Acing School Interviews

Confident individual in a professional home office setting, engaged in a virtual interview. The background features a bookshelf with personal achievements, including a trophy and a framed jersey, with a Post-It note on the computer screen edge saying 'Just Breathe!' — For Zoom interviews, make sure you’ve set yourself up for success!

Five Tips for a Great Interview

As more schools have made interviews a core part of their admissions processes, it’s becoming even more important to make interview preparation a core part of your admissions process. At Gurufi, we have helped over 10,000 applicants earn admission into their dream schools, and many of these applicants are international students looking to learn in America. For these students, interviews can be especially daunting. Here, we’ll address common questions, talk about cultural nuances particular to America, and thoughts on how you can make a positive impression.

Understanding the Purpose of the Interview

School interviews serve several purposes. Understanding these can help you prepare more effectively:

1. **Assessing Fit:**
– The interview helps the admissions committee determine if you are a good fit for the program and if the program aligns with your academic and career goals. I sometimes tell clients that every admission to a competitive program / school is about two things: (1) are you generally prepared and qualified? And (2) Are you a good fit for this particular school / program? This is especially true of graduate and professional schools, most of which have particular areas of focus and unique cultures. As such, they use interviews to filter out people who, though smart and prepared, would not be ideal fits. Doing your research about what the school values can help you in this process.

2. **Evaluating Communication Skills:**
– Strong communication skills are essential for success in graduate school. The interview assesses your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently.

3. **Understanding Motivation:**
– The committee wants to understand your motivation for pursuing the program and how it fits into your long-term plans.

4. **Gauging Interpersonal Skills:**
– The interview provides insight into your interpersonal skills, such as your ability to interact with others, collaborate, and work effectively in a team.

Common Interview Questions

While each interview is unique, certain questions are commonly asked in graduate school interviews. Preparing answers to these can help you feel more confident:

1. **Tell Me About Yourself:**
– Provide a brief overview of your background, focusing on your academic and professional experiences, and how they relate to the program you are applying to. I do NOT recommend trying to memorize answers; you’ll come across as stiff and the pressure to “nail your lines” can make many people tongue-tied. The one exception that I’d make is to have a prepared 3-sentence response to this question. It’s often the first question asked, so knowing exactly what you’ll say can help to take the edge off.

2. **Why Do You Want to Attend This Program?:**
– Discuss your reasons for choosing this specific program, highlighting aspects such as faculty, research opportunities, and program strengths that align with your goals.

3. **What Are Your Research Interests?:**
– If you’re applying to a graduate school, this will certainly be brought up. Be prepared to discuss your research interests in detail, including any previous research experience, and how you plan to pursue these interests in the program.

4. **What Are Your Long-Term Career Goals?:**
– Share your long-term career aspirations and how the program will help you achieve them. Be specific about your goals and how they align with the program’s offerings.

5. **How Do You Handle Challenges or Conflicts?:**
– Provide examples of how you have dealt with challenges or conflicts in the past, emphasizing your problem-solving skills and resilience.

6. **What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?:**
– Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Focus on how your strengths will contribute to the program and what steps you are taking to address your weaknesses. Avoid the humble-brag “weakness” such as “sometimes I care too much” or “I work too hard.” Those are cringeworthy responses.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY… at the end of the interview, you’ll often be asked, “do you have any question?” Your answer should never be “no.” Have several thoughtful questions prepared.

Cultural Nuances to Consider

Cultural differences can impact how interviews are conducted and perceived. Here are some cultural nuances to keep in mind:

1. **Formality and Titles:**
– In the U.S., interviews can be more informal than in other cultures. It is common to address professors by their first names, unless otherwise specified. I’ve found that a good strategy for ice-breaking is that, if you are referred to by your last name, politely suggest that they call you by your first name. For instance, “Please, my friends call me Brian.” In America, asking somebody to call you by your first name suggests familiarity and openness. By contrast, though, I would use your interviewer’s formal title (“Prof. Jones”) unless they refer to themselves otherwise or ask you to do so.

2. **Body Language:**
– Positive body language, such as maintaining eye contact, smiling, and offering a firm handshake, is important. It conveys confidence and engagement. I know that a lot of people believe in things like “mirroring” where you mimic the other person’s motions and body positions, but unless you’ve practiced it, I would avoid it because it can come across as creepy. Just keep it simple and remember the rules your mom taught you: sit up straight, smile, maintain eye contact, and offer a firm handshake.

3. **Punctuality:**
– Being on time for your interview is crucial. Arriving early shows respect for the interviewer’s time and demonstrates your commitment. If you show up to an office, be polite to the secretaries, staff, and other applicants! I can tell you that it can make a HUGE difference. Support staff are integral parts of offices and programs, and if they drop a negative comment about you because you were rude or condescending, that might be the end of your application.

4. **Direct Communication:**
– Americans value direct and concise communication. Be clear and to the point in your responses, avoiding overly elaborate explanations. For instance, if you’re asked a yes / no question that you feel needs a fuller explanation, begin with a simple yes or no, and then provide a fuller explanation. For instance, you might say, “Yes, but if I might add some context…”

5. **Expressing Enthusiasm:**
– Showing enthusiasm for the program and your field of study is important. Expressing genuine interest and passion can make a positive impression. Remember, people like positive, optimistic people. So keep this mindset.

Strategies to Make a Positive Impression

To make a lasting positive impression during your interview, consider the following strategies:

1. **Prepare Thoroughly:**
– Research the program, faculty, and current research projects. Being well-informed allows you to ask insightful questions and demonstrate your interest.

2. **Practice Your Responses:**
– Practice answering common interview questions with a friend or mentor. This helps you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Again, as noted above, I would not try to MEMORIZE your answers. Instead, practice so that you feel comfortable with the basic beats of what you’ll say.

3. **Dress Appropriately:**
– Choose professional attire that is appropriate for the interview setting. Dressing well shows that you take the interview seriously.

4. **Be Yourself:**
– Authenticity is key. Be honest and genuine in your responses, and let your personality shine through.

5. **Follow Up:**
– Send a thank-you email after the interview, expressing your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterating your interest in the program. This can leave a positive final impression.

Zoom Interview Tips

As more interviews are conducted online, use these strategies to ensure that your virtual presentation is compelling.

In addition to dressing appropriately, think about the space behind you and how you might curate it to reflect your interests. Nothing over the top. The background should first and foremost be clean, simple, and attractive. But, if you have an interest that you wouldn’t mind talking about, you can feature that. For instance, a framed jersey from a team you were on, a trophy, or some memento from a meaningful trip. I personally don’t love the virtual backgrounds. Obviously, make your own decisions about privacy, but if you can, use a more inviting natural background.
I like to place Post-It notes on outside of the screen that offer words of encouragement (“just breathe and relax! You got this!”) or reminders (I often forget names, so I’ll write them down along with their titles). Having Post-Its of things that you want to remember to talk about is also useful.
Do a test beforehand to ensure that what you think will be in the screen is what’s actually framed. I once did a Zoom call with a prospective student who was dressed in a suit… and basketball shorts. Not a problem except that he didn’t frame his shot properly, so we all actually saw his unusual outfit.

Preparing for a U.S. graduate program interview involves understanding the purpose of the interview, anticipating common questions, being mindful of cultural nuances, and employing strategies to make a positive impression. By thoroughly preparing and approaching the interview with confidence and authenticity, you can effectively showcase your qualifications and enthusiasm for the program. Remember, the interview is not only a chance for the admissions committee to evaluate you, but also an opportunity for you to learn more about the program and determine if it is the right fit for you.

For 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.

Ten Things to Know About Your Medical School Application

A professional admissions consultant in a modern office, gesturing toward a whiteboard with the text '10 Common Questions About Medical School Applications.' The office is filled with medical-related items such as a stethoscope, books, and a laptop displaying a personal statement document, symbolizing the complex and important nature of the medical school application process. — Ten tips for getting your AMCAS and secondaries right!

Admissions Consultant Answers 10 Common Questions About Medical School Applications

Medical school is, by far, the most difficult and demanding application process. Far more rigorous than an MBA, law school, or PhD application… and for good reason! A bad MBA or lawyer still gets a corner office and a job, but a bad doctor can kill you!

Because applying to medical school is such a rigorous and competitive process, a well-crafted application can make all the difference. To help you navigate this journey, we’ve gathered ten common questions about medical school applications and provided brief responses. This guide is a great place to begin your medical school application process! For additional help, contact us at Gurufi.com. Every year, we help hundreds of applicants refine their AMCAS (and other) personal statements, Work & Activities sections, and secondaries.

1. What is the purpose of the AMCAS personal statement?

The AMCAS personal statement sends shivers of terror down people’s spines. You have 5300 characters (not even two pages) to describe your life, give your “doctor’s origin story” and make it clear why you’d be an amazing doctor. In short, this is the centerpiece of your application. The AMCAS personal statement is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions committee and explain why you want to pursue a career in medicine. It should highlight your motivations, experiences, and personal qualities that make you a suitable candidate for medical school. This statement is crucial because it provides a holistic view of who you are beyond your grades and test scores, allowing the committee to understand your passion for medicine and your readiness for the challenges of medical school. It provides the frame for your application and the lens through which all of your other materials are viewed.

2. How can I effectively describe my clinical experiences in my medical school personal statement?

Tell stories. Next question. Okay, I’ll elaborate a bit! (if you’re interested, check out this video on storytelling we did for MBA applicants. The examples we use are for business students, but the core ideas, themes, and strategies still apply!)

To effectively describe your clinical experiences in your personal statement, focus on specific examples that highlight your involvement, responsibilities, and what you learned from these experiences. Discuss how these experiences shaped your understanding of the medical field and reinforced your desire to become a physician. Be sure to reflect on the impact these experiences had on you, both personally and professionally, and how they have prepared you for a career in medicine.

If you’re doing clinical work, such as volunteering or scribing, I would urge you to use our Scribing Journaling tool to help you begin to put your ideas together.

3. What should I include in the Work & Activities section of the AMCAS application?

A good rule of thumb for the AMCAS personal statement is that you should use that essay to demonstrate, in depth, a few things about your experience, accomplishments, and aspirations. Depth, not breadth, is the key. For the Work & Activities section of the AMCAS, use these mini-essays to show breadth. Complement what you’ve highlighted in the personal statement. For instance, if your personal statement is mostly clinical, then use the W&A to detail research or leadership. Be strategic about your “Most Significant” longer essays to provide / show greater breadth. You want your application to showcase your extracurricular involvement, employment, research, and volunteer experiences. Include detailed descriptions of your roles and responsibilities, highlighting any leadership positions, accomplishments, and skills you developed. Focus on activities that demonstrate your commitment to medicine, community service, and personal growth. Additionally, choose the most meaningful experiences to provide further insights into your character and values.

4. How can I write a strong secondary application essay for medical school?

If the AMCAS is the core pitch you send to all schools, then secondaries are tailored and specific. Writing a strong secondary application essay involves making your responses to each school responsive to what they’ve asked and, more than that, making sure it aligns with that school’s values, culture, and areas of strength. In short, if the AMCAS is designed to show that you’re a compelling candidate, in general, then secondaries are about proving that you’re a great fit for that particular school. Research each medical school to understand its values, mission, and unique programs. Use this information to craft thoughtful and personalized essays that reflect your alignment with the school’s goals. Be concise and focus on answering the prompt directly while providing specific examples from your experiences.

5. What are common mistakes to avoid in medical school personal statements?

Common mistakes to avoid in medical school personal statements include:
1. **Being too vague:** Provide specific examples and detailed descriptions rather than broad generalizations. If you can’t match a story to an assertion, don’t make it.
2. **Focusing too much on others:** While it’s important to acknowledge the influence of mentors, make sure the statement centers on your experiences and insights. After all, this is a PERSONAL statement, so make sure that you remain the main character in it.
3. **Ignoring the prompt:** Ensure your essay answers the specific question or prompt provided by the application. This problem often arises when, perhaps late in the application process, you can’t find the juice to write one more new secondary, so you figure that you’ll just try to shoehorn in an old essay… even if it doesn’t quite fit. Don’t do this.
4. **Neglecting to proofread:** Spelling and grammatical errors can detract from your professionalism. Proofread your essay multiple times and consider having others review it.

6. How can I convey my passion for medicine in my personal statement?

Again… storytelling. To convey your passion for medicine, share personal anecdotes that illustrate your commitment and enthusiasm for the field. Discuss formative experiences that inspired you to pursue medicine, such as volunteering in a healthcare setting, shadowing physicians, or overcoming personal health challenges. Reflect on what these experiences taught you and how they solidified your desire to become a physician. Authenticity is key, so be honest and heartfelt in your writing.

7. What experiences should I highlight in my medical school personal statement?

Highlight experiences that demonstrate your readiness for medical school and your suitability for a career in medicine. These may include:
1. **Clinical experiences:** Volunteering, shadowing, or working in healthcare settings.
2. **Research projects:** Participation in scientific research that showcases your analytical skills and commitment to advancing medical knowledge.
3. **Community service:** Involvement in volunteer activities that reflect your compassion and dedication to helping others.
4. **Leadership roles:** Positions in student organizations, work, or community groups that highlight your ability to lead and work collaboratively.
5. **Personal challenges:** Overcoming obstacles that have strengthened your resilience and determination to pursue medicine.

8. How do I handle the ‘Why this medical school?’ secondary essay?

To effectively handle the ‘Why this medical school?’ secondary essay, research the specific features and programs of each school. Identify aspects that resonate with your career goals, values, and interests. Discuss how these features align with your aspirations and how you would contribute to and benefit from the school’s community. Be specific about what attracts you to the school, such as particular faculty, research opportunities, or unique programs, and explain why these aspects are important to you.

This is an important thing to answer, so I’d even hop on forums or LinkedIn to cold-chat with current students there to gain insights. As you research schools to apply to, ask yourself over and over, “could I see myself thriving here? Why?” The answers to these questions could help to guide your secondaries.

9. How can I make my AMCAS application stand out?

In addition to the tips I’ve laid out above, make sure that you avoid overused topics. Don’t begin the essay at the bedside of your dying grandma or talk about how the first time you saw a doctor it was like their white coat was a superhero cape… those tropes have been overused.

10. What should I focus on in the ‘Most Meaningful Experiences’ section of the AMCAS application?

In the ‘Most Meaningful Experiences’ section of the AMCAS application, focus on providing detailed descriptions of experiences that had a significant impact on your personal and professional development. Discuss what made these experiences meaningful, the skills and insights you gained, and how they have prepared you for a career in medicine. Reflect on your growth and the lessons learned from these experiences, and explain why they stand out among your other activities.

The main tip I would give is that you should look to complement your personal statement. If there are things that you didn’t cover in your personal statement and you think they’re important, use your Most Meaningful essays on them. Remember, you should view your application holistically, and don’t try to jam everything into just the personal statement. The entirety of the application should cover all the main topics and strengths, so make sure that your personal statement provides enough space for the most important 1-2 ideas to breathe and have a full genuine impact. Then, use the Most Meaningful to show that you’ve had a well-rounded set of experiences and accomplishments.

As the husband of a doctor and the brother of two doctors, I know just how meaningful a medical career can be, so try to approach all of this from a position of optimism, excitement, and joy. Yes, it’ll be a slog, but people who are enthusiastic, confident, and positive in their mindset tend to be more interesting and attractive to admissions committees. Yes, this is the start of a long process and a difficult journey, but it’ll be worth the investment.

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 medical schools. Our specialty is helping you craft compelling personal statements, AMCAS W&A, and secondaries 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 Is a Graduate School Personal Statement Different?

A graduate school applicant sitting at a desk filled with books and papers, looking thoughtful and focused while writing a personal statement. The background shows shelves with academic journals, a computer with academic websites open, and a bulletin board with notes about different universities. The setting is a cozy study room with warm lighting, reflecting dedication and intellectual engagement. — A grad school personal statement is different!

How Is a Graduate School Personal Statement Different?

Once you’ve decided to pursue a Ph.D., one of the challenges that you’ll face is that, unlike undergraduate, medical, law, or business school applications, there isn’t really a robust ecosystem offering lots of guidance to would-be applicants. Indeed, Gurufi is one of the few companies that provides consultation and assistance to graduate school applicants. Part of this has to do with subject matter fragmentation. That is, it just seems like an application for a doctoral Physics program at MIT should be very different than, say, a History program at Stanford. There is some truth to this (which is why we have consultants who are STEM PhDs as well as humanities and social science), and there are important subtle differences for how you should approach different kinds of graduate school applications, but graduate school applications as a whole differ in important ways from applications for colleges and professional schools.

I am that rare breed of expert who first attended law school (University of Michigan) then, after practicing briefly, I earned my PhD in History (Yale University). When I applied to graduate school, the process was far more nuanced and complicated, and I benefited immensely from the advice of people who had gone before me, whereas I had found law school applications quite straightforward. In future posts, I’ll cover some other aspects of graduate school applications that many applicants don’t know about, but today I just want to note what I see as the five most important factors that differentiate graduate school personal statements from professional school (law, medical, business, etc.) or college personal statements.

Get the Tone Right

For many applicants, the only advice they’ve ever been given about personal statements came when they were applying to college. College personal statements tend to be very much what you expect from a teenager who’s never actually done or experienced much in their lives: emotionally overwrought, zany, and all about having great “hooks” and a lot of puffery about what they’ve already accomplished and all that they’re going to achieve in life. There is a heavy emphasis on “personal,” and very little that could be classified as substantive. Fair enough, they’re 17 years old! But, if you’re applying to a high-level doctoral program, this is NOT the route you want to take!

You can (and should) incorporate storytelling, and your essay should be engaging, optimistic, and passionate, but it also has to be mature and clear-eyed. In short, you need to show that you’re capable of doing high-level original thinking about a thin slice of a complex subject, and this means projecting gravitas. Humor, purple prose, or stories for their own sake are risky, and often ill-advised.

When working with clients, I’ll often say, “this is for graduate school, not your Tinder profile.” In other words, the Admissions Committee isn’t trying to find a life partner or figure out the machinations of your soul; they’re trying to assess whether you have the talent to do difficult scholarship and an interesting perspective and set of germane experiences to build upon.

You Need to Demonstrate Subject Matter Familiarity

Unlike law school, where you can arrive with little to no real knowledge of the law, graduate programs operate under the assumption that you know something about the field and will arrive on Day 1 ready to engage with it. As such, how you discuss your field and the questions you want to pursue are really important. If you can signal work that you think is important and position yourself relative to scholars whose work you think is interesting, then that helps. Doubly so if those scholars you’re talking about are at the school you’re applying to (more on this next). A good rule of thumb is that the closer you can get in your personal statement to articulating what your eventual dissertation thesis will be, the better. Another way of thinking about this is that you are going to graduate school to acquire the intellectual tools to answer a question; what is that question? What do you think the answer is? Why? These are the sorts of questions that you can only really discuss if you’re familiar with the field.

Applying to a Program, not Really to a School

Okay, this one isn’t REALLY about the Personal Statement, but it’s worth keeping in mind. It’s hard not to be impressed by a brand name, but while top schools do have lots of top programs, don’t fall in love with brands. If the precise thing that you’re passionate about isn’t a strength at Harvard, don’t apply to Harvard. It may be that the University of Indiana or Georgia Tech (two perfectly good schools) are actually the best at what you’re interested in. Over and over, I’ve had clients who will either try to shoehorn their interests into what is offered at an Ivy League school or decide to pursue something else that they’re less interested in because it’s offered at a school they think is great. These are bad ideas. First, graduate school is a long hard slog, and if the school can’t support your particular intellectual interests, you’ll get frustrated and, frankly, you’ll probably quit. Likewise, if you elect to pursue something else just so that you can get a Princeton degree, it’s likely that in year 4 of your 7-year PhD program you’ll be so miserable that you’ll just decide you’ve had enough. A major contributor to the fact that only slightly more than 50% of doctoral candidates earn their PhD is that people aren’t thoughtful about selecting their program.

Talk with specificity about why THAT program

Given that you’re applying to a program, and not a school, you need to articulate why you want to attend thatschool. Importantly, this means avoiding generic sentences like, “Columbia’s excellent faculty, fist-rate facilities, and strong curriculum make it a compelling choice for me.” That just reeks of copy-paste text that could apply to any school. Instead, get specific about which professors you want to work with (I’ll have more on this later this week) and why, the specific programs and facilities that you want to use, and maybe even some of the coursework you hope to complete. So, the generic section above should instead say something like:

“I would be excited to study under the direction of Prof. Jones, whose work on the instability of zeta particles in the CERN superconductor-supercollider poses complex questions about string theory. While working in the Jones Lab, I hope to have access to Columbia’s new high-frequency spectroscopy device so that I could explore whether similar conditions manifest in high-radiation environments.”

Note how (fake physics gibberish aside), a reader knows exactly “why Columbia?” and can picture what the applicant’s time within the program would look like.

It’s Both an Intellectual and Personal History

As I noted above, it’s great to use storytelling to establish how you came to be interested in this particular subject. After all, graduate programs want people who will finish, and if you’re not passionate and excited about the field, you likely won’t. So, having early or formative experiences within a subject be the frame for your essay is a great idea.

But you also need to weave in your intellectual journey. What questions triggered this exploration? What books, ideas, studies, or intellectual problems have you found engaging, exasperating, or in desperate need of solution? If you answer these sorts of questions, and can fuse them with your personal narrative, you can produce an essay that moves the reader and allows them to understand your potential within the field and, importantly, like you as a person who shares their excitement for the subject.

You can see why I said that graduate school personal statements are more nuanced and complicated. And, frankly, my experience is that they’re just harder to write. Given the general rule that you shouldn’t exceed two single-spaced pages, this means you need to write with economy, structure, clarity, and punch. This is a high bar to clear, but if this is really your life’s passion (and if it isn’t, you shouldn’t apply), it’s well worth the work it requires to write, revise, and perfect a dynamite personal statement!

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.

Five Tips for a Great College Admissions Essay

A cartoon illustration of a college student sitting at a desk, deep in thought while holding a pencil and notebook. The desk is cluttered with books, a laptop, and sticky notes. A corkboard with pinned photos and a calendar labeled "College" is on the wall behind him. Two friends are standing near the window, pointing and laughing. A light bulb with question marks around it floats above the student's head, symbolizing an idea or realization. — Have a plan for your personal statement!

Many college aspirants use the summer before their senior year of high school to write their personal statements. We’ll be doing a full, detailed day-by-day video series on how to build a college personal statement in late July (follow our YouTube channel to make sure you’re notified when it drops), but for now, we wanted to give you a quick five-part guide with some tips on writing a great personal statement.

Writing a college personal statement can feel quite daunting. It’s a unique opportunity to showcase your personality, achievements, and aspirations to an admissions committee that knows little about you beyond your academic record. With only 650 words (for CommonApp) to cover all that ground, it’s high-stakes and quite stressful. To help you craft a compelling and memorable personal statement, here are five tips that will guide you through the process.

Set a Schedule and Stick to It

One of the most effective ways to reduce stress when writing your personal statement is to set a schedule and adhere to it. Breaking the task into manageable steps can make it less overwhelming and ensure you have ample time to produce a polished final draft. Here’s a suggested timeline:

Day One: Brainstorm: Spend an afternoon brainstorming topics and themes you want to cover. Reflect on your experiences, achievements, and the qualities that make you unique. There are lots of ways to brainstorm. This video is a quick-and-simple brainstorming activity that you can use.
Many people avoid this step and feel like brainstorming is too “touchy-feely” but every time I’ve used this process in a seminar, the students have loved it and found it immensely valuable.
Day Two: Outline: Once you have a list of potential ideas, create an outline. This will serve as a roadmap for your essay, helping you organize your thoughts and ensure your narrative flows logically. Different people outline in different ways, but whatever system you use, the point is to nail down the basics of your story and note some details you want to include.
Day Three: Write: In my experience, two two-hour sessions can be enough to write a draft. The key is to schedule the time, turn off your phone, disconnect from the internet, and create a quiet, distraction-free space for writing. Focus on getting your ideas down on paper without worrying too much about perfection. The goal is to develop a first draft.
Pause and Revise: After completing your draft, take a break. A few days away from your essay will give you fresh perspective when you return to revise it. If you have the time, three days is an optimal break to put some space between you and your first draft. Then, go back and revise the text. Start by reading it once through completely without fixing anything. Ask yourself whether overall construction, transitions, and theme are strong. Make changes, as necessary, to get that right. Then do sentence-by-sentence revisions, paying special attention to grammar and syntax, but also to tightening the prose by eliminating everything unnecessary. Your edited essay should be considerably shorter.
Seek Feedback: Finally, share your draft with a trusted mentor, teacher, or professional editor for constructive feedback.

Don’t Ask Too Many People for Feedback

While seeking feedback is crucial, asking too many people can be counterproductive. The adage “too many cooks spoil the broth” applies here. Here’s why:

It Will Make You Feel Bad: Receiving conflicting advice from multiple sources can be disheartening and confusing. It may leave you feeling unsure about the direction of your essay.
You Can’t Incorporate It All: Different people will have different opinions, and trying to incorporate every piece of advice will dilute your unique voice and message. This is the dreaded “Frankenstein Essay” that’s a mishmash of parts from multiple perspectives.
Unhelpful Suggestions: Often, people will suggest adding more content but won’t advise on what to remove to make space. This can lead to an overstuffed essay that lacks focus.

Instead, select one or two trusted individuals who understand the application process and your goals. Their targeted feedback will be more manageable and meaningful.

Be Positive

Admissions committees appreciate honesty, but your personal statement should ultimately be a positive reflection of who you are and your future potential. Here’s how to maintain a positive tone:

Acknowledge Setbacks: It’s okay to discuss challenges and mistakes, but frame them in a way that highlights your resilience, growth, and lessons learned. We’ve spoken extensively about failures and how to write about it in your admissions materials. Here are three videos that might help you with this!
Forward-Looking Stance: Focus on how your past experiences have prepared you for future success. Show enthusiasm for your goals and the opportunities that lie ahead. For example, instead of dwelling on a low grade, explain how it motivated you to develop better study habits and led to academic improvement.

Be Judicious with Getting Advice Online

The internet is a double-edged sword when it comes to advice on writing personal statements. While there are valuable resources available, there are also many “message board cowboys” who may offer misguided advice. Consider the following:

Unknown Sources: You don’t know the credentials or motivations of people giving advice online. What worked for someone else might not work for you.
Individual Experience: Personal statements are highly individualized. Tailoring your essay to your personal experiences and goals is essential, and generic online advice may not be applicable.

Use online resources to gain general insights, but rely on trusted mentors and professionals for personalized guidance.

Resist the Urge to Make a Lot of Last-Minute Changes

As the submission deadline approaches, it’s natural to feel nervous and second-guess your work. However, making significant last-minute changes can be detrimental. Here’s why you should trust your process:

Nervousness: Last-minute changes are often driven by anxiety rather than actual improvement. Trust that the time and effort you put into planning, writing, and revising have paid off.
Process and Feedback: Rely on the feedback you received from trusted sources and the revisions you’ve made. Your personal story, as thoughtfully crafted, is your best asset.

Instead of overhauling your essay at the last minute, focus on minor tweaks and proofreading to ensure your final draft is polished and error-free.

Conclusion

Writing a great college personal statement requires careful planning, thoughtful reflection, and a balanced approach to feedback and revisions. By setting a schedule, limiting your feedback sources, maintaining a positive tone, being cautious with online advice, and trusting your process, you can craft a compelling and authentic personal statement.

If you need additional support, consider reaching out to a professional service like Gurufi, which offers personalized feedback on completed drafts and consultations to help you select topics and build detailed outlines. With the right approach and resources, you can create a personal statement that stands out and truly represents who you are.

Admissions is a Two-Way Street! (Why and How to Assess MBA Options Throughout the Application Process)

Title: The “Right Fit” MBA Hunt: More Than Just Names and Numbers

Golden leaves on the ground and the air is getting a little crispy and cold… ahhhhh, Round 2 application season is upon us! So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and pursue an MBA. This is an exciting, but also quite daunting, moment. Often, as applicants begin this process they have one thing in mid: “how do I make myself attractive to the top schools?”

That’s a good question to ask… but not the only question. You also need to keep in mind -throughout the application process- that it’s not just about getting into the highest ranked MBA program possible, it’s about finding YOUR MBA program. The one that fits you like a glove, aligns with your values, and helps you climb the ladder of success in your own unique style. Keep an open mind throughout every step and during every phase -research, essay writing, interviews- so that you can constantly be aware of things you like and don’t like about the various programs.

In the 17 years that I’ve spent helping applicants get into top programs, I often say that I’m like the sommelier at a nice restaurant: my job is to provide you with the best possible advice (don’t pair a red wine with a delicate whitefish) but ultimately, the choice is up to you. In doing follow-up work with clients, what I’ve discovered is that clients that we helped get into top-5 programs that maybe weren’t the best match (usually because they ignore my advice), ended up having less stellar MBA experiences. By contrast, clients who maybe took a half-step down the rankings ladder to attend a school whose culture, strengths, and positioning better aligned with what they wanted and needed, tended to be happier and be in a better spot post-graduation.

If attending Harvard Business School or Stanford GSB is your dream, I won’t, shouldn’t, and probably can’t dissuade you. BUT, it is important to remember that the application process isn’t just about selling yourself to the school. Nope. It’s a two-way street. Just as they’re deciding if you’re a good fit for them, you need to figure out if they’re a good fit for you. It’s an imperfect analogy, but applying to an MBA program is a bit like dating where you’re trying to show your best self, but also making sure the other side’s best self is what’s best for you. Don’t “swipe right” just because of a shiny brand or high ranking; keep an open mind and actively use the application process to find out if the school is perfect for you.

The application questions can tell you a lot about the school’s culture. They’re a window into the soul of the institution. If a school asks about your community work or social impact initiatives, it’s a pretty clear signal that they value social responsibility. So if you’re passionate about making a difference, that could be your perfect match! On the flip side, if you’re all about entrepreneurship or finance, this might not be the best fit for you. This is true even if a school’s brand, ranking, or prestige is sooooo hard to resist.

One of the best ways to get the lowdown on a school is by chatting with the people who’ve lived it – the current students, the alumni, and even the faculty. These are the folks who can give you the real scoop, beyond all the glitzy brochures and the polished website marketing blurbs. They can tell you about the school vibe, the inside jokes, the stress of exams, and how helpful (or not) the faculty and career services are. If anything they say makes you go “hmmmm…” follow up on it. In your conversations, be on the lookout for criticisms that multiple people make, ask current and former students what they would change, and use your intuition to feel out how excited they are about their educational process and career prospects.

Speaking of faculty, they’re a crucial part of your MBA journey. After all, they’ll be the ones imparting wisdom and guiding you along the way. Check out their areas of expertise. Do they align with your interests? And think about their teaching styles. Are you the kind of person who prefers traditional lectures, or do you thrive in an experiential learning environment with case studies and group projects?

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: school rankings. They’re impossible to ignore, but they can also lead you astray. Sure, it’s great to aim for a highly-ranked institution, but remember, these rankings aren’t everything. They’re made up of many factors, and some might not be as important to you as others. Don’t get so caught up in the numbers game that you miss out on finding the school that truly fits you. Getting obsessed with the brand or ranking can sometimes make you miss red flags. Just because a school has a big name doesn’t mean it’s the right one for you. It’s a bit like wearing a designer outfit that doesn’t fit you well – it might impress others, but if you’re not comfortable in it, you won’t shine.

The application process is your first step towards finding the perfect MBA program for you. Look beyond the prestige and the rankings, connect with the school’s community, and tune into the school’s vibes through the application. Because the best MBA program for you isn’t necessarily the one at the top of the list, it’s the one that matches your goals, interests, and values. After all, the ultimate goal isn’t just to get an MBA, it’s to kick-start a journey of growth and transformation that’s tailored just for you. Happy hunting!

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.

Three Tips for a Great CV

A CV (or curriculum vitae) or resume is a written statement of your educational and professional accomplishments. It’s an important facet of your job hunt that may make you stand out from the competition.

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Three Tips for a Great #CV / #Resume ! Make sure your job or #mbaapplication stands out. These simple fixes will also improve your mbainterview!

♬ original sound – Gurufi

Here are five pointers for writing an outstanding CV:

(1) Customize your CV for the position you’re going for: Do your homework on the school or employer/position before you begin creating your CV. This will make it easier for you to identify and assess the main credentials and talents the company is seeking and guarantee that your CV is customized to meet their needs.

(2) Keep it succinct and pertinent: Your CV should be focused on the material that is most pertinent to the position you are looking for. Even highly qualified candidates with extensive experience can write a single-page CV. Exclude any material that is out-of-date or irrelevant.

(3) Use appropriate terms and phrases. Many businesses use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes before human recruiters even see them. Use terms and phrases that are pertinent to the position you’re going for in your CV to make sure it is identified via these systems and not disregarded.

(4) Highlight your accomplishments: Instead of just describing your duties, be sure to mention your successes. To illustrate your abilities and the influence you made in your past employment, provide specific instances.

(5) Edit, revise, check, re-revise, and check one more time before submitting it to ensure there are no typos, grammatical mistakes, or consistency issues. Ask a reliable friend or expert to examine it as well, and be prepared to make changes in response to their comments. At Gurufi.com, we have a dedicated CV expert to help you with your CV. We’ll make sure that it’s attractive, clear, and draws the reader to your core positioning points, experiences, and qualifications. With an effective CV, you’ll be well on your way to standing out from the crowd and securing admission or earning the job of your dreams! #cv #resume #admissions #mbaadmissions #lawschooladmissions #medicalschool #gre #gradschool #phd #gradstudent #phdlife #phdstudent #gradschoollife #graduateschool #phdjourney #gradschoolproblems #dissertation #academiclife #phdproblems #thesis #academia #gradlife #doctoralstudent #gradstudentlife #doctorate #masters #mastersdegree #gradstudents #dissertationlife #research #thesiswriting #gradstudentproblems #student #dissertationproblems #graduatestudent #graduate #grad #mba #businessschool #bizchool #gmatclub #gmat #wharton #hbs #stanfordgsb #stanfordbusiness #mbaadmissions #mbapersonalstatement #businesschoolpersonalstatement #personalstatement #mbatips #mbalife #mbadiversitystatement #lsat #lawschool #prelaw #lawschoollife #aspiringlawyer #1L #2L #3L #lawschooljourney #lawschooladmissions #lawschoolpersonalstatement #180lsat #175lsat #170lsat #JD #JDPHD #lawschooladmissionshelp #lawschooldiversitystatement #lawschooldiversity

Resources for Diversity Statements

Next week, I’ll be releasing two longer videos with some strategies, tips, and insights on how to write effective diversity statements. For many applicants -especially those from outside the United States- this is the most confusing and opaque part of the application process. How Americans think about diversity, what they’re looking for, and how this reality impacts people of varied backgrounds is a fraught, complicated, and high-stakes question.

Hopefully, our presentation takes some of the mystery out of the process and helps people from all groups (under-represented minorities, non-minority, and “over-represented minorities) understand how to approach this question. So stay tuned for that! In the meantime, I’ve gathered together links some links from the best public universities in America (and Notre Dame) whose statements on writing diversity statements provide genuine insight and helped to supplement my professional and personal experiences with these issues.

In addition, if you need more help with your diversity statement, personal statement, or any other admissions writing, check us out at Gurufi.com. Our personal statement editors and consultants have decades of experience helping clients get into top 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.

The University of California, Berkeley’s guide on writing a diversity statement: https://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/applying-to-berkeley/diversity-statement/
The University of Michigan’s sample diversity statement and tips for writing a strong statement: https://grad.umich.edu/admissions/applying/diversity-statement/
The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s guide on writing a diversity statement: https://grad.wisc.edu/applying-for-admission/personal-statements/diversity-statement/
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s tips for writing a diversity statement: https://gradschool.unc.edu/apply/diversity-statement/
The University of Virginia’s tips for writing a diversity statement: https://grad.as.virginia.edu/admissions/application-information/personal-statements-essays
The University of Florida’s tips for writing a diversity statement: https://www.grad.ufl.edu/admissions/diversity-statement/
The University of Texas at Austin’s tips for writing a diversity statement: https://www.utexas.edu/graduate/apply/diversity
The University of California, Los Angeles’s tips for writing a diversity statement: https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/application-information/diversity-statement/
The University of Notre Dame’s tips for writing a diversity statement: https://gradstudies.nd.edu/admission/diversity-statement/
The University of Pennsylvania’s tips for writing a diversity statement: https://www.sas.upenn.edu/admissions/admissions/diversity-statement
The University of Minnesota’s tips for writing a diversity statement: https://twin-cities.umn.edu/admissions/diversity-statement
The University of Washington’s tips for writing a diversity statement: https://www.grad.uw.edu/applying-grad-school/personal-statements-and-essays/diversity-statement
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s tips for writing a diversity statement: https://grad.illinois.edu/admissions/application-information/diversity-statement
The University of California, San Diego’s tips for writing a diversity statement: https://grad.ucsd.edu/admissions/application-information/personal-statement/diversity-statement/
The University of Colorado Boulder’s tips for writing a diversity statement: https://www.colorado.edu/graduateschool/admissions/diversity-statement
The University of Arizona’s tips for writing a diversity statement: https://grad.arizona.edu/admissions/apply/diversity-statement
The University of Oregon’s tips for writing a diversity statement: https://gradschool.uoregon.edu/admissions/diversity-statement
The University of Pittsburgh’s tips for writing a diversity statement: https://www.gradschool.pitt.edu/admissions/diversity-statement
The University of Georgia’s tips for writing a diversity statement: https://www.admissions.uga.edu/grad/diversity
The University of Iowa’s tips for writing a diversity statement: https://grad.uiowa.edu/admissions/diversity-statement

Avoid These Mistakes When Seeking a Letter of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are hugely important parts of your application. Having a third party assess your skill, talent, experience, accomplishments, potential, and maturity provides admissions committees with valuable data. Unfortunately, because this is an “outsourced” part of the application, many applicants aren’t sufficiently thoughtful about the process, thus hurting their chances of admission.

At Gurufi, we can help turn your letter-writer’s recommendation into a more effective and powerful bit of writing. And, for additional thoughts, check out this extended YouTube video we made. In the meantime, here are the five most common mistakes that I’ve seen clients make.

Requesting a letter of recommendation too late. It is critical to allow enough time for the individual writing the letter of recommendation to finish the assignment. A decent rule of thumb is to request a letter at least one month ahead of time. If you wait until the last minute, your letter may not be as effective as it may be. Remember, you’re asking someone for a favor, so do what you can to make it easy for them as possible.

Asking the incorrect person. It is critical to ask someone who is familiar with you and can speak to your skills and successes. This might be a lecturer, supervisor, or mentor who has worked with you closely and can offer concrete instances of your abilities and successes. Too often, applicants will seek letters from big names who might not actually know them well. In these instances, you’re going to get a pretty vanilla recommendation that just doesn’t move the needle.

Failure to provide adequate information. It is critical to provide the person composing the letter with all relevant information about the opportunity for which you are seeking, including the requirements and deadlines. The writer will be able to personalize the letter to the individual opportunity, making it more effective. If you have it, provide a copy of your Personal Statement and CV. Offer to sit with them for a chat about it as well.

Failure to follow up. After asking someone to write a letter of recommendation, it is critical to follow up to verify that the letter is finished and delivered on time. This is especially true if a deadline is approaching.

Failure to thank the writer. This is basic human kindness, but it’s also a smart life strategy. People like to feel appreciated, so if someone does you a favor, let them know. They’ll be more likely to go the extra mile for you in the future. It is essential to express gratitude for the time and effort that the person composing the letter has put into the assignment. A simple thank-you message or email might go a long way toward improving your relationship with the writer.

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.

More free resources:

“How to Request a Letter of Recommendation” (n.d.). The Graduate School. Retrieved from https://www.grad.illinois.edu/career-services/how-request-letter-recommendation
“How to Request a Letter of Recommendation” (n.d.). The University of Pennsylvania. Retrieved from https://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/students/graduate/request.php
“How to Request a Letter of Recommendation” (n.d.). The University of California, Berkeley. Retrieved from https://career.berkeley.edu/Grad/LOR
“Letters of Recommendation” (n.d.). Stanford University. Retrieved from https://www.stanford.edu/dept/spec_coll/uarch/exhibits/letters/letters.html
“Letters of Recommendation” (n.d.). The University of Michigan. Retrieved fromhttps://careercenter.umich.edu/article/letters-recommendation

How to Fix a Broken Personal Statement

Congratulations! You’ve written the first draft of your personal statement. You’ve managed to distill your life, aspirations, and strengths down to a few hundred words, which is no easy thing! But here’s the bad news: you’re just getting started! But, as Ernest Hemingway famously said, “the first draft is sh**.”

Effective revision is the difference between a mediocre draft and a good one, a good one and a great one, a great one and one that blows the AdCom’s socks off! Don’t drift across the finish; take an assertive, thoughtful, and meticulous approach to revising your essay.

Read your personal statement out loud: Reading your personal statement aloud will help you spot clunky text and uncomfortable wording that you may not notice while reading silently. You also want this to be a personal statement, and if it doesn’t sound like you when you read it, it probably isn’t connected to your personality and strengths as an applicant.
Take a break and return to it later: After drafting your personal statement, take a break and return to it with fresh eyes later. Creating a sense of distance from your draft will help you see it anew. This might assist you in identifying errors that you may have overlooked earlier.
Use a spelling and grammar checker: Most word processing software products include spelling and grammar checkers that can assist you in catching problems. However, keep in mind that these tools are not perfect and should only be used as a supplement to your own proofreading efforts. I also like Grammarly. Remember, though, that no software is perfect, so don’t just blindly follow the advice on grammar, syntax, and wording that they provide. Be thoughtful and proactive about it.
Have someone else go over your personal statement: Obviously, we here at Gurufi.com think we’re the best in the business at helping you turn your personal statement into something great.  But, if you can’t afford it or you want to do it yourself, having a friend, family member, or writing instructor look through your personal statement will help you discover faults that you may have overlooked. As with point #3, listen to all advice that you’re given and think carefully in every instance whether it’s right for you and your application.
Check for consistency: Make sure your personal statement has a consistent tone, style, and layout. Avoid the Frankenstein essay where you try to incorporate too many bits of advice or try to cram too much into it, and so along the way you lose your voice and the essay’s sense of direction.
Make sure your personal statement is straightforward and easy to read. Young writers love trying to dazzle readers by blasting them with every fancy word they know. Don’t do that. Follow Ernest Hemingway’s four rules for writing. The TLDR is: keep it simple. Avoid employing jargon or sophisticated terminology that the reader may find difficult to understand. And certainly NEVER use a word or phrase unless you’re absolutely certain you know what it means.
Use a top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top proofreading method: Start by reading through your essay top to bottom, fixing anything that needs fixing. Then, begin with your final sentence, read it, and revise. Then go to the second-to-last sentence, and repeat. Do this until you’ve gone from the end of the essay to the top. Breaking it up in this way allows you to see avoid getting into the flow of the essay and instead see each sentence on its own.

Ten Tips for Nailing Your Interview

I am one of those people who enjoy job and academic interviews. I’m weird that way, I guess. I’ve always viewed them as an opportunity to talk about the things I’m passionate about with someone who’s genuinely interested in hearing about my life and perspective. This mindset is, I think, the best bit of advice I can give anyone who is about to sit for an interview. Don’t view it as an oral exam or a minefield filled with traps. View at an opportunity to tell your story, be yourself (instead of sell yourself), and let your accomplishments speak for themselves.

But as I moved up in life, from being the one who was being asked questions to the one doing the asking, I’ve come to appreciate just how ill-prepared most interviewees are for job or academic interviews. Most of the “tips and tricks” for interviews are basic, but nonetheless absolutely vital to get right. And yes, some fall into the “things you should’ve learned in kindergarten” category, but having interviewed quite a few MBA and graduate school applicants, I can tell you that people get a lot of these things wrong! In that spirit, here are 10 tips for doing well in your MBA interview.

Do your homework about the program you are applying to. Make sure you comprehend the company’s core principles and objectives, as well as the particular course requirements and unique positioning of that MBA program.

Most of the initial questions you’ll be asked are pretty standard, so prepare for those. In an MBA interview, you will likely be asked the following typical questions: Why do you want to get an MBA? What draws you to this specific program? What long-term professional ambitions do you have? How would an MBA assist you in achieving them? Don’t memorize answers for these questions (unless you’re a trained actor, it will come across as canned and stiff), but do know and practice the main ideas you hope to cover in response to these questions.

Care about your presentation and ALL aspects of your communication. Speaking clearly and simply, making eye contact, and acting professionally are all examples of how to do this. Moreover, if you interview in person, be polite and respectful to the secretary or assistant who greets you. You CANNOT underestimate the important role that staff play in an admissions office, and if you blow them off or are rude to them because you don’t think they’re the ones making the decision… well, you have no idea how offices work. A bad word from a secretary or assistant can sink your application. So don’t be a jerk.

Don the proper attire. For MBA interviews, professional dress is required. Wear a tidy, well-kept professional clothing whenever possible. As more and more interviews are taking place virtually, take 10 minutes to clean the space behind you, select some items that you think will show some of your best traits and display them strategically but naturally behind you, and recognize that the part of your home or office that you display is an extension of you.

Show up on time. Give yourself plenty of time to account for any unexpected delays, such as traffic or problems with public transit. I wish I didn’t have to explain this… but I do. Being late is disrespectful, and conveys to your interviewer that you think your time is more important than theirs.

Have a strategically built résumé and bring copies. What does this mean? At Gurufi, we have a CV / résumé specialists who helps you build a compelling CV. The trick for CVs when it comes to interviews, though, is that they are intended to be scanned, and not read meticulously. Most CVs get about 30-45 seconds of attention, max. So, make sure that it’s formatted in a way that’s clear, easily scannable, and highlights your key accomplishments. I like to think of a CV as a way to prompt the interviewer to ask you the questions you want them to ask you about. Conversely, do NOT include anything on your CV that you aren’t ready and excited to talk about. For this reason, I also like to include personal tidbits (“I have gone to 5 World Cups” is my go-to) because your interviewer will ask about it, and it helps to personalize me. At Gurufi, we can help you with this!

Prepare some questions for the interviewer. You know a great way to end your interview with a dud? When they ask you if you have any questions, and you reply, “nope” it makes you come across as incurious and unprepared. ALWAYS have 2-3 questions ready for the end of the interview when they inevitably ask you this.

Be passionate and happy. If interviews are miserable for you, this may be hard. BUT, remember: people like happy people, and they respond positively to passionate people. Display interest and love for the field you have chosen. The interviewer is looking for signs that you are enthusiastic about the chance to pursue an MBA and that you have a distinct professional goal fueled by a sense of excitement for what you do and hope to achieve.

Be specific, tell stories, and give examples. The worst interviews are often when candidates talk in vague platitudes or obliquely reference their skills and accomplishments. Put meat on those bones! Give specific instances to support your qualifications and experiences. This will make your CV come to life and demonstrate to the interviewer how you have used your knowledge and abilities in practical settings.

Be yourself. Yeah, I know… you’ve heard this a thousand times. BUT, if you show up at the interview trying to be anything other than what you are, or to sell a version of your future that diverges from what you actually intend to do because you think that’s what the interviewer wants to hear, it will come across as insincere and stilted. Also, I know that during the application process it’s hard to think this way, but you should view this as a two-way interview. You’re also trying to assess whether the school is a good fit for you. The only way that you can do that is to present your authentic self; if they’re not buying what you’re selling, the school likely wouldn’t have been a good fit for you.

These tips will help you get your MBA application over the goal line. Remember, don’t over-prepare, attempt to memorize answers, or show up with anything other than a sense of optimistic confidence.

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 and EMBA 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.