CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Your key to applying to business school
A word about diversity
What does this book cover?
CHAPTER 1: WHAT ARE SCHOOLS REALLY LOOKING FOR?
Overview
The seven MBA application components
The order in which application components are reviewed
From the number’s side — GMAT
From the number’s side — GPA
GMAT scores vs. GPA
GMAT scores vs. quality of MBA application essays
How do acceptance rates affect a candidate’s admissions chances?
Ten important application tips
CHAPTER 2: 20 MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED MBA ADMISSIONS QUESTIONS
CHAPTER 3: WRITING THE CLASSIC MBA ESSAYS
What types of essays are there?
Snapshot for writing the “who are you?” essay
Seven tips for writing the “who are you?” essay
Snapshot for writing the “career goals” essay
Seven tips for writing the “career goals” essay
Viewing the “career goals” essay as an argument
Snapshot for writing the “why an MBA?” essay
Five tips for writing the “why an MBA?” essay
Sample “why XYZ school?” essay excerpts
Snapshot for writing the “why XYZ school?” essay
Ten tips for writing the “why XYZ school?” essay
Sample “why XYZ school?” essay excerpts
CHAPTER 4: WRITING THE OTHER MBA ESSAYS TYPES
Writing the “background and diversity” essay
Sample “background and diversity” essays
Writing the “strengths and weaknesses” essay
Sample “strengths and weaknesses” essays
Writing the “greatest accomplishments,” “leadership,” or “team-building” essays
Sample “greatest accomplishments,” “leadership,” or “team-building” essays
Writing the “overcoming difficult situations” essay
Sample “overcoming difficult situations” essays
Writing the “analyze a business situation” essay
Sample “analyze a business situation” essays
CHAPTER 5: WRITING OPTIONAL ESSAY ENTRIES
Tips for writing optional essays
The four uses of the optional question
What are some topics you can write about?
CHAPTER 6: RESUME AND EMPLOYMENT RECORD
Introduction
Seven tips for a more impressive résumé or employment record
Sample presentations – employment summary sheets and employment records
CHAPTER 7: LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
Getting a detailed recommendation
Seven tips for getting good letters of recommendation
The mechanics of a “good” letter of recommendation
Sample letters of recommendation
CHAPTER 8: EXTRACURRICULAR PRESENTATIONS
Introduction
Two tips for presenting extracurriculars
Sample presentations
CHAPTER 9: INTERVIEWS
Introduction
Twelve things to do for your business school interviews
Interview policies at the leading business schools
CHAPTER 10: PACKAGING YOUR MBA ESSAYS AND APPLICATION
American English vs. British English — spelling and punctuation
Grammatical gremlins (diction)
Avoiding two common admissions blunders
Appendix I – Summary of MBA Admissions Strategies 1 to 100
Appendix II – GMAT & MBA Informational Websites
Appendix III – Contact Information for the World’s Leading Business Schools
Appendix IV – Evaluating Your MBA Programs
Appendix V – Flowcharting the MBA Admissions Process
Appendix VI – MBA Application Tracking Sheets
Appendix VII – How to Get the Most Out of Your Business School Experience
On a Personal Note
Praise for Secrets to Getting into Business School
About the Author