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I took the GMAT last weekend and scored a 760. So, even though the Round 3 deadlines for B-school are approaching, I do have a chance to make the classes starting this fall. I am assuredly not comparable to many other candidates but as a military officer working at JPMorgan, 3.6+ undergrad GPA, and a 760 GMAT, I should have a chance to get into one of the better schools if I apply to enough of them (targeting Harvard, Columbia, Sloan, and Wharton).
That is, if I can get past these essays! Surprisingly, I have been able to come up with something for the school with a more open-ended topic (like HBS's 'what more would you like us to know about you?'), but the more directed essay questions, particularly involving my career goals, are very challenging.
I view sample essays and I see a lot of very specific career aspirations: someone wants to be an Associate Vice President of Information Technology for CISCO (how specific!) or they are passionate about a particular industry like the healthcare industry or private equity or the entertainment industry.
It occurred to me that I have no such career goals. I am a challenge seeker and a collector of accomplishments. I want to get into a top program which will open the doors to the next level of challenges and 'let me rack them cheevos' as they say on the XBOX. I am indifferent to profession and industry. I am not passionate about any; at least, I do not believe I am.
I have considered bypassing the question but I am not sure how well that would go over. For example, I could bluntly say that I have no specific career aspirations because I want to explore, see what else is out there, and what else I can do. An MBA would give me that opportunity. Will this approach be a mistake?
Another challenging type of essay question is best represented by Booth's: "View this collection of shared Booth moments. Choose the moment that best resonates with you and tell us why." I looked at the pictures and I felt nothing. Am I supposed to feel touched or inspired? Talk about a difficult essay!
Any advice and general thoughts are appreciated!
That is, if I can get past these essays! Surprisingly, I have been able to come up with something for the school with a more open-ended topic (like HBS's 'what more would you like us to know about you?'), but the more directed essay questions, particularly involving my career goals, are very challenging.
I view sample essays and I see a lot of very specific career aspirations: someone wants to be an Associate Vice President of Information Technology for CISCO (how specific!) or they are passionate about a particular industry like the healthcare industry or private equity or the entertainment industry.
It occurred to me that I have no such career goals. I am a challenge seeker and a collector of accomplishments. I want to get into a top program which will open the doors to the next level of challenges and 'let me rack them cheevos' as they say on the XBOX. I am indifferent to profession and industry. I am not passionate about any; at least, I do not believe I am.
I have considered bypassing the question but I am not sure how well that would go over. For example, I could bluntly say that I have no specific career aspirations because I want to explore, see what else is out there, and what else I can do. An MBA would give me that opportunity. Will this approach be a mistake?
Another challenging type of essay question is best represented by Booth's: "View this collection of shared Booth moments. Choose the moment that best resonates with you and tell us why." I looked at the pictures and I felt nothing. Am I supposed to feel touched or inspired? Talk about a difficult essay!
Any advice and general thoughts are appreciated!
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