Getting into an MBA (masters of business administration) program depends on a number of factors, four of which are of crucial importance: GPA (grade point average), GMAT (graduate management admission test), work experience and essays. In contrast to programs like medical school, where a low GPA or MCAT (medical college admission test) will immediately put your application in the "no" pile, MBA admissions offices are a little more flexible -- a weak performance in one area can be made up for with a strong performance in another, and experience is more important than numbers.
GPA and GMAT
The GPA and GMAT are important to show that you are good at being a student, but they are by no means the first or final factor in your MBA matriculation. Of course, this doesn't mean that they should be neglected -- but bear in mind that they are just one part of the whole, and not a larger part than any others.
Work Experience
This factor is probably the most important in the application process. Don't just put where you've worked on your resume, but describe exactly what skills your work experience has taught you and how an MBA would improve them.
You also need to make your work experience stand out. If you're a high-powered salesman, consistently breaking records for a midlevel company, be sure to focus on your position. If, by contrast, you're a low-level office clerk in a prestigious company, be sure to focus on your company's accomplishments (which you can take partial credit for by association). The name of the game is emphasizing your strengths. Work experience alone isn't enough -- you need to show what it did for you personally.
Essays
Your essay is your chance to show the admissions board what makes you unique. International experience is important, so mention whether you speak a foreign language, worked in a foreign country, or traveled extensively. Write about your community involvement, what you added to it and what you took from it. Don't just write a narrative, though. You need to keep everything focused on why you are an excellent candidate for an MBA program.
Most important in the essay is to write about things that the other parts of your application don't cover. For example, if your GMAT and GPA are high, there is no need to write about how smart you are -- this is already clear. Rather, show your leadership potential. Write about changes you were able to implement in organizations and about your abilities to influence people.
In short, don't write about skills the MBA program will create. Rather, write about what it will enhance. Don't write about what you are, but write about what you can be.
