Writing tips for the new MBA admissions essays

With MBA admissions essay requirements rapidly changing as schools and universities overhaul their MBA applications, one thing has become incredibly clear: the essay just isn’t what it used to be. So how are MBA applications changing? Some schools have added new components to their  MBA application  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ like the Kellogg School of Management’s  new mandatory video essay  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ or removed, reduced, or made optional portions of the essay segment. Why the new formats and new lengths? Soojin Kwon, director of admissions at Michigan’s Ross School of Business, told US News World Report: â€Å"So many people were spending a lot of time on the essays and probably not as much time thinking about the other thingsthe whole purpose of the essay and the interview is to just get a better understanding of where they’re coming from and where they want to go to. And I don’t need to read 1,000 words, 2,000 words, to understand that.† So how does an applicant get these new changes to work to his or her advantage? The prospect of a shorter essay – or one in a completely different format – can be daunting. But with the right attitude and approach, these new MBA admissions essays can actually provide a significant advantage. In her blog, Kwon wrote that â€Å"our total maximum word count has been reduced by 450 words, and hopefully you’ll be able to use that found time to craft the most compelling essays possible.† How does the MBA applicant adapt? Avi Gordon, is the author of MBA Admissions Strategy: from Profile Building to Essay Writing. In his opinion, the most important things for an  MBA applicant  to remember while writing an essay or MBA cover letterespecially in one that is short, and therefore in which every word must be made to have the maximum impact – are as follows: The Dos †¢Ã‚  Ã‚     DO remember to check spelling and grammar †¢Ã‚  Ã‚     DO actually respond to the question †¢Ã‚  Ã‚     DO write several drafts of each essay †¢Ã‚  Ã‚     DO tell stories from actual work experience †¢Ã‚  Ã‚     DO make sure that you accurately express your motivations and overall fit for the program The Don’ts †¢Ã‚  Ã‚     DON’T praise the school (they know theyre good) †¢Ã‚  Ã‚     DON’T repeat items on your rà ©sumà © †¢Ã‚  Ã‚     DON’T denigrate anyone or any organization †¢Ã‚  Ã‚     DON’T whine about lifes obstacles or blame others †¢Ã‚  Ã‚     DON’T state the obvious if you are talking about water you neednt add that it is also wet Remember: keep your MBA cover letter and admissions essays unique Jia Ma is IMBA marketing and admissions director at Beijing’s School of Economics and Management. He reflects that, â€Å"candidates always impress me most by [delivering] quick and genuine answers with great wisdom or humor.† The essay is one of the best opportunities for an MBA applicant to truly showcase character and distinguish him or herself as a valuable candidate. That’s why it’s important to avoid uniform  MBA cover letters  and MBA admissions essays, despite the temptation to re-use them – particularly when other aspects of the MBA application process, such as GMAT preparation, appear to demand more time and attention. â€Å"Standardized letters sent out to different schools are really obvious,† says Dirk Buyens, academic dean at Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School. â€Å"They show a lack of dedication.† Essay space is not for reiterating information easily gleaned elsewhere in your MBA application; it is for highlighting the fit between the MBA applicant and the school. Be sure to craft each MBA cover letter and essay with the school and program you are applying to in mind. Most importantly, says Lynn Thornber, marketing and development coordinator at Durham Business School, â€Å"A failure to properly address the question asked is probably one of the most common mistakes, along with too much embellishment.† Since space is at a premium, now more than ever it is necessary to practice succinct and thoughtful expression.

