SlideShare ist ein Scribd-Unternehmen logo
1 von 7
Optional Essay…
Is it actually mandatory??
In every MBA application, applicants are faced with one common
question.
“Should I write an optional essay or not?”,
or may be "I need to tell the school as much as I can about myself.
So, I really should be using the opportunity available by writing
an optional essay, right?”.
Our answer for this question is simply two words.
“It depends!”
And it depends on a variety of
factors. Your first hint is provided in
the prompt released by the school
for the optional essay. Always read it
very carefully as more often than
not, the schools give explicit
information about who should use
the optional essay and for what. For
example, schools may ask you to
address any extenuating
circumstances such as unexplained
work gaps, low test scores or GPA
etc. Or sometimes schools may ask
you to provide any additional
information that might be helpful in
evaluating your candidacy.http://www.anderson.ucla.edu/
These situations are
not uncommon and
schools realize that.
Therefore, they have
provided you this
space to give your
side of the
story. So, in case
there is something
similar in your
profile, then these
essays become
almost mandatory.
Obviously, both these
prompts are very
different. The first
one should be used
only in case there are
some circumstances
that you must
explain, may be a
poor semester in the
college or getting laid
off without prior
notice.
In the second prompt however, more
often than not, the advice is to use the
optional essay space. Dig deep to find
something truly unique or memorable
for you to write on but make sure, it is
something that has not yet been
addressed in your application before.
Conversely, if there are no such
circumstances applicable to you, then stay
away from the optional essay. Do not
increase the workload of the reader by
unnecessarily writing an optional essay
just for the sake of writing it. You can
come across as arrogant and disrespectful
of the instructions provided by the school.
Unless you have something
meaningful to share, stay
away. The way we see it. You
need to be deeply think and
carefully analyze the optional
essay prompt before deciding
to write the optional essay.
But again, be mindful
that if you do not have
much more to cover in
your application, then
do not write an essay if
there is no value
addition.
case. If however, the prompt is more
open, then use this space to enhance
your credentials and provide something
deep and meaningful to add further value
to your application. Be judicious and use
or not use the optional essay to your
advantage!
If the prompt is close-looped,
then only write it if that
situation is applicable in your
For further information about
MBA optional essays & guidelines
Contact us:
http://www.appexperts.net/
Best MBA Application Help

Weitere ähnliche Inhalte

Was ist angesagt?

The writing process
The writing processThe writing process
The writing process
cristinaca
 
Argue and Persuade
Argue and PersuadeArgue and Persuade
Argue and Persuade
Supersap
 
Act reading -annotation
Act reading -annotationAct reading -annotation
Act reading -annotation
Stacy Moore
 

Was ist angesagt? (20)

Close Reading with Annotations and Text Codes: During Reading
Close Reading with Annotations and Text Codes: During ReadingClose Reading with Annotations and Text Codes: During Reading
Close Reading with Annotations and Text Codes: During Reading
 
final reflection
final reflection final reflection
final reflection
 
IELTS Listening
IELTS Listening IELTS Listening
IELTS Listening
 
ACT overview & Resume
ACT overview & ResumeACT overview & Resume
ACT overview & Resume
 
IELTS Reading Overview
IELTS Reading OverviewIELTS Reading Overview
IELTS Reading Overview
 
IELTS Reading - Skimming, Scanning and Intensive Reading
IELTS Reading - Skimming, Scanning and Intensive ReadingIELTS Reading - Skimming, Scanning and Intensive Reading
IELTS Reading - Skimming, Scanning and Intensive Reading
 
Ielts reading tips to improve your score
Ielts reading tips to improve your scoreIelts reading tips to improve your score
Ielts reading tips to improve your score
 
WAT (Written Ability Test)-Tips by experts | MBAP
WAT (Written Ability Test)-Tips by experts | MBAPWAT (Written Ability Test)-Tips by experts | MBAP
WAT (Written Ability Test)-Tips by experts | MBAP
 
Reading skills
Reading skillsReading skills
Reading skills
 
Reading skills
Reading skillsReading skills
Reading skills
 
P reading quasar method
P reading quasar methodP reading quasar method
P reading quasar method
 
The writing process
The writing processThe writing process
The writing process
 
Argue and Persuade
Argue and PersuadeArgue and Persuade
Argue and Persuade
 
Speed reading
Speed readingSpeed reading
Speed reading
 
IELTS Listening; Tips and Strategy
 IELTS Listening; Tips and Strategy IELTS Listening; Tips and Strategy
IELTS Listening; Tips and Strategy
 
UTB COMPASS Pre Assessment
UTB COMPASS Pre AssessmentUTB COMPASS Pre Assessment
UTB COMPASS Pre Assessment
 
Emsat week 10-14 october - needha
Emsat week  10-14 october - needhaEmsat week  10-14 october - needha
Emsat week 10-14 october - needha
 
Act reading -annotation
Act reading -annotationAct reading -annotation
Act reading -annotation
 
The Writing Process and 13 Tips to Raise your Essay Score
The Writing Process and 13 Tips to Raise your Essay ScoreThe Writing Process and 13 Tips to Raise your Essay Score
The Writing Process and 13 Tips to Raise your Essay Score
 
Revising And Editing
Revising And EditingRevising And Editing
Revising And Editing
 

Ähnlich wie An optional essay...Is it actually mandatory?

