Microsoft 365 Copilot MBA App Prompt 10: Unearth the narrative arc that accentuates your accomplishments to MBA admissions officers

This is for my personal account and not a content piece for Microsoft .

So you’ve come up with the perfect essay topic for your application after following the steps in Microsoft 365 Copilot MBA App Prompt 9: Question the types of questions you ask yourself to ideate an admissions-worthy essay topic . And you’ve found the perfect way to structure your essay after reading Microsoft 365 Copilot MBA App Prompt 7: Use a flashback structure in your MBA admissions essays to flaunt your expertise . What next? Read on to learn why it is key to combine narrative structure frameworks with narrative arc frameworks to help your business school application essays really shine.?

Prompt 10 Structure

Part 1:

What are the differences between narrative structures and narrative arcs?

Part 2:

What are 10 different types of narrative arcs?

Part 3:

I am (a/an) [insert role] [insert action you are taking] writing about why I am [insert current career and career interest you hope to pivot to post-MBA]. Can you please create a template for an essay that uses [insert one of Prompt 10 Part 2’s responses] as the narrative arc, and [insert one of the essay structures detailed in Microsoft 365 Copilot MBA App Prompt 7: Use a flashback structure in your MBA admissions essays to flaunt your expertise ] as the essay structure to help me write my personal essay?

Prompt 10 Example

Part 1:

My Question: What are the differences between narrative structures and narrative arcs?

Microsoft 365 Copilot Response: The terms narrative structure and narrative arc are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different aspects of storytelling. Here's a breakdown of the differences between the two:

Narrative Structure

• Definition: Narrative structure refers to the overall framework of a story, the organizational method of the written material. It's the way the story is put together, including the sequence of events, the pacing, and the thematic elements.
• Components: It includes the plot, setting, characters, conflict, and theme. The narrative structure is concerned with the order and manner in which these elements are presented to the reader.
• Types: Common types of narrative structures include linear (chronological order), non-linear (flashbacks or time jumps), circular (ending where it began), and framed (a story within a story).
• Purpose: The narrative structure provides the blueprint for the story, guiding the reader through the narrative in a specific way to achieve the desired effect.

Narrative Arc

• Definition: The narrative arc, also known as the story arc, describes the shape of the story. It's the path that the story follows, typically involving a rise and fall in action, tension, or emotion.
• Components: A narrative arc usually includes exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. It's about the emotional journey of the story.
• Types: There are several types of narrative arcs, such as "rags to riches" (a steady rise), "riches to rags" (a steady fall), "man in a hole" (fall then rise), "Icarus" (rise then fall), and others.
• Purpose: The narrative arc gives the story its emotional momentum, helping to engage the reader by building tension and then releasing it.

In summary, the narrative structure is the overall design or layout of the story, while the narrative arc is the trajectory that the story takes on that layout. The structure is about the arrangement of content, and the arc is about the progression of the plot and the emotional highs and lows. Both are essential for creating a compelling story, but they serve different functions in the storytelling process. ???

Part 2:

My Question: What are 10 different types of narrative arcs?

Microsoft 365 Copilot Response: Narrative arcs are the emotional trajectories of a story, and they play a crucial role in storytelling. Here are 10 different types of narrative arcs that are commonly found in literature:

• Rags to Riches: This arc follows a character's rise from a low point to a higher point, often involving a significant improvement in their circumstances. Example: "Cinderella" starts in poverty and ends with wealth and happiness.
• Riches to Rags: The opposite of the first arc, this one depicts a fall from a high point to a lower point, showing a decline in the character's situation. Example: "The Picture of Dorian Gray" shows a character's moral decline leading to their downfall.
• Man in a Hole: In this arc, the character starts off in a good place, encounters trouble, and then works their way out of it. Example: "Alice in Wonderland" where Alice falls into a strange world but eventually returns home safely.
• Icarus: Named after the Greek myth, this arc involves a rise followed by a fall, often due to the character's hubris or overreaching. Example: "The Great Gatsby" where Gatsby's rise in society is followed by his tragic end.
• Cinderella: Similar to "Rags to Riches," but with an additional fall before the final rise, creating a "rise-fall-rise" pattern. Example: "Aladdin" where the character's initial rise is followed by a setback, and then a final triumph.
• Oedipus: This arc is the inverse of the "Cinderella" arc, showing a "fall-rise-fall" pattern. Example: "Oedipus Rex" where the character's initial fall is followed by a rise in knowledge, but ends in tragedy.
• The Hero's Journey: Popularized by Joseph Campbell, this arc involves a hero who goes on an adventure, faces a crisis, and then returns transformed. Example: "The Lord of the Rings" where Frodo's journey changes him forever.
• The Tragic Arc: This arc shows a character's fall from grace due to a flaw or mistake, leading to a tragic end. Example: "Macbeth" where the character's ambition leads to his downfall.
• The Comedy Arc: Often involving misunderstandings and mishaps, this arc leads to a happy ending where conflicts are resolved. Example: "A Midsummer Night's Dream" where the characters' troubles are humorously resolved.?
• The Rebirth Arc: This arc depicts a character's transformation and redemption, often involving a metaphorical or literal rebirth. Example: "A Christmas Carol" where Scrooge is redeemed and transformed by the end of the story.

