tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11902798890806078622023-11-15T07:50:12.538-08:00www.ivyeyesediting.comwww.ivyeyesediting.comNever Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.comBlogger195125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-17912222824026907752010-05-10T10:12:00.000-07:002010-09-22T18:16:49.738-07:00Ivy Eyes Editing: Think Before You EmailRecently, we spoke with an MBA admissions officer about a former international candidate at a top MBA program. Frequently, with some international applicants, there is a cultural disparity that arises and impacts not just language, but communication style between applicant and admissions committee. This specific applicant had applied early, but taken it upon himself to send the admissions committee several updates with pictures from political events around Shanghai. <br /><br />These events bore some testimony to the kind of cultural diversity the applicant could offer, but also begged the question: i<span style="font-style:italic;">s this a person that is ready for a buttoned up MBA program and Western business practices? Will an inability to successfully navigate Western social mores impact his/her career prospects in the United States and beyond? </span> Surprisingly, the candidate was admitted, but only because one admissions officer fought for his spot and championed the value of his background and leadership. However, on another admissions panel, this applicant's prospects would not have been as bright.<br /><br />In another instance, a parent of an applicant had corresponded with the admissions committee on behalf of his son. This highly prestigious program selects a very small number of candidates who are chosen not only for their aptitude, but for their potential community contribution and leadership. Unfortunately, the parent’s activity in the admissions process was viewed as an indication of the applicant’s lack of independence. While the applicant received an interview, one of the university’s professors shared he would not be admitted because of parental interference. While this example may seem extreme, it does happen with some frequency. In an era when all candidates seem over-groomed, particularly at the college level, parents can play a crucial (and potentially detrimental) role in the admissions process.<br /><br />While these two examples are very different, they both yield an important lesson: think before you email the admissions committee.<br /><br />Every piece of writing directed toward the admissions committee can negatively or positively shape their perception of you. While some admissions committee representatives may be charmed by your latest update or overly reverential inquiry, others may find hyper-communication cloying and a reflection of your lackluster professionalism.<br /><br />With each communication, you must carefully consider the reason behind that communication. Is your email necessary? Does the email align with the quality and professionalism of your admissions materials? Are you sending out the right message? Can you find your answer elsewhere? In an age when most admissions committees are becoming more transparent and providing applicants with more information, would your email inquiry warrant the answer "Google it?"<br /><br />So, think before you send the next email—it could make the difference in your candidacy.<br /><br />All the best,<br /><br />Janson<br /><br />Ivy Eyes Editing<br /><br />www.ivyeyesediting.comNever Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-59728062786303816472010-09-10T18:38:00.000-07:002010-09-10T19:02:46.164-07:00Saying the Unsayable in Admissions WritingMany applicants feel constrained by the purported boundaries of admissions writing. Admissions essays and 'statements of purpose' feel far too stilted, sort of like meeting the parents for the first time. They strangle the narrative voice; they stifle one's authentic Self; they inhibit one's true feelings. However, admissions writing doesn't have to be that way, nor does your first encounter with your in-laws, for that matter!<br /><br />Listening to NPR just the other day, I caught Jonathan Franzen discussing his new novel <span style="font-style:italic;">Freedom</span> and sharing insight into the purpose of a novel:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Mr. FRANZEN: I wanted to write long before I was in need of therapy. But having said that, much of the work on a novel for me consists in the kind of work you might do in a paid professional's office of trying to walk back from your stuck, conflicted, miserable place to a point of a little bit more distance from which you can begin to fashion some meaningful narrative of how you got to the stuck place. And the stuck-ness, for the working novelist - or at least for this one - has to do with not wanting to get into certain intensely fraught or private experiences, finding - having - feeling that it's absolutely necessary to say things that are absolutely unsay-able.</span> <br /><br />Many novelists have touched on this capacity to say the unsayable, to articulate and breathe life into those lacunae that exist between paragraphs, conversations and even thoughts--but it's something that really every great piece of writing should aspire to do. Admissions writing is no different, really. Whether you are applying to residency programs and substantiating your interest in pediatric surgery, or regaling a college AdCom with your Academic Decathlon defeat, you should aim to achieve this level of honesty and authenticity...then lightly 'sanitize' your writing for the admissions audience (you might not want to confess the all-night party that caused you to fail your Calc exam).<br /><br />Our Premiere Service begins with a Skype conversation and really works to serve this authenticity-harnessing purpose. To quote Mr. Franzen again--our process is much like one you'd find in a 'paid professional's office'--we challenge our clients, we force them to distill connections and answer the 'why' questions. This is essentially the way our Advanced Service works too.<br /><br />Recently, a client seeking a free writing assessment asked if he could just send me a stream of consciousness email. Our response? Absolutely! We'd much prefer the uninhibited, authentic content--the saying of the unsayable--than the alternative, which is 'writing what the AdCom wants to hear.'<br /><br />Keep it authentic.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Janson<br />Ivy Eyes Editing<br />www.ivyeyesediting.comNever Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-85770714446411683142010-08-22T20:27:00.001-07:002010-08-22T20:37:18.969-07:00MBA Goals Essays: Vision vs PedigreeHello everyone,<br /><br />If you're applying to MBA programs this year, then you are most certainly grappling with the goals question for any number of MBA programs across the country: Wharton, Kellogg, Stern and more. Of course, thinking about your goals also necessitates taking some time (and space) to reflect on your past. You've given ample thought to your senior analyst role and how you can embellish your monthly P&L report "project" to reflect leadership impact and all that you've accomplished in your career to date.<br /><br />The truth is, MBA programs don't expect every applicant to come off as a young Carly Fiorina or Warren Buffett. What's more, in most cases, they will have a good understanding of your company and your role and responsibilities. They have read an application like yours before. So, your job is to show that you've made the most of your time, and more importantly, that you know exactly where you are headed.<br /><br />In the long run, a higher premium is placed on your goals (are they interesting, novel or well-reasoned?) and the clarity of your vision. So, don't worry about your young career not being 'up to snuff.' The majority of MBA students will acknowledge their careers didn't really gain momentum until after their MBA--and admissions committees are cognizant of this fact. A certain degree of aspiration is necessary to thrive in any career.<br /><br />So remember: be honest about your background, be reflective and realistic, and think forward!<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Janson<br />Ivy Eyes Editing<br />www.ivyeyesediting.comNever Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-55478638385197686662010-08-16T17:23:00.000-07:002010-08-16T18:04:26.990-07:00Weakness vs Development Need: How "Areas of Improvement" Can Show StrengthHello everyone,<br /><br />A client recently sought our advice on a classic 'areas for improvement' essay question. While the essay topic may seem short and simple to some, it was/is deceptively tricky and should be managed with deft forethought and strategy. <br /><br />The prompt read as follows:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Areas of Improvement Essay:<br />Each year our students target for themselves areas of improvement. Other than the acquisition of new knowledge, what personal area do you think needs strengthening? Design a plan as to how you could improve it. Please limit your essay to 500-1000 characters.</span><br /><br />The clients potential ideas were (generally) as follows:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">1. Seizing learning opportunities outside of the classroom<br />2. Looking at things from others' perspective<br />3. Focusing on task at hand, and removing other distractions<br />4. Learning new ways of dealing with differences with others</span><br /><br />What did we prescribe? First of all, it's important to acknowledge the 'personal' dimension of this prompt, which does NOT ask for applicants to expound on how they plan to strengthen their aptitude. A personal area is typically 'softer' in character. <br /><br />To that end, option #1 struck us as too much of a "hard" area. Option #2 is better, but for prospective physicians, the ability to think from another person's perspective (e.g. be empathetic) is a prerequisite--so that one can be ruled out. Option #3 is simply boring--who wants to read about a plan for removing distractions??? Option #4 is interesting, particularly given the status of this applicant (he is a residency applicant). Medical residents have already endured rigorous college and medical school educations, and they are ready for the next steps in their careers: deeper clinical experience, increased collaboration with medical teams, etc.<br /><br />In the end, we actually recommended the client combine options #1 and #4. By doing so, he is able to convey a true personal development need, and also subtly highlight areas where XXX residency program will help him to grow and evolve. He can describe a systematic, compelling PLAN which is steeped in knowledge of the program itself.