Episode 3: Taking Personal Inventory

It’s a good idea to take a step back before you start diving into your MBA applications. Create a working document that contains all of your success stories, failures, leadership and teamwork experiences. Also include your cultural experiences and any other experiences that have helped you evolve and develop, both professionally and personally. We think this should then become your “source material” as you then tackle the individual applications.

See also Becoming a Clear Admit: The Definitive Guide to MBA Admissions Chapter 5, “Personal Inventory.”

In this lesson, we also highlight Stanford GSB’s first essay, which is a great essay for any applicant to consider: “What matters most to you, and why?” The level of introspection required to thoughtfully develop this essay will be useful for all of your business school applications.

Leading MBA programs are really interested in learning about your qualities and attributes. The five overarching attributes we address are: Intellectual Capacity, Effectiveness, Ambition, Passion and Values. We then explore how you can show your readiness in each of these areas, including the types of experiences that highlight each and the traits that are insightful to showcase.

See also Becoming a Clear Admit: The Definitive Guide to MBA Admissions Chapter 4, “How to Apply – Five Overarching Categories of Attributes.”