Book excerpt: The MBA has rapidly become the world’s most desired degree, with graduates of top business schools landing six-figure pay packages in private equity, high-tech, investment banking, and management consulting. As a result, the competition for admission into select programs is fierce; some schools admit less than 10 percent of applicants. This third edition of Your MBA Game Plan includes even more sample essays and resumes from successful applicants, fresh insight on 35 leading business schools from around the world, and advice specifically tailored to international applicants. It will show you how to: Select target schools and highlight the personal characteristics and skill sets they seek Navigate the “GMAT or GRE?” question Assess your own candidacy with the objective eye of an MBA admissions officer Craft compelling essays and resumes that highlight your most salient attributes and make you stand out to the admissions committee Avoid the mistakes that ruin thousands of applicants’ chances each year Perform flawlessly during your admissions interviews