<br /><br />You may run into these types of questions with any type of application--medical, MBA, law school admissions writing or otherwise--but it's important to construct the most thoughtful, targeted answer. <br /><br />Corporate America's diplomatic way of calling a 'weakness' a 'development need' is actually very valuable to recall here: bottomline, you are trying to convey how a specific program will give you what you need to move forward. With some solid brainstorming, you can select areas of improvement that actually highlight your self-awareness, and help accentuate your strengths! <br /><br />Best,<br />Janson<br />Ivy Eyes Editing<br />www.ivyeyesediting.comNever Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-28122544609062992482010-08-16T10:35:00.000-07:002010-08-16T10:36:36.474-07:00Graduate School Admissions Writing: Embracing ImperfectionSo, you’ve worked tirelessly to obtain near perfect grades in high school and college. You’ve amassed an inimitable battery of leadership experiences, both as a student and throughout a young but promising career. Now, all that’s left is the graduate school admissions process, and one of the many hurdles you face is writing your statement of purpose. <br /><br />Fact: the statement of purpose (SOP) is a marketing opportunity that many applicants fail to seize. It is a valuable barometer for your aptitude, communication skills, vision, values and passion. It is not your resume: it is a forward-thinking, reflective essay that can make your candidacy more than a sheet of paper, and resonate with an admissions committee representative.<br /><br />For many, it can be a daunting task to effectively translate an impressive resume into a humanizing application and SOP. In most graduate programs, the SOP is intended to give insight into your academic and/or professional history, your goals and interests, and your reasons for applying to a specific institution. Quite understandably, applicants feel constrained by these criteria and a perceived inflexibility in essay structure. Take the following introductory paragraph for example:<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />“After graduating from MIT in 2003 with a degree in mechanical engineering, I began working for a start-up that has been an industry pioneer in the development of robotic prosthetic devices. Today, I seek admission to USC’s Biomedical Engineering Program in order to build on my current interests and help develop a new wave of medical technology that revolutionizes patient care and lives of people everywhere.”</span><br /><br />Your introduction may sound like a subtle variation on this—not poorly constructed per se, but absolutely underwhelming and flat. Simply asking the right kinds of questions can give this paragraph more heft: why have you chosen your career goals—an intellectual passion, a unique cultural circumstance or a serendipitous event? What about the connectivity between your past, present and future? Have you encountered roadblocks along the way? Why is it important to “revolutionize patient care and people’s lives”—what personal values are beneath this cliché?<br /><br />As admissions processes grow increasingly competitive in every sphere, there is a higher premium on your admissions package. And while certain programs will place greater emphasis on communication and writing ability than others, all graduate programs—no matter how small—will want inspired applicants that are self-aware community members and energized contributors. This is where deeper, more authentic writing truly comes into play. You don’t have to be a super-human candidate, and in fact, embracing certain career missteps or rites of passage can make your application even stronger.<br /><br />Of course, different types of applicants face very different expectations. MBA applicants must answer a dizzying array of targeted questions that uncover their strategic career goals, medical school applicants must display the prerequisite drive and comprehensive skill set for a medical career, and law school applicants must craft more open-ended statements that underscore their analytical and communication capabilities.<br /><br />However, regardless of what type of graduate program you’re applying to, you must launch a persuasive, authentic campaign to distinguish yourself from hundreds of other applicants. So, before writing your materials, take the time to consider the more difficult ‘why’ questions: why do I want this education and what path will it enable? Why did I make certain career decisions and how are they related? What are the drivers behind my ultimate goals? <br /><br />Applicants that adequately answer ‘why’ questions are able to tether their accomplishments and goals to values, a keen self-awareness, and the seasoned EQ required of today’s leaders in business, medicine, law and elsewhere. In a recent study, when given a list of a dozen words to describe their CEO, only one in five employees picked “caring” or “warm”; ironically, CEO’s picked these words twice as often to describe themselves. Business and academic communities are becoming increasingly sensitive to this marked disparity. Across the admissions spectrum, automatons with perfect resumes and test scores are being outnumbered by more authentic, visionary and even imperfect leaders.<br /><br />Your ability to answer the “why “ gives a powerful window into your soft skills, and your potential to develop them to lead tomorrow’s organizations and industries. You may not be the perfect applicant, but your ability to embrace imperfections and craft authentic materials can make you exceptional.<br /><br />It can also make the critical difference in your admissions results.<br /><br />Best,<br />Janson<br />Ivy Eyes Editing<br />www.ivyeyesediting.comNever Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-52052805053577548572010-07-28T17:21:00.000-07:002010-07-28T17:36:10.982-07:00Our First Twitter Chat: Medical and Dental Admissions WritingHi everyone,<br /><br />After some technical snafus, we had an excellent Twitter chat on medical and dental admissions writing yesterday.