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naturallight
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How much do the essays count? 04 Jul 2006, 19:39
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Of the total application, how much do the essays count? 10%? 40%?

I have a feeling that the essays will give me trouble. The questions look for people who do one thing and do it really well, whereas I'm just the opposite--I like to dip my toes into everything.

For example, while I'm a news and politics junkie, I've never managed a campaign, much less even volunteered.

My raw data is fairly competitive (730, 3.5, 4 yrs work exp at good investment firm, just promoted to manager, just took level 3 of the CFA), and I want to at least give Chicago and Haas a shot.

But let's just assume that my essays will be weak. Should I even apply to Stanford and Wharton, or would NYU and UCLA be more realistic?

Thanks for any input!
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ps_dahiya
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How much do the essays count? 04 Jul 2006, 19:54
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How you gonna tell somebody about you in writing? Essays.

I think its the total package but probably the essays are the most important. I know people admitted to top b-schools with 650 score and strong essays and I also know people rejected with 770 score and weak essays. I don't want to discourage you but assays can be improved. You are the best person to write strong essays and could also take help from Consultants. Many times, incidence that we think are small are actually really important and we generally don't mention those in our essays. So think retrospectively and note down the points whenever they come to your mind. Then put the points noted into words and you should be fine.

Good luck.
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naturallight
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How much do the essays count? 05 Jul 2006, 20:28
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Thanks for your input, ps_dahiya. I guess wth some time and effort I can figure something out.
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helg
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How much do the essays count? 24 Jul 2006, 03:21
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naturallight, you've got pretty competitive initial data (I mean GMAT and likes).

If you just invest a bit of your time in your essays I'm sure you will be just fine! ;)
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nickiestardust
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How much do the essays count? 19 Aug 2006, 10:05
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Essays are the most important -- and also one of the things that are in your control. You can make them shine! Just invest the time and energy to really give it your all. And if you think you need to, get help from others that know you and/or a consultant.