ivey and the admissions process at the school; however, it’s important to think about what questions to ask. Our expectation is that you discover and package the unique strengths about your candidacy and sell them to the admissions team in your application and interview. So, how can you do this?
Here are some good questions that you might want to ask the recruiting and admissions team(s):
What is the average GMAT score, years of work experience, and undergraduate average for the class?
Most schools (including Ivey) post the minimum admission requirements for these application components on their website; however, knowing the averages for the class can help you determine where you stack up within the applicant pool and where on your application you may need to work on improving your competitiveness. Don’t let the averages scare you — remember that there will be candidates admitted who are both above AND below the average scores.
What skills/competencies are typical traits found in successful candidates?
It’s important to gain an understanding of what the admissions committee is looking for beyond those hard skills and qualifications that are found in your GMAT score, grades, and work experience. While this information may be available on the website, a conversation with someone from the recruiting and admissions team, or an alumnus or current student, can give you a clearer understanding of the skills necessary to succeed in the Ivey classroom. Attending a recruiting event like First Class on the Road or Class Visit is a great way to get some face-to-face time with the admissions team and to learn about those traits that can’t be objectively measured but are critical to submitting a successful application.
What is the admissions process, and how long does it take?
You’ll find that the admissions process is a bit different at each school, as is the amount of time it takes for the review/interview process. It’s perfectly acceptable for you to ask about how the process works and what your and their next steps are as well as the amount of time it’s likely to take before you receive an admissions decision.
Here are some of the questions that you should try to avoid when interacting with the recruiting and admissions team:
What are my chances?
Asking this question to the admissions committee implies a lack of awareness about what you bring to the table, the strength of your application, and your knowledge about the admissions criteria. The application review process on our end is extremely thorough and considers every single piece of the application equally, including essays, references, and interviews. There is no one-size-fits-all answer for determining who will be granted admission. Instead, consider asking some of the questions listed above to determine which parts of your application can be improved to present your candidacy in the best possible light.
Why should I choose Ivey over X school?
The MBA decision is incredibly individual and personal, so asking this question of the admissions committee shows a lack of research and passion in choosing the right MBA program for you. Your MBA is a lifetime investment, and selecting the school that you want to align yourself with for the rest of your career needs to be YOUR decision. The school you choose must be a strong fit in terms of the culture, the program structure, and your post-MBA goals. Everyone’s reasons for doing an MBA and their post-MBA goals are different — there is no one “best” business school, but there is a best business school for you. Our expectation is that you will have done some research on the different schools that meet your criteria and which one is a stronger fit for you. We encourage all candidates to visit the campuses of the schools they are considering to get a feel for the program, the faculty, and the student experience.
What jobs will be available when I graduate?
Ivey MBAs have a consistent career placement rate of 90-plus per cent; however, no business school can predict turns in the economy or the number of job opportunities in any given year. Ivey has strong relationships and a long history with many of the top recruiting firms who recruit on-campus year over year and an exceptional Career Management team who works with students to advise them on successful career management strategies. Your success in the job market depends on your individual goals, how you choose to engage with Career Management, and the amount of work you put into executing a successful job search strategy.
These are simply some recommendations on the questions you may want to consider when interacting with the admissions team. The business school research and admissions process is very individual and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to all questions, so feel free to contact us! We want to make the process as smooth as possible and we are here to help.