Prompt 17 (Spooky Season Edition 2): Face your fears regarding your MBA application imperfections by perfecting your optional essay

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Here’s another scenario that tends to scare prospective MBA students: Using the optional essay feature to explain any blemishes in your application. In this second edition of As Donna Bauman , Senior MBA Admissions Counselor with Stratus Admissions Counseling , said best, “This is not the place to add another main essay. If you had a particularly difficult semester academically, it could be helpful to share some context for what was happening in your life during this time. If you have a six-month gap in your resume, provide some details to help the admissions team understand your situation.” (Source: Optional Essay Dos and Don’ts )

Acknowledging flaws may feel like the end of the world, but in the end, optional essays can be the difference between getting into their dream school and getting waitlisted. As smartly stated by Ellin Griffin Lolis , President of Ellin Lolis MBA Consulting , “Done well, these essays can provide the additional context needed to give your application the edge it needs.” (Source: Your Complete Guide to Optional and Reapplicant MBA Essays )?

Prompt 17 Format

Part 1:

Please ideate a list of [insert number] reasons someone’s business school application might get rejected along with [insert number] of ways a candidate could address each weakness in their application.?

Part 2:

Using [insert thinking style], please ideate a list of [insert number] possible reasons [insert Prompt 17 Part 1 Response] and list [insert number] ways the candidate can explain why each reason occurred and why the candidate is still qualified to attend the business school.??

Part 3:

Please write an essay in the [insert person] using [insert appeal style] using [insert voice] for the target audience of [insert target audience], explaining [insert Prompt 17 Part 2] using the following story template and removing all template titles and references to the [insert Narrative Arc type. See the previous newsletter edition Microsoft 365 Copilot MBA App Prompt 10: Unearth the narrative arc that accentuates your accomplishments to MBA admissions officers to learn more about different narrative arc types you can use]:?

[For this essay, I choose the insert narrative arc:] Hero Story Arc:

• Adversity faced: [insert reason for Prompt 17 Part 1 response included above]
• Act 1 Call to Adventure: [insert explanation of beginning of undergraduate journey]?
• Act 2 Trials and Tribulations: [insert adversity faced]
• Act 3 The Transformation: [insert how adversity faced impacted you]
• Act 4 Return with Wisdom: [insert how you overcame adversity faced]
• Conclusion: [how you graduated with undergraduate degree]

Prompt 17 Example

Part 1:

My Question: Please ideate a list of 10 reasons someone's business school application might get rejected, along with 2 ways a candidate could address each weakness in their application.

Microsoft Copilot : Certainly! Here's a list of 10 reasons someone's business school application might get rejected, along with 2 ways a candidate could address each weakness in their application:

• Insufficient academic qualifications: Ways to address: Take additional coursework or pursue relevant certifications to demonstrate academic readiness. Highlight relevant academic achievements, projects, or research work in the application essays.
• Weak standardized test scores: Ways to address: Invest time in rigorous test preparation, including practice exams and targeted study materials. Highlight other strengths in the application, such as leadership experience or exceptional achievements, to compensate for lower test scores.
• Limited or irrelevant work experience: Ways to address: Seek out internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities to gain relevant experience in the desired field. Emphasize transferable skills acquired from non-traditional work experiences and highlight their applicability to business education.
• Inconsistent career goals: Ways to address: Clearly articulate short-term and long-term career goals and explain how the business school's program will help achieve them. Seek guidance from industry professionals or career advisors to refine and align career goals with the program's focus.
• Poorly written essays: Ways to address: Seek feedback from professors, mentors, or professional writers to improve essay structure, coherence, and clarity. Use concrete examples and personal anecdotes to support claims and demonstrate a strong connection between experiences and aspirations.
• Weak letters of recommendation: Ways to address: Approach recommenders who can speak to specific accomplishments and strengths, providing them with clear guidelines and relevant information. Offer to draft a recommendation letter for the recommender, highlighting key points they can then customize and personalize.
• Inadequate research and understanding of the program: Ways to address: Conduct in-depth research on the business school's curriculum, faculty, alumni network, and unique opportunities. Connect with current students, alumni, or attend information sessions to gain firsthand insights and demonstrate genuine interest.
• Limited extracurricular involvement: Ways to address: Get involved in leadership roles within student organizations, clubs, or community initiatives to demonstrate initiative and teamwork skills. Highlight any relevant personal hobbies or side projects that showcase passion, creativity, or a well-rounded skill set.
• Negative reputation or ethical concerns: Ways to address: Take proactive steps to address and rectify any past ethical concerns, such as demonstrating involvement in community service or ethics-related initiatives. Seek recommendations from respected individuals who can vouch for personal growth and ethical conduct since the incidents.
• Failure to meet application deadlines or requirements: Ways to address: Set up a calendar and establish a timeline to ensure all application components are completed well in advance of the deadline. Double-check and review the application requirements multiple times to avoid any oversights or errors.

