Question about application essays

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epichigh: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 1; Joined: Wed Mar 14, 2012 10:07 pm

by epichigh » Wed Mar 14, 2012 10:12 pm

Many applications ask about what my goals will be upon earning the MBA, or other goals in general.

Would it be looked down on if I wrote an essay based on the premise that I want to enter an MBA program in order to find a career pursuit I can be passionate about? Essentially saying that I don't have any specific goals but that I want to broaden my horizons in order to find a career in which i can put passion to practice. The essay is obviously far more in-depth and explains my lack of direction, but is this inherently a poor approach to these questions?

I've gotten mixed opinions, and would like to hear any advice.

Source: Beat The GMAT — The Application Process | Wed Mar 14, 2012 10:12 pm

bradenm2: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 25; Joined: Wed Apr 27, 2011 11:35 amFollowed by: 2 members; Thanked: 5 times

by bradenm2 » Thu Mar 15, 2012 4:59 am

Yeah, I'm not sure that would be the best idea. You only have two years to be in business school, which isn't a whole lot of time to figure out exactly what you want to do. The admissions committee probably wants to ensure that a vast majority of their students will get jobs.

That being said, nobody makes you sign a contract guaranteeing that you will pursue the career vision that you outline in your essays....

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Jon@Admissionado: Elite Legendary Member; Posts: 3135; Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2011 8:55 amFollowed by: 332 members; Location: Everywhere; Thanked: 589 times

by Jon@Admissionado » Thu Mar 15, 2012 11:55 pm

More or less writing "I have no idea what I want to do" is like writing "Please don't accept me under any circumstances"

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myEssayReview: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 341; Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2012 10:55 amFollowed by: 10 members; Location: Phoenix, Arizona; Thanked: 63 times

by myEssayReview » Thu May 17, 2012 11:25 am

Absolutely true!!!!An essay without specific goals definitely gives this message to the Ad Com :"I am directionless,I don't know why I am applying."

Please don't write "I want to broaden my horizons in order to find a career in which i can put passion to practice" . Be as specific as you can in defining your goals.

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PrepMBA.AlexLeventhal: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 288; Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2011 10:23 amFollowed by: 11 members; Location: Los Angeles/NY; Thanked: 58 times

by PrepMBA.AlexLeventhal » Sat May 19, 2012 7:28 am

I agree with my peers on this one. Whereas the "i have no idea" approach is not going to work, keep in mind you also do not need to be super detailed in your long term vision. If there is an area of interest that is supported by your studies, extracurriculars, or work projects then try to focus on this kind of "organic" interest, even if the thrust of your professional experience has been in a different area.

I feel that many applicants struggle most with this issue, given not everybody in their 20s is set on a direction. But it's still critical to support a direction in the applications.

Alex Leventhal
Harvard MBA, 1998
Prep MBA Admissions Consulting
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Sheriff: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 46; Joined: Mon Mar 12, 2012 8:34 am; Thanked: 2 times

by Sheriff » Sat May 19, 2012 11:39 pm

Anyone knows when schools will start publishing new essay questions for 2012-2013 season? I think HBS should publish this weekend.

myEssayReview: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 341; Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2012 10:55 amFollowed by: 10 members; Location: Phoenix, Arizona; Thanked: 63 times

by myEssayReview » Sun May 20, 2012 7:44 pm

Most schools begin releasing their application essay questions in June.Thanks.

olimpic: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 28; Joined: Wed May 02, 2012 10:37 am; Thanked: 1 times

by olimpic » Sun May 20, 2012 10:00 pm

INSEAD has already published.

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