[推荐]Sample Essay 3: Chicago

QUESTION: If you were a character in a book, who would it be and why? What do you admire most about this character, and how does it relate to you personally and/or professionally? (300 words maximum)

I would be Frodo Baggins from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Frodo is a hobbit, a shorter variation on a human, living in the Shire, a quaint green hilly region of Middle Earth, a fantastical world invented by Tolkien. The Lord of the Rings follows Frodo and his compatriots on their quest to save Middle Earth by destroying a ring that will give the Dark Lord overwhelming power.

I would choose Frodo not because of his great achievements nor his noble quest, but because of his determination, his risk-taking and his wisdom. Frodo continued on his quest due to the high cost of failing to complete it. This determination was the key to Frodo's successful completion of the quest. I hope to exhibit this same level of determination throughout my life, both professionally and personally. In addition, Frodo was a great risk-taker. Though many other characters attempted to persuade Frodo to refuse his quest, he continued despite the many dangers he confronted. He did not do so foolishly; he contemplated each step and made thoughtful decisions appropriately. Risk-taking is key to achieving great things and I hope to take such steps in my professional and personal future. Frodo did not pursue his quest alone, however. He was wise enough to recognize his own limitations and to surround himself with characters possessing complementary skills. His compatriots included two men, an elf, a dwarf, three other hobbits and a wizard, all with different strengths that aided Frodo in his quest. I hope to act with the same wisdom that Frodo did by surrounding myself with others possessing complementary skills in my professional and community endeavors.

Question: Why are you seeking an MBA? What are your plans and goals after your receive your degree? (500 words)

Having been a management consultant for nearly three years, addressing business issues in four industries, for seven clients, in five countries, I can confirm that I want to return to that field, but I also want to rank among the most senior executives at Fortune 500 companies. While I remain open to opportunities I may discover at the GSB, my present goal is to become a partner in a professional services consulting firm. To accelerate my achievement of that goal, I would like to complete a concentration in Strategic Management at the GSB.

Fundamentally, I seek the toolkit that will enable me to counter a complex business problem with a creative, outside-the-box solution. And when I can't come up with a solution on my own, I will need to assemble and effectively collaborate with a team that can. An MBA will give me the skills I need to develop my own innovative solutions, to recognize the talent I want on my team, and to lead even the most diverse group to success.

In the short term, the laceType>UniversitylaceType> of laceName>ChicagolaceName>'s Graduate School of Business (GSB) will provide me with unparalleled analytical skills. While I believe my undergraduate major in Finance has served me well thus far in my consulting career, I need more rigorous quantitative coursework to develop the analytical skills required for solving more challenging business problems. In addition, I look to the GSB to help me become a more effective manager. For example, I expect to implement such principles as set forth in the LEAD program as the managerial groundwork, the feedback approach, and the teamwork principles it sets forth. Therefore, the near-term reason for seeking an MBA is to enhance my analytical and managerial skills.

Now, as a woman with clear career and family goals, timing of the pursuit of an MBA is everything. I do not have the luxury of "letting things fall into place". If I wish a family and a career, I have to move swiftly, with conviction. I recognize this year as the right time for me for three reasons. First, I have gained extensive and varied work experience that will allow me to contribute in the classroom, as well as benefit from others' experiences. Secondly, I am no longer convinced that I can achieve my long-term career objectives within my company, given the changing focus of the company toward such areas as outsourcing and away from strategic consulting work. Finally, an MBA is a critical part of my personal development plan to constantly challenge myself by pursuing learning opportunities beyond those I have already encountered.

Question: You find yourself on an elevator with the Dean of Chicago GSB. Please tell him why this is the right school for you, and what you hope to contribute if admitted. (500 words)

The Coat and the Candidacy

"Good morning! Which floor do you need? Seventh? Well, you'll have some company, then. I have to tell you I just love your coat! Very classy and smart, not something trendy you see every day. And what a great fit! That reminds me of my candidacy for the GSB, actually. You are Dean Snyder, right? I recognize you from the school brochure. Well, if you have a minute, I would love to tell you what your coat and my candidacy have in common."

