Prelude: What do Admissions Committees look for?

Whether you’re just entertaining the idea of an MBA or deep into your application journey, this page is non‑negotiable reading. It delivers the must‑know insights you need BEFORE you set foot on this path—and the crucial reminders to keep top‑of‑mind AS you navigate rounds, schools, and deadlines. 

If you plan to work with us, mastering these facts will make our conversations sharper, more productive—and exponentially increase your chances of joining the ranks of people with successful admits to top US or global MBA programs. 

TLDR: AdComs follow a holistic review process. They care about your story—but only to the extent that it aligns with their program,  values, and essay questions. 

• Admissions committees don’t just want impressive resumes—they want real people with real purpose, authenticity in personal and professional journey, clarity in your goals 
• They want to see evidence  that you've thoughtfully considered the program fit- including both how you’ll both contribute to and grow from the MBA experience. 
• AdComs want to see  a connected, compelling story that ties together your academics, leadership/team experiences, and achievements.

TLDR: Rankings are a starting point—not the finish line. What really matters is not just how good a program is on paper, but how well it fits you, your life plans, and your family/loved ones—and how much you’re prepared to make of it. Ask yourself the right questions and you will get answers that serve you. A well-researched mix of dream, reach, and safe schools is the smartest strategy.

• Selecting MBA programs is less about rankings and more about clarity—on who you are, what you want, and what you’re ready to explore.
• Begin with your broad career direction. You may not have a sharply defined post-MBA goal (and that’s okay), but you should at least know what not to pursue and what feels like a natural next step based on your personal and professional journey so far.
• Ask yourself if you want to shift function, industry, or geography. Pinpoint your MBA priorities: career outcomes, professional learning (through faculty, tracks, competitions, startups, clubs), or personal growth via diverse perspectives, immersive campus and challenges that push you beyond comfort 
• Don’t overlook your personal context either: Are you ready to live and study abroad? Have you discussed this with your family, partner, or spouse? Some schools like INSEAD explicitly ask about this, but regardless—it’s a conversation worth having early on.
• And finally, picture yourself in the program. Could you see yourself thriving in that country, city, climate, and community? Speak to alumni, attend info sessions, and reflect deeply on your fit.

TLDR: Your test strategy can make or break your application timeline—so plan it realistically. You only want to take the test once and finish it within 3 to 4 months of preparation.  Aim for the score that aligns with your target schools and stick to your prep and testing schedule. Strong scores also open doors to scholarships, even if they’re not the only factor.

• Aim to take the GRE or GMAT at least 3–4 months before your earliest application deadline and have a buffer for life events ,and —if absolutely necessary—a retake. Choose a timeline that reflects your actual workload and personal commitments, not an idealized version of your schedule.
• A competitive score is generally above 660 on the GMAT Focus Edition or 320–325+ on the GRE. That said, context matters: candidates with 4+ years of work experience often get some leeway, while those with fewer years need stronger test scores to stand out. Balanced verbal and quant sections are key. 
• Avoid falling into the “timeline slide” trap. Many applicants set their sights on Round 1 but underestimate how busy life gets—leading to delayed test dates and rushed applications. Instead, consider planning for Round 2 from the outset if it gives you more breathing room. It’s better to apply in December with a calm mind and a complete story than to scramble in September under pressure.
• We can help you achieve your dream score, with personalised teaching. Click below to find out: