GMATcram wrote:
Hi Paul,
1. Should I mention in Kellogg Essay 3 - Assessment Essay that I raised my GMAT from 550 to 680? I don't emphasize 680, but the effort I reduced the gap worths mentioning?
2. I consider adding some minor negative trait to "assessment essay". By highlighting some minor weakness, I will add a feeling of a "honest guy". I can add my weakness such as Verbal/ Speaking. How adcoms see these?
Thanks.
GMATcram,
The jump in your score is probably not worth highlighting for two reasons: it underscores the fact that you once got a 550, which isn't very good. Your 680, while good, is not quite at the level where you can feel fully confident that you're competitive with the rest of their class, so mentioning the 550 only draws attention to this fact. The jump does show your determination and hard work, I imagine, but it might also invite the question: is the 550 the measure of your "true" aptitude before all the "GMAT cramming." Do you see where I'm going? It's a dicey thing.
I don't know your profile so I can't advise you what your weakness is, but I'm guessing you certainly have one or two (most people do). I wouldn't try to get clever about naming a "harmless" weakness; I would name the *true* weakness--which they will see whether you name it or not--and then add some damage control material to mitigate it--show them why it's not as bad as they might think.
Hope this helps.