A Perfect Fit
"I have to start by saying that the GSB is where I belong. On my two visits, I experienced camaraderie that exactly reflects the business school culture I wish to enjoy. During Homecoming weekend, I went to a party hosted by some of the GSB first-years. On my second visit, I went to "TNDC" with my friend and current first-year, [Name], where I felt accepted into the GSB circle. I found that I share similar goals and interests with the students I met, making 'fitting in' effortless.
In addition to the culture, many other attributes draw me to the laceType>UniversitylaceType> of laceName>ChicagolaceName>. During my two visits to the GSB, I saw how concerned the faculty is, was impressed by the flexible curriculum, and visited the top-rated career services center. I also love Chicago and have returned many times since first visiting in the fall of 2001. My experiences with Chicago and the GSB have left me feeling that I want nothing more than to attend the laceType>UniversitylaceType> of laceName>ChicagolaceName>."

Classy, Smart, Different. "I will also be a 'smart and different' addition to your 2004 Entering Class. Two attributes that stand out in my mind are that I am Southern and I am smart. With my Southern hospitality, I will help you with your goal of fostering a sociable and warm environment at the GSB. As for intelligence, I graduated in the top 1.5% of my class with a double major and a minor. Selective admission into the laceName>HonorslaceName> College at my university is comparable to that of many top tier schools, with requirements of 1300 on the SAT and a top 5% ranking in one's high school class. I achieved my 3.9 GPA while heavily involved on campus, serving on the executive board of six organizations. Which reminds me - I am excited just thinking about the extracurricular opportunities offered by the GSB! I anticipate pursuing membership in the Management Consulting Group and Chicago Women in Business. I also know I will strive to become a LEAD facilitator in my second year, if accepted to the GSB. Dean Snyder, I hope my short introduction has demonstrated that I am as unique and well-fitting as that coat of yours. It would be my pleasure to bring these attributes and more to the University of Chicago. Perhaps we'll meet again on the elevator in the new GSB campus building next fall."

Question: If you could be present at any event in time, what would it be and why? (500 words)

"You can have anything you want - if you want it badly enough. You can be anything you want to be, have anything you desire, accomplish anything you set out to accomplish - if you will hold to that desire with singleness of purpose." ?General Robert E. Lee

"One of my superstitions had always been when I started to go anywhere, or to do anything, not to turn back, or stop until the thing intended was accomplished." ?General Ulysses S. Grant

These are two very different approaches to making things happen, and two very different men made the statements. General Robert E. Lee was the leader of the Confederate forces which championed slavery. General Ulysses S. Grant served as leader of the Union forces which refused to allow the bigotry to spread any further. If given the opportunity to be present at any event in time, I would choose General Robert E. Lee's surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865 at Appomatox Court House, Virginia. From the quotes above, both Generals placed high value on accomplishments, as do I. At this event, however, only one of the Civil War's two most reputable leaders could claim victory.
Most leadership skills must be learned through observation and experience rather than through books or independent study. Being present at this event would allow me to witness the leadership of one phenomenal U.S. leader in his time of triumph and another in his greatest defeat, as well as the lessons the Generals learned in the process.
A lesser man than Lee would have crumbled under the pressure of defeat; instead Lee accepted his fate with humility and embraced the ensuing change with poise. A lesser man than Grant would have wallowed in pride, but he shared Lee's trait of humility as evidenced by the Union's compassionate reception of Lee's surrender. Though remembered very differently in U.S. history, these two Generals clearly have much in common. Even more than grace and humility, though, the two share some of the most difficult traits to learn: the ability to inspire, gain trust and ultimately influence action.
Influencing action has been critical in my most recent role as a spend category sourcing lead for a broad strategic sourcing effort. I had to use influence and gain trust to motivate two executive-level client team members to meet an aggressive timeline and identify substantial savings. Though certainly no Appomatox Court House, my success in this role is a favorite work accomplishment, because it's given me self-confidence and faith in my leadership abilities.
Ultimately, I hope to adopt many more of the leadership characteristics possessed by Lee and Grant in my leadership style. I will strive to inspire and motivate others, to be compassionate, and to accept defeat as graciously as I embrace victory. If I were present on that day at the McLean House in Appomatox, I know I would benefit from observing all of those and more in these two gifted leaders.

