mba application essay editing

mba application essay editing

Enhancing Your MBA Application Essay

1. Understanding the Importance of a Stellar MBA Application Essay

The MBA application process is a stressful one, and nothing is more anxiety-provoking than the essay. The essay is a very important component of the application process. It is one of the only ways a candidate can differentiate himself or herself from other candidates. The first thing to note is that all MBA programs are interested in the same thing: a candidate who is to achieve success in the program. The candidate will be well on his or her way to success in the future. Success is near impossible to determine solely from academic performance, because even those who have been successful in undergraduate and previous graduate studies will struggle with certain subjects due to the increased difficulty. This is why past academic performance is generally used as a cutoff, and those who meet the cutoff are evaluated primarily on perceived potential for success. This is accomplished using the information available to determine if a candidate has skills that are conducive to hard work, has good problem-solving ability, and critical thinking skills. These are evaluated possibly to evaluate in an interview, but are usually evaluated in an essay. Finally, it is also very important to allow a student into the program that is likely to graduate and, more importantly, likely to go on to be very successful. Though it’s very difficult to determine this from a few short essays, the essay along with personal interviews are the only real ways to gauge a candidate’s level of motivation.

2. Crafting an Attention-Grabbing Introduction

Crafting a great introduction to your essay is the most important part as it gives the first impression of you. After all, it is said that the first impression is the last impression. This is the reason your introduction should be attention-grabbing and very much impressive; it should have the power to compel your readers to read it till the end. Remember, at this stage, too many people spend too much time on simply meeting word count. Admission officers will have heaps of essays to read, so your aim should be to make your introduction unique and different while setting the right tone for the rest of your essay. Also, while explaining your motivation to join the MBA, it should not be too superficial. Instead, provide a real stream of logic with a clear and attainable goal. Make it clear whether you are aiming for a career change as this can affect your MBA choice. Next, honesty is very important. Some argue that the “shock tactics” such as a quote or shocking story can be the best method to get the reader’s attention. This may be true, but should be used with caution. Make sure it is relevant to you and not overly controversial. Always remember the aim is to be remembered as the person who wrote the fantastic essay and not the guy with the shocking story. A good introduction can be very subjective. There is no specific right way to write it, just what is right for you and your goals in life. An example that can be effective for some, but doesn’t work for all is starting with a quote. If there is a quote that you feel is truly representative of your aims and character, then feel free to use it. Just remember an essay with a “life-changing” quote which is then never mentioned again can make your essay seem irrelevant and disjointed.

3. Showcasing Your Achievements and Experiences

Exercise 1. Identify your three most significant professional accomplishments. For each one, fill in the blanks in the following sentence: At (name of company or organization), I was responsible for (goal or task) which led to (results or outcome) and an outcome of (quantitative or qualitative data). Now list the skills, personal strengths, and professional resources revealed by this experience. Note: Many MBA candidates find it easier to respond to this exercise in the form of a table or chart. Creating an illustrative visual of this sort is a valuable step in outcome A of this exercise.

Achievements are easy to present; it’s the personal significance that individuals find difficult to express. The following exercises will help you reveal the experiences behind your most significant professional and personal accomplishments.

4. Conveying Your Motivation and Future Goals

What motivates you? What do you aspire to achieve, not just in business, but in life? Be specific. The more detail you give, the more tangible and real your future becomes. Although “I’m in it for the money” will make your goals sound easier, sheltered, and a dime a dozen, the funds are a byproduct of the innovation and contribution that will take you to that top position. Remember, you have to be a realistic dreamer. Ascertain that your degree and progress at the school will actually be a stepping stone towards the end you have created. If you aren’t sure of what you would like to do, it’s okay. It usually takes at least an MBA program to figure that out. In that situation, build a few paths on the road after your degree. This strategy will save you from appearing lost and uncertain. And lastly, connect your vision with the school you are applying to. This should be a paragraph or two detailing how your vision of the future matches the mission and resources of the school. This is essential to assure the school that you are a right fit for them as well. A mistake here is to write a general mission statement, failing to show an understanding of the school’s real mission. This type of error can ruin an otherwise good essay.

5. Polishing Your Essay with Professional Editing

Wise applicants realize that the essay is one of the very few things that they can control in the application process, and an excellent and polished essay can compensate for low test scores or academic deficiencies. Some applicants may be able to do this on their own, but given the competitive nature of the application process to top-tier MBA programs, others may want to enlist the help of a professional service. This is not a bad idea, but it is imperative that the applicant thoroughly research the service he is considering. MBA application essays are the dead last place where you want to make a mistake due to inexperience. A good editor will not only correct such mistakes, but he can also recommend improvements and refinements that will demonstrate the applicant’s clarity of thought and expression. A polished and error-free essay sends the message that the applicant is conscientious and that he has the discipline to succeed in a demanding program. This is an important point for older candidates and for younger ones who have not been in school for a while. A good editor will also be very honest with you. If your essay does not provide a clear picture of you as a candidate, the editor should tell you so. If you are being wishy-washy or trying to please everyone, the editor should spot this and guide you in a more focused direction. Finally, given that your goal is a spot at an elite program, you want an editor who has experience with MBA essays and who knows what it takes to get you there. The elite MBA programs attract many applicants from a wide range of industries… your editor needs to be able to understand where you are coming from and where you want to go. This is not something you will find with just any admissions consulting service. An editor with good understanding of B-schools will be a valuable asset through all the essays you write for various schools.