I have been feeling rather fuzzy-headed this week as I am in the throes of a classic September cold, but tonight I decided that I need to get going on the applications again. My deadline is October 27 as I am going on vacation for two weeks that day, so it all has to be done or my vacation will not be much fun! That leaves me 30 days to get those three applications in. No time to waste!!
Both my recommenders now know my official list of R1 schools and will be expecting the emails asking them to complete the forms. I have been talking about my essays with a number of people who would like to read them: my parents, Kathy, Simon, Michelle, Aly and Gena. So my support network is ready and waiting… it’s time for me to deliver!
Here is a list of the essays I need to write:
- Career goals/why MBA essay (Michigan:500, Haas:1000, Columbia:750)
- Haas innovation (250)
- Haas accomplishment (250)
- Haas MBA school research (250)
- Haas dinner guest (250)
- Haas leadership (500)
- Columbia 21 century (500)
- Columbia entrepreneur (500)
- Columbia passion (250)
- Michigan accomplishment/leadership (500)
- Michigan alternate career (300)
- Michigan challenge/personal growth (300)
As you can see, this is quite a daunting list. I have decided to tackle them in order of quantity, which will be Michigan (1600), Columbia (2000), Haas(2500). I want to get the first set of essays fully drafted by Sunday, the second set by Thursday, and the third set by the following Sunday. This is a very aggressive target, but it allows lots of rewrite and review time.
On a side note, I believe that one of the biggest benefits of blogging is that I am used to turning out written content on a regular basis. Writing gets easier with practice, just like any skill, and it is less intimidating to face a blank screen when you have the confidence that comes from having a track record of being able to create something from nothing. (This is my second serious blog, so I’ve probably written 150 posts this calendar year.)
So it’s time to set fingers to keyboard and see what comes out. Wish me luck!!
September 27, 2007 at 6:50 am
If you’re applying regular decision to Columbia, don’t you have until January to do so? My understanding is that they don’t start considering RD until first week of January 2008? Tell me if I’m wrong so that I can readjust my strategy!
September 27, 2007 at 9:01 am
They don’t start looking at them until early January, but it is a rolling process and they are considered in the order they arrive, so applying early (at least 3 weeks in my opinion) is worth it. Hope this helps!
T:)
September 27, 2007 at 9:05 am
All the best T!!
I like the way u break the complex bigger task into simple smaller tasks….this will help me when I write my essays next year.
September 27, 2007 at 10:32 am
[...] the season for essay writing. Experience-My Life’s recent blog is appropriately titled “essays, essays, essays.” With the HBS and [...]
September 28, 2007 at 1:04 am
Hi there,
I was randomly browsing through MBA blogs, and ran into yours. I am a current Haas student and willing to answer any questions you may have. I am not in the non-profit section, but can point to someone who has experience there. Please feel free to contact me.
Gary