{"id":55130,"date":"2022-06-15T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-15T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=55130"},"modified":"2022-06-14T13:51:52","modified_gmt":"2022-06-14T20:51:52","slug":"short-and-sweet-tips-for-writing-mini-mba-essays-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/short-and-sweet-tips-for-writing-mini-mba-essays-4\/","title":{"rendered":"Short and Sweet: Tips for Writing \u201cMini\u201d MBA Essays"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"short<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is an admissions committee\u2019s message or intent in limiting an \u201cessay\u201d answer to 100, 200, or 300 characters?\u00a0Just the facts, please. Actually, just the\u00a0key<\/strong>\u00a0facts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No adornment, no backstory, no extended rationale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In working with clients on such questions, for example the CBS short answer goals question<\/a>, I\u2019ve been struck by how hard providing \u201cjust the facts\u201d really is \u2013 it\u2019s counterintuitive, it\u2019s letting go. It can make the writer feel a little naked. The explanations and motivations and reasons \u2013 those comfortable \u201cclothes\u201d are discarded, in a heap on the floor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Such questions can also make the applicant feel put on the spot. Justifiably \u2013 you are <\/em>put on the spot. How you handle it gives the adcom insight into you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So how do you give the admissions readers what they want \u2013 while simultaneously serving your goal of creating a compelling application that differentiates and distinguishes you<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are 7 unadorned tips to answer that question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Read the question carefully and weigh each word, to make sure you\u2019re answering the exact question.\u00a0<\/strong>(Seems obvious? I\u2019ve witnessed many very smart people misread the question or simply disregard the question.)

    <\/li>
  2. Short doesn\u2019t mean easy.<\/strong>\u00a0The opposite is often true. Allocate and devote some up-front thinking time to what you\u2019ll say. The fewer words you have, the greater weight each word carries.

    <\/li>
  3. While brainstorming, decide which 1-2 key points you\u00a0must\u00a0convey.<\/strong>\u00a0Don\u2019t even consider anything else.

    <\/li>
  4. Also while brainstorming, consider the application overall.<\/strong>\u00a0These mini-essays must work within a larger whole. For example, if you only have 200 characters to write about your goals, and you\u2019re planning to shift careers, look for other places in the application to indicate that you have relevant skill sets, understand the industry\/function, etc.

    <\/li>
  5. In drafting your mini-essay, write a little over the limit and then pare down.<\/strong>\u00a0It\u2019s easier to cut your ideas down than to draw out new words once you\u2019ve completed your thoughts.

    <\/li>
  6. Make sure each word is meaningful.<\/strong>\u00a0Stick to nouns and verbs. Use short, direct sentences, which allow you to\u00a0\u201csqueeze\u201d the most out of the limited characters<\/a>.

    <\/li>
  7. Avoid repeating the question.<\/strong>\u00a0If it\u2019s about\u00a0post-MBA goals<\/a>, the reader will know what you\u2019re referring to, you don\u2019t have to say, \u201cPost-MBA I plan to\u2026<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    You know the expression \u201cshort and sweet.\u201d Turn brevity to your advantage. A short statement can have great power, propulsion. The key is to do it right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How are your MBA mini-essays coming along? Do you need help ensuring that they work in building a strong case for admission? We can help! Work one-on-one with an expert Accepted advisor from mini-essay strategy-building all the way through to final review \u2013 or any single step along the way. Explore our\u00a0MBA Admissions Consulting & Editing Services<\/a>\u00a0for more information on how we can help you GET ACCEPTED.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Check out our School-Specific MBA Application Essay Tips<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Cindy_Tokumitsu\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Cindy Tokumitsu has 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!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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