| - The “subtle selling/pitch” always works: | | | | winning statement would be to “work as a |
| MBA admissions officers are now used to applications | | | | marketing manager in XYZ industry handling ABC |
| with the “I did…..” “I lead……” | | | | type of products” you can even give specific |
| “I spearheaded…..”. While most applicants | | | | names of companies that are your “dream |
| would still tend to pitch in their achievements – | | | | companies” and why so. |
| why not consider giving the officer a break and for a | | | | - Be candid with caution: Be true and real in your MBA |
| change, focus on the event/achievement. Sounds | | | | application essay and avoid any overstatements and |
| subtle? How about the statement “In March | | | | excuses for something you could not achieve. The |
| 2002, one of the greatest challenges in the way of a | | | | “Blame-game” will not help you in any way, |
| 50% market share was | | | | except in getting rejected. |
| surmounted…………..”. A simple trick: when | | | | - Crisp on sub-topics, detailed when needed: Mention |
| you shift from active to passive, the attention shifts | | | | all your qualities and achievements in brief paragraphs. |
| to the event – and of course, you need not be | | | | Dive into depth explanation when it is required to |
| insecure – it’s after all your application and | | | | make the reader understand you more on a certain |
| you ARE involved! It pays to be more subtle as you | | | | front, to realise your strengths and learning as well as |
| use essays to prove your case. | | | | your passion. Highlighting your best skills in an MBA |
| - Interesting presentation: Present an interesting view | | | | admission essay is important to grab the |
| of yourself to gain the attention of the b-school | | | | reader’s attention and develop a liking for |
| application essay reviewer or officer. Colourful | | | | yourself. |
| language with a sense of passion towards the | | | | - Passionate writing: Motivation, purpose, interest, |
| project/operation being discussed will work wonders | | | | weakness, fears are some of the most important |
| for your case. | | | | points to be covered in an MBA application essay. |
| - Your goals/career plans could be aggressive | | | | Your passion for the course as a key step in your |
| ambitious; however a sound foundation/earlier track | | | | career is what drives the admission officer to select |
| record is a must if you choose to talk big: A common | | | | you. Passionate writing ensures that you stand apart |
| quote among admissions officers “Every MBA | | | | from your competitors and that is the click-through |
| wants to head a large Fortune 500 Co. and probably | | | | to acceptance. |
| retire as a Chairman or wants to start a multi-million | | | | - Schematize the strategy: A good path to follow |
| dollar enterprise post-MBA”. Agreed? So as an | | | | while writing a MBA application essay is as follows: A) |
| MBA applicant, you can two choices – if you | | | | Strategise- Research the organisation and plan your |
| have the earlier foundation, you qualify for the | | | | essay accordingly. B) Organise- The flow of your |
| “big talk” Else it might be in your best | | | | essay should be according to your strategy and |
| interests to project a milder version of your goals. | | | | mention all that is necessary to invoke interest in you. |
| - Specific and clear goals expected: “After an | | | | C) Execute D) Revise- A thorough revision of your |
| MBA, I want to work as a marketing manager!” | | | | MBA application essay ensures that the content is |
| “I plan to work in area A or Area B” – | | | | grammatically correct and all your skill-sets are |
| There goes your window of opportunity. A better, | | | | presented effectively. |