Admissions selection

[Jsprings]

Can someone go over the admissions process as a whole? Which parts are most important, and which parts are overrated? How can I really make mine stand out, in a good way?

[HenryN]

There's nothing unimportant in the process. Part of why the application
process is so longwinded at many schools is that it is a kind of stamina
test, to see if you are capable of putting in the time and conscientious
effort to make every part stand out.

Clearly excellent content (a very high GMAT score; evidence of rapid
progression, a taste for teamwork, and 'star potential' at work; solid
academics; leadership experience; and clearly written essays) are all
important. The one chance you have to add to these or surpass any weak
areas is to make your essays a true reflection of your personality and
aspirations. Our admissions advisers find that the two areas where first
draft essays most often let themselves down is firstly, by sounding too
'proper', like a corporate clone who is afraid to say anything genuine
(thereby missing the chance to show true self awareness, the key to
leadership potential) and secondly, by not focusing enough on the way in
which your career aspirations match your aptitudes and abilities.