Overcoming imposter syndrome in the MBA admissions process

There is one guaranteed way to not get into your dream MBA programme. Don’t apply. It works every time. If you self-select out of a school or programme before you’ve even started an application, you’ll be avoiding a potential rejection. But what could you be missing out on?

The world of MBA admissions can feel pretty daunting. The schools can seem intimidating, the process of applying appears long and complex. And the current students and alumni always seem so impressive. It can be hard to imagine yourself in a classroom studying alongside these people. This is where self-doubt starts to creep in, and it might feel easier just to abandon the idea altogether.

But I am here to tell you that it’s not as scary as it seems. The students and alumni of your target school were all in your position at some point – wondering whether to apply, and unsure if they would be admitted. It’s easy to look at individuals and find them impressive, even intimidating, forgetting that people may be looking at you feeling that very same way.

Business schools are not looking for one ‘type’ of candidate with a particular set of qualifications and experiences. Schools value diversity. Part of the value proposition of an MBA programme is peer-to-peer learning in a diverse cohort with individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences. Focus on your own story, and what you can bring to the MBA classroom.

If you need some help telling your story, or you just want some reassurance with the MBA application process – get in touch! Book a free initial consultation and see how I can help.

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