Question about application essays

[epichigh]

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.

[bradenm2]

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....

[Jon@Admissionado]

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

[myEssayReview]

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]

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.

[Sheriff]

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

[myEssayReview]

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

[olimpic]

INSEAD has already published.