Understanding how to tell your story is key to success!
In nearly 20 years of helping people get into their dream schools, I’ve made a point of working with clients to create essays that are both engaging and substantive. This balance is the key to a great essay for graduate or professional school. But, somewhere along the line, people got it in their heads that the onlypurpose of a personal statement was to let the reader get to know them. This is a mistake.
Over and over, I will read a personal statement for medical school or law school in which the author will tell a story that is highly personal to them, but in which they fail to link that story to their application’s core strengths and themes. When I try to explain that they need to focus on things germane to their application, they will tell me that they want to let the reader know who they are, as if this is a sufficient explanation for a medical school essay that focuses almost exclusively on their love of triathlons or a law school essay that does not ever use the word “law.”
Why does this happen? Essentially, it happens because people get so fixated on writing an *interesting* essay that makes the applicant sound *unique.* I hear these words –interesting and unique- all the time, and while they are important goals, and they will help an essay if used properly, they are a means to an end and not the end itself. The end, the purpose, and your primary motivation in a personal statement are simple: convince the reader that you are prepared and qualified for admission.
Given this, as you write your personal statement, you should keep in mind a simple and well-worn maxim that every salesman has heard a million times: Always Be Closing (ABC). In other words, at every point in the essay, you need to keep in mind whether or not what you are saying is moving the reader closer to believing that you have the requisite knowledge, experience, and understanding of the field you hope to enter.
For every story, for every paragraph, and for every sentence, you do need to ask yourself, “What does this say about the strength of my candidacy?” If the best that you can come up with that it says something interesting or unique about you, it doesn’t pass the ABC test. On the other hand, if it shows that you have an important and germane skill or perspective, then it passes the ABC test.
Now, what I am NOT saying is to be boring or rote, or to provide a straightforward rendering of your CV in essay form. If there is some aspect of your personality that is meaningful to you, then take the extra time to think about how it aligns with your application. For instance, if you’re a triathlete applying to medical school, can you create an overarching frame or metaphor and use the three phases of a triathlon to discuss the three pillars of your preparation for medical school? Or perhaps you’ve learned things from preparation and training that are germane? Did the discipline you found in the pool, track, and open road give you a framework for thinking about challenges? In other words, a great story is wonderful… so long as you connect it to what you’re doing and who you aspire to become.
The story is your way in, but it’s not the sale. Make them interested, then make the sale. Always be closing.
For more tips on how to build a story that moves the reader AND improves your application, check out these two videos we did:
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For more help with your personal statement, check us out at Gurufi.com. Our personal statement editors and consultants have decades of experience helping clients get into top Masters and Ph.D. programs in STEM, humanities, fine arts, and social sciences. Our specialty is helping you craft compelling personal statements that move the needle in your admissions process! For questions, shoot us an email at service@gurufi.com. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Avoid turning your personal statement into a ‘Frankenstein essay’. Even Frankenstein knows the importance of thoughtful, careful editing!
After nearly 20 years of reading, assessing, revising, and consulting on personal statements, I have seen every variety of mistake an applicant can make. More importantly for you, though, is that I am pretty good at identifying the upstream source of the problem and providing guidance on how to fix it. One of the most common mistakes might seem counterintuitive: the author sought too much help… or at least too much of the wrong kind!
Once you’ve finished your personal statement, you may feel a little apprehensive about what you have written, and as such it is only reasonable to seek out second and third opinions to make sure that you have overlooked nothing, the prose is tight, and you have made a compelling case for your candidacy. But, just as an excellent revision and editing can make an average essay excellent, bad editing can wreck an essay. On such occasions, one is smart to heed the old aphorism that ‘too many cooks spoil the broth.’
Once you have completed your first draft, you need to think carefully about how you go about using advice from other people. Here are six pointers for how to get the best advice in order to turn your draft into an excellent final version you are proud of and happy with.
1.) Be careful about who you pick.
Obviously, you want to get advice from someone who writes well, can be frank with you, and has some understanding of the field to which you are applying. If you choose to get advice from a boyfriend or your mother, for example, then be careful because they might give you an overly glowing review because of their esteem and love for you or may lack the qualifications to point out minor problems with your approach. Similarly, asking your English major friend to look at your Engineering graduate school essay is not a bad idea, but if you go that route, also have someone involved in Engineering (preferably in an academic capacity) is a good idea.
Good people to talk to are your academic advisor (if you are applying to graduate or professional schools) or guidance counselor (if you are applying to college). I know that many people will take their essays to message boards and post them to see what people think of it. The problem here is that you have no real way to gauge someone’s level of expertise and you may get too much feedback from too many sources.
Which leads us to point #2…
Don’t give it to too many people.
If you get critiques on your essay from 8-9 different people and you incorporate all of their suggestions, you will be pulled in too many directions and the essay will lose its sense of voice and focus. The old joke that a camel is a horse designed by committee applies here. Your essay cannot be everything to everyone, and you have to accept this fact. There will always be something that someone would have done differently, so they will often naturally advise you that you should do something different than what you are doing.
Ask follow-up questions
Whenever someone suggests a change, don’t be afraid to ask them about it. Sometimes you will agree with their rationale, but disagree with the execution of the change. Also, through a conversation people will often help you see larger problems that you may have missed. People are often hesitant to give tough advice, and a friendly conversation can help you to avoid this problem because by talking to someone, the person will see that you are serious about valuing their advice.
Don’t be afraid to ignore advice.
At the end of the day, this is *your* personal statement, and *your* future depends on how well you execute it. When someone suggests changes, consider their level of expertise, think about it carefully and if you disagree, then don’t do it. Not every piece of advice given is good; often, you will receive terrible advice.
The final decision is yours, so take your role as the gatekeeper of advice seriously, and only let the best suggestions that work well with your theme, tone, approach and goal through.
BUT, try to avoid pride of authorship
In my capacity as an admissions essay consultant, I often encounter customers who are furious when I tell them that they have things that they need to work on. It is almost as if they paid me $200 for me to tell them that their work was perfect, and they should not change a single letter.
Because a personal statement is so, well, personal, it can sometimes sting when someone gives you some pointed advice. Try to see the bigger picture and embrace the process that will help you to move towards a better and stronger essay. Do your best not to see a critique of your essay as a criticism of you as a person, and rather see it as a positive moment that moves you one step closer to your goal.
Consider using an essay editing service
They can be a bit expensive, but in the end, it makes sense to spend a hundred dollars to give yourself a better chance of getting into the graduate program of your dreams. Getting into a top school, as opposed to an average one, is worth investing in, especially when the cost is less than a pair of fancy Nikes or a new purse.
Some things to consider:
-Make sure that they guarantee your satisfaction.
-Ask if they will work with you beyond just receiving a single revision back from you. Often, it will take 2-3 exchanges with your editor to completely understand what you want to say, how you want to say it, and what core message you want to convey.
For more help with your personal statement, check us out at Gurufi.com. Our personal statement editors and consultants have decades of experience helping clients get into top Masters and Ph.D. programs in STEM, humanities, fine arts, and social sciences. Our specialty is helping you craft compelling personal statements that move the needle in your admissions process! For questions, shoot us an email at service@gurufi.com. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
With a careful, smart plan, your MBA application process doesn’t have to be so hard!
It’s April, which means that many of you are beginning in earnest the process of applying for MBA programs. Congratulations on making this potentially life-changing decision!
In this video, we lay out five things to do to prepare yourself for the challenges ahead.
For more help with your personal statement, check us out at Gurufi.com. Our personal statement editors and consultants have decades of experience helping clients get into top MBA programs. Our specialty is helping you craft compelling personal statements that move the needle in your admissions process! For questions, shoot us an email at service@gurufi.com. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
If you have a plan, applying to MBA programs doesn’t have to be (too) stressful
Spring is a wonderful time of year for us here at Gurufi. As we hear more about our clients’ success stories, we take pride in helping them earn admission to their dream schools. Just last week, we had multiple clients reach out to us about their plans for the fall, which include matriculating into HBS, Wharton, Stanford GSB, INSEAD, and many more.
Our record speaks for itself, but we also know that not everybody can afford us, so we try our best to provide free information that, if followed, can improve your chances of admission to your dream MBA program.
Thus, over the next few weeks, we’ll but putting out a 12-part video guide about how to approach your MBA admissions journey. Before we start, though, I wanted to provide a quick-and-easy breakdown for people who are just beginning to think about applying for an MBA. Below is a breakdown for people starting now who intend to apply for Round One admissions (due dates in September or October). Obviously, this is a rough guide, and so be sure to check the due dates for the particular schools you’re applying to!
April – Establish Your Strategy
Research MBA programs: Research MBA programs to determine which schools align with your career goals and personal preferences. Rankings are a good place to start, but don’t end there! A good tip is to make a list of three strengths in a business school, three areas of emphasis, and three “miscellaneous” factors (geography, cost, length of program, etc.) and use that list to inform your Google searches. Remember, in this initial phase, you want to create a fairly extensive list that you can then pare down.
Connect with alumni and current students: Reach out to alumni or current students from your preferred MBA programs to understand their experiences and the school’s culture better. View this as an opportunity to being ranking and even eliminating some candidate schools.
Identify your recommenders: Think about who you could ask for recommendation letters and inform them about your MBA plans. Be smart about your strategy here. Select people who know you well, and think of the recommendation process as an interactive one, where you provide the letter writer with as much information as they need to write you a great letter. For additional insight, check out thesevideos.
May – Prepare for GMAT/GRE
Study for GMAT/GRE: If you have not taken these tests or want to improve your score, now is the time to start preparing in earnest. Every candidate’s GMAT process is different, and it often comes down to how much time you need to earn the score you’re looking for. I’ve known candidates who’ve prepared for 18 months because they were never very quant-heavy in their educations so they needed a lot of help. Others only need a few weeks.
Register for the exam: Make sure to register for the exam to give you enough time to retake it if necessary.
June – Take GMAT/GRE and Begin Applications
Take the GMAT/GRE: Aim to take your GMAT/GRE in June. This leaves enough time to retake the test if you’re not satisfied with your score.
Start drafting essays: Begin working on your application essays. Be sure to customize each essay to the specific MBA program.
July – Refine Your Applications
Continue refining essays: Spend this month polishing your essays, ensuring they reflect your experiences and ambitions accurately. If you need professional help, we can certainly help with that! When you get help, though, be sure to remember that you should retain active ownership of your essays. What that means is that you shouldn’t just passively accept whatever changes and advice they give you. Ask questions, and be sure that the final polished version sounds like the best version of what you had in mind, and not somebody else’s essay. Here is a useful primer on how to get great advice on your Personal Statement.
Prepare your resume: Update your resume to highlight achievements, leadership roles, and skills relevant to an MBA program. Similarly, we can also help you with your CV revisions!
August – Finalize Your Applications
Review applications: Thoroughly review your application, checking for any errors or inconsistencies.
Get feedback: Have a mentor, friend, or family member review your essays and overall application.
Finalize letters of recommendation: Remind your recommenders about the upcoming deadlines and provide them with any necessary information about your achievements and goals.
September – Submit Your Applications
Final review and submission: Give your application a final review and submit it well ahead of the deadline.
Prepare for interviews: Begin preparing for potential interviews by practicing common interview questions and formulating questions you would like to ask.
Thank your recommenders: Send a follow-up ‘thank-you’ note to anybody who wrote you a letter of recommendation. A short, sincere, hand-written note is the gold standard.
October – Interviews and Follow-ups
Attend interviews: If invited, attend the MBA program interviews. Remember to ask thoughtful questions and demonstrate your interest in the program. Here are some quick tips for your MBA interview.
Send thank you notes: After your interview, send a thank you note to your interviewer expressing your appreciation for their time. Again, the ideal way is a short, sincere handwritten note. If that’s not possible, an email will do.
Remember, applying for an MBA is a process that requires meticulous preparation. It’s important to give yourself plenty of time to reflect on your career goals, research potential programs, and craft a compelling application.
Month
Activities
April
1. Research MBA programs
2. Connect with alumni and current students
3. Identify your recommenders
May
1. Study for GMAT/GRE
2. Register for the exam
June
1. Take the GMAT/GRE
2. Start drafting essays
July
1. Continue refining essays
2. Prepare your resume
August
1. Review applications
2. Get feedback
3. Finalize letters of recommendation
September
1. Final review and submission 2. Prepare for interviews
October
1. Attend interviews
2. Send thank you notes
Again, do remember to tailor this grid to align with specific school deadlines and your personal schedule.
For more help with your personal statement, check us out at Gurufi.com. Our personal statement editors and consultants have decades of experience helping clients get into top MBA programs. Our specialty is helping you craft compelling personal statements that move the needle in your admissions process! For questions, shoot us an email at service@gurufi.com. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Behind every successful student, there’s a supportive partner offering strength and a cup of tea during those long study nights.
With spring around the corner, we’re going to be spending the next few weeks producing blogs designed to help people who are just starting their MBA application process with the aim of submitting in Round One this summer. At Gurufi, we help scores of people each year earn admission into their dream schools, and in the 17+ years we’ve been doing this, we’ve learned that spouses and partners often play a key role. As such, I wanted to begin this series with a discussion about the best ways to include them in your application process.
As the spouse or partner of a future MBA student, you are an important part of the support system that will help your loved one succeed in business school. While the journey through business school can be both exciting and challenging, it is important for you to be well-informed and prepared for the experience. Here are some tips to help you thrive during this pivotal and transformative moment in your partner’s career and life.
Understand the demands of business school: Business school is a rigorous and demanding program that requires a significant amount of time and effort. It is important to understand the demands of the program and be prepared to support your partner as they navigate the challenges ahead. Be aware of the time commitment involved, including late nights, early mornings, and weekends dedicated to coursework and studying.
Importantly, this extends to the application process! It’s incredibly helpful to have a frank and specific conversation about your application schedule, what it entails, and moments when you’ll need additional help. Which brings us to Point 2…
Communicate openly and honestly: Good communication is key to a healthy and supportive relationship, especially during the challenges of business school. Make sure to have regular, open, and honest conversations with your partner about their experiences and how you can support them. Be an active listener and offer encouragement and support when needed. Relationships are complex and dynamic, and at various moments one of you will need somebody to lean on, and at other times the other will… and at still other teams, you’ll prop each other up! Understand, though, that an MBA can be pretty intense, so during these two years, you should expect to do more of the propping-up for an exhausted and spread-thin partner.
Be flexible and understanding: Since business school can be demanding and stressful, it may require significant changes to your normal routine. Be flexible and understanding of your partner’s needs and try to make changes that will help both of you balance your priorities. This may include adjusting your work schedule, rearranging household responsibilities, or making other modifications to your daily routine. Remember that an MBA is an investment in both of your futures, so try to keep this collaborative and supportive attitude.
Get involved in the business school community: Joining the business school community can help you stay informed about what’s happening and provide opportunities to meet other partners and spouses. This can include attending events, participating in clubs and organizations, or volunteering for events and initiatives.
Maintain your own interests and hobbies: It is important to maintain your own interests and hobbies, even during the demanding time of business school. Make time for the activities that bring you joy and fulfillment and consider taking on new challenges and experiences that will help you grow and develop.
Encourage self-care and stress management: Business school can be a stressful time for both you and your partner. Encourage your partner to prioritize self-care and stress management, including exercise, healthy eating habits, and time for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Offer support during high-stakes times: Business school is full of high-stakes moments, such as exams, presentations, and networking events. Offer your support and encouragement during these times and be there to celebrate your partner’s successes and provide comfort during setbacks.