Free Essays on Causes of gangs in Our Communities

Gangs Gangs are a violent reality that many people have to deal with in today's cities. What has made these groups come about? Why do kids feel that being part of a gang is both an acceptable and prestigious way to live? The long-range answer to these questions can only be speculated upon, but in the short term the answers are much easier to find. On the surface, gangs are a direct result of human beings' personal wants and peer pressure. To determine how to effectively end gang violence we must first find the way that these morals are given to individuals. Unfortunately, these can only be hypothesized. However, by looking at the way humans are influenced in society, I believe there is good evidence to point the blame at several institutions. These include the forces of the media, the government, the theatre, drugs, and our own economic system. On the surface, peer pressure and greed cause gangs. Many teens in gangs will pressure peers into becoming part of a gang by making it all so und glamorous. Money is also a crucial factor. A kid (6 - 10 years of age, who is not already a member) is commonly shown how he/she could make between two hundred to four hundred dollars a month for a small part time gang job. Although, one wouldn't think that factors such as this are strong enough to make kids do things that are strongly against their morals. One of the ways that kids' morals are bent so that gang violence becomes more acceptable is the influence of television and movies. The average child spends more time at a television set than he/she spends all day in a classroom actually learning something productive. Since nobody can completely turn off a child's mind, the youth must be learning something, even if it is morally wrong. Very few hours of television watched by the common child are educational, so other ideas are being constantly absorbed during this period of time. Many shows on television today are extremely violent and are often shown... Free Essays on Causes of gangs in Our Communities Free Essays on Causes of gangs in Our Communities Gangs Gangs are a violent reality that many people have to deal with in today's cities. What has made these groups come about? Why do kids feel that being part of a gang is both an acceptable and prestigious way to live? The long-range answer to these questions can only be speculated upon, but in the short term the answers are much easier to find. On the surface, gangs are a direct result of human beings' personal wants and peer pressure. To determine how to effectively end gang violence we must first find the way that these morals are given to individuals. Unfortunately, these can only be hypothesized. However, by looking at the way humans are influenced in society, I believe there is good evidence to point the blame at several institutions. These include the forces of the media, the government, the theatre, drugs, and our own economic system. On the surface, peer pressure and greed cause gangs. Many teens in gangs will pressure peers into becoming part of a gang by making it all so und glamorous. Money is also a crucial factor. A kid (6 - 10 years of age, who is not already a member) is commonly shown how he/she could make between two hundred to four hundred dollars a month for a small part time gang job. Although, one wouldn't think that factors such as this are strong enough to make kids do things that are strongly against their morals. One of the ways that kids' morals are bent so that gang violence becomes more acceptable is the influence of television and movies. The average child spends more time at a television set than he/she spends all day in a classroom actually learning something productive. Since nobody can completely turn off a child's mind, the youth must be learning something, even if it is morally wrong. Very few hours of television watched by the common child are educational, so other ideas are being constantly absorbed during this period of time. Many shows on television today are extremely violent and are often shown...

