Application for Business School - How to Make Yourself Stand Out

[yourbestfriend]

Hey everyone!

Currently, I am enrolled in a Canadian university and since early 2007, I have continually became more interested in studying business and commerce since it seems to be a good way to work in fashion related work, although it may not be the most creative at times.

At the moment, I am trying to transfer into the commerce program at my school and have to submit a supplemental application that includes extra curriculars, leadership oppourtunities, awards, and finally my grades which are weighed heavily on my acceptance into the program. In the application, I have to write a 200 word max essay on Why I would be a valuable person to have in the program, as well as another about an experience within the last 4 years that has changed me. I'm not sure how to go about writing these two as I imagine most people will have the general concepts of beind a leader, team player, ambitious, etc etc, but I'm wondering how I can make myself stand out, and make myself a cut above the other applicants since I know my competition is going to be extremely tough at my school. There is also a third space that allows me to write anything extra I want, but have no idea what most people would attempt to put here.

Is there a specific style of writing the reviewers would be looking for that I should attempt?

I'm not suggesting anyone to write my application for me but if anyone can offer their opinions, it would be appreciated since I know there are people here at tfs that have the background to offer help. Once I have a good idea of what i'm doing i'll be able to make a good application.

THANKS!

 

[BetteT]

I've haerd that on any college/uni application they generally look for well rounded individuals. Meaning ... lots of varied experience in different feilds. They look for things like intelectual pursuits, athletic, artisic skills, community service, leadership positions. Not just in school, but elswhere. So I'd start there and list everything you have done in your life .... and then see what might be worth mentioning on your app. Think about clubs at school, any offices you held, theatrical productions, job's you've had, things like Scouts, volunteer work you've done, sports, hobbies ... any of that will attest to how well rounded you are.

Then in addition to showing that you are a well rounded individual ... think about how some of that makes you qualified for the business world. That could be any leadership roles you've had(officer in a club, tutoring? UH .... Mod Squad!) , any experience in marketing and selling (a job in retail, for example? or a small business that you started?), specifc business skills (programming, math?). Just some ideas about how to translate your experiences to business. Don't just say you are a leader or a team player, whatever ... proove it by telling them what you have done.

That's about all I can suggest ... hopefully this helps a bit.

 

[yourbestfriend]

Thanks Bette

 

[styleoverfashion]

Are you by any chance applying to Schulich?

Bette's advice was awesome. I've heard that some schools look for "characters" rather than well-rounded students, namely the Ivy's. For example, the captain of the school's dance team who also studies and teaches 3 different types of dance and started her own school. That may be something you want to take into consideration.

For the last question, I'd go with something really kooky that ties in your personality and soft skills. For example, "What kind of fruit are you and why?" I've heard people answer things like "I'm a mango- I appear to be soft and sweet, but I'm tough at the core." Something like that, but with more substance.

Also, check out studentawards.com

It helped me a lot while I was applying!

 

[yourbestfriend]

Are you by any chance applying to Schulich?

Bette's advice was awesome. I've heard that some schools look for "characters" rather than well-rounded students, namely the Ivy's. For example, the captain of the school's dance team who also studies and teaches 3 different types of dance and started her own school. That may be something you want to take into consideration.

For the last question, I'd go with something really kooky that ties in your personality and soft skills. For example, "What kind of fruit are you and why?" I've heard people answer things like "I'm a mango- I appear to be soft and sweet, but I'm tough at the core." Something like that, but with more substance.

Also, check out studentawards.com

It helped me a lot while I was applying!

Thanks! I'm applying to Sauder UBC, and there's not much room, everyone I know seems to be trying to get in right now, so it's worrying me.

I'll check out studentawards and see what I can find there. Are you at Schulich yourself?

 

[Meg]

I think looking at american sites will help you the most since their uni system is geared towards grades weighed WITH EC's and the all important essay. I think as someone else said, the best way to describe yourself is through a story. SHOW them don't TELL them. Analyze and write down WHY you would be good for that program. Dedicated? Hardworking? What are some examples where you haven't given up? I think tying in fashion here is great. I like to talk about my love and commitment to fashon because a. it is a hard industry b. it's more offbeat than other things and c.it's something that i have shown continual commitment to (just like you ybf). I almost always list being a mod on my EC's list because it does take up a lot of time and it's another way of showing commitment. Anyway these are just thoughts worth considering!

 

[yourbestfriend]

Thanks Meg, i'll have to think about everything I've done and put it all together, and the moderating part is a good point, since it takes up so much time and I've been doing this for a while now.

 

[style_savy]

Thanks! I'm applying to Sauder UBC, and there's not much room, everyone I know seems to be trying to get in right now, so it's worrying me.

I'll check out studentawards and see what I can find there. Are you at Schulich yourself?

Ugh, UBC. I was thoroughly annoyed by having to write that essay no other Business School in Canada requested that. I would just stress University success in the 21st Century i.e information age. Talk about having an experience-focused formula for success and what steps you will take to get there and how UBC will help. By experience I mean internships, exchanges, Co-Op programs, club involvement (If you've held a VP position in a club already that is impressive), innovative programs or courses at UBC that you know of that you'd like to take. Networking is a biggie too in business. I think if you convey being focused, action oriented, and innovative they will accept that. They want students who become involved and contribute to the school and if you come off as the type as long as you have the GPA I think you'll do fine. It's really important to be able to sell yourself well in those types of essays. Have integrity and be creative show that you possess special knowledge and have taken a real interest in UBC by mentioning clubs & programs your interested in. If you know your Major discuss qualities and experience you have directly related to that. Don't be boring and list accomplishments. Everything written should have a why or how included with that is answering that question. Make every word count. Avoid cliches!! Make sure to proof read proof read proof read.

 

[style_savy]

I'd like to also add that Meg mentions a valid point about mentioning Fashion as your passion. Anyone who is passionate about their future is proven to likely be more successful. Make sure you emphasize your passion for the cause not the effect. You may be worried they won't take someone with an interest in clothes as seriously as someone with an interest in financial statements and investing but as long as you are articulate about your ideas, drive and ambition they won't care. Business is all about diversity and trends so they'll want people from all kinds of backgrounds. If you do mention fashion though you'll of course have to tie UBC into how it will help you achieve this goal.

 

[yourbestfriend]

Thank you style_savy! Some great information there!