The MBA admissions process is now reaching its final stage and almost all application rounds have been completed and candidates have begun sending in their deposits – the schools are gearing up for the last step in the MBA application process which is background checks. This authentication process should not be a concern for most candidates as the schools are not looking to interrogate them. They merely want to make sure that applicants have accurately represented themselves, their backgrounds, and their achievements.

Let’s see what exactly is done in background checks. The process is very school dependent. Some top business schools and MBA programs will check every applicant, some may randomly select a percentage of admitted applicants, and some dig deeper only when they feel that something is not adding up in the application details submitted by the candidate. In general, background checks include- verifying that an applicant attended the undergraduate (or graduate) schools claimed, received the stated grades, and earned the GMAT score. It also aims at checking the candidate’s work history, job titles, start and end dates, and income and bonus information. Finally, background checks entail contacting recommenders to reaffirm their support and verifying the applicant’s participation in community activities. Most of the schools outsource this function to a professional risk consulting firm like Kroll.

Typical reasons for rejecting or revoking the admission of a candidate include:

  • Ethical lapses
  • Questionable behavior
  • Not disclosing layoffs or firing
  • Plagiarism
  • Not disclosing a criminal conviction

Lying or omitting important details wilfully is an act of deception and will jeopardize the admission. Although minor discrepancies like being off by a month when listing employment dates, etc. may not lead to such extreme steps. Most schools give applicants a chance to explain any plausible mistakes.

If you are not sure whether or not to add or explain something in your application, you should probably do so. We usually recommend our candidates to be honest about issues like poor academics, a gap in employment, etc. Remember the admission committee is looking for a hetrogenic class and no one is perfect. In fact, we usually suggest turning failures into a story about self-improvement and learning. These can aid your campaign if you demonstrate how they’ve made you a wiser, more humble person.

The best way to have a successful background check is just being honest in your applications and don’t fudge anything out of laziness. If you haven’t exaggerated or lied and have explained lapses/gaps well- you have nothing to worry about- Just stay calm 😊.

For more information about MBA admissions and a free honest chances and profile evaluation, contact us today at : https://aringo.com/mba-process-registration