Chicago (Booth) 2013 - Calling All Applicants

I know this has been mentioned a few times but I got a PM regarding the PowerPoint vs the optional essay on the application and wanted to address it here.

For me, I initially struggled with anything good for the PowerPoint. I was fixated on the idea of being able to transfer everything I would say in an essay onto 4 slides, "can I fit all these themes on there, all these ideas, AND these Booth clubs, classes, professors???" (Ok maybe that worked for some people. More power to ya!)

Eventually, I was able to come up with a cool (definition of cool in that it was very bschool application appropriate, very me) idea for the Booth essay (think late night epiphany, woke up, started brainstorming, and making it happen kinda idea). I was very confident that my ppt was creative, different and showed who I was in a way that would catch the attention of adcom members' eyes that have been staring at thousands of powerpoints. If you're doing a ppt just because all the forums tell you to not fall for the optional essay and it's not going to be your best work, don't do it. If you think you'll do a better job expressing yourself with the essay, then by all means do the essay. Maybe all the forums have scared all the applicants into making the ppt and you'll actually stand out with an essay. =]

Whatever you do, just make sure it really reflects who you are and is your best work.

Also, did everybody else already get their welcome packages? I got an invite for admit weekend by mail but no big envelope =[

Update 2/27/13: No I will not post/send you my ppt. Not only is it irrelevant for your application/profile/background, it's only going to set a template in your head for what you think it should look like, and it won't be a blank canvas to paint the masterpiece that is your story.

To add to this, I would really look at the PPT as an opportunity to differentiate and display your creativity. You have four blank slides to convince the adcom you are right for Booth. I looked at this and really wanted to do something beyond posting random pictures and writing up blurbs about those pictures. I think my end product was what got me accepted. And I otherwise would not have had the opportunity if they didn't have the whole PPT question.

I also have good feelings about the PPT. For those of you who are struggling with your R2 PPTs, I would suggest googling "Example Booth Powerpoint." I did that, and I think the example PPT was actually right here on GMAT Club. Anyhow, within minutes of viewing an example PPT, I had one of those lightbulb/aha! moments and went straight to work on my PPT presentation. Of course, I didn't copy or mimic the example in any way/shape/form, but it did give me just enough inspiration for my own, unique idea. It was the most fun I had while preparing grad school applications. There was even a handwritten note on my addmission letter about my PPT..So just a suggestion for those going forward to get the juices flowing..

EDIT: here is the direct link to the example PPT
booth-powerpoint-essay-example-113159.html

I still don't know what the answer to my question is, but definitely not an essay!
If what they mean is "have you ever flanked a course? why?", the answer should be short and sweet. No one is really interested in reading 250 words on failed course when all the aplication is 500+200+200 words..

I had the dubious honor of failing a class the last semester of my senior year of undergrad. On this section of the application I wrote a short blurb about the failed class and what happened. Maybe 40-50 words. I also included the optional essay to explain my overall low GPA. Hope this helps.

I don't know about the case where you failed a class but it doesn't appear on your transcript. If they only ask to explain what's on the transcript then I would follow those directions to a T. I guess I don't think it matters if the grade was replaced. Actually I had an incomplete turn to an F. I retook the course and had the new grade replace the F. I don't think I ever mentioned it on my applications because it was irrelevant. That might be your answer.

I would just follow the directions to avoid integrity perception issues. Also talk about the situation in your optional and how you turned it around. Also highlight any other academic achievements (awards/honor soc) to offset the blemish and show that overall you were a serious student. I didn't fail any classes but I did receive two "D"'s that I retook. I made B's on the retakes and still finished in my top 8% and made the honor society...create a similar narrative for your own situation and that should help.

I'm with you. I converted my PPT to a PDF. Why not make it easy for them? I didn't want any negative emotions from a difficult file to be anchored into their mind about my app.

I feel like that is exactly what MBAOver30 did.. He got a poor grade "X", retook the class - "Y", and moved on to finish top 8%.

I feel you both have good advice (which is not as far apart as you may think). How many words a candidate allocates to a situation like this is really dependent on the candidate and the rest of his/her overall profile. If a candidate wants to turn the situation into a "how I overame a challenge essay" --go for it. If it really wasn't a big deal for you, don't write an essay on it.

Now..I don't know a lot about other schools (especially international schools), but at my school if you failed, the F stays on your transcript no matter what. It is a permanent record. Even if you ratake the course and receive an A, the course would show up on your transcript twice. For example:
Fall 2000
Course X - F
Spring 2001
Course X - A

If it shows up on your transcript, absolutely write a little blurb about it in the additional info box. From the sounds of it, your F doesn't appear on your transcript. If it doesn't show up on your transcript, use your judgement. I would ask the admissions office if you are still perplexed about what to do.

Only one way to find out...

Kalaripayattu-martial art form of Kerala,India

Submitted for R2. Best of luck, everyone!

On the application they ask you to input your test score. Only enter your GRE information on the application. They don't match your official records to your application for a LONG time. In fact, I was admitted in R1 and they still haven't matched my official copy to my application. Also, they will only look for your GRE official score if that's the only one you put on your application.

@MBKULOV ..I think I already answered your question on page 35..

Submitted! Honestly I gave my best shot at Booth. Now the waiting game starts...

Same here, good luck!

My first MBA application successfully completed.

Lets hope I get in.

Submitted for R2. Good luck everyone!