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Is it a good or bad idea to start my app. essay with a quote

Launched April 26, 2006
Expert replies
by dubc1982 » Wed May 14, 2008 7:17 am
I'm applying to a very specialized program (Japan-Focused MBA), so obviously my essay and the questions they ask will focus heavily on why I'm interested in this specific program and Japan in general. My plan is to start with a quote that conveys my love for Japan and Japanese culture. Something with very visual language that I think will be a good introduction to my essay and make the reader intrigued. This is my structure of the essay (this takes into account the actual questions asked)

Quote

PP1: Introduction which will be a general paragraph relating the quote to my feelings for Japan, basically setting the foundation of why I'm applying to this program.

PP2: This will lead into why I'm applying to the program. I will be more specific here, touching on aspects of the program itself (courses, internship opportunities, etc.)

PP3: Why I'm applying for an MBA now. I'm doing a career change, so I will show how I need an MBA to achieve this and how my skill set now combined with the program will help me achieve it.

PP4: Career goals. I'm wondering how much is expected by me to know about my career goals. I feel I have a pretty well thought out, focused short-term and long-term plan. Obviously since this is something new, its hard for me to know too much. I plan on stating my reasons for wanting to pursue this and how I can use my current skills and past experience to excel in it.

PP5: Conclusion wrapping everything up. Is it bad to state here how much I feel the program fits what I'm looking for and that I really don't see myself anywhere else? Its honestly how I feel, I'm not applying to any other programs because there is nothing else like this one.

Finally, is it ok that I'm using the standard 5 paragraph format? Is it too "average" even if I write a well thought out essay? Its only supposed to be 2-3 pages, so I don't know how else to structure it.
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Source: — Ask Stacy Blackman |

by Lisa Anderson » Wed May 14, 2008 8:44 am
Dear dubc1982,

I think you have a good outline for your essay. It is not the format that matters (i.e., 5 vs. 6 paragraphs, starting with a quote, etc.), but the content. Of course, you will want to have correct grammar and punctuation, but the bottom line is you clearly convey all of the items you listed in your outline below (including this program being your only choice). The content is what will convince the admissions committee you are a valuable addition to the program and the program is a good fit for you.

Best of luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

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by dubc1982 » Fri May 16, 2008 11:09 am
Thank you Lisa. I agree with you completely. I'm going to try and find a quote, but not force it if I can't find something that I think will fit perfectly.

Do you have any recommendations of a clever way to start an essay, based upon your experience?
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by Lisa Anderson » Sat May 17, 2008 7:57 am
Dear dubc1982,

I really can't say I have any insight as when I reviewed essays as a member of the admissions committee I really cared about content and was not impressed by folks trying to be clever. In fact, I think trying too hard to be clever can actually affect you negatively. After content, it was important that applicants proofread and had correct grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. Lastly, it was critical the applicants answered the question asked in the alloted space (i.e., number of words or pages). I knew many admissions folks that would literally not read anything past the word or page limit.

Just focus on answering the questions in a concise, thoughtful manner--that will serve you well.

Good luck!
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

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