One of the key components of effective essays is proper structure. It is a glue that blends all the pieces of your story. Whether you are narrating your cultural experience, setback, or ethical dilemma experience or discussing your career progression story leading to your goals and accomplishments, all the details of your story should flow so well that it is not only understandable but compelling as well.
I often come across essays with extensive relevant information, but this information is scattered all over the place. Keep in mind that you are competing for limited spots in prestigious programs that receive thousands of applications in each round. Ad Com members do not have more than 2-3 minutes to go through each essay, so you can’t expect them to read your essays multiple times to fill in the missing details. By keeping the following points in mind you can organize your story, making it both engaging and comprehensible.
1. Ensure You have a Beginning, Middle, and End
The key to a good essay is an engaging introduction, a well-developed middle, and a compelling conclusion. Each section serves a different purpose. The beginning should capture the reader’s attention and compel them to keep reading your essay. The middle should develop your story, and the conclusion should wrap up your narrative with impact. Many applicants forget to include a conclusion. It is crucial to tie all the key components of your story back to your thesis- your main point and provide a sense of closure
For more details, read the following blogs:
Make your Introduction Engaging
2. Arrange Details Chronologically
Do not assume the Ad Com would know what you have not explicitly stated. Organize your details chronologically to help the reader follow the sequence of events. What happened first in your life should be stated first. For example, when writing situational essays, (e.g. Tell me about a time when you faced an obstacle. Tell me about a time when you received critical feedback. Tell me about a time when you failed). Follow the STAR approach (Situation, Task, Action, Result), so you do not miss out on any vital components of your experience.
Situation (S): Set the context to your experience. What was happening at that time? Was there a crisis, a conflict, or a challenge?
Task (T): What was expected of you? What was your role?
Action (A): What steps did you take? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? (Describe this in detail as it is the crucial part of the essay).
Result/ Outcome (R): What was the outcome of your actions? How did it impact your organization? How is the experience meaningful to you? What did you learn from the experience?
3. Do Not Leave any Loose Ends
You are the author of your story. So you must explain every logical step of your story without leaving any loose ends. Remember, you are not writing a suspense story where the reader is supposed to make assumptions. You are sharing your professional and personal experiences/goals/accomplishments in an admission essay to help the admission committee understand your fit with the program. So address all key aspects of your narrative to avoid ambiguity.
Bad Example
In the autumn of 2008, overlooking high-rise buildings in Tokyo from my office windows, I was deeply troubled. Two years earlier, shortly after our successful IPO, I moved back to Japan with a mission to establish an Asian operation out of Tokyo. What started as a one-person operation from my own bedroom, became the largest market revenue after 2 years with 25 full-time employees.
In the above example, the writer expresses his emotional state. He draws the reader into his story but then he jumps into a flashback without clarifying the cause of his worry, leaving the reader wondering.
Now let’s look at the revised version.
Good Example
In 2006, shortly after our successful IPO, I relocated back to Japan from Norway to establish an Asian operation out of Tokyo. What began as a one-person operation from my bedroom, became a 25-person team generating the highest revenue for our company.
The revised version makes more sense to the reader.
4. Specify the Setting
Always give the reader a clear sense of time and place. When reading a novel or short story, we always want to have a sense of the setting: time, and place, as these are the essential components required to understand the story. Just as in storytelling, these details are critical in MBA essays to provide context for your accomplishments, challenges, or experiences.
Not so Good Example
When I look back, my frustration period in my career was most recent. I was assigned as a Team Lead for a large technical team to handle a challenging project.
Improved Example
In October 2022, I was assigned as a Team Lead for a large technical team to handle a challenging project.
The only difference between the first and the second example is a specification of time which tells the reader how recent the story is.
5. Include your Thought Process
Another vital component to keep in mind is sharing your thought process. Don’t just describe what happened; share what was going through your mind at the time. When answering behavioral questions about leadership/teamwork, diversity, failure/setback, strength/ weakness, etc. it is not enough to describe what you did; it is also important to explain how you felt when you found yourself in a particular situation. Your responses will provide insight into your decision-making process, helping the admissions committee understand how you process your thoughts, approach challenges, make important decisions, and take action.
Not so Good Example
I was in a dilemma about approaching the manager or the interim finance manager who had approved these bills. The interim finance manager was a very good friend of mine; therefore, I did not want to act in haste and reach a wrong conclusion.
Good Example
I was in a dilemma about approaching the manager or the interim finance manager who had approved these bills. The interim finance manager was a very good friend of mine; therefore, I did not want to act in haste and reach a wrong conclusion. I thought, “How can I handle this without damaging relationships? Should I prioritize friendship or responsibility?”
The inclusion of the writer’s thought process in the second example makes it more impactful.
6. Use Transitional Expressions
Transition words help connect your ideas and maintain the flow of your narrative. They can guide the reader smoothly from one point to the next. These transitional expressions act like road signs that help the reader follow the direction of our thoughts. True, we all are familiar with these most commonplace words and phrases, but we sometimes forget to use them, making our ideas appear disconnected and choppy.
Not So Good Example
My job was at stake. I resolved to remain calm, accept the challenge, and start pounding my way through in a planned manner.
Good Example
My job was at stake. Nevertheless, I resolved to remain calm, accept the challenge, and start pounding my way through in a planned manner.
The addition of one word makes the situation appear more coherent.
For more details, click the following blog:
Thus, you can build a sound structure for your story by including all the relevant details that tie together your beginning, middle, and end. By using a clear structure, following chronological order, and adding thoughtful transitions, you can ensure that your MBA essays are engaging, well-crafted, and memorable. With every detail thoughtfully placed, your story becomes more than a series of experiences- it becomes a compelling narrative that leaves a lasting impression on the Ad Com.
About MER (myEssayReview)
Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER (myEssayReview), is a Ph.D. in English with 13 years of MBA consulting experience and three decades of teaching experience in India and the US. Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students from around the world to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,000+ essays written by applicants worldwide. Poonam was among the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023.
Need help with resumé construction? Fill out the free consultation form or email Poonam at poonam@myessayreveiw.com
Follow me on Facebook and LinkedIn
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for our students’ interviews