<br /><br />Whether you are an AMCAS, AADSAS, ERAS or TMDSAS applicant, there were a number of pithy take-aways (140 characters or less!)that I'd like to highlight below. Medical and dental admissions writing have their own unique set of best practices--and the expectations around applicants must be closely considered in order to put forth your strongest application. <br /><br />Special thanks to all of our participants, including @timetowasteAT, @aobrooks, @collegevisit (Z. Kelly Queijo) and @jeannieborin!<br /><br />Stay tuned for our next chat!<br /><br />Best,<br />Janson<br />Ivy Eyes Editing<br />www.ivyeyesediting.com<br />www.twitter.com/IvyEyesEditing<br /><br />***<br /><br />@IvyEyesEditing Bottomline, simply important to really closely evaluate your language & own each word of your statement. It's worth it. #ivyeyesmed <br /><br />@IvyEyesEditing Some terminology is just outdated. multiple personality disorder--> dissociative identity disorder @jeannieborin @collegevisit #ivyeyesmed <br /> <br />@IvyEyesEditing In a 2ndary essay on a ‘weakness’ choose something that is trainable. Nothing that brings character or judgment into ? #ivyeyesmed <br /><br />@timetowasteAT What are your suggestions for those having trouble coming up with a "weakness"? #ivyeyesmed<br /><br />@IvyEyesEditing Leadership: ability to translate ideas into action, lead w/ different styles, be nimble/flexible, & maintain one's purpose #ivyeyesmed <br /><br />@jeannieborin leadership can be an overused term - how would you define - taking initiative, original thinking - what else #ivyeyesmed <br /><br />@collegevisit Now here's a surprising tip! RT @IvyEyesEditing: For all applicants: don’t ever thank the AdCom for their consideration. #ivyeyesmed <br /><br />@collegevisit Word choice matters - #medschool essay RT @IvyEyesEditing: Disease, Disorder, Handicap, Disability or Condition? Know the diff. #ivyeyesmed <br /><br />@collegevisit RT @IvyEyesEditing: More than any other type of admissions writing--medical admissions writing boils down to purpose & passion. #ivyeyesmedNever Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-30183698553211034492010-07-08T18:10:00.000-07:002010-07-08T18:21:08.527-07:00I always knew I wanted to be a doctor....Hi everyone,<br /><br />If you're writing your AMCAS or TMDSAS personal statement, or starting some of your secondary essays for medical school, you've likely taken multiple stabs at your introductory paragraph. <br /><br />Somewhere, in one of your drafts, you've also probably attempted to pinpoint the precise moment when your passion for medicine was born. The majority of applicants will fall prey to the chronic default ("I always knew I wanted to be a doctor...") at some point or another; some will cite a prodigious talent for the board game "Operation" as an early indicator for a career in cardiology. Fight the impulse!<br /><br />Instead, let your interest evolve naturally; don't force it. Your passion for medicine should be evidenced by your background, your research, your clinical experience, your activities, and your current reflections. Childhood ambitions change, and with good reason! If they hadn't, I would be a priest right now. <br /><br />Avoid claiming a prezygotic interest in medicine--your personal statement will be infinitely more sophisticated and persuasive because of it.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Janson<br />Ivy Eyes Editing<br />www.ivyeyesediting.comNever Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-53854987783921054302010-07-01T19:08:00.000-07:002010-07-01T19:45:17.183-07:00Common App 2010-2011: Where to Start?Hi everyone,<br /><br />Recently, we were interviewed by another company in the education sector on how students should begin writing their Common App essays. Your essay can either humanize and authenticate you, or, simply flatten your candidacy. How do you ensure your Common App essays breathe life into your application and get you one step closer to your dream college?<br /><br />This is the approach we most recommend with our clients to develop Common App essays that truly set them apart:<br /><br />-Start collecting stories now. No story is too big or too small--don't discriminate in the beginning and worry about specific prompts later. One story might revolve around how you won an Intel science prize and made an astonishing discovery, another might be a more situational anecdote about discovering how to make a milkshake with your kid brother. Remember, the 'less remarkable' stories can be just as remarkable, if told expertly well. <br /><br />-Have conversations with people you trust. Which stories are the most interesting or compelling? Which say the most about you and differentiate you as a candidate for a top college? <br /><br />-Breathe, and remember to take your time. Live with your ideas and consider which ones really 'speak' to you.<br /><br />-Instead of writing 57 rough drafts of different essays, sketch out a skeletal structure for each of your strongest stories, relating them to the relevant prompt. How will you frame each narrative? How will you start the intro, then maintain momentum and interest? A 250 word min--and preferably 1 page single-spaced (more like 500 words)--will not be hard to accomplish. <br /><br />Now, you've selected the strongest story concept and basic framework. It's time to really put the pen to paper. What are the biggest pitfalls to avoid? We've read thousands of Common App essays, and these are the issues we consistently see:<br /><br />1) Writing what the AdCom wants to hear--a lack of authenticity.