Touch MBA

#240 What Does “Holistic” Mean?

Just about every top-ranked MBA program says they evaluate applicants “holistically” i.e. no single factor, whether GMAT score, GPA, work experience or background – can make or break an application. Top MBA programs almost like to brag about high GMAT scorers that didn’t get in to prove this.

As a former MBA admissions director, I know “holistic” can be confusing and vague. That’s why I created a 15-point rubric to help you understand where and how you can improve your profile. My view is that top business schools evaluate applicants along 3 dimensions:

  1. Academic Aptitude – can you get through an intense, graduate level business program?
  2. Work Experience – can the program help you achieve your post-MBA career goals?
  3. Ambassadorial Potential – will your classmates, alumni, and professors be excited to have you as part of the tribe? Is the school confident that you’ll represent the program well with employers recruiting and as an alumni?

Every school has unique admissions criteria, but I believe they usually fall in one or more of these 3 buckets. For example, showing a track record of leadership – whether at school, work or in the community – would give more evidence of your ambassadorial potential and value-add to the school.

So, when you’re evaluating the competitiveness of your application, try using these big 3 buckets. Which ones are full of evidence that you can succeed and thrive? Which ones could use more support?

Topics

  • What Does “Holistic” Mean? (0:00)
  • How Can You Make Admissions Director’s Job Easier (5:22)
  • Academic Aptitude (8:40)
  • Employability (10:47)
  • Ambassadorial Potential (14:35)

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7 responses to “#240 What Does “Holistic” Mean?”

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