“I think a problem of my first application was not really knowing the audience of the resume… Initially, I wanted to put in some creativity. But once you realize the people reading the resume are used to a certain structure and template you realize you’re almost doing more harm than good by just changing the template, never mind the content. Just keep to what they know so they can highlight exactly what sets you apart… It’s really nice to have a cool looking resume, but I think what you communicate through it is more important. You have to set that to the audience that’s reading it.“

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Neethling McGrath, an Admissions Edge Member, shares the ups and downs of applying, reapplying and getting into his first choice: Columbia GSB.

Neethling shares what he did differently the second time around and what he believes were the factors for his application success

To those of you who got dinged and are re-applying to top programs, this episode is for you.

• Neethling applies the first time (5:15)
• Gets dinged form his 2 schools, now what? (9:50)
• How Neethling focused his career goals and improved resume (14:20)
• How to reach out to current students, faculty and admissions (19:11)
• Dealing with space constraints in reapplicant essay (25:40)
• Neethling’s reflections and lessons learned (29:34)

About Our Guest

Neethling McGrath got his Bachelors in Electronic Engineering and Masters Degree in Music Technology from Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Before pursuing his MBA, he worked as a consultant for KPMG Management Consulting focusing on telecommunications, technology and media. A recording engineer, Neethling has also recorded live concerts, bands and solo performers.

Show Notes

• Columbia Business School 
• #55 Columbia MBA Admissions Q&A with Senior Admissions Team – “Unparalleled Access” 
• #6 7 Deadly Sins of MBA Resumes & MBA Resume Templates
• Best Resume and CV Formatting, Templates, Tips – GMAT Club
• CEIBS Summer Pre-MBA Boot Camp
• Get Free School Help at Touch MBA
• Join Our Admissions Edge Community