Often this extended prep leaves one completely exhausted. The creative juice which is so critical for developing a cutting edge, above the din admissions package, gets blunted a bit. I have seen scores of listless essays, even by 750 + applicants. Many of them believe that their stellar score would open the B-School floodgates. Colossal blunder, I would say.
With over a decade experience in culling wheat from the chaff, when I first lay my hands on a profile, I'll take a quick glance at the resume. If I can find glimpses of
- Decent undergrad education with good academic performance,
Well rounded exposure to extra-curricular activities,
Linear work experience with a steady upward gradient in responsibilities and leadership opportunities,
This is where the SECRET SAUCE kicks in. Even with an equivocal preliminary screening, the only tools that would revive your fortunes by altering and enhancing my impression about you, are your essays. If I see traces of
- Considerable maturity
Clear purpose, defined goals and focused action
Succinct writing with Practical and Pragmatic opinions and viewpoints.
Down to earth attitude with complete absence of hyperbole
Honesty and yearning for learning and growing
Empathy for fellow mankind and mother earth (seriously)
in your essays, then you'd be seriously considered for a place. Even a 680 + score is par for the course.
Significant efforts and time need to be invested in laying down your story in all detail, picking the relevant bullet points for each essay in question and weaving beautiful paragraphs around these.
