Google docs

Cool MBA Tool: MBA Essay Map – Online Google Doc with Essay Topics from Top US, Asian and European Business Schools

Brian


MBA Essay Map: View all business school essays, side by side, in one succinct view.


The wealth of online information about the business school application process and programs is staggering.
  • I certainly appreciate the opportunity to gather a number of differing viewpoints on essays topics and school culture, for example.
I also know that as b-school applicants navigate through the application process, they do have the potential to get lost in the weeds.

  • As I have seen with many MBA applicants, they get “analysis paralysis”, innudated by almost too much data.
  • Having worked in management consulting, I come from the school of tell me what I need to know, when I need to know it and how I can use it to get the right result.
  • In finance terms, I want to see a balance sheet. Give me a snapshot of where I stand today.
This is why I created the “MBA Essay Map“.
  • The MBA Essay Map rolls up all essay questions from top US, Asian and European MBA programs.
  • It puts them all in one view, side by side, for comparitive purposes.
  • I also included a side by side comparison of word limits and deadlines. This should help an applicant estimate workload and timing so they can address the writing process in the most efficient manner.
The Map also includes specific formatting requirements for each program and any specific reapplicant stipulations.
  • I can not tell you how many times I have seen essays submitted using the wrong format or reapplicants who neglected to follow the rules. This is a huge red flag for the admissions committee.
View the “MBA Essay Map” here:
-Paul Lanzillotti

Cool MBA Tool: List of Online Pre-MBA Courses in Calculus, Accounting, Finance and Statistics

Brian

Applying to MBA programs and need to bolster your GPA?

The one issue I see with MBA applicants is their inability to properly account for their undergraduate performance:

  • Most think that an admissions comittee will gloss over a few low grades during the applicant’s freshman year.

  • Other’s believe that using the optional application essay to point out low academic performance or non-traditional undergraduate degree will suffice.

However, these applicants are missing the point.

  • Admissions committees are keen on the “show and tell” not just the “tell”. Most applicants miss the opportunity to bolster their undergraduate performance by taking recent courses relavent to the MBA experience.

  • Remember that demonstrated success in quantitative coursework is a strong signal to an admissions committee that you can handle the quantitative rigor of the MBA core courses.

  • Throwing gasoline on the fire, most MBA are torn between a number of current professional and personal responsibilities that push this priority to just below watching paint dry.

To help the prospective MBA get a grasp on taking an additional course(s) to bolster their academics, I have put together a list of online courses via Google docs.

  • Admissions committees want to see an A grade in these courses. They are less concerned about the school name and online/in-class format.

  • Click here: List of Pre-MBA Online Courses

Paul Lanzillotti