Live GMAT classes with Target Test Prep start Nov 21 and Nov 22. First class free.

See classes
Target Test Prep · GMAT

Choose how you want to prepare

Learn live with an expert or move at your own pace. Every option includes the complete TTP study system.

Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 winner: Target Test Prep, #1 Test Prep

Target Test Prep was voted #1 Best Test Prep in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice™ Awards.

★★★★★5.0563 reviews
GMATLiveTeachStarts Nov 22
Josh Braslow, Target Test Prep GMAT expert
LIVE ONLINE CLASSES

Get Ready for GMAT Test Day Faster with Live Online Classes

with Josh Braslow, 20+ years in test prep

Nov 22 · Josh Braslow
Sun · 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET
Included
40 hours of live online classes + 6 months of TTP OnDemand
  • Attend the first class for free
  • Every class is recorded, so you never fall behind
View classes & enroll
Limited seats availableTarget Test Prep
EALiveTeachOnDemandStart anytime
EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

Target Test Prep EA OnDemand

Self-paced EA prep. Study on your schedule.

EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

with

165+ EA score guarantee
$05-day trial no automatic billing
Schedule
Included
40 hours of live online classes plus six months of access to the complete TTP EA OnDemand course.
  • 165+ EA Score Guarantee
  • 4,100+ Quant, Verbal, and Integrated Reasoning practice questions
  • 400+ hours of in-depth video lessons
  • 3,000+ step-by-step video solutions
View EA class & enroll Start free 5-day trial
Limited cohort · enrollment openTrial includes full course accessTarget Test Prep
GMATOnDemandStart anytime
SELF-PACED MASTERCLASS

Target Test Prep GMAT OnDemand

Complete access from day one. Study on your schedule.

715+ score guarantee
$0to start then $127/mo
  • Personalized study plan and analytics
  • Thousands of lessons and practice questions
Start free 5-day trial
Read 563 reviewsTarget Test Prep

Essays...

Share tips as you apply, write essays, interview...
Expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Subscribe topic
Previous Topic Next Topic
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 17
Joined: Fri Aug 21, 2015 12:53 pm
by MBA23 » Sat Aug 27, 2016 8:31 pm
To mention, or not to mention wife and kid(s) in essays...

Is it possible that being married with a child may be a turnoff at some schools?

Should this be my little secret initially?

What do you all think?
Top
Join the discussion
Source: — The Application Process |

GMAT/MBA Expert

Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 309
Joined: Sun Jun 21, 2015 6:19 amFollowed by: 11 members
Thanked: 39 times

by Alexbr@ClearAdmit » Sat Aug 27, 2016 11:43 pm
many programs have a vibrant community of partners and kids, so I don't think it needs to be a secret. cheers, alex
New Book! Becoming a Clear Admit: The Definitive Guide to MBA Admissions. https://www.clearadmit.com/products/admi ... dmissions/
Top
Join the discussion
User avatar
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 313
Joined: Thu Mar 07, 2013 2:16 amFollowed by: 7 members
Thanked: 22 times

by Michelle@ARINGO » Mon Sep 12, 2016 1:56 am
No need to keep it a secret, you will most likely not be the only person at the school with a wife and child but not sure I would bring it up in my essay either, unless there is a very specific reason for it.

Good luck!
ARINGO MBA Admissions Consulting
https://ARINGO.com/

Specializing in candidates with GMATs under 720

Try our free Admissions Chances Calculator - https://aringo.com/mba-admission-chances-calculator/
Or contact us today on: https://aringo.com/mba-process-registration/

Highest acceptance rates in the industry! All statistics verified by Ernst & Young
Top
Join the discussion
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 17
Joined: Fri Aug 21, 2015 12:53 pm

by MBA23 » Mon Sep 12, 2016 7:19 pm
Thanks for your replies!
Top
Join the discussion
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 2109
Joined: Sun Apr 19, 2009 10:25 pmFollowed by: 79 members
Location: New Jersey
Thanked: 109 times
GMAT Score:640

by money9111 » Mon Sep 12, 2016 11:23 pm
MENTION IT!!!!! Whichever schools you're applying too want to KNOW YOU! As cliche as that sounds, it's the truth. Trust me! I've been on both ends of the spectrum - an applicant - and an interviewer. *Disclaimer* I graduated from Johnson at Cornell University in 2013. I can tell you that the wives & kids of my classmates were an integral part of my experience at business school. Please disclose that information - if you can!
My goal is to make MBA applicants take onus over their process.

My story from Pre-MBA to Cornell MBA - New Post in Pre-MBA blog

Me featured on Poets & Quants

Free Book for MBA Applicants

Top
Join the discussion
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 17
Joined: Fri Aug 21, 2015 12:53 pm

by MBA23 » Sun Sep 18, 2016 3:31 pm
Yes, money9111, I think I will mention it if it fits well with the story of my essay. In several instances it seems to flow well with my story, or with the topic of the essay. Thanks
Top
Join the discussion
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 171
Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2016 3:09 pmFollowed by: 3 members
Thanked: 21 times

by Edison@VeritasPrep » Sun Sep 18, 2016 6:39 pm
Thanks for sharing,

Mentioning it may help the schools to get to know you better, what motivates you and how you are. As you mentioned, if it flows well, you may use a sentence or two to refer to your family.

All the best!
Veritas Prep | Veritas Prep Admissions Consultant

Find the expert who's right for you. Meet our team!
Register for a free MBA Admissions Workshop!
Top
Join the discussion

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 351
Joined: Fri May 01, 2015 9:10 amFollowed by: 9 members
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Thanked: 44 times

by MargaretStrother » Sat Sep 24, 2016 3:25 am
Hi MBA23,
Your family may or may not be relevant in an essay, depending on the question you are answering. As others have mentioned, it will not be a turn-off for top business schools, but you do want to show that you will play an active role in the school community despite bringing a family with you to your MBA studies. Most b-schools have family/partners clubs, so stating that you will be an active member (and that you have reached out to the club and spoken to current members) is a good way to bring up the topic while adding research specificity to your essays.

Good luck!
Margaret Strother
Margaret Strother
Senior Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Learn more about me
Top
Join the discussion
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 17
Joined: Fri Aug 21, 2015 12:53 pm

by MBA23 » Sat Sep 24, 2016 7:30 am
Hi Margaret,

That is exactly why I brought up the topic. Fear that schools will assume someone with a family will be less active within the community as a whole.

Thanks for the tips.

Thanks everyone else as well.
Top
Join the discussion
User avatar
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 298
Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2016 11:37 amFollowed by: 11 members
Thanked: 26 times

by Donna@Stratus » Tue Jan 31, 2017 2:06 pm
MBA23 wrote:To mention, or not to mention wife and kid(s) in essays...

Is it possible that being married with a child may be a turnoff at some schools?

Should this be my little secret initially?

What do you all think?
I don't think it should be a secret- but I am not sure in the limited space you have in the essays that it is worth mentioning. It will not impact your admissions decision- but in the interview or when meeting students you may want to ask about the partners or family clubs that the school has so that you can decide where you would most like to attend- or places where your family will enjoy too. But I don't see the need to lead with this in the essays as whether or not you have kids or a partner is not a driver in the admissions selection process.
Top
Join the discussion