How to write Persuasive MBA Application Essays

Now that you have understood the importance of context and emotional intelligence let us start writing a compelling essay. This is the time, when you have to start creating a draft essay. The words and structure might not be perfect but create a 500-word essay on “Why MBA.”

With the word-limit going down for most MBA application essays, applicants have to be judicious with the use of words. The acceptance rate of top schools is in the 5-8% range. Applicants cannot rely on the general advice that experts offer, and stand out from the competition. They have to find strategies to be more persuasive.

We have created a five-step process that would make your essays more persuasive:

Like -> Understand -> Agree -> Remember -> Enthusiasm

1) Like

The first step in the process of persuasion is ‘like.’ The Admission Committee (AdCom) member has to like your profile, background, personality, or outlook towards life.

What makes an AdCom member like you?

a) Balanced Tone: With only written words available to the AdCom, first impression depends on the tone of the essay. Lack of confidence or bragging about the smallest achievements is both detrimental. When you read a sentence about your achievement - ask these two questions:

• Am I bragging about my achievement or writing about it objectively?
• Am I selling myself short by not stating that the achievement was rare?

b) Respect Word Limit: The word limit should be respected even for open-ended questions. As a safe bet - assume that the word-limit is 500 words.

c) Precision: Don’t beat around the bush. Answer the question first, and then support it with good arguments. The last thing that you want to do is to bore an AdCom. She might have read several essays in a row, and is eagerly looking for an essay that is precise, but take the liberty to use a catchy ‘introduction,’ preferably the opening two sentences.

2) Understand

AdCom will not understand you as a person if you merely use facts. Use words that convey emotions – strong and weak, and reveal your human nature. Without emotions, the AdCom will not connect with you. Their guards will be up, and the whole process becomes a question of “Whether I should eliminate this applicant or not?”

5 Easy Steps that will help you connect with the AdCom

1) When you explain circumstances, challenges and failures, use words that portray emotions.
2) Mention your apprehensions about the outcome.
3) Explain how you overcame your apprehensions.
4) Cite individuals and circumstances that inspired you.
5) When you cite public figures as inspiration, make sure that the AdCom member recognizes them.

3) Agree

To agree with your actions and values, make sure that you describe your action vividly so that the values are implicit in the action. AdCom member is not different from other individuals who believe in fairness and other fundamental values.

For applicants, here is a list of values that you should consider. You don’t have to include instances where you have demonstrated all the values, but pick values that truly represent you as an individual.

• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Alertness
• Assertiveness
• Balance
• Boldness
• Bravery
• Calmness
• Camaraderie
• Cheerfulness
• Clarity
• Commitment
• Compassion
• Competence
• Concentration
• Confidence
• Consistency
• Conviction
• Courage
• Decisiveness
• Determination
• Diligence
• Drive
• Efficiency
• Endurance
• Ethics
• Fairness
• Faith
• Firmness
• Flexibility
• Grace
• Honesty
• Humility
• Inspiration
• Integrity
• Intuition
• Keenness
• Leadership
• Open-mindedness
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Professionalism
• Resolve
• Resourcefulness
• Sincerity
• Teamwork
• Volunteering

Related: F1GMAT's Winning MBA Essay Guide

4) Remember

For top Business Schools, the competition is intense, and no matter how much thought you have put for the essays or how precise the essays are, AdCom will remember you only if your narrative is different from other applicants.

a) Storytelling

Storytelling in essays is not the typical format that you follow in fiction or other short stories, but if you follow the traditional Q&A format, your essays will not stand out. Take the extra effort to narrate life events, setbacks and successes in a story format without indulging too much on the description.

b) Focus on the positive

AdCom does not want to read fake positive stories, but would love to read about a positive journey even if it were marred by failures and setbacks. We are drawn towards inspirational stories and narratives that offer life lessons. Narrate one event from your life that transformed you as a person.

c) Shock

Shock element in your essay will help you gain attention. If you have read sample essays, you will have a fair understanding of the examples that applicants normally use. The element of surprise in the essay will happen when you go against the flow. Don’t include typical examples that other applicants use.

Read a few samples essays and understand what other applicants are writing:
 
a) Make sure that you do not include such examples.
b) List five examples that are atypical for someone from your background.

Ex: A Banker writing about creativity or an arts major writing about logic; something that the admission team doesn’t expect from your profile.

c) Now, include examples where you can demonstrate your values, implicitly.

5) Enthusiasm

AdCom will shortlist your essay over other equally or better-qualified applicants if your essay stands out from the boring and typical essays. However, eagerness to be part of the Business School community should be explicit in the essay, preferably conclude the essay with it. Most applicants go through a lot of pain to review and rewrite the essay several times but miss this crucial aspect. Even if you are the most qualified applicant, demonstrate enthusiasm for the MBA program.

Will the admission team act on your essay? Yes -only if you follow the five principles of a persuasive essay.

Next Step

For expert help that would make your application essay stand out, consider our essay review service or you can download our Essay Guide for comphrehensive Essay Writing Tips