This post could also be titled: Why you will have less hair on your head and possibly bruising on your forehead when you make it to September the 8th. (That’s because you will either tear your hair out in chunks, and/or hit your head rhythmically on your desk multiple times, and/or you will age so […]
Continue reading...($) Here’s a vivid (we hope!) explanation of the critical essay-writing technique of show don’t tell
If you’ve gotten any feedback on your essays and apps from The ‘Snark, you’ve likely been told you’re not doing it right. No, that’s not what we do; we point to sentences that aren’t helping you, and we try to explain what the issue is. It is likely experienced as “You’re doing it wrong” but […]
Continue reading...($) “I collaborated with the team on the project.”
This is the kind of post that many people reading it when it goes posted will shrug their shoulders and say, “OK ‘Snark whatever” and go about their day. Because most of you aren’t in essay-writing mode right now (though you should be!!!). And even if you are in essay-writing mode, the point we’re going […]
Continue reading...($) Don’t let the essay get in the way of the story.
Sometimes we impress ourselves. We’re critiquing along, reading some BSers draft, and a turn of phrase pops out that so perfectly captures the issue that it inspires a full post. What we mean by this warning to not let the essay get in the way of the story is this: Premium content starts here… ———– […]
Continue reading...($) How to make your essays more powerful. (With whiskey.)
Merry Christmas to those who celebrate! Yes EssaySnark is around — even today! If you want feedback returned through the holiday weekend, we’ve got a Speedy Review option you can use to expedite the snark. Check out the Subscriber’s FAQ in My SnarkCenter for details on adding it to your submission in the Review...
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($) For HBS especially: Essays reveal so much.
That may seem like an exceptionally obvious thing to say but bear with us on this. This is basically a continuation of this post from the ‘snarchives: Essays are not a writing test, they’re a thinking test. Here’s something to ponder: Premium content starts here… ———– ———– Premium content ends. We can’t offer […]
Continue reading...($) Writing essays for complex environments: When is a deep dive beneficial?
Since we’re in WRITING TIPS! mode again, with the ramp-up to Round 2, let’s continue the topics we started last week with identifying stellar stories to write about in your MBA essays. We’ve been coaching you on strategies for what to include and how much detail to go into, and how to write about the […]
Continue reading...($) Identifying stellar stories of leadership and impact for MBA apps
When you’re developing content for an MBA essay, or even for your resume, you’ll need to focus on stating what you did in the specific situation. That’s the essence of the “show, don’t tell” advice that you hear over and over here on the blahg. Speaking in generalities is never going to help the reader […]
Continue reading...Ermahgad! Proof for all advice EssaySnark is spewing!
You honestly don’t have to go read this highly technical paper that discusses information design and how written communication is processed and understood by the human brain…. But you could. If you were like fully bored with your life and just waiting for Wednesday afternoon to arrive so that you can log off your computer […]
Continue reading...($) Going beyond that first tentative step: Starting in on the ideation phase
The Ideation Phase. Cool term, eh? Doesn’t it sound like you’re doing something fancy and important! Well good, we’re glad it does, because you are! To recap progress you’ve made to date on your MBA essays for your Round 2 applications: Premium content starts here… ———– ———– Premium content ends. Want more step-by-step […]
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