These narrative arcs can be used in various combinations and complexities to create rich and engaging stories. Each arc offers a different emotional journey for the characters and the audience, contributing to the diversity of storytelling. ???

Sidenote: This might go without saying, but I would like to make it clear: Given that your personal essay audience is MBA admissions officers, you should only use narrative arcs with positive endings. The Tragic Arc isn’t going to help gain you admission anywhere. Therefore, in the next parts of this prompt stacking exercise, you should only consider using the Rags to Riches, Man in a Hole, Cinderella, The Hero’s Journey, The Comedy Arc, or The Rebirth Arc in your application essays.?

Part 3:

My Question: I am a prospective business school student writing an admissions essay for my Yale School of Management application about my current career in nursing and why I want to pivot to consulting. Can you please create a template for an essay that uses The Hero’s Journey, popularized by Joseph Campbell, as the narrative arc, and a Circular Structure as the essay structure to help me write my personal essay? (See: Microsoft 365 Copilot MBA App Prompt 7: Use a flashback structure in your MBA admissions essays to flaunt your expertise for more information about types of essay structures.)

Microsoft 365 Copilot Response: Absolutely, I'd be happy to help you craft a template for your admissions essay using The Hero's Journey as the narrative arc and a Circular Structure for the essay structure. Here's a structured outline that you can use to frame your essay:

Title: From Healing Hands to Strategic Minds: A Nurse's Journey to Consulting

Introduction

• Hook: Start with a compelling anecdote from your nursing career that encapsulates the essence of your journey.
• Thesis Statement: Briefly introduce the transition from nursing to consulting, hinting at the transformative journey.

The Ordinary World

• Background: Describe your current role in nursing, highlighting your responsibilities and the skills you've developed.
• Satisfaction: Explain what you enjoy about nursing and the impact you've made on patients' lives.

The Call to Adventure

• Realization: Share the moment you realized you wanted to make a broader impact beyond individual patient care.
• Motivation: Discuss your desire to solve complex problems and contribute to healthcare on a systemic level.

Refusal of the Call

• Doubt: Acknowledge any initial doubts or fears about leaving a familiar and rewarding career.
• Comfort Zone: Reflect on the comfort and stability that nursing provides, and the challenge of stepping into the unknown.

Meeting the Mentor

• Guidance: Mention any mentors or experiences that encouraged you to explore consulting.
• Insight: Share the advice or insights that resonated with you and sparked your interest in business and strategy.

Crossing the Threshold

• Decision: Describe the moment you decided to pursue an MBA and transition into consulting.
• Action: Explain the steps you've taken to prepare for this change, such as researching the field or developing new skills.

Tests, Allies, and Enemies

• Challenges: Outline the challenges you've faced in balancing your current job with your future aspirations.
• Support: Highlight the support you've received from colleagues, friends, or family.
• Obstacles: Discuss any obstacles that have tested your resolve and how you've overcome them.

Approach to the Inmost Cave

• Preparation: Detail how you've prepared for the business school application process.
• Self-Reflection: Share what you've learned about yourself during this journey.

The Ordeal

• Application: Describe the process of applying to business school as a significant test of your commitment.
• Growth: Reflect on how this experience has challenged you to grow personally and professionally.

The Reward

• Acceptance: Envision the moment of acceptance into Yale SOM as a reward for your hard work and determination.
• Validation: Explain how this achievement would validate your decision to pivot to consulting.

The Road Back

• Transition: Anticipate the transition from nursing to business school and the challenges it may bring.
• Application: Discuss how you plan to apply your nursing experience to your studies and future career.

The Resurrection

• Transformation: Imagine the transformation you'll undergo during your MBA program.
• New Perspective: Describe the new perspective you'll gain on healthcare and business.

Return with the Elixir

• Future Vision: Articulate your vision for the future, combining your nursing background with consulting expertise.
• Impact: Explain how you plan to make a meaningful impact in healthcare through consulting.

Conclusion

• Full Circle: Bring the essay full circle by connecting your future goals with the opening anecdote.
• Final Thought: End with a powerful statement about your commitment to this new path.

This template provides a structured approach to your essay, ensuring that you cover all aspects of The Hero's Journey while maintaining a circular narrative. Remember to personalize each section with your unique experiences and insights. Good luck with your application to Yale School of Management! ??