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At mbaMission, we encourage candidates to show their experience, not tell the reader conclusions. For example, a candidate may mistakenly choose to tell the reader: “I performed exceptionally well in my job and was promoted.” In this case, the reader is left wondering: “What did he/she do so well to earn that promotion?” The reader needs the whole story to “prove” the conclusion.

We find that candidates occasionally think they are providing the whole story when they are in fact offering only a single data point:

Example 1: “For me, as an avid paraglider, extreme sports are not just a hobby but a way of life.” In this case, the conclusion—that the candidate “lives” for extreme sports—is not substantiated. One data point is not enough to “prove” this conclusion.

Example 2: “For me, as an avid paraglider and budding heli-skier, extreme sports are not just a hobby but a way of life.” With the addition of the mention of a second activity, the applicant’s case becomes more compelling.

Example 3: “For me, as an avid paraglider, budding heli-skier and experienced cliff diver, extreme sports are not just a hobby but a way of life.” This series of three examples makes the candidate’s passion for extreme sports undeniable.

Of course, we have used a simplified example here and would suggest that a candidate put his/her experience into action (show the passion via experience—“Leaping from a ten-meter cliff, I…”—depending on the context of the essay.

Introducing a first of its kind MBA application writing class, led by mbaMission founder Jeremy Shinewald and veteran mbaMission admissions consultant Angela Guido: “Constructing a Standout MBA Application.”

Six-Session Class – 18 Hours of Instruction for FREE

Throughout this six-session class, we will guide you step by step through the process of creating a compelling MBA application that reveals your unique character and will inspire the admissions committee to grant you that coveted letter of acceptance. In a classroom “workshop” environment, you will brainstorm for unique ideas, outline and structure your essays, prepare multiple drafts of your essays and construct an appropriate resume for your target school. Further, you will get a head start on your recommendations and interviews, and develop a timeline for completing the rest of your applications.

Constant Feedback

During this class, you will complete a series of targeted brainstorming and writing exercises, engage with classmates on your work, receive specific feedback and guidance from your peers and benefit from direct access to the workshop leader to hone your final product. You will also learn the key techniques of effective storytelling, which you can then apply to your future professional communications, including other business school applications and interviews.

Expected Outcomes

In this class you will accomplish the following:

• Understand how to view essays through the lens of the admissions committee
• Learn to identify the characteristics of a great essay and avoid common pitfalls
• Dig deep into your past experiences to reveal your most compelling stories
• Begin constructing your essays/resume for one target school, with feedback and direction from your peers and the instructors
• Emerge with a clear action plan to complete the rest of your application, including subsequent essay drafts, recommendations and interviews, for both your original target school and any additional schools
• Benefit from the workshop leaders’ deep subject matter expertise on the MBA admissions process and top programs

Class Dates

New York:

Tuesdays 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
June 7^th, 14^th, 21^st
July 5^th, 12^th, 19^th

Attendance at all sessions is mandatory.

Chicago:

Thursdays 6:30-9:30 p.m.
June 16, 23, 30
July 7, 14, 28

Attendance at all sessions is mandatory.

How to Apply: The six-session class will be free and capped at 10-20 students. Those chosen to participate (through random drawing) will need to pay a $275 deposit which will be refunded if the student attends all six sessions and completes the course homework and feedback. If you are interested in participating, please complete the following steps:

• E-mail [email protected] indicating your interest, and include the subject heading “Free Class – New York” or “Free Class – Chicago”
• Fill out the form at www.mbamission.com/consult.php. In the question that asks “Is there a specific mbaMission consultant with whom you have already connected?” please write “Free Class – New York” or “Free Class – Chicago”
• Deadline for submissions is May 27, 2011

If you are chosen, you will be notified via email by May 31, 2011. You will then have until June 2 to pay the $275 deposit (via a link you will be sent).

When you select an MBA program, you are not just choosing your learning environment, but are also committing to becoming part of a community. Each Thursday, we offer a window into life “beyond the MBA classroom” at a top business school.

Walnut Walk is an annual bar crawl held in the fall for Wharton first-year students that typically involves stops at bars that line the eponymous Walnut Street from Center City to Old City. The twist is that the required attire for both men and women is “business” (e.g., jacket and tie for men, jacket and lingerie/slip for women) on top and “party” (e.g., boxer shorts for men, lingerie/slip/boxers for women) on the bottom.

For in-depth descriptions of social and community activities at Wharton and 13 other top MBA programs, check out the mbaMission Insider’s Guides.

How can you write essays that grab the attention of MBA admissions committees? Jeremy Shinewald, founder of mbaMission, will use this simple but often perplexing question as the starting point in a workshop for prospective business school applicants. Attendees will walk through a series of exercises that challenge them to uncover their personal and nuanced stories, craft compelling opening statements, develop meaningful goal statements, connect their goals to their target school’s resources and more. A Q&A session will follow the presentation, after which Jeremy will remain online to respond to any additional inquiries.

Date: Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Time: 9:30-11:00 p.m. EST
Location: Online
Price: Free!

To register for this event, please click here.

How can you write essays that grab the attention of MBA admissions committees? mbaMission Founder/President Jeremy Shinewald will use this simple but often perplexing question as the starting point in a seminar for prospective business school applicants, walking attendees through a series of examples and challenging their understanding of the essays. The goal of this seminar is to help you uncover your stories, craft compelling opening lines, develop meaningful goal statements, connect your goals to your target school’s resources and more. A Q&A session will follow the presentation, after which Jeremy will remain to respond to any additional inquiries.

Date: Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Time: 7:00-8:30 p.m. EST
Location: Midtown Kaplan Center, 131 W. 56th Street (between 6th and 7th Ave)
Price: Free!

To register for this event, please click here.