MBA Applications: 5 Tips for Breaking Down Gender Bias

It would be lovely to think we live in a society where men and women are completely gender equal. While it’s possible to point at some great strides in levelling the gender gap over the last 50 years, there are still many miles to go. In particular, top business schools have traditionally harbored a pretty significant gender gap. Many, however, are making efforts to change this.

Over the last few years, top business schools have been working to develop ways to admit more women into their ranks – and it's working. For example, according to a New York Times article, in 2005, 17% of students at INSEAD were women. By 2011, this number had grown to 33%.

In another instance, Harvard Business School (HBS) dean Nitin Nohria recently issued a formal apology for the school’s general behavior toward women and the gender gap in case studies and vowed to increase the percentage of women who are featured in case studies to 20% (doesn’t sound great, but it’s up from a lagging 9%). To some, this announcement had the feeling of pandering rather than commitment and may have simply been a response to a recent lengthy article in The NY Times regarding HBS’s struggles in the gender gap area. But it's a start.

Caroline Diarte Edwards, co-director at Fortuna Admissions and former director of MBA admissions at INSEAD says that while parity has not been achieved, “[T]he percentage of women at top schools is typically around 35 to 40%; this is already a big step up from where it was at the beginning of the 90s.” Today, things are getting better, but here are five tips to think about when following through with your MBA application and MBA interview:

1. Recognize that stereotypes exist

Every demographic has associated stereotypes, and as a woman, you first have to identify where MBA admissions committees might have made assumptions. These often come from the traditional patriarchal generalities. Adjudicators are often looking to make sure their female candidates are assertive, confident in their MBA interview, and willing to speak their mind. Stacy Blackman, president of Stacy Blackman Consulting, notes in her blog that MBA admissions officers at top business schools will often call recommenders inquiring about a potential student’s ability to participate in class or determine their leadership potential. Blackman also notes that these calls are almost unanimously regarding female applicants.

2. Be your own best advocate

It is Edwards’ concern that traditionally, women have a tendency to be more modest than male counterparts. The MBA application is a place to crow about your accomplishments; do not be reticent to do so.

3. Ask the tough questions

You are not the only one being evaluated – you are evaluating the program as well, particularly regarding the resources that it provides for women. When it gets to the portion of the MBA interview when you get to ask questions, make sure you focus on what kind of representation women have in class and club leadership. That should give you a good idea of gender parity on campus.

4. Go the extra mile toward professionalism

Unfortunately, male bias extends to the idea that women are less serious than men in business situations. Of course that is not true, but it magnifies traits that can seem unprofessional. Therefore, in interview, dress appropriately. Blackman recommends this advice from an interview coach: “Don't play with your hair, don't fiddle with jewelry, don't adjust your clothing – just focus on looking your interviewer straight in the eye and answering questions with complete focus and confidence.” She even recalls one applicant that was reprimanded for using too many exclamation points in her emails. Be careful how you project yourself.

5. Remember you are not alone

Make sure you talk to current female MBA candidates to get support and understanding around a particular program before submitting your MBA application. Gene Anderson, dean of the business school at the University of Miami states, "It's important for – really for anybody coming from any background – but I think particularly for women, underrepresented minorities and international students to get matched up with people who really…understand things from their point of view.” Many schools will provide resources that allow you to connect with women’s business groups on campus.

With schools actively courting women, your chances of being accepted by MBA admissions teams are better than ever before, but that is not to say that it will be easy. Demonstrate your assertiveness, highlight your accomplishments, and know that there are resources for you to tap into. Finding a role model is crucial for a woman seeking placement in top business schools. As the trail continues to be blazed, make sure to talk to those who started the fire.