3 Ways Extracurricular Activities Enhance Your MBA Application

MBAConcierge

Extracurricular activities are an important part of your profile. AdComs who are reviewing your application want to see that you have the potential to become an outstanding business leader post MBA and leave your mark in the world. Your test scores, GPA or resume highlight your academic and professional credentials, but B-schools are also looking for prospective candidates that will be engaged and positively contribute to the community.

“[Extracuriculars show] ongoing passions and interests and may translate into expected involvement and leadership while enrolled in the MBA program. It may further elevate a candidate by showing their initiative and persistence in an activity where they have personal interest."  According to Rebekah Lewin, Asst. Dean of Admissions at University of Rochester's Simon Business School (US News).

Here are 3 ways the extracurricular activities section of your application can enhance your profile and help you stand out from the pool of applicants:

1. It accentuates your narrative

A strong application should clearly state your career goals. Let’s say you’ve worked as a consultant for a non-profit organization and your post-MBA plan is to pursue a career that will improve economic opportunities for women in developing countries. Your goal will come across as more sincere if your extracurriculars feature involvement with outreach organizations that serve similar purposes. Remember that everything in your application should tie together and show a certain logic in your academic, professional and personal choices. This section will also show your commitment to causes you are passionate about and your ability to extend your reach outside of the classroom or cubicle.

2. It features a skill

Extracurriculars can help you show qualities or skills that might be missing on your resume: B-schools want to see your leadership and entrepreneurial skills- or that you have the potential to excel in these fields.

As a young professional, with 3 to 5 years of work experience under your belt, you may not be able to show proof of substantial leadership or entrepreneurial experience. After all, not many MBA applicants managed entire departments or launched successful start-ups prior to joining an MBA program. That’s when your extracurricular activities come into play. Think about the initiatives you undertook and how you got other people involved to reach your goals. Use these examples to highlight your ability to lead, think outside the box, and overcome challenges.

3. It brings back the human factor

From an AdCom perspective reading an MBA application can be a tedious and boring undertaking. This section of your application adds texture to your profile, contributes to humanize you and make you more interesting. Don’t hesitate to add any surprising/uncommon activities or accomplishments (outside of the too common hiking and traveling). These are more likely to stick to your AdCom’s mind, they will in turn be more likely to remember your application at that end of the review process.

Which extracurricular activity should you highlight? There is no silver bullet here, as long as you feel the activity defines you and shows your passion. Think of this section of your application as a way to show that you are a well-rounded individual. Someone who is likely to be involved with the school community, make a positive impact and stay involved post-graduation in the alumni network.

Make sure you give this section of your application the attention it deserves!
The Admission Concierge

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