Today, we’ll discuss a crucial aspect of your MBA application process: how to effectively communicate your hobbies and extracurricular activities in a way that makes you stand out.
In a sea of applicants with similar interests, it’s essential to differentiate yourself to secure a coveted spot at a top MBA program. In this article, I’ll provide five tips to maximize the impact of your hobbies and activities in your application.
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Where to Showcase Your Extracurriculars?
Extracurriculars will live in the “Additional Information” section of your resume. You will also share your extracurriculars in the online application, typically under the section “Activities, Honors, and Awards.” The admissions committee is particularly interested in this section, especially if you come from a more traditional pre-MBA background, such as consulting or finance.
What to Include?
It’s crucial not to discount activities you participated in during high school or college if they contribute to your personal narrative or are unique. Whether you were a child actor or a concert pianist, these experiences can add depth to your application. To effectively highlight your extracurriculars, I recommend the following five tips:
1. Be Specific
When selecting activities to include, aim for specificity. Instead of simply mentioning cooking as a hobby, delve deeper into the kind of food you enjoy cooking. Or you may have an exciting story to share, such as participating in a 24-hour cooking marathon. These details make your application more memorable.
2. Quantify!
Numbers are powerful tools to communicate impact. Admissions committees are keen to understand the extent of your achievements. When discussing your extracurricular activities, consider quantifying the number of people you served, the amount of money you raised, the number of individuals you managed, or the percentage change resulting from your efforts. The guide, 80 MBA Admissions Tips, provides valuable examples of quantifying impact on your resume.
3. Connect to Your Goals
Remember that your business school application should tell the admissions committee a compelling and cohesive story. Your extracurriculars should align with this narrative. Use them to address any skill gaps, showcase leadership experience outside of work, or demonstrate your commitment to causes relevant to your desired career trajectory.
4. Showcase Your Diverse Interests
Your extracurricular activities offer a chance to portray yourself as a multifaceted individual. Business schools value candidates who bring unique perspectives to their campuses. Feel free to include interests that are not typically associated with business school. However, always strive to be specific and quantify whenever possible.
5. Connect to Character Traits & Values
Consider the long-term qualities you want the admissions committee to recognize when reviewing your resume. Extracurriculars provide an ideal platform to showcase character traits and values such as leadership, grit, perseverance, determination, and charity. Tailor your choice of activities to the values prioritized by each school. Visit the admissions websites to gain insights into their specific preferences. For instance, MIT Sloan emphasizes academic excellence, proven personal achievement, and strong self-motivation.
Remember, quality rules over quantity. You don’t need an exhaustive list of extracurriculars. Instead, focus on specific, quantified activities that align with your goals, character traits & values, and diverse interests.
I hope you found this newsletter helpful. You can also access a video of this content and join the conversation on YouTube!
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Cheering you on,
Aniekeme