Ähnlich wie An optional essay...Is it actually mandatory? (11)

Telling Your Story: Two Hour Presentation
Telling Your Story: Two Hour PresentationTelling Your Story: Two Hour Presentation
Telling Your Story: Two Hour Presentation
 
Module#2 college essaywriting
Module#2 college essaywritingModule#2 college essaywriting
Module#2 college essaywriting
 
Lynbrook | Module #2: College Essay Writing
Lynbrook | Module #2: College Essay WritingLynbrook | Module #2: College Essay Writing
Lynbrook | Module #2: College Essay Writing
 
College Essays [010122]
College Essays [010122]College Essays [010122]
College Essays [010122]
 
“Activity and Character Driven College Application Essays: Ten Tips”
“Activity and Character Driven College Application Essays: Ten Tips”“Activity and Character Driven College Application Essays: Ten Tips”
“Activity and Character Driven College Application Essays: Ten Tips”
 
Motivation Letter - Holland Education Fair 2011
Motivation Letter - Holland Education Fair 2011Motivation Letter - Holland Education Fair 2011
Motivation Letter - Holland Education Fair 2011
 
Personalstatementjobaid
PersonalstatementjobaidPersonalstatementjobaid
Personalstatementjobaid
 
Communicating Your Stories: Ten Tips For Writing Powerful College Application...
Communicating Your Stories: Ten Tips For Writing Powerful College Application...Communicating Your Stories: Ten Tips For Writing Powerful College Application...
Communicating Your Stories: Ten Tips For Writing Powerful College Application...
 
Writing a Teacher Application Letter Learn from These 6 Mistakes
Writing a Teacher Application Letter Learn from These 6 MistakesWriting a Teacher Application Letter Learn from These 6 Mistakes
Writing a Teacher Application Letter Learn from These 6 Mistakes
 
Outstanding.ppt
Outstanding.pptOutstanding.ppt
Outstanding.ppt
 
Hamilton High School: College Application Essay Tips
Hamilton High School: College Application Essay TipsHamilton High School: College Application Essay Tips
Hamilton High School: College Application Essay Tips
 

Mehr von Locus Rags

Mehr von Locus Rags (13)

Managerial Economics
Managerial  EconomicsManagerial  Economics
Managerial Economics
 
Unc kenan flagler releases mba application essay topics and deadlines 2013-14
Unc kenan flagler releases mba application essay topics and deadlines 2013-14Unc kenan flagler releases mba application essay topics and deadlines 2013-14
Unc kenan flagler releases mba application essay topics and deadlines 2013-14
 
Top 10 Latest news and Updates on MBA
Top 10 Latest news and Updates on MBATop 10 Latest news and Updates on MBA
Top 10 Latest news and Updates on MBA
 
How to choose your recommender's?
How to choose your recommender's?How to choose your recommender's?
How to choose your recommender's?
 
The Labor law
The Labor law The Labor law
The Labor law
 
Key features of Contract law
Key features of Contract  lawKey features of Contract  law
Key features of Contract law
 
MBA Application deadlines of Tuck school of business for the year 2013-14
MBA Application deadlines of Tuck school of business for the year 2013-14MBA Application deadlines of Tuck school of business for the year 2013-14
MBA Application deadlines of Tuck school of business for the year 2013-14
 
U penn wharton mba application essay topics 2013 –14
U penn wharton mba application essay topics 2013 –14U penn wharton mba application essay topics 2013 –14
U penn wharton mba application essay topics 2013 –14
 
Banking law
Banking lawBanking law
Banking law
 
Columbia business school MBA guidelines
Columbia business school MBA guidelinesColumbia business school MBA guidelines
Columbia business school MBA guidelines
 
Economic engineering
Economic engineering Economic engineering
Economic engineering
 
Mit sloan 2013 -14 MBA application guidelines
Mit sloan 2013 -14 MBA application guidelinesMit sloan 2013 -14 MBA application guidelines
Mit sloan 2013 -14 MBA application guidelines
 
Organizational behavior
Organizational behaviorOrganizational behavior
Organizational behavior
 

Kürzlich hochgeladen

Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in DelhiRussian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
kauryashika82
 
The basics of sentences session 3pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 3pptx.pptxThe basics of sentences session 3pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 3pptx.pptx
heathfieldcps1
 
1029 - Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf
1029 -  Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf1029 -  Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf
1029 - Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf
QucHHunhnh
 

Kürzlich hochgeladen (20)

Making communications land - Are they received and understood as intended? we...
Making communications land - Are they received and understood as intended? we...Making communications land - Are they received and understood as intended? we...
Making communications land - Are they received and understood as intended? we...
 
