Common Traits of Those Who Get into Top MBAs｜M7 Difficulty and Winning Strategies

Hello, this is TJ, founder of Alpha Advisors.
One of the most frequent questions I receive from those aiming for an MBA abroad is:

「How can I get into Harvard MBA?」
「How difficult is it to get into the M7?」

There are clear common traits among those who succeed in gaining admission to top MBA programs. At Alpha, we understand what admissions officers are truly looking for and provide practical, in-depth guidance—this is why so many of our clients are consistently admitted to the world’s most prestigious MBAs.

In this article, I will explain the competitiveness and admission standards of the M7, and highlight the key points shared by successful applicants.

M7 MBA Difficulty and Acceptance Rates｜Latest Data from Top Schools

Harvard and Stanford attract the very best global talent, which is why their acceptance rates are exceptionally low.
・Harvard MBA: around 10%
・Stanford MBA: around 6% (the most competitive in the world)
・Chicago Booth MBA: around 20%

Across the M7 as a whole, the reality is that a high test score alone will not secure admission. At Alpha Advisors, we have even had clients admitted to Harvard with GMAT scores below 700. This clearly shows how critical essays, consistency in career goals, and demonstrated leadership achievements are beyond raw scores.

What admissions committees value most goes beyond numbers and resumes: they care about who you are, your long-term career vision, and your leadership potential. In other words, it’s not about differentiating yourself through scores—it’s about differentiating yourself through your unique story.

Shared Traits of Top MBA Admits｜Standing Out with Story, Not Scores

Those who are admitted consistently share the following traits:

・They have a clear and compelling career goal
・They can articulate a consistent story connecting past experiences to future ambitions
・They logically explain the kind of impact they aim to create in society or their industry
・Their personal branding is consistent across essays, recommendations, and interviews

It is not “high scores or elite academics” that define success. Rather, it is those who present a strong personal story and a vivid vision for the future who ultimately gain admission.

Why Essays Determine M7 Admission｜Why They Matter More than GMAT or Work History

The most concise way to capture what unites successful candidates is through the essay.

・Scores and work history can be listed by anyone, but the essay is the only truly unique differentiator
・Admissions officers decide whether they want to spend two years learning with you—based largely on the essay
・They also use essays to assess whether your future goals are realistically achievable

In short, a strong essay can pull your admission forward, while even the highest test scores will not save a weak one.

How to Perfect Your MBA Essays｜The Importance of Career Goal Design and Professional Guidance

So, how can you elevate your essays to an admission-worthy level?

・Start by thinking deeply and seriously about your long-term and career goals
・Thoroughly articulate in your own words “Why an MBA?” and “Why this school?”
・Instead of relying on superficial self-study techniques, refine the structure and content under professional guidance to create a persuasive and compelling story

For top MBA programs, simple self-promotion will not suffice. You must dive into the depth of your aspirations, the impact you want to make on society, and the vision of yourself as a future leader.

This is a type of reflection and structured thinking that many applicants have never been trained to do on their own. It explains why even highly educated professionals with elite backgrounds often fail in their top MBA applications.
That is why, at Alpha, we provide comprehensive support from the very start of the application journey—career goal design, deep self-reflection, and story-building. As a result, our clients consistently produce essays of outstanding quality, leading to admissions at M7 and other top MBA programs.

Conclusion｜The Key to M7 Admission Lies in Essays and Career Goal Design

What successful applicants to top MBAs have in common is that they deliver essays of the highest quality.
If you are serious about getting into the M7, it is essential to clarify your career goals and refine your essays under expert guidance.

For MBA, career transitions, and winning your future, Alpha Advisors’ one-on-one coaching is the way to go!
With 17 years of proven results, Alpha’s founder TJ (Sumitomo Corporation → Chicago Booth MBA → Goldman Sachs IBD) will push you to the highest level—consult Alpha today!

Free Consultation Here! ＞ Free Consultation

【Reference Article】Details of the MBA Advisory Program with Numerous Top MBA Admissions Here! ＞ 【For MBA Study Abroad, Choose Alpha Advisors!】

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TJ Profile

TJ: Formerly with Sumitomo Corporation, where he worked in the Corporate Accounting Department overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and performance management for over 800 domestic and overseas group companies, as well as IR (Investor Relations) activities. Selected as the youngest trainee for Sumitomo Corporation of America (New York), where he contributed to the restructuring of a U.S. electric arc furnace steel business invested in by Sumitomo. Later joined the Project Finance Department, where he was engaged in arranging large-scale financings for infrastructure projects in developing countries and financing for Jupiter Telecommunications. Selected as a company-sponsored candidate for overseas MBA programs.

Earned his MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, with concentrations in Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Organizational Management. Founder of the University of Chicago Japanese Association. Initiated and executed the school’s first-ever “Japan Trip”, which has since become an annual tradition.

Subsequently joined Goldman Sachs Japan’s Investment Banking Division, where he advised on numerous M&A transactions in the media and consumer sectors, supported capital raising including IPOs, and worked on private equity investments and corporate restructuring assignments.

Selected as one of only six fellows (out of over 200 applicants) for the 4th Entrepreneurial Leadership Program of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai), where he received mentorship from leading entrepreneurs including Hideo Sawada, Chairman of H.I.S.

Served as President of the Chicago Booth Alumni Association in Japan (2006–2010). Has guided numerous candidates to admission at top MBA programs (Harvard, Stanford, and other leading schools in the U.S., Europe, and Asia), graduate schools, universities, and boarding schools. Track record of placing students at leading global firms including Mitsubishi Corporation, McKinsey & Company, Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, Google, Big 4 consulting/FAS, Dentsu, Toyota, MUFG Bank, Nomura Securities, among others.

Renowned for his rigorous one-on-one coaching for TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, and GRE, with a reputation for pushing candidates to fully complete their preparation. Highly regarded for his ability to design and achieve career and academic goals with unmatched quality and precision. As a result, he is in high demand as an advisor, with numerous requests to work directly under his guidance.