MBA Essays: Four Personas (Superman, Peter Parker, Rocky or Frank Abagnale Jr)

Who are you - Superman, Peter Parker, Rocky, or Frank Abagnale Jr.? What we learned reviewing hundreds of essays during Round 1 and Round 2 deadlines is that almost all applicants fall under four categories:

1) Superman

These applicants are confident about their skills and know how to demonstrate it. There is not even a single line in the essay where the applicant shows any self-doubt. It is all about the goals, how they got there, the process of overcoming the obstacles, and finally achieving objectives for the team.

Pros: There is no beating around the bush. The goals are clear; the thought process articulated in simple English, and the journey captured in such a way that the applicant’s abilities are revealed at the end of the essay.

Cons: The narrative borders on the narcissistic "I am the best" slogan, and some applicants think it is normal to take credit for the entire team. The majority of accepted applicants were careful, not to overdo the 'Superman' narrative. The credit for the team and supervisors were mixed in plenty in the essay to balance the teamwork qualities with individual achievements.

2) Peter Parker

The dorky version of a superhero, Peter Parker persona gives the hint that the applicant was not extraordinary. They were average with the GPA (2.8 to 3.4) and GMAT (650-700) but the professional achievements were extraordinary. We have not seen even a single case of this Persona where their extra-curricular was the reason for their admission.

Pros: The weaknesses are clear even before reading the Essays. What accepted applicants in this persona do brilliantly is breaking the typecast. Just when the reviewer was expecting street smarts, the applicant cites a problem that requires academic rigor to solve it. The essays demonstrate why Academic criterion is a flawed system to evaluate the candidate's ability to solve complex problems.

Cons: Candidates with this persona are captivating writers. They know how to play with the words, and get the attention of the reviewer. Reviewers who view 'attention-grabbing narrative' as a weakness will reject the applicant. Success in this category is highly dependent on the Essay Reviewer.

3) Rocky

Unfortunately, the underdog story has become a clichéd narrative. Over the years, Applicants have overdone this persona and forced a spin on their story to meet the traits of ‘Rocky’ even if they do not fall under this category. A well-written essay captures the vulnerability of the applicant including personal and situational handicaps and sparks empathy in the reviewer.

Pros: The weaknesses are overwhelming and as a reviewer, we sub-consciously root for the candidate. The curiosity to know how the applicant achieved the goals will force the reviewer to read the essays completely - not a common occurrence when there are thousands of boring essays.

Cons: If the applicant uses 'ready to use' opening paragraphs, the fake 'Rocky' persona will be easy to spot.

4) Frank Abagnale Jr.

Although it is rare to see such persona captured in essays, a few brave applicants have shared how they are forced into making unethical decisions. The wrong turns are clear in the essays; the moral weakening apparent, and as a reviewer, I find the narrative the most interesting.

Pros: These essays give complete authenticity to the applicant.

Cons: Essays under this category gives an honest account of corporate corruption. But Admission team rarely take a chance on reformed professionals, and depending on the tone of the essay will interpret the candidate as brave or a coward.