Why EQ is more important than IQ for MBA Admissions

Although academic performance does not have a direct correlation with IQ, it highlights student’s ability in learning new concepts, and translating them into grades. The interest of the student in a subject influences their ability to perform. Students with high IQ tend to be generalists, and ignore sitting for long hours preparing for any exam, and therefore the grades might not reflect their abilities. GMAT tends to level this discrepancy as the questions are in a multiple-choice format, and the concepts tested require comparatively less rote learning.

Studies have shown that 20% of life success is contributed by intelligence; rest of the weightage is attributed to luck, timing, and network. Emotional Intelligence influences these three success factors. The ability of the student to network and maintain relationship depends on managing a wide range of emotions. Timing has a lot to do with being at the right place at the right time. This cannot happen if you are easily let down by rejections. Luck is a skill that is developed by balancing the ability to persevere with quitting.

What are the three key traits of high Emotional Intelligence?

Motivation

Most MBA Application has a setback or failure essay. AdCom wants to know how you overcame failure, and the methods that you adopted for self-motivation. In a team setting, motivating other team members is crucial. Persisting through setbacks is another evidence of high motivation.

Delayed Gratification

Another key trait for high emotional intelligence is the ability to control impulses, and delay gratification. Short-term and long-term goals essays, and accomplishment essays gives AdCom a peek into this narrative. Most applicants tend to list goals without giving much thought into obstacles that they could face. Such narratives show a lack of vision, and inability to see one persisting through obstacles and delaying gratification.

Controlling Negative Emotions

Another key trait of high EQ is the ability to manage negative emotions. If the emotions override your ability to think and make decisions, then you have a low EQ, a deficiency that would be detrimental in reaching your life goals.

An MBA aspirant scoring 550 – 620 in GMAT might not feature in the top 10 percentile of the MBA class, but they might turn out to be a successful entrepreneur or a leader in the chosen specialization. As large weightage is now offered for student participation, and hands-on exercises, the need for single-minded focus on grades would soon make way to balanced exam scores and interpersonal skills.