Exams Are Over Time to Recover

Exams Are Over Time to Recover Now that finals  are over, you’re probably distressing in whatever way you can. Unfortunately, a long night of drinking and debauchery may not be what your body and mind need to let go of the chemicals that your stressful exams have left in your brain. Instead of getting drunk and getting into trouble, it might be wise to understand exactly how stress affects you and learn some healthy (and fun) ways of relaxing from your exams. Stress Effect According to Nicky Hays, editor of Foundations of Psychology, exam stress effects can be intense, leading to worry, poor sleep habits, and decreased memory function. In fact, the more stressful the exam is, the more your body will produce adrenaline-related hormones to help you â€Å"fight† your fear. Extended periods of stress can have an effect on your body, too. The adrenaline hormones released during these times can cause your immune system to weaken, making you more susceptible to illness. It has even been shown to change the color of your hair. Post-Exam Stress: The Unsung Killer Unfortunately, just because your exams are over doesn’t mean that the stress is. In fact, recent research from the Journal of Behavioral Medicine shows that your cells may be less able to repair DNA after your exams are completed. In addition, there is a correlation between fear about the future and depression after a stressful exam week is completed. Wrong Way to Distress What’s the point of all this? The truth is, after you have completed stressful exams, your body is in a precarious position. Your immune system is lowered, your cells can’t respond as quickly or as well as you expected, and you are at a higher risk of becoming sick. This is the worst time to weaken your system even further with alcohol, drugs, or other risky behaviors. In fact, finals are a particularly bad time for both alcohol and drug-related â€Å"celebrations† and are statistically more likely times for college students to be victims of alcohol poisoning, violence, and rape. Not only that but recovering from exams with these kinds of behaviors can lead to suspension or expulsion from your school. Make Stress Go Away Here are some great alternatives to relieving finals’ stress that won’t hurt your pocketbook or your liver. Go on a short road trip with a few friends. You can get away from the campus, focus on doing something you love, and let your brain unwind.   You might be interested to check the list of  the cheapest summer destinations for students. Start an exercise program. This relieves the excess adrenaline that is trapped in your muscles and releases positive endorphins that won’t leave you hung over. Join a city sports club. Being involved in a sports team has all the benefits of exercising, but you also get to meet people who are interested in things you like to do, too. Go to a funny movie. Research from the University of Maryland has shown that laughter decreases stress levels and lowers blood pressure – especially if you’re watching it on the big screen. Listen to classical music. Soothing music has found to relieve stress on both the body and mind. Several studies have shown how it can lower blood pressure, improve mood, and even facilitate creativity! Make something crafty. Recent research from the Journal of Academic Medicine touts the de-stressing benefits of repetitive creation in activities such as knitting. These actions can release muscle tension, lower heart rate, and let the mind focus on something that is entirely stress-free. Perhaps, youll find these weird hobbies more exciting than regular knitting. Eat a banana. Researchers have found that eating these Vitamin B-infused fruits can alleviate the stresses on your nervous system. In addition, the natural sugars in bananas give your brain a small dose of endorphins, which staves off depression. See an old friend. A study published in Developmental Psychology stated that people who go through stressful situations with a good friend aren’t as damaged by it. That means, seeing a friend after exams might help alleviate your stress and make you feel better about yourself. Summary No matter how bad your final exams felt, remember that they are not the end of the world. Take care of your mind and body by relaxing in ways that will keep you healthy and safe. Not only will your body and mind feel better, but you won’t have any regrets to feel stressed about the morning after your last day of exams. How do you recover from stress and recuperate after exams? Share your tips in the comments below!

Fundamentals of Decision Support Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Fundamentals of Decision Support - Essay Example Some more problems arise which may be linked with increasing the size of the facility. Consequently the cost of operation of the facility will shoot creating another problem. Industry siting may be regulated the existing state regulations’ and local laws. ‘This imposes another problem due the technique of increasing the size of the facility in each region in order curb diseconomies of scale. (Watzlawik) Completion for raw materials by other companies which are related to plastic manufacturing company may also impose another threat. In this case growth of different facilities in different regions may be returded. (Michael, 2009) Technological change can also affect manufacturing and also the utilization of the plastic product hence affecting the growth of plastic manufacturing companies in different regions The increase in the size of the company or organisation leads to the overload of management team due to large scale operations which draw the attention of the managers all through. (Guttmann, Michael, & John). A larger number of employees are employed which requires maximum supervision to ensure smooth operation of the company. Managers should ensure that company resources and materials are not wasted. As a result of overworked management, minimal supervision and control of staff operation emerges leading to laxity of cost of production control. Scale enlargement of the facility in an region of the world could lead to decreased attention on customers individual taste .goods of the same quality are produced consequently as a result of large economies of scale. Fall in demand of the plastic product follows. Hired employees controls the operation of the large sized business in absenter of the owners There usually be loss of personal interaction between the employer and employees which can later lead to staffs strikes and lack outs .This

