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15 Jun 2021, 12:00
| FROM mbaMission Blog: Stanford Graduate School of Business Essay Analysis, 2021–2022 |
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[url=https://i0.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/stanford-gsb-logo.jpg?ssl=1][img]https://i0.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/stanford-gsb-logo.jpg?resize=300%2C97&ssl=1[/img][/url] The Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) requires only two essays of its candidates, though its long-standing first essay question—about “what matters most” to applicants—is one we have seen many people struggle with over the years. The largely open-ended nature of the prompt often stymies candidates, who understandably want to avoid making any wrong moves in their application. The GSB’s second essay question is comparatively straightforward, asking applicants to explain why they have chosen the school for their MBA, but crafting the best possible response will demand some thorough research into what the institution offers and an ability to clearly show a connection between certain resources and the candidate’s unique personality and needs. With a 1,050-word total allowance for the school’s two required essays and 1,200 characters (not words) for each of its optional questions, applicants need to be judicious in selecting their desired messages and succinct in conveying them. (The [b][url=https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/programs/mba/admission/application/essays]admissions committee states[/url][/b] on the GSB site and in its application, “We often find effective essays that are written in fewer words.”) Read on for our full analysis of the GSB’s essay and optional question prompts. [b]We request that you write two personal essays. Both essays combined may not exceed 1,050 words. We recommend 650 words for Essay A and up to 400 words for Essay B. We often find effective essays that are written in fewer words.[/b] [b]Essay A: What matters most to you, and why? [/b] [b]For this essay, we would like you to reflect deeply and write from the heart. Once you’ve identified what matters most to you, help us understand why. You might consider, for example, what makes this so important to you? What people, insights, or experiences have shaped your perspectives?[/b] When candidates ask us, “What should I write for what matters most to me?,” we offer some pretty simple guidance: start brainstorming for this essay by asking yourself that very question. What does matter most to you? This might seem like obvious advice, of course, but many applicants get flustered by the question, believing that an actual “right” answer exists that they must provide to satisfy the admissions committee. As a result, they never pause to actually consider their sincere responses, which are typically the most compelling. The GSB itself notes on [url=https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/programs/mba/admission/application/essays][b]its essay page[/b][/url], “There is no ‘right answer’ to these questions—the best answer is the one that is truest for you.” We therefore encourage you to contemplate this question in depth and push yourself to explore the psychological and philosophical motivations behind your goals and achievements—behind who you are today. We cannot emphasize this enough: do not make a snap decision about the content of this essay. Once you have identified what you believe is an appropriate theme, discuss your idea(s) with those with whom you are closest and whose input you respect. Doing so can help validate deeply personal and authentic themes, leading to an essay that truly stands out. Once you have fully examined your options and identified your main themes, do not simply provide a handful of supporting anecdotes—or worse, recycle the stories you used in a similar essay for another school. A strong essay response to this question will involve a true exploration of the themes you have chosen and reveal a thorough analysis of decisions, motives, and successes/failures, with a constant emphasis on how you conduct yourself. If you are merely telling stories and trying to tie in your preconceived conclusions, you are probably forcing a theme on your reader rather than genuinely analyzing your experiences, and any experienced admissions reader will see right through this. In short, be sure to fully consider and identify your most authentic answer(s), outline your essay accordingly, and then infuse your writing with your personality, thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Stanford encourages you to give special attention to why the subject you have chosen to write about is the most important to you. This “why” element needs to be very clear in your essay—it should be implied by what you are discussing and sharing. If you need to explicitly declare, “And what matters most to me is…,” your essay is not making a strong enough point on its own. A well-constructed essay that is infused with your values and motivation and that clearly conveys the reasons you made certain decisions should effectively and implicitly reveal the “why” behind your chosen topic—and will almost always make a stronger point. [url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/what-matters-and-what-more][img]https://i1.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wmwm-cover.jpg?resize=232%2C300&ssl=1[/img][/url] “What Matters?” and “What More?”: 50 Successful Essays for the Stanford GSB and HBS (and Why They Worked). One final note is that you can write about a popular theme as long as you truly own the experience. However, the odds are very low that you could write on a theme that the Stanford GSB’s admissions committee has never read about before. You can discuss whatever you truly care about in your essay, but you absolutely must support your topic with a wealth of experience that shows how you have uniquely lived it. Therefore, for example, you cannot successfully write about “making a difference” if you have volunteered only occasionally, but if you have truly had a significant impact on someone’s life, then the topic is no longer a cliché—it is true to who you genuinely are. So, focus less on trying to choose the “right” subject for your essay and more on identifying one that is personal and authentic to you. If you write powerfully about your topic and connect it directly to your experiences and values, your essay should be a winner. For even more targeted advice about how to approach this mainstay question for the Stanford GSB—and to see 50 annotated essays from successful past candidates for inspiration—check out our new book [url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/what-matters-and-what-more][b]“What Matters?” and “What More?”: 50 Successful Essays for the Stanford GSB and HBS (and Why They Worked)[/b][/url]. [b]Essay B: Why Stanford? [/b] [b]Describe your aspirations and how your Stanford GSB experience will help you realize them. [/b] As we stated earlier, on the GSB’s application essays page, the admissions committee stresses that it has no “right” answer in mind for its essay questions and wants applicants to share their story in their “genuine voice.” This means it does not have a preferred job or industry in mind that it is waiting to hear you say you plan to enter. It really just wants to understand your personal vision and why you feel a Stanford MBA (or MSx) in particular is necessary to facilitate this vision. If you try to present yourself as someone or something you are not, you will ultimately undermine your candidacy. Trust the admissions committee (and us) on this one! The “why our school?” topic is a common element of a typical personal statement, so we encourage you to download your free copy of the [url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/personal-statement-guide][b]mbaMission Personal Statement Guide[/b][/url], which helps applicants write this style of essay for any school. It explains ways of approaching this subject effectively and offers several sample essays as guides. And for a thorough exploration of the Stanford GSB’s academic program, unique offerings, social life, and other key characteristics, check out the [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/stanford-graduate-school-of-business-insider-s-guide]mbaMission Insider’s Guide to the Stanford Graduate School of Business[/url][/b], which is also available for free. [b]Optional Question 1: Think about times you’ve created a positive impact, whether in professional, extracurricular, academic, or other settings. What was your impact? What made it significant to you or to others? (Up to 1,200 characters, or approximately 200 words, for each example) [/b] [b]In the Essays section of the application, we ask you to tell us about who you are and how you think Stanford will help you achieve your aspirations. We are also interested in learning about the things you have done that are most meaningful to you. If you would like to go beyond your resume to discuss some of your contributions more fully, you are welcome to share up to three examples. [/b] We know from experience that when asked to write an essay that is more personal than professional or that focuses on a “why” rather than a “what,” some applicants—and particularly those with strong quant backgrounds or mind-sets—get extremely concerned that the admissions committee will not understand or recognize how successful they have been in their career or life to date. Perhaps they feel their greatest strengths are demonstrated by their accomplishments and therefore believe that not highlighting these for the admissions committee will mean certain rejection. This is simply not true, but we understand that this can be difficult to accept. We suspect that many past Stanford GSB candidates simply could not resist talking more about their achievements in Essay A than about their values, personal interests, beliefs, and emotions—ultimately depriving the admissions committee of the information it truly wanted. These optional mini essays provide an outlet for such applicants and their success stories. Candidates can focus on the more personal aspects of their profile in their first essay, as the GSB wants, and can then highlight their standout skills and triumphs here (if they wish), providing still more data on which the admissions committee can base its final decision. First, keep in mind that this is an optional element of your application. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity only if you feel you have a story (or stories) that the admissions committee truly needs to be able to evaluate your candidacy fully and fairly. Just because you can submit additional information here does not mean that you must (i.e., you will not be penalized for not doing so!), and if you are essentially asking the already overtaxed admissions readers to do additional work on your application, you need to make sure that extra effort is worthwhile. Similarly, although the school states that you may discuss three impact situations, sharing just one or two is absolutely acceptable. They key is to focus on conveying stories that are truly significant and revelatory of who you are, what you can do, and/or what kind of effect you have had on others, not just on filling every available space on the application. Despite your limited word count here, do your best to “show,” or really spell out, how things unfolded—rather than just stating the accomplishment or flatly presenting the situation—to give the admissions reader some perspective on how you conduct yourself and achieve. And because the school wants to know about “your impact,” you will obviously have to convey the results of your actions. The GSB wants to understand that the decisions you made and steps you took clearly paid off and that a project, company, organization, individual, or product subsequently experienced a positive change. Finally, do not gloss over the “why” factor here, and be sure to delineate the reason the outcome was so meaningful. [b]Optional Question 2: Tell us about a time within the last three years when your background influenced your participation in a situation, interaction, or project. (Up to 1,200 characters, or approximately 200 words)[/b] [b]We know that each person is more than a list of facts or pre-defined categories. We are interested in how your background may have influenced your life experiences. In answering this question, consider how your background, such as your work, education, skills, interests, culture, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, where/how you grew up, and/or other factors, had an impact on your recent actions and choices. [/b] Your background is, to a large extent, what makes you who you are—the “nurture” aspect of the “nature versus nurture” equation. The things you have seen, experienced, felt, done, and learned; the people you have encountered; and the values you have adopted along the way have helped create the frame through which you view the world around you and formed you into the unique individual you are. Literally no one else in the world has had exactly the same life as you. With this prompt, Stanford wants to better understand not only who you now are but also how who you are influences how you interact with others. This goes beyond just the form in which this interaction occurs to include what inspires or compels you to act (or react). How do your qualities, knowledge, and/or values motivate you, and how do you then apply them? For this question, you must offer the school an example that illustrates both. The Stanford GSB, like all top MBA programs, values applicants who can contribute as students to its greater community and to everyone’s collective educational experience. This query gets at the heart of that by asking you to show your willingness and capacity to draw on either your past or your abilities, if not both, when involved with a project, situation, or interaction. Again, the school is not asking simply about a time when you applied your knowledge or offered input because it was asked of you but instead for a time when you engaged with a situation because of some personal connection with it—“when your background influenced your participation.” For example, perhaps you encountered a problem that was similar in many ways to one you had faced before, and the insight and proficiency you gained from that earlier experience inspired you to want to assist in addressing the more recent one. Or maybe an opportunity arose that involved an element close to your heart—as in, it related to a value you hold dear or to a personal interest or hobby that you especially enjoy—and your connection to that element compelled you to become involved. Because the prompt stipulates that your example be something that occurred within the past three years, this cannot be an incident from high school or earlier, and a story from college would be an option only if you graduated somewhat recently. Note also that this time frame applies to the instance in which you acted and not to the part of your background that impelled you to act. That could be, depending on your situation, something that has been part of you from birth, even. Most likely, then, you should consider discussing a workplace story, but we want to point out that whatever you describe does not necessarily have to have been a required part of your job responsibilities. For example, perhaps you noticed that some new coworkers were struggling to integrate themselves into the social aspects of your department, maybe not showing up for the team’s monthly happy hour or joining in for Bagel Fridays in the conference room. You might have then drawn on the skills and experience you gained from years as a camp counselor or as the eldest sibling in a multichild family to find a way to help them comfortably assimilate. Keep in mind that your response must not exceed 1,200 characters, which to our understanding includes spaces. This is a little longer than the previous two paragraphs combined. [b]Additional Information: If there is any information that is critical for us to know and is not captured elsewhere, include it in the “Additional Information” section of the application. Pertinent examples include:[/b] [list] [b]Extenuating circumstances affecting your candidacy, including academic, work, or test-taking experiences[/b][/*] [/list] [list] [b]Academic experience (e.g., independent research) not noted elsewhere[/b][/*] [/list] We tend to believe that the best use of the optional essay is to explain confusing or problematic issues in your candidacy, and this prompt offers an opportunity to do just that. So, if you need to, this is your chance to address any questions an admissions officer might have about your profile, such as a poor grade or overall GPA, a low GMAT or GRE score, or a gap in your work experience. Or, as the prompt suggests, you can highlight an educational accomplishment that is not already captured in a different part of your application. In our [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/mbamission-optional-essays-guide]mbaMission Optional Essays Guide[/url][/b], we offer detailed advice on how best to take advantage of the optional essay, with multiple examples. [b]The Next Step—Mastering Your Stanford GSB Interview:[/b] Many MBA candidates find admissions interviews stressful and intimidating, but mastering this important element of the application process is definitely possible—the key is informed preparation. To help you achieve this high level of preparation, we offer our free [url=https://shop.mbamission.com/collections/interview-guides][b]Interview Guides[/b][/url]. Download your complimentary copy of the [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/stanford-gsb-interview-guide]Stanford GSB Interview Guide[/url][/b] today. |
17 Jun 2021, 12:00
| FROM mbaMission Blog: Professor Profiles: Jeffrey Carr, NYU Stern School of Business |
 Many MBA applicants feel that they are purchasing a brand when they choose a business school. However, the educational experience you will have is what is crucial to your future, and no one will affect your education more than your professors. Today, we profile Jeffrey Carr from New York University’s (NYU’s) Leonard N. Stern School of Business. Having taught at Stern for more than a decade as an adjunct associate professor (and earning the 1996 Stern/Citibank Teacher of the Year Award), Jeffrey Carr joined Stern’s full-time faculty in 2007 and is now a clinical professor of marketing and entrepreneurship. Carr also serves as director of the NYU Stern Fashion and Luxury Lab, which was launched in 2017. He was formerly the executive director of the Berkley Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation and has garnered a reputation as one of the school’s most respected marketing experts, featured by such major news outlets as NBC and the New York Times. Carr is president of Marketing Foundations Inc. and has worked on projects for such companies as Booz Allen Hamilton, IBM, General Electric, Pfizer, Kodak, Time Inc., and Unilever. As one first year we interviewed said of his experience at Stern, “So far, the most impressive class has been ‘Marketing’ with Jeff Carr,” adding, “He’s super engaging and makes you think more about the consequences of your actions in marketing than simply teaching you the tools. The class structure is very informal, but all of the students are learning a ton.” For more information about NYU Stern and 16 other top-ranked business schools, check out our free mbaMission Insider’s Guides. |