<br />2) Excessive passive voice.<br />3) Speaking in generalities rather than specific, colorful terms and language. <br />4) An overly casual or informal tone.<br />5) Stilted transitions.<br />6) A narrative that makes the reader a passive participant.<br />7) Laundry lists of accomplishments--an essay that sounds like a resume in narrative form.<br />8) Introductory paragraphs that fall flat.<br />9) Usage of trite quotes that bring nothing to the story. <br />10) Essays that don't fully target the prompt and answer the question at hand.<br />11) Essays that don't set the right tone, or portray the applicant as a positive, energized community member.<br />12) Essays that strive too hard to be 'remarkable.' You might be an accomplished scientist at the age of 17--but what does your essay say about you beyond your resume? What are your values, passions and desires?<br />13) Essays that are simply too much like the rest. Any theme can be told in a unique way, but the more common themes--the illness of a loved one, winning a race, acting in a play--are risky and must be executed with finesse.<br /><br />Tackling the Common App takes some strategy. Take your time--and be sure to seek out the right mentor or thought partner to help you develop your stories. Email admin@ivyeyesediting.com for a free critique of your Common App essay(s) today!<br /><br />Best,<br />Janson<br />Ivy Eyes Editing<br />www.ivyeyesediting.comNever Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-55073383950452909412010-07-01T18:09:00.000-07:002010-07-01T19:08:24.195-07:00GRE vs GMAT?Hi everyone,<br /><br />A great short article below from BusinessWeek!<br /><br />Best,<br />Brooke<br />Ivy Eyes Editing<br />www.ivyeyesediting.com<br />***<br /><br />Getting In<br />Few MBA Applicants Submitting GRE Scores<br />Posted by: Geoff Gloeckler on June 10, 2010<br /><br />It’s been widely reported that more top business schools are accepting the GRE exam in place of the GMAT for admission into their full-time MBA programs. The list includes Harvard Business School, Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, and Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business. To schools, accepting the GRE for admissions broadens the applicant pool to include dual-degree students, younger applicants, and international applicants without easy GMAT access, individuals who otherwise may have been left out of the mix. It also benefits prospective students who aren’t as strong in the quantitative areas that aren’t focused on as heavily on the GRE exam as they are on the GMAT.<br /><br />But how many prospective students are taking advantage of the option for admittance into the MBA Class of 2012? Not many. At eight prominent business schools that accept the GRE for entry into their full-time MBA programs, only four percent of applicants actually submitted the test.<br /><br />Washington University’s Olin Business School received the highest percentage of GRE scores, accounting for seven percent of the total applications submitted. On the other hand, at the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business, only one percent of applications included the GRE. Similarly, at Stanford, while an exact percentage couldn’t be calculated, Derrick Bolton, MBA admissions director, said that the number of individuals submitting the GRE was “not a statistically significant group.” At Harvard, 468 applicants submitted GRE scores, which equaled about five percent of the total. Yale School of Management received a similar percentage of GRE scores as Harvard.<br /><br />Based on the small number of scores being submitted, it’s not a surprise that very few GRE applicants are gaining admittance at these programs. At the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, for instance, where less than two percent of applicants submitted GRE scores, only two or three were admitted, according to Sara Neher, director of admissions at Darden.<br /><br />True, the GRE is a new option for MBA-wannabes, which may explain the low numbers, but I think submitting GRE scores in place of the GMAT is still somewhat risky. My guess is that it will take a few years for admissions officers to feel completely comfortable with the test as an alternative to the old, reliable GMAT, and, until then, I’m not sure I would feel comfortable letting my application ride on such an unknown.<br /><br />Am I off base here? Any prospective MBAs (or current MBAs) who have, or are considering, submitting a GRE score, feel free to sound off.Never Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-31270219313376298462010-06-30T12:58:00.001-07:002010-06-30T12:59:27.428-07:00U.S. vs European MBA ProgramsHi everyone,<br /><br />We were just published at Vault--full article included below and original link found here:<br /><br />http://bit.ly/bvzP76<br /><br />Be well.<br /><br />Best,<br />Janson<br />Ivy Eyes Editing<br />www.ivyeyesediting.com<br /><br />***<br />Recently, Vault published an article on "Why More MBAs are Choosing European Business Schools". The article could not have been more topical, as many applicants are considering the potential value of the European MBA education and the penetrability of the international job market.