Be a sounding board: Business school can be a time of intense self-reflection and growth, and it is important for you to be a sounding board for your partner. Listen to their ideas and provide a supportive environment in which they can explore their thoughts and goals.
Build a network of your own: Building a network of friends and colleagues can help you stay connected and informed during business school. Seek out opportunities to connect with other partners and spouses, and consider joining clubs and organizations that align with your interests.
Of special note is that many business schools have clubs or organizations specifically for B-school partners, and having a network of partners and spouses can provide an incredible outlet for frustrations, a set of sympathetic ears who understand your particular situation, and social outlets for times when your partner is heavily involved in school or professional activities.
Plan for the future: Business school is an investment in your partner’s future… AND YOUR FUTURE TOGETHER! As such, it is important to plan for the changes and opportunities that may come with a new degree. Consider your long-term goals and aspirations and have open and honest conversations about how an MBA will alter the trajectory of your shared lives.
As the partner of a future MBA student, you have a critical role to play in their success. By offering support, encouragement, and a strong foundation of love and understanding, you can help your partner navigate the challenges of business school and achieve their goals. This is a journey you’re taking together, so try to embrace the spirit of collaboration, mutual support, and the love that brought you together in the first place!
For more help with your personal statement, check us out at Gurufi.com. Our personal statement editors and consultants have decades of experience helping clients get into top MBA programs. Our specialty is helping you craft compelling personal statements that move the needle in your admissions process! For questions, shoot us an email at service@gurufi.com. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Mastering the Art of Essay Recycling: A Clever Approach to Tailoring Your MBA Applications
As the flowers bloom and spring arrives, many of you are planning your MBA applications. One of the most common questions I get as an MBA personal statement consultant is whether and how to reuse personal statements.
Indeed, applying to business schools is a time-consuming process, often involving multiple application essays to multiple programs. With each institution looking for specific traits and experiences in candidates, it’s imperative to craft applications that resonate with each program’s unique ethos. As such, it’s vital that you take a thoughtful approach to reusing parts of or entire essays for multiple applications. This blog post will delve into strategies to efficiently manage and tailor your MBA applications, ensuring your efforts are both effective and coherent.
If you’re more of a video learner, check out this presentation we did for GMATClub. It also includes an example of how to use a Stanford GSB MBA application essay for Duke Fuqua. Gurufi has nearly 15 years of experience helping applicants get into top programs. We focus exclusively on personal statements, CVs, and other written aspects of your application, so we deliver excellent products at affordable price points (see our perfect rating on GMATClub!).
Understanding the Landscape
Most MBA applicants apply to 6-8 programs. Given the fact that most applicants are also working professionals, this can constitute a real time commitment. As such, it’s important to apply in a manner that produces excellent results while not wasting time. The approach we outline here not only improves your chances of acceptance but also allows you to target a range of schools that align with their professional goals and personal values. In other words, we seek to achieve maximum results in the most efficient way possible.
The Golden Rules of Application Management
Individualized Approach
The cornerstone of a successful application strategy is treating each application as a standalone project. This means deeply understanding what each school values, how you align with these values, and how the program fits into your career trajectory. This tailored approach ensures that your applications are not only relevant but also compelling to each respective admissions committee.
Avoiding the Shoehorn Trap
A common pitfall in application management is attempting to force-fit an essay or personal statement crafted for one school into another’s application. While this might seem like a time-saver, incongruent essays can dilute your message and reduce the impact of your application.
The Art of Repurposing
Efficiency doesn’t have to come at the cost of personalization. Repurposing content across applications is a practical strategy, provided it’s done judiciously. Identifying universal themes in your story that resonate with multiple programs can allow you to reuse content without compromising the bespoke nature of each application.
Practical Steps to Application Mastery
Deep Dives and Brainstorms
Brainstorming is the most important aspect of personal statement writing that most people ignore. There are many ways to do it, but however you do, DO NOT SKIP this step. Begin your application journey with a thorough research phase for each program, focusing on its unique characteristics and values. This phase is crucial for tailoring your application narratives to echo what each school holds in high regard. Also be sure to consider how you fit within the program and what you hope to accomplish.
Crafting and Refining
Start with a comprehensive draft for your first application, focusing on creating a compelling narrative that reflects your aspirations, achievements, and the impact you wish to make. This initial effort lays a solid foundation, making subsequent applications easier to manage.
Strategic Borrowing
With a robust initial essay, you can strategically borrow elements for other applications. This doesn’t mean copying and pasting entire sections without thought. Instead, adapt and tweak these elements to fit the new context, ensuring they align with the next school’s specific prompts and values.
A Symphony of Applications
Managing multiple MBA applications is akin to conducting a symphony—each piece must be played with precision and care, yet all must harmonize to create a compelling overall narrative. By understanding each program’s unique requirements, maintaining authenticity in your narratives, and strategically repurposing content where appropriate, you can navigate the application process with confidence and efficiency.
Embarking on this journey with a clear strategy and an open mind can transform the daunting task of application management into an opportunity to deeply reflect on your goals, values, and the impact you wish to make through your MBA journey.
For more help with your personal statement, check us out at Gurufi.com. Our personal statement editors and consultants have decades of experience helping clients get into top Masters and Ph.D. programs in STEM, humanities, fine arts, and social sciences. Our specialty is helping you craft compelling personal statements that move the needle in your admissions process! For questions, shoot us an email at service@gurufi.com. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
In this video, we break down some early tips for thinking about your MBA application.
