Calling all MIT Sloan Fall 2011 Applicants!

Agree, 3 yr limit is very challenging. It is even more challenging for a re-applicant like me as one of my significant accomplishment has been rolled off the radar of a 3 yr moving window. Since I cannot mention the ones I wrote about last yr, I've to come up with new experiences for all the essays.

They really try to showcase their value of innovation ( & their 'hand and mind' motto) by asking for a different set and type(action based) of essays than most other schools. I gathered from their info session that unless it is a long term thing that extends into the last 3 yrs, they really do want us to confine us to the last 3 yrs. They know that most students switch careers, so they are least bothered about our career goals.
I say to myself that if I cannot overcome these challenges as a future business leader , I deserve a ding. Saying this to myself keeps me going

Why can't you use last year's accomplishments? It falls within the three year range and there is no guarantee that last year's application will be read.

Posted from my mobile device

I will definitely use last year's accomplishments in some places. However, the essays need to look refreshing. Although, the appln need to stand out by itself, I think they do look at last yr's application to see what efforts you've taken to improve your candidacy.

Ah yes, 'mens et manus' -- I actually like Slaon's values/approach... it's just causing me heartburn since I have to demonstrate how I fit into the culture.

(roll call updated)

Kudos on staying motivated. Hopefully we can all give each other a little inspiration over the next couple months.

Well, if you ask me, the 3 years limit doesn't hurt me a bit. As it is, I am a early career MBA aspirant with around 2 years of work ex only atm. So all my professional accomplishments ,including "getting a job" come into play. I believe it puts me at a advantage over other more experienced candidates who are not allowed to dig into their past.

That's definitely a good strategy for Sloan and I'm glad you brought it up. I never thought much of it, but a few months ago I set out to join a smaller company and left my Big4 consulting firm in order to do so. Risky move in this job climate - so maybe I'll highlight that.

Everyone have a good weekend? I think I'm mostly done with my MIT essays, but I'll probably review them again after my Haas essays to see if there's any new content to work in.

Please add me to the roll call for R1.
I am pretty much done with the essays too, however I probably won't send my recommenders the link till after labor day and submit sometime in late September.

Does anyone know where I can find the recommender questions for MIT? One of my recommenders wanted to look at them and just brainstrom his ideas.

I don't think they've them online. The best way to obtain them is to fill the application partially and add the recommenders' list. He/She'll get a link to the Qs.

Here is the set from last year.

1. How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant?
2. How does the applicant stand out from others in a similar capacity?
3. Please provide an example of the applicant's impact on a person, group, or organization.
4. Please provide a representative example of how the applicant interacts with other people.
5. Which of the applicant's personal or professional characteristics would you change?
6. Please tell us anything else you think we should know about this applicant.

thanks gogetter!

I am in for Round 1.

I am in round 2.

Possible reason why last 3 years is that this period includes crises and how you guys performed well during this period.

Avernusaur
I am interested in applying to sloan too.. You mentioned talking to adcom in your cover letter points below.. - interactions with students and admissions officers - can you please elaborate.. I am getting into the game and would like to know how to do this - is a visit necessary? do we set up appointments with alumni? Please enlighten.. Thanks
MainHoon

Add my name for round 2. MIT Sloan is a dream!

something similar happened with me. I have significant accomplishment at 3 year boundary. That means i've to apply this year in Sloan just to cover that accomplishment.

Sloan seems very different than other schools. They are more interested in your past work rather then what you'll gonna do in future. They expect the same kinda answers(answers related to past work rather then future) in their interviews.

Thanks for passing along the great link WP06. His comment regarding the difference between speaking from the mind vs. the heart struck a chord with me as well.

How are your essays coming along? I just about wrapped with my cover letter -- sitting at 530 words though Time to get out the red pen.

Does anyone else go through this internal monologue when writing essays?: "Eff... how am I going to stretch this out to [X number]?" then 30 minutes later... "Eff... how am I going to keep this to only [X number]?"

Maybe it's just me...

(roll call updated)

Yea, I am working on those essays also,

My approach is probably similar to yours trying to balance out essays to show combat leadership, humanitarian side, and relationship building with Iraqi Army/Local City Council so not all my stories are combat craziness.

Cover Letter, I am working on now.

Are you heading up for a campus visit? I scheduled one for Sept 24 during leave.

The only thing I'm worried about is GMAT, I had to do a last minute cancel a couple weeks back due to a major problem at my unit where I had to come back. That sucked so now I am hitting it again Oct 16, which is last minute, but I will be out of Command and have more time to refresh and get my mind right for the test.

I am hoping the quote on the website that

"Remember that the most important information you can provide is a candid look at your story and the experiences that have shaped who you are today" will help me. I know I still am up against the odds until I improve GMAT but I know my story is compelling enough to hopefully warrant a closer look. Time will tell I guess.

Good luck everyone