Ask Jon Frank- P69-Q&A:WHY MBA? 7 OVERLOOKED REASONS TO GET AN MBA

JonFrank

Essay 2: THREE-PART QUESTION (150 words per question).

When schools force the applicant’s hand and split larger essay questions into pieces, it’s a signal—they want you to cut to the chase. Remember, folks: the b-school application is not a writing contest. Flair without substance gets you absolutely nowhere. It’s all about the “value” of the applicant. Our trick, is to communicate that value as clearly and effectively as possible. So, here we have 150 words apiece to get some stuff across. Probably it’s two lean paragraphs, maybe it’s one—but only if your writing skills are exceptional. A dense paragraph that isn’t clear can do more harm than good. Let’s get into it.

• What about your professional experience has led you to determine that business school is the right next step?

This is a rare instance where paying attention to the wording should steer your response. (Often times you’ll hear us say in lectures how you must compile your STRONGEST stories and make sure that you communicate them, regardless of how the prompts read—i.e., don’t let the prompts force you to pull from your eighth strongest story just because on the surface it seems like a more natural FIT to the question). But here, let’s sink our teeth into their intention.

There is an interesting assumption laced into this sucker. They’re suggesting (and you should play along here) that business school was never really a part of your “equation.” Your career has developed its own momentum, and it’s heading somewhere. As you pick up speed, your sense for where it’s heading is becoming clearer, as is your sense for what is needed to succeed… maximally—who wants to succeed only half-way? There is such a thing of course, but we’re not looking for settlers, we’re looking for… pioneers.

B-school isn’t NECESSARY for everyone to succeed wildly. Steve Jobs, anyone? But, it can be a huge catalyst. Assuming you didn’t have this in mind when you embarked on your career, when DID it occur to you? What was the precise moment? Think about it. When did it occur to you that an MBA was worth the hassle—the application, the research, the GMAT, collecting LORs, the financial outlay, all that… stress. What tipped the scale for you? Articulate THAT. And nothing else. So long as you embrace that assumption, you will end up explaining all that you need to explain (with respect to your short and long term goals, i.e., just the right amount of it) to bring your case to light.

What we’re looking for is the kind analytical mind—the BUSINESS-savvy mind—that assesses a situation, sees an opportunity, weighs pros and cons, and decides on a course going forward. In this decision alone—the decision to earn an MBA—we get to see whether your reasoning resembles that of “the guy who’s gonna do something down the road.” Show us the gears, folks—all you need to do is make a bulletproof argument. The number one mistake people will make is in trying to over-sell their IDEA, rather than a simple, CLEAR, and compelling case for why an MBA is a necessary next step. Show us that you understand what it is, and why it’s more valuable to your path than “not it.”

• As you have researched MBA programs, what actions have you taken to learn more about Ross, and what has led you to believe that Ross is the right MBA program for you?

This one’s like making bread—VERY simple ingredients, but it’s all about execution. Let’s first identify the ingredients: water, yeast, flour, and salt. Kidding.

Okay, for real, the ingredients are:

1. Here’s what I’m looking for in an MBA program (yep, articulate it THAT way).
2. This is the STUFF I’ve done to learn about Ross (you’ll see that I’m not messing around and just combing the website, like anyone can—from the evidence I’ve provided, it is plain that I am unusually interested in this particular program).
3. What I have learned FROM this research, is that Ross may be an incredible fit for me in the following ways: A, B, C. (What’s ABC? These are very specific ways that you will demonstrate how unique aspects of Ross will combine with your needs to catapult you to a GREAT version of future success.)

Let’s dig into that strange phrase in #3 above: “… GREAT version of future success.” Think about it. There are many ways you can succeed at your goals. Some may be exceptional, mind-blowing. Another version may be more modest—still a success, but simply less flashy. Yet another version may be something that OTHERS consider a success, but that doesn’t fulfill you. You get the idea, there are a million possible outcomes.

Well, you’re gonna make the argument here that there’s something about Ross that gives you the feeling that through THIS program (and not others), you’re gonna end up fulfilling an EXCELLENT (and possibly even the BEST) version of your future success. Make sense? Gotta be specific though; can’t just “state it.” Prove it. Where’s the evidence? Why are you making this claim? Sell us on it. Argue it with “facts” the way a lawyer builds a case in court.

• What career do you plan to pursue after business school, and why?

Don’t try to wow us with CONCEPT here—no one reeeealllly cares. Wow us—instead—with confidence. Clarity. Momentum. Inevitability. Don’t sell us a pipe dream. You’re on a train that has already LEFT the station, and if you’re successful here, we will chase after this train and try to leap onto it. It’s not “look at how interesting my idea is” or “check out the amazing opportunity I’m pitching here!” … it’s “look at how successful I’m going to be (no matter what I do).”

How to achieve this? Prove to us that you’re gonna succeed. Build the answer around THAT singular objective. Identify the opportunity. Identify the thing that’s wrong/broken. Explain what it is you wanna actually do/achieve. Justify it, sell us on it. Indicate WHY this gets your juices flowing, and why it brings out the best in you. Now prove that based on your history, you were born for this role, and that if anyone is gonna pull it off… it’s you—just look at all this evidence.

Sound simple? Nice! Unfortunately, it ain’t that simple. But this approach will help you stay on the correct (and most compelling) path.