It's important to note that while these suggestions can help address certain weaknesses in an application, each candidate's situation is unique. It's advisable to seek guidance from mentors, admissions consultants, or university resources for personalized advice and strategies based on individual circumstances.

Part 2:

My Question: Using synthesis thinking, please ideate a list of 10 possible reasons a business school candidate's GPA is lower than average and list 2 ways the candidate can explain why each reason occurred and why the candidate is still qualified to attend the business school.

Microsoft Copilot : Certainly! Here's a list of 10 possible reasons a business school candidate's GPA is lower than average, along with two ways the candidate can explain why each reason occurred and why they are still qualified to attend the business school:

• Challenging personal circumstances: Explanation 1: The candidate faced significant personal challenges, such as health issues or family responsibilities, which affected their ability to fully focus on academics. They can provide details of the circumstances and demonstrate resilience and determination to overcome those challenges. Explanation 2: Despite the difficult circumstances, the candidate managed to show improvement in their academic performance over time, highlighting their ability to persevere and excel even in adverse situations.
• Transitioning to a new educational system: Explanation 1: The candidate transferred from a different educational system, which resulted in an initial adjustment period and impacted their GPA. They can explain the differences in grading criteria, curriculum, or teaching methods and emphasize their ability to adapt and perform well in the new system. Explanation 2: Highlight specific achievements or courses where the candidate demonstrated their ability to excel, despite the initial challenges of adapting to a new educational environment. This demonstrates their potential and ability to succeed in a business school setting.
• Overcommitment to extracurricular activities: Explanation 1: The candidate was highly involved in extracurricular activities, such as leadership roles, community service, or entrepreneurial ventures, which required substantial time and dedication. They can explain the valuable skills gained from these experiences, such as leadership, teamwork, and time management, that will contribute to their success in a business school environment. Explanation 2: Provide examples of specific achievements or impact resulting from their extracurricular involvement, showcasing their ability to balance multiple responsibilities and demonstrate leadership qualities that will benefit the business school community.
• Work commitments and professional development: Explanation 1: The candidate was concurrently working in a demanding job or pursuing professional development opportunities, which limited their availability for academic pursuits. They can highlight the skills, knowledge, and insights gained from their work experience that will enhance their contributions to the business school classroom. Explanation 2: Demonstrate how the practical experience gained from their job or professional development activities complements and enriches their academic knowledge, showcasing their ability to apply real-world insights to business school discussions and projects.
• Academic exploration and interdisciplinary interests: Explanation 1: The candidate deliberately pursued a diverse range of courses and disciplines to explore their intellectual curiosity and develop a well-rounded perspective. They can emphasize the interdisciplinary knowledge and unique insights gained, which will contribute to their ability to think critically and approach business challenges from different angles. Explanation 2: Highlight specific courses or projects where the candidate excelled or demonstrated a passion for interdisciplinary studies, illustrating their ability to connect different fields of knowledge and contribute to a multidimensional learning environment.
• Language barriers or international student challenges: Explanation 1: English is not the candidate's first language, which initially presented challenges in terms of language proficiency and academic communication. They can describe the efforts made to improve language skills and their commitment to continuous learning and growth. Explanation 2: Highlight instances where the candidate successfully overcame language barriers to excel academically or contributed valuable perspectives during class discussions, showcasing their determination, adaptability, and multicultural competence.
• Academic interests evolving over time: Explanation 1: The candidate initially pursued a different academic path or major that did not align with their true interests or strengths, which affected their performance. They can explain the realization of their true passion for business and their subsequent commitment and dedication to improving their academic performance in relevant coursework. Explanation 2: Demonstrate specific actions taken to enhance their knowledge and skills in the field of business, such as relevant internships, independent research, or participation in business-related projects or competitions, highlighting their proactive efforts to align their academic pursuits with their true interests.
• Learning disabilities or special needs: Explanation 1: The candidate faced learning disabilities or special needs that required additional support or accommodations, impacting their academic performance. They can highlight the strategies employed to overcome these challenges and emphasize their determination and resilience in pursuing their education. Explanation 2: Provide examples of academic achievements or projects where the candidate effectively utilized their unique strengths and talents, despite the challenges posed by their learning disabilities or special needs, demonstrating their ability to thrive and contribute in a business school environment.
• Initial adjustment to the rigorous academic environment: Explanation 1: The candidate initially struggled to adapt to the rigorous academic standards and workload of their undergraduate program. They can showcase their growth mindset and learning trajectory, describing how they gradually improved their study habits, time management, and overall academic performance. Explanation 2: Highlight specific instances where the candidate overcame academic challenges, such as achieving higher grades in upper-level courses or receiving positive feedback from professors, indicating their ability to excel and thrive in a demanding academic environment.
• Lack of academic guidance or mentorship: Explanation 1: The candidate faced a lack of academic guidance or mentorship during their undergraduate studies, which impacted their academic performance. They can explain how they sought out resources and took initiative to seek guidance from professors, advisors, or peers to overcome this obstacle and improve their academic standing. Explanation 2: Showcase instances where the candidate proactively sought out opportunities for academic growth, such as conducting independent research, presenting at conferences, or participating in academic competitions, indicating their passion for learning and commitment to academic excellence.

