Titles to separate accomplishments?

Question

I was thinking of using titles for the different accomplishments in the HBS 3 accomplishments essay. Should the words in the title be counted in the word count?

What was the approach used by succesful HBS applicants from yesteryears? Did you guys use titles , or just paragraphs?

GyanOne · Answer

I think just paragraphs is better. Judging from past experience, successful HBS applicants wrote essays which were powerful and highlighted their achievements well, but the use of the titles is specific and really not a determinant. I would recommend that you just use paragraphs.

golantrevize · Answer

Transitioning between completely unrelated accomplishments is the problem I was trying to address with titles. There is no continuity between consecutive paragraphs of 2 diff accomplishments otherwise.

mbaneed · Answer

You could say something like:
Leading ABC to do XYZ is my greatest accomplishment...blah blah...
end of story

My second accomplishment is blah blah
end of story

The third achievement I am proud of is 
end of story

something like this worked for me. although i didnt have three to write about, just two.

Zarthul · Answer

I was planning on using Titles to separate the essays for both the accomplishment and set-back essay, and I do count the titles as words (although they are only 2-3 words). I have seen some students just separate them by **********, overall I don't think it matters that much. The most important thing is to have stories with substance. It would be nice if you could effectively link the paragraphs one after the other, but they are three separate events, so in many cases that is next to impossible.

Also I would HIGHLY recommend against the my first accomplishment is... so on

That sounds like an EXTREMELY boring essay, and when the AdCom is on essay 2000, the last think you want to be is boring.

Also I would HIGHLY recommend against the my first accomplishment is... so on

That sounds like an EXTREMELY boring essay, and when the AdCom is on essay 2000, the last think you want to be is boring.

golantrevize · Answer

Yep, I agree. I don't think I will just state it as mbaneed suggested.

whiplash2411 · Answer

Wouldn't necessarily say that. I used a format somewhat similar to what you have mentioned here, but I got an interview at HBS. I don't think the format you choose to present your accomplishments in will necessarily rule out anything. You want to sound catchy so don't just use "My first accomplishment refers to the time I won the marathon" but maybe elaborate on why you think it is an accomplishment in the first line and it's a perfectly good transition. PM me if you want to know what I used. I just don't want to put it up openly since I am not done with the process yet.

mbaneed · Answer

people, i used exactly the format i suggested and got accepted into a top 5 school. what you choose is subjective and specific to the way you write.

also, i wouldnt focus too much on making things fun to read. focus on telling your story well with details. reading through tonnes of apps is the adcoms job - they get paid for it. and they are looking for future mba students, not the next hollywood thriller script writer.

hogwarts · Answer

Look up the book "65 Successful Harvard Business School Application Essays" on Amazon, it's worth ordering (whether you're applying to HBS or other schools). There are a ton of 3 accomplishments essay examples in there by people who actually attended. Many of them have headings/titles for the accomplishments. Do whatever you think will help your essay flow the best. 8-)

Titles to separate accomplishments?

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