I just wanted to reply to say how happen I was with the comprehensive review.
I want to say thank you to EssaySnark. They provided an comprehensive
profile review that really helped me get focused. Being a very nontraditional MBA candidate that is currently in the military, I didn’t really have a clue about how to articulate my goals in a way that would be appreciated by a university like HBS or Booth. I thought it might be beneficial to base some of my goals on the strengths of the school. For example, Booth is known for their finance and quantitative coursework.... maybe I should highlight how I am somewhat interested in learning about finance...
EssaySnark very clearly told me that is not the way to go. It made much more sense to be authentic to my true goals and to actually highlight my strengths. I am so happy I didn’t pander to what I thought the school might want to hear. Any reputable ADCOM would see right through this.
I wanted to submit numerous applications for round two. Out of nowhere, I recieved orders for a temporary duty assignment and had to drop everything. I put a hold on putting together my applications while I was overseas, but I kept EssaySnark’s advice on the back of my mind while I was away. I wrote my essays, fixed weaknesses with my resume, and thought long and hard about my goals. I basically counted out round two because I didn’t think I would have enough time to execute.
When I returned back home from my temporary assignment, I literally had a weekend before most of the due dates for the MBA programs. On a whim, I decided to apply to my top four programs. I submitted my applications to HBS, Stanford, and Booth. I also submitted an application to Harris School of Public Policy because I applied to a joint MBA/MPP program at the University of Chicago. Keep in mind, I put together all of these applications over 4 days which is not advised and pretty foolish. After submitting the applications, I thought I didn’t have a chance. After a few weeks, I received a call from Harris saying that they were happy I applied. The person that called me mentioned reading my essay and said it was “very impressive.” I still don’t have an official acceptance from Harris, but from what I understand... Harris doesn’t usually call people after you submit your application to give an impromptu interview.
Just a few days ago I find out that I was invited to interview with Booth. HBS interviews are announced in a couple days. I feel like I am on the right track.
I really owe this to EssaySnark’s feedback from the comprehensive review. I honestly do not believe my essays would have been as strong as they were without reading all of the materials on this website and without the very blunt feedback I was provided during the review. I highly recommend nontraditonal candidates to get the comprehensive review. The advice is solid, blunt, and will open your eyes to what your weaknesses and strengths are. Thank you EssaySnark!
Posted from my mobile device