Category: Business School

Who Do You Ask for Personal Statement Help?

Personal Statement Help
Asking the right person for personal statement help is vital

You’ve written your draft, you’ve revised it once… twice… three times. You’re now ready to get feedback to inform your last round of revisions. Unfortunately, far too many people take a haphazard approach to getting personal statement advice. As such, we at Gurufi provide you with these tips on getting great advice for your personal statement.

https://youtu.be/L3Hhl3CG2pc

First, the person you choose will play a pivotal role in helping you craft a personal statement that not only shines but truly captures the essence of who you are. You’ll want to find someone with a strong writing background. Content choices and big-picture strategy and positioning are obviously important, but if your prose isn’t clean, clear, and properly structured, you’re doomed from the start. As such, your readers should ALL be experts in grammar, syntax, and style, and know how to give feedback that’s as constructive as it is actionable. If they’ve had experience working with personal statements, even better – they’ll be in the perfect position to guide you through the twists and turns of this unique writing endeavor.

Second, it’s a great idea to seek out someone who’s got their finger on the pulse of your field or the program you’re applying to. You want your personal statement to reflect a deep understanding of what makes your industry tick and thus your editor needs to be able to speak the language of your future colleagues. Plus, they’ll have the know-how to help you showcase your one-of-a-kind strengths and experiences in a way that’ll make you stand out from the crowd.

Third, think about your relationship with that person. Is it based on respect, knowledge of one another, and bluntness balanced by empathy? The best editors know how to give tough love diplomatically, to tell you the difficult truth while also making you believe you have it in your to fix it. There are two poles to avoid. On the one hand, you don’t want somebody who is afraid to step on your toes, so they hold back on tough critiques. On the other hand, sometimes bluntness can go to far if it either undermines your confidence or provides you with clumsy criticisms that don’t have solutions attached. At Gurufi, we never raise a problem without providing paths for solutions because we believe that we can get our clients from wherever they are to a powerful personal statement.

By selecting a person with these outstanding qualities, you’ll be well on your way to receiving the advice and insights that’ll help you craft a personal statement that’s as exceptional as you are.

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.

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How to Avoid Stress During Your MBA Application

The MBA application process can be both demanding and intense, requiring applicants to juggle various aspects of their lives while preparing top-notch applications for their dream business schools. As a result, burnout—a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged stress—can become a significant concern. Here are several strategies to help you avoid burnout during the MBA application process:

  1. Set realistic goals and break tasks into manageable chunks

Having clear, achievable goals is crucial to preventing burnout. Break the application process down into smaller, manageable tasks, and set deadlines for completing each one. This approach will help you maintain a sense of control, prevent feelings of overwhelm, and ensure that you make consistent progress toward your application objectives.

  1. Prioritize self-care

https://youtu.be/aFJCchfLjxs

Make self-care an integral part of your routine during the MBA application process. Allocate time for activities that help you recharge, such as hobbies, exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. This will help you maintain a sense of balance, well-being, and resilience in the face of stress.

  1. Develop effective time management strategies

Effective time management is key to avoiding burnout. Develop strategies that enable you to allocate sufficient time to work, personal commitments, and the application process. This might involve creating a detailed schedule, setting aside specific blocks of time for focused work, and using productivity tools to stay organized. By managing your time effectively, you can minimize stress and prevent burnout.

  1. Seek support from friends, family, and professional networks

Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or professional counselors for guidance and support during the application process. They can offer valuable perspectives, encouragement, and practical advice to help you navigate the challenges that come with applying to an MBA program. Additionally, consider joining online forums or social media groups for MBA applicants, where you can share experiences, advice, and resources with others in a similar situation.

  1. Maintain a healthy work-life balance

Striking the right balance between work, personal life, and the MBA application process is essential for avoiding burnout. Communicate your needs and boundaries with your employer, family, and friends, and set aside dedicated time for both work and relaxation. By maintaining a healthy work-life balance, you can ensure that you have the energy and focus needed to succeed in the application process.

  1. Celebrate small achievements and milestones

Recognizing and celebrating your progress can help you stay motivated and prevent feelings of burnout. Take the time to acknowledge and reward yourself for each small achievement or milestone reached during the application process. This practice can help you maintain a positive outlook and encourage you to keep pushing forward.

  1. Practice stress reduction techniques

Incorporate stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation, into your daily routine. These practices can help you manage stress more effectively, reduce the risk of burnout, and maintain a clear, focused mind throughout the application process.

  1. Be flexible and adapt to setbacks

Setbacks are inevitable during the MBA application process. Instead of letting them overwhelm you, embrace a flexible mindset and adapt your plans as needed. Learning to navigate setbacks and adjust your strategies accordingly can help you stay resilient and prevent burnout.

In conclusion, avoiding burnout during the MBA application process is essential for your mental and physical well-being, as well as the success of your applications. By implementing these strategies, you can ensure that you remain at your best and make the most of your MBA application 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 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.

 

 

How to Think About the Stanford GSB Personal Statement

“What means most to you and why?” Stanford GSB’s first prompt provides a great way to think about my Rule #1 for Writing a Great Personal Statement: write more like it’s a movie than an essay.

Far too many applicants begin their essay with the rote (and boring) “Value X matters most to me because…” Congratulations. In your hyper-literal reading of the prompt, you’ve instantly bored your reader, or at the very least began your essay in precisely the same way that 50% of the other applicants did. People make this mistake because they think of this as something akin to a memo or an academic essay, and not as a venue for storytelling. When you think like a screenwriter, you know that you CAN answer the question, but do so in a way that builds on storytelling, emphasizes conflict and growth, and puts YOU and your journey central.

I’ve seen a lot of essays in my capacity as a professional editor and consultant, and I can attest that those that convey a memorable and moving story tend to be the most successful. Stories have the ability to emotionally engage readers, explain difficult concepts in a sympathetic manner, and leave a lasting impact. Because of this, approaching your personal statement like a movie can make it pop, or at least stand out from the crowd. Personal statements that move the needle share these things in common with great movies: they have a distinct narrative, characters, and themes. A good essay brings your reader on a journey where your ACTIONS and decisions demonstrate your values. In other words, a great story allows you to showwhat’s important to you, and why.

Let’s examine some of a movie’s essential components and see how they apply to your personal statement:

The story: Every film has a start, middle, and end. Your personal statement needs to be organized in a way that leads the reader through your narrative. They know who were at the beginning of a story, they encounter a crisis or moment of decision with you, they understand the choice you made, and they see how it transformed you or revealed something important about you. Abstractly talking about your values is a B- essay, and if you want an A+ personal statement, you have to show them how you were willing to incur a cost or invest something of yourself to live out your values.

Characters: A movie’s characters are what make it interesting to watch. Similarly, your personal statement should highlight your personality and distinguishing qualities. Make yourself come to life on the page by using descriptive details and, more importantly, taking the reader into moments of decision. Making your readers care about you and your experience is your main objective.

The theme: Many movies have underlying themes that strike a chord with their audience. Themes that unify your story should be evident in your personal statement, too. You might investigate subjects like social justice, tenacity, or resilience. Make sure your themes reflect your beliefs and objectives and explain what is most important to you. This is obviously at the heart of the “what matters most to you,” but don’t get so focused on theme that you turn the essay into an amateur treatise on the nature and importance of that value. Instead, use your story to SHOW your values.

In my experience, Stanford’s essay is one of the best in terms of separating out great, mediocre, and bad candidates. It forces applicants to focus on a theme of personal importance, but it also presents some hidden pitfalls in that many applicants allow themselves to get distracted from the importance of storytelling.

If you’re uncertain of your approach, have us help you out! Gurufi specializes in assisting candidates with creating compelling personal statements. We’ve assisted thousands of students in being accepted to prestigious programs all around the world, and it would be our delight to assist you as well. Our staff of knowledgeable editors and consultants is ready to help you whether you need assistance with idea generation or writing and revising your essay.

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.

Choosing Between Multiple Schools

When I checked my email this morning, I remembered why this is my favorite time of year! Two of my favorite clients got into their dream schools, and my back-and-forth emails with a client who just found out that he got into Stanford brought a warm feeling to my heart that just about melted the huge pile of snow outside my house!

During the late fall and early winter, we’re incredibly busy at Gurufi, helping clients get into their dream schools. But now, our clients are starting to hear back from graduate and medical programs, and the good news we get is fantastic and justifies all the late nights working with them to perfect their personal statements and CVs. But now, many of our clients face a happy dilemma: how do you choose between two good schools?

Though technically speaking picking from among schools isn’t part of my job, I often give clients some advice about this question based on years of experience. Here are ten thoughts on how to pick between schools after you’ve been offered admission!

  1. Ask yourself: do I want to live there? One of the biggest mistakes that I’ve seen people make is to view their graduate school experience as something that they should just endure or merely Not your preferred location? Well… it’s only a few years! That is the wrong approach. If you’re happy, you’re more likely to thrive, make connections, and get the most out of the experience. So, take the school’s location and size into account. Think about whether you want to attend a large or small school and if you want to live in a major city or a small town. Ask yourself, “is this somewhere I could live?” Don’t be afraid to try something new, but listen to what your gut says and ask yourself “could I thrivehere?”

  1. Once again, look into the academics and how well they align with your goals. Especially if you’re trying to decide between comparable programs, take the time to do another “final check,” perhaps even more in-depth than when choosing whether to apply. Check out the instructors and available programs. Check the curriculum to see if it fits your professional objectives, and look into the professors to see if they have any relevant experience or publications. Contact current students and ask them what they love and what they wish they could change. Write down what you think your two years of coursework, training, resources, and extracurriculars would look like.

  1. Okay, fine… take into account the school’s reputation and ranking. I am a HUGE believer in the idea that fit matters more than ranking, but ranking and reputation do matter. Rankings should not be the primary consideration, but they can help you determine the standing of the institution and the caliber of its curriculum.

  1. Think about the alumni and current students you’ve met. By this point, you’ve likely talked to lots of current students and alumni. Once you’ve been admitted, use LinkedIn and other resources that the school provides to have more conversations about the school and its strengths. You’ll likely find that students are even more frank with students who’ve been admitted. Similarly, find out about how active alumni are and the kinds of things that they’re up to. After graduation, a robust alumni network may offer useful contacts and assistance.

  1. Price compare. Usually, schools provide financial aid and cost information a few weeks after admission. Sometimes longer. As soon as you have this information, it’s time to get down to brass tacks. How much are you willing to spend? Importantly, you can also use this period to bargain. Contact the Admissions and Financial Aid offices if you’ve gotten a more generous package from another school, and ask them to close the gap. They won’t always be able to do so, but they often can, and it never hurts to ask! At any rate, once you have some solid numbers, a basic ROI assessment that includes everything from long-term trajectory to immediate salary bumps can help you figure out your next move.

  1. Don’t forget to do a deep dive into local expenses! If you’re comparing, for instance, NYU and Ross, remember to account for the fact that Manhattan is a lot pricier than Ann Arbor.

  1. Listen to your gut… but you don’t have to obey it! Churchill said that “intuition is reason in a hurry.” There’s real truth to this. In 99% of cases, people have a gut-level preference for one school. Begin by acknowledging what this is, and then ask why. Are you a little too enamored with rankings? Did the campus dazzle you? Whatever the reason, ask yourself a follow-up question: is the basis of my gut’s decision rational and good? If not, then be willing to deny your intuition and take a more thoughtful approach. If so, then you know what to do!

  1. Consider the culture and ideals of the school. To learn more about the school’s culture and beliefs and determine whether they coincide with your own, visit the school’s website and go to informational sessions. If this hasn’t been made clear to you, ask somebody. Attending a school where your values align with theirs is vital, so don’t overlook it.

  1. Dig into the data. Now is the time to get even fussier about all of the relevant data that schools keep. What’s their 1-year and 5-year employment data look like? Average salary? Long-term satisfaction rate (or its proxy: alumni giving percentage)? You probably looked at this information during the application process, but now is the time to do it again!

  1. Take into account the school’s inclusion and diversity. A varied and inclusive school may offer a richer educational experience and can also be a positive reflection of the ideals of the institution. And if that touchy-feely stuff doesn’t move you, remember that you’re hoping to thrive within an increasingly global and diverse world, so be sure that you have the background and comfort level to do this!

I hope that you have the happy conundrum of trying to choose between great options! If you’d like to have this problem, then be sure to check us out Gurufi.com!  For seventeen years, we’ve helped thousands of clients craft powerful personal statements and attractive CVs. Check us out at Gurufi.com. Our personal statement editors and consultants have decades of experience helping clients get into top medical, law, and graduate programs. We pride ourselves in guaranteeing the satisfaction of every client. 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.

Gurufi Podcast: IESE University’s Director of Admissions

MBA Podcast
the Gurufi MBA Podcast

 

Welcome to our podcast today where we will be interviewing the Director of Admissions at IESE MBA program in Barcelona. IESE is a top-ranked business school, consistently ranked among the best in Europe and the world. Its MBA program is renowned for its excellence, innovation, and global perspective.

The Director of Admissions at IESE MBA program is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the field of business education. She has been a part of the IESE community for several years and has played a crucial role in shaping the school’s admissions policies and procedures. With her vast knowledge and expertise, she is well-equipped to provide us with valuable insights into the admissions process and what makes the IESE MBA program unique.

In this podcast, we will discuss the IESE MBA program’s application process, the qualities the admissions team looks for in potential candidates, the importance of work experience and academic background, and what sets the IESE MBA program apart from other business schools. We will also discuss the current state of the job market and how the IESE MBA program is preparing students for success in a post-pandemic world.

The Director of Admissions will share her personal experiences and insights into the admissions process, including tips on how applicants can stand out from the crowd and make their application stand out. She will also discuss the school’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and how it is reflected in the admissions process.

We will delve into the IESE MBA program’s unique curriculum, which is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education and prepare them for leadership positions in a variety of industries. We will also discuss the school’s strong focus on experiential learning and how it is integrated into the curriculum.

Overall, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone considering applying to the IESE MBA program or interested in learning more about business education in general. The Director of Admissions at IESE MBA program is a wealth of knowledge, and we are honored to have her on our podcast today. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn from one of the best in the business!

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.

#MBAadmissions #personalstatement #admissionsconsulting #businessschool #gradschool #MBAapplication #MBAprograms #MBAeducation #MBAworld #MBAcommunity #MBAcareer #MBAexperience #MBAalumni #MBAjobs #MBAinternship #MBAstudents #MBAgraduates #MBAleaders #MBAentrepreneurs #MBAinsights #MBAgoals #MBAstrategy #MBAachievement #MBAculture #MBAworklife #MBAstudyabroad #MBAinternational #MBAinnovation #MBAcurriculum #MBAresearch #MBAindustry #MBAglobal #MBAemergingmarkets #MBAtechnology #MBAanalytics #MBAfinance #MBAconsulting #MBAmarketing #MBAstrategy #MBAleadership #MBAteamwork #MBAcommunication #MBAethics #MBAcareerdevelopment #MBAinterviews #MBAalumniassociation #MBAprofessionaldevelopment #MBAcareeradvancement #MBAjobsearch #MBAresume

Why Using A.I. to Write Your Personal Statement is a Bad Idea, Part 2

Colleges and universities are freaking out because students are beginning to use ChatGPT to do their academic work. A recent poll of Stanford students found that 10% used it to create homework that they turned in without additional alteration. Now, many people are turning to ChatGPT to craft their personal statements.

This is a mistake.

@gurufi_admissions

OpenAI’s #ChatGPT is an exciting new technology, but it’s not ready to write your #personalstatement … yet. The results are, frankly, boring. #MBA

♬ original sound – Gurufi

OpenAI’s ChatGPT can produce content that is grammatically, syntactically, and structurally sound. BUT, writing a personal statement isn’t a grammar lesson or purely an exercise in basic composition. In short, it needs a human touch and a level of understanding about you, as an applicant, that at present, an AI cannot reproduce. Moreover, personal statements are meant to demonstrate your character, capabilities, and experiences. This implies that they must be particular to you and distinctive. In your voice, from your mind, and reflective of your thoughts and values. Although ChatGPT can create material of a high caliber, it is unable to give it your voice and viewpoint, which is a crucial component of a personal statement.

Second, there are ethical issues with writing your personal statement utilizing ChatGPT. This is an understatement. It is dishonest to have a language model write your personal statement, and if you’re discovered you risk that school telling other schools you’ve applied to. As this video makes plain, schools are investing in high-quality AI-detection software and they are already using them in admissions departments.

Finally, utilizing ChatGPT to draft your personal statement involves some practical issues. Although it might save you time, careful thinking and introspection are still necessary. To create a powerful personal statement, you must reflect deeply on your goals, interests, and accomplishments. If you rely on a computer to do this job for you, your essay can end up being less strong and persuasive.

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.

#personalstatementtips, #collegeadmissions, #writingtips, #collegeapplication, #collegeessay, #collegeprep, #writingadvice, #studentlife, #highschool, #education, #collegebound, #admissionessay, #studenttips, #studygram, #collegeadmissiontips, #writingcommunity, #success, #collegeadvice, #applicationessay, #motivation, #writingprocess, #personaldevelopment, #admissions, #writinghelp, and #applicationprocess.

DON’T Use ChatGPT to Write Your Personal Statement

Colleges and universities are freaking out because students are beginning to use ChatGPT to do their academic work. A recent poll of Stanford students found that 10% used it to create homework that they turned in without additional alteration. Now, many people are turning to ChatGPT to craft their personal statements.

This is a mistake.

 

@gurufi_admissions

ChatGPT’s #OpenAI has been in the news, and Admissions Committees are freaking out! Here’s why you should NOT use it to write your #personalstatement

♬ original sound – Gurufi

 

OpenAI’s ChatGPT can produce content that is grammatically, syntactically, and structurally sound. BUT, writing a personal statement isn’t a grammar lesson or purely an exercise in basic composition. In short, it needs a human touch and a level of understanding about you, as an applicant, that at present, an AI cannot reproduce. Moreover, personal statements are meant to demonstrate your character, capabilities, and experiences. This implies that they must be particular to you and distinctive. In your voice, from your mind, and reflective of your thoughts and values. Although ChatGPT can create material of a high caliber, it is unable to give it your voice and viewpoint, which is a crucial component of a personal statement.

Second, there are ethical issues with writing your personal statement utilizing ChatGPT. This is an understatement. It is dishonest to have a language model write your personal statement, and if you’re discovered you risk that school telling other schools you’ve applied to. As this video makes plain, schools are investing in high-quality AI-detection software and they are already using them in admissions departments.

Finally, utilizing ChatGPT to draft your personal statement involves some practical issues. Although it might save you time, careful thinking and introspection are still necessary. To create a powerful personal statement, you must reflect deeply on your goals, interests, and accomplishments. If you rely on a computer to do this job for you, your essay can end up being less strong and persuasive.

 

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.

#personalstatementtips, #collegeadmissions, #writingtips, #collegeapplication, #collegeessay, #collegeprep, #writingadvice, #studentlife, #highschool, #education, #collegebound, #admissionessay, #studenttips, #studygram, #collegeadmissiontips, #writingcommunity, #success, #collegeadvice, #applicationessay, #motivation, #writingprocess, #personaldevelopment, #admissions, #writinghelp, and #applicationprocess.

MBA Return on Investment

MBA return on Investment
What are some additional factors to consider regarding return on investment for an MBA?

 

 

After yesterday’s post on calculating ROI for various business schools, a reader contacted me and asked if there are other variables that I might include in an informal “calculation” of either whether to attend business school at all or when deciding between programs. It’s a good question.

In thinking about four additional factors I would consider in the ROI:

  1. The program’s reputation: I am a big proponent of the idea that you should care more about fit that ranking. But, if you’re thinking about post-graduation employment, connections, and success, reputation does matter. As such, consider whether the program you’re thinking about will provide you with the contacts and credibility you need to thrive in your chosen sector.

  1. Is it Well-Tailored to Your Interests? The program’s emphasis and curriculum should match your professional objectives because different MBA schools have distinct foci and curricula. Choose a program that provides classes and chances for experiential learning in the industries or career types that interest you.

  1. The program’s adaptability and format: Full-time, part-time, and online MBA programs are all offered in a range of configurations. Think about the structure that will work best for your particular personal and professional situation. For instance, a part-time or online program could be a better option for you if you work full-time. Note that this will also alter the actual ROI calculation that you perform because it might delay the professional boost or reboot you get from an MBA but also allow you to keep working and earning while pursuing your degree.

  1. The school’s networking and career support options: To be honest, this variable is likely baked into the school’s employment statistics, but it is important to think of nonetheless. The reason is that a more complete and nuanced dive into the nature, location, and kind of network connections the school has will give you a better appreciation of where you’ll be in the years after you graduate. Search for a program that provides career guidance, job placement assistance, and chances to network with alumni and other experts in your industry.

Overall, earning an MBA can be a wise investment in your future, but before making a choice, it’s crucial to thoroughly weigh all of these aspects and to couple this less quantitative aspects and considerations with the ROI formula provided in the link above and also lifestyle considerations (will you actually like living there for two+ years?) Spend some time investigating and contrasting several programs before selecting the one that will provide you the training, assistance, and networking opportunities you require to be successful.

 

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.

  1. “5 Tips for Work-Life Balance in MBA Programs.” U.S. News & World Report, 2020, https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/articles/5-tips-for-work-life-balance-in-mba-programs.
  2. “Work-Life Balance in MBA Programs: Finding Your Balance.” QS Quacquarelli Symonds, 2021, https://www.topmba.com/mba-programs/work-life-balance-mba-programs-finding-your-balance.
  3. “MBA Work-Life Balance: How to Manage Your Studies and Career.” TopMBA, 2022, https://www.topmba.com/jobs/mba-work-life-balance-how-manage-your-studies-and-career.
  4. “How to Achieve Work-Life Balance in an MBA Program.” Poets&Quants, 2020, https://poetsandquants.com/2020/05/25/how-to-achieve-work-life-balance-in-an-mba-program/?pq-category=mba-students.
  5. “Work-Life Balance in MBA Programs: How to Manage the Load.” The Economist, 2017, https://www.economist.com/business/2017/05/22/work-life-balance-in-mba-programs-how-to-manage-the-load.
  6. “Work-Life Balance in Business School.” Forbes, 2013, https://www.forbes.com/sites/thesba/2013/06/10/work-life-balance-in-business-school/?sh=438b47495e7f.
  7. “Finding Work-Life Balance in an MBA Program.” The Wall Street Journal, 2018, https://www.wsj.com/articles/finding-work-life-balance-in-an-mba-program-1524506401.
  8. “Balancing Act: Managing Work, Life and Business School.” Financial Times, 2016, https://www.ft.com/content/1af0c770-e3dc-11e5-a09b-1f8b0d268c39.
  9. “Finding Balance in Business School.” Bloomberg Businessweek, 2013, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-09-12/finding-balance-in-business-school.
  10. “Work-Life Balance in MBA Programs.” The MBA Tour, 2021, https://www.thembatour.com/blog/work-life-balance-in-mba-programs.

Am I Too Old To Get a Ph.D.?

too old for a ph.d.?
You’re never too old to pursue grad school, but there are important considerations

Now here’s the issue… Those who inquire, “Am I too old to begin a Ph.D.?” are typically attempting to talk themselves out of it. This may shock you, but I believe that you should begin this process by trying to talk yourself out of it. If, even after trying to find reasons not to do it, you still feel and KNOW in your gut that you want to and need to, then you should move forward with a more detailed analysis.

The first question in this analysis is often “is this the right time?” or “am I took old?” The truth is that there is no single “optimal” age to begin a Ph.D. because choosing to pursue graduate education is quite individual and influenced by a number of circumstances. When I entered Yale’s History Ph.D. program, I was 27, which was about average. There were no people straight out of college in my program, and the oldest person in my cohort was a man in his early 50s who’d had a lucrative career at Goldman Sachs before deciding that he wanted to spend his retirement years writing about and teaching history. Thus, there’s no set path that people have to follow, and while there are many good reasons NOT to pursue a Ph.D., age isn’t one of them. If you feel like you still have the juice and desire to spend long hours diving into a single subject, then do it!

Going deeper into this question, though, you should at least project out what your timeline would look like. You can assume 5-8 years to finish your Ph.D. People who hope to enter academia with STEM degrees will typically then need to complete postdocs of 2-5 years, after which you’d pursue professorial positions on the hyper-competitive job market. For people in the humanities and social sciences, postdocs and adjunct positions are becoming increasingly common, and thus your path may look a lot like the long road STEM PhDs face.

Thus, the tough reality is that you may find yourself twelve years from now with a Ph.D., a postdoc, and scrapping and fighting for an academic job. While you can certainly find some form of gainful employment with a Ph.D. of any kind, the idea of being 12 years older than you are now and hustling and scrapping to get one of the few jobs out there may be more palatable to someone who’s 27 than 47. Again, this is something that you’ll need to reflect on as you think about your circumstances, family reality, and financial needs and expectations.

It’s also crucial to think about whether you have the time and money to go to graduate school, as well as the needs of a Ph.D. program. In addition to requiring a major time commitment for classroom, research, and writing, a Ph.D. program may also include moving away from home or pausing your existing employment. You could opt to do a Ph.D. later in life if you are not prepared to undertake these obligations now.

When determining whether to begin a Ph.D., there are other practical factors to think about, such as finance options and the employment market. My advice is never to pursue a Ph.D. unless you are certain of funding. The top schools fully fund their Ph.D. students through stipends, teaching awards, and maybe some work requirements. If you are accepted into a program and there’s a gap between what you’re provided and what it costs, it’s not a real admission and you should walk away. This might be doubly so if you’re older or have a family, and thus the idea of pursuing a PhD full-time while ALSO working a full-time job+ to pay for it is just not acceptable.

Lastly, if you’re looking to enter academia, you should accept that this industry tends to love “shiny young things.” So if you enter grad school in your late 30s, you might not be viewed as a promising future star, even if you produce stellar work.

Generally, the best age to begin a PhD will depend on your personal and professional objectives, your level of education and work experience, as well as your availability and commitment level to graduate school. When choosing a choice, it is crucial to give these aspects significant thought and to consult academic counselors, mentors, and other experts.

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.

References:

  1. Association of American Universities. (2018). The academic job market for new PhDs in the humanities. Retrieved from https://www.aau.edu/policy-issues/the-academic-job-market-new-phds-humanities

  1. National Science Foundation. (2018). Doctorate recipients from U.S. universities: 2017. Retrieved from https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/2018/nsf18319/

  1. National Academy of Sciences. (2018). The supply of and demand for science and engineering PhDs in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.pnas.org/content/115/9/2062

  1. Inside Higher Ed. (2017). How likely are PhD grads to land tenure-track jobs? Retrieved from https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2017/02/13/how-likely-are-phd-grads-land-tenure-track-jobs-essay

  1. Association of American Universities. (2018). The academic job market for new PhDs in science, engineering, and health. Retrieved from https://www.aau.edu/policy-issues/the-academic-job-market-new-phds-science-engineering-and-health

Twenty Tips for a Powerful Personal Statement

I used to teach a summer seminar to aspiring MBA, law school, and college students about how to write a powerful personal statement. While transitioning my material to a new laptop, I recently discovered my old notes on “Twenty Quick Tips for a Great Personal Statement.” For many of them, I’ve added some YouTube videos that I did, either for my channel or for GMATClub.

  1. Start early and give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, write, and revise.
  2. Choose a topic that is meaningful and personal to you, and that showcases your unique perspective and personality.
  3. Begin with an attention-grabbing opening that engages the reader and sets the tone for the rest of your essay… BUT, avoid gimmicks that are over-the-top and don’t feel authentic to you.
  4. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points and bring your essay to life.
  5. Use descriptive language and active verbs to convey energy and enthusiasm. Identify passive constructions and “to be” verbs (am, is, were, was, etc.) and work to eliminate as many of them as possible.
  6. Stay focused on the main theme of your essay and avoid veering off on tangents or discussing unrelated topics.
  7. Keep your essay concise and focused. If no specific work limit is given, aim for a word count of around 500-1000 words.
  8. Use transitions to help the reader follow your thoughts and ideas.
  9. Proofread carefully to catch any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation.
  10. Show, don’t tell. Use concrete examples to illustrate your points and bring your essay to life.
  11. Avoid cliches and overused phrases, and try to be original and authentic.
  12. Be honest and genuine, and avoid exaggerating or embellishing the truth.
  13. Use a strong, clear voice and avoid using passive language.
  14. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar to the reader.
  15. Use quotes sparingly and only if they add value to your essay.
  16. Don’t repeat information that is already included in your application or resume.
  17. Don’t be afraid to seek feedback from others, but be sure to keep your own voice and perspective in the essay.
  18. Use a variety of sentence structures to keep the reader engaged and add interest to your essay.
  19. Conclude your essay with a strong closing that summarizes your main points and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
  20. Finally, don’t be afraid to be yourself! Admissions committees want to get to know you, so be genuine and authentic in your writing.

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 colleges and universities. 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.