I know I am not the IDEAL candidate for the MBA program but I got my first ding from Chicago today and most likely will receive another one tomorrow from Wharton.

My WE is a bit odd: 2 years in finance and 2 in entrepreneurship as a restaurant owner. I am currently taking time off. GMAT 710/GPA 3.7 USC Undergrad. But I did try to tie it all together in my essays.

I mean...yes, I do have some odd aspects to my life story....but man...this is BAD for my ego. What am I doing wrong here? I have been running through various possibilities in my head but whatever the case is, I just don't want it repeated.

I've already applied to Stanford-my first choice at the moment-but will be applying to other programs over the next few weeks...and I dont want the dings to continue....

I believe a HUGE part of it is essays. It's imperative to be absolutely honest, clear and express why you want to do what you want to do which is much more important than what. Show them a real side of yourselves - they just want to get to know you and make sure you want the MBA from whichever school to apply to. And also a huge thing is to show leadership - show your mindset, how you lead and what kind of potential you have. Also don't be afraid to openly talk about where you have failed because failures are in some cases more important than actual accomplishments because they can change you as a person. Bschools just want people who are driven, motivated and will make their school look good.

koobie,

I think you can't discount how important your story or angle is. I imagine these schools are seeing a lot more applicants these days and gpa, grades, and other stuff are ok, but being able to sell why they should take you can't be overlooked.

Hello All,

Is there anyone applying to Business Schools through the Consortium? I need help with understanding the Consortium's Mission Statement essay. What exactly is the admissions' committee looking for? The same question applies to the Mission Statement letter of recommendation. Specific examples will be much appreciated.

Thank you.

The 2009 Consortium thread is here: http://forums.businessweek.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=170&nav=messages&webtag=bw-bschools&tid=76738

Accepted.com has some tips on writing the Consortium essays: http://blog.accepted.com/acceptedcom_blog/2008/10/23/consortium-2009-mba-application-questions-deadlines-tips.html#entry2459640

Overall, I would say that the mission support essay and letter of recommendation should talk about specific examples of things you've done (professionally, as a volunteer, or even informally) that supports the mission. It can be tutoring pre-k's or mentoring young professionals, or anything in between, as long as you make a connection between whatever you've done and how that helps to reduce the underrepresentation of AAs, Latinos and Native Americans in corporate life.

The support recommendation only has two questions ... in what context have you known this person, and how has this person supported the mission. (It also has a ratings grid, same as the professional reference.)

Note that AdComm at your selected school(s) -- not Consortium staff -- will read your mission support essay and recommendation along with the rest of your application -- it is used equally for admission and to determine membership in the Consortium. So the essay (and recommendation) should reinforce whatever message you are trying to communicate to the school as a whole.

Hope that helps, and best wishes on your applications.

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Some of the tips with which you can open the door way towards to the MBA courses are listed: You need to increase your reading speed which you can do by reading the newspapers, and some good books on the various subjects. It is not only essential that you read fast but you should be able to understand the matter underlying below.

You need to work on your mental calculation, do simple mathematics without the use of calculator. Getting rid of a calculator is quite essential once you are preparing yourself for the competitive exams.

You can improve your Vocabulary by the usage of dictionary and after finding new words you should use those words in your daily routines. Further the professional coaching books which give rigorous practice in various sections of your entrance test. For MBA entrance into the premium B schools hard work is the key to success.