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Before you start drafting your MBA goals essays, work out three levels of goals: short-term, intermediate, and long-term. It helps to have this whole picture in your mind regardless of where you\u2019ll \u201czoom in\u201d for a particular essay. Short-term<\/strong> applies to the timeframe immediately post-MBA to about two years later; intermediate<\/strong> covers the time about two to five years post-MBA; and long-term<\/strong> applies to the time following that. Usually essays ask for short- and long-term goals, but you\u2019ll need to know your intermediate goals as well to bridge the short and long term.<\/p>\n Short-term goals are the most specific, for obvious reasons \u2013 they\u2019re closer in time and they\u2019re also the direct link to the MBA program. As you describe successive steps, use less and less detail in each, because the further out you project, the less certain things are. Don\u2019t go beyond what\u2019s practical, e.g., describing in detail what you\u2019ll be doing in twenty years. Adapt each phase to reality too. If your targeted industry (say, healthcare) is in great flux, that point should be reflected in your goals.<\/p>\n Different sets of essay questions<\/a> will emphasize different aspects of the goals; they\u2019ll require different lengths and have different tones. Some are open, while others are focused and directed. The key is to \u201cread\u201d not just the words but the tone of the question. Anecdotally, I\u2019ve noticed a trend toward short, focused goals essay questions; there are fewer 1,000-word goals essays, fewer essays asking for your \u201cvision.\u201d Most want the facts, straight.<\/p>\n Read the question carefully, and emphasize in your essay what the question emphasizes (e.g., is there an equal focus on short-term and long-term or on just one or the other, or do they just mention post-MBA goal without specifying which?). In other words, be guided by the question. That doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t bring in other elements, but they should support your main points.<\/p>\n Often the question asks why you want an MBA or want to attend the particular program. Link these points directly to your goals. If you can weave in your school visit<\/a> and\/or interactions with students and alumni, great!<\/p>\n Do you need help identifying, defining, and writing about your goals? Work one-on-one with an expert admissions advisor who will help you clarify your goals and present them to the adcom so you get ACCEPTED. Learn more about MBA Admissions Services here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWhy Write A Blog Post Series on Goals?\u201d<\/em> is excerpted from the Accepted\u00a0guide,\u00a0Why MBA?<\/em>\u00a0Click here to download the\u00a0complete guide.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Best MBA Programs<\/a>, a free guide to selecting the right one for you This article<\/a> originally appeared on 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.<\/em><\/p>\nResponding to specific goals questions<\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/em>Cindy Tokumitsu<\/a>\u00a0has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA programs in her 20 years with Accepted. She would love to help you too.\u00a0Want Cindy to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
\n\u2022 How to Clarify Your Goals for Your MBA \u2013 And Beyond<\/a>
\n\u2022\u00a06 Tips for Creating Your Compelling MBA Goals Essay<\/a><\/p>\n