Jon Frank
HBS 2005

angelaliuhui

Hi Jon, need the help as well...
any chance to get into Columbia, Whorton, Tuck or Chicago
My background: MA of finance. from top 3 business school in France;
GPA:3.5,
4.5 w/e , 3 years in a American vlaluation firm, 1.5 years in a big4 consulting
G740, with AWA 3.5, I think I'd better retake G but I am really tired, Twaived

many thanks

cloudy218

Hi Jon,

impressive sharing.

One question that would like your comments:
I have a colleague whom I worked with in several projects. (our work relationship is project based.) He was a director in my dream school, and agrees to provide some sort of recommendation/endorsement.
I am wondering that besides being one of the recommender and completing the whole online process, is there anyway else for him to provide the recommendation/endorsement, e.g. writing an email to the school? or, should I be better ask him to act as the recommender? (it may take him a lot of time..)
One of my professor graduated from that university as well (but not business school)..he called the university last year, hoping to endorse for me, though I was not admitted...Does such help? (if yes, he will be willing to do it again this year..)

Many thanks.

JonFrank

angelaliuhui 发表于 2013-6-14 22:02
Hi Jon, need the help as well...
any chance to get into Columbia, Whorton, Tuck or Chicago
My backg ...

Oooops!

cloudy218

cloudy218 发表于 2013-6-19 20:29
Hi Jon,

impressive sharing.

Hi Jon, just want to make sure that my question is noticed, so repost as below....greatly appreciate it if you may share your comments on my questions..
Many thanks.

---------
I have a colleague whom I worked with in several projects. (our work relationship is project based.) He was a director in my dream school, and agrees to provide some sort of recommendation/endorsement.
I am wondering that besides being one of the recommender and completing the whole online process, is there anyway else for him to provide the recommendation/endorsement, e.g. writing an email to the school? or, should I be better ask him to act as the recommender? (it may take him a lot of time..)
One of my professor graduated from that university as well (but not business school)..he called the university last year, hoping to endorse for me, though I was not admitted...Does such help? (if yes, he will be willing to do it again this year..)

JonFrank

cloudy218 发表于 2013-6-21 00:22
Hi Jon, just want to make sure that my question is noticed, so repost as below....greatly appreciat ...

YES! You've been noticed!! My apology, old man gets distracted vert easily! =) Here's my response to your question:
First of all, endorsements can help, but as you discovered don't always get you in. But there is no way they can hurt. I think though that written endorsements are better. So if your professor wants to send a short note about how fantastic you are, it can be great. As for your colleague who was a director at your dream school, it depends. You can use them as a full recommender if he also has lots to say about you at work (and if you can set him up as a supervisor of yours). If not, he can still be useful! You can write what I call the "extra recommendation", which is a pretty short recommendation (1 page) and ignores the school's question. Ideally, the person will write it in hard copy (not an email) and send it directly to a specific member of the Adcom. It's great that you have this possibility, as every little bit helps!

Jon Frank

JonFrank

angelaliuhui 发表于 2013-6-14 22:02
Hi Jon, need the help as well...
any chance to get into Columbia, Whorton, Tuck or Chicago
My backg ...

Hi Friend,It's a little bit hard for me to say because I am missing a lot of info from you (Especially about your work experience), but let's say that what you have in your profile is very good. Your GMAT is fantastic! So don't retake! And I think with your MA and international experience you are off to a good start. But I still am missing too much info in order to give you a proper evaluation. I would need to know - your position, how much management you have, how much international experience, how many promotions, your main achievements, what schools you graduated from, what your GPAs were, whether you have volunteer experience, what extra-curricualr experience you have… a whole lot of stuff, as you can see!!! If you can get back to me with a bit about all of this, I can advise you further.

Jon Frank
HBS 2005

cloudy218

JonFrank 发表于 2013-6-21 18:11
YES! You've been noticed!! My apology, old man gets distracted vert easily! =) Here's my response  ...

Hi Jon, thanks. Highly appreciate your comments.
for the colleague, we work together on several projects, so I think he has something to say about me. But he is not my supervisor. the school requires/suggests one direct supervisor (whom I have put as recommender already), so I think he can be the recommender as a peer.
However, I think the hard copy idea is also great, which may better/more directly convey messages to the Adcom member.
questions are:
1. So he should have the contact info./personal connection of the specific member of Adcom, or we can just deliver to the director whose name is notified on the school website?
2. How do you think my colleague may help better, being a recommender (through online process) or deliver the hard copy of short letter?

Many thanks again for your kindness. People who help others without demanding reward are called Lei Feng in China...  

bbbbhh2

Hi John,
Need your help here. I'm a mkt operation staff at Huawei (one of the F500, but a chinese ICT firm). I have worked 1 year in China and 2 years in Chile office.
I got a bachelor degree from a top 20 university in China, but the GPA is really baaaaaad! Just around 2.4.  I haven't taken the GMAT and the T , but I'm confident to get a 730+/100+
My career goal is to be a consultant in High-tech firms like IBM,Oracle...etc,  but I don't know what kind of school should I shoot for?  Do I have a shot with top 20 schools like Duke,Darden,Tepper?
Looking forward to your advice.

deardee

Hi Jon,it is really good to have you here. I have several questions and would like to have your opinion.

I got couple offers last year but I want to try another year for my dream school. As a reapplicant, 1. for the resume: can i just add the new responsibilities I have undertaken since the last application and keep all the rest part of the resume the same, if I believe my resume is already competitive enough? 2. Is there anything you think a reapplicant should look after on the applicatin package specifically?

Thanks a lot for your help