Uncertainty is tough. In fact, research shows that it is even more stressful than negative outcomes.

That initially surprised me, but I read that the reason has to do with neuroscience and our need for control. It’s human nature.

Over the course of twenty years in working in MBA admissions, I’ve observed that far too many talented professionals ‘undersell’ themselves in the application because of those uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty. Some avoid applying to a more competitive school. Others avoid applying at all.