{"id":35679,"date":"2017-01-25T13:09:40","date_gmt":"2017-01-25T20:09:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=35679"},"modified":"2017-03-09T13:59:23","modified_gmt":"2017-03-09T20:59:23","slug":"im-smart-really-i-am-proving-character-traits-in-your-essays-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/im-smart-really-i-am-proving-character-traits-in-your-essays-2\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cI\u2019m Smart, Really I Am!\u201d Proving Character Traits in your Essays"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"proving-character-traits\"<\/a><\/p>\n

When you write an application essay or statement of purpose<\/a>, you\u2019re trying to accomplish several goals at once: (a) You need to prove your worthiness to be accepted to your target school, while (b) also showing the adcom that you have desirable character traits that your program values. But how do you prove to people whom you have never met that you really are smart, determined, focused, and creative, without bragging<\/a>?<\/p>\n

Show, Don\u2019t Tell<\/strong><\/p>\n

The cardinal rule for achieving this is an old but very true adage: \u201cShow, don\u2019t tell.\u201d This requires you to draw upon true anecdotes from your life that will illustrate the trait you are trying to show in a compelling way. If you do the opposite, \u201cTell, not show,\u201d you end up with boastful claims, such as \u201cI was considered among the smartest in my department\u201d or \u201cI\u2019m a team player\u201d or \u201cI have the maturity of someone much older.\u201d I have seen some clients make these statements and not back them up with any evidence at all. Would this sound convincing to you, coming from someone you\u2019ve never met? Hardly.<\/p>\n

However, when you highlight selected experiences chosen to underscore your fantastic qualities, you\u2019ll make your own case far more convincingly than by just telling the adcom that you are creative, motivated, and hardworking.<\/p>\n

Telling Stories to Make Your Point<\/strong><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s say for example that you\u2019re applying to law school, and you want to prove your dedication to this career. Show the steps you\u2019ve taken to reach the goal. Write about the summer you interned at a law office, volunteered to help re-elect your state senator, and took a part-time job at a law library. Thoughtfully describe what you learned from these experiences and how they further encouraged your interest in the law. These actions will show your dedication beyond a shadow of a doubt.<\/p>\n

Another example: You want to show you\u2019re a team player<\/a> \u2013 a valuable trait for just about any career, and especially important for aspiring MBAs. Good examples could include: a time you came up with a creative compromise to a problem where your co-workers on a team were deadlocked; offering to take on additional responsibilities at work or on a school or club project when you saw everyone else was overloaded; or asking your supervisor what you could do to add more value to your department. Devoting anywhere from 3-5 sentences to each of these examples should be enough to demonstrate your point.<\/p>\n

Actions Matter!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Whether you want to reveal creativity, intelligence, dedication, commitment to social action, or anything else, choose two examples (or three if you have room) where you have actively displayed those traits. Telling these mini-stories will save you from awkwardly claiming a certain quality. Let your own actions make the case for you.<\/p>\n

Remember: Show, don\u2019t tell.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"ex2ex-cta-imagesp\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Judy<\/a> By Judy Gruen,<\/a> MBA admissions consultant since 1996 and author (with Linda Abraham) of <\/em><\/em>MBA Admission for Smarties: The No-Nonsense Guide to Acceptance at Top Business Schools<\/a>. Want Judy to help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch!<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Application Essay Tip: The Devil is in the Details<\/a>
\n\u2022 What is an Accomplishment?<\/a>
\n\u2022 Tone Up Your Writing: Confidence vs Arrogance<\/a><\/p>\n

This article<\/a> originally appeared on\u00a0<\/em>blog.accepted.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Applying to a top b-school? The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to their dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where to apply, writing your application essays, or prepping for your interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.<\/p>\n

Contact us, and get matched up with the consultant who will help\u00a0you\u00a0<\/em>get accepted<\/a>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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