Ivy League Admission: 180 Successful Business School (MBA) Essays Naney L. Nolan, Ph.D.Ivy League Admission: 180 Successful Business School (MBA) Essays Nancy L. Nolan, Ph.D. First Edition Magnificent Milestones, Inc., FloridaCopyright 2006. Nency L. Nolan, Ph.D. ‘Alrights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by eny information storage and reiieval ‘system wihout written permission ftom the author, except forthe inclusion of brit quotations in a roviow. Elecitonic and CD-ROM versions published by: ‘Magnificent Miestones, In, Post Office Box 100583 aim Bay, Florida 32510 ‘worn eyleaguendmission com CDROM Edition 10-digi ISBN 0977376443 13-cigit ISBN 9780977376445 PDF Version 10-digit ISBN 0977376494 13-digit ISBN 9780977376490 Printed inthe United States of America Discsimers (41) Tis book is a compton of successful adnission essays: oot nol cai tobe the dfritve word on the aubjet of MBA admission. The opinions exes are the personal absavatons of the author basen hee on experiance They are nol inna to prejutice any pat. Accordngy, We anor and pubssher donot socept any ey or responsibly fr any lees or damage that have boon cao, or alleged to have been eaubed, rough the use of Information nts Bock {2} Admission to business school depends on sever! factors h edion loa candidate's essays (aciding GPA, test Scores, nlervew and releence ltrs) The author and pusher cannot aranise tat any applica wit be asi to ny spade senoal or program (s)he follows te formation in hs bookDedication For students evorynhors; may the size of our dreams be exceeded only by your tenacity to attain them,Acknowledgements |/am deeply indebted to the students, professors and admissions officers who have shared thei perceptions {and frstraions about admissions essays. This book, which was wrtlen on your behalf, wousé not be nearly 2 powerful without your generous and insightful input | also want to thank my colleagues at weww.ivyleaqueadission com for provicing @ constant source of suppont, along withthe best editorial help in the business.Ivy League Admission: 180 Successful Business School (MBA) EssaysTable of Contents Introduction: The MBA Admission Process ‘The Role of Essays in the Admissions Decision Writing Tips ‘Common Pitfalls ‘Strengths to Highlight Successful Business School Essays: Discuss Your Post-MBA Goals Discuss Your Unique Contribution to the Schoo! ‘ADecision You Wish You Could Change Evaluate Your Candidacy as an Admissions Officer What are Your Outside Interests? Discuss Your Most Challenging / Difficult Professional Relationship Describe How You Handled an Ethical Dilemma Discuss a Challenging Team Experience How Would You Resolve a Team impasse? Discuss Your Strengths & Weaknesses Describe a Typical Day Discuss the Most Difficult Constructive Feedback You Have Received What matter Most To You? Why? ‘Addendum to Explain a Low GPA How You Would Spend a tilion Dollar Gift ‘An Historical Event You Would Have Like to Have Attended Cover Letter for MBA Admissions Commmitise Leadership Experience Write Your Annual Performance Review Defining Moment Situation in Which You Falled Development of Foreign Markets Comment on the Following Quotation Discuss your Favorite Book or Fictional Character Discuss an Obstacle You Have Overcome How Would You Spend a Free Day? Formulate an e-Commerce Strategy for Your Company Creatively Describe Yourself to the Dean of the Business School ‘Addendum to Explain a Poor GMAT Score, Relevance of Market Forces & Government Regulation on Corporate Values Describe Something You Feel Passionate About Most Valuable Tangible/intangible Possessions ‘What it Means To Live in a Global Community Personal Characteristic You Would Like to Change How You Would Spend Four Extra Hours per Day Do Acadomic Grades Reflect True Potential? What Makes a Good Leader? Discuss Your Most Challenging / Difficult Professional Relationship Wish the Admissions Committoe Had Asked Mo Commitment to Political ActivismDiscuss Your Two Best Personal Attributes Discuss a Situation in Which You Questioned Your Values or Boliofs ‘Team Building & Selection ‘Why Our School? ‘Addendum to Explain Job Loss / Gotting Fired Pick Three Guests for a Formal Dinner Party What Would Surprise People About You? Resume Submitted with Application Addendum to Explain a Gap in Employment or Education ‘Addendum to Explain an Arrest / Criminal History Personal Background Best Mistake You Have Ever Made Discuss How You Introduced or Managed Change Role of Innovation in Management Models, Discuss an improvement / Impact You Made in an Organization ‘What is your Greatest Talent? Raised Overseas / Cross Cultural Experience Definition of Success. Ideal Role Models ‘Three Most Valued AccomplishmentsIntroduction: The MBA School Admission Process. FFor most studants, few processes ate es daunting 6s the MBA admissions process. Competition is flaroe at {op business schools, particulary in the presigious ivy League programs. Candidates must generally pass. {wo levels of screening tobe offered a seat in the cass: 4, The