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November 10, 2025 193 views

SBC’s Flight Test Will Make Your MBA Application Soar

flight test

One factor that sets Stacy Blackman Consulting apart is that we’re the only firm staffed with former MBA admissions officers from every M7 program. Today, we’re sharing application insights from Caryn, a former AdCom member at the Kellogg School of Management and a long-time SBC consultant who is a flight tester on our team. The SBC Flight Test is a comprehensive evaluation of your application designed to simulate a real admissions committee review.

Admissions officers typically spend only 15–20 minutes on each applicant’s file, so flight testers give feedback based on that rapid, holistic assessment. This trial run for your application can identify any potential red flags before they reach an actual AdCom reader after submission.

“The flight test is meant to be a commentary on the overall strength of the application versus specific feedback on one particular school,” Caryn stressed when she dropped by the B-Schooled podcast. “We only do one per client, as clients can apply that feedback to all of their schools.”

“Over the years, having reviewed countless of these ‘flight tests,’ I’ve seen many common pitfalls and best practices that can be game-changers for MBA hopefuls.” 

Caryn discusses everything from essay strategies to choosing the right recommender and ensuring your application’s narrative flows seamlessly. Whether you’re just starting the MBA journey or looking to polish your final drafts, Caryn’s advice can offer a valuable perspective on how to make your application stand out.

The Essays are Ground Zero in a Flight Test

MBA applicants often fail to fully address the essay prompt. Admissions officers assess self-awareness as much as the content, so staying true to the prompt and demonstrating insight into the question’s intent is essential.

Caryn recalled one applicant’s response to a Kellogg essay asking about a leadership experience and what he learned from it. The response missed the mark because the applicant overlooked the learning piece entirely—a critical omission since Kellogg specifically requested it.

Another common mistake is writing essays filled with technical jargon. Admissions officers come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds; not all are familiar with specialized industry lingo. A general rule is to write clearly enough for someone without your background to understand. For optimal success, imagine you’re explaining it to a 7th grader.

B-Schooled Podcast Episode #139: Advice from a Former AdCom Pt. 1

Also, ensure the story you tell in your essays aligns with your resume and application form—especially regarding career goals. If your resume shows a background in one field but your essay outlines an entirely different ambition, explain the “why“ behind your transition. Consistency and cohesion across all elements of your application are crucial.

You can also use the essays strategically to highlight different skills across responses. For example, if you mention leadership in one essay, use another to showcase teamwork or adaptability. This approach gives a fuller picture of who you are and helps avoid redundancy.

Finally, be sure to showcase your in-depth knowledge of each program.

“They want to know that you’ve done the research, that you care as much about their program as they care about getting you in,“ Caryn says. Mention courses, professors, and resources that interest you—details that make it clear you’ve thoughtfully considered what the school offers and how it fits your goals.

The “Black Box“ of Recommendation Letters

Recommendation letters are an understandably stressful part of the process since candidates can’t fully control the content. The best recommenders are those who know your work well, not necessarily the highest-ranking individuals in your organization. A manager who can provide specific examples of your strengths is more valuable than a CEO who knows you superficially.

Therefore, creating a “recommender package“ is a smart move. Prepare a document outlining the strengths you’d like highlighted, backed up by project-specific examples. Schools often ask recommenders to discuss situations involving constructive feedback, so provide examples where the focus is on how you improved upon receiving it—not on the feedback itself.

What are your chances of getting into a top business school? Contact us to talk strategy with a free 15-minute advising session with an SBC Principal Consultant.

You should also include any weaknesses that need framing. For instance, your recommender might emphasize your analytical skills if you have a lower test score. Or, if you were laid off, they can clarify that it was due to company-wide changes, not performance issues, and reinforce that they would rehire you if possible. This mitigates weaknesses while reinforcing your candidacy.

“It’s vital for you as the applicant to take a stab at what you think that weakness is,“ Caryn stresses. “Because I’d rather have you frame it up and have the recommender then write to it, then the recommender come up with a major weakness that you might not want them to communicate.“

B-Schooled Podcast Episode #140: Advice from a Former AdCom Pt. 2

Big Picture Evaluation

Admissions officers review a complete application holistically. They examine your academic background, work experience, career plans, rationale for pursuing an MBA, extracurricular activities, and leadership potential. When SBC conducts a Flight Test, we assess whether each piece contributes to a cohesive narrative that underscores your motivations, achievements, and fit for the program.

Extracurriculars are especially valuable as they show who you are outside of work. “You don’t necessarily have to list every single extracurricular you’ve ever done,“ Caryn says. “But it’s important to list the ones that are important, that show you in a good light and with enough detail that AdCom can understand and appreciate what you’ll bring to the program as a result.“

MBA career goals

Career goals are another area where applicants often stumble. Goals should be realistic, specific, and relevant to your personal or professional background. It’s crucial to show how an MBA will serve as a bridge to your goals.

If you’re switching careers to an entirely new field, you’ll need a strong rationale rooted in your past experiences. Also, some fields don’t strictly require an MBA. So, if your goal is to move up within private equity, for example, you’ll need to make a clear case for why an MBA is essential.

Lastly, that intangible “X Factor“ often comes down to how well-rounded and collaborative you appear. “It can be a little tricky though to come across as both a leader and a team player. And that’s honestly what the admissions committee is looking for,“ Caryn reveals.

In your essays, recommendations, and any additional materials, demonstrate how you lead thoughtfully and work well within a team. Paint a complete picture of a candidate who is not only capable but also approachable and collaborative.

The Final Touch: Consistency Checks

As a last piece of advice, pay attention to the small details. Double-check for grammar and formatting errors, and ensure your resume and data sheet are consistent. The data form may seem minor to your application, but Caryn emphasizes its importance. Correct mistakes like mismatched GPA data or inconsistent work experience dates.

The form isn’t just a replica of your resume. Instead, it’s an opportunity to highlight the details of your job responsibilities and provide context to your career path. For specific, quirky fields (e.g., “desired job function”), do your best to be accurate, but don’t overthink it.

With these insights culled from the SBC Flight Test process, applicants can confidently approach their MBA applications, knowing how to showcase their potential in a way that resonates with admissions committees. This process, though challenging, is ultimately a reflection of who you are and how you envision contributing to your chosen program.

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In addition to the Flight Test, Stacy Blackman Consulting offers a range of services to meet your MBA application needs. From our All-In Partnership to interview prep, essay editing, resume review, and much more, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today for a free 15-minute advising session to talk strategy with a Principal SBC consultant.

Here’s a snapshot of the caliber of expertise on our SBC team.

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SBC’s star-studded consultant team is unparalleled. Our clients benefit from current intelligence that we receive from the former MBA Admissions Officers from Harvard HBS, Stanford GSB and every elite business program in the US and Europe.  These MBA Admissions Officers have chosen to work exclusively with SBC.

Just two of the many superstars on the SBC team:
Meet Erin, who was Assistant Director of MBA Admissions at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business (GSB) and Director of MBA Admissions at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.

Meet Andrea, who served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at Harvard Business School (HBS) for over five years.

Tap into this inside knowledge for your MBA applications by requesting a consultation.