kiev79 wrote:
Hello, and thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!
I'm in the process of filling out my application to Oxford, and am really confused by one of its two essay questions:
Which recent development, world event or book has most influenced your thinking and why? (maximum 2000 words)
This is the larger of the two, and, therefore, seemingly more important one.
I don't quite understand what an MBA AdCom is trying to learn about me through this question. Do they want to understand me better as a person outside the business environment or see how I apply non-professional influences to my professional life? Or do they actually want me to talk about something business-related in this essay?
I guess, this question would not pose much of a challenge to me if it had been one of 5 or 6 questions, but it seems to be the cornerstone of the application! The other essay question is, by the way: Explain why you chose your current job. How do you hope to see your career developing over the next five years? How will an MBA assist you in the development of these ambitions? (maximum 1000 words).
Sincerely,
Vlad
They are trying to get to know you here as a thinking person, and don't feel compelled to write on a professional topic. This is akin to Stanford's Essay A "What matters to you most and why?"
Good luck!