17 Jun 2021, 12:00
| FROM mbaMission Blog: What NOT to Read on GMAT Reading Comprehension Passages |
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With regard to the GMAT, raw intellectual horsepower helps, but it is not everything. Manhattan Prep’s Stacey Koprince teaches you how to perform at your best on test day by using some common sense. Ironically, to do a great job on Reading Comprehension (RC) on the GMAT, we actually have to learn what NOT to read. So many people struggle with what and how to read, but a big part of the battle is knowing what you can skim or skip! I am going to give you a quick overview of what I mean by “what NOT to read,” and then I am going to point you to some resources containing full examples of the technique. Learn the Process First, read the introduction entitled How to Read a Reading Comp Passage. (Hint: Take some notes! You are going to be trying this out on a real passage in a few minutes.) Next, you are going to try a couple of examples; one contains a Manhattan Prep passage, and one contains an Official Guide (OG) passage. When you do the exercises, keep a few things in mind: (1) Look for language clues that help distinguish between “high level” and “detail.” You want to read the “high level” information and skim or skip the “detail.” The “detail” clues tend to be more obvious: for example, for instance, one type of something, and so on. (2) The bigger the words get, the more likely we will want to skim. They are going to use technical language, but that language will almost certainly be described in easier words at some other point—ignore the technical stuff and go look for that easier description. (3) Despite #2, we are still expected to have a decent vocabulary. If you run across an unknown-to-you word that is not otherwise defined, then you are forewarned: learn this vocabulary word before you take the GMAT. Test It Out! All right, let us try some examples. I am going to have you do the Manhattan Prep example first. Once you think you have mastered that, then try the OG example. Also, if you have access to Manhattan Prep’s OG Archer study tool, I have posted a video discussion of the passage used in the article to which I linked. Try it yourself first (using the article), but you then might want to reinforce the lesson by watching the video. |
21 Jun 2021, 09:00
| FROM mbaMission Blog: MBA Admissions Myths Destroyed: My Supervisor Graduated from HBS—He Knows! |
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We at mbaMission know of a man now in his 70s who graduated from a virtually unknown Canadian undergraduate school in 1963 and who, with no work experience at all, applied to Harvard Business School (HBS), Wharton, and the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB), earning acceptance at all three (though the GSB deferred his entry for one year so he could gain a little more experience first). He ultimately studied at HBS and now runs a small grain-trading business. You could not meet a nicer man, and although he is certainly wise in many respects, one thing he knows nothing about is MBA admissions. “I attended so long ago, things must have changed since then,” he says. “I did not have any work experience at all. I had studied four years of commerce, and that was it!” Why are we telling you this? Many applicants each year tell us that their bosses, who applied to business school during far different times, have given them “sage” advice about applying and that they feel they should follow it—after all, what worked for their boss in 1966, 1976, 1986, or even 1996 must still be applicable today, right? Not quite so. For a long time, the MBA was actually not all that desirable a degree, so the admissions process was not so competitive. To give you an idea of the MBA’s relative popularity, Duke University (Fuqua) did not even start its MBA program until 1970, but its law school was founded in 1868. Yale University was founded in 1701, but it did not offer an MBA degree until 1999. So, the MBA is a relatively new degree that has only fairly recently (as of the late 1990s) reached its current level of popularity and prestige. What does all of this mean with regard to your boss’s advice? Although your supervisor may have gotten into one of your target schools, they likely did so years ago and therefore may not have had to contend with the steep competition you now face. Your boss may also not know anything about what the admissions process is like today and could be—however inadvertently—leading you astray. If your supervisor starts any bit of their well-intended advice with the phrase “when I applied,” you should view the coming declaration with tremendous caution. |
21 Jun 2021, 09:00
| FROM mbaMission Blog: Sustainability MBA at Duquesne University and Social Impact MBA at Boston University |
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Appealing to professionals at all stages of their careers, Duquesne University’s Palumbo Donahue School of Business offers an accelerated, 12-month MBA Sustainable Business Practices program with an integrated focus on sustainability and the environment. With core course work centered on such focus areas as “Business Ethics and Global Responsibility,” “Managing People for Sustained Competitive Advantage,” and “Strategic Innovation Management,” students gain exposure to the basic problems and frameworks of sustainable development beyond conventional notions of “green” business. In addition, the program includes global study trips, in which students have traveled to such countries as Peru, Denmark, Spain, and Estonia, to examine global sustainability practices firsthand, and three required sustainability consulting projects with sponsoring nonprofit or governmental organizations, the last of which is a capstone practicum course that challenges students to develop strategy and management skills. A bit farther east, the Boston University Questrom School of Business has offered a Social Impact MBA (formerly the Public & Nonprofit MBA) since 1973, specifically designed to cultivate business management skills that can make a real difference in the world. According to the school’s website, the program gives students “the opportunity to gain crucial business skills that allow [them] to create positive social change.” Standing at 48th in the world in the The Economist’s 2021 rankings, Questrom exposes students to a robust general management core curriculum and also offers specialized courses and resources targeting the governmental, public, and private nonprofit sectors. Elective courses include “Energy and Environmental Sustainability,” which is an interactive class with simulation exercises, visiting speakers, debates, and mini lectures; “Behavior Change Practicum,” in which students work in teams to provide business solutions to real-life organizations; and “Social Impact Seminar,” an action-based learning experience in which student teams are paired with client companies from foreign countries to produce recommendations for their businesses. |
21 Jun 2021, 15:00
| FROM mbaMission Blog: Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, Essay Analysis, 2021–2022 |
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[url=https://i1.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Berkeley-haas-wordmark_square-gold-white-on-blue_1.png?ssl=1][img]https://i1.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Berkeley-haas-wordmark_square-gold-white-on-blue_1.png?resize=200%2C200&ssl=1[/img][/url] For its first required essay, the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, wants applicants to dig deep on a personal level and discuss something about which they are passionate, and for its second, candidates are asked to explain how the school will help them become a successful leader. The Berkeley Haas admissions committee takes a slightly different approach to the optional essay than most programs do, offering both a short, multipart questionnaire (which is less complicated than it might seem at first glance) and a straightforward prompt that invites applicants, if needed, to address any unclear or problem areas in their profile. Together, the essays should allow you to offer insight into who you are as an individual and who you hope to be as a future business leader, to complement the information presented in your resume, recommendations, and basic stats. Read on for our more detailed analysis of all the school’s 2021–2022 prompts. [b]Required Essay #1: What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why? (300 words maximum)[/b] Perhaps you are familiar with the psychological concept of “flow,” which is a mental state people enter when they are completely immersed in and focused on something they enjoy and are enthusiastic about—it is also described as being “in the zone.” With this question, Berkeley Haas is basically asking you to discuss what puts you in the zone. If you are truly excited about something—and, we would assume, therefore engage in it on a regular basis—writing about it should not prove too challenging. Like all other application questions, this one has no “right” answer, so do not try to guess what you think the school wants to hear. Authenticity is key to your success here. Note that the prompt includes the words “when you are doing it,” so although you may feel strongly about certain causes or values, such as animal rights or environmental matters, for this essay, you will need to discuss an activity rather than an ideology. The school does not stipulate that your topic needs to come from a specific area of your life (e.g., professional life, community service, personal life). We appreciate that you are likely passionate about your career, but this is not automatically your best choice for a topic here, especially given that the school’s second required essay offers a better opportunity to discuss your professional side. What Berkeley Haas wants to learn from this essay is what gets your heart pumping and mind revving. Enthusiasm and intensity can be very inspiring and energizing and can lead to big ideas and actions. Sharing what incites such feelings in you gives the admissions committee an idea of where you might someday make an impression on the world, how you might leave your mark—especially once you are equipped with all you will gain and learn during your MBA experience. That said, do not worry if the thing you feel so fervently about might initially seem commonplace to someone else. For example, perhaps you feel passionate about basketball. Because this is an interest anyone could share and enjoy, you might have concerns that it could sound pedestrian or unremarkable—and for many, this is a completely unremarkable pastime and one they should not write about. If, however, you can show that you have engaged with basketball in a way that takes the activity well beyond being a commonplace hobby and that it is something you connect with on a deep level and in various ways (perhaps having played for many years, you now coach youth teams from underprivileged neighborhoods in your community), then it most definitely becomes an acceptable discussion topic. In such a case, basketball could be used to reveal intensity, dedication, commitment to yourself and others, growth, longevity, and/or resilience. Of course, we are offering basketball here just for illustration purposes. We imagine you likely feel the flow when engaging in a completely different activity or even in disparate activities that are unified by a single behavior, such as when you are creating something or perhaps motivating others. The options are very much endless. Once you have identified the passion you wish to discuss, avoid simply telling the admissions committee about it and instead illustrate how it manifests in your life. For example, rather than starting your essay by stating, “I have been watching and playing basketball since I was a child,” you need to create a more vivid impression of your dedication and involvement, such as “From playing with my brothers after school to varsity ball in college to now coaching a youth league in my community, I can hardly remember a time when basketball wasn’t an integral part of my life.” Or consider a more narrative approach, such as, “Dripping with sweat, I thrust my right arm up and knocked the basketball away, just as the buzzer sounded.” Once you have set the scene and presented the object of your fervor, you must then explain why you connect with it so strongly or so well. Perhaps it gives you a sense of peace or purpose, or it makes you feel connected with others in a meaningful way, or it allows you to challenge yourself mentally or physically. A successful essay response will not only paint a clear picture of your passion but also highlight the elements of your personality that make it significant to you. [b]Required Essay #2: The definition of successful leadership has evolved over the last decade and will continue to change. What do you need to develop to become a successful leader? (300 words max)[/b] Without posing the question outright, with this prompt, the admissions committee is asking, “How do you define a successful leader?” By presenting the traits and skills you feel you must gain or hone to become one yourself, you are simultaneously telling the school that these are the traits and skills you believe make or distinguish a successful leader. Although the school does not explicitly ask that you discuss leadership within the context of your career for this essay, we do believe that focusing on your professional experience is best here. After all, you are not applying to business school to get better at your extracurricular pursuits! And with only 300 words for the entire essay, you will need to keep your message succinct and direct. This is certainly not the place to try to impress the admissions committee with a detailed story about a past leadership success. Instead, strive to briefly convey the leadership abilities and mind-set you already possess, to set the stage for your discussion of the elements you hope to acquire in the MBA program and how the school can help you do so. Interestingly, the admissions committee does not request specific examples or evidence of why you believe the school is the right place for you to advance your leadership experience and knowledge. You likely anticipate benefitting and learning from a variety of aspects of the Berkeley Haas experience, and some might not be easily linked to a particular resource or opportunity. The prompt provides some leeway to discuss ephemeral elements as well as more concrete ones. Either way, for you to know (and therefore be able to explain) that Berkeley Haas can provide the development you require, you must be knowledgeable about what the program offers. So, doing some focused research to identify the resources, events, and other factors that align with your needs and interests would be helpful in preparing to write this essay. To a degree, this query covers some of the elements of a traditional personal statement (why do you need an MBA, and why our school?), so we encourage you to download a free copy of the [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/personal-statement-guide]mbaMission Personal Statement Guide[/url][/b], which outlines ways of approaching these topics effectively and offers several annotated example essays. You might also wish to claim a complimentary copy of the mbaMission [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/uc-berkeley-haas-school-of-business-insider-s-guide]Insider’s Guide to the Berkeley Haas School of Business[/url][/b] for an in-depth exploration of the program. [b]Optional Information #1: We invite you to help us better understand the context of your opportunities and achievements.[/b] [list] [*][b] What is the highest level of education completed by your parent(s) or guardian(s)? [/b][/*] [/list] [list] [*] [list] [b]Did not complete high school[/b][/*] [b]High school diploma or equivalency (GED), associate’s degree (junior college), or vocational degree/license[/b][/*] [b]Bachelor’s degree (BA, BS)[/b][/*] [b]Master’s degree (MA, MS)[/b][/*] [b]Doctorate or professional degree (MD, JD, DDS)[/b][/*] [/list] [/*] [/list] [list] [*][/*] [/list] [list] [*][/*] [/list] [list] [*][/*] [/list] [list] [*][/*] [/list] [*][b] What is the most recent occupation of your parent(s) or guardian(s)?[/b][/*] [/list] [list] [*] [list] [b]Unemployed[/b][/*] [b]Homemaker[/b][/*] [b]Laborer[/b][/*] [b]Skilled worker[/b][/*] [b]Professional[/b][/*] [/list] [/*] [/list] [list] [*][/*] [/list] [list] [*][/*] [/list] [list] [*][/*] [/list] [list] [*][/*] [/list] [*][b] If you were raised in one of the following household types, please indicate.[/b][/*] [/list] [list] [*] [list] [b]Raised by a single parent[/b][/*] [b]Raised by an extended family member (grandparent, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, cousin)[/b][/*] [b]Raised in a multi-generational home[/b][/*] [b]Raised in foster care[/b][/*] [/list] [/*] [/list] [*][b][b][b] What was the primary language spoken in your childhood home?[/b][/b][/b] [/*] [*][b] If you have you ever been responsible for providing significant and continuing financial or supervisory support for someone else, please indicate.[/b][/*] [/list] [list] [*] [list] [b]Child[/b][/*] [b]Spouse[/b][/*] [b]Sibling[/b][/*] [b]Parent[/b][/*] [b]Extended family member (grandparent, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, cousin)[/b][/*] [b]Other[/b][/*] [/list] [/*] [/list] [list] [*][/*] [/list] [list] [*][/*] [/list] [list] [*][/*] [/list] [list] [*][/*] [/list] [list] [*][/*] [/list] [*][b] Please elaborate on any of your above responses. Alternatively, you may use this opportunity to expand on other hardships or unusual life circumstances that may help us understand the context of your opportunities, achievements, and impact. (300 words maximum)[/b][/*] [/list] [b]Optional Information #2: This section should only be used to convey relevant information not addressed elsewhere in your application. This may include explanation of employment gaps, academic aberrations, supplemental coursework, etc. You are encouraged to use bullet points where appropriate.[/b] Although Berkeley Haas’s first optional essay prompt is somewhat elaborate, it is not necessarily all that complicated, and we imagine it will offer some applicants an easy way of highlighting particular elements of their background without having to try to fit them into a different essay. The school clearly wants direct information and basic explanation(s) from this option, so simply answer the questions and succinctly provide any necessary clarifications using the allocated word count. The second optional essay prompt asks applicants to focus specifically on information they deem most “relevant,” and the lack of a word limit means candidates can fully explain whatever they feel the admissions committee truly must know to be able to evaluate them fully and fairly, though the note about using bullet points implies that succinctness would be appreciated. This is not, however, a blank-slate invitation to dump every bit of remaining information about yourself that you feel the school is lacking. Also, avoid the temptation to simply reuse a strong essay you wrote for another program here or to offer a few anecdotes you were unable to incorporate into your other Berkeley Haas essays. Be judicious in your use of this opportunity, and submit an optional essay only if you truly believe a key element of your story or profile is needed for the school to have a complete and accurate understanding of you as a candidate. Consider downloading your free copy of our [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/mbamission-optional-essays-guide]mbaMission Optional Essays Guide[/url][/b], in which we offer detailed advice on when and how to take advantage of the optional essay (including multiple sample essays) to help you mitigate any problem areas in your profile. [b]The Next Step—Mastering Your Berkeley Haas Interview: [/b]Many MBA candidates find admissions interviews stressful and intimidating, but mastering this important element of the application process is definitely possible—the key is informed preparation. And to help you develop this high level of preparation, we offer our [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/collections/interview-guides]free Interview Guides[/url][/b]! Download your free copy of the [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/haas-school-of-business-interview-guide]Berkeley Haas School of Business Interview Guide[/url][/b] today. |