Numbers. Your GPA and G§MAT scores must exceed the minimum cutof level thatthe schoo! has imposed. Selectivity varies greatly among programs, which means that scores that are considered “great” at fone school may not be competitive at another. AS a.genoral rule, a suooessful candidate ata slate schoo! hhas a minimum GPA of 3.2 to 35, and a miniraum GMAT score of 690 650. At highly competitive programs, the cutoffs are as high es 3.75 and 700 for the GPA ané LSAT, respectively. Candidates whase numbers” fall blow these levels can sill gain acrission in special Greurnstances, but teir odds of succoss are greatly diminished, 2, Personal Strengths. Candidates whose "numbers" meat the school's expectations ae further evaluated {or thei personal i for business school. In the preinteview stage, this "is assessed from the applicant's ‘essays and reference letters. Without exception, these documents must highight the skils and tals that business schools covet, including honor, matuily, a So#d work ethic and exemplary communication skis, ‘A rest essay brings your "numbers" to Ife and provides a creative description of your performance and potential, 1 also proves eral information bout your personaly, ethics and integity thal st captured ‘anywhere elsewhere in the application, The BEST essays are shot, specific and insightful. They are waten by candidates who know what iney want and aren't afraid to go ate. Here is what the committee hopes to learn from your admission essays: a. Your specific quatications, inciting the depth of your academic and professional experiences '. Your unique tats that aren't covered anywhere olse in the application «Your demonstrated commiunent to pursuing an MBA 4. How you compare to other candidates with siniar aspirations How Personal Statements are Used in the Admissions Process ‘The most typical question we are asked about personal statements is how they are used in the aamissions process. AS a general rue, they supplement the primary admissions criteria, which are your GPA and GMAT score. In highly compettive programs, the applicant pool can quickly be sorted into three categories: 2. candidates with excellent grades and test scores: gaod chance of admission . candidates who aro borderline cases: application is compotive, but not outstanding © candidates with low grades and disappointing test scores: poor chenee of aamission Unfortunstely, it you fal info category €, even a great personal statement may not save you from rejection Ina highly eompetiive appicent poo, schools usually screen out lesser qualified applicants by imposing 2 mminitaum *cutof? for GPA and test scores. Although an essay can “explain” 2 ciseppoining academic performance, it usually cannot compensate fori There ae limits to how much leeway we can give fo a ‘candidate who does nol present Sold track record of success. In contrast, essays from candidates in category a are usually disaster checks. These applicanis have ‘exceptional grades, lest scores and impressive letiers of recommendation. On paper, they are everything Wwe are looking for. Their parsonal statoments must 2, explain their motivation and goals . document their character, integrity and work ethic, For candidates in category a (excellent grades and test scores), bat or medioere essays can be extremely harmful. in a highty competitve applicant pool, cach piace of the admissions puzzie (GPA, GMAT score, essays, references) must "i" together in @ cohesive manner to show us who you are and whal you have to offer. if your essay is poorly written, or reveals a lack of focus and dedication, the comaittee wil be less likely to tako a chance on you,‘Surprisingly, nearly 70% ofthe applicant poo! falls into category b, or borderine. These candidates have Ccompettive grades and test scores, but are otherwise not cistingulshable from others with similar ‘numbers. “Their acceptance or rejection often hinges on an exceptional intrinsic quality that captures our interest and makes a postive impression. In some cases, this can be their commitment to family, their dedication to ‘communty service or ther ably to overcome an obstacle. A persuasive essay that discusses a candidate's passion (and how (s)he plans to use that ski in the future) can make or break hisiher application, it Drovides the final piece ofthe "puzzle" thatthe comenttee needs to become excited sbout the applicant Writing Tips In a typical day, an MBA admissions officer will read between 2 and 50 essay sets rom condidates eround the wodd. Vinal makes @ positive impression? Passion, Sincerity. Insight about yourseff and the world around you. From our experience, a great essay can take any number of forms; since no two candidates sre ake, their ‘personal statements wor't be, either. The only "magic formula is honesty: you must have the courage fo Feveal your true personaly, whatover that may be. Shaw us who you are and what you wil bring to our program. Show us the contribution that only you can make, \We surveyed thiry acmission officers on what they expect to see in business school essays. Here's what ‘works: 1. Answor the question that was asked, Many candidates try to dodge tough questions, particularly tose shout ethical issues, personal weaknesses and failure. Yet the commities asks these questions for a reason, We want to understand how you respond to adversity and the specific insights you develope from those ‘experiences. Answor the tough questions honestly and drocly. Don't ty to soll us the afi “eanned™ Fesponse you think we want to heat. 2. Write naturally, but concisely. Use simple sentence structure and your normal everyday vocabulary Don't waste time on fancy introductions; get to the point quickly and reinforce it with speciic examples. 3. Use excellent grammar and punctuation. Use logical paragraph breaks to soparste your thoughts and {To make the essay easier to read, Prootread your work caretuly before sensing tin. Dont let simple carelessness ruin your chances, 4. Show your real personality (let us got to know you). Too mary essays are long, boring theoretical pieces about politcs, the economy or complex business issues. No matter how well mrtten oF researched, thoy cont tellus a dam thing about the candidate, Anyone can wite 2 rational, detached Paper, but that's ot what we are looking for. We want to get o know you and the unique contribution you will make to our school 5. Personalize your essay as much as possible. Write about your own unique, funny, interesting ‘exporionces, Provide details to add color- Adopt relaxed, conversational style. 6, Use humor only if t works. Feu people can write humorous prose or recount func experiences effectively. you have this gif, by all moans use I. Before sending us a “unny” essay, though, have several ‘ferent people read your material to make sure comes across well on pager. AvoX! anything off-color oF mean-spirited 7. Convey a positive message (avoid cynicism). Many applicants choose to dscuss a misfortune they have experienced and how it shaped thei personality. Be very careful of your tone f you decide to write about @ hard-hick story. Avoid the "vieimization perspective and focus on how you overcame the situation ‘Show us how the experience helped you to demonstrate your stamina, perseverance and inetigence. if ‘wilten vel, these essays show us that you can succeed inthe face of terible obstacles. If walle badly, you may sound planiive, sl/-ighteous and biter. £8. Use the active voice. Nothing is more tedious than tring to read an essay wrlten in the cold, detached ‘passive voice. While popuiat wih scientists who publish in technical journals itis pretentious and verbose in ‘everyday wing, Keep your vetbs simple end acive, What's the diference? ‘Active Voice: The cow jumped over the moon, Passive Voice: The moon was jumped aver by the cow.Yes, sounds that sily when you use it, too! 9. Explain events whenever appropriate. Many of your accomplishments are of interest to the committee because of why you tackled them, wat you thought abou! thom and what you leemed. Tellus the reasoning behind your decision and how your life changed as # result ofthe exporionce. 410, Be specific and focused. Rether than listing several lems or events, give a full daserintion of just one. “Tho more details you include, the more personal your essay wil be. 111, Proofread several times and get feedback from valued sources. Explain o them what you hope to convey in your wating and ask whether you met your objectives. The true test of your writing isnt what you Intended 'o say, bul what the reader actually understands. 12, Revise and polish unt itis perfect. Give yourself encugh time to do the statement wel. Successful applicants usually invest several hours deciding the correct approach, constructing an outline and writing & frst draft. You ray have to write and revise multiple drafts before you are satisfied with your essay. Common Pitfalls to Avoid 41. Don't let anyone else tell you what to writs, Well meaning parents and advisors often intorfore in the wring process, which tends to sabotage the candidate's chances. Use your own best judgment in choosing 2 topic and wing your essay. Don let anyone ise inluence you. We read thousands of essays each year, ‘and have developed a keen eye for authenbcty 2. Don't oversell yourself or try too hard. Many candidates manage to squeeze every accomplishment theyVve ever had into a single one-page essay. Others explain omphatically how much thoy “really, really” ‘want fo attend our school. Dont take such a desperate approach, just be yourset, 3. Don't rehash information that can be found elsewhere in the application. We already know your GPA. GMAT scores, academic awards and hono:s. Use your limited essay space to discuss experiences thet rent revealed anywhere else. Consider your essay to be an informal interview. your exclusive “one-on- ‘one" time with the commities. Show us why we should accept you into our academic community 4. Don't write a scholarly or technical paper. The essay is your opportunity to demonstrate your non 2cademic srencths, paticustly your personaly. Don't