the Importance of Peer Feedback

Applying to a top MBA program? With admit rates often under 15%, even tiny mistakes can cost you a spot.

That’s why self-editing isn’t enough. No matter how strong a writer you are, once you’ve lived inside your own essays for weeks, you’ll miss things—logic gaps, awkward phrasing, even tone mismatches.

After weeks of working on your essays, you’re simply too close to the material. You know what you meant to say, but that doesn’t guarantee the AdComm will read it the same way.

That’s why even my clients—who work with me from strategy through final draft—still get peer reviews before submission. A fresh perspective can:

• Spot logical gaps you’ve stopped noticing

• Catch subtle tone or clarity issues

• Confirm your story lands the way you intended

Who Counts as a “Peer” (and Who Doesn’t)

Not all peers are equal. When my clients finish a draft, they often ask: “Should I send it to that alum I met in a coffee chat?” My answer: sometimes—but not always.

The Best peer reviewers are:

✅ Someone who knows you and understands MBA admissions

✅ Fellow applicants who’ve been through the process

✅ Current students or alumni you’ve built genuine rapport with

Who to avoid:

🚫 Random connections who don’t understand your background or goals

🚫 Friends who “love everything you do” and won’t challenge you

How to Ask for (Useful) Feedback

Be confident with this request. Ask politely and be sure to prep the reviewer properly so that they can provide good feedback.

If you want input that actually improves your essays—not just “looks good!”—set your peer up for success:

1. Give context: share the program’s values, culture, and what they look for in candidates.

2. Share your intent: what story are you telling? What impact do you want to leave?

3. Ask focused questions: “Does this flow logically?” “Is my impact clear?”

4. Give them time: at least a week if possible.

And yes—you can have more than one peer reviewer. Just be ready to manage and be judicious with reconciling different opinions without losing your authentic voice.

Processing the Feedback

When the feedback comes in:

• Stay open-minded, but protect your authentic voice.

• Consider practical constraints—sometimes great advice won’t fit in the word limit.

• Decide: is it additive, strategic, or just stylistic?

And don’t forget to thank them—especially if they’re also an applicant. Offer to return the favor.

Final note on the importance of Feedback

It can't be stressed enough that feedback is important—not only for MBA application success but for all endeavors—which is why MBAs focus so much on shared learning.

And thus, the strongest MBA applicants use both:

• Peers to refine tone, storytelling, and clarity.

• Professionals to ensure strategy, positioning, and competitiveness.

Both provide the extra confidence boost knowing that you're not the only one who approved of your applications.

With R1 deadlines weeks away, the window for meaningful revisions is closing but I’m currently offering last-minute professional reviews. Book a free consultation here and let’s make sure your essays are polished, strategic, and AdComm-ready. Applying later? If your R1 deadline is still a month or two away—or you’re aiming for R2—now’s the perfect time to get a strong start. Book a free consultation and let’s make sure you’re submitting your most competitive application.