MBA application essays are notoriously difficult: In a brief space, you must give an overview of yourself that will recommend you favorably to each member of the admissions board, providing an insightful view of what you have to offer. But you won’t be alone in the attempt: The best MBA schools receive thousands of admissions each year-in addition to yours. How, then, can you stand out amid a crowd of applicants? Your written essay is the key to differentiating yourself from your peers in compelling ways.
Make your essay informative, but don’t merely dump information. Instead, take the time to paint a clear picture of yourself and why you’re seeking to further your academic career by seeking an MBA:
• Reveal your reason for embarking on this avenue of study. It’s okay to be informal as you do so: Share the life experiences that have brought you to where you are today.
• The show, don’t just tell about, your level of motivation in seeking to earn an MBA. Your readers should come away convinced of your unswerving pursuit of your goal.
• Explain why you’ve chosen the school that you have. This is your chance to make a truly strong impression, so don’t settle for trite compliments and transparent flattery; instead, supply a unique reason that shows how much you are already invested in the school of your choice.
• Recount your past achievements-in every field of life, and in detail. Whether in the extracurricular, academic, sports, or social sphere, this is your chance to highlight your strengths, giving your readers an idea of just how versatile you are.
• Along with your achievements, don’t neglect to also mention your failures. But don’t stop there: How did you learn from your failures? How did they motivate you to achieve your goal?
• Don’t forget that your education will eventually flow into your long-term plans for your life. What do you want to do after earning your MBA? By now, your readers should be eager to find out.
But all this effort will be wasted if you don’t supply a grammatically correct essay. Indeed, adherence to style and convention is a common area of early elimination for applicants. Don’t run that risk: Let your passion for correct spelling and grammar be the first indication of your commitment to excellence. Always keep in mind that you are creating an image of your personality in the minds of the members of the admissions committee-and that your essay is your only means of communication with those members. Accordingly, view this as your opportunity to make an impression on the minds of the committee members.
And have a positive outlook as you do! Don’t skimp when explaining why you are an ideal choice for the program. You’ll convey something about your confidence level when you describe how your unique mix of attributes will add vibrancy and color to the entire class. Such an approach can make you a very attractive candidate indeed, giving you an edge in the admissions process.
ACING THE MBA STATEMENT OF PURPOSE ESSAY
You have a killer GPA, you passed the GMAT with flying colors, and you even know which MBA program is the one for you. Only one thing worries you: the nerve-wracking ordeal of the statement of purpose essay. Perhaps you spent a few years working after earning your undergraduate degree or graduate degree, and now you’re uncertain about your chances as a candidate for an MBA program. Fear not! With feedback from a dedicated editor and proofreader, you can draw on your strengths in all their diversity when explaining why you’re seeking to advance your career through this program.
Don’t make your essay about the competition; instead, focus on making yourself stand out. You might not think you have enough experience yet to write a truly compelling essay, but remember that your essay is about showcasing what you have already done. Consider what you have learned from the life experience you have gained thus far, then shine a positive, expectant light on it, turning readers’ attention to how you can translate that experience into future capability.
Your essay will need to address topics that are specific to the school of your choice but should also highlight your skills while introducing your goals. A good editorial service can help you begin with your first draft, providing feedback that allows you to brainstorm ways of approaching the school of your choice.
But that first draft is only the start. Your editor can help you fine-tune your approach as you progress in your essay, drawing on his or her experience with having done the same thing for applicants in previous years. With your editor’s help, you can tailor your essay to the school of your choice, adopting an approach that presents you as a strong candidate who is just one interview away from acceptance. Just as important, your editor will check your grammar and style, helping you avoid clichés in a sea of MBA applications awash with them. You’ll be able to submit your essay confidently, as secure in your presentation as you are in your content-and ready to rise above the competition.
Never forget that the most important part of writing your admissions essay is getting feedback on it. Indeed, an outside perspective can help you turn a strong but unfocused essay into a powerhouse piece that opens the door for an interview. Don’t simply flounder in uncertainty, casting about for a topic; instead, enlist an editorial service on your behalf to help you craft an essay that conveys your goals, interests, and philosophy in an unforgettable way.