Top 10 Tips to Get Into a Top 10 Business School According to Stacy Blackman Consulting

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - August 7, 2007) - With the 2007-2008 MBA application season underway, all signs point to an increase in applications to the top schools, making it more competitive than in prior years. The top business schools reject between 75 and 90 percent of their applicants, the vast majority of whom are qualified in many ways. So how can applicants effectively manage the admissions process?

Top Ten Tips:

These tips can improve applicants' chances of being admitted to a top business school, according to MBA admissions consultant Stacy Blackman (www.stacyblackman.com):

1) Do first hand research: Visit business schools and speak with current students and alumni to gain first hand experience with the school. That familiarity will help you decide where to apply. It also will help you present a compelling case when asked why you want to attend a particular school.

2) Take the GMAT early, even a year prior to applying, to avoid having to simultaneously study for the GMAT and complete applications.

3) Choose a recommender for the MBA applications who knows you well and is supportive of your application, as opposed to a prestigious "name" who has little insight into your personality and skills.

4) Engage the help of a "reviewer" to review the B-school application. Even when not working with a consultant, a friend or a colleague can provide a fresh perspective on an application. Leave time to incorporate their feedback.

5) Present a well-rounded view of yourself. Discuss your personal background and interests in addition to professional experiences.

6) Don't hide failures and mistakes. Provide an explanation and lessons learned, using these experiences to demonstrate resilience, growth and self awareness.

7) Discuss the WHY behind your stories, not just the WHAT. Why you did certain things or made certain choices is much more interesting and will help the admissions committee get to know the real you.

8) Prepare thoroughly for the in-person admissions interview, including practicing out loud.

9) Share how you are unique, and what truly matters to you. This will help to differentiate you and find the school that is the best fit for you.

10) Budget plenty of time to develop your applications. Most schools have several application deadlines (Round 1, Round 2 etc...). For example, Harvard Business School's Round 1 deadline is Oct. 2. Although you should generally avoid the final round, don't assume you need to rush to make it to the first deadline. Apply when you are ready.

"Every business school is different and admissions officers are looking for applicants who will succeed in their particular program as well as in the world after graduation, according to Stacy Blackman, MBA admissions consultant. "Showing who you are, demonstrating your potential and revealing how you overcame challenges give admissions officers insight into your potential as a student and as a business leader."

About Stacy Blackman Consulting

Stacy Blackman (www.stacyblackman.com), founder and president of Stacy Blackman Consulting, has helped clients gain admission to every top business school in the world. Her approach, based on developing and implementing a winning marketing strategy, makes the application process less stressful and more successful.

Contact Information: For more media information, contact: Lisa Hendrickson 516-767-8390