Calling Chicago GSB 2008 applicants

Did any of you guys use subheadings for essay 1 since its nearly 1500 words long. I am adding more and more words but I am barely able to scratch 1000 words. Would it be considered a negative to be nearly 500 words below the limit.

I'm with you, I'm close to 1000 words. I'm considering adding a few more sentences on Why Chicago. Most other schools have limits around 750 words, or page limits that limit work out to ~1000.

That being said, the format that I am using for powerpoint allows me to put a lot of detailed points that highlight my leadership skills, personality, etc. So if I can't get there on word count, I'm not too woried. They'll get plenty more from me in the powerpoint.

I've just received my admitted package, cool.

There is an USB drive with desktop wallpapers inside it, and a message:

YOU ARE GIFTED.
Congratulations! With the admittance to Chicago GSB, you've joined an elite group of top business leaders and thinkers. Until you arrive on campus, visit the Harper Center virtually using the desktop wallpaper provided on this USB drive.

Nice! Especially the subliminal message in bold.

Do you mind posting the wallpaper here?

I wanna see the wallpaper too. I didn't get a USB drive. But I did get the ridiculous admissions letter last year. I don't remember if it was quite like that, but it was pretty over the top too.

LOL... I love that "You are Gifted! Now come join us... "

https://rapidshare.com/files/78169831/GSB.zip.html

Thanks kwam. I've posted one of those pics in the first post of this thread. Hope you don't mind.

Congrats to all the admits. For the others, I am sure all this hard work is going to pay off in another school.

Some advice please...
I am preparing for Round 2 and struggling with the Powerpoint. My questions:

1) What was the balance between Pictures and words. Is there an implicit requirement for more pictures than words? What did you guys do.
2) Did you include personal pictures or generic pictures
3) Did you use notes inaddition to the slides? How was it useful.

Is there any design/tips/ideas for this essay floating around in this forum. I did not see any so far.

My thoughts are leading towards a typical consulting deck and I am not happy.

Any input will be highly appreciated.

Thanks

Hi all, to add on to g.matter's questions -

The instructions say that we are allowed to add descriptions for our slides in a separate document. So does it mean that we can add a 300-400 word description for each of our slides?

Thx

I thought the instructions said one paragraph of 200 words is all that's allowed for the ppt.

Oh ..then my bad .. just pretty drunk after my R1 debacle!!

What debacle are you talking abt? You scored an interview with Stanford for heaven's sakes!

haha, I would love to have a Stanford interview "debacle"

Have officially joined the R2 bandwagon now. Applied yesterday.

So I'll give you two tidbits:

The first I've heard the admission staff say again and again to visiting students during info sessions, so take heed of this and consider it gospel.

"The best powerpoints we see are ones that don't repeat what's already largely been said in the essays."

I know, its not earth shattering, but apparently, its pretty common.

I've also heard that, apparently, some people submitted some that were "inappropriate". Though I don't know specifics, I'd guess these are probably ones that include photos of someone partying in an effort to show off their social side. In general, if it might be inappropriate, don't use it.

Now for my own entirely fallible two cents: Without outing people -- as many of them are here -- the ones that struck me as most noteworthy are the ones that didn't try so hard. Those that were honest and just showed me what the person was like - their interests, goals, hobbies - without trying to mold those thoughts into "leadership" or "teamwork" or otherwise trying to portray something or fit a particular mold.

If I were to make a ppt now, I'd focus on things outside of work, I'd ignore much of the business of volunteering or extracurriculars and just make 4 pages about my interests, travel experiences, sports activities, goofy interests -- basically anything that could be memorable and unique.

Thanks rhyme - That is helpful.

BTW - any repplicants to Chicago? If so, where did you guys include the "How did you enhance your candidacy" essay. I am wondering if you can include it in the optional essay.

What did you guys do?

Thanks.