App Week: Essays and Optional Responses

TL;DR

This video provides valuable insights and tips on how to approach graduate school application essays, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and self-reflection.

Transcript

[MUSIC] My name is Wil, director of Outreach at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and welcome to day two of Application Week. Today we're going to be focusing on telling your story, and more specifically focused on the essays, short responses that kind of exist in the application, and the optional questions. So we're going to be doing a coup... Read More

Key Insights

• 📶 The holistic review process considers the entire application, so focus on conveying your unique story and strengths.
• 😒 Authenticity is crucial in writing the essays, and applicants should speak their truth and use language that feels natural to them.
• 🪛 The optional questions provide opportunities to showcase the impact you have had and the values that drive you.
• ❓ Applicants should consider the purpose of each essay prompt and how it fits into their overall narrative.
• ❓ Avoid overthinking or comparing yourself to others; embrace your journey and celebrate your achievements.
• ✍️ Feedback from trusted individuals can be helpful, but ultimately, the writing should reflect your own voice and perspective.
• 🤩 Time management and understanding your own writing process are key in avoiding writer's block and producing high-quality essays.

Questions & Answers

Q: How should I approach the essay prompts?

Take the time to reflect on your personal experiences and choose prompts that allow you to convey your authentic self. Focus on key moments, themes, and insights from your journey, and consider using separate essays to address different aspects of your story.

Q: Should I mention my research publication in the application?

Yes, you can include it in the awards and achievements section of your resume. However, make sure to provide enough context and explain the significance of the publication to demonstrate its relevance to your overall story.

Q: How should I address the optional background question?

You have flexibility in how you approach this question. You can discuss how your background or life experiences have shaped recent choices or actions, or you can delve into specific experiences influenced by your background. Focus on conveying the "so what" of these experiences and their impact on your growth and development.

Q: Will the interviewer read my essays?

No, interviewers will only see your resume. Use the interview as an opportunity to expand on aspects of your application and have a conversation about your experiences, interests, and goals.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video discusses the holistic review process used in graduate school admissions, emphasizing that there are no formulas or benchmarks, and no single part of the application is more important than the others.

• The importance of speaking your truth and conveying your personal experiences and perspectives is highlighted. The video encourages applicants to focus on their own unique stories and not compare themselves to others.

• The prompts for the application essays are explored, with advice on how to approach them. The video provides examples and frameworks to help applicants uncover meaningful experiences and reflect on their impact and aspirations.