Which MBA essay should you write first?


Are you lost in a sea of essay prompts?

Or picked one, only to be stared down by a blank page for days?

You’re not alone.

But the MBA application is a job to be done, and today is November 10. The first Round 2 deadlines are 55 days away.

It’s time to cover some ground. Or should I say, it’s time to generate some word count?

Start with your “Why”

If you’ve been in my orbit for a while, you know how often I talk about how you need to start with your "why". Defining your “why” means taking stock of where you are now in your career, where you want to be, and what is the gap between the two. The MBA – the right type of MBA program - should be what bridges the gap.

When I work with candidates, the first piece of writing they produce (together with an airtight MBA resume), is a Career Vision Narrative.

What goes into a great Career Vision Narrative?

I've created and perfected my own framework for it. And yes, it has a secret sauce. It makes your career vision not only clear but also compelling. (But NOT the WRONG compelling where you pile on a bunch of promises about how you'll make a difference. That's the opposite of compelling, it's an MBA essay fire extinguisher.)

My framework aligns beautifully with most career essays, including the new HBS one.

That’s why, in Round 1, while too many admissions consultants went into overdrive decoding and deriding the new HBS essays (“Tricky”, “Regressive” “Frankenstein-Like” were some of the words they used in a frenzy of articles), my candidates whipped theirs out like champs! (And made them singing with authenticity and purpose.)

You too can get ahead.

You too can work with me—even on a budget—without the cost of 1:1 consulting.

In MBA ABC, I make the same frameworks and essay review accessible to you for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you get two rounds of review of your resume and essays for two schools, all for $980.

But because the work is done personally by me, the seats are very limited and just a couple of spots are left for Round 2.

Enrollment in MBA ABC will close on November 14 or as soon as the last seat is taken.

Because it's time to focus on action.

First MBA ABC Live Session in:

Count down to 2024-11-14T16:00:00.000Z​

If you know you want in, don’t miss your chance to claim one of the last couple of spots.

"The AdCom couldn't have been more impressed"

In October, I got a message from one of the Round 1 MBA ABC-ers (she got her results early because she applied to the Kellogg Part-Time MBA):

Accepted!
​
Hi Petia,
I’m so excited to share that I’ve been accepted to the Kellogg program! The admission committee mentioned they couldn’t have been more impressed with my application!
​
Looking forward to what’s next!

Her outcome is within your reach.

So if you're already part of MBA ABC, get excited, Reader!

If you're not, what are you waiting for?

Onwards and upwards,

Petia

P.S. If the link lets you buy MBA ABC for Round 2, congratulations—there’s still at least one spot available. If not… well, you might have just missed out.

My MBA Path

Empowering future leaders to land the MBA of their dreams. 🚀 From higher ed executive to entrepreneurial innovator, I've spent years on the frontlines of Graduate Management Education, shaping how tomorrow’s leaders are formed. Now, I’m bringing that experience directly to you, connecting ambitious minds with the right MBA paths to unlock their full potential. Because where there’s a will, I find the way.

Read more from My MBA Path

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