Adding a link in the essay

Question

Given the low word limit for the essays, I was thinking in adding a link to my blog where I tell some stories that are important for me. I was thinking in giving a 1 sentence mention about the story ("at that time I learned xxx") and then go on and elaborate about the topic for the essay. I really can't make this story fit in the word limit, so what do you think if after mentioning that story I say something like: full story in XXX.wordpress.com/xxxxxxx. The story is relevant to the essay, and it explains how I think. I know the admission guys in a big school are too busy to look something up online, but for a smaller school do you think they could read it and influence their decision? Do you think it's a good or bad idea?

daarvin · Answer

I think that this may not be a good idea. If the B-school wants to see the essay with in a certain word limit, one should keep it so. We do not know how the B-school is going to process the info in the application.

losttraveler · Answer

Look at how many applications these schools get... that's why they put word limits on it. If you include the link, I would put money that it doesn't get viewed. Therefore, if your essay hinges on that link for it to be credible and a well delivered message, you will come up short. Concision is important in business... short and to the point. Figure out how to trim it down, cut out a lot of useless detail and give the main meat and potatoes sort of speak. Goodluck.

cheetarah1980 · Answer

That doesn't seem like a good idea. It's like you're trying to circumvent the word counts. Trust me, you don't need all the details that you think you do. Also be like a surgeon when you're cutting words. If it took you 50 words to convey an idea, start extracting excessive wording until you can say the same thing in 25 words.

Which essay specifically are you struggling with?

Which essay specifically are you struggling with?

mbacase · Answer

but why do you need to add a link in the essay anyway???

LionsSBC12 · Answer

What's the consensus on adding links to the websites of extra curricular projects, if they're lesser known, but still exist independently in the real world and affect lots of people? Obviously, there is no value-add to including a link to your local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. But if I helped create a large locally focused program that has a website, should I included its web address? I know this was mentioned before someplace, but I can't find the post.

jko · Answer

Think less about the word limit and more about why there's a word limit in the first place.

I think you'll agree that including a link to your blog defeats the purpose of the word limit, and the AdCom isn't going to give you props for finding a way to add content through a technicality.

whiplash2411 · Answer

I wouldn't add links to the essay. The essays are meant to see how well you can articulate the purpose of the essay in a constrained situation, not figure out ways to go over the limit. Everyone of us has a lot more we want to say than we need to - the essays are a great measure to see what you value as important, since you can only afford to leave a certain amount of material in it. I'd not add links if I were you.

cheetarah1980 · Answer

There really isn't a need for it. For example in one of my essays I mention working for a local non-profit. I simply said I did X for organization Y, a running-focused mentorship program. See I explained what the org does in 4-5 words. That's all you need to do. They don't need the background of the org or proof that it exists (although it really should exist, lol).

Anasthaesium · Answer

Well. I received some application advice on this topic that said, " if you say you write a popular blog and dont give them the link in the essay, you loose credibility". Knda torn on how true this could be.

cheetarah1980 · Answer

Couldn't you just give the name of the blog. If the adcom wants to read it they can look it up themselves. And mentioning a blog you write is a lot different than saying, "I did X for organization Y. For more details go read my blog."

I'm writing my essays now and you really have to make a judgement call on what needs further explanation and what can be left as is. I liken it to data sufficiency. You only need just enough info to answer the question.

Anasthaesium · Answer

Yes, I guess I am going to have it mentioned in some sections like "Extra curriculars" if I cant mention it in the essays.

utudas · Answer

I think it's not a good idea

cheetarah1980 · Answer

You can definitely mention it in the essay if it applies. You can say something like, 
"To further my interest in X I created a popular blog called Y that focuses on Z and attracts 500 visitors per week."

Simple sentence that lets you add a detail without needing the link. If the adcom is interested they can then look it up themselves.

whiplash2411 · Answer

It doesn't have to be in ECs. Cheetarah brings a valid point. It can just be woven into the essay with a simple statistic if it is a popular blog - why you write it, how many people visit it and how it helps people should be good.

lhomme · Answer

A lot of good points here and one additional one to keep in mind: some schools may be using printed copies of applications, so reviewers most likely won't be able to follow links even if they wanted to.

Adding a link in the essay

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards