Low extracurriculars - couple of questions

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shaselai: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 27; Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2009 10:22 am

by shaselai » Tue Jun 01, 2010 5:38 am

I only have 2 extracurricular - one was tutoring which lasted about 6 months until i got my 2nd job and another was a group project that is related to my career goal. A lot of my extra time was spent on getting a Master's degree and studying for GMAT and work related (like getting full time from contractor position). I suppose adcom wont accept "getting a Master degree" as extracurricular even though it drained a lot of extra time outside of work? Should I write an optional essay about it or it might sound a bit whiny?

thanks.

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avaluxe: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 38; Joined: Mon Dec 28, 2009 10:55 amFollowed by: 1 member

by avaluxe » Tue Jun 01, 2010 6:48 am

I'd love to hear a response to this, too. I'm considering using an optional essay to explain why I don't have many examples of leadership at work in the way that someone from a traditional business discipline would have.

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Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Wed Jun 02, 2010 8:35 am

Dear shaselai,

In my opinion, I don't think lack of or minimal extracurricular activities warrants an optional essay. First, you don't want to draw attention to it and some schools might not view your level of involvement as a concern. Second, your record of involvement is what it is--you can't change the past. However, you can get involved in something now to show you are currently working with an organization (or two). Admissions committee members will see from your resume and application that you were working and earning your master's degree simultaneously, and they understand the time commitment that entails.

@ avaluxe, instead of writing an optional essay that focuses on the minimal leadership examples from work, you should use your resume and essays to highlight the leadership experiences you do have, whether they are from work or outside of work. Focus on the positive, the accomplishments, and the value you will bring to the program instead of drawing attention to what you might not have in relation to others.

Good luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
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Stacy Blackman Consulting

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