Writing a well-organized application essay

Regardless of which essay question you seek to answer, there are several clear guidelines that you should follow when writing an MBA application essay. As long as you adhere to the general guidelines presented in the body of this article, you will increase your chances of admission to your selected MBA program.

Topic Selection

Before you start writing, decide what the subject of your essay is going to be. Outline personal or professional experiences that form a proper fit to the essay question. Of your potential ideas, select the ones that you can better represent in writing, clearly articulate and summarize in one or two paragraphs. Brainstorming with others is always a good idea, especially when selecting the subject of your essay. Once you have narrowed the selection down to one or two good ideas, move on to the next stage.

Essay Outline

Write down short sentences that will become the building blocks of your essay's paragraphs. Construct the sentences as introductions to the subject of each paragraph, preferably keeping it down to five or six short sentences. As a rule of thumb, your essay should include an introductory opening paragraph, one or two paragraphs that describe the experience, and one or two paragraphs that convey the consequences of the experience and what you learned from it. The conclusion of your essay should complement the general mindset of the essay and provide the reader with room for additional thought.

Writing Style

Once you begin writing, keep your target audience in mind. While you may have plenty of relevant information to share with the admission committee, try to tame your enthusiasm. If readers build up a desire to learn more about you after they have read your essay, you will increase your chances of receiving an interview invitation. Keep your narrative elegant and clear, and provide an accurate description of the experience. Focus on conveying the lessons learned and how you have gained from going through the ordeal.

Review and Then Review Again

Finally, after your essay is complete, have someone else go over it for you. Be it from professional essay editing services, a spouse, or a close friend - a second opinion is vital. Request the person reviewing the essay to write down any comments they may have. Go over the reviewer's comments with care, restructure and rephrase if necessary. Preferably, allow two or three days of rest before returning to edit the essay for the final time. Re-read your essay with a fresh perspective, incorporate the comments of your reviewer, and review your essay for the final time.

Striving for Perfection

Your essays do not have to be perfect. However, essays do have to be fascinating, original, and well formed. Moreover, essays should reveal different facets of your character and highlight those traits that will make you a good candidate for any MBA program.