MBA Admissions Ep 8: Why smart, fancy MBA essays make you sound... not smart

Summary

In this video, Charles from GMAT Ninja Tutoring interviews Maria Wick Villa, founder of Applicant Lab, about MBA admissions. Maria advises against using complex vocabulary in essays, emphasizing the importance of readability and authenticity. She explains that admissions officers are real people who prefer clear, conversational writing over pretentious language. The discussion highlights the need to connect with the reader, ensuring the essay reflects one's true personality and potential as a future business leader.

Takeaways

• 😀 Be genuine and conversational in your MBA application essays, as if you're speaking to a peer or colleague.
• 🧠 Avoid using overly complex vocabulary or jargon that might confuse or bore the admissions committee.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Remember that admissions officers are real people who prefer clarity and relatability over pretentious language.
• 🕒 Consider the time and cognitive load of the reader, who may be reviewing many applications and prefers easy-to-understand essays.
• 💡 Use your GMAT or GRE scores to demonstrate your intellectual capabilities, not your essay's vocabulary.
• 💼 Business schools seek well-rounded individuals who can succeed in a business environment, not just academically strong candidates.
• 🗣️ Practice speaking as you would in a professional setting to help guide your writing tone and style.
• 📝 If you're struggling with writer's block, try recording yourself telling your story and transcribe it for a more natural flow.
• 📈 Focus on showcasing your personality, experiences, and story in the essay to differentiate yourself from other applicants.
• 🔍 Be mindful of the consistency between your written application and your interview or video essay, as admissions officers may compare them.

Q & A

What is the main advice given by Maria Wick Villa about writing MBA application essays?

Maria Wick Villa advises against using big words and complex language in MBA application essays. Instead, applicants should aim for a conversational tone that would be used in a professional setting, making the essays relatable and easy to understand for the admissions committee.

Why is it not beneficial to use sophisticated vocabulary in MBA application essays?

Using sophisticated vocabulary can make the essays harder to read and understand, causing the admissions committee to expend unnecessary cognitive energy deciphering the meaning. This can detract from the main message and potentially harm the applicant's likability, which is an important factor in the admissions process.

What is the role of the admissions committee in the MBA application process according to the transcript?

The admissions committee is responsible for reading and evaluating applications, including essays. They are real people with limited cognitive energy who are looking for applicants that would be a good fit for the school and could potentially make the school proud in the future.

Why should applicants avoid making their essays too academic or complex?

Overly academic or complex essays can come across as pretentious and may not reflect how applicants would communicate in a real-world, professional setting. This could potentially harm their chances of admission by making them seem less likable or relatable.

What is the 'airport test' mentioned in the transcript, and how does it relate to MBA admissions?

The 'airport test' is a hypothetical scenario used by some management consulting firms to assess if they would enjoy spending time with a candidate in a casual, non-work setting. In the context of MBA admissions, it highlights the importance of being likable and able to work well with others, as these are qualities that schools value in potential students.

How does the use of complex language in essays affect the admissions committee's perception of an applicant?

Using complex language can lead the admissions committee to perceive an applicant as trying too hard to appear smart, which can backfire. It may also make the applicant seem less genuine and less capable of clear, concise communication, which are important skills in a business setting.

What is the significance of the GMAT or GRE score in the MBA application process as discussed in the transcript?

The GMAT or GRE score is significant as it serves as proof of an applicant's intellectual capabilities. It is one of the main factors, along with GPA, that the admissions committee uses to assess an applicant's academic potential before considering other aspects like personality and fit with the school.

What is the recommended approach for applicants when describing their experiences or achievements in MBA essays?

Applicants should describe their experiences or achievements in a way that is conversational and relatable, as if they were telling a story to a colleague or a peer at a networking event. This approach helps in making the essays more engaging and easier to understand.

How can applicants ensure their essays are authentic and consistent with their interview performance?

To ensure authenticity and consistency, applicants can practice speaking about their experiences and goals as they would in an interview. They can also record themselves and use the transcript to guide their writing, ensuring that the voice in the essay matches how they would naturally speak.

What is the importance of being likable in the MBA admissions process, according to the transcript?

Being likable is important because MBA programs are not just looking for the best students academically, but also for individuals who will be successful business people and contribute positively to the school's community and reputation. Likability can indicate good teamwork and communication skills, which are highly valued in business environments.