Every year, I get a few incredibly talented candidates who are not hardwired to sell themselves. Or they have been in jobs where they spend time analyzing and problem solving, but not persuading.

Nobody is forcing you to apply right now. If you have liabilities in your application, then consider taking these proactive steps before you take your shot at the best schools.

You will be competing against incredibly talented applicants. Every year, I see candidates who try to pull off a rush job, and in doing so, they underestimate with whom they are competing.

Some candidates talk about their accomplishments as if they have single-handedly saved an entire industry. In the essays and interviews, you will fail if you come across as a pure self-promoter.