MBA Admissions Tip: Community Service
For those of you thinking about applying to b-school next fall, it is time to asses your qualifications and research schools to determine the best fit. Some of you will find that you have the academic stats, but fear you fall short in terms of community service, an important factor at the most competitive business school and a major means of differentiating yourself when you come from a crowded cohort in the applicant pool. To understand what community service is and its importance, please see "Why is Community Service So Important."
In a recent presentation I gave for MBA Admissions Advantage, I was asked the following about community service:
- Is it a requirement at the top schools?
- If I haven't volunteered since graduating college because I am working a gazillion hours, would it even help me to start now. Wouldn't the adcoms see my community service as a ploy?
The answers:
- If you come from a country like the US where service is encouraged, then service is almost mandatory at the top schools. Remember, community service has a broad definition, but some form of community service is important to your application's success.
- Many people applying to top MBA programs work a gazillion hours. And the most successful ones apply with some kind of community service. They are your competition. If you don't have it, start it. While yes, it would be better if you had a track record going back before April 2005, you can't go back in time. You can only start NOW.
For more tips on steps you can take now to improve your chances next fall, please see Best Practices for 2005 MBA Admissions or consider Pre-Season Consulting, which is $25 off this month.
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