📚 The Art of Storytelling for Business School Applications

Read time: 2mn

In the competitive realm of top-tier business school admissions, a well-crafted narrative can be the key to standing out. The art of storytelling isn’t just for authors, marketers or filmmakers; it’s a crucial skill for aspiring candidates. Your application is more than a collection of grades and achievements; it's an opportunity to weave a compelling story that aligns your professional aspirations with the business program you are targeting.

Why does storytelling matter?

Admissions committees sift through thousands of applications, each brimming with academic accolades and professional accomplishments. What sets successful candidates apart is their ability to connect these achievements to a coherent, compelling narrative. This narrative should not only reflect past experiences but also align seamlessly with their future ambitions and the ethos of the program they aspire to join.

How to craft your story?

You may think that you don’t have much to say. You may see yourself as an ordinary student who has some professional experience here and there. But you are way more than that! MIM Prep mentors are the magicians here. They will be your guides to make your story extraordinary and find the right words for it. Here is how we can do it together: 

1. Start with Self-Reflection: Before you begin writing, take a step back to introspect. What are your core values, pivotal life moments (you can even think about personal moments, we are not only made of academic and professional achievements!), and significant achievements? How have these shaped your decision to pursue a business program and your long-term goals? Your MIM Prep mentor will be here to learn more about you, ask you the right questions for self-reflection, and guide you towards concrete decisions.

2. Highlight the Journey, show you are ready: Admissions committees are interested in your journey, not just the destination. Narrate the evolution of your professional aspirations. How have your experiences, both successes and failures, prepared you for the challenges of a business school and a subsequent career in business? 

3. Connect the Dots: Ensure your story draws a clear line from your past experiences to your future goals. Show that you need more in order to achieve your goals. Explain how a business program, and specifically the program you’re applying to, is crucial in bridging this gap. Make it evident that your aspirations align with what the program offers. MIM Prep mentors have extensive knowledge of the different programs, and can help you link course structures to your professional aspirations.

4. Be Authentic: Authenticity resonates. Your story should be uniquely yours, not what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Authentic narratives are more engaging and relatable. Although the level of authenticity to use is different from one school to another, MIM Prep mentors will know exactly how much authenticity you will need to put in your cover letter and interviews.

5. Show, Don’t Just Tell: Use specific examples to illustrate your points. Rather than simply stating your skills or qualities, demonstrate them through anecdotes and experiences. You will sometimes find difficulties finding the right example, but through discussion and thorough exchanges we can always find the perfect examples to illustrate your skills. This approach brings your story to life and makes a lasting impression.

Aligning Story & Program

Your narrative should not exist in a vacuum. It must align with the specific business school program you're applying to. Research the program thoroughly. Understand its core values, specialties, and the type of candidates they are looking for. Tailor your story to resonate with these aspects. Show the admissions committee why you are not just a great candidate in general, but a perfect fit for their program in particular.

The power of storytelling in your business school application cannot be overstated. MIM Prep can transform your application from a mere summary of qualifications into a compelling and memorable portrait of who you are and what you aspire to achieve. Remember, it's not just about telling a good story; it's about telling your story well, in a way that aligns your past, present, and future with the ethos of the program you dream to join. Our mentors have mastered this art, and will guide you through it. With MIM Prep you'll turn your business school application into a powerful testament to your potential.

🚀 At MIM Prep, we're committed to helping aspiring graduate students achieve their dreams and want to become the go-to source in that space. That's why we're always looking for ways to improve and better serve our readers. What did you think of today's newsletter? What topics would you like to see us cover in the future? Let us know by replying to this email – we're always happy to hear from our readers :)

PS: Know a friend who could be interested ? We offer 250£ for referrals who sign up with us :)

Thanks for reading !

Ines from MIM Prep