waste the opportunity to let us get to know the rea you. 5. Resist the urge to write a manipulative or argumentative essay on a controversial issue. Bo ‘orignal. Each year, we receive hundreds of essays thal discuss the horrs of nuciear proferation and the dangers of global warming. Sadi. they dont tel us anything we don't already know. If you choose to discuss ‘2 meaningful issue, do so in tho context of your demonstrated commitment to change tether through your ‘career or voluntear work. Dont confuse passive idealism (or future intentions) with productive action. A demonstrated commitment toe cause is worth writing about; passive idealsm isnot 6. Don'tiry to explain blemishes on your record. With rare exceptions, it's impossible to explain poor ‘grades and test scores without sounding irresponsibie or defensive. Nether wil enhance your admissions ‘chances. Ifyou have @ compeling excuse for an acadamie deappointment, place itina separate addendum {o your fl, rather than in the body of an essay or personal statement 7. Don't use largo, protentious words. Uso the simplest possible language to explain your meaning precisely. Using three-collar words fo impress the commitie usually backfires, 2s lt comes across 35, presumptuous and arrogant £8, Don’t be boring and safe; tel a real story! A fresh and wellriten essay wil enhance your credentials ‘and aid your application eff 8. Don’tlle oF exaggerate, Applicants seldom realize how easy its to detec os and halt-ruths in ‘admissions essays. ort pretend io be someone you are not. After reading your fle, committee members have an excellent Yee" for your charecter and can tell when 9 reported event or achievernent ist consistent ‘withthe rest of your history. Lying lea fatal mistake A Single misropresantaton on your application wil lead Us fo doubt al of your other assertions.40. Don't be gimmicky. Avoid using definitions to begin your essay. This crulch was extremely popular ia the late 90's, but s now synonymous with sloppy writing, Avoid using cule or “meaningfu? quotations, unless ‘hey perfectly ft the character and tone of your essay. Quotations are terific if they are soldom-quoted and deeply relevant fo your chosen topic. Al too often, though, ther usage is ciche and the resulting essay is unimaginative, 11. Don't play games with the word jimit. Don’t use a miniscule type size or invisible border to shink an ‘essay tothe stipulated length, Except in exireme circumstances, your finished essay should adhere to the ‘maximum word mt. In many cases, ess Is more, Corvoy your points quickly and efficiently: dori fee! obligated to "ir exra space, ‘Strengths to Highiight Your essays MUST omphasize the intrinsic traits thet the committee seeks in the admissions process. Due to the high ethical standards and evel of crial thinking that are expected in global business, your character {’nd motivation will be highly scruinized by the selection commites, Use the essay Set to sell your wate sel, not just the individual pieces that you think the schoo! wants fo soe, ‘Admissions offcers seek the following rats in MBA applicants: ambition maturity diplomacy honesty independence ‘communication skills creativity passion strong personal ethics confidence humor perseverance ‘To whatever extent possible, ou should build your essays eround the achievements and experiences that have enabied you to cultivate and display these strengtts. This 's your only chance to sell yourself, use i for everything that ifs worth “The essays of successful applicants wil probably surprise you. They sre seldom acadonic in nature, and may seem risky o candidates who feel compelled io assume a fese (or misleading) persona forthe. ‘committee's benefit. That's why studying the essays is s0 valuable. They reveal the heart and soul of each ‘writer and demonstrate what (s)he would add to the business scnoo| cla. ‘These candidates wore accepted because they caught the eye (and captured the heart) of a receptive _aximissions officer. They have accomplisied what you are ying fo do. Before you put pen to paper to write your ovm essays, read on!Successful Business School Essays “The following collection of essays offers three cfferent responses to 60 diferent busines schoo! application questions. Collectively, they show the many diferent ways thal candidates have presented thei ‘achievements and goais in a creative (end effective) manner. Please use the essays as guidance and Inspiration for your avm orginal wating. Post MBA Goals ‘This applicant was accepted by the folowing business schools: Harvard Business School and Northwestom University (Kellogg). ‘As an actress and stagehand for the New York Civic Theatre, lam commited toa career in the entertainment business. Over the past twelve years, | have worked on every aspect of set design and production, mastering the endless technical challongos tat lve theatre presents. Consequenty, | am equally comfortable constructing sets, sewing costumes, stinging bghts and runving lines with fermous clots, Even after all these years, | have not lost mi