My MBA Admit Blog: Will unemployment hurt my chances at a top MBA program? What can I do before I apply or while waiting to hear back?

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Will unemployment hurt my chances at a top MBA program? What can I do before I apply or while waiting to hear back?

Job losses have been an accepted, although unfortunate, part of the current economy. MBA applicants with otherwise stellar records are wondering if a job loss that causes a gap on their resume is enough to push them off the Accepted list at their top business schools. If you, or an applicant you know, is in the same situation, read on for advice from the admissions consultants at My MBA Admit on how to improve your chances.

Applicant:
690 gmat (46 quant, 40 verbal)
3 yrs of work experience in online advertising, very good recommendations, mediocre extracurricular activities - but currently unemployed.

Application situation:
cambridge - waitlisted
oxford - waiting to find out about interview
ucla - waiting
usc - waiting
columbia - waiting
yale - waiting
LBS - waiting to find out about interview

Is there anything I can do in the meantime to improve my application (other than finding a job, I'm currently looking). Thanks!

My MBA Admit:
Considering the current economy, unemployed candidates don't raise the same questions they used to. A lot of talented people, including top business school alumni, have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. However, the question is - how are you using this time to improve yourself as a professional and as a person?

A lot of people are volunteering and learning new skills. If you have been doing something for the community or going to extra classes that help in your personal and professional development and this is something new that you have started since the application, it would be a good thing to update the admissions committee on. I recently had a client who started using her IT skills to train immigrants, while another who took the opportunity to get his PMP certification. These experiences showed character along with perseverance, both important qualities for MBA applicants.

We recently helped a client get off a Columbia waitlist and into the admitted pool, and would be happy to review your situation in detail to see how we can help.

Feel free to drop us a line at mbaconsult@mymbaadmit.com to discuss your application further. Check out our Volume Discounts and Application Packages tailored to your admission needs.