Question about reporting your bonus

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Question about reporting your bonus

by mbawire » Mon Jan 23, 2012 10:54 am
Hi all,

In my applications (Wharton, Columbia, Booth) there is a question about your bonus which I felt the app didnt give an appropriate forum to explain it.
The applications instructions mention not to use stock options, so I had to put $0 as my bonus even though at my company you are awarded vested options relative to your yearly performance review.

I feel like putting $0 when I actually received stocks worth several thousand $$ does not reflect my compensation or my earning potential (it's a well known company too). I received a substantial bonus my first years as well, but given how the bonus question was phrased I didnt feel I could mention it. However I didnt address that in the optional essay.

Should I send a note to the AdCom to explain that or should I not sweat it?

Your thoughts would be appreciated.
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by DanaJ » Mon Jan 23, 2012 12:58 pm
Sooo... stocks worth several thousand $$... substantial bonus... First question: are you single? :)

I'd follow the instructions they lay out for you. The optional essay is not for addressing financial aspects, but mostly about holes in your app like low GMAT, unemployment, recommendations issues... If it's a well known company, then the adcom might already be familiar with the compensation system.

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by mbawire » Mon Jan 23, 2012 1:51 pm
Well...I'm always single-ish...(ok, just kidding, this joke has never been popular with the ladies, girlfriends included lol)

Thanks for the quick reply :) I think they'll know, but I question whether the actual amount would have been a proxy for 1. my earning potential 2. my perfomance at work.

In any case I think I will mention it only if clarifications are asked or if I need to send a plea letter in case I'm on the waitlist.