Admissions Tips – Part 1: Statement of Purpose, Video Interview and Letters of Reference

Preparing an application for graduate studies can be challenging and time-consuming. With a few tips of how to best submit your application and what admissions committees are looking for, you can submit an application that meets what the admissions committee is looking for.

Statement of Purpose: Think of this like a cover letter to your graduate studies’ application. Be sure to do your research on the school that you’re applying to and find out as much as you can about their philosophy before submitting this document.

A few questions to think about when writing your statement of purpose:

•  How does this program meet your personal goals?
• What are your career goals and aspirations?
• How does your goals, interests and achievements/direction line up with the direction of the school?
• What interests you in particular about this program?
• What unique interests, achievements, or challenges have you had in your life?
• Describe any challenges or failures, how you overcame them and how you are where you are today.
• How does this program fit in your goals and aspirations?

Discuss how you are a good fit for this program while the program is also a good fit for you. The statement of purpose (approx. 500 words) is designated space for the applicant to introduce himself or herself. This part of the application gives space for the applicant to make a connection with the admissions committee and take the time to convince the committee that your profile is one that belongs in the program you’re applying to.

Highlight group successes, collaborations, teamwork and also awareness of your goals, areas to improve and how you foresee the future at the program of your choice. The Statement of Purpose (SOP) should be used as an opportunity to stand out from the other applicants, and highlight what you have done above and beyond your studies and your job’s duties. This will help the admissions committee build a connection with you as an applicant in taking a holistic approach to assessing your application.

Interview:

Required for many MBA programs, the interview – whether in-person or video, demonstrates to the admissions committee, your ability to sell yourself, and to show your skills beyond what is written on a page. MBA interviews demonstrate your public speaking skills, your ability to summarize and pitch yourself to a committee, to think on your feet and talk about your work experience.

The MBA interview is similar to a job interview. Admissions committees are trying to get to know you from every angle and ensure that you would be a great fit in the program. MBA programs are often about group-work, solving problems, presentations and debates, involve critical thinking, strong command of English language and an enhanced vocabulary and ability to express ideas. Interviews are a great way to determine where an applicant fits in an MBA program, what they can add to the classroom discussion and the experience and insight they can bring into discussions and collaborations.

MBA interviews can often play a major role in determining fit of an applicant in an MBA program, and determining potential for success in this applied course-based program. The best way to prepare for an MBA interview is to review your CV, job experience and search typical professional job interview questions to ask yourself and reflect on in preparation for the interview. Finally, be sure to dress professionally for the MBA interview, as if it were a job interview!

Letters of Reference:

A standard part of any university application, letters of reference are essential for admissions committees to get a “second opinion” on your strengths, weaknesses and potential in the program from those who have seen you work, perform professionally or achieve academically.

Letters of reference are often best from supervisors/professors who best know you personally, who know your work and achievements and can genuinely attest to your suitability for the program, rather than getting a letter from the top official in a company, or from the Dean of your previous institution of study. Although it may seem impressive to have a letter of reference from a top official in your organization, it will often not reflect your potential for success in a program or highlight your key strengths in detail.

Letters of reference are a great way for an admissions committee to see an applicant from a different perspective and learn a bit more about their previous achievements and performance, and to get more information on how they may best fit into the program.

Quick tip: Share your CV and statement of intent with your referees. If it has been a while since last speaking to your reference, invite them for a coffee, or have a phone conversation with them before they submit their letter to update them on recent accomplishments and why you are pursuing graduate studies in business.

As essential parts of an application for any graduate business program, the statement of purpose, interview and letters of reference help admissions committees get to know you from many different points of view. This ranges from your ability to speak and present yourself professionally in an interview, to your own achievements and impact in your studies and work, to your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in business.

Questions about your application to JMSB? Contact Beth McKenna, Graduate Student Recruitment Officer (JMSB) at gradadvisor.jmsb@concordia.ca to schedule a phone call, skype or in-person appointment to further discuss your application.