Episode 15: Essays IV: Achievements, Failures, Leadership, Teamwork

We continue to examine popular essay questions. This lesson covers admissions essays about your achievements and failures, and your experiences as a leader and a team member.

The stories from which you can draw from should have been identified when developing your personal inventory (See Lesson 3). It is important keep in mind the notion of relative recency for accomplishments (to show that continue to achieve at a high level). On the other hand, where ‘failure’ essays are concerned, using examples that are not quite so recent is usually the best path forward (so as to have had time to demonstrate how you have learned from them).

See also Becoming a Clear Admit: The Definitive Guide to MBA Admissions Chapter 4, “How to Apply.”