5 Errors to Avoid on Your MBA Admission Essays

We have been guiding MBA aspirants for more than a decade to get an admit to their dream universities by working on their MBA Admission Essays. We have successfully placed more than 1000 students in the top 50 B-schools. Our clients study at Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, MIT Sloan, London Business School, INSEAD, IESE, HEC Paris, and Oxford.

The top business schools assess many factors before they offer you that coveted seat. MBA Admission Essays are among the most important.

In our experience of guiding successful applicants through their admissions, we have seen a fair share of errors on essays. Here we list some of the most common errors that Indian applicants make while writing their admission essays.

1. Overthinking

How do I start? Which story fits better? Am I answering what they want to read? Am I answering the question? Is there a hidden meaning of this question? These are some of the most common questions that most applicants start with when they start working on the first drafts for their essays. Check here to find if you are over-thinking: http://forbes.com/sites/amymorin/2020/04/20/10-signs-youre-overthinking-and-what-to-do-about-it/?sh=5208184e2bb8

The problem happens because most applicants have multiple years of experience on their side. The vast experience makes it difficult to identify the identity, interest, or talent that is meaningful to them. We work closely with out clients to help them identify the story that not only fits the essay topic bit also help explain a key turning point that helped them become the person they are today. The end result is well-written and moving MBA Admissions Essay.

Does this sound like you? Do you have a general idea for a topic, but still don’t know where to start? If so, send us a message at admissions@wiziuscareers.com and let’s bounce some ideas around. We’d love to help. 

2. Using Generic Reasons on Why Do You Want to go to that B-School

Almost all the essays that we read talk about one or more of the following reasons.
It’s a top ranked school. It will make a good career for me. It has strong alumni network. I will make a lot of money after MBA from this school. Find a list of B-schools with Best Employment Rate here: https://wiziuscareers.com/2021/02/26/b-school-with-best-employment-rate/

All of these are valid reasons but none of them is unique. Hundreds of other applicants say exactly the same things in their essays. So, how do you show a genuine interest? Talk about the subjects you want to study. Mention the professors that you look upto. Make a link between your learning needs and your career goals. And many other possible reasons that can set you apart from others.

Don’t have enough time to research about the USPs of your target B-schools or are confused about what fits in your essays? Write an email to admissions@wiziuscareers.com and we would be happy to help.

3. Using Advanced Vocabulary or Industry Jargon

Most applicants fail to understand that the essay is being written for admissions to an MBA Program and not for the next job. We know that’s the eventual goal, but that comes later! You don’t know who is reading your essay and if that person could understand the jargon you used. So, it’s better to be safe and use a simple language.

Do you think that your essay needs some help? You can send in your essays to admissions@wiziuscareers.com for a free review. We would be happy to help!

4. Starting with a famous Quote

As the quote above stated, a quote is a compliment to the author and not to you. Remember, the admissions committee wants to hear from you and not from famous people. Some applicants feel that using a quote can help them in certain ways such as pointing the main idea of the essay; providing extra background on the topic; grab the reader’s attention; set the tone of the narrative; or prepare the reader for further reading. However, there are reasons why you should not use a quote. A quote is generally not accepted well. If you have to use a quote, then it must be 100% on-point keeping in mind that it doesn’t outshine your story.

5. Grammatical Errors

A bad essay can result in a rejection. So, the stakes are high! Hence, show them that you care. Proofread your essays. Get them read by a friend or too.

Also, try to avoid cliches. Here are some that you should avoid:
– One day at a time
– Dreams come true
– To make a long story short
– One in a million

If you feel that your essays need some help, send it to us at admissions@wiziuscareers.com. We would review it for free and help you make it better. Hence, improving your chances to get an admit to your dream B-school.