International Finance and Financial Crisis Case Study

International Finance and Financial Crisis - Case Study Example They should oversee if the sources of funds have an undisrupted flow and if they are able to pay their creditors. Having a clear understanding, the company should try to maximise the cash positions. In 2008, Woolworths had net cash flow of 39.2 millions in comparison to 27.1 millions in 2007. In due contrast to it, the company had 2.2 millions of net cash flow in 2003. So, it can be said Woolworths took required measures to have the increased cash flow during the time of crisis. Identify and aggressively minimise operational risks - The companies, amidst financial crisis, should try to identify and reduce all sorts of avoidable day-to-day risks. During crisis, it is desirable that the companies follow the basics. The operations generated over 61.7 millions in 2008, a drastic increase over the previous year. Conduct rigorous scenario planning - During crisis the companies should also take a proper stock of the economic scenario. They should strategise on the basis of the GDP growth, currency depreciations, etc. Woolworths Group scrapped the idea of paying interim dividend in 2008 considering the net loss it has incurred and the global meltdown. Review business performance and prepare for divestitures - The c... They should strategise on the basis of the GDP growth, currency depreciations, etc. Woolworths Group scrapped the idea of paying interim dividend in 2008 considering the net loss it has incurred and the global meltdown. Review business performance and prepare for divestitures - The company, to sustain and survive the crisis, should continuously review its performance and take necessary steps, as and when required. Also, the company should prepare itself for necessary divestments to increase the cash inflow. As the cash inflow was great for Woolworths, so we can say that the company took regular assessments of its business performance. Maintain the confidence of key stakeholders - Any company that wants to stay floated for long term, knows the value of its stakeholders. Relationship with shareholders, suppliers and customers if once lost can not be regained. The revenue has increased in 2008 compared to 2007 for Woolworths Plc and also there are no bank overdrafts in the year. Dividend Policies, Capital Structure and the Shareholders' Wealth Share-holders are the true owners of any company. And the dividend is the earning of the owner because of his stock holding on the basis of the company's profit. Apart from the capital yield (which a share-holder might earn, if he sale away the share), earning of dividend is the reason of purchasing shares by the shareholder. If a company earns profit from its professional and operational activities, the management can either retain the profit or future investments (called retained profit or retained earning) under the head of 'reserve and surplus' in the balance sheet or the management of the company can distribute the profit among its

Epicurus and Marxs View on Meaningful life Essay -- alienation theory

In Marx’s theory of â€Å"alienation† it highlights on his analysis of alienated labor carried out by political economy, and sees worker as a misery tool for commodity production .This paper will examine the contrasting perspective given by Marx and Epicurus for a good and meaningful life, and will suggest that Marx’s view is more persuasive than Epicurus, in particular because Marx’s concept relates to our contemporary social phenomena which are much more alike in what we are experiencing today. Indeed, this paper will emphasize two arguments which distinctly are different between Marx and Epicurus’ view on life. First, Marx’s sees the point of life has tied into some kinds of activity like work and materialistic consideration, where Epicurus focuses on one’s experience such as pleasure, contemplation and friendship. Secondly, Marx does not consider wisdom is important, where Epicurus thinks wisdom is a key to achieve happiness in li fe. Marx’s view of alienation is a response to political economy and capitalism, and which has developed an important relation among human, production, and reality with human nature. He sees workers choose work to maintain life; work is not a voluntary thing. People create products that do not belong to them, and they work to satisfy the other’s need (eg. factory owners), not their own, and were considered to be â€Å"forced labor†. Therefore, in a sense work becomes a way people disconnect from their human nature. (p. 51,52) The act of production in a way alienates workers from their activities. Workers are alienated from the object they were produced, the more productivity a worker achieves the more he or she loses the nature of human beings. Since the product is not the creation of their own, workers bec... ...intain our basic living standards. I feel like we live the alienated social structure like Marx describes. Employer paid employees with rate in hours, working schedules; we have deadlines, and work objectives. Yet, we still spend most of our time at work and produce products or provide services which are not belonging to us. Works Cited Epicurus (1), "Letter to Menoeceus" in Jackman (ed), Phil 1100: The meaning of Life, Course Kit, York University 2013, pp. 25-26. Epicurus (2), "Principle Doctrines" in Jackman (ed), Phil 1100: The meaning of Life, Course Kit, York University 2013, pp. 27-29. Jackman, H. 2013 (1). "Karl Marx", Lecture Notes, York University, 2013. Jackman. H. 2013 (2). â€Å"Epicurus†. Lecture Notes. York Univeristy. 2013 Marx, Alienated Labor. (1844). In Jackman (ed), Phil 1100: The meaning of Life, Course Kit, York University 2013, pp. 51-54

