Calling Chicago GSB 2008 applicants

What aspect of the application did you think was the most critical ?
I decided to make my essays and presentation a very personal/informal thing, surely not being too informal.

What was unique about your application that you think helped you the most ?
Esssay 2, I think, my PPT was almost another essay, I couldn't do with bullet points...

How did you think your slides helped you ? What were some of the things that you focused on in your slides ?

It was tough until I got the idea of what I wanted to tell, then everything came naturally, though very slowly - I took 1 month, thinking, writing and making the lay-out.

Were you over the word limit ? If so how much ?
No, exactly on word limits.

If you want I'd be glad to send you my application stuff.

Good Luck with GSB

I am concerned that my PPT will look too simple and they will think that I didn't spend much time on it. However, it is supposed to be mainly narrated through the pictures. I guess we'll see how it goes. I would say that my GSB app may be my most unorthodox. High risk/reward I guess.

Kwam, I am assuming your avatar means you have decided on going to GSB???

I was about to ask...

You definitely claimed a good avatar if you are going to GSB, thats one of the cooler school icons I have seen.

Yeah .. very cool avatar, kwam!

What aspect of the application did you think was the most critical ?
Know GSB... I was talked about a half dozen experiences with the school/students, naming names and being very specific.

What was unique about your application that you think helped you the most ?
Chicago's essays are very much on the creative side, so everybody probably had a different approach to essay 2 and the ppt. I think in the end however, my work experience and goals are somewhat different from those of the normal pool of applicants.

How personal / formal were your applications ?
Not sure what this means. My goals essay was pretty formal, but my ppt was purposefully casual. The format I presented it was somewhat of a gimmick... it wouldn't surprise me if others did a similar thing, so I am glad I got it in this first round.

How did you think your slides helped you ? What were some of the things that you focused on in your slides ?
My slides were completely focused on my extracurricular activities, so I guess it humanized me.

Were you over the word limit ? If so how much ?
I think I was over in both written essays, but not by much. (< 10%)

I'm very happy and somewhat proud of getting into GSB, it's a great school and fits perfectly well for my desired aspirations; however, I'm not yet withdrawing to other applications and will send S application (though I think it's very hard, especially because of my age). Am I allowed to use the avatar in my situation?

I'm already planning at the end of Feb start of march, to visit GSB, perhaps other school I would be still in the process and S, but everybody tells me that once I see the Harper Center I won't change the school for nothing.

Anyway, something tells me that I'm heading Chicago next Fall


The avatar I took from the Admitted students site, I'm very impressed with the information provided, especially on the virtual day at the GSB.

Did any of you guys use subheadings for essay 1 since its nearly 1500 words long. I am adding more and more words but I am barely able to scratch 1000 words. Would it be considered a negative to be nearly 500 words below the limit.

I'm with you, I'm close to 1000 words. I'm considering adding a few more sentences on Why Chicago. Most other schools have limits around 750 words, or page limits that limit work out to ~1000.

That being said, the format that I am using for powerpoint allows me to put a lot of detailed points that highlight my leadership skills, personality, etc. So if I can't get there on word count, I'm not too woried. They'll get plenty more from me in the powerpoint.

I've just received my admitted package, cool.

There is an USB drive with desktop wallpapers inside it, and a message:

YOU ARE GIFTED.
Congratulations! With the admittance to Chicago GSB, you've joined an elite group of top business leaders and thinkers. Until you arrive on campus, visit the Harper Center virtually using the desktop wallpaper provided on this USB drive.

Nice! Especially the subliminal message in bold.

Do you mind posting the wallpaper here?

I wanna see the wallpaper too. I didn't get a USB drive. But I did get the ridiculous admissions letter last year. I don't remember if it was quite like that, but it was pretty over the top too.

LOL... I love that "You are Gifted! Now come join us... "

https://rapidshare.com/files/78169831/GSB.zip.html

Thanks kwam. I've posted one of those pics in the first post of this thread. Hope you don't mind.

Congrats to all the admits. For the others, I am sure all this hard work is going to pay off in another school.

Some advice please...
I am preparing for Round 2 and struggling with the Powerpoint. My questions:

1) What was the balance between Pictures and words. Is there an implicit requirement for more pictures than words? What did you guys do.
2) Did you include personal pictures or generic pictures
3) Did you use notes inaddition to the slides? How was it useful.

Is there any design/tips/ideas for this essay floating around in this forum. I did not see any so far.

My thoughts are leading towards a typical consulting deck and I am not happy.

Any input will be highly appreciated.

Thanks