Sloan (MIT) Class of 2016 Calling all applicants

Guys, in the MIT application site, they provided Upload options for both essay 1 and 2, but only a text box for the optional essay where they invite us to share with them anything about us, in any format.

How do I upload a file for the optional essay? I don't see the option. Please advise if you know. Thank you!

You'll need to post it on some server somewhere and include a link.

I think it is best to use a service that they can view/play the file immediately when they click a link you provide. Examples would be YouTube, slideshare, or soundcloud.

Guys, for the optional question, I remember reading somewhere that, if we choose to do a video, the guideline length is 1 minute. But for the life of me, I can't seem to find this particular restriction in the website or in the application instructions. Could someone clarify if this 1 minute restriction is indeed the case?

Haven't heard directly from the adcom. I have seen it here, though.

Direct quote from adcom on a chat: "The supplemental has no restrictions but please keep in mind the reader's time."

A minute might be enough, depending what you're trying to do, but it also sounds like it might get a little rushed. By contrast, NYU has a 5-minute limit if a video is used for the Personal Expression and if you watch any of those, you will realize that 5 minutes is waaaay too long.

EssaySnark

1 Minute was last year's guideline. This year the guidelines seem less strict. I would say in that case the guideline should be the consideration of the viewer's time, so the longer you make it, the more you should make sure every second is necessary and interesting.

Thanks jumsum, esnark, dab. I feel having no time limit is better. This gave me more reasons to strongly consider a video essay. Execution will be the key though. I have never done this before.

Registrations are now open.

https://mitsloan.mit.edu/mba/admissions/ ... s-program/

P.S: it is Monday 'through' Thursday

Do we need to send the official gmat score to the school before submitting apps? Or should we wait until we're admitted?

From their website:

Thanks Snark.

Just sent a report to Sloan from mba site. It says it'd take up to 3 weeks for it to be reported.... Why so slow? Would Sloan be okay with late score report since I self-reported my stuff in the apps?

Also, does anyone know any reliable hassle free server services where we can host a PDF link? Does dropbox work?

just for information,

Hey murakip2 - the adcom (MIT and elsewhere) always look at a profile in total, and the GMAT is just one datapoint. Your GMAT is well below the average but you're an international candidate (we can tell because of how you spelled "programme" ) and if the low GMAT is due to low verbal, then maybe (a very firm "maybe") you're OK. It really depends. It's hard to say without knowing a lot more - which is probably beyond scope than we can do here in the MIT applicants' thread.

One comment though: It sounds like you may be about to make a classic mistake: Letters of recommendation should be from people who KNOW YOU WELL - not people who are famous or important. If you have someone who both knows you well, and happens to be famous, no problem - but you need to go with those who can actually write in detail about your work abilities, achievements, and contributions. It's not clear from your post in what context you worked with this wealthy entrepreneur person but we would caution you about choosing someone who has status just because of the status.

Not sure if this helps at all...?

You definitely have a nontraditional background and there are both pluses and minuses to that - again, more than we should go into here since it's personal to you and we don't want to hijack this MIT thread. MIT looks for all kinds of things and it's clear you have a lot to offer so you should absolutely go for it!! But the GMAT is indeed low and it's tough to get in with a lower score - not impossible, but not easy either.

EssaySnark

Per MIT's website: We require that the official GMAT/GRE test scores are sent to us by the application deadline. We understand that sometimes it takes 1-2 weeks for the test centers to release the scores. Therefore, it is acceptable if we receive the scores shortly after the application deadline.

Dropbox works - I'm using it to host my PDF!

I hope I get to R1 in time !!!

And remember, no Flash. The AdCom looks at apps on their iPads.

Also, I remember last year, some people accidently set their youtube videos to not play on mobile devices. So, make sure not to do that too.