MBA Application Essay Key Word Optimization

by , Apr 1, 2010

Most people in this day and age have heard of the term SEO, search engine optimization. It's when you use certain keywords in the content of your website so that Google (and ultimately visitors) will find your page and generate traffic.

If, for example, you have a website that sells fishing rods, you'll want to include keywords like "best fishing rods," "cheap fishing rods," and the like. When people go to Google and type in "best fishing rods," if you've used the keyword enough (but not too many times) in your content, your page could show up in that coveted #1 spot.

So what does this have to do with MBA application essays? Unlike the website on fishing rods, your application essays will not be read by Google robots; they will be read by human beings who will be reading for value and original content, and not to file away your essay in a search engine.

I recently read an essay draft that was loaded with keywords. You know the words"leadership," "initiative," "communication skills," "passion," "vision," "team work," etc. They're all good words with important messages, but when used too often these words begin to lose their meanings and become rote, droll, and empty.

It's easy to say, "I am extremely passionate about business." It's quite another thing to demonstrate that passion through specific examples and a passionate voice.

You need to break down those keywords into sub-parts and facets. Avoid the dime-a-dozen keyword, and instead provide revealing evidence of those attributes specific to you.

You want to show an MBA program that you are passionate and dedicated? Show how you persisted in the face of a difficult set of circumstances and stayed positive. Demonstrate the resilience and maturity you exhibited to complete an intense program, respond coolly to tense situations, handle demanding projects, persevere, and succeed. In so doing, you'll also exhibit your role as a leader, your initiative, your communication skills, and other abused keywords.

In a website, repeating keywords like a mantra may get you noticed. In an MBA essay, it'll make your essay look like spammeaningless and boring.

Accepted.com Related Resources

• Five Fatal Flaws, a free, 5-day e-course.
• Sample MBA Application Essays
• Best Practices for MBA Admissions, an ebook.