Mark and Jie's Journey to B-School

I set out to create a post that brings together all of the applicant advice I have so graciously shared over the last 10 months or so for all those poor souls who are working on their round 2 apps right now. Well, apparently I am not the benevolent host I thought I was, because this blog is almost entirely devoid of advice on applications. To be fair, I did write several things on the long-dormant MBA Advice site, but none of that wisdom made it's way here. So, in order to completely avoid studying for my LEAD final (or, gasp, looking ahead to FRC), here is some unsolicited advice:

• Know thyself: Having spoken with admissions directors, this is the #1 thing that an applicant must do in order to be accepted. Know who you are, where you've been, and where you're going.
• Plan ahead: It's almost too late for this, but it's critical to notify recommenders early and to give essay reviewers enough time. That means finishing essays as much as 2 weeks ahead of the deadline!
• Be yourself: This is closely related to #1. B-schools have a pretty good idea of what kind of students will most benefit from the education, so be yourself in your application so that you will be accepted wherever's best for you. This may sound fatalistic, but I think it's better to be rejected and figure out that you don't really need/want an MBA than to get here, pay all this money, and realize that this isn't the right thing. I know, easy for me to say.
• Stand out, fit in: Finally, some practical advice. Your application should be designed to show how you fit in to the school and yet stand out from the applicant pool. It's a real challenge, but one of the sure ways to increase your chances.
• Find a theme: Well, around 4, actually. Your application should be focused on around 4 central themes, so much so that a random person off the street could read your app and then tell you your themes. This helps communicate who you are much better than a jumbled mess of thoughts that resemble my undergrad apps.

Finally, for those of you interested in HBS, the key is: leadership. Someone once described it to me this way: At HBS they want to know that you are on this leadership trajectory, that you will be a great leader someday. You don't have to be far along the trajectory now, just on it. HBS is all about educating future leaders, they take it very seriously. Showing that you are on your way to becoming such a leader is a good way to improve your odds.

I'll conclude with my standard disclaimer: the advice you have just received is worth exactly what you paid for it, and it is based solely upon my own observations and opinions. Oh yeah, good luck!