When you are applying to an MBA program, it’s crucial to stand out from the crowd. Business schools seek diverse and dynamic cohorts, so they ask candidates to showcase their distinctive qualities and potential contributions to the community. Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto takes this a step further with its “spike factor” question.
In this article, we explain how to tackle this unique Rotman MBA essay question and align your spike with Rotman’s values to set yourself up for admissions success.
The spike factor question is the only Rotman essay required. However, applicants will be required to submit a required video response to two interview questions. Rotman also requires candidates to submit a timed, 10-minute written response component. Applicants will receive an email within 24 hours of submitting their application with further instructions and a link to the video component. (See our advice on how to ace the videos.)
The “Spike Factor” Essay Question
Explain your spike factor (something unique about yourself) that you believe will contribute to the Rotman community and is aligned with Rotman values. How will your spike factor help you succeed as an MBA student and beyond? (hard cutoff at 500 words
The Rotman School coined the term “the spike factor” to describe something extraordinary or unique about an applicant. It’s an aspect of your background, upbringing, experience or personality that sets you apart from other applicants. It’s a characteristic that makes you a valuable addition to the Rotman community. So, how do you identify and explain your own spike factor in the Rotman MBA essay?
Self-Reflection
To start, look inward. Reflect on your upbringing, life experiences, personal journey and professional accomplishments. What sets you apart? As Rotman asks, “What are the things that you have done in your life that demonstrate passion, grit, resilience, innovation, drive, ambition, and more?”
This can encompass all or any aspect of life outside of work—volunteerism, awards, entrepreneurial ventures, sports and the arts. It could be an exceptional skill, a transformative experience or a hobby you’re devoted to that defines you.
Don’t limit yourself to traditional notions of success. Your spike factor doesn’t have to be a world-changing invention; it can be a personal story that demonstrates resilience, adaptability or creativity.
Alignment with Rotman Values
Rotman values qualities such as diversity, leadership, innovation and a commitment to making a positive impact. Consider how your spike factor aligns with these values and connect them in your Rotman essay. For instance, if your unique experience involves leading a diverse team through a challenging project, you can emphasize your leadership and commitment to fostering diversity.
Show, Don’t Tell
Don’t just describe your spike factor; show how it has influenced your actions and decisions. Use specific examples that highlight the impact of your uniqueness. Instead of stating, “I have a passion for sustainability,” share a story of how you initiated a successful sustainability project and its impact or outcomes.
Note that Rotman invites you to upload your “spikiest” pictures. Although this is optional, I strongly suggest that you include some. Images create a more personal, memorable and longer-lasting impression. Note that images should be combined into a single PDF and uploaded to the supplemental items section of the application.
Community Contribution
Demonstrate how your spike factor will contribute to the Rotman community. Will it enrich classroom discussions, inspire your peers, contribute to a student club or enhance the learning environment? Highlight the potential ripple effects of your uniqueness within the school.
Beyond the MBA
Remember that Rotman is interested in your long-term potential. The admissions committee seeks to build a diverse class of exceptional individuals “who will go on to make the School proud as professionals and alumni.”
Explain how your spike factor will continue to be an asset in your post-MBA career and/or community involvement. Will it open doors, drive innovation or help you make a lasting impact in your profession or volunteer work?
Sample Approach
Let’s illustrate these principles with a hypothetical example. Suppose your spike factor is a background in competitive ballroom dancing. Here’s how you might tackle the question:
“My spike factor is my background in competitive ballroom dancing. [Add more details on your dancing here; for example, how long you’ve been dancing, the cities around the world where you’ve competed and any competitions you may have won]. At first glance, this pursuit may seem unrelated to business. However, I believe it aligns perfectly with Rotman’s values of diversity, leadership and innovation.
In ballroom dancing, I learned the art of leading and following — skills that are invaluable in collaborative work environments. Dancing in front of large audiences around the world honed my communication and presentation skills as well as my confidence. I believe all three will contribute to vibrant classroom discussions at Rotman.
Teaching ballroom dance to various age groups, including senior citizens, has given me joy. It’s a tremendous feeling to give back and see people’s smiling faces. Teaching dance also honed my leadership skills. I will use this skillset at Rotman in my working groups, leading the [X club—perhaps related to your post-MBA goal]. I will also deploy these skills on my non-profit boards and charities fellowship through the Rotman Onboard Fellowship Program.
Beyond the classroom, my spike factor has the potential to make a lasting impact. As someone who grew up in an underprivileged family, it’s been important for me to give back to those in similar situations. That’s why I volunteered for five years with Save the Children as [x]. Based on that experience, I envision organizing and performing in an annual “Rotman Dance for Diversity” event. This event will celebrate Rotman’s multicultural community and raise funds for underprivileged students in Toronto. It will promote diversity and showcase Rotman’s commitment to innovative and inclusive initiatives.
In my future career as a business leader in [x], I see my ballroom dancing background as a unique asset. I routinely rehearsed about 15 hours per week, enduring several injuries and training a new substitute dance partner at the last minute before a performance. This has taught me discipline, perseverance and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances — all qualities essential in today’s dynamic business world. I plan to leverage this background to foster creativity, teamwork and adaptability within my future organizations.
My spike factor is not just about dancing; it’s about a mindset of diversity, leadership and innovation that I am eager to bring to the Rotman community and carry forward into a successful career.”
An essay such as this could be supplemented with a photo of dancing in a competition somewhere around the world, one leading dance classes and one from volunteering at Save the Children.
Final Thoughts
Think of an idea that would stand out from the crowd and make you memorable. If you are stumped, speak to friends and family members, who might mention something you hadn’t thought of or didn’t think was unique.
Approach this essay with authenticity, clarity and a forward-thinking perspective. Nailing down and clearly communicating your spike factor portrays you as someone Rotman will want in their next class. Moreover, it sets the stage for a transformative MBA experience and a successful career that resonates with the Rotman Schools’s values.
Let’s Get You In
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Melissa Jones is an expert coach at MBA admissions coaching firm Fortuna Admissions and former assistant director of the INSEAD MBA program. For a candid assessment of your chances of admission success at a top MBA program, sign up for a free consultation. If you already know what you want, you can sign up directly for MBA interview prep with a Fortuna expert coach or explore all services.