Finding the right balance between being confident in your abilities and being humble is one of the hardest challenges you will face in writing your business school essays. No one likes a show off, however no one is going to know about your accomplishments if you don’t discuss them.

Some candidates have a difficult time writing about themselves in their field. It is very important that you describe yourself as someone from whom your peers can learn from. Many MBA program are case study oriented and thus the quality of the education is determined by the discussions that students have. Furthermore, outside of the classroom conversations are a pivotal part of the learning process for students.

Despite this prior point, the “I’ve seen everything” approach is not what MBA programs are looking for from their typical 25- to 30-year-old candidate. Even as you talk about the great experiences you’ve had and the information you can bring to a program, make sure to take careful notice of what you want to learn, both in school and from your classmates. The people who take the most advantage of MBA programs are individuals who are very curious.

In general, the most suitable balance is found when you have a strong and detailed understanding of what you have to teach and what you would like to learn. You have an enthusiasm and an ability to talk about your knowledge with others and will actively look for the advice of others.

We should also note that it is critical that individuals who come from positions and industries lacking that “glamour” factor not be hesitant to discuss their accomplishments. Certain well regarded investment banks and consulting firms are the primary companies that send students to MBA programs, however it is often the people who come from less well-represented fields that have the most to teach other classmates. When I entered Kellogg, the top firms were considered the place to work for, but by the time I had left, we all realized that individuals who were entrepreneurs had a lot to teach us about potential career paths. Even if you have only run a very small business, you do have important things to teach your classmates. What is important is that you discuss what you learned from your experiences and how you have an unusual perspective on them.

For more robust guidance on your MBA application essays, check out the Stacy Blackman Consulting Essay Guide Series – school specific guides with essay tips, sample essays, information on what your target schools value and more.

Visit http://www.stacyblackman.com/essay-guides/ to learn more.
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Founded in 2001, Stacy Blackman Consulting has helped thousands of MBA applicants gain admission to the most selective business schools in the world. The Stacy Blackman team, comprised of MBA graduates, former admissions officers and expert writers, editors and marketers, helps clients develop and implement a winning marketing strategy. Stacy Blackman clients have a significantly increased probability of admission to top schools and are frequent recipients of merit scholarships. The company is regularly featured in publications such as BusinessWeek, the Wall Street Journal and the Economist. Visit the Stacy Blackman blog for daily news updates and admissions tips, and check out the company’s e-publications for more in depth school-by-school guidance.