shaselai wrote:
I only have 2 extracurricular - one was tutoring which lasted about 6 months until i got my 2nd job and another was a group project that is related to my career goal. A lot of my extra time was spent on getting a Master's degree and studying for GMAT and work related (like getting full time from contractor position). I suppose adcom wont accept "getting a Master degree" as extracurricular even though it drained a lot of extra time outside of work? Should I write an optional essay about it or it might sound a bit whiny? I did try to get more extracurricular but were rejected but I know for sure if i hadnt done my master degree i couldve had more free time for extracurricular. Do adcom sees the fact that i got a Master degree in my "extracurricular time" as a bigger plus than an additional extracurricular or 2?
This also brings me to the optional essay - should I give explanations to all my shortcomings - UG gpa, few extracurricular etc.?
thanks
Your masters degree will strengthen your academic credentials. Unless you had some major opportunities for leadership during the course of your studies, it probably didn't give you much chance to show leadership or initiative or organizational skills. All qualities that extra-curricular commitments and community service allow you to show. Furthermore, schools like to admit people who are contributors and active participants in their previous communities because that is a good indication they will participate actively as members of the school's community both while in school and as alumni. Finally, school want to admit people with multiple interests. And the top programs can choose applicants who perhaps completed a masters degree and also carved out time for some non-professional commitment.
I would not write an
optional essay attempting to explain why you didn't participate in extra-curriculars. It might very well sound whiny. I do suggest that you make a commitment to something you care about that would allow you to show leadership and initiative. Now. It is better late than never. Regarding an explanation of your UGPA, that would depend on how low your GPA was and what circumstances contributed to the low GPA. If it is a good idea, hopefully you could also point to a high grad GPA and GMAT, arguing that these better represent your abilities than your UGPA from years ago.
I can't quantify what impact a lack of extra-curriculars will have on your application. That will depend on the overall strength of your application and that of your competitions.
You might be interested in
Best Practices for MBA Admissions, a webinar recording.
Best,
Linda Abraham
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