passion forthe business. sil get goose bumps on ‘opening ight when! watch the combined energy ofthe production company come together forthe frst timo in front of ive audience. I carit imagine feoling ted alter an hour day, as my job i enormous fun ‘As much as | enjoy my workin production, 1am equaly interested in the other aspects ofthe business: how ‘shows are financed, how authors are compensated, and how the theatre makes money. Clearly, many people contribute othe financial success ofthe acting and production troupe at Sth and Broadway. BY learning more about the businass behind my ar, I wl be better prepared to assume a managerial or ‘administrative roe, \also acknonfedge my need to become more knowedgeable about viable entertainment alternatives 10 Broadway shons. Other than fours, who devour lve entertainment, those outside Now York Ciy tend to Perceive the theatre 2s old-ashioned and relevant. Since few successful shows do wel on the national touring circu, my beloved artform may wel be ints decning stage. Consequently, Ive concluded tha for meny dedicated theatrical professional, the future wil be elsewhere. {Lam eager to acquire the business expertise to navigate the anticipated changes in the enteriainment industry. In afew years, our industry wil be forced to adapt tothe tastes of the MTV generation, who favor alternative forms of entertainment such as movies, television, ive intemet feed and pay-per-view offerings, | ‘want tobe prepared fortis transformation. To whatever extent possible, | hope to take a proactive ole in Converting our most successful products 16 video, DVD, and the emerging satelite television business. Tm ot certain whal role conventional theatre wall have in twenty-first century enteriainment, bu | want fo be positioned as leader in he fied, who has the sils and flenbilty to thrive in a apy changing evironment. Post MBA Goals, This applicant was accepted by the folowing business schools: University of Pennsyvania (Wharton) and [Northwesier Universiy (Kellogg) Blessed nith a strong eatreprenoural spirit, | see potential business opportuiles in situations that mast People donot. Alter business schoo, | wil use my training and enthusiasm to develop the tourism industry in Singapore, which provides the lion's share ofthe county’ rational income. Despite ls sols roputaion vith European tourists, Singapore fails fo altract young American visitors tothe area. Sadly, mary ‘Americans do not realize the benelis ofthe region incuding beautiful beaches, a temperate climate, a rch sense of history and close proximity toa thiving business district. While in business School, {wll continue {oinvestigate 2 novel idea to market the Singapore region lo Armesican college students, ‘My dream sto start a student-run business that leverages my familiarity wih the Singapore economy with my desire lo help American students stat thelr own businesses and joint ventures in Singapore. My em vail ‘co-ordinate tmo-week visits from American students to Singapore, which wil be filed with cultural, Business{and recreational activities. My goa! isto provide each dient with a realistic experience of Wie in Singapore, including an orentation to he business climate and iving conditions. In rigorous brainstorming sessions, students con learn unique ways to market thei products and services in the burgeoning Asian market. My preliminary esearch suggests that this type of service would be highly beneficial to both the students and the Singapore economy. By holding the sessions during off-season, the local hotels and restaurants wll make money during @ Waditonally siow season. By promoting potential joint ventures between participants, ‘ill also create the potential or future esmings that would net otharwise exist At an corly age. young men ‘end viomen (al future business leaders) wil denify Singapore as a vibrant, exciting place to do business [My firm wil play an integral role in promoting the city to a new, highiy-educated group of people. To date, | have received overwhelmingly positive response to my ides. As | pursue my passion for business, {1am eager to learn ftom the experience and perspective of others. My two years at Wharton wil be ‘wonderful ime to identty, refine and pursue a number of ventures that willbe personally end professionally rewerding. My pursuit of each idea wil require painsteking research, as | determine the most eficint way to market and deliver my services. AS a true entrepreneur, | embrace this research as an essential ‘component of my success. In any venture its the critica ink between a terfic idea and a successtut execution. Post MBA Goals This apaticant was accepted by the following business schools: Northwestern University (Kellogg) and tho University of Chicago. ‘As a college student in the early 1980. | discovered my passion for technology. Wayne Stale University hhad one of the fest PCs in existence and | was datarmined to learn everything possible about how i worked. Fueled by 2 powerful sense of selteiance, | completed my degree in Business