Starting your MBA application journey can be both exhilarating and daunting. With the aim of demystifying this process, we’ve compiled a video with eight essential tips to help you navigate the complexities and position yourself for success. Here, we distill those insights into a comprehensive guide for prospective MBA candidates.
Dream Realistically Big
Your personal statement is your chance to shine, to showcase your aspirations and dreams. But it’s crucial to balance ambition with realism. Reflect on your experiences and achievements to gauge the scale of your dreams. Your aspirations should be a natural extension of your past successes, demonstrating potential growth rather than an implausible leap.
The Power of Elegance in Writing
For STEM applicants, and indeed all applicants, the quality of your writing is as crucial as your quantitative skills. Strive for writing that is lean, direct, and impactful, without unnecessary embellishments. Your narrative should be clear, concise, and compelling, ensuring your ideas resonate powerfully with the admissions committee.
Listen to Your Intuition
Choosing between multiple MBA offers can be overwhelming. Trust your gut instincts—they’re often your subconscious synthesizing information faster than you can consciously. Consider not just the prestige of the program but where you feel you’ll truly thrive, as happiness and fit are paramount for success.
Focus on the Future
While your past achievements are important, your personal statement should primarily be forward-looking. Describe your experiences and current activities in a way that convincingly presents your envisioned future as attainable and aligned with your identity, skills, and accomplishments.
Thrive, Don’t Just Survive
An MBA should not be viewed merely as a stepping stone, but as a valuable phase of your life where you should thrive and find joy. The right program for you is one that not only advances your career but also enriches you personally and intellectually.
To Hire or Not to Hire Help
The decision to seek professional assistance for your MBA application depends on your confidence in your writing and the strength of your support network. An expert’s perspective can provide valuable insights and highlight your strengths effectively, especially if you’re unsure about your narrative skills.
Consider the ROI
Conducting a Return on Investment (ROI) analysis helps quantify the financial implications of pursuing an MBA. Consider the cost of the program against potential earnings post-graduation to understand the financial commitment and its impact on your future.
Plan and Reflect Early
Start preparing for your application well in advance. While focusing on standardized tests, also begin reflecting on potential essay topics. Keep a notebook for spontaneous ideas related to your personal statement, allowing your subconscious to mull over the prompts and enrich your narrative.
In conclusion, applying for an MBA is a journey that requires thoughtful reflection, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of one’s goals and capabilities. By following these tips, you can craft an application that not only showcases your achievements and potential but also resonates with the ethos of your dream MBA program. Remember, the goal is not just to gain admission but to find a program where you will flourish and set the stage for a successful and fulfilling career.
For more help with your personal statement, check us out at Gurufi.com. Our personal statement editors and consultants have decades of experience helping clients get into top Masters and Ph.D. programs in STEM, humanities, fine arts, and social sciences. Our specialty is helping you craft compelling personal statements that move the needle in your admissions process! For questions, shoot us an email at service@gurufi.com. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
You’re at a pivotal moment in your life and career. Be thoughtful!
March is our transition month here at Gurufi. Most of our 2023-24 cycle MBA clients have submitted their applications, and many have already gotten great news. We are beginning to think about next year’s cycle. Though most schools won’t be releasing their application formats, essays, and deadlines until much later in the year, for people looking to apply in the 2024-25 cycles, the time to begin planning is now.
This is an immense decision, and in the coming months, we’ll have a lot of updates, strategies, and insights on specific schools and general application areas. But to start with, I wanted to give some big-picture things to keep in mind on this journey. The MBA journey is a significant decision that can propel your career to new heights. The application process can feel incredibly intimidating at the start, and as you begin, here are some critical things to contemplate that can enhance your application and set you on the path to success.
Self-Reflection and Clear Career Goals
The best MBA applications convey a sense that the applicant knows themselves: their motivations, strengths, weaknesses, and, most importantly, career aspirations. Business schools are not just looking for candidates with impressive resumes; they seek individuals with a clear vision of how an MBA will catapult them toward their career goals. Start by asking yourself why you want an MBA and how it aligns with your short-term and long-term objectives. An exercise I like to do with new clients is to ask them to write, in under 50 words, why they want to earn an MBA. At the start, many people have two answers: an answer they give themselves (more money, promotion, etc.) and an answer they would give to someone on the AdCom. Think through this answer deeply and work to produce a short, direct, and compelling answer that is both personally resonant AND would be compelling to someone on the Admissions Committee.
This introspection will strengthen your application and ensure that you choose programs that align with your aspirations. Articulating your goals convincingly in your essays and interviews demonstrates purpose and direction, qualities that admissions committees value highly.
Involve Your Loved Ones
If done right, an MBA will transform your career and your life. It’s a big deal. So, talk to your family and close friends about it. Ask for their support beforehand, tell them the dates when you’ll be in the thick of GMAT studying or will be overwhelmed with the combinations of work and applications. This will let them know when you need extra help and encouragement. When it comes to your personal statements, ask them, “How would you describe me to somebody who’s never met me?” Have conversations about your strengths and weaknesses with people you trust. This outside perspective is invaluable, especially as you prepare your personal statement. The more you can build a support system for this process, the better it will go for you.
