Let’s talk strategy to create great MBA essays. Each year, many people make the decision to apply to business school and find themselves consumed by the application process. Without a doubt, the most time consuming and nerve wrecking part of the MBA application is creating great essays. It is true that the essays are a big part of the application. Your essays explain your pursuit of the degree and the special skills you offer to the institution. Still, one could always make the argument that your essays are “not quite finished” yet.
How do you know when your MBA essays are finished? Here are three ways to tell:
- You have a consistent message. If you are an “innovator”, “process guru”, “expert marketer”, or whatever…make sure that each essay expresses and supports that single message.
- You have nothing else to say. When you read your MBA essays, you honestly feel like there isn’t any more left for you to say. You have made your point and expressed its value.
- You read the essays and smile. “You” have come out in the MBA essays. When you read them you say to yourself…”Yea, that’s me!” You haven’t tried to sound like someone else. You have a unique message and it makes you smile to read it.
Get Started! – If you need help, here is a suggestion to get you back on the right track.
- Write your message at the top of each of your MBA essays. For example, write “I am the most passionate marketer I know” or “My culture plus my keen insight make me an excellent business leader”. Whatever it is, keep the thought simple and true. Read the line out loud when you get “stuck” or before you begin your edits. Focus your energy around that message. Get inspired about it. It will reflect in your writing.
Good luck and go write some great essays!
Alzay