Unit-IV; Professional Sales Representative (PSR).pptx
Unit-IV; Professional Sales Representative (PSR).pptxUnit-IV; Professional Sales Representative (PSR).pptx
Unit-IV; Professional Sales Representative (PSR).pptx
 
Magic bus Group work1and 2 (Team 3).pptx
Magic bus Group work1and 2 (Team 3).pptxMagic bus Group work1and 2 (Team 3).pptx
Magic bus Group work1and 2 (Team 3).pptx
 
Food safety_Challenges food safety laboratories_.pdf
Food safety_Challenges food safety laboratories_.pdfFood safety_Challenges food safety laboratories_.pdf
Food safety_Challenges food safety laboratories_.pdf
 
SOC 101 Demonstration of Learning Presentation
SOC 101 Demonstration of Learning PresentationSOC 101 Demonstration of Learning Presentation
SOC 101 Demonstration of Learning Presentation
 
Kodo Millet PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...
Kodo Millet  PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...Kodo Millet  PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...
Kodo Millet PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...
 
Third Battle of Panipat detailed notes.pptx
Third Battle of Panipat detailed notes.pptxThird Battle of Panipat detailed notes.pptx
Third Battle of Panipat detailed notes.pptx
 
Holdier Curriculum Vitae (April 2024).pdf
Holdier Curriculum Vitae (April 2024).pdfHoldier Curriculum Vitae (April 2024).pdf
Holdier Curriculum Vitae (April 2024).pdf
 
psychiatric nursing HISTORY COLLECTION .docx
psychiatric  nursing HISTORY  COLLECTION  .docxpsychiatric  nursing HISTORY  COLLECTION  .docx
psychiatric nursing HISTORY COLLECTION .docx
 
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy ConsultingGrant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
 
SKILL OF INTRODUCING THE LESSON MICRO SKILLS.pptx
SKILL OF INTRODUCING THE LESSON MICRO SKILLS.pptxSKILL OF INTRODUCING THE LESSON MICRO SKILLS.pptx
SKILL OF INTRODUCING THE LESSON MICRO SKILLS.pptx
 
Python Notes for mca i year students osmania university.docx
Python Notes for mca i year students osmania university.docxPython Notes for mca i year students osmania university.docx
Python Notes for mca i year students osmania university.docx
 
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in DelhiRussian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
 
The basics of sentences session 3pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 3pptx.pptxThe basics of sentences session 3pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 3pptx.pptx
 
ICT Role in 21st Century Education & its Challenges.pptx
ICT Role in 21st Century Education & its Challenges.pptxICT Role in 21st Century Education & its Challenges.pptx
ICT Role in 21st Century Education & its Challenges.pptx
 
ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.
ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.
ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.
 
Application orientated numerical on hev.ppt
Application orientated numerical on hev.pptApplication orientated numerical on hev.ppt
Application orientated numerical on hev.ppt
 
Accessible Digital Futures project (20/03/2024)
Accessible Digital Futures project (20/03/2024)Accessible Digital Futures project (20/03/2024)
Accessible Digital Futures project (20/03/2024)
 
1029 - Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf
1029 -  Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf1029 -  Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf
1029 - Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf
 
microwave assisted reaction. General introduction
microwave assisted reaction. General introductionmicrowave assisted reaction. General introduction
microwave assisted reaction. General introduction
 

An optional essay...Is it actually mandatory?

  • 1. Optional Essay… Is it actually mandatory??
  • 2. In every MBA application, applicants are faced with one common question. “Should I write an optional essay or not?”, or may be "I need to tell the school as much as I can about myself. So, I really should be using the opportunity available by writing an optional essay, right?”. Our answer for this question is simply two words.
  • 3. “It depends!” And it depends on a variety of factors. Your first hint is provided in the prompt released by the school for the optional essay. Always read it very carefully as more often than not, the schools give explicit information about who should use the optional essay and for what. For example, schools may ask you to address any extenuating circumstances such as unexplained work gaps, low test scores or GPA etc. Or sometimes schools may ask you to provide any additional information that might be helpful in evaluating your candidacy.http://www.anderson.ucla.edu/
  • 4. These situations are not uncommon and schools realize that. Therefore, they have provided you this space to give your side of the story. So, in case there is something similar in your profile, then these essays become almost mandatory. Obviously, both these prompts are very different. The first one should be used only in case there are some circumstances that you must explain, may be a poor semester in the college or getting laid off without prior notice.
  • 5. In the second prompt however, more often than not, the advice is to use the optional essay space. Dig deep to find something truly unique or memorable for you to write on but make sure, it is something that has not yet been addressed in your application before. Conversely, if there are no such circumstances applicable to you, then stay away from the optional essay. Do not increase the workload of the reader by unnecessarily writing an optional essay just for the sake of writing it. You can come across as arrogant and disrespectful of the instructions provided by the school.
  • 6. Unless you have something meaningful to share, stay away. The way we see it. You need to be deeply think and carefully analyze the optional essay prompt before deciding to write the optional essay. But again, be mindful that if you do not have much more to cover in your application, then do not write an essay if there is no value addition. case. If however, the prompt is more open, then use this space to enhance your credentials and provide something deep and meaningful to add further value to your application. Be judicious and use or not use the optional essay to your advantage! If the prompt is close-looped, then only write it if that situation is applicable in your
  • 7. For further information about MBA optional essays & guidelines Contact us: http://www.appexperts.net/ Best MBA Application Help