My view on MBA application

I finally received the US visa the day before yesterday.  Looking at the colorful visa paper, I did feel excited.
 
Now looking back at the whole MBA application process, I don't think it's quite successful.  I was too optimistic when I started, and I only spent 3 months from preparing G/T to finally submitting essays for 4 top schools, all in the second round.  If I were to advise coming Chinese applicants for top MBA, I would say that it was purely a 'game' and the more effort you put on it, the more likely you will win, regardless of your background.  In my view, the most important things in your application are
 
* Essays

Since we are talking about top MBA, we can assume almost all applicants have a 700+ GMAT score, therefore the G/T score should and would not be the deciding factor.  Essays are then probably the most important aspect of your whole application package.  They are also the only thing you can control as your background is already a fact.  Spend time revising your essays and have some experienced people read them.

* Knowledge about the schools

Spend time researching the schools.  Do your homework.  The more you know about the schools, especially the subtle differences among top schools, the more you will be able to tailor your essay toward them and get admiited.  Equally importantly, find out what types of people each school has accepted, FROM CHINA MAINLAND.  Although none of the schools admit that they have stereotypes, but in fact they do.  Some prefer young genius, and some like people with many years working experience.  And I believe sometimes even gender matters.  Find out the alumni of the school you want to apply and look at their backgrounds.  If you are not their type, you can still try but the chances are small.  This is what people call 'fit'.  Someone may be given a handsome scholarship from one top-10 school, but may not even get an interview opportunity from another.
 
If you have decided to apply for top MBA, congratulations! because it means you are ambitious and you have a dream to fulfill.  The self-reflection in the process is bound to be rewarding for sure.  But if you want to win, you need to commit all your time and effort to it.
 
If you are already admitted by your dream school, congratulations too!  But let's just remind us that this is not the end, it's just the beginning of an even harder journey.

说得很清晰，谢谢！！

stand out and fit in.