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Hi Nikhil,

I have a question about essays. I am currently applying to the HBS 2+2 program; the first essay asks something along the lines of "What are your 3 most substantial accomplishments and why do you view them as such?"

For one of the three accomplishments, I am considering the following: in high school, I was a very average student (3.0), didn't work hard, and really had no "vision" for my life or what I could accomplish with hard work and discipline. As I started college, I more or less caught the "vision" through a few key experiences and realized my potential. Now I'm finishing college with a double major in mechanical engineering and math with a GPA of 3.99, am ranked 1st in my class, have paid for almost all of school through merit-based scholarships, etc. I've learned a number of things through this process, but this "accomplishment" really displays and defines who I am today (I will do all I can to fulfill my potential and also help others do so).

Do you think this is an appropriate topic for this essay (specifically for one of my three accomplishments for this HBS essay)? Especially because it touches on high school which was so long ago? Or should I consider something else?

Thanks for any insight.

Hi S -

Thanks for your post. The quick answer is - yes!

The key to this question is to highlight three personal leadership traits through your accomplishments. I think your drive to success in undergrad after a 'average' high school experience is a good example. And as you mentioned, make sure you touch on what you learned about yourself through the experience.

NP