Need help with an Essay Question

[vaishnavi_d]

Hi Stacy,
I am Vaishnavi. I am applying to HKUST MBA 2009. I have queries on 2 of the essay questions.
1. One of the essay questions for the school is "What do you want the Admissions Committee to know about you as a person?". I am unsure on what kind of information should go into this essay. I have tried to write about how important my family is to me and I have made a mention of my characteristics such as undying enthusiasm, by providing instances for the same.
Is this the kind the information that I should be putting in, in this essay?

2. The second essay question is "Please tell us your motivations to pursue an MBA program, and why is now the best timing to do one". I would like to know whether I have provide any particular instance that motivated me to pursue MBA as a career option, or do I have to mention in general why I would like to take up MBA, by mentioning my career progress till date.

Kindly help me with these.

Looking forward to your reply.

Thanks & Regards,
Vaishnavi

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Vaishnavi,

There is no right or wrong answer on the first question--it is up to you to determine what you want them to know about you. Some applicants will write about personal experiences, some will keep it professional, and others will include both. This essay presents a good opportunity for you to distinguish yourself from the other applicants, especially those with a profile similar to yours. So if you have some interesting personal experiences or leadership in the community, this essay is a great place to convey them.

The second essay question is the expected essay for you to convey your rationale for going to business school in relation to your career goals. You need to communicate why you need a MBA to achieve your future goals, what those goals are, and how your background relates to them.

Good luck,
Lisa