How important is the data form??

Question

I'm beginning to work on what I'll include in the data forms. How important is this information? Do you need to think strategically about what you say and go over every section with a fine toothed comb or does the adcom merely glance at this information to figure out your background and then use the essays to really evaluate you?

Thanks!

Thanks!

solaris1 · Answer

Why leave the possibility open that despite stellar experiences, test scores and essays, you get waitlisted instead of another very similar applicant simply because he/she spent a day or two refining the stuff both of you were asked to put into those data forms into really compelling nuggets of information?

You need to bring your "A-game" when you complete the application, and the application isn't just the essays.

You need to bring your "A-game" when you complete the application, and the application isn't just the essays.

ko · Answer

When I first read that, I thought you meant that "You need to bring your A- game", as in "A minus game." :lol:

solaris1 · Answer

I'm a chronic underachiever, smkrn. "A minus" works just fine for me. :-D

Any admission committees reading this, I'm kidding. I radiate leadership!!

cpgmba · Answer

Point taken! Kudos! Now, for the formatting of this data. Since you can't use bullets, do you write it like a mini essay paragraph? Or do you just list off accomplishments?

Thanks!

solaris1 · Answer

You check with your adcom about that, for instance I know Columbia says either way is OK. I don't think formatting matters much here - the content is probably more what they pay attention to.

--edit--

I actually meant to say either bullets or short paragraphs - if the form is just a text box and you can't use a proper bullet, just use an asterisk or a hyphen in place of the bullet, i.e. " - Accomplished XYZ....." and "- Achieved ABC...."

JohnLewis1980 · Answer

Hi guys, here you have my two cents:

make your essays easy to read

Imagine the amount of essays the adcom can read. If you make your essays easier to read, they tend to evaluate better than other people whose essays are a little bit more difficult to read

I used this technique in my exams and the teachers' feedback was (always) positive

Cheers

kwam · Answer

I agree with solaris, why take risks? If you are applying to Stanford you will see that its form is as hard to fill up as the essays, while others such as MIT are very straightforward. Anyway tackle it with the same intensity and the way it really deserve, avoiding unnecessary risks.

msday · Answer

I am keeping the materials in the dataforms brief and simple. I HOPE that the admissions committee doesn't need to resort to choosing between two candidates based on the dataform entries.

If I haven't differentiated myself from another applicant based on essays, resume, GMAT, GPA, work experience, and interview (hopefully), then I don't deserve to get in anyway, right?

How important is the data form??

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