Founding Brothers by Joseph J. Ellis: Report Essay

Joseph J. Ellis is a well-known historian. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the college of William and Mary, and his masters and Ph.D. at the University of Yale. Ellis is currently a full time professor of the Commonwealth at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. In addition to Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation Ellis has written many books and editorials. His books include; The New England Mind in Transition: Samuel Johnson of Connecticut (Yale University Press, 1983), School For Soldiers: West Point and the Profession of Arms (Oxford University Press, 1974), Passionate Sage: The Character and Legacy of John Adams (W.W Norton and Company, 1993), After the Revolution: Profiles of Early American Culture (W.W. Norton & Company, 2002), and American Sphinx: The character of Thomas Jefferson (New York, NY: Vintage Books, 1998), which won the 1997 National Book Award. Ellis also won the Pulitzer Prize for History for Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation. The subject of Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation focuses on the lives of the Founding Fathers and how they affected America then, and today. Ellis’s thesis is that there has always been turmoil when it comes to states’ rights and the balance of po wer, but the American Revolution was ultimately successful due to the bonds between the founding brothers. His motives for writing the book is to show why, â€Å"these events and achievements are historically significant because they shaped the subsequent history of the United States, including our own time† . Ellis uses many primary sources to support his claims in Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation. For instance, he uses many letters from the characters in the book. The book also includes many quotations from the founding brothers. Ellis also uses many secondary sources. He uses many biographies to help give evidence, including many biographies on each character in the book. Some of these biographies include; Alexander Hamilton by Broadus Mitchell, Aaron Burr by Milton Lomask, James Madison by Irving Brent, Benhamin Franklin by Carl Van Doren, and many more. The majority of reviewers for Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation thought very highly of Ellis’s writing in this book. Many reviewers suggested for all audiences to read this book, including al l levels of education. T.J. Shaeper, of St Bonaventure University in New York, stated that, â€Å"Ellis is deeply steeped in the  literature, and his style is crisp and full of subtle ironies†. Benson Bobrick of The New York Times, observed that, â€Å"this is a splendid book-human, learned, written with flair and radiant with a calm intelligence and wit. Even those familiar with the Revolutionary generation will, I would warrant find much in its pages to captivate and enlarge their understanding of our nations fledgling years† . H. M. Ward, from the University of Richmond, believes that, â€Å"the author succeeds in his aim to extract essential meaning from large-scale topics. The lively narrative reassesses the pivotal roles of the seven men and their intertwining relationships† . Gilbert Taylor generalized that â€Å"Ellis essays are angled, fascinating, and perfect† . These reviews all show how greatly reviewers feel Ellis did on this book. One author had a very interesting opinion about how Ellis saw the â€Å"Founding Brothers†. Benson Bobrick, of The New York Times, analyzed that, â€Å"as Ellis sees it, the founding brethren not only cre ated the American Republic but held it together throughout the volatile and vulnerable early years by sustaining their presence until national habits and customs took root† 3.. This statement shows that, not only did Ellis view the founding fathers as the creators of the â€Å"American Republic†, but also as the backbone to America’s success in the years to follow. Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation is a well written narrative about America’s founding fathers and the years that followed the Revolutionary War. Ellis’s book is appealing to anyone who is interested in learning about the roots of our founding brothers. The book is also well written in the aspect of not being long and drawn out into one big story. Instead, Ellis breaks the book down in to six stories that talk about different situations with American historical figures. Ellis uses more than one type of historical writing throughout the six stories. He uses social, economic and political types of history throughout this book. Overall Joseph J. Ellis showed the significant role the leaders played in the founding of our country. Each character that Ellis brings forth in a story had a great impact not only on America then, but also where America’s nation is concerned today. Ellis also shows the importance of knowing about the roots of the founding fathe rs of our nation. Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation is not only informative, but also compelling in its stories to  keep the reader intrigued. Bibliography Books Ellis, Joseph J. Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation. New York, NY: Vintage Books, 2002. Reviews Shaeper, T.J. a review of Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation by Joseph Ellis. Library Journal (October 15, 2000). Bobrick, Benson. â€Å"The Brethren,† a review of Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation by Joseph Ellis. New York Times Book Review. (10 December 2000). Ward, H.M. a review of Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation by Joseph Ellis. Choice (February 1, 2001). Taylor, Gilbert. a review of Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation by Joseph Ellis. Booklist (October 15, 2000).