When I reach out to clients to check on the progress of their MBA essays, they often complain about the biggest obstacle – how should I reflect and capture the pivotal events in my life?
Before you trivialize or dramatize any event from your life, follow these 5 reflection tips:
1) Memory Trap
Capturing sad moments in MBA essays can seem manipulative. But when you write the first draft, don’t worry about censoring such thoughts.
Remember these 4 points while capturing sad moments:
Happy memories appear in MBA essays predominantly in two places - as a memory snapshot in the opening line or a way to resolve the essay into a future full of possibilities.
Before you incorporate the ‘happy memories’ in MBA Essays, understand these four contexts:
In November 2025, the Kellogg School of Management will host a total of eight events, comprising four virtual events and four in-person events.
In November 2025, Columbia Business School will host a total of 32 events, including 19 in-person sessions and 13 virtual events, offering prospective students multiple opportunities to learn about the MBA program, engage with admissions representatives, and connect with members of the CBS community around the world.
In November 2025, the Wharton School is hosting a total of 39 events, including 25 virtual events and 14 in-person events, offering prospective students a comprehensive look into its MBA programs, joint degrees, and global opportunities.
In November 2025, Cornell Johnson will host 17 MBA events, including 8 virtual sessions and 9 in-person events, offering prospective students a structured mix of application guidance, classroom immersion, community interactions, and student-led conversations.
In November 2025, Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) is hosting a total of 39 events, including 24 virtual events and 15 in-person events, offering prospective students numerous opportunities to engage with admissions officers, current students, and alumni. These sessions provide valuable insights into the MBA experience, the admissions process, and the diverse professional pathways that Stanford GSB supports.
In November 2025, Tuck School of Business will host 10 events, comprising 3 virtual events and 7 in-person events, giving prospective applicants a mix of online engagement opportunities and in-person interactions across several global locations.
In November 2025, Harvard Business School (HBS) will host a total of 39 events, including 24 in-person events and 15 virtual sessions, designed to engage prospective students worldwide. These events range from classroom experiences and open houses to regional information sessions and virtual chats that offer insights into life at HBS, the admissions process, and the distinctive Case Method learning approach.