Calling all Kellogg Fall 2010 Applicants!

Just a draft of the goals essay. It's not specific to any schools yet, so no worries.

Yeah the average words probably was more in the 800-1000 words with 2 pages. Some applicants would really push the limits with narrow margins, small fonts, etc. This will at least level the playing field. If they put minimum of 12pt font it will make reading all those essays easier on the eyes.

Count me in .... now need to get down to these wretched essays ... any idea folks on really getting started.

Should I go GMAT style .... 1.5-2 hours everyday for the next several months?

I am looking at my 6-7 school list and the sheer number of essays is sending shivers through my spine. It almost reminds me of the 20+ essays I authored for UG!!

Count me in pls for R1

Updated.

Are you planning 6-7 schools for R1?! If I were you I'd look to trim that down to 4-5 in R1 and save the others for R2. In terms of how to get started, I wouldn't suggest working on essays everyday between now and October, you'll go insane way before the application deadlines. I would focus first on creating an outline of the Goals/Why MBA essay since almost every school will ask some form of that: what are your career goals and why? Why do you need an MBA to achieve those goals. Then focus on thinking about what main themes you want to convey to the adcom about yourself. What makes you a unique candidate that they'll want to admit to their school? Think about some stories that convey those themes and make note of those. Last, think about why you're applying to the schools you've chosen. What about them makes you think they're a good fit for you and your goals? Once you have those 3 outlines, I think you'll find it much easier to plan out how to tackle the essay questions.

And don't sweat it too much, you've still got 4 months until the R1 deadlines. Last year I started seriously writing essays in early August and was able to apply to 5 schools in R1.

Great tip jerz! +1

I'm a big fan of the 3rd essay:

Assume you are evaluating your application from the perspective of a student member of the Kellogg Admissions Committee. Why would your peers select you to become a member of the Kellogg community? (600 word limit)

Gives applicants a great opportunity to directly argue their case.

I don't think the new 3rd essay is really all that different than the old 3rd essay. Both are really looking for you to explain how you'll be a valuable and contributing member of the Kellogg community. This just frames it from the perspective of you being on the adcom.

Let the essay advice begin !

When tackling an essay like this, is it wise to focus on one core idea as to why you'll make a great fit at Kellogg, or is to ramble of a number of reasons? To me, I feel like it would be wise in such a short essay to find one really strong core reason that makes you valuable, but i dont know if they're looking for more I'll be active in this and this, i'm strong analytically, i've got motivation for miles, etc. etc.

What do you guys think?

Last year, this essay asked us to describe how our "background, values, academics, activities and/or leadership skills will enhance the experience of other Kellogg students," so it was very similar. I approached this from multiple angles, touching aspects of my professional background, personal life and interests. In each case, I tied my argument directly to how I'd add value to Kellogg and its students. So, while I didn't ramble, I did focus on a few key areas, rather than on one core idea.

What I like about the way they reworded this is that they come at it from the angle of a committee member. I.e., the perspective is that of the "buyer", rather than the "seller." To me, that makes this essay even more interesting. With a bit of thought, you could get really creative with this.

With 600 words, what would number of things would you recommend touching on. I would assume no more than 2 or 3, any more than that I see it becoming too much of a laundry list without being able to fully elaborate on your ideas.

Throwing in my hat for R1 as well.

I think 2-3 is optimal for that essay, considering the word limit.

I think 2-3 sounds about right. I was just checking out my essay for last year and in 900 words I spoke about 4 main themes and tied those into specific stuff at Kellogg. With the constrained word limit, 2-3 sounds perfect. Any more than that and you risk not being able to talk about either of the points in depth.

I believe this essay can really be used to show your passion and your fit in Kellogg, so you need to discuss stuff in depth and show how it ties into specific activities at the school.

when talking about themes, any advice on which specific themes to pull out of the arsenal for Kellogg specifically ?