Current Student
Joined: 29 Jun 2010
Status:Wharton bound
Affiliations: VFW, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, West Point Association of Graduates
Posts: 307
Given Kudos: 75
Concentration: Strategic Management and Finance
GMAT 2: 700
GPA: 3.3
WE 1: Army Ranger / Infantry Platoon Leader Operation Iraqi Freedom (2 yrs)
WE 2: Company Executive Officer (1 yr)
WE 3: Company Commander (2 yrs)
Re: Wharton 2012 - Calling All Applicants
[#permalink]
19 Sep 2011, 13:20
Guys, I have not been on here in awhile but just read through some recent posts:
I have been reviewing alot of veteran candidate essays and I think the key to essays is to keep things simple, honest, and compelling.
There is no magic formula and the more "consultants" tell us to sprinkle in examples here and there, the more of the human element you lose.
I agree it is important to show the diversity of your experiences, but I believe is is most important to reveal the person you are, your core values, and how you interact with people, resolve conflict, improve, and work to help others.
After being here for nearly 2 months, I can already tell how the admissions process reflects the learning team model. Of course they want great candidates, but they are evaluating your leadership charactertistics - how do you resolve conflict, handle intense emotional events? are you conscientious aka do you step up for your team and help to resolve interpersonal disputes? are you comfortable in a variety of roles from leading to filling a supporting role? how far will you go to help your team achieve their goals? do your goals spring from your personal story and values? have your past actions matched up with your goals? what kind of personal impact do you bring here.
it is alot less about filling out a formula and a lot more about openness, integrity, and telling your compelling personal story rather than impressing the committee with accomplishments
i firmly believe the class is not selected solely according to accomplishments, but by selecting the best people who will create the strongest community/environment with the best possible longevity aka alumni network
i know the process sucks, and you guys/girls are stressed but after you craft your essays, take a second and look at how those essays reveal who you are, what makes you tick, focus on leadership but remember leadership has many components liek the ones i referred to - openness, conscientiousness, emotional reactivity, etc
PM me if you need any help, I was in your shoes last year, i definitely didnt have the most impressive stats but used my experiences to create a brand around leadership and values and it paid off