Research and School Selection
Too many applicants look at the rankings and nothing else. Instead of just trying to contort your application into only the M7 schools, do real research to find programs that are a good fit. Yes, with so many MBA programs out there, selecting the right ones to apply to can be overwhelming. But we’re talking about two years of your life, a massive chunk of money, and a decision that will alter the trajectory of your career. Taking three weekends to do extensive research on many programs is time well-spent and intelligently invested. Thorough research into each program’s culture, curriculum, specializations, and networking opportunities is crucial. Look beyond rankings; consider how each program aligns with your career goals, learning style, and personal preferences. Engage with current students and alumni, attend information sessions, and, if possible, visit campuses to get a sense of the community and resources available. Tailoring your application to reflect how you fit with each program’s unique offerings shows the admissions committee that you have done your homework and are genuinely interested in what they offer.
Academic and Professional Preparedness
Business schools assess your academic readiness through your undergraduate GPA, GMAT or GRE scores, and other relevant coursework or certifications. While these metrics are important, your professional experience carries substantial weight. Highlight your leadership experiences, problem-solving skills, teamwork, and any impact you’ve made in your roles. Remember, it’s not about the quantity of your experiences but the quality and relevance. Showcasing a growth trajectory and the ability to overcome challenges can significantly strengthen your application. As you put together a list of schools, the place to begin is by asking yourself whether it’s vital that you attend any business school (or the best one you can get into) or whether you’re only interested in attending a top school. If it’s the former, then be sure to apply schools from across the range of selectiveness. The old college application rule of “three safe schools, three solid schools, three reaches” isn’t a bad one to follow.
Recommendations and Networking
Letters of recommendation are a critical component of your MBA application. A few years back, we made this detailed breakdown of how to get a great letter of recommendation. In fact, we’ve done a lot of content on this! Check this, this, and this out! (and see how my hair has changed over the years! ) Letters are so important because they provide insight into your professional accomplishments and potential for future success. Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths, leadership abilities, and how you’ve contributed to your workplace. It’s essential to brief your recommenders about your MBA aspirations and discuss specific instances they might highlight to support your application.
Networking with alumni and current students can provide invaluable insights into the program and can also enhance your application. These interactions can offer you perspectives that you can incorporate into your essays, making your application more robust and personal.
Authenticity and Personal Branding
In a sea of applicants, standing out is paramount. Your essays, resume, and interview are opportunities to showcase your unique story, values, and what you bring to the table. Authenticity is key; admissions committees can discern between genuine narratives and those crafted merely to impress. Reflect on your experiences, passions, and the challenges you’ve overcome. How have these shaped you and your career aspirations? Building a cohesive narrative that ties your past experiences with your future goals while highlighting how an MBA fits into this journey is crucial.
Your personal brand is the amalgamation of your professional experiences, personal values, and the unique perspective you bring. Consistency across all elements of your application in presenting this brand can make a significant impact. Whether through your essays, your recommenders’ anecdotes, or your interview responses, ensuring a coherent and authentic representation of yourself is vital.
As you’ll learn, your MBA application isn’t just you writing about strengths and stories that you already know. There’s a sense of self-discovery that this process entails. As you think about your life, aspirations, strengths, and weaknesses, keep an open mind, and remember that this is a two-way process. Just as the AdCom will be exacting in their assessments of you, you should think carefully about whether, how, and why various schools would fit your vision for your future.
By reflecting on your career goals, conducting thorough research on programs, demonstrating academic and professional preparedness, leveraging recommendations, and maintaining authenticity, you can craft a compelling application. Remember, the goal is not just to gain admission but to ensure that the program you choose is a stepping stone toward your envisioned future. Embrace this process as an opportunity to introspect and articulate your aspirations, and you’ll find that your MBA application is not just a formality but a pivotal chapter in your career narrative.
For more help with your personal statement, check us out at Gurufi.com. Our personal statement editors and consultants have decades of experience helping clients get into top Masters and Ph.D. programs in STEM, humanities, fine arts, and social sciences. Our specialty is helping you craft compelling personal statements that move the needle in your admissions process! For questions, shoot us an email at service@gurufi.com. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Every year, Gurufi’s consultants help applicants build compelling personal statements that get them into their dream schools. There are many ways to write a great essay, but I’ve found that the best ones are always about the future.
Unfortunately, when most people begin writing their personal statements, their first thought is what from their past they hope to highlight. After all, since you’re trying to prove that you’re qualified and prepared for an MBA, wouldn’t the natural inclination be to delve into the past, highlighting accomplishments and experiences that define your current professional identity? However, this approach, while important, only tells half the story. The key to a compelling MBA application lies not in the recollection of the past but in the clear vision of the future.
In short, if you can provide a compelling, personal, and plausible vision for your future, your application will likely succeed.
The Future as Your Guiding Star
This is why when I run workshops to help people write personal statements, our first activity is called “Envisioning Who You Want to Become.” That’s because the starting point of your MBA application should be a forward-looking vision. It’s essential to have a concrete understanding of what and who you aim to become. This future-oriented perspective isn’t just about setting goals; it’s about envisaging a version of yourself that is more skilled, more knowledgeable, and more impactful. The clarity of this vision will not only guide your application but also your career trajectory.
Once you lay out your future in all of its specificity and ambitious glory, you need to reflect on how an MBA can bridge the gap between where you are now and where you hope to be. Understanding how an MBA will serve as a bridge from your current position to your future aspirations is crucial. It’s about recognizing the specific skills, networks, and knowledge that an MBA program can provide and how these elements are integral to achieving your long-term goals. This understanding demonstrates to the admissions committee that you have a clear purpose for pursuing an MBA, making your application more compelling.
Contextualizing Your Past
At this point, you may be saying, “yeah, okay… but my personal statement is my past, though, right?” Yes… and no. Your future goals are central to your application, and your past experiences and achievements play a significant role in laying the groundwork. The key is to contextualize these experiences in terms of your future aspirations. Each accomplishment, challenge, and learning experience from your past should be a building block that supports your journey toward your future goals. If your past, present, and future don’t align in a way that makes sense, your essay will be incoherent. A simple question that I often ask is “does this feel like the same person?” If the events from your past that you choose to highlight don’t serve to show that you’re likely to achieve the dreams you present, that won’t make sense to the reader.
A disjointed narrative that swings between past achievements and future aspirations without a connecting thread will weaken your application and undermine the sense of theme that any good essay has. The art lies in weaving your past experiences into a narrative that flows seamlessly into your future vision. This coherence in your story not only makes your application more compelling but also demonstrates your ability to strategize and plan for long-term objectives.
Selecting and Emphasizing Stories
When you take a future-directed mindset, the decision of which stories and accomplishments to include in your application will naturally be guided by their relevance to your future goals. Select experiences that showcase skills and qualities that are not only impressive in their own right but also pertinent to the future you envision. This selective approach ensures that every part of your application is working towards the same end goal – to showcase your potential as a future leader. Each story you include should be told with an emphasis on how it contributes to your future vision. It’s not just about what you achieved, but how those achievements have prepared you for future challenges and opportunities. A well-told story that connects your past success to your future potential can be a powerful tool in your application.
Inspiring Confidence in Your Future
Of course, the ultimate aim of your MBA application is to convince the admissions committee that you are not only a product of your past but a promise of the future. If your application can make the reader excited about what you are set to achieve and confident in your ability to do so, your chances of admission increase significantly. In fact, a future-focused application that effectively incorporates your past experiences positions you as a candidate with immense potential. When the admissions committee sees a candidate who not only has a clear vision for their future but also a solid foundation from their past to build upon, they tend to get excited about these applicants. In my experience, these are the ones who have success.
Starting with a clear vision of what you aspire to become, understanding how an MBA will help you get there, and then using your past experiences to reinforce this narrative, creates a compelling and coherent application. By focusing on the future, you not only align your application with your long-term goals but also present yourself as a candidate who is ready to embark on the transformative journey of an MBA program. The past is your foundation, but the future is your horizon – aim for it.
If you are struggling to bring together your past and future, have the editors / consultants at Gurufi give you a hand. Our personal statement editors and consultants have decades of experience helping clients get into top MBA programs. Our specialty is helping you craft compelling personal statements that move the needle in your admissions process! For questions, shoot us an email at service@gurufi.com. Check us out on Facebook,Twitter, and LinkedIn.
A strategic moment of decision-making for an MBA applicant: choosing between Round 1, Round 2, or Round 3 for submission.
As winter reaches its deepest depths, many of you are just starting your MBA journeys. There is a lot to figure out between now and when you hit “submit” on your final application, and Gurufi is here to help! Every year, we help scores of applicants earn admission to their dream MBA programs.
Unlike other professional schools like law school or medical school that have a single set of application deadlines, MBA admissions at most schools have multiple deadline dates, or “rounds,” that are, roughly, in September / October, December, and March / April. Each of these rounds has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these can be crucial in deciding when to submit your application. Here’s a detailed look at the typical timeline, benefits, and drawbacks of each round.
Before starting, it’s important to point out that, whatever round you apply to, the basic metrics for assessing your application will be the same. Strong applicants, in any round, need a compelling vision for their future, a clear sense of how / why and MBA will help you achieve this future, strong work background, and good grades and test scores (though test scores are not always required).
Round 1: Early Birds Catch the Worm
Timeline: Applications are generally due in September or October.
People who have been thinking about an MBA for a while, or who have sketched out life plans / professional trajectories where they can see their MBA applications coming from a mile away often begin their applications a year out or more, preparing their GMAT / GRE and crafting their admissions strategies. These folks often enter the Round 1 pool.
Benefits:
Demonstrating Eagerness: Applying in Round 1 shows the admissions committee your strong interest and eagerness in the program.
Maximizing Chances: Since no seats have been filled yet, you’re competing for the full range of available seats, which can potentially increase your chances of acceptance. This is often school-dependent, though. Some schools make an effort to make each round similar in terms of seats offered and the general criteria, while others prioritize R1 by offering more seats.
Early Access to Financial Aid: Being the first group, you have the earliest shot at financial aid and scholarships, a significant factor for many.
Drawbacks:
Tight Deadlines: The deadlines for Round 1 are typically the earliest. You’ll need to have all elements of your application ready, including test scores, recommendation letters, and essays. Similarly, if you’re up for a big promotion in the winter or you know that your company tends to issue evaluations and promotions at the end of the calendar year, you may not be able to incorporate these assessments or professional advancements into your application in a meaningful way.
Less Time for Preparation: If you need additional time to strengthen your application or retake entrance exams, the early deadlines can be a significant constraint.
Round 2: Striking the Balance
Timeline: Applications are usually due in January.
Benefits:
Popular Choice: Round 2 strikes a balance between available seats and time for preparation, making it a popular choice. At many schools, the largest chunk of seats are reserved for the R2 round, though, again, this is not universal. You may want to talk to the school about their allotment and even see if they have data on a per-round basis (many do).
Second Chance: It’s an optimal choice if you missed Round 1 or needed more time to enhance your application.
Drawbacks:
Increased Competition: Despite many seats being available, competition can be fiercer due to a higher volume of applicants. The difference is volume between R1 and R2 is quite substantial. Again, it’s school-dependent, but at many schools, it’s as high as 2x – 3x… or even higher.
Limited Scholarships: Some scholarship opportunities might have been exhausted in Round 1, potentially affecting your financial aid options. One particular way this manifests is that if you’re hoping to earn admission into multiple schools and play them off each other to maximize your financial aid (which you should always try), then that’s easier when schools have more discretionary resources earlier in the process.
Round 3: The Last Minute Rush
Timeline: Applications are typically due in March or April.
Benefits:
Ample Preparation Time: Ideal for those who decide late to pursue an MBA or need extra time to boost their profiles. This round is especially attractive for people who hope to include end-of-calendar-year assessments and promotions in their applications.
Flexible for Profile Enhancement: Beneficial for retaking tests. It’s often the case that an applicant’s preferred timeline is test score dependent. If you get an initial test score that you think won’t keep you competitive at your preferred school, then you should look to delay to a later round, retake the test, and apply in R3.
Drawbacks:
Limited Seats: A significant portion of the class has already been filled, leading to intense competition for the remaining seats.
Scarce Financial Aid: Scholarships and financial aid are often scarcer in this round.
Visa Issues for International Students: Might pose timing challenges for obtaining necessary visas.
Making the Right Choice
When deciding which round to apply in, it’s crucial to weigh these benefits and drawbacks against your personal circumstances and preparedness. Here are some additional tips to consider:
Assess Your Readiness: Be realistic about how prepared you are with your GMAT/GRE scores, essays, and recommendation letters. There are often delays in getting transcripts and letters of recommendation(always give your writers at least 2 weeks!), and writing multiple strong personal statements, sometimes takes candidates months. Don’t underestimate the effort and time required. If you’re thinking of submitting for R1, you really need to be in full preparation in the spring.
Consider Your Profile Strength: If you think your profile could be stronger with more work experience or better test scores, waiting for a later round might be beneficial.
Research Individual School Policies: Each school may have slightly different timelines and policies. Ensure you understand these specifics to make an informed decision.
Understand the Financial Implications: Consider how applying in a particular round might affect your chances for scholarships and financial aid. Choosing the right round to apply for your MBA is a strategic decision that can significantly impact your admission chances and overall experience. By understanding the nuances of each application round and aligning them with your personal situation, you can optimize your approach and increase your chances of success in this competitive landscape. Remember, each journey is unique, and the best choice always aligns with your personal and professional readiness.
Other than the GMAT, the most time-consuming part of the application is also the trickiest: the personal statement. If you need help with your Personal Statement, the editor / consultants at Gurufi have decades of experience helping clients get into top MBA programs. Contact us today. Our specialty is helping you craft compelling personal statements that move the needle in your admissions process! For questions, shoot us an email at service@gurufi.com. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
This grid provides a basic understanding of the three rounds of MBA applications, but remember that each school may have slightly different timelines and policies, so it’s crucial to do your research. As you decide which round to apply in, weigh the benefits and drawbacks against your personal circumstances and preparedness.
Round
Typical Timeline
Benefits
Drawbacks
Round 1
Applications due in September/October
Round 1 is generally the preferred round for most applicants. Applying early can demonstrate to the admissions committee your eagerness and strong interest in the program. Additionally, as no seats have been filled yet, you’re competing for the full range of available seats, increasing your chances of acceptance. You also have the first shot at financial aid and scholarships, which can be a significant factor for many applicants.
On the downside, the deadlines for Round 1 are usually the earliest, meaning you’ll need to have all elements of your application, including GMAT/GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and essays, ready to submit. For those who need additional time to strengthen their applications or retake entrance exams, this can be a significant drawback.
Round 2
Applications due in January
Round 2 is often the most popular round, providing a balance between available seats and time to prepare a strong application. If you missed Round 1 or needed more time to enhance your application or retake the GMAT/GRE, Round 2 is the optimal choice.
Although there are still many seats available in Round 2, competition is typically fiercer due to the higher volume of applicants. Additionally, some scholarship opportunities may have been exhausted in Round 1, potentially impacting your financial aid package.
Round 3
Applications due in March/April
Round 3 allows the maximum amount of time to prepare your application, making it ideal for those who decide late to pursue an MBA. It can also benefit those who need extra time to boost their profiles, such as retaking the GMAT/GRE or adding more work experience.
The most significant drawback of Round 3 is the limited number of available seats. By this round, a significant portion of the class has been filled, and the competition for the remaining seats is intense. Scholarships and financial aid may also be scarcer. Furthermore, international students may face visa timing issues.
