HBS Essay Questions

[karthiksankar]

Hi,

I am planning to talk about the same topic for both the HBS essays. In short, I have something to talk about as an achievement. But looking at it from a different angle, my path has also presented me with certain gaps, that I feel could have made my achievement much better and with lesser hurdles. Also, these gaps are skills an MBA will help me attain.

Is this a good idea?

Thanks!

[myEssayReview]

NO. It's not at all a good idea.

HBS has provided you only 800 words to present your self and you don't want to use all of them by discussing just one accomplishment, that too, with flaws.Frankly speaking,I don't understand how one story can answer both the essay prompts ( 1."Tell us about something you did well" and 2."Tell us about something you wish you had done better"?)

Again, I strongly recommend that you select two different stories for both essays

[Jon@Admissionado]

I'm gonna agree here that this idea ain't so hot. I mean if I was on the AdCom, the first thing I would think is "What? This dude doesn't have any other stories???"
You only have two here, so you really should be using two different stories. You know, if you had eight stories and two were about the same achievement, yeah, that could fly, but with only two, not so much.

[wayofjungle]

Dude, just remember the most important thing is what you say, not necessarily what you choose to talk about. The topics are very broad to allow you flexibility in your response. This doesnt mean when they ask "something" it has to be "one thing" or that something you did well cant also be something you wish you had done better. The consultants are right in their guidance without knowing specific details, but talk about what you really want to talk about. If you are honest and sincere you will get in where you deserve to get in.