Following up on Monday’s promise of essay tips and information on additional European MBA programs (we’ve already offered some pointers on INSEAD and LBS), we wanted to take some time today to comment on IESE’s upcoming deadlines and events, and provide some guidance on tackling the program’s essays.
This program has a staggering seven rounds of admission. While the fourth deadline passed today, there are still three remaining, making this program a viable option for applicants just starting the process now and eager to attend business school next year.
Here are the school’s remaining deadlines and decision dates:
Round Five
Application Deadline: April 26, 2006
Admissions Decision: June 7, 206
Round Six
Application Deadline: May 17, 2006
Admissions Decision: June 28, 2006
Round Seven
Application Deadline: June 28, 2006
Admissions Decision: July 14, 2006
Let’s take a look at the program’s essay questions and consider some methods of tackling them:
1. Please describe your short term professional goals (post MBA). (200 word limit)
2. Please describe your long term professional goals (post MBA). (200 word limit)
The clear line between short and long term goals in these two questions makes this a bit different from the standard career goals inquiry, but the strategy remains similar. In response to the first question, you’ll want to comment on the position you would seek immediately upon completion of an MBA, saying something about the skills this would impart and perhaps alluding to the long-term goal for which it would prepare you. The second question should follow somewhat seamlessly from the first, explaining how your short-term position would be a logical intermediary step. You’ll also want to discuss the reason you are interested in the long-term goal you specify, explaining what impact you hope to make and perhaps sharing your vision for the field.
3. Describe two substantial accomplishments and one failure in a professional or private endeavour. (600 word limit)
The question gives applicants quite a bit of breadth in selecting subject matter for this essay; be sure to exercise judgment in selecting stories that provide a rounded picture of your candidacy and are appropriate for a business school application. In the first two anecdotes, it will be important to explain your thoughts and actions in addition to the result or accomplishment itself. Meanwhile, as with any failure essay, the best way to tackle this is to select a failure from which you learned a lesson, ideally one that you have implemented successfully since the original instance.
4. Describe a recent situation (within last two years) in which you used a contact from your network to achieve a personal or professional objective. (200 word limit)
This is a unique question that is designed to gauge your ability to forge strong relationships and think creatively and strategically when moving toward a goal. Rather than providing an example in which you attained personal gain (such as getting a job you wanted), a nice touch could be to focus on a time you helped someone else in your network (for example, by reaching out to a friend who would be a good fit for a job opening at your organization).
5. Describe the most difficult project (personal or professional) that you have faced recently (within last two years). (200 word limit)
While it’s important that you address the question and describe a challenge you’ve faced at work or in an activity, you would ideally pick a situation in which you ultimately succeeded and brought about a positive result.
6. Describe a recent situation (within last two years) in which it was difficult to convince others. (200 word limit)
This question is intended to test your communication skills and ability to persuade others to agree with your point of view. While it will be important to explain the relevant background information and make it clear that it was in the best interest of the group to follow your approach, you should also devote a good amount of attention to describing the persuasive approach you took and the thought process behind it.
7. I wish that the application had asked me… (200 word limit)
In deciding what to highlight in this essay, keep in mind the importance of presenting a balanced and well-rounded picture of your activities and interests. While IESE’s questions provide a fair amount of room to discuss personal experiences alongside the professional, you might take this chance to introduce a unique hobby. Another great way to use this response would be to discuss your interest in IESE and potential contribution to the community.
For those looking to visit the school and gain some familiarity with the program before applying, IESE has two upcoming open house dates: March 13th and May 6th.
