When you’re applying to a Master’s in Management program, you want to convey who you are, what you have accomplished, what are your career goals, why you are seeking a MiM degree in general and why you are a great fit for the specific MiM program in particular.
MiM admissions teams look to build diverse classes, and to do that, they look beyond surface-level achievements. They want to understand the story behind your choices, what drives you and how your goals align with their program’s mission and community.
To put it simply, most programs look for applicants who are intentional, authentic and can clearly articulate why the program is the right fit for them and how they will provide value to their cohort.
“What we’re looking for are applicants that are aligned with our values, that have a global mindset, that are collaborative in nature, and that are motivated,” says Nita Swinsick, associate dean and managing director of graduate and executive degree programs admissions at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. “They may want to go into business, they may not want to go into business, but we’re looking for people that have clear goals about what they want to do. If they don’t, we can definitely help shape that, but we’re looking for people that will fit with our business school culture and can explain well to us how doing this program, or how it fits into their career trajectory, will add value to that career trajectory for them as well.”
Following this advice can transform a good application into a memorable one. Here’s how leading admissions officers say you can bring your candidacy to life in your MiM application.
Be Intentional: Know Your “Why” Before You Apply
Before writing your essays or hitting submit on your application, take time to reflect on why you’re pursuing an MiM in the first place. How will this degree help you reach your career goals?
Intentional applicants are able to demonstrate clarity of purpose. That clarity helps admissions officers see that you’re making a thoughtful decision rather than applying on impulse or because you’re unsure of your next step.
Mentioning career opportunities that a program offers and how those will benefit you in your career pursuits can show intentionality and that you’ve done thorough research on the program, says Mary Hall, director of graduate admissions for Goizueta’s specialized master’s programs at Emory University.
“Because our programs and cohorts are so small, we want students that are excited to be involved and make a difference and participate in all these opportunities,” Hall says. “So that excitement and curiosity and passion is something that we’re looking for, not necessarily reciting the courses in the curriculum.”
It’s also helpful to explain what sparked your interest in the program and earning an MiM degree
For example, if you majored in English and something in your undergraduate coursework sparked an idea for an entrepreneurial venture, be sure to mention that in your application. Or, if in your creative writing class you saw a marketing campaign that made you interested in that field, share that anecdote in either your cover letter or your interview.
Having an applicant explain what sparked that curiosity and how that influenced them is really compelling, says Anna Gibbons, MiM program director at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.
In addition to essays, some programs conduct interviews, either in person or through videos. McDonough also requires applicants to create a one-minute video essay.
Goizueta offers optional interviews, and Hall encourages students to have an interview if they’re able to. It’s another opportunity to share who you are and why you’re interested in that program.
“Anytime you get an opportunity for applicants to get to know us better, and what is special about our program and us to get to know them better is always something that I would also encourage them to take advantage of,” Hall says. “Unlike all of our other programs where an admissions interview is required and it’s factored into your decision, it is not factored into your decision (for the MiM program). So it’s just an opportunity for them to get to know us better.”
Explain the Fit: Why This School, and Why You?
In addition to knowing why you want to pursue a MiM degree, admissions committees want to understand why their program is the right fit for you. The best applications demonstrate not only why you’re a great candidate, but why you belong there.
This requires thorough research to show you understand the program’s mission and values, the intricacies of each program and that you see yourself contributing to that environment, says Grady Arnao, who is the Master’s in Management Studies (MMS) program director of admissions at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.
For example, being part of a team is a core tenant of the MSM program at Fuqua, he says.
“We’ll have some candidates that come in and say, ‘I am a solo worker and don’t like being part of a team.’ They’re probably not going to do well in the program here since it is so team based,” he says. “That shows an indication that you haven’t done your research into what Fuqua is about and you didn’t put too much thought into your application and who you’re going to apply to.”
Admissions officers also want to know what you’ll bring to the community. Whether it’s a passion for mentoring, a background in sustainability or a global perspective shaped by your upbringing, articulate how you’ll contribute inside and outside the classroom. Fit is a two-way street, admissions officers say. The school should be a place where you’ll thrive, but it should also benefit from your presence.
Be Authentic: Tell Your Story
When writing essays or preparing for interviews, it can be tempting to write what you think admissions officers want to hear. You might find yourself using buzzwords, adopting a formal tone that doesn’t sound like you or exaggerating your accomplishments. But the most compelling applications are the ones that sound real.
Authenticity is what allows your story to stand out in a sea of polished statements. Admissions readers can tell when an essay feels rehearsed or overly curated — and they can tell when someone is being genuine.
Start by grounding your essays in specific moments that reveal who you are, admissions officers say, For example, instead of writing, “I’m a natural leader,” it is better to describe a situation where you stepped up, rallied a team or made a difference. Instead of saying, “I’m passionate about global business,” share an experience that sparked that passion — perhaps an internship, a study abroad program or a cross-cultural project.
Remember that authenticity also means embracing imperfection. If you’ve faced challenges, such as an academic setback, a failed startup, or a leadership role that didn’t go as planned, don’t shy away from it. Instead, show what you learned and how you grew from the experience. When framed thoughtfully, those experiences can demonstrate resilience, humility and growth — qualities that MiM programs value deeply.
Ultimately, admissions committees are looking for a “cohesive narrative” throughout your entire application, Swinsick says.
“So that means every part, whether it be the essays, the resume, the recommendations, the video, the interview, they all work together to tell this genuine story about who that applicant is,” she says. “And so I think oftentimes, applicants think, ‘what does the admissions committee want to see? What does this school want? How do I fit my narrative around what being authentic really means?’ It’s about showing your true self and not presenting who you think we want you to be.”
One helpful exercise, she says, is to ask a handful of people who know you well to describe you and look for common themes.
“Whatever those common themes are, those can really help guide you and how you present yourself across your application material,” she says. “For example, in the essay, they can really help you think through and reflect on your true motivations and what really helps you stand apart in your resume. They can help you highlight examples from work that show your strengths.”
One final point. Be cautious and judicious about your use of artificial intelligence tools, such as ChatGPT, admissions officers noted. It can be a helpful brainstorming or research tool, but it should never replace your authentic story or voice.
“I know some students use it as an editing tool. Be careful with that because there is new software that some schools are using to parse out what is AI and what’s not,” Arnao says. “Use your own voice. We want to know who you are as a person. AI can be a useful tool, but don’t have it be you. Write your essays yourself and try to get support from others if you’re going through the editing process.”
