If you could give one piece of advice to your 18-year-old self, what would it be? (up to 200 words)
Studies have shown that it is only by the age of 25 that your brain will fully understand the dynamics of risk vs. reward. The prefrontal cortex – the area of the brain that matures at this age, performs the critical function of impulse control.
There are 3 approaches to write the ‘Advice to 18-year-old Self’ Cambridge MBA application essay:
1) Narrative on Addiction
Any advice to the 18-year-old self about addiction or alcohol dependency as a coping mechanism to stress could be mentioned if the narrative has a redeeming quality. Mention your motivation for joining an organization that helped adolescent children fight the temptation of substance abuse through sports, arts, or other rehabilitation programs.
2) Narrative on Career Choice
Another effective advice is a misstep in a career choice driven by a trend, or a lack of mentorship, or an assumption you had about your skills would also read well. Make sure that you bring some funny anecdote if that is your forte or a larger perspective about success that calms the nerves of your 18-year-old self.
Also, debunk the myth of infinite career paths.
Deliberately eliminating career paths where you could be an average contributor and optimizing choices that help you excel in one core function is an evergreen advice worth creating a narrative around.
3) Narrative empathizing with a Teenager
As a child transitions from the comforts of parent’s cocooned pre-school interactions to a competitive environment of peers to the judgmental high school years where one’s self-worth is driven by physical, academic, and social milestones, many don’t cope with the demands and experience incredible stress during the transitioning stages. A narrative encouraging the teenage self about the stresses of life and a philosophical perspective about life’s priorities is another approach to the narrative.
Sample Cambridge MBA Essay – Advice to 18-year old Self (196 words) (Avoid Alcohol)
Sample Cambridge MBA Essay – Advice to 18-year old Self (187 words) (Creative Career to Banking)
Sample Cambridge MBA Essay – Advice to 18-year old Self (200 words) (Friends and Purpose)
