If you want to prove to the adcoms that you have direction, goals, and good reason to be awarded a spot in top b-school X, then you're going to need to make sure that you get your MBA goals essay in shape.
The best way to do this is to MAP out a strategy for your MBA goals essay.
When I say MAP, I'm referring to two things. First, let's think about an actual map. What the adcoms are really looking for is a sort of roadmap—they want to know where you've been, where you are now, and where you plan on going. It's your job to weave together the past, present, and future to draft a career map that shows that where you've been has led you to where you are and where you plan to be in the future. Let the question wording guide you as to emphasis in your essay, but almost all goals essays will include these elements.
MAP, however, also stands for Motivation, Aspiration, and Perspiration. Your goals essay should have these three essential ingredients –
- Motivation: What inspires you? Why have you made the decisions you have made? What has driven you to choose your particular field? Your particular school?
- Aspiration: What is your vision? Where are you headed? What do you plan to do immediately after you've earned your MBA? What about 10 years later?
- Perspiration: When in the past have you worked hard in a related area? Have you ever sweated to impact or contribute to your job, your personal life, or society at large in a way that shows dedication to this goal? How continue to show that dedication?
When you write your MBA goals essay, check it for MAP—the roadmap of your life and career as well as these three critical elements.
Struggling with your MBA goals essay? Sign up for Accepted.com's upcoming webinar, The Art of a Gripping MBA Goals Essay, to learn how you can optimize your goals essay, ultimately leading to acceptance at your top-choice MBA program!
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