Ep 9 | MBA Application Short Answers

The mbaMission Podcast

In this episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Gavriella Semaya discuss the importance of the short answer section in MBA applications. They emphasize that the short answers are not just a repetition of the information in the resume, but an opportunity to showcase the impact and significance of the applicant's experiences. They also discuss how to approach short-term and long-term career goals in the limited space provided. Overall, the conversation highlights the need to make the short answers interesting and compelling to capture the attention of the admissions committee.
Takeaways

• The short answer section of MBA applications is surprisingly important and should not be left to the last minute.
• Short answers should focus on the impact and significance of the applicant's experiences, rather than simply repeating information from the resume.
• When describing job responsibilities, highlight the how and the impact, rather than just the what.
• For early-career professionals, focus on the influence and contributions made within a project or team, even if the direct impact is not clear.
• Avoid exaggerating or overemphasizing the significance of certain experiences, as admissions committees can see through it.
• Short answers should be coherent with the rest of the application and should make the applicant interesting and compelling to the admissions committee.

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Luvut

1. Welcome to the mbaMission podcast (00:00:00)

2. The importance of short answers in MBA applications (00:00:41)

3. Showcasing impact in the short answers (00:02:06)

4. Distinguishing factors in your work experience (00:04:50)

5. Presenting your contributions authentically (00:06:15)

6. Communicating career goals (00:08:58)

7. The Why vs. The What (00:10:10)

8. Final thoughts on MBA application short answers (00:11:13)