There's a lot more than you might think about becoming a competitive business school candidate. As the standard business degree, employers are often looking for the depth of knowledge that comes along with an MBA. Additionally, they also weigh education as a factor in highly-competitive raises. Since business school training has become more highly emphasized in the workplace, competition for coveted MBA spots is even more cut-throat. More competition means higher standards, which means you need to be as prepared as possible. Here, we're highlighting some fundamental ways to become a competitive business school candidate.

Check the Arrogance at the Door

Perhaps you've just graduated at the top of your class at a top-tier undergraduate business program. Maybe you've got two decades of successful business management under your belt. Those are great qualities, and you should use them in the application process for business schools. What you should not do, is be arrogant about what you've accomplished. No matter who you are, no matter what your experience, how high your grades, or what connections you have, arrogance is a major turn off for business school admission departments. Be humble!

Do Your Homework

Spend time getting to know the schools to which you are applying. Don't treat them all the same. No two MBA programs are exactly alike. Let the school know how, precisely, their program connects to your background and to the areas you're looking to improve. Understanding the school's areas of expertise and the qualities that make it unique will help set you apart from the crowd as a competitive business school candidate.

This includes a great deal of attention to detail. Don't send your letter drafted for Wharton to Kellogg by mistake because you forgot to switch the names. Dot the proverbial "i's" and cross the proverbial "t's." No one wants a business school candidate who does not pay attention to the details.

Ace the GMAT

Naturally, you also need to be prepared for GMAT testing. The test shows your basic competence for business programs around the country. Use quality testing materials, and create a study plan that works for you. Acing the GMAT is all about how much you put into it. Don't cut corners when it comes to this part of applying to MBA programs.

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