Personal statement Vs Essay

[sangeethai]

Hi,
I just want to know what the B- schools like to look in the personal statement part of the application. The essay I have chosen is about Proffessional Sucess, so that kind of explains my strengths etc.

Can I say why I chose the school and why i would be a good candidate?. Any hel will be appreciated. Thanks.

Regards,
Sangeetha.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Sangeetha:

The answer to all of your questions is yes. Your personal statement should include why you are applying to the school and why you are a good candidate. Your professional successes, strengths and unique attributes should all be communicated as evidence of your candidacy.

Good luck,
Lisa

[sangeethai]

Hi Lisa,
First of all Thanks for your prompt reply. I got confused and just read the school's application process. I was working on the essays and simultaneously on the online application. I thought the personal statement was additional space to provide more detail about myself but on further reading through the website I found that, on the online application the personal statement is actually where my essay goes.

Now since my essay is about proff success can I try and incorporate other details like explaning why my undergrad GPA is low and my answers to why I need to do an MBA now and particulary why the specific school. Will it look odd and out place in my essay given the topic, or should I just write another optional essay?. Thanks.

Regards,
sangeetha.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Sangeetha:

It is generally best to use the optional essay to address any perceived weakness in your application, like GPA or wanting to enter the program with less than 4 years of professional experience. Usually there is an essay question that incorporates the "why MBA, why now" questions. If the school does not ask for that in an essay, then I would encourage you to include it in an optional essay.

Good luck,
Lisa