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How to Stand Out When You Have The Same 'Ol Story As Everyone Else

by Stacy Blackman Consulting, Apr 26, 2013

Hi there!

Could these crisp, windswept days be any prettier? Even though its not that warm yet in Los Angeles, my sandals and patio are beckoning me.

At this time of year, I always find that I want to hunker down and really focus on my work before the distractions of summer hit full tilt.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HRIl-aTuug&list=UUAOnaCN0zUx3GdWFI5XLYqw&index=1&feature=plcp[/youtube]

Congratulations to any of you who have already started working on your applications! Most of you are still in the mulling over phase, which is great. Youre right on track and completely on schedule.

But some of you are stuck.

Youre emailing and tweeting one very consistent question: How do you make yourself stand out when, on paper, you dont sound that different than the rest of the applicant pool? Like fingerprints, no two applicants are the same.

We greatly undervalue our uniqueness. We shy away from what makes us stand out.

So how do you know what to include in your essays that will make you seem more interesting and more unique?

Tell your story.

How can you peel back the layers of your life so that a Dean of Admissions, reading hundreds of applications, will feel like he or she got to know you through your writing?

Rapper and music-mogul Jay-Z said it best, Nobody built like you. You design yourself.

Just reading that quote makes me feel inspired!

So make sure every word on your application is there to show the reader how you designed yourself.

For more on this and myThree Tips to help you set yourself apart on your business school applications, check out this video.

Until next time,

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If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, Stacy Blackman Consulting can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Contact us to learn more.