In the past, we have advised MBA candidates to exercise caution in choosing to write the optional essay. (See our Monday Morning Essay Tip: The Optional Mistake.) Our philosophy has not changed on this point, but we do want to make MBA candidates aware of certain circumstances, other than discussing a problem area, that may merit … Read More  

Last week, we discussed taking responsibility for blips in your personal, academic and/or career history via the optional essay. This week, we follow up with a broader discussion about the optional essay. Our title for this post, “The Optional Mistake,” is a double entendre in that candidates often make the mistake of writing an optional essay when … Read More  

Business school candidates who have an obvious weakness in their profile—such as a low GPA or GMAT score or a prolonged gap in work experience—often worry that they are destined to attend a virtually unknown business school. Whenever such applicants ask MBA admissions officers how their weakness might affect their candidacy, they hear this straightforward … Read More