" Atul masterfully maps the curriculum from Booth's vast collection of electives and function-oriented themes for the goals essay. I found inspiration from unlikely profiles cited in the essay guide, particularly the social impact to the marketing career transition, which was unlike any motivation I had read. The example helped me see ways in which unconventional goals could be cited for Booth essays. The chapter on storytelling is particularly interesting as it breaks down the science of a story that someone with a finance background like me could understand. The sample essays are interesting, and his advice on balancing stories with substance helped me put aside any misconceptions about narrating for school applications. " - Chicago Booth MBA (2023 Entering Class)
" I was wondering whether to include a personal example for the learn more about you outside of the office essay. The Sample about the applicant's vacation and how it turned somber with the cousin's death hit too close to home. I didn't want to play the 'victim' by including all my trauma in my essays, but i started spending time on mental health awareness after a friend committed suicide. The delicate manner in which the author writes about the tragedy gave me the confidence to finally open up. It was quite a trip to write from my heart. Eventually, I toned it down, but the samples helped me explore a side of my story that I didn't want to share. Perhaps that helped me get an interview invite. " - Chicago Booth MBA (2023 Entering Class)
" I had been on a halt from writing the essays until a week before the deadline, and I have Atul to thank for inspiring me to write an essay that got me admitted to Booth. He shares so much insight into the art of writing that it would be impossible for someone to find inspiration from the Samples. As a technologist and male in a competitive application pool, I had to break from the stereotype. The example of an applicant - his journey from a passionate programmer to a product person to an ambitious goal of leveraging technology to conserve nature- had many parallels to my journey. When i wrote the draft, this sample was my go-to reference. Breaking down the chapters on storytelling and editing was the 'a-ha' moment for me. I recommend this essay guide to any applicant struggling to write in their voice. " - Chicago Booth MBA (2023 Entering Class)
" As a doctor specializing in cosmetic surgery, an MBA was never on my horizon. When I finally realized that my career transition in my mid-30s to my 40s would be a challenge without an MBA, I purchased the Essay Guide. I loved the story of the orthodontist who transitioned to media and planned to enter consulting. Although I am still a step behind, the narrative and the specific way with which the MBA curriculum is quoted and connected with the goals helped me understand how to write a goals essay. The 'me' outside my work is miles away from my professional persona. I was unsure of how to incorporate my interests outside work into the narrative. The examples were so diverse that I had a wide range of narrative tools to craft my story. Truly grateful for the book!" - Chicago Booth MBA (2023 Entering Class)
"Non-profit candidates like me are often met with a bit of ridicule for applying to a quant-heavy program like Booth. Most consultants advised against it except Atul. I bought his Essay Guide to understand how applicants like me articulate goals and connect their stories to long-term goals. I found the struggle of the Economic Development officer similar to running my non-profit in an extremely inefficient non-profit space. Although lofty goals are often cited by organizations and the government, graft and poor integration of technology, make the pursuit of any worthwhile goals a struggle. I decided to do an MBA to transition into IMPACT investing. Thankfully the essay guide had a sample that captured a similar story, although the person worked in South America. I also found the transformation matrix useful as my life had several such moments that offered a template to craft the goals." - Chicago Booth MBA (2023 Entering Class)
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