Wharton's Top 10 Reasons for Dings

Wharton admissions officers have published this list of the ten most common weaknesses they see in MBA applications:

1. Assuming that being qualified is enough.
2. Failing to use insight into self and experiences in the process, particularly essays and interviews.
3. Responding to essays and interview questions with what the applicant "thinks" the Admissions Committee wants to hear (i.e., assuming there is an "ideal candidate" we seek. )
4. Approaching the application as though each part is a separate entity. We evaluate candidates holistically, based on their overall profile or the picture that emerges from the entire applicaton.
5. Selecting recommenders who are unable to answer questions we ask on the recommendation form (e.g., academicians/professors are not always able to speak to a candidate's managerial and/or leadership potential).
6. Lacking focus - unable to articulate career progress to date, as well as plans going forward.
7. Trying to be all things to all people.
8. Failing to follow directions (yes, this still happens after high school graduation!)
9. Including too little/too much information in the application.
10. Taking an admissions decision too personally. Students are admited (or denied) from among a group of highly accomplished and talented individuals. Many fine individuals are denied yearly as there is limited space in each entering class.

We couldn't help noting that many of these shortcomings can (and should) be addressed in candidates' application essays.

It's your essays that bring your application together and give the admissions committee a coherent idea of your purpose in pursuing an MBA. Your essays are also your best opportunity to show the real you, not just by explaining your background, hopes, and plans, but by conveying your voice and personality. Above all, your essays are your best chance to demonstrate that you're not just qualified for MBA study, but also an appealing candidate who would fit in well with the school and thrive in its program.

These are just some of the reasons why your essays are one of the most important parts of your business school applications, and why you should plan to put a major part of your resources into their preparation.

Source: "Reflections on Wharton's MBA Feedback Sessions for Denied Applicants Who Plan to Reapply" - the Wharton Admissions Blog, June 1, 2006