<br /><br />Ivy Eyes Editing LogoIf you are an MBA applicant deciding whether to apply in the U.S. or abroad, you have a surfeit of sources from which to cull school information: school websites, online forums, rankings and more. Of course, these sources quickly become overwhelming, and some even conflict. Moreover, they don't tell the whole story. Even with all these resources, you still don't hear from the people who lived it: the students<br /><br />We spoke with a 2010 graduate of Spain's IESE MBA program, Vikram Ahuja, who studied abroad at UCLA Anderson. Ahuja cited diversity as a key draw to European programs like IESE. "One IESE class was made up of 65 students from 46 different countries. You were always learning about different ways of working; it was a great, lively mix," says Ahuja. "At UCLA Anderson, and most other top U.S.-based MBA programs, classes are 60 to 70 percent American, which has an impact on the breadth of discussion."<br /><br />Career focus and teaching approaches also greatly vary between geographies. Ahuja explains: "Generally speaking, IESE felt more academic in nature, with less daily focus on career." This academic focus largely results from less pressure to focus on your career. European students are, on average, older and only out of the workforce for one year, which makes it easier to transition in and out of school life. "I believe job placement at IESE was easily 100 percent last year. There are a lot of European jobs up for grabs," says Ahuja.<br /><br />London scene: Big Ben, Westminster and a red double-decker busOn the other side of the spectrum, Arlen Marmel, a 2010 UCLA Anderson graduate who studied abroad at LBS, had a slightly different perspective on classroom dynamic in Europe. While Marmel says LBS was very ethnically diverse, "career focus is somewhat homogenous. Consulting and banking are the predominant career tracks." This has an obvious impact on student dynamics and life outside the classroom. For example, the Media Club at LBS might have six dedicated people, whereas at UCLA Anderson the Entertainment Management Association is the second-largest student group on campus. For prospective MBAs, "diversity" must not only be measured by students' cultural backgrounds, but also by area of professional interest.<br /><br />Of course, many students will wonder how these contrasting values and qualities might translate into post-MBA career momentum. Certainly, the career centers at UCLA Anderson and LBS operate in different ways. Marmel shared, "I've had an excellent experience with the career center at Anderson. They are guidance-oriented and give students one-hour meetings (weekly, in some cases) to discuss career strategy, prepare for interviews, etc....The LBS career center acknowledges it is more of a sales team, judged on how many leads it generates." Of course, both of these approaches offer distinct advantages. LBS has a robust job board with deeply entrenched connections to global companies like Barclay's and Google, while the Anderson career center functions more as a training and guidance resource for its students.<br /><br />When choosing between U.S. and European MBA programs, it's important to understand their key differences. European MBA programs are frequently smaller and have fewer resources and less developed alumnae networks, but they also have a host of corollary strengths, including those described by our two student sources. European MBA programs are also taking cues from their U.S. counterparts, building more exchange partnerships, launching global admissions and marketing campaigns, and attracting the "superstar" professors that every top U.S. MBA program boasts.<br /><br />With the strength of European MBA continuing to build, will the U.S. continue to be the recognized leader in MBA education? Moving forward, U.S. MBA programs will be continually challenged to preserve their established brands and networks and to build the most relevant, global curricula and communities to compete on a global scale.<br /><br />In the meantime, as MBA educational options continue to multiply, applicants should closely evaluate what it's really like on the inside of a U.S. MBA vs. a European one. Depending on your career focus, classroom expectations and background, one location may serve as a stronger springboard for your future career.Never Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-48712739864026728812010-06-28T23:33:00.000-07:002010-06-28T23:34:57.331-07:00MBA Candidates: Focusing on Authenticity and PassionMBA applicants are frequently beleaguered by internet-induced anxieties regarding their demonstrated student leadership, professional accomplishments and net impact. In their MBA admissions essays, they spend copious amounts of time on positioning, and finding ways to distill (or embellish) management responsibilities from a number-crunching senior analyst position. The resultant problem here is: most applicants are hard at work engineering the same kind of boring “super-candidacy.”<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">What will make your candidacy different?</span><br /><br />We find that the biggest issue in our clients’ writing rarely lies in their academic or professional pedigrees, but in the authenticity of their prose, and the specificity of their point of view. MBA programs are becoming increasingly concerned not just with finding business leaders, but finding energized community members, values-driven students and passionate people. Net impact and business acumen are no longer enough. Consider the following prompts from Harvard Business School, Duke Fuqua and Stanford GSB, respectively:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">What are your three most substantial accomplishments and why do you view them as such?