Testimonials
"In a brainstorming session, my personal coach helped me pinpoint the moment that I decided to become a doctor. He brought that moment to life in my personal statement."
- Huan L.
Essay Facts
80% of application-processing time is spent reading the essay.
Business School In Three Steps - Step 1 of 3
You've now been working for a few years. You're probably somewhat bored with what you are doing and feel it's about time to move on to the "next thing." Except, you have no idea what the "next thing" is. So you decide to go to business school. There you will have the chance to deepen your knowledge, expand your network and hopefully, figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life. But first, you have to get in.
The application process is a somewhat windy, but very well-trodden road. You should approach it with a strategy. Your strategy will provide a personal game plan to ensure that the admissions officers gain a complete, personal and differentiated perspective on your potential to contribute to your classmates learning experience during business school and ultimately, society at large as a business leader.
STEP 1: Information Gathering
You want to be well informed about both the tactical and intangible aspects of the admissions process. The tactical includes readily available basics such as application requirements and due dates. You can find this information on the schools' websites. Just make sure to keep it organized and available. The intangible aspects include expectations that each school has for its class dynamics, how the school perceives its strengths and contributions to leadership development, and what makes the admissions officers tick.
It is more difficult to come across the intangible aspects. I recommend three approaches. First, go to as many admissions presentations as you can. In addition to regurgitating the obvious, subtle clues as to what the admissions team is looking for and how they regard different parts of your application are often revealed. Second, cultivate relationships with current students or (recent) alums at each of the schools you to which you are applying. They will prove invaluable when it comes time to edit your essays and evaluate your overall strategy. Finally, use online resources such as student blogs to understand the culture and nature of the admissions experience at different schools.
Go To Step 2: Business School Strategy »