Grade Point Average (GPA): A strong GPA is often a foundational component of any application, as it reflects the student’s academic consistency and ability to perform well in school. Schools typically look at both overall GPA and subject-specific GPAs.

• Undergraduate GPA: For graduate schools, a high GPA (often above a 3.5/4.0) may be considered a strong indicator of success in future academic endeavors.
• High School GPA: For undergraduate admissions, this plays a crucial role, especially in competitive programs.

• SAT/ACT: For undergraduate admissions, scores on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT can be important.
• GMAT/GRE: For graduate school applications, test scores from the GMAT (for MBA or business-related programs) or GRE (for various graduate programs) can significantly influence an admissions decision.
  • High test scores in combination with a strong GPA often improve a student’s chances of admission.
  • A student’s percentile rankings also matter (i.e., how well they perform in comparison to others).

• Leadership Roles: Involvement in student government, club leadership, or sports teams shows initiative, responsibility, and leadership potential. For MBA programs, leadership experience is crucial.
• Volunteer Work/Community Service: This reflects the student’s ability to give back to the community and develop interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Clubs/Organizations: Involvement in relevant clubs, societies, and interest groups (business club, debate, social clubs, etc.) can show passion and engagement outside academics.
• Internships/Work Experience: Real-world experience can be just as important as academic performance. It shows the student’s ability to apply classroom learning in a professional environment.

• The application essay is an opportunity for the student to convey their personal story, motivations, and fit for the school/program. A well-written personal statement reflects the student’s values, personality, and aspirations.
• For graduate programs (like MBA or Masters), essays that convey leadership goals, career vision, and the ability to overcome challenges are key.

• Academic LORs: Letters from professors or teachers can speak to the student’s academic abilities, work ethic, and intellectual potential.
• Professional LORs: For graduate schools, especially MBAs, letters from supervisors, colleagues, or mentors provide insight into the student’s professional performance, leadership qualities, and impact.
• The quality of the recommendations matters just as much as who writes them. Personalized, specific letters are better than generic ones.

• Relevant Work Experience: Work experience is often a requirement for graduate programs, especially for business schools (MBA). A few years of experience in a leadership, managerial, or specialized role can demonstrate the student’s readiness for the program.
• Impact and Achievements: Students should showcase quantifiable achievements (e.g., projects led, financial growth, innovations, or team improvements).

• Research Experience: For students applying to research-based graduate programs, such as PhD programs, research experience and a demonstrated interest in the field are critical.
• Personal Projects: Independent projects, publications, or presentations at conferences are often valued by admissions committees in research-focused programs.

• Cultural Diversity: Students from diverse backgrounds (international students, underrepresented groups) may bring a unique perspective to a classroom. Schools often value diversity as it enriches the learning environment.
• Overcoming Adversity: Personal challenges and how the student has dealt with them can add a significant layer to their application. It can demonstrate resilience, growth, and determination.