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mrmikec
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HBS Essay #1 24 Aug 2006, 21:56
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Hi,

Thank you for answering our questions.

Specifically, for HBS Essay #1, I am writing about my experience when I wrote my undergraduate honors thesis. Going into detail about how I utilized what I learned from other classes to formulate a theory . I go on to describe what I did and what I learned from my advisor. And how it applies to my current work.

I am concerned that this does not exhibit leadership and is too generic. I want to note that it was a great and rare honor to work with this advisor and only a very small subset of my graduating econ class receive this level of distinction. Would this be a good topic? Should I expand further? Please advise. Thanks.
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PaulBodine
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HBS Essay #1 26 Aug 2006, 14:01
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mrmikec
Hi,

Thank you for answering our questions.

Specifically, for HBS Essay #1, I am writing about my experience when I wrote my undergraduate honors thesis. Going into detail about how I utilized what I learned from other classes to formulate a theory . I go on to describe what I did and what I learned from my advisor. And how it applies to my current work.

I am concerned that this does not exhibit leadership and is too generic. I want to note that it was a great and rare honor to work with this advisor and only a very small subset of my graduating econ class receive this level of distinction. Would this be a good topic? Should I expand further? Please advise. Thanks.
Show more


mrmikec,

Depending on how well you execute, your topic choice for HBS 1 sounds good to me. The key will be to not rehash the argument of the thesis but to show the quality of your mind, your passion for the topic, and your respect for the prof. That's a legitimate approach to this essay and is *not* "too generic." Most applicants use a kitchen sink approach and yammer on about their grades (resume rehash).

Good luck,
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mrmikec
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HBS Essay #1 26 Aug 2006, 16:48
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pbodine
mrmikec
Hi,

Thank you for answering our questions.

Specifically, for HBS Essay #1, I am writing about my experience when I wrote my undergraduate honors thesis. Going into detail about how I utilized what I learned from other classes to formulate a theory . I go on to describe what I did and what I learned from my advisor. And how it applies to my current work.

I am concerned that this does not exhibit leadership and is too generic. I want to note that it was a great and rare honor to work with this advisor and only a very small subset of my graduating econ class receive this level of distinction. Would this be a good topic? Should I expand further? Please advise. Thanks.

mrmikec,

Depending on how well you execute, your topic choice for HBS 1 sounds good to me. The key will be to not rehash the argument of the thesis but to show the quality of your mind, your passion for the topic, and your respect for the prof. That's a legitimate approach to this essay and is *not* "too generic." Most applicants use a kitchen sink approach and yammer on about their grades (resume rehash).

Good luck,
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Paul, this is very helpful. Thank you for your suggestion.
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rhyme
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HBS Essay #1 26 Aug 2006, 18:09
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pbodine
mrmikec
Hi,

Thank you for answering our questions.

Specifically, for HBS Essay #1, I am writing about my experience when I wrote my undergraduate honors thesis. Going into detail about how I utilized what I learned from other classes to formulate a theory . I go on to describe what I did and what I learned from my advisor. And how it applies to my current work.

I am concerned that this does not exhibit leadership and is too generic. I want to note that it was a great and rare honor to work with this advisor and only a very small subset of my graduating econ class receive this level of distinction. Would this be a good topic? Should I expand further? Please advise. Thanks.

mrmikec,

Depending on how well you execute, your topic choice for HBS 1 sounds good to me. The key will be to not rehash the argument of the thesis but to show the quality of your mind, your passion for the topic, and your respect for the prof. That's a legitimate approach to this essay and is *not* "too generic." Most applicants use a kitchen sink approach and yammer on about their grades (resume rehash).

Good luck,
Show more


Interesting... My story basically goes like this:

Came from european school system and THUS:
Initially had some difficulty adjusting, BUT:
Found a position at the MBA school, discovered economics, and then flourished.
Mention a specific course which I found interesting, and how it directly ties into the teaching methods of HBS.
Close with a statement about the positive nature of my experiences, my continued involvement as part of the alumni admissions commitee, and my desire to come to HBS.

I guess I'm the one being generic!
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PaulBodine
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HBS Essay #1 28 Aug 2006, 08:22
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rhyme
pbodine
mrmikec
Hi,

Thank you for answering our questions.

Specifically, for HBS Essay #1, I am writing about my experience when I wrote my undergraduate honors thesis. Going into detail about how I utilized what I learned from other classes to formulate a theory . I go on to describe what I did and what I learned from my advisor. And how it applies to my current work.

I am concerned that this does not exhibit leadership and is too generic. I want to note that it was a great and rare honor to work with this advisor and only a very small subset of my graduating econ class receive this level of distinction. Would this be a good topic? Should I expand further? Please advise. Thanks.

mrmikec,

Depending on how well you execute, your topic choice for HBS 1 sounds good to me. The key will be to not rehash the argument of the thesis but to show the quality of your mind, your passion for the topic, and your respect for the prof. That's a legitimate approach to this essay and is *not* "too generic." Most applicants use a kitchen sink approach and yammer on about their grades (resume rehash).

Good luck,

Interesting... My story basically goes like this:

Came from european school system and THUS:
Initially had some difficulty adjusting, BUT:
Found a position at the MBA school, discovered economics, and then flourished.
Mention a specific course which I found interesting, and how it directly ties into the teaching methods of HBS.
Close with a statement about the positive nature of my experiences, my continued involvement as part of the alumni admissions commitee, and my desire to come to HBS.

I guess I'm the one being generic!
Show more


rhyme,

Your approach works as well because it has a "narrative logic"--that is, you are telling a story (and shrewdly tying it to HBS). The generic essay just disjointedly crams in references to high grades and extracurriculars, adding no value to what's already in the app and transcript.