MBA essays are an important part of the business school application process. However, many applicants make the mistake of not taking the time to properly prepare their essays. As a result, their essays are often riddled with errors that can hurt their chances of being admitted to their dream school.
Here are five common flaws in MBA essays and how to avoid them:
1. Not Answering The Question
Many MBA essays will ask you to discuss your goals for the future. However, some applicants make the mistake of not actually answering this question. Instead, they ramble on about their past experiences or their current situation without ever really addressing what they hope to accomplish in business school.
To avoid this mistake, be sure to read the essay prompt carefully and make sure that your answer directly addresses the question that is being asked.
2. Being Vague
Another common mistake in MBA essays is being too vague. Some applicants try to impress the admissions committee by using flowery language or grandiose statements, but this often backfires. Admissions committees want to see that you can be specific and concrete in your writing.
To avoid being vague, focus on providing detailed examples to support your claims. This will show that you have thought through your ideas and that you are able to express them clearly.
3. Relying On Stereotypes
Many MBA applicants mistakenly believe that they need to conform to certain stereotypes in order to be successful. For example, they may think that they need to have worked in finance in order to be a good candidate for a business school.
However, this is not the case. Admissions committees are looking for well-rounded applicants who have diverse experiences and perspectives. So, instead of trying to fit into a stereotype, focus on showcasing your unique skills and experiences.
4. Sounding Arrogant
It’s important to show confidence in your MBA essay, but there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Some applicants make the mistake of sounding arrogant or entitled in their essays, which is a major turnoff for admissions committees.
To avoid sounding arrogant, focus on highlighting your accomplishments without sounding like you think you’re better than everyone else.
5. Not Proofreading
One of the most common mistakes in MBA essays is not proofreading. Many applicants make the mistake of assuming that their essay is good enough as-is and that they don’t need to spend the time to proofread it. However, this is a huge mistake.
Admissions committees will notice if your essay contains typos or grammatical errors, and it will reflect poorly on your application. So, be sure to take the time to proofread your essay carefully before you submit it.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can improve your chances of impressing the admissions committee and getting into the business school of your choice.
