by Haripriya K N

As admissions to MBA Institutes get increasingly competitive, colleges use the soft factors of an applicant like essays, resume and test scores – to transform the individual from numbers and words into a living being. It is through your essay that the college determines how valuable you are to them. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before you begin writing your essay.

DO’s –

• Prepare an outline – It is imperative to have a clear focus on the topic in hand. Have a draft containing all the ideas and salient points sequentially.
• Be yourself – Show the reader the qualities you possess, by mentioning instances and personal experiences. Be honest, open and frank. The reader needs to know that you are mature, original, thoughtful and intelligent.
• Be original – Tempting as might be to use the all-knowing internet to write, it is important for your essay to be original. Colleges use soft-wares to check for Plagiarism soft-wares; copy cats are left out!
• Structure the essay well – Begin with a brief introduction, have an interesting quote or an anecdote, and a conclusion that effectively summarizes your theme. Cater to all dimensions of the topic and present a logical argument.
• Proof-reading is a must – Check for spelling mistakes, grammatical errors and adhere to the specified word-count. Seek critical feedback from peers and teachers.

DON’TS –

• Cast yourself in negative light – Failures are the stepping stone to success, and what needs to be highlighted is the lesson learnt from your past mistakes.
• Write an autobiography – The selection committee already has your resume and application to know the basic details.
• Discuss controversial topics – Stay clear of topics like politics and religion.
• Binge on the language – Complicated vocabulary and clichéd phrases are a strict NO
• Be dishonest – Making something up to impress is an unwelcome move

“Every secret of a writer’s soul, every experience of his life, every quality of his mind, is written large in his works.”
—Virginia Woolf