Remember, it's important for candidates to provide genuine explanations and evidence of their strengths, growth, and potential, while also acknowledging and addressing any weaknesses or challenges they may have faced. By presenting a compelling narrative and showcasing their qualifications, candidates can demonstrate their readiness and potential to excel in a business school environment.

Part 3:

My Question: Please write an essay in the first person using an active voice using pathos for the target audience of business school admissions directors explaining that challenging personal circumstances resulted in a lower GPA than average using the following HERO arc story template and removing all template titles and references to the HERO story arc:?

HERO story arc: [Please note the answers I have made up the answers provided below to showcase this example. I am very blessed and lucky to say my father is alive and well.]

• Adversity faced: [My father died during my sophomore year of college, which led to my GPA plunging to a 2.0]
• Act 1 Call to Adventure: [I excitedly began my first year at the University of New Hampshire and wanted to help change lives by becoming a teacher.]?
• Act 2 Trials and Tribulations: [My freshmen year, my dad was diagnosed with cancer and he died my sophomore year.]
• Act 3 The Transformation: [I became depressed and went to counseling.]
• Act 4 Return with Wisdom: [In his honor, I decided to persevere and finished college with a 2.9. ]
• Conclusion: [I graduated and overcame the adversity of losing my father.]

Microsoft Copilot :

Losing My Anchor, Rising Strong

During my first year at the University of New Hampshire, I embarked on a journey fueled by a burning desire to change lives through the noble profession of teaching. Excitement filled my heart as I stepped onto the campus, brimming with dreams of making a difference. Little did I know that the tides of life were about to sweep me into a tempestuous storm that would challenge every ounce of my strength.

In the midst of my freshman year, a devastating blow struck my world. My father, my rock and guiding light, was diagnosed with cancer. Actively battling this merciless disease, he clung to life with unwavering determination. However, the weight of his illness pressed upon my shoulders, and the burden intensified during my sophomore year when he succumbed to its grasp. As I watched his light extinguish, my world turned bleak and my academic journey faltered.

Grief enveloped me like a suffocating cloak, and the shadow of depression cast its long reach into my life. I found myself caught in a whirlpool of sorrow and hopelessness, struggling to navigate the turbulent waters that threatened to engulf me. Recognizing the gravity of my emotional state, I sought solace in the embrace of counseling. Through their guidance, I began to untangle the knots of despair, slowly finding my way back to solid ground.

In the face of adversity, I summoned the strength to honor my father's memory and rediscover my purpose. With newfound resilience, I harnessed every ounce of determination to persevere, refusing to let the dark storm define my future. Though my GPA bore the scars of those challenging years, I graduated from college, having weathered the tempest, with a cumulative score of 2.9.

Today, as I stand before you, I bear the marks of a battle fought valiantly. The journey has transformed me, molding my character, and imparting upon me a profound appreciation for the fragility of life. Through it all, my unwavering commitment to learning and growth has endured, igniting a fire within me to rise above adversity and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

I share this story not to elicit sympathy or excuses but to offer an unfiltered glimpse into the depths of my resilience and unwavering determination. I am not defined by my lower GPA but by the strength and resilience that emerged from the crucible of my experience. I have learned to navigate turbulent waters, to find light in the darkest of nights, and to emerge stronger from the ashes.

As I embark on the next chapter of my academic journey, pursuing an MBA, I do so not only with a hunger for knowledge and success but also with a burning desire to honor my father's legacy. I am confident that the challenges I have faced have instilled in me a profound sense of empathy, resilience, and determination. Armed with these qualities, I am ready to contribute to the vibrant community of business leaders and bring a unique perspective born from the depths of my personal journey.

In conclusion, my GPA may reflect a momentary struggle, but it does not define my potential or my unwavering commitment to success. I stand before you as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and resilience. With gratitude for the lessons learned and a heart brimming with ambition, I am prepared to chart a course toward academic excellence and make a lasting impact as a member of your esteemed institution.