Beginning an essay with a famous or eloquent quotation is a common practice and one that business school candidates can use to capture a reader\u2019s attention. For example, an applicant might use a quotation as the very first line of his or her essay:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.\u201d Roosevelt\u2019s words are as true today as when he spoke them. The essence of a manager is\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n Another option is to embed the quotation within the first line of the essay, as shown in the following example:<\/p>\n As Peter F. Drucker said, \u201cManagement is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.\u201d I have found the distinction between management and leadership especially important\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n There is really only one rule about using quotations: do not overdo it! One grand quotation per application (not per essay!) is sufficient\u2014but it is certainly not mandatory. When deciding whether to include a quotation in one of your essays, consider the following:<\/p>\n \u2022 Does the quotation fit the essay\u2019s main theme? If you answer “yes” to all of these questions, making the quotation a part of your narrative just might be a good idea.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\n<\/em>\u2013 Theodore Roosevelt<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Does the quotation reflect who you are or what you believe?
\n\u2022 Does the quotation enhance the essay?<\/p>\n