Early in 2008 we got a new development. The University of Chicago is requiring its applicants to submit four “PowerPoint like” slides as a part of their MBA application. The purpose of this new requirement is to allow an applicant to show his/her creative side in a classic business medium. If this is new news to you, here are a couple of suggestions.
- Do not panic. Yes this is a new twist in your application, but it is not revolutionary. You have presented information before. Even if you did not use PowerPoint in your job you have used another visual tool (whiteboard, easel, other software) very similar to it. The same rules apply. Have a interesting message and express it as clearly and confidently.
- Be creative. How many boring PowerPoint presentations have you been subject to? Well, do not add to the list. Take the time to come up with a clever analogy, tagline, or theme. This is another opportunity to be impressive to your MBA program of choice. Use it to your advantage.
- Support your story. Remember why you chose Chicago and the value you will add to its MBA program. Further support that message in this part of the application. Be careful not to let this new tool stray you from your story.
Go show ‘em how smart you are!