Many business schools use their essay questions as an opportunity to ask about the unique contributions you will make to their particular program.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, candidates often make the mistake of thinking that a bland summary statement like\u00a0\u201cI will bring my leadership skills to XYZ School\u201d\u00a0<\/em>will sufficiently express their intended contribution. One reason we prefer to work with business school candidates \u201cfrom start to finish\u201d is so we can prevent such problems. Simply relating a story about a past experience and then repeating the main point does not demonstrate that you can or will make a meaningful contribution to the school. Ideally, you want to go further, explaining how you would apply and use your experience and skills while at the school in a way that would offer some benefit to others, thereby demonstrating a true understanding of your fit with that particular program.<\/p>\n Example 1<\/p>\n \u201cMy experience as a stand-up comedian will allow me to bring humor to the Kellogg environment.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n Example 2<\/p>\n \u201cMy experience as a stand-up comic will prove particularly useful at Kellogg, a dynamic environment where I will be constantly joining new and energetic study teams. I anticipate using my sense of humor to create more relaxed team environments, helping everyone feel comfortable contributing, though I will use my humor judiciously, such as to diffuse tense moments during late-night study sessions, rather than as a distraction. I believe my skills and experience being funny on stage will also allow me to play an important role in the Kellogg Follies.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n In this example, the writer has applied his\/her personal experience and intended contribution directly to the Kellogg experience and has thereby shown a clear connection with the school, proving that the candidate truly identifies with it and accurately understands its nature.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\nWith this statement, the MBA admissions committee is left wondering, \u201cHow<\/em>\u00a0exactly will this applicant bring humor to the environment? Does this person really know what our environment is about?\u201d In contrast, consider our next example.<\/p>\n