The MBA application process is a stressful one, particularly since so many parts of the process are determined by external factors. The one part of the application that you have the ultimate control over is the essay section. Through the essays, you have the space to discuss your candidacy and tell your story directly to the admissions officer without any outside interference. It is an amazing opportunity and the following are five (hopefully) helpful tips to maximize this unique opportunity.
1. Be AuthenticThe MBA application process should be an introspective one, and as you hone in your goals, dreams, and ambitions, you should have a real sense of who you are as a person and what you want to tell the admissions committee. Do not fall into the trap of trying to craft an image of yourself that you may think is more appealing to a particular school. As experienced application reviewers, we know when someone is trying to portray something that is not really them. We will (eventually) figure it out, and if that happens
, it would not reflect well on your candidacy. So, just be yourself and keep in mind that this is an application for a professional graduate program. This means that we will also be considering your judgment with respect to what you choose to discuss in your essays. 2. Answer the Question Asked (Not the One You Think We Are Asking)We recognize that business school application essays could start to sound the same once you start reviewing them. However, they are not the same. We spend a lot of time thinking about the questions that we ask you to answer and we expect that you will also take some time to carefully answer those questions. Avoid the temptation of quickly cutting and pasting the essays from one application to another. You may have an idea of the general themes that you wish to cover in your applications and that is completely fine. Just be sure that you are actually answering the questions that are in the application in front of you. | 
