In brief, this is what students have to keep in mind:

MBA admissions directors often look for candidates that will enrich their course - through their past experience, work or skill set. Ideally students can "sell" themselves in their essay before they might get an invite to an interview.

Advice for preparation and research:
"One mistake that applicants make is not doing enough research to ensure that the programme will fit with their career goals."

Renice Jones, Assistant director of graduate recruitment and admissions at York University's Schulich School of Business

Essay advice
"You don't need to have accomplishments or feats that are unusual or different from your peers...If you concentrate your efforts on telling us who you are, differentiation will occur naturally."

Lisa Giannangeli, MBA admissions director at Stanford GSB

Advice for recommendation letters
"Share with them why you are seeking an MBA - if they understand what your goals are, they are better equipped to provide supporting anecdotes in their write up."

Allison Jamison, director of marketing and recruitment at Duke Fuqua

Interview advice
"Candidates should aim for consistency - ensuring what they say at the interview matches what they have written in their applications."

Philippe Oster, MBA admissions director at HEC Paris

Wrap it up
"Engage the help of a 'reviewer' to review the B-school application. Even when not working with a consultant, a friend or a colleague can provide a fresh perspective on an application. Leave time to incorporate their feedback."

Stacy Blackman, CEO of MBA-admissions advisory firm Stacy Blackman Consulting 

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