Business school application post project review

Well, I sat the GMAT and submitted two business schools essays in time, so here are my thoughts on what went well, what could have better and what I would do differently next time.

What went well?

• Got both applications in on time.
• Making a project plan of what needs to be and when and then I stuck to it.
• First drafts of essays were written early to allow time for redrafts.
• First drafts were of a good quality as I done my research and thinking before hand. (Learnt from my Fulbright experience.)
• Learnt from Fulbright and got feedback on my essays earlier in the process.
• Resitting my GMAT before round the two deadline.
• Having a fours days just to focus on business school applications.
• All my references were submitted early.  Thank you.

What could be improved?

• Detail checking.  I made a couple of small errors; like not giving clubs their full names. I hope it won’t impact my application too much.
• Thinking more about how to combine why that business school and what I can bring to the table better.
• Writing the one page CV sooner and it linking it more closely  to my application. The linking happened by accident rather than by design.
• Harvard application was a bit close to the wire.  Shutting down essay edits earlier into allow for more detail checking. I didn’t have time to do a final check so there a risk of errors.

What would I do differently?

• Have another look at the 25 Random Things about me essay for Duke. I used it as way for them to know me as a person. But I potentially could have used it more to draw out the diversity angle of my profile. Eg I’ve flown in fast jet simulators, kinda idea. (Working in the public sector can have its perks.)

Related Links:

Fulbright Post Project Review