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'Text Boxes' with Character Limits

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'Text Boxes' with Character Limits

by TMatt » Wed Sep 18, 2013 11:54 pm
Hi All,

What are peoples experience with the character limited text boxes that appear on application forms?

An example, is the 5,000 character text box on the "Main Responsibilities" section at Said. Is Oxford really expecting ~800 word essay be entered into a text box? Or is it meant to be 'bullet' type arrangement?

Thanks,
T
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by Jim@StratusPrep » Thu Sep 19, 2013 9:31 am
Write the response in a word processor and then copy it into the box...
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by TMatt » Thu Sep 19, 2013 2:42 pm
Much appreciated Jim.
I shall use the character limit as a guide to the detail of response the school is looking for.
Regards,
T
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by Vincent Ho-Tin-Noe » Thu Sep 19, 2013 7:11 pm
TMatt,

Make sure that you respect the character limit set by the school.
You might be able to enter more characters in the input form, but your answer will likely be cut off when it is saved in the school's application database.

So if it says 5000, stick to 5000.

Regarding the "Main Responsibilities" box you are referring to, I suspect it is not meant as an essay. So bullets might be ok, as they would on a resume.

Good luck!
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by TMatt » Thu Sep 19, 2013 9:41 pm
Hi Vincent,

Thank you for the feedback in regards to the character cut-off.

You have also delved into the heart of my query. If I were to use bullet points I could form a fairly substantial reply in (at most) 1000 characters. This leads me to believe that Oxford is looking for a more structured approach.

Looking forward to your thoughts,
T
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by Vincent Ho-Tin-Noe » Thu Sep 19, 2013 10:12 pm
Hi T,

Just checked the Oxford application (FT MBA), and this is the exact question:
"Please list your main responsibilities, your most significant challenge and your greatest achievement"

I would address it as a mini essay.
I do not think that you need to spend hours writing it, but I would advise you against using bullet points. I initially thought that you were asked to briefly describe your current role, but this question goes much deeper than that.

In particular, make sure to explain what you learned from the challenge you describe, and how this experience still influences you and the way you do things at work today. You may have to provide a bit of context, describe the challenge and explain how you were able to overcome it. Similarly, make sure to explain why you picked a specific accomplishment as your greatest. You probably learned something in the process as well, don't forget to talk about it.

Hope this is helpful.

Good luck.

Vincent
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by TMatt » Thu Sep 19, 2013 10:42 pm
Thanks Vincent!

Your added depth to the question is what I was initially missing. It certainly pays to look 'deeper' into the queries the Business Schools pose.

Thanks once again,
T
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by Vincent Ho-Tin-Noe » Fri Sep 20, 2013 1:19 pm
Glad I could help.
Please let me know should you have more questions

Best of luck.

Vincent
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CEO and co-founder
MBA Admissions Advisors LLC
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