AdministrationIComputer ‘Science, which sparked 2 successful career selng financial software to government agencies and large Corporations. At the time, my role was largely educsbonal, as the sofware industry was ints infancy. For seven years, | eamed an excellent living (and exceeded several sales recorcs) by helping poop take advantage ofthe powerful Benefits of technology. Despite my financial success, | yearmed for more personal fulllment fom my career. Throughout ealege, | ‘worked in several hospital postions, including front desk operations, patient anspor. transeristion, bling and systems operations. In every localon, 1 noted a chronic need fora fast, reladle radiovogieat transcription service. in 1996, | formed Lightning Fast Scrips, which provides mexical ransezipton services 0:38 radiologists tyoughou! the Atlanta ares. Combining my talent for sales and miy knowiedge of health ‘ere edministration, my business has enjoyed explosive growh, In less than tan years, Lightning Fast ‘Sctps grew from a tiny one person fir to empioy 18 employees end generate $23 milion in anrwal sales {s the nner of the company, | manage the accounting, marketing, advertising, customer service and human resource functions. Many days, transcribe radiology reports alongside my employees. After 8 years, my business has eamed a reputation for provicing fast, honest and elable service in He heath core Community. Yet recent trends in the industry suggest thal our growth may be Knted by my lack of formal business raining. My largest competitors are large health care conglomerates with state-of-the-art expertise in marketing and advertising. By competing on price, they have became formigable opponents to my hometown, personalized approach. | want Lightning Fast Scripts tobe able to compete in this market, not just in 2006, but in 2116 and beyond. ‘An MBA from Chicago will provide the nuts-and-bols expertise in all aspects of growing a business, from Increasing my sales o projecing my income for 2 new revere stream. With formal taining in statecic planning, | can realistically evaluate alternative aspects for growth, such as franchising my concept or ‘offering my services to other medical specialists. Chicago has an enviable reputation of atracing ole, ‘more seasoned students than other highly competitive MBA programs, | 2m eager to tap into thet collective expertise to formulate my future plans, Utimetety, my long-term goals io develop my business in as heelthy a manner as possible. As an ‘employer, | hold the future of many fami inthe palm of my hand. Talso have 2 Vested interest in creating ew jobs and doing my part to expand the economy. Wh an MBA from Chicago, | wil earn more efficent ‘ways to deliver my services in an increesingly competlive market. In tur, | have numerous strengths to ‘offer your program. My entrepreneurial success, intellectual cufosity and health care experience wil ‘onitibut tothe diversity ofthe class and ulumately fo my success af a student. After a ifetme of‘reparation, | am ready to embrace everything that a Chicago MBA has to offer. Discuss Your Unique Contribution to our Schoo! This applicant was accepted by the folowing business schools: Harvard Business Schoo! and Duke Universty (Fugue) ‘My work as an organizatonal and management consuitant with Mobil Oi has given me an ideal portfobo of professional and personal skis to bring to business school. During my tino wilh the firm, [nave Used @ wide range of tools, concepts and theories o help teams analyze problems, deveiop solutions and build acton plans. On 2 réquiar bass, [help teams clanty ther valves to determine the roles and responsibilities of each member. By sharing my practical experience in organizational ard management Consulting, including my focus onthe impact ofa company’s leadership, culture and politics on is success, | vil provide an original perspective during class dscussions. it my muticuitural background, | wil also bring a wealth of team building experience in which members have different nationalties, styles, expecialions and reward systems. After years of intemational business travel, | am comfortable in any work or socal environment. AS a result, | am able to rocagrize and use individual ferences and cultural orm to motvete team members, By building ebical relationships based on honesty, trust, cespect and cooperation, | have bulk several high perlormance teams st Motil Ol {and I plan to do the same at Harvard Business School “Throughout my diverse experiences, | discovered thal my consulting and technical tools are only ‘successful in an environment of honesty and rust. For managers and employees lo achleve a common ‘objective they must be wlling to bulé ethical relationships in which all patios share their oncems, roams ‘and honest opinions. Without exceplion, al ofthe intangible strengths of @ great team, including creativity ‘and cooperation, depend on open communication. As 2 result, lam passionate about eeating an ‘environment that nurtures these strengths, | pride myself on developing teams that are