geography & essays?

Question

Ok, I think I know the answer to this, but thought I'd throw it out there anyway.

I am applying to Duke and UNC - both of which will fit my needs and provide a great experience. But what finally tipped these two into my portfolio was the geography. My partner is a soon-to-be microbiology PhD, and would have tons of opportunties there.

Obviously I need to make the case for how the school fits ME. But what about the geography question?

My point here is that I am gonna guess that good geography leads to better yields. Case in point: we are hiring at the CU. Geography has turned out to be a big deal. 2 candidates we liked a lot withdrew because their spouses didn't want to be in I-town. Two others have stuck with it because the spouse wants to be here. 

So, after saying "this school and I are a match made in heaven, blahblahblah...." what about adding "and my partner likes it too?"

thoughts?

EconGirl · Answer

I was reluctent to bring up geography as a reason anywhere I applied only because it did not 'sound' like important enough of a reason to mention (and forgo mentioning other school specific characteristics). However, in reality geography is one of the most important considerations. 

If I were you I would mention your partner's opinion only if you could say taht Duke's or UNC's exceptional partners' program impressed him, etc.

jaynayak · Answer

In my opinion , mentioning that your partner is equally excited about the school should not hurt.

I have seen a lot of people play the geography card, but cannot atteast whether it actually helps or not. I think it all depends how you play the card. Geography is something the schools know about but how you tie geography to your case may turn the it into advantage.

aaudetat · Answer

I personally think it's probably better to include this sort of info at the interview stage. I think econgirl is right that there are so many other things that are probably more important to fit within those word limits. I can't imagine it would hurt, but I think it would not help as much as other topics.

Anyway, that's what I've decided. UNC is DONE! Someone I work with tomorrow is going to take a look over for typ-os, but then it's upload and out. Sigh. One ALMOST down.

rhyme · Answer

Your partner? Does this mean I have to stop entertaining thoughts of us running away together to some deserted island where you talk to me about options pricing theories while we make love? 

Sigh.

rhyme · Answer

Thats the way to do it - express their interesst in the partners program.... not in the geography.

batchgmat · Answer

Lol, you had me burst out laughing with that. Hmm...which makes me think...A personals / dating section for GMATClubbers? :lol:

eazyb81 · Answer

It's sounds like you have decided against this, but were you originally planning on fitting it into the goals essay or just mentioning it in the optional?

aaudetat · Answer

Rhyme:

I don't know anything about pricing. Non-profit girl. We do it for free. But I will help you claim the education credits when you finally decide which offer to take. And if you promise to bring your now-famous butt plug collection, I could be persuaded. 

Fantasies never hurt. That's why I am applying to Stanford.

Kisses
amy

aaudetat · Answer

I was thinking the "Mikey likes it too" line would go in the "why is this the right MBA for you" part.

But really, I do think the interview is better. It's a better venue for getting more personal (Rhyme, no comments). You can look around all wide-eyed and say, "Golly, Graham sure told me this place was great, but wow! We are both sold on the area, I tell you!"

rhyme · Answer

LOL, btw the Stanford quote is priceless. Nicely done.

fluffydot · Answer

I am debating over this issue also... does this sound like I am just reaching for more reasons?

I wrote:

"The city of Chicago is very similar to that of Toronto: a large metropolitan area with many top firms but without the added costs and pretentiousness of New York City. "

I don't know if I should use such a strong negative word in my essay but it is so true... what do u guys think?

pelihu · Answer

I would suggest keeping all comments positive. You can say that Chicago has an agreeable cost of living and down to earth people. They will know that you what you are getting at. Talking negatively about the competition can backfire.

Also, consider that in marketing, #1 almost never talks about #2; while #2 always tries to compare itself to #1. If you don't even mention NY, then Chicago will assume they are #1 to you. If you spend time bashing NY, then Chicago will think that they are second.

fluffydot · Answer

Excellent comments! Thanks, I really needed this. My brain doesn't want to work on essays anymore... can't wait to get this one finished!

geography & essays?

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