What to Do When You Hit a Wall in Your MBA Application

MBA application

Applying for an MBA is a challenging task. At some point, every applicant—yes, every single one—hits a wall during the process. You’re not alone in this; feeling stuck doesn’t mean failing. It’s a shared experience, but how you handle it sets successful applicants apart. In this post, we’ll explore tips for overcoming the hurdles of an MBA application so you can regain control of your B-school journey.

It All Starts With Why

Begin by asking yourself: Why am I stuck? Then, keep asking yourself “why until you get to the root of the issue. For example, if you think your career goals essay is boring, you might initially feel it’s because your writing is weak. Perhaps you think your career goals sound superficial or uninteresting.

But by asking why repeatedly, you may realize that the real issue is you’re unsure about your career goals after business school. This uncertainty is legitimate and something many applicants wrestle with. By identifying this underlying issue, you can address it more effectively and move forward with greater clarity.

If you’re stuck on an MBA application essay, ask yourself why to explore the deeper reasons behind your frustration. For instance, you may realize you dislike everything you’ve written about your work experiences. By asking why several times, you might uncover that you’re insecure about your accomplishments not sounding impressive enough.

Ultimately, this could reveal a more profound fear that you don’t measure up to other applicants or are not as intelligent or accomplished as you think you need to be. This feeling of impostor syndrome is a common challenge that many MBA applicants face during the process.

If that happens to you, know that self-reflection is a powerful tool for overcoming obstacles. The more honest you are, the clearer the solution will become.

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

Be Authentic, Bold, and Vulnerable in Your MBA Application

Above all, resist the urge to play it safe. It’s easy to fall into the trap of writing what you think admissions officers want to hear. Don’t do that. Instead, focus on what matters to you. After 20+ years of experience reviewing applications, we can confidently say that the most successful ones come from applicants who embrace who they are. Be bold, be vulnerable, and be yourself. Your unique qualities are what will make your application stand out.

Listen to B-Schooled Podcast Episode #169: What to Do When You Get Stuck (Part 1)

Remember, perfection doesn’t come with the first draft of your MBA application essay. Embrace the messiness of early drafts, knowing they are part of the process. Write your first essay outline, even if it’s vague or scattered. You can always revise, edit, and polish it. The goal here is to get something on paper that you can build on, not to write a masterpiece on your first try.

Switch It Up. Or Step Away and Recharge

If you’re stuck on one part of the application, switch to something else. Work on your resume, essays, or GMAT prep—the MBA application has plenty of moving parts. Sometimes, changing tasks refreshes your mind, allowing you to return to the tricky part with a clearer perspective.

Should that not work, perhaps you simply need a break. When burnout creeps in, turn off the computer and do something you enjoy. Recharging is essential, whether that means going for a run, watching a movie, or taking a day off. Remember, the MBA application process is a marathon, not a sprint. Rest, come back refreshed, and tackle the task with renewed energy.

Also, consider that the part of your application you hate working on most is likely the area where you can make the most significant improvement. Lean into it. If your GMAT score worries you, take a timed practice test and focus on the areas where you struggle.

If you’re having trouble articulating your career goals, revisit frameworks like our B-Schooled podcast episode on “Career Goal Mad Libs to help clarify your thinking. A career Mad Libs might look something like this:

My passion is all about ____. As you can see from my (experience A), (experience B), and (experience C), my ultimate career aspiration is to serve as (dream job title and function) at a group like (dream company or organization), so I can…. Here, you would describe the change you want to make in business or the world.

If you’re starting this process, fill out as many blanks as possible. Push yourself and challenge your thinking. Use the blanks you struggle to fill to indicate the areas you need to explore more. Ultimately, this statement will become the North Star for everything else you do in your application.

Start Over and Reconnect With Your Purpose

Sometimes, the problem isn’t just being stuck—you’re going down the wrong path. If an essay or an approach feels off, don’t be afraid to scrap it and start over. It’s hard to let go of something you’ve spent hours on, but a clean slate is often the only way to get back on track.

Occasionally, the problem isn’t so much the approach—it’s the idea itself. If you’ve been struggling with a particular essay topic, it might not be the best fit for you. Don’t be afraid to pivot to an entirely new direction. Authenticity and resonance with your true self will shine through much more clearly.

When you get bogged down in the details, it’s essential to step back and remember why you’re doing this in the first place. What are your life goals? Do you aspire to lead a company, have financial independence, or create social impact? Reconnecting with your ultimate purpose can reignite your motivation and give you the clarity to push forward.

Realize You Are Lucky to Apply

Finally, remember that the opportunity to apply for an MBA is a privilege. Reflect on how far you’ve come, and think about the generations before you who faced different struggles. This quote sums it up beautifully: “I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams. Whatever your background, you’re carrying forward the hopes and dreams of those who came before you. You’ve done hard things before, and you can do hard things again.

Glennon Doyle once said, “Being human is not hard because you’re doing it wrong. It’s hard because you’re doing it right. MBA applications are demanding, but hitting a wall doesn’t mean you’re failing. Often, it means you’re on the right path. So take a deep breath, refocus, and keep going.

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Stacy Blackman Consulting offers multiple 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.

Stacy Blackman

SBC’s star-studded consultant team is unparalleled. Our clients benefit from current intelligence that we receive from the former MBA Admissions Officers from Kellogg, Booth 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 Beth who held the position of Director of Admissions for Kellogg’s Full Time MBA program selecting candidates for the 2-year, 1-year, MMM and JD MBA programs.

Meet Kim, who was an Senior Associate Director of Admissions at Chicago Booth.

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

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