22 Jun 2021, 11:00
| FROM mbaMission Blog: Duke University Fuqua School of Business Essay Analysis, 2021–2022 |
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[url=https://i1.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/duke-fuqua-logo.jpg?ssl=1][img]https://i1.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/duke-fuqua-logo.jpg?resize=200%2C201&ssl=1[/img][/url] In a [b][url=https://blogs.fuqua.duke.edu/duke-mba/2020/06/17/allison-jamison/changes-to-our-mba-application-for-2020-2021]blog post[/url][/b] last year, Allison Jamison, the assistant dean of admissions at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, commented on how the COVID-19 pandemic had complicated the admissions process, stating, “During this time, we learned the importance of keeping things simple.” Reflecting this mind-set, the admissions committee’s demands are on the minimal side, which most candidates likely appreciate. Applicants must respond to only one short-answer “essay” question in a mere 500 characters (not words), and the maximum length for the program’s one required traditional essay is just 300 words. Lastly, the school’s distinctive “25 random things” prompt might give some candidates pause at first, but we love it for the freedom it gives applicants to get creative and paint a well-rounded picture of themselves, and it should therefore be approached with more enthusiasm than fear. (Plus, Jamison noted in the aforementioned blog post that the admissions committee enjoys reading these essays the most.) Our detailed analysis of all Fuqua’s prompts for 2021–2022 follows. [b]Required short-answer question: Answer the following question in 500 characters only (the equivalent of about 100 words).[/b] [b]What are your post-MBA career goals? Share with us your first choice career plan and your alternate plan. [/b] With this question, Fuqua is essentially asking for a standard element of a traditional personal statement—one’s short-term career aspirations—with the addition of one rather nonstandard component—the suggestion of an alternative path. Candidates often feel they must be totally unequivocal in their career goals to impress the admissions committee, but in this case, Fuqua is directly instructing applicants to speculate on and articulate multiple options. The school knows that sometimes the best-laid plans do not play out as expected or may even yield unintended results, and it wants to know that you are prepared to switch gears and recommit to a different path, if necessary—and that you are fully capable of doing so. The key in answering this question is showing that your backup goal is just as connected to your skills, interests, and ambitions as your original plan and does not come “out of left field,” so to speak. For example, you would probably have a difficult time convincing the admissions committee that your short-term goal is to work in technology consulting while your alternate goal would be to work in human resources, because these industries, for the most part, require entirely different skills and personalities. Just be mindful that both goals you present must be plausible and achievable. As we have noted, this question concerns one of the core topics covered in a typical personal statement, so we encourage you to download your free copy of the [b][url=https://info.mbamission.com/MBA-Personal-Statement-Guide]mbaMission Personal Statement Guide[/url][/b], which helps applicants write this style of essay for any school. This complimentary guide offers detailed advice on approaching and framing these subjects, along with multiple illustrative examples. [b]First required essay: The ‘Team Fuqua’ spirit and community is one of the things that sets the MBA experience apart, and it is a concept that extends beyond the student body to include faculty, staff, and administration. Please share with us “25 Random Things” about you. The Admissions Committee wants to get to know YOU—beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript. Share with us important life experiences, your hobbies, achievements, fun facts, or anything that helps us understand what makes you who you are.[/b] [b]Your list will be limited to 2 pages (750 words maximum). Pease present your response in list form, numbered 1 to 25. Some points may be brief, while others may be longer.[/b] Be prepared to have fun creating this list for your Fuqua application! Before you start scribbling down random things, though, stop and take some time to thoroughly brainstorm. You cannot simply draft a list of “typical” accomplishments—remember, the school is asking for a random list, and keep in mind that your reader should learn more about you as an individual with each item presented. Make sure that every new story or tidbit of information you share gives the admissions committee a different window into your personality, into what really makes you tick and makes you you. Most important is that you own all the points on your list—that your final list could apply to no one but you. For example, a statement such as “I love the movie Goodfellas and have watched it multiple times” could easily be made by many applicants—therefore, it could not be considered truly yours. However, if you were to instead write, “At least once a year, my friends and I get together to watch our favorite movie, Goodfellas, all wearing dark suits, eating fresh pasta with homemade sauce, and reciting the dialogue line-for-line,” you would present an experience that is unquestionably yours, because few—if any—other candidates would be likely to say this exact same thing. Although Fuqua does not want you to rehash your professional and academic accomplishments in this list, and you should certainly avoid repeating facts that already appear elsewhere in your application, you can of course still touch on significant moments that occurred in these spheres. Use detail and a narrative style (keeping things brief!) to give these elements life and ensure that they are personal. For example, rather than saying that you “won a creative thinking award for implementing an innovative training solution,” you might write that you “once won an award for instructing trainees to flip their desks upside down and face what was previously the back of the room—thereby creating an exercise to introduce new hires to the concept and value of new perspectives.” [b]Second required essay: Fuqua prides itself on cultivating a culture of engagement. Our students enjoy a wide range of student-led organizations that provide opportunities for leadership development and personal fulfillment, as well as an outlet for contributing to society. Our student-led government, clubs, centers, and events are an integral part of the student culture and to the development of leaders. Based on your understanding of the Fuqua culture, what are 3 ways you expect to contribute at Fuqua? [/b] [b]Your response will be limited to 1 page (300 words maximum).[/b] With this essay prompt, Fuqua clearly wants to see evidence that you have done your research on the school’s culture and community and developed a true and thorough understanding of it. Ideally, your essay will convince the admissions committee that you are eager to take advantage of opportunities to lead and contribute, that you have thoughtfully considered your place within the school’s community at length, and that as a result, you know the value of what you can offer and have a clear vision of how this will manifest when you are a Fuqua student. By orienting the query “at Fuqua” rather than specifying either inside or outside the classroom, the admissions committee keeps the scope of the query broad, offering you equal opportunity to discuss ideas that relate to course work and those that are strictly extracurricular. Perhaps, for example, you could assist in writing a case on a topic that relates to your professional background and that will be used in future classes for several years. Based on counsel Jamison has offered in the past, we suggest focusing on what you believe would be the three most meaningful ways you could contribute as you consider your options. Ideally, you want to present choices that truly provide insight into your individual strengths, values, and/or interests rather than trying to offer what you think are “right” answers or what the admissions committee “wants” to hear. The 300-word maximum makes squeezing much more than three well-crafted ideas into the essay difficult anyway, but Jamison has also noted, “One of the first skills you must develop as a student is how to prioritize what’s most important to you,” so this is a chance for you to demonstrate that you can do just that. For you to offer your strongest possible ideas in this essay, you really (really!) need to know the school well, because if you hypothesize incorrectly about how you hope to participate and contribute—meaning that what you propose is just not possible at the school or does not align with Fuqua’s values and culture—this will definitely not help you get in. The question specifically mentions “student-led government, clubs, centers, and events,” so you should probably focus your research in these areas first to find niches and opportunities that correspond with your strengths, knowledge, and experience. That said, if you feel you can contribute in a different area or way altogether, you can certainly take that approach instead. Read student blogs, peruse discussion boards, catch up on the past year or more of press releases from the school, spend some time on [b][url=https://www.youtube.com/user/FuquaSchOfBusiness]Fuqua’s YouTube channel[/url][/b]—these are all good places to start (or better, continue!) educating yourself about what life at the school is really like, beyond the course work. For a thorough exploration of Duke Fuqua’s academic offerings, defining characteristics, crucial statistics, social life, community/environment, and other key facets of the program, consider downloading your free copy of the [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/duke-university-s-fuqua-school-of-business-insider-s-guide]mbaMission Insider’s Guide to Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business[/url][/b]. [b]Optional Information: If you feel there are circumstances of which the admissions committee should be aware, please explain them here (e.g., unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance). Note that you should NOT upload additional essays nor additional recommendations in this area. The Optional Information section is intended to provide the admissions committee with insight into your circumstances only. [/b] [b]Your response will be limited to 1 page (300 words maximum).[/b] Fuqua stipulates a maximum length for its optional information submission of just one page, or 300 words. We see this as confirmation that the admissions committee is not interested in additional information from applicants who fear that not submitting an optional essay would somehow count against them and would like to reserve this essay exclusively for those who truly need it. So be judicious in your use of this opportunity, and submit additional information here only if you truly believe that explaining a key element of your story or profile is necessary for Fuqua to have a complete and accurate understanding of you as a candidate. Consider downloading a free copy of our [b][url=https://www.mbamission.com/blog/2021/06/19/mba-admissions-myths-destroyed-my-supervisor-graduated-from-hbs-he-knows-9/]mbaMission Optional Essays Guide[/url][/b], in which we offer detailed advice on when and how to take advantage of the optional essay (along with multiple sample essays) to help you mitigate any problem areas in your profile. [b]Re-applicants: Candidates who applied to the Daytime MBA program between July 2019 and May 2020 are considered re-applicants. [/b] [b]Since many applicants were and continue to be impacted by COVID19, we will offer the ability to replicate or “clone” your application from the 2019–2020 application cycle. [/b] [b]When re-applying, you are required to complete:[/b] [list] [b]Short-answer question[/b][/*] [/list] [list] [b]Standard application essays[/b][/*] [/list] [list] [b]Plus, a special re-application essay question[/b][/*] [/list] [b]Re-applicant essay question: It is not uncommon for it to take more than one try to achieve a goal. Please share with us the self-reflection process that you underwent after last year’s application and how you have grown as a result. How did it shape your commitment to Fuqua and inspire your decision to reapply?[/b] [b]Your response will be limited to 1 page (300 words maximum).[/b] If you are a reapplicant, we imagine that not being accepted to Fuqua when you had hoped (and maybe even expected) to be triggered some level of self-reflection, as the school’s prompt itself notes. With this question, Fuqua wants to know that you subsequently considered and evaluated the areas of your profile you believe were lacking in your previous attempt at gaining admission and have actively been taking steps to improve your candidacy accordingly. In short, the admissions committee is seeking evidence that you are convinced an MBA from Fuqua is vital to you and is expecting you to reassert your unwavering, if not redoubled, interest in the program. For this essay, you simply need to share what you realized about yourself when processing the school’s denial and describe the very deliberate path you have taken in the past year to position yourself for a better outcome this season. The responses to this essay question will of course vary greatly from one candidate to the next, because each person’s needs and experiences differ. We are more than happy to provide one-on-one assistance with this highly personal essay to ensure that your efforts over the past year are presented in the best light possible. [b]The Next Step—Mastering Your Duke Fuqua Interview[/b][b]: [/b]Many MBA candidates find admissions interviews stressful and intimidating, but mastering this important element of the application process is definitely possible—the key is informed preparation. And to help you develop this high level of preparation, we offer our [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/collections/interview-guides]Interview Guides[/url][/b][b] [/b]to spur you along! Download your free copy of the [url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/duke-fuqua-interview-guide][b]Duke Fuqua Interview Guide[/b][/url] today. |
23 Jun 2021, 10:00
| FROM mbaMission Blog: London Business School Essay Analysis, 2021–2022 |
 London Business School (LBS) has been posing the same application essay question since 2015. Clearly, the admissions committee feels the prompt elicits precisely what it needs when evaluating candidates for the school’s next class. Although LBS strictly requires only one essay—one that largely constitutes a traditional personal statement—you might want to seriously consider submitting the optional essay as well if you feel that doing so will facilitate a fairer or more thorough evaluation of your candidacy. In our analysis, we offer our advice on crafting your approach, whether you ultimately decide to write just one submission for LBS or two. Question 1: What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School programme contribute towards these? (500 words) As we have noted, LBS’s required essay covers several basic elements of a traditional personal statement. You will need to show that you have a long-term vision for yourself and your career and that you have a clear plan for how to get there via the LBS MBA program. The basic assumptions, of course, are that business school is the next logical step in your progress and that you need to pursue your degree at LBS in particular because the school provides specific experiences, knowledge, skills, exposure, and/or other elements that are necessary for you to attain your aspirations and thrive in your chosen career. Ideally, you have already researched the program thoroughly to discover these important resources and areas of fit, but if not, do not skip this important step and/or refer only to basic offerings most business schools have. Your essay must be LBS specific. Demonstrating your authentic interest in the program by giving concrete examples and drawing clear connections between what the school offers, what you need, and who you are is key to crafting a compelling essay response here. Because 500 words is not a lot, avoid going into excessive detail about your past, though you will need to offer enough information to provide context and support for your stated goals. Given this essay’s significant overlap with a standard personal statement, we encourage you to download your free copy of the mbaMission Personal Statement Guide. In this complimentary guide, we present a much more detailed discussion of how to approach and craft this kind of essay, along with multiple illustrative examples. Question 2 (Optional): Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School? (500 words) Applicants typically use the optional essay to explain confusing or problematic elements of their candidacy—a poor grade or GPA, a low GMAT or GRE score, a gap in work experience, etc.—and LBS’s can certainly be used this way. If you feel you need to clarify an aspect of your profile, first check the other parts of the school’s application, which already includes several opportunities to address certain issues (such as academic performance and disciplinary instances). If you can discuss your concern elsewhere instead, do so, and avoid using this essay to simply repeat any information provided via that avenue. If you have a problem to address that is not mentioned in the LBS application, we suggest downloading a copy of the mbaMission Optional Essays Guide, which is also available for free, and in which we offer detailed advice on deciding whether to take advantage of the optional essay and, if so, how to do so to effectively mitigate any concerning elements of your application. If you do not feel that your candidacy includes any elements that need further clarification, however, you might use this essay to instead offer a more rounded, positive representation of yourself—but be thoughtful about this opportunity. Do not just copy and paste an existing essay you wrote for a different school here and hope for the best. Take a step back and carefully consider what the admissions committee already knows about you from the other parts of your application, including, of course, your required essay. Then, do your utmost to develop and convey a narrative that is truly crucial to understanding your character. Because this question is so open-ended, your options are somewhat limitless. You will need to honestly check your instincts and ask yourself whether you are simply tacking something extra onto your application with this essay or whether you are offering something that is truly additive and would be helpful for the school to know to fully and fairly evaluate you. Be mindful and respectful of the admissions committee’s time, and remember that each additional file you submit requires more resources on behalf of the admissions office, so whatever you write must be truly worthwhile and clearly reveal that you made good use of this opportunity to provide further insight into your candidacy. Business schools outside the United States are increasingly popular among MBA hopefuls, and we at mbaMission are proud to offer our latest publications: International Program Guides. In these snapshots we discuss core curriculums, elective courses, locations, school facilities, rankings, and more. Click here to download your free copy of the London Business School Program Guide. The Next Step—Mastering Your LBS Interview: Many MBA candidates find admissions interviews stressful and intimidating, but mastering this important element of the application process is definitely possible—the key is informed preparation. And, on your way to this high level of preparation, we offer our free Interview Guides to spur you along! Download your free copy of the London Business School Interview Guide today. |
