This blog post is part of our “Application Insider” blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.

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APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:

CORE QUALITIES WE LOOK FOR IN APPLICANTS

At UCLA Anderson, our students all share certain values that we look for when crafting an open-minded, diverse and talented class. However, this is a two-way street for both school and applicant. One of the most important things when applying and then ultimately choosing an MBA program is finding your “fit”. You want to make sure your values align with the culture of the program. As you progress in evaluating MBA programs and preparing your application, it’s important to ensure your values align with a school. Your work experiences, life choices and opportunities may differ coming onto campus but you will be united by your core qualities as future leaders: the desire to share success, think fearlessly and drive change.

When evaluating your application for these qualities, the admissions committee will review the various elements of your profile to see your strengths and contributions to the class in addition to areas for growth where you would benefit from our program and community. We also want to see a road map on how Anderson will help you get to your specific goals. Developing a compelling future plan and tying it to the Anderson experience may be the hardest part of an MBA application. However, it all starts with doing your homework — on yourself and on the school. You must ask yourself three questions: 1) Why an MBA? 2) Why an MBA now? And 3) Why an MBA from Anderson? We understand how plans can change once you get to business school and are exposed to more opportunities, but we have to know that you can focus and build a plan when needed to accomplish your goals, whatever they may become.

As an applicant, you should take a step back and review your profile to see if you can play your “ACE” card to make yourself a strong candidate for UCLA Anderson:

• Academic Profile: UCLA Anderson is a rigorous school and we expect our students are able to master the business fundamentals of our core curriculum in order to be successful in their academics and eventually, their career. When we discuss academics, we are looking at your test scores (GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS) and your undergrad grades. However, those are just two data points to a story within academics. We will take a deeper dive in your academic profile by determining the rigor of your undergraduate school, major, and coursework, your trends in grades, as well as other academic achievements to get a better sense of the context of your achievements.
• Contribution to Anderson: Sharing success is in the DNA of the Anderson community. We need students who will engage with their peers in a meaningful and impactful way during their time here and after. Our students support one another by creating opportunities and changes that benefit all. This might mean taking on leadership roles in our Anderson Student Association (ASA) and 40+ clubs or leading one of our Anderson Career Teams. We will assess this by looking at your prior involvement and/or leadership on-campus during your undergraduate studies, in the workplace, and/or through your community. All students need to add something special to the class, so we look for those who will bolster the diversity of voices here from different backgrounds, regions, and interest areas.
  
• Employability: Accelerating your career is one of the top reasons to pursue an MBA, so how prepared are you to achieve your goals? How focused and attainable are your goals? Your resume and letters of recommendations will guide us in determining which transferable job skills will carry you to future roles, especially if you are looking to pivot function or industry. We also want to see personal skills such as communication, coachability, interpersonal skills, collaboration, and how you receive feedback. Career progression is important as well, so we will take into account promotions or taking on greater responsibility over time and driving change within your organization. As always, we evaluate progress in the context of the time you had and in terms of a bridge to the future.

Through each of these areas, we can compile a complete picture of you and how your core qualities align with our community here at UCLA Anderson in sharing success, thinking fearlessly, and driving change.

Check back for more “Application Insider” blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program!

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Questions? Contact us at: mba.admissions@anderson.ucla.edu