What Do Business Schools Expect from Undergraduate Applicants?

Business is one of the top undergraduate degree choices for prospective students, and competition for places is fierce. Of course, strong grades can help, but there are other things that can make you stand out from the crowd.

If you are not sure where to start, or you simply want to get into your dream program, we have partnered with SBS Swiss Business School, located in Zurich, Europe’s financial capital, to share some advice on what business schools look for in applicants and how you can stand out.

A Complete Application

A motivation letter, a copy of your high school diploma and transcripts, a full CV that includes your current and past professional experience, as well as internships and any volunteer activities.

Unlike a master’s degree in business, work experience is not essential for undergraduate business applications. However, if you have done any kind of business-related work, including it will definitely help you stand out from the competition.

If required, you will also need to include proof of English proficiency, such as TOEFL or IELTS. And a photo ID, of course (just make sure it is a clear, front-facing image).

Once you have everything you need, try to apply early. Franziska Klauser, program manager for the BBA at SBS Swiss Business School, says that applying early can improve your chances of admission.

So what else do business schools look for in prospective undergraduate applicants?

Evidence of Soft Skills

A passion for knowledge, strong organizational skills, a global mindset, persistence, and motivation are all skills and qualities Klauser uses to describe what she values in applicants who want to study Bachelor of Business Administration at SBS Swiss Business School.

Extracurricular activities, volunteer projects, part-time jobs, all of these can really help you develop and even refine some of those soft skills. Which brings us to the next point...

A Commitment to Involvement and Collaboration

Show your extracurricular activities outside school, such as honor societies, class representative roles, sports, language courses, academic teams, and any business-related activities, to name just a few.

Volunteer work is another thing that can help your application stand out. Whether you have worked with a variety of volunteer groups or have a cause you are passionate about, be sure to include it in your application.

But do not feel like you need to sign up for every extracurricular club and volunteer program. When it comes to this kind of thing, it is really about quality, not quantity. That is not to say you should join an entrepreneurship club or run for class representative just because you want to study business.

Instead, you should carefully examine whatever you have done in clubs, societies, or program activities, and highlight any achievements, no matter how small, as well as how being part of the club helped improve your skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving, or communication.

A Genuine Interest in the School and the Program

Klauser says candidates need to show genuine interest in the program and the school, and explain why it is a good fit for them.

Make sure you expand on this in your motivation letter and in your interview. Talk about why you are passionate about attending that particular business school, and even mention how its mission statement or values align with yours.

If you know that a Bachelor of Business Administration is the right degree for you, make sure you have done your research and explain why International Management is your ideal major.

In addition to everything you should do to succeed, there are also a few things you should remember to avoid....

Do Not Lie or Submit a Poorly Written Application

According to Klauser, these are two things you should absolutely avoid in your application. Do not lie or exaggerate your extracurricular activities, work experience, or anything else; in the long run, that will only hurt you.

You should also make sure to carefully check your motivation letter and the rest of your application for any grammar or spelling mistakes. It is best to have someone else review everything as well.

Someone Who Shines on Paper and in Real Life

Last but certainly not least, the interview. You have made it this far, so now is the time to let your personality shine and make the best possible case for why you are the right person for the school and the program.

In the interview, you will have the chance to expand on your application and everything you have done to become a strong business school applicant.