24 Jun 2021, 09:00
| FROM mbaMission Blog: Texas McCombs Essay Analysis, 2021–2022 |
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[url=https://i1.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/U-Texas-McCombs.png?ssl=1][img]https://i1.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/U-Texas-McCombs.png?resize=300%2C143&ssl=1[/img][/url] The McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin asks for two relatively brief yet still revelatory essays from its applicants. The first is a required self-introduction essay which can take the form of a written submission or a one-minute, self-styled video, for those who might prefer that option. For its second essay, applicants are asked to imagine the end point of their MBA studies and to reflect on what they have gained and learned at McCombs within the context of their goals. Anyone with a potential problem area or unclear element in their profile can also submit an optional essay to address the issue(s). Together, the Texas McCombs essays give applicants ample opportunity to provide meaningful insight into their characters and strengths. Our more in-depth analysis of the program’s essay prompts for 2021–2022 follows. [b]Essay 1: We will learn a lot about your professional background through your resume and letter of recommendation, but we want to get to know you further. Please introduce yourself. Select only one communication method for your response. [/b] [list] [b]Write an essay (250 words) [/b][/*] [b]Share a video introduction (one minute in length)[/b][/*] [/list] The Texas McCombs admissions committee offers a little clarifying text before its straightforward request for an introduction, guiding applicants to steer away from aspects of their story that will already be covered in their resume and recommendations. Otherwise, candidates have an arguably blank slate from which to begin here. We imagine that the less guidance a program provides with its essay questions, the more panic is generated in the hearts of hopeful applicants, but let us reassure you that you do not need to be intimidated. Some patience, self-reflection, brainstorming, and authenticity—with a dash of creativity—and you should be on the road to a standout submission. First, determine the format that is more compatible with your personality. If you are the quiet, thoughtful type, an essay might be the better choice; if you are typically the life of the party or a better speaker than writer, you should probably select the video option. Next, start identifying the kind of information you could share by thinking about what you would like to know about a new person you are meeting and would find interesting, helpful, or intriguing. For example, would you consider someone’s age or undergraduate institution particularly important or compelling? Probably not, so you should skip mentioning such facts in your own introduction. (Remember, too, that your actual audience will be a member of the admissions committee, who will already know such basic information about you from the rest of your application.) You would likely be more curious about what someone does in their spare time, what interesting or exceptional skills they have, whether they are approachable/funny/hyperorganized/a risk taker/etc., whether they have extensive experience in a certain area or a more wide-ranging background, and so on. So think about the aspects of your personality and profile that you believe truly define you as an individual—not just what you do and have done, but who you are—and fully explore your background, hobbies, talents, experiences, values, goals, and quirks. Brainstorm an extensive list and then eliminate any items that seem too common (e.g., a BA in finance) or basic (e.g., your hometown) until you have a collection of truly distinctive qualities you can weave into your response. Your goal is to provide a well-rounded picture of yourself that draws from multiple areas and shows that you possess characteristics and/or knowledge that would make you a positive addition to the diverse community at McCombs. Remember to bring energy and enthusiasm to your submission. You are not filling out a job application—you are trying to connect with others, so charisma is welcome, and a less rigid and traditionally “professional” demeanor is okay. Forego any fancy essay-writing or dramatic tactics (e.g., starting with a quotation, launching into an anecdote), and just be as natural and authentic as possible. Do not pitch your candidacy, detail your career goals, or express your admiration for the program. As they say, you only have one chance to make a first impression, so dedicate the time and effort necessary to ensure that your introduction is engaging, substantive, and true to who you are. If you choose to submit a video, think beyond what you will say and also consider the clothing you will wear, the setting or background, your tone of voice, your language style, whether you will include music, and other similar details. Brainstorm ways of nonverbally communicating some of your strongest attributes and key aspects of your life to help permeate your submission with as much information as possible. For example, if you are an avid biker, consider filming your video while you are actively riding. If you are a dedicated musician, perhaps incorporate your instrument into your message by playing it while you speak (if you are especially confident, you might even sing about yourself!). Think about what makes you who you are today, decide what you most want to share about yourself, and then let your creativity flow. On a practical note, be sure to speak clearly in your video. You naturally do not want any part of your message to be lost or misunderstood, and the admissions committee could view your communication skills and style as indicators of how you might interact with your classmates and/or speak in the classroom. Spend some time practicing in front of a mirror or a friend, but do not overrehearse. And definitely do not try to read from an off-camera script or notes (trust us—they will be able to tell!). You want to come across as genuine and natural. [b]Essay 2: Picture yourself at the completion of your MBA journey. Describe how you spent your time as a Texas McCombs MBA student to achieve your personal and professional goals. (500 words)[/b] With this prompt, the McCombs admissions committee is asking you to imagine where you want to go after you have completed your MBA studies (in both your career and your life more generally) and explain how you used your time at the school to prepare yourself to get there. So, without using the actual words “why McCombs?” and “how do you expect to engage with our community?,” the school is nevertheless asking you for precisely this information. The admissions committee essentially wants to know what has compelled you to choose McCombs in particular for your MBA and how you will take advantage of specific resources and experiences it offers. The assumption is that something you have learned about McCombs leads you to believe that its MBA program will provide the experience, knowledge, skills, exposure, and/or other element you need to reach your goals. Likewise, something makes you feel you would fit well with the McCombs environment and be comfortable there. So what has given you that impression? All the top MBA programs want reassurance that the candidates they admit have not applied simply because of the school’s reputation or ranking but rather because they are truly excited to be a part of the community and to benefit from that specific learning experience. McCombs is not simply seeking warm bodies with which to fill its classrooms; it is striving to add to a long history of effective global business leaders and a network of alumni dedicated to the school and each other. Demonstrating your authentic interest in the program by offering concrete examples and drawing clear connections between who you want to be and what the school offers is key to crafting a compelling essay response. If you have targeted McCombs because you feel it is the right program for you, you likely already have an idea of why that is true and how you would function as part of its community. If you do not yet have a handle on these points, you definitely need to start (now!) researching the school thoroughly, including interacting directly with students and/or alumni. Identify at least one (ideally more) resource, offering, or quality that McCombs has that is unique or that it excels in that directly relates to what you need to attain your post-MBA goals. And do not just offer a list—you must explain how the identified element(s) will fulfill particular needs for you. Keep in mind that business school is not only about course work and recruiting, and McCombs specifically asks about achieving your personal goals as well as your career aspirations. While you are a student, you can (and should!) also have fun, make friends, and be a contributing member of the community outside the classroom. So take care not to discuss only academic and professional development elements of the McCombs program. Explore the school’s social events and offerings—including affinity, social, and sports clubs, for starters—to identify other aspects of the experience that you anticipate will also play an important role in your MBA journey. Although we would not encourage you to force this angle and mention something just to tick a box, so to speak, addressing these options can be an effective way of revealing more of your values and personality to the admissions committee and thereby presenting a more well-rounded impression of yourself. [b]Optional Statement: Please provide any additional information you believe is important or address any areas of concern that you believe will be beneficial to MBA Admissions in considering your application (e.g., gaps in work experience, choice of recommender, academic performance, or extenuating personal circumstances). (250 words)[/b] We tend to believe that the best use of the optional essay is to explain confusing or problematic issues in your candidacy, and this prompt offers an opportunity to do just that. So, if you need to, this is your chance to address any questions an admissions officer might have about your profile. Consider downloading a free copy of our [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/mbamission-optional-essays-guide]mbaMission Optional Essays Guide[/url][/b], in which we offer detailed advice on deciding whether to submit an optional essay and on how best to approach writing such a submission, with multiple examples. However, because McCombs does not stipulate that you can only discuss a problem area in this essay, you have some leeway to share anything you think might be pivotal or particularly compelling. We caution you against trying to fill this space simply because you fear that not doing so would somehow count against you. Remember, by submitting an additional essay, you are asking the admissions committee to do extra work on your behalf, so you need to make sure that time is warranted. If you are using the essay to emphasize something that if omitted would render your application incomplete, take this opportunity to write a very brief narrative that reveals this key new aspect of your candidacy. |
25 Jun 2021, 12:00
| FROM mbaMission Blog: New York University (Stern) Essay Analysis, 2021–2022 |
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[url=https://i2.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/stern-logo.png?ssl=1][img]https://i2.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/stern-logo.png?resize=300%2C71&ssl=1[/img][/url] One of the prompts for the New York University (NYU) Stern School of Business is strictly traditional, but the other two task candidates with tapping into their personalities and attitudes more profoundly and offer opportunities to convey their creative side. First, the school poses a straightforward question about applicants’ short-term professional aspirations and limits the response to a succinct 150 words. The first full essay prompt then requires candidates to develop a personal tagline in the style of NYU Stern’s (“Change: Embrace it.”), discuss its significance, and explain how they would act on it as an NYU Stern student. For the second required essay, applicants must tackle the school’s challenging but very revelatory “Pick Six” submission, which might be less intimidating for today’s applicants than it was when it was first introduced in 2017, given the ubiquitousness of social media. Together, Stern’s essay questions should allow you to present a good balance of your professional and personal sides for the admissions committee, though the optional essay is also on the table if you feel strongly that a vital part of your candidacy has not been covered by one or the other. Read on for our in-depth analysis of all Stern’s prompts for 2021–2022. [b]Short Answer: Professional Aspirations [/b] [list] [b]What are your short-term career goals? (150 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)[/b][/*] [/list] With this rather no-nonsense query about your motivation to earn an MBA and expectations as to where you will go with it after graduation, NYU Stern simply wants you to spell out what you have in mind as you approach this phase of your life and career. With just 150 words, you do not have any space to waste here, so focus on presenting your answer as directly and thoroughly as possible. Keep in mind that the rest of your application needs to provide evidence that your stated goals align with your existing skills and interests, especially once they have been augmented by an MBA education. This will show that your professed objectives are achievable and thereby lend credibility to your statement. The school does not ask specifically about past experiences or what about its program in particular makes it the best one for you, though brief mentions of either would be acceptable if they are particularly important to conveying your main points. [b]Essay 1: Change: _________ it [/b] [b]In today’s global business environment, the only constant is change. Using NYU Stern’s brand call to action, we want to know how you view change. Change: _____ it. Fill in the blank with a word of your choice. Why does this word resonate with you? How will you embrace your own personal tagline while at Stern? (350 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)[/b] [b]Examples:[/b] [list] [b]Change: Dare it.[/b][/*] [b]Change: Dream it.[/b][/*] [b]Change: Drive it.[/b][/*] [b]Change: Empower it.[/b][/*] [b]Change: Manifest it.[/b][/*] [b]Change: [Any word of your choice.][/b][/*] [/list] If your first instinct when you read this prompt is to immediately start brainstorming catchy, cool-sounding slogans and trying to find something that will “wow” the admissions committee, you need to pump the brakes. To craft the most effective response to this unique new essay prompt, you will most likely need to work backward. The slogan is obviously the centerpiece of this essay, but you must be able to persuade the school that it is truly meaningful for you personally and is the basis of something you expect to do at the school and/or how you anticipate engaging with the NYU Stern community. So if you do not choose an authentic idea (word) that will position you to write compellingly and convincingly on these two points, you will have probably wasted your time, not to mention this interesting opportunity to share more about yourself with the admissions committee. Start by thinking at length about what change really means to you personally and professionally. How has it played a role in your life and career to date? What is your reaction to change? How do you tend to navigate it? Do you enjoy creating change, or do you resist it? Why? Let your mind really roll with these kinds of questions so that you uncover as many options as possible, and rest assured that there is no “right” answer that the admissions committee is expecting you to guess. Choosing a word that is genuinely important to you and reflective of your attitude with respect to change is what will make your essay powerful and memorable—not a word you are hoping no one else will use or that forces the admission reader to reach for the dictionary because it is so obscure. And keep in mind that you do not necessarily have to frame change as something that should always be indiscriminately pursued merely for change’s sake. For example, something like “regulate change” could be an appropriate and even compelling choice if the candidate has strong personal reasons for this mind-set and can clearly express how it could be an additive or useful one at Stern. Again, in asking how you expect to “embrace your . . . tagline while at Stern,” the admissions committee wants to know how you envision yourself participating in, and perhaps influencing or contributing to, the school’s greater community. For you to offer your strongest possible ideas on this point, you really need to know the school well, because if what you describe or propose is just not possible at Stern or does not align with its values and culture, this will definitely not be a point in your favor. As you do your research, look for specific niches and opportunities that correspond not only with your proposed slogan but also with your personality, strengths, knowledge, and/or experience. Read student blogs, peruse discussion boards, catch up on the past year or more of press releases from the school, spend some time on [b][url=https://www.youtube.com/user/NYUSternBusiness]Stern’s YouTube channel[/url][/b]—these are all good places to start (or better, continue!) educating yourself about what life at the school is really like, beyond the course work. Also, for a thorough exploration of NYU Stern’s academic offerings, defining characteristics, crucial statistics, social life, community/environment, and other key facets of the program, consider downloading your free copy of the mbaMission [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/nyu-s-leonard-n-stern-school-of-business-insider-s-guide]Insider’s Guide to the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University[/url][/b]. [b]Essay 2: Personal Expression (a.k.a. “Pick Six”)[/b] [b]Describe yourself to the Admissions Committee and to your future classmates using six images and corresponding captions. Your uploaded PDF should contain all of the following elements:[/b] [list] [b]A brief introduction or overview of your “Pick Six” (no more than 3 sentences).