Calling all MIT Sloan Fall 2011 Applicants!

I thoroughly agree with you..it suck big time to prepare for 3-4 apps and if a person doesn't qualify for either of them, all the hardwork of 3-4 months is gone down the drain. I have experienced this and and its a frustrating feeling. Better they prepare one common application for all the schools or have same questions atleast!

I'm with RogerDodger on this one. After my first drafts for Kellogg's and Haas's essays, I'm drawing a blank for Sloan's essays. For whatever reason, I can't seem to find ways to fit my experiences into these essays. I don't have a good feeling about Sloan, and I've barely begun!!

R1 for me.

Haas' entire set of short answer questions will be interesting.

Wiredo - glad to hear I'm not alone. I'm also bummed Sloan limits you to examples from the past 3 years only. I deployed to the Middle East so I would have liked to describe my experience there, but that was more than 3 years ago.

Agree, 3 yr limit is very challenging. It is even more challenging for a re-applicant like me as one of my significant accomplishment has been rolled off the radar of a 3 yr moving window. Since I cannot mention the ones I wrote about last yr, I've to come up with new experiences for all the essays.

They really try to showcase their value of innovation ( & their 'hand and mind' motto) by asking for a different set and type(action based) of essays than most other schools. I gathered from their info session that unless it is a long term thing that extends into the last 3 yrs, they really do want us to confine us to the last 3 yrs. They know that most students switch careers, so they are least bothered about our career goals.
I say to myself that if I cannot overcome these challenges as a future business leader , I deserve a ding. Saying this to myself keeps me going

Why can't you use last year's accomplishments? It falls within the three year range and there is no guarantee that last year's application will be read.

Posted from my mobile device

I will definitely use last year's accomplishments in some places. However, the essays need to look refreshing. Although, the appln need to stand out by itself, I think they do look at last yr's application to see what efforts you've taken to improve your candidacy.

Ah yes, 'mens et manus' -- I actually like Slaon's values/approach... it's just causing me heartburn since I have to demonstrate how I fit into the culture.

(roll call updated)

Kudos on staying motivated. Hopefully we can all give each other a little inspiration over the next couple months.

Well, if you ask me, the 3 years limit doesn't hurt me a bit. As it is, I am a early career MBA aspirant with around 2 years of work ex only atm. So all my professional accomplishments ,including "getting a job" come into play. I believe it puts me at a advantage over other more experienced candidates who are not allowed to dig into their past.

That's definitely a good strategy for Sloan and I'm glad you brought it up. I never thought much of it, but a few months ago I set out to join a smaller company and left my Big4 consulting firm in order to do so. Risky move in this job climate - so maybe I'll highlight that.

Everyone have a good weekend? I think I'm mostly done with my MIT essays, but I'll probably review them again after my Haas essays to see if there's any new content to work in.

Please add me to the roll call for R1.
I am pretty much done with the essays too, however I probably won't send my recommenders the link till after labor day and submit sometime in late September.

Does anyone know where I can find the recommender questions for MIT? One of my recommenders wanted to look at them and just brainstrom his ideas.

I don't think they've them online. The best way to obtain them is to fill the application partially and add the recommenders' list. He/She'll get a link to the Qs.

Here is the set from last year.

1. How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant?
2. How does the applicant stand out from others in a similar capacity?
3. Please provide an example of the applicant's impact on a person, group, or organization.
4. Please provide a representative example of how the applicant interacts with other people.
5. Which of the applicant's personal or professional characteristics would you change?
6. Please tell us anything else you think we should know about this applicant.

thanks gogetter!

I am in for Round 1.

I am in round 2.

Possible reason why last 3 years is that this period includes crises and how you guys performed well during this period.

Avernusaur
I am interested in applying to sloan too.. You mentioned talking to adcom in your cover letter points below.. - interactions with students and admissions officers - can you please elaborate.. I am getting into the game and would like to know how to do this - is a visit necessary? do we set up appointments with alumni? Please enlighten.. Thanks
MainHoon