MBA Application How to Write Persuasive Essay

ByteFive Info Solutions Pvt Ltd (Do not copy, sell or share the ebook without the written consent of ByteFive Info Solutions Pvt Ltd)

Buy 174 Page F1GMAT Essay Guide Greatest MBA Application Essay Tips

Now you understand the importance of context and how Business Schools evaluate

emotional intelligence. Let us dive into writing a compelling essay. This is the time

when you have to start creating a draft essay. The words and structure might not be

perfect but after this chapter, create a 500-word essay on Why you want do an

MBA.

With the word limit going down for most MBA application essays, applicants have

to be judicious with the use of words. The acceptance rate of top schools is in the 5-

8% range, and applicants cannot rely on the general advice that experts offer, and

stand out from the competition. They have to find strategies to be more persuasive.

We have created a five step process that would make the essays more persuasive:

Like -> Understand -> Agree -> Remember -> Act

1) Like

The first step in the process of persuasion is like. The AdCom member has to like

your profile, background, personality, or outlook towards life.

What makes an AdCom member like you?

a) Balanced Tone: With only written words available to the AdCom, to make a first

impression, applicants should ensure that the tone of the essay is balanced

confident but humble.

b) Respect Word Limit: The word limit should be respected even for open-ended

questions where word limit is not mentioned. As a safe bet, assume that the word-

limit is 500 words.

c) Precision: Dont beat around the bush. Answer the question first, and then

support it with good arguments. The last thing that you want to do is to bore an

AdCom. She might have read several essays in a row, and is eagerly looking for an

essay that is precise.



2) Understand

To understand you as a person, merely using fact-based essays would not help you.

The essay should be composed of words that portray emotions strong and weak. If

your worries and human nature is not presented, the AdCom cannot connect with

you or understand your position.

5 Easy Steps that will help you connect with the AdCom

a) When you explain circumstances, challenges and failures, use words that portray

emotions.

b) Explain your apprehensions about the outcome

c) Explain how you overcame your doubts

d) Cite individuals and circumstances that inspired you

e) When you cite public figures as inspiration, make sure that the AdCom member

recognizes them.

3) Agree

To agree with your actions and values, make sure that you describe your action

vividly so that the values are implicit in the action. AdCom member is not different

from other individuals who believe in fairness and other fundamental values.

For applicants, here is a list of values that you should consider. You dont have to

include instances where you have displayed all the values but pick values that truly

represent you as an individual.

Accountability

Adaptability

Alertness

Assertiveness

Balance

Boldness

Bravery

Calmness



Camaraderie

Cheerfulness

Clarity

Commitment

Compassion

Competence

Concentration

Confidence

Consistency

Conviction

Courage

Decisiveness

Determination

Diligence

Drive

Efficiency

Endurance

Ethics

Fairness

Faith

Firmness

Flexibility

Grace

Honesty

Humility

Inspiration

Integrity

Intuition

Keenness

Leadership

Open-mindedness

Passion

Perseverance

Professionalism

Resolve



Resourcefulness

Sincerity

Teamwork

Volunteering

4) Remember

For top Business Schools, the competition is intense, and no matter how precise and

well thought out your answers are, for AdCom to remember you as a person, you

have to develop a strategy that differentiates you from other applicants.

a) Story Telling

Story telling in essays is not the typical format that you follow in fiction or other

short stories. But compiling life events, setbacks, successes and influences in a story

format immediately gets the AdComs attention.

a) Focus on the positive

AdCom does not want to read fake positive stories but would love to read about a

positive journey even if it was marred by failures and setbacks. If the event changed

you as a person in a positive way, dont forget to mention that in your essays.

c) Shock

Shock element in your essay will help you gain attention. If you have read some

sample essays, you will have a fair understanding of the examples that applicants

normally use. An element of surprise in the essay will happen when you go against

the flow. Dont include typical examples that other applicants use. Read a few

samples essays and understand what other applicants are writing:

a) Make sure that you dont include such examples.

b) List 5 examples that are atypical

c) Now include examples where your values can be implicitly highlighted



5) Act

What influences an AdCom to shortlist your essay over other equally or better-

qualified applicants depend a lot on your essays ability to stand out. However, an

eagerness to be part of the Business School community should be explicit in the

essay, preferably conclude the essay with it. Most applicants after going through a

lot of pain to review and rewrite the essay miss this crucial aspect. Even if you are

the most qualified applicant, demonstration of enthusiasm is essential.

Documents

MBA Application How to Write Persuasive Essay