What I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Started My MBA Essays

Question

I thought it would be straightforward when I started writing my MBA essays. After all, I knew my story... right? But I quickly got stuck. I spent days trying to sound both “authentic” and “impressive,” deleting more than I wrote. 
 
Looking back, I wish someone had told me these  three things  before I ever opened that blank Google Doc: 
 
1. Great essays don’t impress—they connect. 
 Admissions isn’t hiring you; they’re admitting a person. Focus on clarity, values, and self-awareness—not just achievements. 
 
2. Structure beats style. 
 You don’t need to be a brilliant writer, but you do need to guide the reader. Think less STAR, more  choices → growth → impact . 
 
3. One draft won’t cut it. 
 Some essays took me 10+ tries—and that’s completely normal. Start messy. Get feedback. Revise. It’s not just a writing task; it’s a reflection process. 
 
 What’s been the hardest part of your essay journey so far?  
 
  Getting started? Choosing the right stories? Cutting down to 500 words?  
  Or maybe you’ve hit a wall I haven’t mentioned, or figured something out that could help others.   
  Drop a comment below—questions, frustrations, breakthroughs, anything. Let’s learn from each other.

pintukr · Answer

So apt views. Indeed, the structure and clarity assumes high importance.

shriwasakshat · Answer

Hey, what are the recourses/guidance you used for writing essays?

UseLyraAI · Answer

Hi!

I started out with discussion forums, school websites, and whatever free resources I could find, trying to figure it all out on my own. I spent hours drafting, deleting, and second-guessing... but the whole process felt slow, and I wasn’t really getting closer to what I wanted to say.

Eventually, a few of us built something to make that process smoother—not a tool that writes essays  for  you, but one that helps you think and write more clearly.

I’ve been using Lyra as a kind of MBA writing coach—it helps structure ideas, spot what’s working in your story, and take the pressure off the blank page. Your voice is still doing the work; this just gives it a bit more shape.

If you're in the thick of writing, I totally get it. Happy to share more if helpful!

JiSuM7 · Answer

Hmm looks like Lyra is an interesting tool try. I'm in a mess for essay prep.. Is your website "UseLyra.AI"?

UseLyraAI · Answer

Yep, that’s the site! Been trying it out for brainstorming—super helpful when I hit a block.

What I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Started My MBA Essays

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