<br /><br />Describe your vision for your career and your inspiration for pursuing this career path.<br /><br />What matters most to you, and why?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Application Mistakes</span><br /><br />In all of these prompts, most applicants will make the mistake of focusing on what is most concrete (accomplishment, vision, what matters), simply because what is abstract is infinitely harder to put into words. However, the more abstract dimensions of each prompt—the why—are where you can really bring dimension and humanity to your candidacy.<br /><br />Applicants that adequately answer ‘why’ are able to tether their accomplishments and viewpoints to values, a keen self-awareness, and the seasoned EQ required of today’s business leaders. In a recent study, when given a list of a dozen words to describe their CEO, only one in five employees picked “caring” or “warm”; ironically, CEO’s picked these words twice as often to describe themselves. The business and academic communities are becoming increasingly sensitive to this alarming disparity. Your ability to answer the “why “ gives a powerful window into your soft skills, and your potential to develop them to lead tomorrow’s top organizations.<br /><br />Applicants within a competitive group will particularly benefit from this ‘authenticity first’ approach—Indian males with an IT background, Caucasian males with a finance background. Your story and your net impact may not be that different from an applicant in your niche, but your point of view can make you exceptional.<br /><br />Your MBA candidacy does not boil down to concrete career achievement, GMAT scores, and academic pedigree. MBA programs across the U.S. and the world are looking to build student bodies that are diverse in the broadest sense of the word. So, before you have your candidacy assessed and regression analyses run on your chances of admission, take a more humanistic, critical self-appraisal of your application. Take greater risks in articulating your values and exploring the forces that really drive you. Strive to be more authentic. <br /><br />www.ivyeyesediting.comNever Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-47184360129270036522010-06-28T18:00:00.000-07:002010-06-28T18:02:29.526-07:00Crafting Your MBA Applicant ResumeWhat should my MBA application resume look like? With the launch of the 2010-2011 MBA admissions season, this is a critical question applicants around the world will be asking themselves over the next 6-8 months. <br /><br />The good news is the answer is simple: your resume should be a forward-thinking advertisement that markets your strengths. The execution of that simple design, however, comes with a number of important caveats:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Structure & Format</span><br /><br />1. Subheadings should be as follows: work experience, education, and additional. Objective is an outmoded practice still en vogue with some resume-writing services; however, it is not the standard of top MBA programs or elite corporate recruiting.<br /><br />2. Applicants with limited or no work experience should find other ways to express leadership impact through a new subheading, such as extracurricular or nonprofit leadership.<br /><br />3. Font: Size 10, Times New Roman. Margins should be close to 0.7-1 inch.<br /><br />4. Length: for most applicants, even those with 5-8 yrs of professional experience, a 1 page resume is sufficient and preferred.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bullets<br /></span><br />1. Each role should have no more than 4 bullets, and most well-developed bullets should occupy two lines.<br /><br />2. Lead with strong, active verbs. ‘Was responsible for’ might be replaced with ‘spearheaded,’ ‘facilitated,’ or ‘managed.’ Keep verbs in present tense for current roles and ongoing responsibilities, past tense for past roles and projects.<br /><br />3. Each bullet should reflect situation, action and result. What was the situation? What action did you perform to solve it? What was the outcome?<br /><br />4. Quantify and qualify your impact. Include % and $ signs where possible, which are also great visual cues for your reader.<br /><br />5. Key questions to ask yourself: do your bullets present the full dimension of your job function and business skills? Do they seem overblown or convincing?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Strategy</span><br /><br />1. If you have only one professional role to draw from, consider bucketing project experience to show leadership development and multi-dimensional business expertise.<br /><br />2. What type of career goals have you detailed in your essays? Your resume can reinforce this brand and your full application package, and show your readiness for the next step or even career transition.<br /><br />3. Capture leadership roles, academic accomplishments, and extracurricular activities under your college education. This will show the type of student you’ll be.<br /><br />4. Additional: this is a great place to include more humanizing details and strengths. Most applicants will include languages, advanced computer skills, volunteer work, and hobbies.<br /><br />Of course, many applicants will also deliberate on the differences between a resume and a CV, and which to submit for their MBA application. At one time, CV’s were more prevalent in European countries (they are still the standard in academia as well), but in a more global, fast-paced business culture, that convention is beginning to shift. A recruiter or admissions committee member may spend 30-45 seconds, at most, evaluating your resume. Through crisp language, straightforward design, and some strategic thinking around capturing your strengths, your resume can catch their eye, strengthen your MBA candidacy, and get your foot in the door.