The first and the most difficult question that stares you in the face after you make a decision  to go for a management degree as  the next huge step in your career is – ‘Which schools should I apply to?’ This is indeed a difficult...

Well, the application season is over, and all the applicants I worked with (except one) have submitted their applications for R- 3 as well. I think now it’s time to reflect on the common mistakes I have noticed while  working with them  on their essays....

1. Introduce yourself to your future Ross classmates in 100 words or less. Undoubtedly, introducing yourself in 100 words is a daunting task. It is a test of your thinking and writing skills, a test of how concisely you can describe yourself. To brainstorm ideas, you...

Like last year, the ISB PGP application essays package includes two standard essays on accomplishments and career goals and a third that offers you an opportunity to provide additional information that would serve to strengthen your candidacy. These three essays offer ample scope for presenting...

Almost all top business schools require applicants to write a Personal statement or a ‘Goals’ essay to discuss their goals and ambitions as they pertain to the MBA degree and often to the target school’s particular program. What should I write in  a  ‘Goals’ essay? A statement...

Like last year, Darden requires only one main essay question this year as well. Let us take a look at the question: Share your thought process as you encountered a challenging work situation or complex problem. How did this experience change your perspective? (500 words maximum) 1.   What...

INSEAD’s essay questions cover a good deal of ground, giving candidates ample opportunity to discuss a variety of topics related to  their interests and experiences. The first two “job essays” ask for a factual account of one’s current position (or lack thereof) and career progression,...

Tuck has dropped one  essay from last year and is now down to three required essays. Tuck no longer requires you to write’ Background’ essay  but has retained the other three required essays with the same essay prompt  and the same expected  average word limit...

Like most B-Schools , Chicago Booth has also gone on a diet this year.  While last year’s two required essay questions (excluding  PPT presentation and re-applicant essay) allowed applicants to use 1350 words, this year they are allowed just 900 words. Apart from the standard...

Essay Question #1.  What is your proudest achievement outside the workplace, and how has it impacted you? (700 words) This question replaces last year’s question that asked, “What events or people have had the greatest influence in shaping your character and why”. One thing is common between...