Wednesday! It’s time to present some words of wisdom. This time we have some special admission tips directly from Michigan Ross School of Business.

Soojin Kwon Koh, the Director of Admissions at the Ross School of Business is here to aid you with admission tips not only for Ross school but also for all your US MBA admissions.

Soojin Kwon Koh who joined Ross in 2004 has evaluated more than 10,000 applications. She knows what makes applications stand out. Let’s hear some admission tips from Soojin:

1. Start preparing (i.e., studying!) early

Soojin explains studying as a “workout for brain” and says the more you exercise it, the better you will perform. To do the same you must start your preparations early. Start studying early, start researching your school and start working on your application early. MBA admission process can turn to be a time consuming process, so why not start early?

2. Assess your baseline, and then set a goal

Soojin also suggests to take several practice tests and evaluate the level of training required. While evaluating one should keep in mind that whole application has to be strong, not only the test scores. On this Soojin says” Keep in mind that a higher score doesn’t necessarily increase your chance for admission; plenty of applicants scored higher than our average (which was 704 this year) but were not admitted. But given a similar professional background and undergraduate performance, a higher GMAT score will make you more competitive. “

3. Set up a training schedule

while studying for the GMAT, one must tie themselves to a study schedule.  Once you have set your goal, try working towards it by taking a test prep class, working with a tutor, or using study guides to prepare on your own. Whatever fits you and your budget, stick to it and set up a training schedule accordingly. Soojin says “If you choose to prepare on your own, make sure to schedule regular study time on your calendar. Mark down the day or days you plan to take an entire practice test to assess your progress. Thorough and disciplined preparation is a key to success “.

4. Simulate the test day scenario

Soojin also gives a very helpful tip to replicate the test day environment. She suggests students to close their doors, turn off their phones and take the practice test around the same time of day that they will be taking the actual test. You can also look at a video by GMAC to get the feel of the GMAT test day by clicking below:

5. Go for your PR (personal record)

Soojin lastly remarks that their admissions committee considers the highest total score, so if you didn’t performed well in the last try you must give another shot. She also said that Michigan Ross School of Business look favorably upon applicants who retake the GMAT rather than submitting only one low score.

Soojin ended on a positive note and encouraged students by saying that the scores won’t make or break your application. At Ross, they evaluate applications holistically — no single element will guarantee admission or denial.

Hope you will add the above tips to your admission process. We will keep updating you the words of advice till then.

Goodbye, take care!