strong enough to handle the pressures of large egos, contcting agendas, extemal resistance and negative feedback. I'am excited about the possibly of using ‘my sls to advance the entrepreneurial plans of my felow students. Once team members are committed 10 ‘achieving @ common goal, and are confident thal they have the uncondiional suppor of ther pees, the ossibilties for colaboratve innovation ae lines. Discuss Your Unique Contribution to our School This appticant was accepted by the following business schools: the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) and the Massachusetts Insitute of Technology (Sloan). ‘Wit nothing but the clothes on their backs, my parents fled Libera in 1983 and came to the United Stetes to provide ther chien with a beter Ife. As an adolescent, | vsited the nation and witnessed the cre poverty from which my parents had escaped, To my surprise, nearly everyone in Libera, including my ‘lderly grandmother, was a fledgling entrepreneur; they sold food, clothing and boiled water in an open-air market just to survive. During my surnmers in Libera, {eared thal my familys tiny merchandising business supported over fifty of my relatives. Their dead.ond existence forced mo to acknowledge how different my Ife would have been if my paronts had not moved to the US; | certainly would not have enjoyed the beneMs ‘of an educalion, Helping my extended family in Liberia became not simply my responstalty, but my personal ealing “Throughout high school and college, | organized and promoted charles that help impoverished faites, incuding tutoral programs for Liberian immigrant chilcren. After graduation, I worked as a team leader with Berkeley Cotaboraive, a non-profit organization that prepares lowincome middle schoo! students for success in college preparatory programs. As | performed my administrative and project ‘management cuties, l connacted dooply wth the students ond confied my desio to run & non-profit organization, Yet | siso acknowledged that my degree in International Business fom Harvard University id ‘ot provide me withthe expertise to resolve issues and implement new programs in a non-profit group.In early 2000, I joined Bank One as a business associate n the Secuties Lending Group. Through sbnts in strategic business planning, development, network management, investment products and ‘secures lencing, | learned how to implement now products, research market ends and develop action plans that improved performance. 1 developed my analytical abil by creating models to examine the effectiveness of the fms network of ninety afliates and depository banks. Although | am suopessful on 2 superficial evel, have dited from my original goal andthe activity that find moet fling: serring Underprivleged communities. As | advance in eorporete Ife, Ihave relained my commitment to helping ‘ters. When I envision my professional future, Tam eager fo channel my talanta and energy into non-profit ‘organizations that sid neglected communities, My motivation to obtain an MBA is two-fold: (1) to acquire the managerial expertise to run a non- proft enterprise, and (2) prepare myself for an eventual return to Liberia, where I wil stat a non-profit ‘organization to help entrepreneurs develop and grow ther businesses, Eventually, hope ta moke a ‘meaningful contribution tothe Liberian economy by ereating jobs and building @ spt of community, | ‘cannot imagine a better place to actieve these objecives thal al the University of Peansyvania. |Lam particulary attracted to Wharton's action-based approach to leszning, which will allow me to ‘epply what | learn to rea-fe sitvaions. Through a classes in business, economics and ublic policy, | wit learn about dectves that affect human welfare and the role in te development of successful nnproft ‘organizations. Through programs such as MAP (Multciscipinary Acton Projects) and XMMAP (Experimental Multiciscipinary Action Project), | wil work on teams to address erical business issues thal challenge non- Brofis. | wil also contribute to the efforts of non-profit groups in the ais by serving as a non-voling Bosra member as a Nonprofit Boerd Fellows ‘Yet my interest in Wharton is not purely professional, I will also contbute tothe schoots ‘educational climate by organizing an Atican Economie Forum o raise awareness about the trade sanctions Imposed in that region. Wit the suppor of the faculty, students and staf, I can promoto the benefits of free trade in my native continent. Ten years from now, | hope to run a non-profit group that provides technical assistance and economic resources to ensure the sef-suicency of Liberian entrepreneurs. As one of the Poorest countries in Arica, Liberia must learn how to produce and distribute ossontiel goods inthe marketplace. | am eager to play a pat in the nation's econo revival, to ensure a better future forts mext ‘gencraton. Discuss Your Unique Contribution to our School This applicant was accepted by the folowing business schools: the University of Chicago. During my six years in semiconductor research