Question: You've been given $1 million to set up a philanthropic organization. What would it support and why? (500 words)

If given $1 million to set up a philanthropic organization, I would start an international travel program to educate children on the global nature of our society and the need to embrace it. My decision stems from a recent conversation with my 14-year old cousin, [deleted]. Years ago, [deleted] and I connected through the German language. At the same time that I was preparing to study abroad in Germany for the summer, she was taking German classes as part of her 3rd grade curriculum. She and I share a love for learning about other cultures and to this day it is our main bond. Ashley, now fluent in both German and Spanish, possesses a wealth of knowledge on a variety of cultures and religions which has led her to seek out diverse friends at school. Ashley often talks of how badly some classmates treat her for befriending their Hispanic and Russian classmates.
It pains me to see that because Ashley welcomes friends of diverse backgrounds, she has been alienated by many of the children with traditional, Southern upbringings. While I am confident that Ashley will have the opportunity to travel internationally someday, how many of her classmates will? Will their intolerance today evolve into hate tomorrow? I believe these prejudices are the reason for the war-torn state of our world. I also believe that exposure to different cultures can solve this problem. International travel, which I know to be valued by the GSB, is unparalleled in its ability to create interest in and understanding of other cultures.
The widely touted trend of globalization makes it difficult to imagine that such antiquated beliefs as racism could exist today. But they do. Children across the globe are growing up without an appreciation for diversity. At the age of 11, I was lucky enough to spend five weeks in Japan living with family of a Japanese friend. I was immersed in the culture, the food, and the religion in ways I could not have imagined before the trip. I remember kneeling before a Buddhist shrine wanting so badly to strike the gong, but wondering if that small act would make me a Buddhist. The experience led me to want to learn about the Buddhist faith on my own at a young age. But more importantly, it awakened in me a healthy curiosity, as well as respect, for other cultures.
I attribute my early experience in Japan to my open mind. Every child should have such a broadening experience. The sooner this happens in each person's life the better off our society will be. One million dollars doesn't go very far today, but harmful gossip among children certainly does. More young people like Ashley who are educated about other cultures and become willing to speak out in defense of them, will lead to compassionate voices of reason. In short, making children more culturally educated will serve a greater good when those children grow into adults willing to live peacefully in an increasingly diverse society.

Question: If there is further information that you believe would be helpful to the admissions committee, please feel free to provide it. (500 words)

Introduction to the Southern Dialect

Given the possibility that I, a Southerner, may attend the GSB next year, I can think of no more helpful information to provide the admissions committee than a guide to the Southern dialect. After all, it would be awkward for all involved if I were to arrive on campus only to find that no one could understand me. Therefore, I hope to acquaint the admissions committee with "Southern Speak" through this essay. Below, in an attempt to prevent bewildered stares, I will give you a short "dictionary" of some favorite Southern words.

"Y'all"
Ironically, "y'all" is the Southern word most ridiculed by those above the Mason-Dixon Line, yet, by my observation, is also the most quickly adopted of all Southern words. "Y'all" tends to receive criticism for its grammatical impropriety, but I can not, for the life of me, figure out why. "Y'all" is the conjunction of you and all. It provides an effective means of distinguishing when one is addressing more than one person (i.e., "Are y'all responsible for deciding who is admitted to the GSB?"). "Y'all" is gaining popularity throughout the United States, in part thanks to Southern rappers like Nelly and Outkast. Like Nelly and OutKast before me, I will do my part to extend the reach of "y'all" to the greater Chicago area if granted admission to the GSB. Yonder
"Yonder" is a noun that represents a place. If you replace the word "yonder" with "there" in the following sentence, you are sure to understand its meaning: "Are y'all going over yonder tonight?" I expect to have to use this word a great deal upon setting foot on the Hyde Park campus, so I want there to be no confusion about its meaning. For example, "Is Dr. Fama's class in that building over yonder? Edelstone is over yonder, right? Did y'all see Gwyneth Paltrow filming a scene over yonder?" See what I mean?

Grits
"Grits" really has two meanings. The first is a Southern breakfast food made from small, broken grains of corn. The second, GRITS, is an acronym meaning Girls Raised In The South. Grits ?the food ?are relatively bland until mixed with A LOT of butter and cheese. GRITS, however, are definitely not bland and mix well in most situations (such as in a cohort at the GSB next fall).
And that's all, y'all!
So there you have it ?an introduction to the Southern dialect. Thank you for taking the time to get to know my fun side. I hope to meet y'all up yonder next September, perhaps over a breakfast of eggs, bacon and grits!

写得真好啊