Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business is a highly regarded institution that annually accepts a highly selective group of MBA students. With admissions becoming increasingly competitive each year, crafting standout essays is crucial for applicants seeking admission. This article will provide an in-depth look at the Georgetown MBA essays for the 2017 application cycle, including tips and strategies for writing effective responses.
For 2017, Georgetown requires applicants to respond to two essay prompts. The first asks candidates to discuss how their background and experiences will contribute to the McDonough community. This essay is an opportunity for applicants to highlight the unique perspectives and strengths they would bring to the student body. It is important to convey passion for the McDonough mission while clearly connecting personal experiences to topics of relevance at the school, such as leadership, teamwork, cultural diversity, or community engagement. Rather than simply listing accomplishments, strong responses will use compelling anecdotes to illustrate the lessons learned and insights gained from past challenges or opportunities for growth.
The second essay prompt asks candidates to discuss the leadership skills they have developed and how they have demonstrated those skills. This question directly relates to Georgetown’s emphasis on cultivating principled and innovative leaders. Applicants should reflect on a specific example from their background that exemplifies their leadership attributes in action. Effective responses will go beyond simply holding a leadership title by narrating how they motivated or influenced others to achieve meaningful outcomes. It is also beneficial to acknowledge areas for continued improvement. Overall, the goal is to paint a multidimensional picture of oneself as a leader through a well-explained, vivid story rather than vague generalities.
In crafting responses to both essays, following an outline is recommended to maintain logical flow and direct focus. The introduction should immediately capture the reader’s interest while signaling the anecdote or experience that will be discussed. It establishes a thesis for how the prompt will be addressed. Body paragraphs then vividly recount key details and insights before relating them back to the lessons learned. A strong conclusion ties the story and lessons together while reemphasizing the applicant’s fit and potential contributions within the McDonough community.
It is also important for essays to exude authentic personality. Rather than trying to be overly polished or general, applicants should speak from the heart about experiences that are truly meaningful to them. Editing aggressively can result in responses that seem bland or calculated. While structure and focus are needed, conveying passion and individuality through unique word choice or perspective is valued. Reviewers want to get to know candidates as multidimensional people rather than resumes or concepts on paper.
Formatting properly is also key. Essays should be visually appealing and flawlessly proofread prior to submission. Standard font size, margins, and double-spacing create structure that makes responses easy to evaluate. Applicants must also adhere strictly to the maximum word count for each prompt, as exceeding length restrictions detracts from impact. Using the full word limit demonstrates thoughtful reflection without being redundant.
Sample outlines could follow this structure for the first prompt on community contributions:
I. Introduction
– Hook: Brief statement grabbing the reader’s attention
– Thesis: Personal background and specific strengths or skills that will contribute value within McDonough community
II. Body Paragraph 1
– Background detail: Short anecdote recounting formative experience
– Insight: Relates lesson learned to theme of leadership, diversity, etc.
III. Body Paragraph 2
– Background detail: Additional experience underscoring a key attribute
– Insight: Explains how attribute will help support classmates
IV. Conclusion
– Reiterate strengths and insights gained
– Reaffirm fit and passion for McDonough mission
The second leadership essay could adopt a similar outline focused around thoroughly explaining a single experience that epitomized strengths as a leader. Overall responses must demonstrate self-awareness, relevance to McDonough, and an invitation for reviewers to envision the applicant as an engaged member of the incoming class. With practice crafting compelling, multidimensional stories, candidates can give their Georgetown applications a distinct edge.