Importance of Extra-Curriculars - MBA Application

Q) I've read that extra-curricular activities (ie. leadership via community involvement) is an important part of the assessment. As a consultant/auditor I have little time for activities outside of work, however I have good leadership experience of many teams in the work environment. Could you comment about the weight placed on community involvement in the application process?

Stacy Blackman: MBA programs pride themselves in training future leaders, and not just in educating individuals on how to understand business jargon. They look for individuals who are interested in making an impact and in improving the world around them. Some younger adults feel that even though they have not prioritized “extracurricular” activities early in their careers, they will focus on these sorts of activities once they are further in their careers. However, what tends to occur is that the patterns we establish toward community activities early in our lives remain fairly steady. If you feel that your involvement to outside causes does not reflect the balance you want to establish in your life, we recommend you start now and get involved.

If you haven’t been participating in outside activities, look up a few opportunities on the internet and get involved next weekend. It really can be that easy. Applicants who get involved even early in the year they apply will have a six to nine month track record by the time applications are due. Although young professionals work long hours and often have demanding travel schedules, the next person I meet who cannot take out a few hours to give back will be the first.

One effective way to get involved is to leverage your interests. As an example, we worked with one client who enjoyed painting as a hobby until she accepted a position at an investment bank. Unfortunately she felt she had no time to become involved outside of work. However, she rekindled her interest in art when she became involved in a company-sponsored fundraising initiative, where she was responsible for designing t-shirts. As a result, she showcased her artistic talent and interest, became involved in a great cause, and demonstrated creativity and leadership.

For more robust guidance on your MBA application essays, check out the Stacy Blackman Essay Guide Series with school specific guides with essay tips, sample essays and information on what your target schools value


Stacy Sukov Blackman has been consulting on the MBA application process
since 2001. She earned her MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of
Management at Northwestern University and her Bachelor of Science from
the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Stacy has worked
with the admissions committees at both schools, conducting alumni
interviews and evaluating applicants. Stacy has published a book, The MBA Application Roadmap,. Stacy has been profiled in several publications, including Fortune Magazine, BusinessWeek and the Wall Street Journal.