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Optional essay about work experience?

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Optional essay about work experience?

by mqt001 » Sun Nov 27, 2016 8:14 am
Hello,

I have a question regarding the optional essays on applications, specifically those that ask the candidate to write about any weak points in his or her application. I am applying with two years of post-grad work. For the programs to which I am applying, this meets the minimum requirement but is below the class average. My work experience has been in a fast track management role, so I would like to use the optional essay to present my managerial experience to the adcoms. My question is this: would two years work experience be considered a weak point although it meets the requirement? And is it enough of a concern that I should address it in an essay that specifically asks me to address weaknesses?

Thanks for your advice!
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by Alexbr@ClearAdmit » Mon Nov 28, 2016 12:21 am
My first thought would be to wonder whether you can use the other essays, data forms and resume, to make the same point? cheers, Alex
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by 99Colleges: MBA Admission » Tue Nov 29, 2016 1:19 am
Something that can be discerned from elsewhere in the application shouldn't be mentioned in the optional essay. Length of your work ex can be easily found from your resume and, as mentioned, data forms. For example, applicants explain low GPA/ GMAT or gap in employment in optional essay because the reasons behind can't be inferred from anywhere else.
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by mqt001 » Tue Nov 29, 2016 8:52 am
Thank you for your feedback, that clears things up. I have one more question. My overall GMAT score (680) is average or above average for my target schools. However, there is some disparity in my quant and verbal scores (39Q, 44V). I'm a business undergrad major, and my transcript shows that I did well in quant-heavy finance, data analysis, and logistics courses. Should I use the optional essay to address the low quant score or is it safe to assume that the Adcoms will take into consideration my undergraduate coursework?
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by 99Colleges: MBA Admission » Tue Nov 29, 2016 8:02 pm
Your Quant score isn't good. So, it's better to proactively explain your competencies in Quant/ math in the optional essay.
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by Donna@Stratus » Wed Nov 30, 2016 1:31 pm
mqt001 wrote:Hello,

I have a question regarding the optional essays on applications, specifically those that ask the candidate to write about any weak points in his or her application. I am applying with two years of post-grad work. For the programs to which I am applying, this meets the minimum requirement but is below the class average. My work experience has been in a fast track management role, so I would like to use the optional essay to present my managerial experience to the adcoms. My question is this: would two years work experience be considered a weak point although it meets the requirement? And is it enough of a concern that I should address it in an essay that specifically asks me to address weaknesses?

Thanks for your advice!
So the 2 yrs is on the low side- and adcom will want to know why your work experience has been even faster track and given you perhaps experience beyond your years- so if you can do this and meet the issue head on, it could be useful to your overall case.
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by Edison@VeritasPrep » Wed Nov 30, 2016 6:37 pm
Thanks for sharing.

In addition to the advices above, you may play up responsibilities entrusted to you or achievements that would show how sound your analytical and quant abilities are. Your inclusion in a fast-track management program may even speak to this. Thus, you would be able to discuss this succinctly and within the flow of an essay.

All the best!
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