[/b][/*] [b]Six images that help illustrate who you are.[/b][/*] [b]A one-sentence caption for each of the six images that helps explain why they were selected and are significant to you.[/b][/*] [/list] [b]Note: Your visuals may include photos, infographics, drawings, or any other images that best describe you. Your document must be uploaded as a single PDF. The essay cannot be sent in physical form or be linked to a website.[/b] We imagine that the initial reaction most candidates have to pretty much any prompt that does not request a traditional essay is momentary panic (though, to be fair, that is likely many applicants’ reaction to traditional essays as well), but let us reassure you a bit before we delve more deeply into how best to approach this one. One could argue that in many ways, this essay prompt is merely asking you to do something we assume you are already doing every day and have possibly been doing for years—curate an impression of yourself for others by sharing certain images and other media that resonate with you. Is that not what people regularly do via Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and any number of other social media venues by posting photos, memes, infographics, cartoons, and the like, typically along with a related comment? When you think of the task NYU Stern has presented you with this framework in mind, do you feel a little more confident about mastering it? We hope so. In this case, rather than passing along just anything you think is funny or interesting or documenting your latest adventure or meal, you are communicating directly with a very singular audience, within a certain context, and with a very specific goal in mind. So start by carefully considering what you want the admissions committee to know about you—with the goal of sharing as many different aspects of your life and personality as possible—and what it will already be able to learn through your other essays and the rest of your application (resume, recommendations/EQ endorsement, transcript, etc.). You want the admissions “reader” to take away something new from each image they see. Your images do not need to be sequential, nor do they need to always include you. Consider photos of meaningful locations and people (or animals, even) in your life as well as inanimate objects, such as a musical instrument, a pair of running shoes, a home-cooked meal, or a blooming flower. As long as the subject of the image is reflective of who you are as an individual—and remember that you will have the accompanying sentence for each image to clarify this connection, as needed—then you will be on the right track. Keep in mind also that not all of your images need to be actual photos, either. They can include drawings, paintings, charts, tables, emojis, and so on. And finally, although getting accepted to your target business school and earning an MBA are serious goals and undertakings, this does not mean that all your images for this essay submission need to be serious in nature, especially if your personality is naturally more lighthearted and humorous. Costumes and comical arrangements, if used judiciously, can be valid options if, again, the resulting final image is truly reflective of your character and/or life. Your one-sentence captions are clearly an opportunity to enhance the meaning of each image you are submitting. In some cases, you might use the caption to provide a direct explanation of who or what is depicted in the image, chart, artistic expression, etc. You could also use the sentences to create a narrative link between multiple images, perhaps as a way of profoundly illustrating a particularly meaningful aspect of your life or personality. Another option would be to use the caption sentence to explain your state of mind in relation to the image or to express an associated viewpoint, value, or philosophy. As you write your short explanations, keep in mind that these statements must adhere to the school’s one-sentence rule, and be sure to not simply reiterate whatever is already obvious in/from the photo but to use the additional content to enhance the admissions reader’s understanding of you. This prompt from NYU Stern offers a lot of leeway, but take care not to get carried away with overly elaborate or complicated images. This is not an art contest or a battle of wits but an opportunity to express and portray yourself to the admissions committee. Each time you consider an image to include, come back to the central question of Does this truly capture who I am? If so, then proceed, but if not, stop and reconsider your options. An increasingly complex series of images that lacks the proper heart and meaning will not elicit the response you want! [b]Essay 3: Additional Information (optional)[/b] [b]Please provide any additional information that you would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee. This may include current or past gaps in employment, further explanation of your undergraduate record or self-reported academic transcript(s), plans to retake the GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment, IELTS or TOEFL, or any other relevant information. (250 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)[/b] NYU Stern’s optional essay prompt is broader than most in that it does not demand that you discuss only problem areas in your candidacy, though the examples it offers within the prompt seem to imply a preference for these topics. Ultimately, this is your opportunity to address any lingering questions that an admissions officer might have about your profile—if you feel you need to. We caution you against simply trying to fill this space because you fear that not doing so would somehow count against you. And of course, however tempted you might be, this is not the place to reuse a strong essay you wrote for another school or to offer a few anecdotes you were unable to use in your other submissions. But if you are inclined to use this essay to emphasize or explain something that if omitted would render your application incomplete, write a very brief piece on this key aspect of your profile. For more guidance, download our free [url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/mbamission-optional-essays-guide][b]mbaMission Optional Essays Guide[/b][/url], in which we offer detailed advice on when and how to take advantage of the optional essay, with multiple examples, to help you mitigate any problem areas in your application. [b]The Next Step—Mastering Your NYU Stern Interview[/b][b]: [/b]Many MBA candidates find admissions interviews stressful and intimidating, but mastering this important element of the application process is definitely possible—the key is informed preparation. To help you reach this high level of preparation, we offer our free [url=https://shop.mbamission.com/collections/interview-guides][b]Interview Guides[/b][/url]. Claim your complimentary copy of the [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/stern-school-of-business-interview-guide]NYU Stern Interview Guide[/url][/b][b] [/b]today! |
28 Jun 2021, 11:00
| FROM mbaMission Blog: Dartmouth College (Tuck) Essay Analysis, 2021–2022 |
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[url=https://i1.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/tuck.jpg?ssl=1][img]https://i1.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/tuck.jpg?resize=200%2C200&ssl=1[/img][/url] Applicants to Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business are expected to provide three 300-word essays and have the option to submit a fourth, if anything more about their candidacy needs to be offered or explained. The school’s first prompt broadly covers applicants’ need for an MBA, and specifically a Tuck MBA. Essay 2 deals with candidates’ individuality, and the third essay is about a time when applicants demonstrated or acted on one or more key characteristics the school values in its students. Tuck clearly seeks individuals who will be ambitious, cooperative, and supportive members of its community. Our more detailed essay analysis for Tuck’s 2021–2022 essay questions follows. [b]Essay 1: Tuck students can articulate how the distinctive Tuck MBA will advance their aspirations. Why are you pursuing an MBA and why Tuck? (300 words) [/b] By not specifically requesting short- and long-term goals in this essay prompt, Tuck leaves the decision of how to frame your career aspirations up to you. The natural assumption is that if you have reached a point in your professional journey where you believe an MBA is necessary to move forward, you must have a goal in mind that you are working toward—even if that goal is still fairly nebulous or malleable at this point. To address the “why Tuck?” element of this prompt, you will need to indicate which of the school’s resources and/or what aspect(s) of its program as a whole will be most helpful to you in your pursuits, and this requires more than a pandering summarization or a stark list of offerings. This means you must move beyond the Tuck website, viewbook, and related marketing materials and make direct contact with students, alumni, and other school representatives. In-person admissions events, campus visits, and online events and options allow candidates to familiarize themselves with Tuck’s environment and resources. Understanding what and who the school’s program truly entails, as well as how it works, is key in identifying and then articulating your need for a Tuck MBA in particular. By thoroughly doing your research on the school and drawing a clear picture for your admissions reader of how the particular offerings you have identified relate directly to your needs and how you intend to apply them, chances are high that you will submit a truly effective essay. Because this prompt encompasses some of the most elemental components of a traditional personal statement essay, we encourage you to download a free copy of the [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/personal-statement-guide]mbaMission Personal Statement Guide[/url][/b]. This document provides in-depth guidance on how to consider and respond to these sorts of questions, along with numerous illustrative examples. And for a thorough exploration of Tuck’s academic program, unique resources, defining characteristics, crucial statistics, social life, standout professors, and other key features, download your free copy of the [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/dartmouth-tuck-school-of-business-insider-s-guide]mbaMission Insider’s Guide to the Tuck School of Business[/url][/b]. [b]Essay 2: Tuck students recognize how their individuality adds to the fabric of Tuck. Tell us who you are. (300 words) [/b] This essay question tasks applicants with sharing what they feel are important aspects of their character and personality. With the essay’s rather tight word allotment, keeping the scope of the query narrow makes sense. Nevertheless, we feel that the prompt’s first line, which notes that Tuckies “recognize how their individuality adds to the [school’s] fabric,” is a hint that candidates are expected to understand and be able to articulate how they fit with (and could therefore theoretically contribute to) the school’s community—they just do not need to be overly specific and detailed in conveying this information. First, we suggest you grab some paper and make an old-fashioned list of your key characteristics, values, and interests. Do not concern yourself with trying to single out the “right” ones but rather the ones most representative of who you are. A good brainstorming tactic is to imagine meeting someone for the first time at a party or other event and the process of getting acquainted. What kind of information would you want to know about this person, and what facts about yourself would you be most eager to share, as a way of conveying who you are and making a connection? Take some time to delve into your personality in this way. At the same time, keep in mind what the admissions committee will already know about you from the other portions of your application, to avoid wasting an opportunity to share something new, and try to identify stories that provide context and color to your claims, rather than just stating them outright. For example, rather than a declaration like “I tend to be a very altruistic person and enjoy giving back to my community by being a reading tutor,” you might say something more like, “Tuesday nights have become my favorite night of the week, because that is when I tutor local elementary students in reading, and the way their eyes light up when they learn a new word or finish another book never fails to inspire and gratify me.” Giving your claims sufficient context and a bit of “life” in this way allows the admissions committee to more fully understand and appreciate them. This essay prompt actually allows you a great deal of freedom to choose and share the information you believe is most important for the admissions committee to know about you. In addition to focusing on the elements of your personality that you feel are most distinct and revelatory of who you are as an individual, give some thought to which of your characteristics mesh best with the Dartmouth Tuck experience. (We strongly encourage you to click through and read the [b][url=https://www.tuck.dartmouth.edu/admissions/criteria]school’s admissions criteria[/url][/b] in detail, if you have not already done so.) Avoid simply trying to fit in as much information as possible about yourself in hopes of stumbling on the “right” answers and instead clearly present and illustrate your most fitting qualities. Authenticity and enthusiasm are the keys to your success with this essay. [b]Essay 3: Tuck students are encouraging, collaborative, and empathetic, even when it is not convenient or easy. Describe a meaningful experience in which you exemplified one or more of these attributes. (300 words) [/b] This essay prompt aligns perfectly with Tuck’s long-held belief in teamwork and community spirit. By illustrating via this essay that you have a natural interest in helping, working with, and/or caring about others and have a history of doing so so, you will demonstrate for the admissions committee that you possess the qualities it is seeking in its next class of students. In addition, stepping up to be there for someone in a way that is important to them also shows an instinct for leadership, which is valued by all MBA programs. Because this is a fairly straightforward essay prompt, we recommend responding in an equally straightforward manner. Beyond simply sharing a story of having supported, assisted, and/or encouraged someone in a meaningful way, you will need to share the motivation(s) and thought processes that led you to want to do so in the first place. With only 300 words with which to respond, you will need to clearly but succinctly convey the situation as you originally encountered it, your inspiration to become involved, the actions you took, the outcome, and, ideally, what you learned from the experience (though this last element should be somewhat brief). The qualifier “even when it is not convenient or easy” suggests to us that stories in which the decision to engage might have been fraught in some way or the path to the desired outcome was not entirely direct or smooth could resonate slightly better with the admissions committee. Also, in a June 2018 Tuck news article, Luke Anthony Peña, Tuck’s director of global admissions and financial aid, commented, “Tuck is a distinctly collaborative community so being able to challenge others tactfully and thoughtfully is important” (emphasis ours). With this in mind, if you are deciding between two or more instances you could discuss for this essay, consider going with one in which your intervention was perhaps not requested or immediately accepted—one in which you perhaps needed to diplomatically negotiate your participation in it. Note that Tuck does not specify from which realm of your life—professional, personal, or community related—the story you choose to share here must come. This means you can plumb the entirety of your experiences for the one you believe best fulfills what the school wants to see and about which you feel most strongly. Also consider that the prompt does not indicate that the recipient must be an individual, so it could potentially involve a pair or small group. Perhaps, for example, you helped a duo of small business owners with a marketing issue or supported a small musical group or athletic team in some capacity. In any case, absolutely avoid bragging about your role or suggesting that the party you aided could never have succeeded without you. The school is looking for evidence that you not only have a natural inclination to invest in and bolster others but you also have the capacity and skills to do so effectively and are mature enough to grow from the experience yourself. Do not try to include several different experiences (perhaps for fear of offering the “wrong” one) and instead focus just on one that you describe in detail. Let the narrative unfold naturally, making sure that the basics are all clearly presented. What the school wants to know is that the incident you are showcasing was truly significant for you and had a meaningful impact, so let that be your guide. [b]Optional Essay: Please provide any additional insight or information that you have not addressed elsewhere (e.g., atypical choice of evaluators, factors affecting academic performance, unexplained job gaps or changes). Complete this question only if you feel your candidacy is not fully represented by this application. (300 words)[/b] You might be tempted to take advantage of this optional essay as an opportunity to share an additional compelling story or to highlight a part of your profile that you fear might be overlooked or undervalued, but we strongly encourage you to resist this temptation. Submit an optional essay here only if your candidacy truly needs it. Consider what the school said about this essay in a Tuck 360 blog post: “If you give us an extra five paragraphs to read and it’s not necessary, we will question your judgment or your ability to express yourself succinctly elsewhere.” You really cannot get much clearer than that! So again, only if your profile has a noticeable gap of some kind or an issue that would might raise a red flag or elicit questions on the part of an admissions officer—such as a poor grade or overall GPA, a low GMAT/GRE score, a gap in your work experience, an arrest, etc.—should you take this opportunity to provide additional information. Download a free copy of our [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/mbamission-optional-essays-guide]mbaMission Optional Essays Guide[/url][/b], in which we offer detailed advice on deciding whether to take advantage of the optional essay as well as on how to do so effectively (with multiple sample essays) to help you mitigate any problem areas in your profile. [b]Reapplicant Essay: (To be completed by all reapplicants) How have you strengthened your candidacy since you last applied? Please reflect on how you have grown personally and professionally. (300 words) [/b] Whether you have improved your academic record, received a promotion, begun a new and exciting project, increased your community involvement, or taken on some sort of personal challenge, the key to success with this essay is conveying a very deliberate path of achievement. Tuck wants to know that you have been actively striving to improve yourself and your profile, and that you have seized opportunities during the previous year to do so, because a Tuck MBA is vital to you. The responses to this essay question will vary greatly from one candidate to the next, because each person’s needs and experiences differ. We are more than happy to provide one-on-one assistance with this highly personal essay to ensure that your efforts over the past year are presented in the best light possible. [b]The Next Step—Mastering Your Dartmouth Tuck Interview: [/b]Many MBA candidates find admissions interviews stressful and intimidating, but mastering this important element of the application process is definitely possible—the key is informed preparation. And to help you develop this high level of preparation, we offer our [url=https://shop.mbamission.com/collections/interview-guides][b]free Interview Guides[/b][/url]! Download your free copy of the [url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/dartmouth-tuck-interview-guide][b]Dartmouth Tuck Interview Guide[/b][/url] today. |