and development, | viscoveres mary exciting ways in which the confluence of biotechnology and wireless design may improve the quality of heath care. My tong-term goat i to combine my passion for technology and entrepreneurship into my own successful venlure that develops and markets innovative health care solutions in the global market. Besides being an intriguing technical challenge, the venture wil be a fuliling way to give back o the community. Following the completion of my MBA, | wil tke a phased approach to achieving this goat. lnmediately ater greduaton, 1 wll work for an early-stage vonture-capital frm that specializes m emerging ‘Semiconductor technologies, where | wil view the complet if-cycie oF the portfolio fms from concept to liquidity. Later, | wil lead a team of technoiogss to explore and develop the most viable products for use in the burgeoning health care industry. Armod with a soundly researched idea, a fm footing in the venture ‘capital business and a talented tam of professionals, | all be ready to embark an my own entreprencurial endeaver. ‘To make a seamless transition into the business arena, 1 must co-create @ program at Harvard that ‘supplements my technical expertise with business fundamentals. I wil use the flaxble course structure to ‘explore multiple areas of managoment, inducing Strategy, Entrepreneurial Finance and Organizational Behavior. By participating inthe Entrepreneurial Club's annual project competion, | wil apply these core ‘concepts to specific organizational objectives. Leveraging my engineering background, | wil also conduct Inlerciscipiinary research at the College of Engineering to determine the vebilty of my current tecnica ideas, {With its focus on entrepreneurship, Harvard offers an unparalleled opportunity to pitch and perfect ‘my ideas in @ competitive yet nurturing environment. To this end, plan to paricipae inthe Business PianCompetition and explore relevant networking opportunities inthe Entrepreneurial and Venture Capital Civbe, To hone my leadership skis, | wil aftend the Executive Sklls Workshop and assume leadership postions on team projects both inside and outside the classroom. These iiatives wil help me to develop my own leadership style and create a crisp professional image with my concentration in science and technology, | wll ring a fresh viewpoint tothe business world ‘and a erica! approach to standard concepts. Atong with providing 2 holistic view ofthe server industry, | wil bring to Harvard my extensive insights inte microprocessor design. As the moderator of my company’s technica reading group and as a speaker al Toastmasters, have learned how to innovate and lead in a ‘mutually rewarding environment. | hope to use these skis 2s = faiitalor In study groupe and 2s a pancist at business conferences. Harvard offers several ways for me to share my strengths and learn from the diverse experiences of my fellow classmates. By pursuing my oun ventures and supporting those of others, I ill fend my creative spark to a new werld of inavation You Could Change One Decision in Your Career, What Would It Be? ‘This applicant was accepted by the folowing business schools: Duke University (Fuqua) and the University of Vigin. ‘Three broken glasses, a demaged candle and blistering burn on my left hand. Despite the physical ccainage, | beamed vitn theatrical pride. At age twenty, | cuit sco! Yo work as @ magician wih the Cique {de Sole European troupe. The fac that | knew nothing about "magic" didnt deter me in the least. Atter soveral wecks of practicing the ticks in an entertainment magazine, | was finaly onthe ight track, Our seamstress made a beautiful cape for my debut, in which | dazziod iy altentve audience. Not even my mstake-on the floating gla tick could ruin the oy of my performance Alter my fst magic show, | was fascinated by my ably to enrapture an audience. Throughout my three years touring wih the Cirque | entertained over three hundred thousand people in eighteen ciflerent ‘countries. Our reception was phenomenal, particularly in india, where interpretive dance holds special religious significance. My job as @ traveling entertainer gavo me the chance to learn about dierent people ‘and culiures al over the lobe. ‘On my own intative, I hogan an aggressive self-education program to teach ‘myself Russien, Spanish, talan and Portuguese. With each new language, | opened my world to an entirely new set of people Despite the obvious benefits of my entertainment career, | eventually became restless with the nomadic lWestyle. At age twenty-four, lowned nothing but the cloves on my back anda endl of childhood dreams. Many goals, such a8 stating family and a business, could only be achieved by returning to college and finishing my degree. After three rewarding years with Cirque de Solel | retumed tothe United States and resumed my studies al Kansas Site University. Aller the inal clture shock of small town Ife, | eommmttes {omy stucies and graduated with honors. Looking back, | regret my decision to leave calleye for as long as I