xoqapob88 wrote:Hi

I applied to Stanford GSB last year (R2). Got an interview but was dinged ultimately. I'm re-applying this year in R1. Given it's been only 8-9 months since the last application, how should I approach my essay, especially Essay 1 (what matters to you and why). Given I had been shortlisted, should I use the same essay answer (theme, stories etc.) with minor changes or should I re-think it from scratch and make sure I provide a different answer (stories, theme) etc. Would be great to understand your thoughts/advice basis your experience of helping re-applicants like me.

Thanks!

- A confused re-applicant

In my opinion the story should definitely stay the same, since we are talking about the same person so a completely different answer and/or angle might seem a little bit weird. However, you will need to write your essays in the way any re-applicant does, meaning that you should mention that you have applied before and focus on what has changed since the last time you applied. It is generally important that you can show some significant changes as the adcom might otherwise come to the conclusion that you have already been evaluated and ultimately found as not a good fit for the school.

In other words my recommendation would be to keep the theme the same but we are still not talking minor changes!

For more detailed recommendations based on the specific essays in question you are of course welcome to request a free evaluation on our website https://aringo.com/.

Since you are a re-applicant having someone look at your essays and the rest of your profile might be a good idea as professionals who look at a lot of essays and profiles can usually pinpoint common issues and mistakes quickly.

I hope that helps and good luck!

xoqapob88 wrote:Hi

I applied to Stanford GSB last year (R2). Got an interview but was dinged ultimately. I'm re-applying this year in R1. Given it's been only 8-9 months since the last application, how should I approach my essay, especially Essay 1 (what matters to you and why). Given I had been shortlisted, should I use the same essay answer (theme, stories etc.) with minor changes or should I re-think it from scratch and make sure I provide a different answer (stories, theme) etc. Would be great to understand your thoughts/advice basis your experience of helping re-applicants like me.

Thanks!

- A confused re-applicant

Hi! Would love to know what you finally decided to do? I'm in the same position this year!