29 Jun 2021, 14:01
| FROM mbaMission Blog: University of Washington Foster School of Business Essay Analysis, 2021–2022 |
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[url=https://i2.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/UW-Foster.jpg?ssl=1][img]https://i2.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/UW-Foster.jpg?resize=200%2C200&ssl=1[/img][/url] Applicants to the University of Washington (UW) Foster School of Business must provide two average-length essays but have the option of submitting two more, allowing candidates to cover more of what they feel are the most compelling parts of their candidacy. The school’s two required essays focus on applicants’ desire to attend business school from both a practical angle, with respect to their career plans and professional needs, and a personal angle, delving more deeply into their motivation to take this momentous step. The first optional essay provides a rather open-ended opportunity to discuss anything significant, whether positive or problematic, while the second optional essay deals exclusively with the weighty issue of encouraging and supporting diversity, inclusion, and equity. Read on for our full analysis of UW Foster’s 2021–2022 application essay questions. [b]Essay 1: Post-MBA Plans (750 words maximum) – Tell us your ideas about what lies ahead for you in your career. What are the gaps or deficiencies currently preventing you from pursuing these potential career paths? How do you plan to use your time in the Foster MBA program to fill these gaps and advance your career?[/b] Obviously, the wording is different in Foster’s prompt, but the overall essay the school is requesting here covers many of the primary topics covered in a traditional personal statement: what your goals are, why you need an MBA to attain them, and why you need the degree from the school you are applying to. To access our extensive guidance on how to craft such an essay, download a free copy of the [url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/personal-statement-guide][b]mbaMission Personal Statement Guide[/b],[/url] which explains ways of approaching these subjects effectively and offers several illustrative sample essays. [b]Essay 2: Inspiring Experience Essay (500 words maximum) – Tell us about an experience that inspired or confirmed your decision to pursue the MBA.[/b] This essay builds on the “why do you need an MBA?” element of Essay 1 and approaches the query from a different angle. In your first essay, you must explain to the admissions committee what you need to gain from the experience of earning the degree that will set you up for success in your career after you graduate. In other words, the underlying message is that you recognize that you cannot do what you want to do professionally without certain skills or knowledge and that the MBA is a great way to attain them quickly and consummately. But actually making and acting on the decision to step out of the workforce for two years, commit to the required financial investment (including forgoing salary and retirement savings during that time period), and uproot yourself from your current community/environment—with no hard and fast guarantees that the experience will play out exactly as you hope it will—is much more difficult than realizing that it would be advantageous. That step tends to be more emotional than intellectual. For this essay, Foster wants to know more about how you made that leap. What happened to shift your thinking from “I should do this” to “I want to do this, and I am going to do this”? For example, the impetus might have been an inspiring conversation with a successful leader in your target industry who credits their MBA with helping them reach their goals. Or it might have been a more personal event, such as a health challenge or the loss of someone pivotal in your life, that spurred you to make big, bold changes and actively pursue your aspirations. To craft your most effective essay response to this prompt, you should clearly present a before-and-after scenario in which your consideration of the MBA switches from hypothetical and aspirational to definitive and conclusive. Describe the pivotal event that facilitated that transformation, and clearly outline your thought processes and feelings throughout. [b]Essay 3: Optional essay (500 words maximum) – Include this essay if you have additional information you believe would be helpful to the admissions committee in considering your application.[/b] Here is your opportunity—if needed—to address any lingering questions that an admissions officer might have about your candidacy, such as a low GRE or GMAT score, an unexplained gap in your work history, an unusual recommender choice, poor areas of academic performance, or a legal or disciplinary incident. Although Foster does not stipulate that this essay is strictly for explaining potentially problematic aspects of your profile, thereby opening the door for you to share other types of stories and information, do not simply try to fill this space because you fear that not doing so would somehow count against you. And however tempted you might be, this is not the place to reuse a strong essay you wrote for another school or to offer some anecdotes you were unable to include in your required essays. If you truly feel that you must emphasize or share a key aspect of your profile that would render your application incomplete if omitted, write a very brief piece about it. Keep in mind that by submitting an optional essay, you are requiring the already overtaxed admissions readers to do additional work on your application, so avoid being overly verbose or sharing more information than is truly necessary. You must ensure that the admissions committee’s extra time and effort are truly warranted. If you feel you might have a reason to submit this additional essay, consider downloading a free copy of our [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/mbamission-optional-essays-guide]mbaMission Optional Essays Guide[/url][/b], in which we offer detailed advice on when and how best to take advantage of the optional essay (along with multiple sample essays). [b]Essay 4: Optional Diversity, Equity & Inclusion essay (500 words maximum) – At the Foster School of Business, we embrace diversity as one of the foundations of both successful business strategy and a world-class educational experience. We share the University’s dedication to promoting the understanding and appreciation of human differences, and the constructive expression of ideas. We welcome you to share some of the ways you have practiced inclusion, promoted equity or supported the advancement of underrepresented groups.[/b] Diversity, equity, and inclusion are inarguably important, and ubiquitous, topics these days in business school essay questions, so we are not surprised to see that Foster asks its candidates to address them, though we are a bit surprised that the query is presented as an optional essay (and the second optional essay, at that). If you have something meaningful or impressive to offer in response to this prompt, we definitely encourage you to share it with the admissions committee, but on the flip side, do not feel obligated to write this optional essay for fear that not doing so will make you look insensitive or apathetic. You are far better off skipping this essay entirely than trying to force or embellish a weak story that will not ultimately contribute anything positive or compelling to your application. The past year (plus!) has certainly offered a multitude of opportunities for people to “show up” for others who are different from them, such as by participating in or even organizing a protest or march, or by speaking up or stepping in when an individual was being harassed or marginalized in some way. Foster wants to know how you act on your values and ideals within this context, so you need to go beyond just sharing why you believe “practic[ing] inclusion, promot[ing] equity or support[ing] the advancement of underrepresented groups” is important and describe your actual behaviors and actions. Fully illustrating and exemplifying the “how” element is crucial for this essay to be its most effective. Because the school places no restrictions on the environment in which your experience(s) occurred, be sure to consider all the areas of your life (personal, community, professional) to uncover your strongest examples. |
01 Jul 2021, 11:00
| FROM mbaMission Blog: Yale School of Management Essay Analysis, 2021–2022 |
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[url=https://i0.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/yale-logo.png?ssl=1][img]https://i0.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/yale-logo.png?resize=300%2C60&ssl=1[/img][/url] The Yale School of Management (SOM) is one of the few top business schools that give their candidates just one required application essay with which to make their desired impression on the admissions committee. The Yale SOM requires applicants to expound on a significant commitment and its underlying impetus and meaning. The essay has a 500-word maximum, so you need to be clear, direct, and rather succinct in your response, without much preamble or extraneous text. If you feel the required essay’s topic does not allow you to share a particularly important or compelling aspect of your profile, or if you have an issue in your candidacy that would benefit from further explication, you can use the “optional information” space to fill in the blanks. The program’s [b][url=https://som.yale.edu/programs/mba/admissions/application-information/application-guide]application guide[/url][/b] asserts that this is “not an additional essay,” however, and the submission is limited to 200 words, so you must again be concise in conveying the necessary details. Our full analysis of the school’s essay prompts for 2021–2022 follows. [b]Describe the biggest commitment you have ever made. (500 words maximum)[/b] When this intriguing essay prompt was originally introduced in 2016, Assistant Dean for Admissions [b][url=https://som.yale.edu/blog/assistant-dean-admissions-yale-som-application-essay-question-announced]Bruce DelMonico noted[/url][/b] that the “seemingly simple and straightforward question” was composed with assistance from one of the program’s organizational behavior professors. Yale’s admissions committee clearly takes the application essay seriously and is thoughtful about the mind-set and types of behaviors it wants to see in the school’s students. In an online [b][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0uVg70ZVl4&t=66s]Q&A session with several leading admissions officers[/url][/b] we later hosted, Bruce declared himself “agnostic” about whether applicants should discuss a personal commitment or a professional one, noting that he wants to gauge the level to which candidates commit themselves, rather than the context of the engagement: “We don’t have a preference for professional or personal accomplishments. . . . We are not making value judgments about what that commitment is, but it is more about how you approach that commitment, how you have demonstrated that commitment, and what sorts of behaviors underlie that commitment.” You might initially perceive this prompt as rather narrow in scope, allowing you to share the story of just a single professional or community project and nothing more, but that is not the case. You can certainly discuss your dedication to a particular project or cause, of course, but you are definitely not restricted to this approach. Consider this: you can also be committed to an idea (e.g., personal liberty) or a value (e.g., creating opportunity for others), and approaching your essay from this angle instead could enable you to reveal much more of and about yourself to the admissions committee. For example, you might relate a few anecdotes that on the surface seem unrelated—drawing from different parts of your life—but that all support and illustrate how you are guided by a particular belief or world view. Or, to use the example of personal liberty as a theme, you could show how you take control of your academic and professional paths, adhering steadfastly to your values and vision. Whatever you choose to feature as the focus of your commitment, your actions and decisions, manifest via a variety of experiences, must allow you to own it as a genuine part of who you are as an individual. Identifying a theme that you think no one else will ever use is not your goal here; presenting authentic anecdotes that powerfully support your selected theme is what is important. If you elect to focus on a single anecdote, the commitment you claim must be truly inordinate. Being particularly proud of an accomplishment is not enough to make it an effective topic for this essay. You need to demonstrate your constancy and dedication in the face of challenges or resistance, revealing that your connection to the experience was hard won. Strive to show that you have been resolute in following a sometimes difficult path and have doggedly stayed on course, citing clear examples to illustrate your steadfastness. Nothing commonplace will work here—you must make your reader truly understand your journey and leave them more impressed by your effort than the outcome. Within its application, the Yale SOM also poses the following question: [b]How did you arrive at these [your] career interests? How have you or how will you position yourself to pursue them? (250 words maximum)[/b] Although this is not presented by the school as an official essay question, its length (at 250 words) and topic lead us to feel that a little guidance might be helpful. Here, the admissions committee is essentially asking for context for your professional aspirations, which typically involves some level of information about your work history, and wants to learn how you expect to use the Yale SOM experience and degree to move your forward on your path to achieving your goals. Keep in mind that the admissions committee will already have your resume on hand to review, and this should provide the basic information as far as your previous positions/titles, responsibilities, and accomplishments. What the school is looking for here is the more personal side of the story—what has motivated you along the way and is motivating you still, prodding you to pursue an MBA as part of your efforts to continue on your chosen professional path. In an [url=https://som.yale.edu/apptips-post-mba-interests][b]application tips blog post[/b][/url], Kate Botelho, associate director of admissions at the Yale SOM, offers this advice when considering your response: “You may want to think about the answers to questions such as ‘How did these interests develop?’ ‘What kind of exposure have you had to them?’ ‘What steps have you already taken to explore these interests?’ ‘What enables you to pursue them successfully?’” Given that this prompt essentially covers some of the elements found in a typical traditional personal statement essay, we encourage you to download a free copy of the [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/personal-statement-guide]mbaMission Personal Statement Guide[/url][/b], which offers in-depth advice on how to address these sorts of topics and provides examples. [b]Optional Information:[/b] [b]If any aspect of your candidacy needs further explanation (unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, academic performance, promotions or recognitions, etc.), please provide a brief description here. (200 words maximum)[/b] Yale’s optional information prompt invites you to address any potential problem areas in your profile if you feel you need to. The use of the adjective “brief” clearly conveys that the school wants you to focus on imparting key information rather than offering a detailed and long-winded explanation of the issue in question. This is absolutely not an opportunity to share another cool story or otherwise try to impress or pander to the admissions committee. If you do not truly need to explain an issue or potentially confusing element of your candidacy, we do not recommend that you complete this section; if you do have issues to clarify, keep things concise. In our free [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/mbamission-optional-essays-guide]mbaMission Optional Essays Guide[/url][/b], we offer detailed advice on when and how to take advantage of these kinds of opportunities, with multiple examples. For a thorough exploration of the Yale SOM academic program/merits, defining characteristics, crucial statistics, social life, academic environment, and other key features, check out the mbaMission [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/yale-school-of-management-insider-s-guide]Insider’s Guide to the Yale School of Management[/url][/b]. [b]The Next Step—Mastering Your Yale SOM Interview[/b][b]:[/b] Many MBA candidates find admissions interviews stressful and intimidating, but mastering this important element of the application process is definitely possible—the key is informed preparation. To help you on your way to this high level of preparation, we offer our [url=https://shop.mbamission.com/collections/interview-guides][b]free Interview Guides[/b][/url]. Download your free copy of the [url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/yale-school-of-management-interview-guide][b]Yale School of Management Interview Guide[/b][/url] today. |
