{"id":57048,"date":"2023-01-31T07:47:44","date_gmt":"2023-01-31T14:47:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/2023\/01\/how-to-structure-your-mba-essays\/"},"modified":"2023-11-01T03:19:37","modified_gmt":"2023-11-01T10:19:37","slug":"how-to-structure-your-mba-essays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/how-to-structure-your-mba-essays\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Structure Your MBA Essays"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"structure<\/p>\n

A lot of people think they are not great storytellers. It\u2019s true that some of us come by it more naturally than others. But with the proper structure and mindset, anybody can become a great storyteller. That\u2019s why we\u2019re diving deep into how to structure your MBA essays to tell your<\/em> unique story. Remember, the AdCom member reading your materials only has about 15-20 minutes to form an impression of your candidacy. You don\u2019t want them to merely like<\/em> your application when they finish reading it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you really want to be is the applicant they\u2019re thinking about as they drive home that night, as they\u2019re chatting with their spouse over spaghetti that evening,\u201d explains SBC consultant and B-Schooled<\/em> host Chandler Arnold. He recently sat down<\/a> with fellow SBC consultant Kevin Rockmael<\/a> to discuss essay writing strategy.<\/p>\n

A few decades ago, business schools focused far more on applicants\u2019 quantitative or technical skills when making admissions decisions. While your ability to handle the rigors of an MBA program is still a significant consideration, your emotional intelligence<\/a> counts for an outsized amount these days. The so-called \u201csoft skills\u201d surrounding communication, the ability to motivate others, and leadership are attractive qualities to the admissions committee.<\/p>\n

\"structure<\/p>\n

Chandler says that if you can demonstrate those soft skills in your essays, the AdCom is much more likely to take a chance on you. \u201cBecause they know that not only will you be successful\u2026 but more importantly, when you graduate, you\u2019ll have a larger impact on companies. And that\u2019s ultimately what these business schools are trying to accomplish.\u201d<\/p>\n

Your goal when drafting those essays is to make sure your stories are believable and authentic, SBC consultant Kevin explains. Does it seem real? Is your motivation clear? And perhaps most important, do you seem like someone the admissions committee is rooting for?<\/p>\n

Stacy Blackman Consulting offers multiple services to meet your MBA application needs, from our All-In Partnership<\/a> to hourly help reviewing your MBA essays. Contact us today for a free 15-minute consult<\/a> to talk strategy with a Principal SBC consultant.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

How to Structure Your MBA Essays to Win Over the AdCom<\/h2>\n

This is one of the topics SBC consultants get asked about the most. \u201cI believe that structure is really the key part of the essay,\u201d says Chandler. \u201cSo once you create that North Star, I think the second part is creating the structure, and then it\u2019s actually filling in the sentences and then doing a lot of iteration to make sure that it all fits together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Some MBA applicants bristle at the idea, thinking that structure equals formulaic or that it will stunt their creativity. But we would urge you to flip that frame. Instead, think of structure as something that allows you to be more<\/em> creative and compelling. When a reader senses there\u2019s some structure to the material, it will enable them to relax and enjoy themselves as they read your essay.<\/p>\n

\u00a0The best essays are a balanced combination of a lot of different things. You\u2019ll see personal stories. You\u2019ll see specific accomplishments and experiences. You\u2019ll get insights into what people have learned and how they\u2019ve grown.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Here are the four main components SBC consultant Kevin advises you to consider as you structure your MBA essays.<\/p>\n

Your Opening. <\/strong>What big problem have you seen or experienced that you want to solve?<\/em><\/p>\n

Your Background. <\/strong>Talk about your background and the obstacles you have faced and learned from.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Your Goal + Your Experience. <\/strong>What is missing from your background and experience? How will business school help you reach your long-term goals? Here is where you connect your dreams to the MBA program you\u2019re interested in attending.<\/em><\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/strong>. The last part of the essay is a wrap-up of the problem you discussed at the beginning and how you addressed it. Finally, explain how you will create a better world to solve that problem.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

B-Schooled co-host\/Harvard MBA Erika Olson wants you to remember those three magic words of good storytelling: show, don\u2019t tell.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\n
@stacyblackmanconsulting<\/a> #sbcyourfuture<\/a> #mba<\/a> #bschool<\/a> #bschooladmissions<\/a> #businessschool<\/a> #essays<\/a> #writing<\/a> #writingtips<\/a> ? Sexy Chill Vibes (Background Trap Hip Hop Beat) \u2013 rehegoosync<\/a><\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The Power of the Circle<\/h3>\n

Another way to think about how to structure your MBA essays is to harken back to your favorite high school English teacher. Remember those standard five-paragraph essays? It may seem overly simplistic, but sometimes those simple things are the most powerful, Chandler notes.<\/p>\n