Duke essay 2: How will your background, values, and non-work activities enhance

JonFrank

hi Jon,

Thanks for your suggestion

how about telling us how you would write this essay if you apply for Duke? just use stories before your MBA

No offense

-- by 会员 flytiti (2010/9/24 0:12:06)

Sure—when I was in college, I was musical director of a singing group.  We were very good—and sang for the White House in the USA, at Carnegie Hall, on television, etc.  I might tell a quick story about how I led that team while we were so successful.  So in a Duke app, I might have connected this to leadership in general.  I have always been comfortable leading teams—whether as a real estate developer in work, or doing extra-curricular work outside the office.  I have always been a natural leader.  J  One topic…done!  After all, leading a real estate development is similar to leading a singing group.  A music conductor and a real estate developer have the same skills.  I am eager to bring this skill to Duke, helping people to achieve their goals.  J

Piece of cake!   For more specific questions, feel free to reach out to me personally at my email address.  That way, as your questions get increasinglyspecific to you, I can help more.

Hope this helps,

Jon Frank

JonFrank

But I have a question.

I am afraid that the i am not the only rural guy who applies to Duke. The Adcom have seen a lot of this kind of story...

My rural story is more touching, just as you discribe, but I think I should distinguish myself in other ways.

-- by 会员 seachina (2010/9/24 1:20:01)

Hello there my friend!  Thank you for some morethoughtful notes.  Yes, of course the adcoms have seen this rural story before.  After all, they have heard EVERY story before—whether a rural person from China, or a banker from NYC, or a car salesman from Detroit, or a tobacco farmer in Cuba.  There is no way to be truly unique—the way to differentiate yourself isn’t by choosing the most unusual story, of course. It is by having a truly unique, unusual perspective. No matter what story you tell in your apps, they will have heard something similar.  No matter what accomplishment you list, they will see something more impressive.  You cant win that game!  What you CAN do is describe your unique PERSPECTIVE.  How it all affected YOU.  THAT is how you win, my friend.  Hope this helps, and good luck!

Jon Frank

ginnycao

Can I talk about several experiences? Or just focus on one experience? Thank you.