02 Jul 2021, 08:01
| FROM mbaMission Blog: University of Pennsylvania Wharton School Essay Analysis, 2021–2022 |
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[url=https://i0.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wharton-320x320.png?ssl=1][img]https://i0.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wharton-320x320.png?resize=200%2C200&ssl=1[/img][/url] As a pair, the prompts for the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania’s two required application essays essentially ask applicants to describe a kind of give-and-take with respect to their engagement with its MBA program. For Essay 1, you must discuss what Wharton can do for you, and for Essay 2, the focus is on what you can do for Wharton. Your greatest assets in crafting strong essay responses for both will be (1) a profound understanding of the school, its culture, and all it offers and (2) your ability to infuse your essays with a high level of detail. So, be knowledgeable, be authentic, and be thorough, and you should be well positioned to submit compelling, effective essays. In our analysis that follows, we provide more in-depth guidance on each of Wharton’s 2021–2022 questions individually. [b]Essay 1: How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)[/b] In just 500 words, you must discuss your career aspirations—giving sufficient context for why they are realistic for you—and illustrate how you believe Wharton will help you pursue these goals by demonstrating a thorough understanding of what the school offers and a well-thought-out game plan for availing yourself of particular resources. To effectively do this and write a reasoned, nuanced essay, you must first familiarize yourself with Wharton’s various offerings, events, and extracurriculars and pinpoint those that truly pertain to you and the direction in which you hope to move. Go the extra mile in learning about the school—connect with multiple students and alumni, attend admissions events in your area, read recent press releases from the program and any news stories about it published elsewhere, check out the [b][url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU9Z1eLsDa_meEfsmx-Ys0w]Wharton School YouTube[/url][/b] channel, and especially, visit the campus if at all possible. This will provide the kind of in-depth insight that will show the admissions committee you are really serious about Wharton and are confident you belong there. Simply presenting a list of classes and clubs you think sound interesting will not suffice, and absolutely avoid vague, pandering statements about how great the school is. You must reveal clear connections between your aspirations, what you need to achieve them (e.g., skills, experience[s], connections, exposure), and what Wharton in particular can provide that will enable you to fill those gaps. That said, take care to not talk exclusively about the Wharton side of this equation. The admissions committee wants to more fully understand the vision you have for your future career, how you have developed this vision, and why you believe it is feasible and fitting for you (with respect to your interests, work style, strengths, values, and/or other such factors). In [b][url=https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/mba-admissions/updates-2021-2022-application/]a post[/url][/b] about this year’s prompts, Blair Mannix, Wharton’s director of admissions, notes, “We made slight revisions to Essay 1 to ensure that the question remained applicant-centered while still requiring applicants to think carefully and specifically about how they can maximize two years at Wharton to prepare for their future career goals” (emphasis ours). Connect the dots, so to speak, between what you are bringing to Wharton yourself as a student and what you feel Wharton will provide to complement and strengthen that to set you on the path to success. Note that Wharton asks you to address only the professional aspect—not the professional and personal aspect—of your business school goals. This means you should focus solely on sharing your career-related stories and ambitions here and then use the other essay(s) to discuss non-work aspects of your life, thereby providing a more complete and well-rounded picture of yourself for the admissions committee. In many ways, this prompt is asking for a traditional MBA personal statement. We therefore encourage you to download a free copy of the [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/personal-statement-guide]mbaMission Personal Statement Guide[/url][/b], in which we offer detailed advice on approaching and framing these kinds of topics, along with multiple illustrative examples. [b]Essay 2: Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words) [/b] In a [b][url=https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/mba-admissions/2020-2021-application-deadlines-essay-updates/]blog post[/url][/b] last year, when this prompt took on its current wording, Mannix explained, “Our main goal is to get to know you the best that we can, and the change to our second prompt was largely motivated by that desire.” The breadth of this essay question allows you to provide a well-rounded impression of yourself for the admissions committee because you can discuss multiple aspects of or stories from your life and draw from any area (personal, professional, and/or academic), thereby allowing you to highlight your strongest and most relevant options. However, the word count is fairly restrictive, so you need to be concise in doing so, without sacrificing effectiveness or thoroughness. We recommend using approximately one-half of your allowed word count to describe your chosen experience(s) or quality(-ties), so that you have sufficient space in which to then explain how it/they will enable you to contribute to the Wharton community in a meaningful way. Do your best to “show,” or really spell out, your story—rather than just flatly presenting or stating it—to give the admissions reader some perspective and context. You then need to demonstrate both self-awareness and, again, a thorough understanding of the Wharton MBA experience by drawing connections between this aspect of your background and what you can subsequently bring the school as a member of its community. For example, a past project might have given you some critical insights and skills you could now pass on to your classmates in a related class or club. Or maybe a personal challenge gave you an interesting new perspective on commitment, determination, or other valuable quality. What is most important in this essay is conveying how you envision applying the knowledge or quality you can offer as a student in the Wharton program. In addition to the suggestions we offered earlier for ways of better familiarizing yourself with Wharton, be sure to download a free copy of the [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/wharton-school-of-the-university-of-pennsylvania-insider-s-guide]mbaMission Insider’s Guide to the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania[/url][/b], which provides an insider’s perspective on the school’s academic program, unique offerings, social life, and other key characteristics. [b]Required Essay for All Reapplicants: Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected [on] and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)[/b] Thankfully, this essay is pretty straightforward. Whether you have improved your academic record, received a promotion, begun a new and exciting project, increased your community involvement, or taken on some sort of personal challenge, the key to success with this essay is conveying a very deliberate path of achievement. Wharton wants to know that you have been actively striving to improve yourself and your profile, and that you have seized opportunities during the time since you last applied to do so, because a Wharton MBA is vital to you. The responses to this essay question will vary greatly from one candidate to the next, because each person’s needs and experiences differ. We are more than happy to provide one-on-one assistance with this highly personal essay to ensure that your efforts are presented in the best light possible. [b]Optional Essay: Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider.[/b] With this prompt, Wharton is acknowledging that some candidates have aspects of their profiles that might need a little special clarification. This essay is therefore your opportunity—if needed—to address any lingering questions that an admissions officer might have about your candidacy, such as a low GRE or GMAT score, a legal or disciplinary incident, or, of course, one of the extenuating circumstances the school suggests. However, keep in mind that by submitting an optional essay, you are requiring the already overtaxed admissions readers to do additional work on your application, so do not rush to fill this space just because you fear that not doing so will somehow count against you (it will not), and also avoid being overly verbose or sharing more information than is truly necessary just because you technically can. You must ensure that the admissions committee’s extra time and effort are truly warranted. If you feel you might have a valid reason for submitting this additional essay or are not sure if the issue you are considering would warrant doing so, we encourage you to download a free copy of our [url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/mbamission-optional-essays-guide][b]mbaMission Optional Essays Guide[/b][/url], in which we offer detailed advice on when and how to take advantage of the optional essay, along with multiple sample essays. [b]The Next Step—Mastering Your Wharton Interview: [/b]Many MBA candidates find admissions interviews stressful and intimidating, but mastering this important element of the application process is definitely possible—the key is informed preparation. To help you attain this high level of preparedness, we offer our free[b] [url=https://shop.mbamission.com/collections/interview-primers]Interview Guides[/url][/b]. Download a complimentary copy of [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/interview-primer-the-wharton-school-of-the-university-of-pennsylvania]The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania Interview Guide[/url][/b] today. |
03 Jul 2021, 09:01
| FROM mbaMission Blog: Professor Profiles: Barry Nalebuff, Yale School of Management |
 Many MBA applicants feel that they are purchasing a brand when they choose a business school. However, the educational experience you will have is what is crucial to your future, and no one will affect your education more than your professors. Today, we profile Barry Nalebuff from the Yale School of Management (SOM). Perhaps best known as one of the founders of Honest Tea, Barry Nalebuff is the Milton Steinbach Professor of Management at the Yale SOM. An expert in game theory and strategy, Nalebuff has been a professor at the SOM since 1989. A second year told mbaMission that in the classroom, Nalebuff “is a favorite for his sharp wit and insights.” Nalebuff is also an accomplished author with more than 400,000 copies in print. His book The Art of Strategy: A Game Theorist’s Guide to Success in Business and Life (W.W. Norton & Co., 2008), for example, explores how almost all interactions—business and personal alike—have a game theory component. Nalebuff and Adam Brandenburger, a professor of business economics and strategy at New York University’s Stern School of Business, developed the concept of a new business strategy called “co-opetition,” which they write about in the book Co-Opetition: A Revolutionary Mindset That Combines Competition and Cooperation: The Game Theory Strategy That’s Changing the Game of Business (Crown Business, 1997). The book’s listing on Amazon.com describes co-opetition as “a business strategy that goes beyond the old rules of competition and cooperation to combine the advantages of both. Co-opetition is a pioneering, high profit means of leveraging business relationships.” A first year noted in a SOM Community Blog post, “Prof. Nalebuff never misses an opportunity to illustrate the ways in which companies can cooperate to grow the PIE (potential industry earnings). Of course, he then always reminds us that these same companies should compete aggressively to secure the biggest piece of that newly expanded PIE.” For more information about the Yale SOM and 16 other top-ranked business schools, check out our free mbaMission Insider’s Guides. |
05 Jul 2021, 07:00
| FROM mbaMission Blog: The Role of Confusion in Your GMAT Prep |
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With regard to the GMAT, raw intellectual horsepower helps, but it is not everything. Manhattan Prep’s Stacey Koprince teaches you how to perform at your best on test day by using some common sense. That seems like it should be a typo. Maybe I meant Confucius, the Chinese teacher and philosopher? No, I really do mean confusion. Journalist Annie Murphy Paul contributed a post to NPR’s Mind/Shift blog: “Why Confusion Can Be a Good Thing.” Why Is Confusion Good? Murphy Paul supports her thesis with an important point: When we do not know the “right” way to do something, we open up our minds to many potential paths—and sometimes an alternate potential path is better than the “official” path. When a test such as the GMAT is concerned, the discomfort inherent in figuring out that best path allows us to determine why a certain approach is preferable. That knowledge, in turn, helps us to know when we can reuse a certain line of thinking or solution process on a different (but similar) question in the future. How Can I Use Confusion to Help My Prep? Murphy Paul offers three suggestions (the following quotes are from the article; the rest is just me): (1) “Expose yourself to confusing material.” On the GMAT, you have no choice: you are going to be exposing yourself to confusing material every day. So I will tweak Murphy Paul’s suggestion slightly: embrace the confusion. Rather than feeling annoyed or frustrated when that feeling of confusion creeps in, tell yourself, “Okay, I am on track here. I am going to figure this out—and when I do, I am going to remember it, because my current confusion is actually going to help me remember better once I do know what I am doing!” (2) “Withhold the answers from yourself.” Sometimes looking at the answer immediately is appropriate. If you are doing drill sets and you want to make sure that you learn from one problem before trying the next, then check the solution immediately. Other times, though, you are not doing yourself a favor by jumping right to the answer. In particular, when you know that you do not know… then do not look at the answer right away! Struggle with it for a while first. Look stuff up in your strategy guides/books. Ask a friend or search a forum. Spend as much time as you want, then pick an answer—even if it is just a guess—and have a rationale for why you eliminated the answers that you eliminated. If possible, also have a rationale for why you chose the answer that you did. Got that? Okay, now go look at the answer. But wait! Do not read the solution yet—just look at the answer first. Maybe you will want to go look at the problem again because
This approach lets us know what we know and, more importantly, what we do not know going into our study of that lesson or chapter, and that can actually help us to learn more effectively. I suggest starting a new chapter with a few of the problems listed as practice or drills at the end of the chapter. If those go well, then try a lower-numbered Official Guide problem. Keep going until you hit a couple of substantial roadblocks. Then dive into the chapter with a serious curiosity to figure out how to get around those roadblocks! |
06 Jul 2021, 09:00
| FROM mbaMission Blog: MBA Admissions Myths Destroyed: I Already Have a Good Resume |
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Many MBA candidates do not properly rethink and revise their resumes for their business school applications. Because they already have a resume saved on their computer, they often dismiss this important element of their profile. We are here to warn you not to underestimate the value of this document—the admissions committees actually review applicants’ resumes rather carefully, because they serve as a road map of each candidate’s career. As we have noted in the past, your resume is not the place to “stuff” all your life experiences. Somewhere between cramming your resume with information and ignoring it altogether lies the ideal: crafting a clear, easily scannable, action-/results-oriented resume that tells a story. This kind of document will capture the attention of an admissions officer who has reviewed hundreds of similar files. One of the most common errors candidates make is leaving their resume in an industry-specific format, filled with jargon and acronyms recognizable only to an expert in their field. Remember, the admissions committee is not hiring you for a task, but is trying to understand your progress, your accomplishments, and even your character. Each bullet point in your resume needs to highlight achievement more than positional expertise. As you prepare your resume to be included in your application, think about your audience and recognize that your resume can be a strategic tool to reinforce certain characteristics that are important to you—characteristics that may complement information provided in other parts of your application. For example, if you aspire to a career that is international in nature, you may place more emphasis on your international experience in your resume. Or, if you come from a field that is not known for its management orientation—you were a teacher who administered a school’s $50,000 student activities budget, for example—you may use your resume to emphasize disciplines that are important to an MBA admissions audience. Some candidates are surprised to realize that one page can communicate so much and therefore deserves a significant level of attention, but investing some time in this short but crucial document is definitely worth the effort. |
07 Jul 2021, 11:00
| FROM mbaMission Blog: Cornell University Johnson Essay Analysis, 2021–2022 |
