How has COVID-19 Changed the way MBA Admissions Officers are Reading Your Application?
Thanks to COVID-19, a lot of us no longer know what our life may look like in the next month, let alone a year from now. This shaky environment has caused many people to seek stability -- and for some, one way of doing so is heading back to school. Whether it be losing a job, or having more time to visualize a career shift -- MBA applications have increased. In September, the editor-in-chief of Poets and Quants wrote that applications are soaring in an article for Forbes. And since the pandemic has permeated every aspect of our world, surely it has affected the perspective of MBA admissions offices, too?
It was this line of thinking that prompted us to reach out to admissions officers in an effort to better understand the landscape of 2020’s unprecedented application season. In speaking with application readers from five different top 25 MBA programs, we inquired about how their perspective may have changed, as well as what traits they prize the most during a global pandemic.
Below are some key takeaways from these conversations, which I hope prove helpful as you craft your application. While the suggestions are school-specific, there are some universal lessons that are worth keeping in mind for any program on your shortlist right now.
Duke’s Fuqua School of Business
Fuqua’s admissions committee always searches for adaptability, determination, grit and optimism in its applicants. The difference now is that it’s more noticeable if candidates don’t obtain these traits -- given the challenging times. That’s according to Allison Jamison, who has worked in Fuqua’s admissions office for 15 years.
Jamison says she’s seen more people laid off -- whether it be working in the hospitality industry, or working for a small startup that wasn’t able to survive the economic downturn. She made it clear that candidates will not be penalized for that -- instead, admissions officers will be looking for how they responded to the difficult circumstances.
“After the change occurred, did you throw up your hands and say ‘OK, well, I’m just going to apply to business school now,’ or did you take the time to volunteer somewhere, talk to somebody in a different career to figure out what you want to do, or spend some time doing self reflection to decide whether this time is best to start on a new path?” she posited.
In response to the pandemic, Fuqua now requires just one letter of recommendation and is accepting the Executive Assessment, in lieu of GMAT or GRE scores.
Berkeley’s Haas School of Business
Executive Director of MBA Admissions Eric Askins says he’s looking for ways in which individuals have tackled their own personal challenges as it relates to the pandemic.
Berkeley’s second essay prompt reads: The definition of successful leadership has evolved over the last decade and will continue to change. What do you need to develop to become a successful leader?
The shared experience of living through the global pandemic has provided an opportunity for applicants to reflect upon challenges and showcase how they’ve exhibited resiliency, Askins said.
“We are always looking for ways to give our candidates space to unpack how they stack up against others and this [essay] is the perfect opportunity to do that,” he said. “So many people who come to us are problem solvers and we just got exposed to a lot of new problems. I’m going to be really curious to see how our problem solvers are addressing this.”
Askins encourages applicants to feel empowered to tell their most authentic story. If they have lost their job or faced any sort of hardship, they should feel confident to apply and own that experience, he said.
While Berkeley offered an extension for Round 1 applicants to submit their exam scores, it hasn’t adjusted application requirements in response to the pandemic.
Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business
At Georgetown, the pandemic has reinforced the belief that everyone has a story, according to Associate Dean of MBA Admissions Shelly Heinrich.
“One thing that became apparent this summer is that everyone had a story. We would have phone calls with people who would cry over the phone,” Heinrich said. “Even if it takes time, you have to listen to everyone’s story.”
Because of these challenging times, Heinrich says her office has become more flexible with applicants.
“Two years ago if people would ask for a deferral, we would be very strict,” she said. “This year, when people were calling us, I told our team we can’t just be cut and dry. You have to listen to what they have to say and listen to the human perspective.“
The McDonough School has added one essay option that asks how applicants have contributed to the common good and utilized their values to help others during a time of need. Heinrich said the admissions office is most interested in traits such as grit and perseverance -- applicants who demonstrate how they forged a positive path forward from their struggles.
She also encourages applicants not to procrastinate with their applications: “Our applications were up about 30% year over year for Round 1,” she said. “If you’re deciding between Round 3 and Round 2, apply in Round 2.”
In addition to adding a new essay question option, the McDonough School is now accepting the Executive Assessment.
UNC Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School
The admissions team at UNC’s business school is seeking authenticity from its applicants during these challenging times.
Senior Associate of Admissions Danielle Richie suggested that candidates may feel more comfortable imparting their personal struggles, given that COVID-19 has created an unequivocally challenging environment. She urges applicants not to “leave the committee guessing” but to show how they’ve recovered from their road bumps.
Richie has also noticed a couple of interesting trends engendered by the pandemic. First, she has observed a notable increase in candidates who want to make a difference and are interested in sustainability.
“I think this speaks to what is going on in the U.S. and globally,” Richie said.
Furthermore, she’s observed an enhanced focus on mental health, which she deems important.
“People are more self-aware and that’s important for leaders,” she said. “We want people to think about their mental health needs in addition to others’ if they’re leading a team.”
The Kenan-Flagler School is now allowing GMAT and GRE test waivers for applicants who meet certain criteria. Applicants can submit a waiver request form for more information about suggested materials to submit for review.
Emory’s Goizueta Business School
Goizueta’s Associate Dean of MBA Admissions, Melissa Rapp, said the pandemic has made her more passionate about finding candidates who are eager to face today’s challenges and embrace diversity of thought.
“Life and business can be challenging and raw,” Rapp said. “I value candidates who have the integrity to say I struggle with x, y, or z but this is what I learned from it and this is why you should believe in me.”
While including your pandemic-related struggles can be helpful in illustrating progression or future aspirations, Rapp said candidates shouldn’t be obligated to find something pandemic-related to include.
“If your growth moment happened pre-pandemic, use that. If you have only been minimally impacted, share something else,” she said.
Lastly, MBA Admissions continue to be a competitive space and many people are applying right now, and Rapp urges applicants to take the time to submit their very best application.
Goizueta added the LSAT and MCAT to its accepted tests, and is offering a COVID-19 waiver for those who can’t access a test or have other extenuating circumstances.
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the admissions offices if you have specific questions about their programs. I know that it can feel intimidating, but they are there to help and truly enjoy speaking with prospective students.
And if you feel the need for professional guidance during this atypical application season, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me for some extra support! You can book a complimentary 15-minute information session with me here.