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redalertmba
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Schools: Ross '20 (WA) Kellogg '20 (D)
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Schools: Ross '20 (WA) Kellogg '20 (D)
GMAT 1: 730 Q48 V42
GRE 1: Q165 V166
Posts: 55
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- Updated on: 16 Feb 2018, 02:08
Originally posted by redalertmba on 16 Feb 2018, 01:13.
Last edited by redalertmba on 16 Feb 2018, 02:08, edited 1 time in total.
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TheIvyLeagueEdge
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- 16 Feb 2018, 02:06
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redalertmba
It seems a death in the family is often a legitimate difficulty to discuss in applications, which understandably, it is, but it almost seems private information needs to be shared more readily to grab attention -- as an article once described as "the Jerry Springer-ization of admissions". Here it was referring to college admissions, but I think the same would obviously apply to MBA applications as well.

What do admissions consultants think?

Me personally - I had a one-off incidence of a sexual molestation at 3.5 years old -- which was a one-off but complex event
(being alone with neonatal circumcision done, preschool kids teased me, and to 'alleviate' this teasing the teacher made me undress in front of the class to 'explain')

Around that age, I hit my head on cement, jumping from three or four stairs which left no lasting mark but remained in my memory in a bad way (such behavior is dangerous nonetheless), and I also got into a traffic accident because of which I was hospitalized for a few weeks(?)

My maternal grandfather, who was very rich(tens of millions of USD), became seriously indebted shortly after I was born
My parents fought often (partly because of the above event, I suppose, which couldn't not have had an impact on the family's financial standing)
Later in life, I suffered with anxiety issues because of these experiences, and got cholinergic allergies in college (perhaps because of this anxiety)

Even later, I helped out in an investigation in the military where I was forced to see pictures of dead bodies et cetera, and the political controversy surrounding the veracity of the investigation lasted well over a few months (even to this day there are many people who question it) so there's the guilt issue which led me to speak out about what I had seen back then (which isn't inappropriate in and of itself, but is rather not recommended behavior). If you're not aware, politics in Korea is tumultuous -- a recent ousting of a president, colonial and dictatorial past, North Korea, issues of justice and what not are embedded in everyday discussions.

That's about it -- nothing deadly or extremely shocking, but many stumbling blocks.

Should I mention any of these in my essays? Or the optional essay? I can see how these events shaped my college major, my choice of college, decisions concerning college courses and how I did in them, my beliefs in life so far, political views, choice of first job, et cetera, but highlighting these events will only make it seem that I'm still not over these events. So I didn't mention any of them, or most of them -- I refused to appear on the "Jerry Springer show of applications" but nonetheless I can say that these experiences shaped who I am.
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Two points:
1) It does NOT matter where all you have been, but what you have become despite those stumbling blocks. Focus on the positive side, and give demonstrable evidence of an impressive resilience.
2) I am not heartless, but from your account (as an AdCom), I may sympathize with you, commiserate with you and do more, but definitely not think of you as easily employable. And take this, if you are a high RISK for a school's employment figures, they would want you out in the time it takes us to say that much.
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- 16 Feb 2018, 22:18
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The stories you share are supposed to show that you possess the qualities business schools are seeking. Negative events can often illustrate self-awareness and the ability to overcome obstacles. However do not fancy yourself the topic of a documentary or anything - if they do not provide evidence of these qualities, OMIT. Stay focused on what you are trying to convey.
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- 19 Feb 2018, 01:15
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It is a pretty selfish thing to do - get a reply and then delete your post. That's why Admissions consultants quote people here - to keep the people honest.

Anything you post online is public. Your only option after thay is to contact the person who invested their time to reply to you and ask them if they can edit some of your personal information out in their quote.

Posted from my mobile device