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[url=https://i0.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Johnson-logo-rgb.jpg?ssl=1][img]https://i0.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Johnson-logo-rgb.jpg?resize=300%2C64&ssl=1[/img][/url] With its straightforward goals statement and single required essay, the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University seems interested in getting right to the heart of the issues it considers most valuable in evaluating its applicants. The admissions committee wants to first know your professional aspirations and motivations for pursuing an MBA degree and then how you see yourself being a contributing member of the Johnson community. An optional essay is available, if needed, to address the usual topics of problematic candidacy issues or any outstanding qualifications that are not represented elsewhere in one’s application. Read on for our full analysis of Cornell Johnson’s application essay questions for 2021–2022. [b]Goals Statement: A statement of your goals will begin a conversation that will last throughout [the] admissions process and guide your steps during the MBA program and experience. To the best of your understanding today, please share your short and long term goals by completing the following sentences and answering the enclosed short answer question (350 words maximum):[/b] [b]Immediately post-MBA, my goal is to work as a(n) [Role] at [Company] within [Industry].[/b] [b]Targeted Job Role:[/b] [b]Target Job Company:[/b] [b]Industry:[/b] [b]In 5–10 years post-MBA, my goal is to work as a(n) [Role] at [Company] within [Industry].[/b] [b]Targeted Job Role:[/b] [b]Target Job Company:[/b] [b]Industry:[/b] [b]How has your experience prepared and encouraged you to pursue these goals? [/b] With this incredibly direct approach to gathering information about candidates’ professional goals, Cornell Johnson is clearly conveying a desire for information only. The school states in the preamble to this prompt, “If you’re invited to interview, you will have the opportunity to elaborate further,” signaling to us that the admissions committee really wants just the facts here. So, respect both the format and the school and be as direct and clear as possible, saving any embellishment or additional explanation for another time. That said, the inclusion of the mini essay prompt indicates that the admissions committee wants to have some context for your stated aspirations, so do your best within the 350-word allowance to be thorough and clearly connect the dots between where you have been and where you are striving to go. An effective response will provide evidence that you (1) have done your research as to what is required to attain your goals, (2) recognize where you are on that trajectory (what skills and experience you already possess that are key to success in your desired roles and field), and, to some degree, (3) understand why/how attaining an MBA from Cornell Johnson will move you further in the right direction. Although this prompt is not a request for a full-length personal essay, we offer a number of tips and examples in our free [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/personal-statement-guide]mbaMission Personal Statement Guide[/url][/b] that could be helpful in crafting your responses. We encourage you to download your complimentary copy today. [b]Essay 1 – Impact Essay: This essay is designed to explore the intersection of engagement and community culture. Our students and alumni share a desire to positively impact the organizations and communities they serve. To help you explore your potential for impact, we encourage you to [url=https://www.johnson.cornell.edu/programs/full-time-mba/admissions/community-search-tool/]engage with our students[/url], alumni, faculty, and professional staff before submitting your application. You may choose to connect with them via email or phone or in person during one of our on-campus or off-campus events. As you seek their input and insight, please be respectful of their time and prepare a few discussion points or questions in advance.[/b] [b]At Cornell, our students and alumni share a desire to positively impact the organizations and communities they serve. Taking into consideration your background, how do you intend to make a meaningful impact on an elite MBA community? (350 words maximum) [/b] Note that with this essay prompt, the school is not asking you to discuss a time in the past when you have made an impact but rather about your expected impact going forward, and specifically as part of the Cornell Johnson community. We always encourage candidates to connect with students, alumni, and others in an MBA program’s greater community when preparing their application, but in this case, Cornell is essentially demanding that you do so with its rather forthright “encouragement” and direct link to the resources it offers to facilitate such connections. If you have not already been making these kinds of connections, now (immediately) is the time to get busy. The admissions committee undoubtedly expects your efforts to yield useful insights, so saying that you have merely contacted a few people will not suffice. You need to show that the insider information you subsequently received has further solidified your choice to pursue an MBA at Cornell Johnson by discussing the ways and areas in which you now feel you can contribute to it. The school’s specification that you reflect on your past as you determine your best way of adding to the Johnson community means that you need to provide some context for your proposed idea(s) that proves that you are equipped to follow through on your plans. If nothing in the rest of your application indicates that you have experience doing what you say you will do at Johnson, or that you possess the necessary capabilities or qualities, the admissions committee will have difficulty believing that you are being authentic—and might even suspect that you are offering a response you think “sounds good” rather than one rooted in reality and actual possibility. So, we recommend first familiarizing yourself with the Johnson MBA experience well beyond what the school offers in its promotional materials (e.g., read press releases, news stories, and student blogs; check out the [b][url=https://www.youtube.com/c/CornellSCJohnsonCollegeofBusiness]Cornell Johnson YouTube[/url][/b] channel) and identify elements that resonate with you. Then use that information and inspiration to prepare for thoughtful, productive conversations with multiple members of the Johnson community. And finally, use this essay to reveal what you have learned, the ideas you have developed as a result, and the reasons and ways you are prepared to put those ideas into action at Johnson. [b]Optional Essay (required for reapplicants): You may use this essay to call attention to items needing clarification and to add additional details to any aspects of your application that do not accurately reflect your potential for success at Johnson (350 words maximum). [/b] [b]If you are reapplying for admission, please use this essay to indicate how you have strengthened your application since the last time you applied for admission. Please also review our Application Guide for additional information about reapplying. (350 words maximum)[/b] If you are a Cornell Johnson reapplicant, this essay should be pretty straightforward. Whether you have improved your academic record, received a promotion, begun a new and exciting project, increased your community involvement, or taken on some sort of personal challenge, the key to success with this essay is conveying a very deliberate path of achievement. The school wants to know that you have been actively striving to improve yourself and your profile, and that you have seized opportunities during the previous year to do so, because a Cornell Johnson MBA is vital to you. The responses to this essay question will vary greatly from one candidate to the next, because each person’s needs and experiences differ. We are more than happy to provide one-on-one assistance with this highly personal essay to ensure that your efforts over the past year are presented in the best light possible. If you are not a reapplicant, Johnson’s optional essay prompt gives you the typical opportunity—if needed—to address any lingering questions that an admissions officer might have about your candidacy, such as a poor grade or overall GPA, a low GMAT or GRE score, or a gap in your work experience. Yet it is sufficiently broad to also allow you to emphasize or explain something that if omitted would render your application incomplete. We caution you against simply trying to fill this space because you fear that not doing so would somehow count against you. And of course, however tempted you might be, this is not the place to reuse a strong essay you wrote for another school or to offer a few anecdotes you were unable to include elsewhere in your application. Keep in mind that by submitting an optional essay, you are requiring the already overtaxed admissions readers to do additional work, so avoid being overly verbose or sharing more information than is truly necessary. You must ensure that the admissions committee’s extra time and effort are truly warranted, so write just a very brief piece to explain your troublesome issue or offer the essential (and otherwise uncommunicated) aspect of your profile. If you feel you might have a reason to submit this additional essay, we encourage you to download our free [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/mbamission-optional-essays-guide]mbaMission Optional Essays Guide[/url][/b], in which we offer detailed advice on when and how to take advantage of the optional essay, along with multiple illustrative examples. For a thorough exploration of Johnson’s academic offerings, defining characteristics, crucial statistics, social life, community/environment, and other key facets of the program, please download your free copy of the [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/samuel-curtis-johnson-graduate-school-of-management]mbaMission Insider’s Guide to Samuel Curtis Johnson School of Management[/url][/b]. |
08 Jul 2021, 09:00
| FROM mbaMission Blog: Essential Reading from mbaMission’s Career Coaches: July 2021 |
Whether you are getting ready for business school, looking to change jobs, or want to excel in your current role, these recent career-related articles caught our attention as thought-provoking content with specific tactics to help you become more successful:
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09 Jul 2021, 13:00
| FROM mbaMission Blog: Carnegie Mellon University Tepper Essay Analysis, 2021–2022 |
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[url=https://i1.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/CMU_Tepper_School_of_Business.jpg?ssl=1][img]https://i1.wp.com/www.mbamission.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/CMU_Tepper_School_of_Business.jpg?resize=200%2C200&ssl=1[/img][/url] Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business has only one required traditional application essay. For it, the school asks applicants to discuss how they have triumphed over some kind of adversity in their life and what they learned about themselves from the experience. The topic seems fitting in light of the turbulence of the past few years. Candidates are also tasked with providing two brief statements (mini essays of a sort) on their post-graduation aspirations. Applicants who feel the need to convey an additional important aspect or two of their candidacy to the admissions committee can take advantage of the optional essay, whose prompt is broad enough to accommodate topics other than problem areas in one’s profile, though we would encourage candidates to do so judiciously. Our in-depth analysis of Tepper’s 2021–2022 questions follows. [b]Post-MBA Goals[/b] [list] [b]What is your professional goal immediately following graduation from Tepper? (150 words)[/b][/*] [b]What other role would you consider? In other words, what is your Plan B? (150 words)[/b][/*] [/list] With these two questions, Tepper first asks candidates for a standard element of a traditional personal statement—one’s short-term career aspirations—and then for a rather nonstandard one—an alternate path. Candidates often feel they must be totally unequivocal in their career goals to impress the admissions committee, but in this case, Tepper is directly instructing applicants to speculate on and articulate a second option. The school knows that sometimes the best-laid plans do not play out as expected or might even yield unintended results, and it wants to know that you are prepared to switch gears and recommit to a different path, if necessary—and that you are fully capable of doing so. The key in answering this question is showing that your backup goal is just as connected to your skills, interests, and ambitions as your original plan and does not come “out of left field,” so to speak. For example, you would probably have a difficult time convincing the admissions committee that your short-term goal is to work in technology consulting while your alternate goal would be to work in human resources, because these industries, for the most part, require entirely different skills and personalities. Just be mindful that both goals you present must be plausible and achievable. As we have noted, this question concerns one of the core topics covered in a typical personal statement, so we encourage you to download a free copy of the [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/personal-statement-guide]mbaMission Personal Statement Guide[/url][/b]. This complimentary guide offers detailed advice on approaching and framing these subjects, along with multiple illustrative examples. [b]Required Essay: The Tepper community is dynamic and unique. Each community member’s individual journey has shaped them into classmates who are collaborative, supportive, and inclusive. Describe how you have overcome adversity during your journey. What did you learn about yourself and how has that shaped who you are? (Maximum 350-500 words.)[/b] As a quote typically attributed to Albert Einstein goes, “Adversity introduces a man to himself.” Facing adversity is often revelatory and can show you what you are capable of, which values are most important to you, and how far you are willing to go or how hard you are willing to work to overcome whatever stands in your way. That Tepper would pose such a question in the wake of the past few years seems only natural, given the level of hardship so many people have been dealing with, and candidates’ responses will undoubtedly be very informative for the admissions committee. First, take care not to conflate adversity with a setback or failure. To fit the school’s query, the situation you describe in your essay needs to relate to a state of opposing, unfavorable, or even hostile conditions rather than a finite or easily quantifiable impediment. And adversity can take many forms: societal, financial, mental/emotional, physical, etc. The source can be external (e.g., a persistent lack of money, others’ prejudices, physical limitations) or internal (e.g., phobia, mental illness, language abilities). It can be quietly oppressive or overtly so. We doubt that you have faced adversity only once in your life—though we are happy for you if this is somehow the case—so be sure to consider all your options thoroughly to identify the one that has proved the most affecting and influential. With this essay, the admissions committee wants to learn about how you interpret, process, and react to (and in) such situations. To craft an effective response, you will obviously need to convey what form the adversity took and what it prevented you from doing and how. What effect did it have on you, in terms of both what you could do and how you felt? What were your thought processes and actions in response? Describe how the situation was resolved or has improved for you (the essay prompt implies a resolution in asking, “how you have overcome adversity,” emphasis ours) and what you realized about yourself as a result. Note that Tepper specifically asks not what you learned in a general sense but what you learned about yourself. Lastly, share how that knowledge has subsequently influenced the person you are today and how you interact with the world around you. Showing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between the individual you were (or believed yourself to be) before the situation and the individual you are now will help the admissions reader understand how and why it was a major factor in your personal development. [b]Optional Essay: Is there anything else that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee as we evaluate your application? If you believe your credentials and essays represent you fairly, you should not feel obligated to answer this question. This essay is intended to provide a place for you to add information that you think is important but is not covered elsewhere in the application. This could include clarification of your employment or academic record, choice of recommenders, or helpful context for the admissions committee in reviewing your application.[/b] (No word limit is indicated.)[b] [/b] Tepper’s optional essay prompt is somewhat broad in the sense that it does not demand that you discuss only problem areas in your candidacy. That said, the second line of the prompt not too subtly implies that the admissions committee expects you to use the essay this way. If an element of your profile would benefit from further explanation—such as a poor grade or overall GPA, a low GMAT or GRE score, or a legal or disciplinary issue—this is your opportunity to address it and answer any related questions an admissions officer might have. We caution you against simply trying to fill this space because you fear that not doing so would somehow count against you, and this is definitely not an invitation to dump a bunch of remaining information about yourself that you have not included elsewhere or to offer a few anecdotes you were unable to use in your required essay. However, if you believe you have something pivotal or particularly compelling to share that is not mentioned anywhere else in your application and that you feel would render your profile incomplete if omitted, Tepper has offered some leeway to do so here. Although no word limit is stipulated, be mindful that by submitting a second essay, you are making a claim on an (undoubtedly very busy) admissions representative’s time, so be sure that whatever you write is worth the additional resources and effort. For more guidance, download our free [b][url=https://shop.mbamission.com/products/mbamission-optional-essays-guide]mbaMission Optional Essays Guide[/url][/b], in which we offer detailed advice (along with multiple examples) on when and how to take advantage of the optional essay. [b]Are you a re-applicant? Use the optional essay to explain how your candidacy has strengthened since your last application.[/b] Whether you have improved your academic record, received a promotion, begun a new and exciting project, increased your community involvement, or taken on some sort of personal challenge, the key to success with this essay is conveying a very deliberate path of achievement. Tepper wants to know that you have been actively striving to improve yourself and your profile, and that you have seized opportunities since your previous application to do so, because an MBA from its program is important to you. The responses to this essay question will vary greatly from one candidate to the next, because each person’s needs and experiences differ. We are more than happy to provide one-on-one assistance with this highly personal essay to ensure that your efforts are presented in the best light possible. |
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Hi Generic [Bot],
Here are updates for you:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Tuck at Dartmouth
AGSM at UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA RIVERSIDE
 GMAT Club REWARDS
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