As we like to say: Good essays aren’t written, they’re assembled. Similarly, as we alluded to in this recent post, great MBA apps aren’t slapped together, they’re designed. Premium content starts here… ———– ———– Premium content ends. This type of intentional, deliberate process is how you improve. You probably feel like you’re totally […]
Continue reading...($) What are “extracurriculars”?
The word itself breaks down to “extra” meaning additional, and “curricular” meaning academics. Premium content starts here… ———– ———– Premium content ends. You may also be interested in: “What do you do for fun?” “I started this thing…”
Continue reading...($) Which school is innovating with its application requirements (and why should you care)
As we predicted, many schools have now released information on their Class of 2024 application requirements, and in several cases, they’ve opened their applications up and you can even begin applying right now! (Pro Tip: Nobody should be applying right now!!!!!!! Really really really really really we do not suggest submitting any apps at this […]
Continue reading...($) Figuring out what the schools want.
One of the best ways to make a crappy set of essays is to write what you think the schools want to hear. This post is not about that. Instead, this is a follow-on to our previous post about theme. If you want to figure out how to position yourself in the best light possible...
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($) Developing your application theme
The whole notion of ‘theme’ in MBA applications is a slippery one – and frankly, it’s not something you need to actively worry about too much. Not that active worrying ever accomplished anything, anyway. Getting a handle on what theme is can help you know what you’re aiming for, but we don’t propose that you...
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The problem with the idea of “branding” in your MBA application
A recent talk by Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg at Stanford reminded us of why the concept of branding is not a great one when it comes to putting yourself out there in your MBA apps, or whatever professional context the term is bandied about. See what she says: Want to see more of our thoughts on […]
Continue reading...($) How to show your authenticity: Storytelling
We’ve been talking about authenticity as part of the MBA application process this week – in case you missed it, here’s the first post, and then one specific to Stanford but which offers an exercise that may prove interesting in general. Then we had another on sharing who you are with the adcoms, and finally […]
Continue reading...($) “I have so much stuff, I can’t fit it on a one-page resume.”
We understand. But we hate to break it to you, Brave Supplicant: You can always fit it. There are very very few situations where a two-page resume is warranted in an MBA app. Yours is probably not one of them. There’s two main issues with “I can’t make it fit!” (poutyface) complaints, as far as...
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($) All those “humble” BSers.
There seemed to be a trend hitting Snarkville last season, particularly in Round 2, where we had all these BSers writing in their essays to the top business schools about how “humble” they are. While we certainly appreciate that quality in a person – no really, despite the snark often coming from our direction, we...
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($) Strong first sentence
Some time back* we got this inquiry from a Brave Supplicant: I have begun the essay writing process and based on what the blahg posts I have read, you always recommend starting with a “strong” first sentence for the essays. Are there guidelines on creating these statements – say if I don’t have anything of...
While much of the blahg is available completely for free, the content here is reserved for members with full blahg access only ($9.95/month for six months, cancel anytime). Please login to view this content or purchase a membership.