Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam’s MBA Admission Process

If you are considering pursuing an MBA program in the Netherlands, you have probably come across Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU). VU’s School of Business and Economics offers both an MBA program in International Business and an Executive MBA program.

This guide breaks down six key facets of VU Amsterdam’s MBA admissions process and offers insights and tips to improve your chance of getting accepted. We start by focusing on what matters most: your motivation for pursuing an MBA.

1. Reflect on Your Motivation for Pursuing an MBA

Before diving into the practicalities of the admissions process or an MBA program, it’s crucial to reflect on your reasons for pursuing this challenging degree. 

Ask yourself these key questions: What are your career goals? How does an MBA align with these goals? What sort of personal growth do you expect from this experience? And where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?

Understanding your motivations for pursuing an MBA at VU Amsterdam will set a strong base for the entire admissions process. For insights on potential career paths post-MBA, read about the top industries where VU MBA graduates find rewarding opportunities.

After framing your motivations, the next step is translating these insights into a captivating personal essay.

2. Craft a Compelling Personal Essay

In your personal essay, you share your personality, goals, and key motivations. It involves crafting a thoughtful narrative of personal reflection.

Here’s how to create an essay that resonates with VU’s MBA program:

  1. Let your personality shine through. Sincerity, passion, and a little humor can make your essay memorable.
  2. Highlight essential experiences that ignited your interest in business leadership and management. 
  3. Express vulnerability by describing challenges you’ve faced. Resilience and the ability to overcome difficulties are great traits for aspiring MBAs. 
  4. Link your past experiences and current skills with your future goals. Show how the MBA program will shape your career trajectory. Be sure to mention aspects of your background that align with the VU’s ethos and values. 
  5. Consider what unique perspectives you bring to the table. Highlighting your journey’s uniqueness will help you stand out among many talented applicants.
  6. Organize your essay well. Begin with a compelling introduction that grabs the reader’s attention. In the body, elaborate on your experiences and aspirations. Finally, wrap up with a powerful conclusion that clearly articulates your future ambitions.
  7. Ensure that your writing is grammatically accurate and flows smoothly. Additionally, seeking feedback from mentors or peers can be very beneficial.

3. Tailor Your CV for MBA Admission

A well-crafted CV effectively summarizes your professional and academic achievements. 

Highlight your work experience in a way that emphasizes leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and other skills relevant to an MBA program. 

Include your academic qualifications and list any honors or distinctions. Consider mentioning relevant courses or projects that demonstrate your business acumen.

Include any extracurricular activities on your resume that highlight your leadership skills or involvement in community initiatives. These experiences provide a deeper understanding of your personal interests and characteristics.

Ensuring that your resume is well-formatted and easy to read is critical.

4. Provide Your Transcripts

Transcripts provide a detailed record of your academic performance, including the courses you’ve taken and the grades you’ve received. Your transcript helps the admissions committee assess your academic readiness for an MBA program.

If there are any anomalies in your academic record, like a semester when you were ill, consider addressing these in your essay or interview. Providing context and focusing on what you learned from these experiences can be beneficial.

In addition to your academic and professional records, letters of recommendation provide an external perspective on your abilities, further strengthening your application.

5. Secure Letters of Recommendation

Strong recommendation letters support your enrollment by providing credible endorsements of your professional capabilities and potential as an MBA candidate. 

Consider choosing supervisors, mentors, or colleagues who have witnessed your development. Give them the necessary information about VU’s MBA admission requirements and share your application essay with them. This will help them tailor their recommendations to match your story. Encourage them to use specific examples that demonstrate your abilities and accomplishments.

Also, if you are currently employed, consider exploring the possibility of securing employer sponsorship for your MBA studies. Many organizations recognize the value of advanced education and may offer financial assistance or tuition reimbursement programs as part of their employee benefits.

Ensure that you ask for recommendations well before the application deadline. Additionally, it should go without saying but never modify a recommendation letter. It’s essential to maintain professionalism and integrity throughout the admissions process.

6. Step out of Your Comfort Zone and Explain the Mutual Benefit

Transparent and honest documents that show how you overcome challenges tell more about you than a flawless narrative. VU Amsterdam highly values applicants ready to embrace risks and venture beyond their comfort zones.

It’s important to balance what you bring to the table and what you aim to gain from the experience. This equilibrium reflects a mature understanding of the relationship between an MBA candidate and the program.

By articulating a clear reciprocal benefit, you present yourself as a thoughtful candidate who will both contribute to and derive value from the MBA program at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

To learn more about applying to VU Amsterdam, contact one of their ambassadors today.