<br /><br />Best,<br />Janson<br />Ivy Eyes Editing<br />www.ivyeyesediting.comNever Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-7574349532821490662010-06-25T14:03:00.000-07:002010-06-25T15:23:22.414-07:00Choosing an Admissions Consultant: Is Your Consultant Hip?Hi everyone,<br /><br />For those of you deciding on whether to engage an admissions or writing consultant, you will have many options before you. At Ivy Eyes Editing, we firmly believe that applicants at all levels must learn to market their strengths as well as preserve what is most authentic about their candidacy. This is where your consultant's judgment, personality and tastes--not just his/her formal admissions strategy and pedigree--come into play.<br /><br />Assuming you have marketed your best strengths, and come up with content that is authentic, reflective and colorful, you also have another challenge: to be likable. Likability is one of the most difficult elements to infuse into admissions materials. The quality of your work with your consultant will be evident in your essays: did they 'get' you? Did the portray you as a community member that your future classmates would want to know?<br /><br />Here are a few questions to ask yourself before hiring an admissions consultant:<br /><br />-Do they provide upfront (and ideally FREE) transparency to demonstrate their abilities and approach?<br /><br />-What is their writing style like? Do they take the same approach with a college applicant as an MBA applicant? A dead give-away is the zingy one-size-fits-all introduction; great admissions writing is much more subtle (and diverse) than that. <br /><br />-How is their command of language? Language is continually evolving. We have seen language and mechanical choices from other consultants that wreak of a 1940's grammar school education. Don't let someone insist that split infinitives are a definite no-no, or that sentences can't end with a preposition.<br /><br />-Does their approach reveal the true coaching talent to not simply overhaul but PRESERVE what is best? Can they adapt to your style and tell you what you do right?<br /><br />-Do they come from an older school of admissions and writing--just how relevant is their expertise?<br /><br />-Do you know the person who will be editing your work? Before submitting your materials to an essay mill service, think about who might be reviewing them on the other end. PhD or MBA applicants, an undergraduate at Princeton may not be the strongest choice.<br /><br />We're not implying that your admissions or writing consultant must listen to Lady Gaga, read <span style="font-style:italic;">The Paris Review</span>, or use #/hashtags or @ signs in their daily communications, but we are implying they shouldn't wear a long denim skirt. We kid! <br /><br />In all seriousness, there is a baseline level of 'hipness' which you should seek out in an admissions consultant or writing coach. What does it mean to be hip? The last time we checked, being hip was being cool, and being cool was being adaptive to any environment or person while preserving one's own point of view. <br /><br />Furthermore, our perspectives and words are a product of our influences; do you want your application to read like the most seasoned, likable version of you, or the reflections of your 9th grade teacher turned admissions consultant?<br /><br />Choose a smart, experienced consultant, but also choose a complementary mentor and thought partner. You want someone who knows their stuff but is flexible enough to identify what is exceptional about you. Think Mary Poppins or Mr. Holland, but with edge. <br /><br />Best,<br />Brooke<br />Ivy Eyes Editing<br />www.ivyeyesediting.comNever Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-61910162156686799502010-06-23T19:57:00.000-07:002010-06-23T22:13:16.263-07:00Being Gay in Your Admissions EssayHi everyone,<br /><br />One question we get from applicants across the board--medical, MBA, grad school and college--is how to broach the subject of sexuality in admissions writing. <span style="font-style:italic;">Should I reveal my sexuality or not, and to what degree? </span><span style="font-style:italic;"> Will it hurt my chances if I do?</span><br /><br />The important thing to keep in mind is that sexuality, like other personal (vs academic or professional)elements of your candidacy, is just one dimension of your admissions package, and should be positioned like any other. For a Latino applicant looking to start a revolutionary green consulting company in Colombia, 'being gay' bears an even stronger testament to the applicant's ability to traverse all sorts of cultural and social boundaries. An applicant from Beijing--where some might claim, sexuality is less openly spoken about than the US--might also speak volumes about his/her trailblazing leadership potential through past gay activism. <br /><br />I would also make the claim that most admissions committees in the U.S. today are comprised of forward-thinking administrators who seek new levels of diversity, and have profound respect for the applicants that share who they are within their admissions materials. If just one committee member appreciates your perspective, you can win an ambassador, and get your foot in the door.<br /><br />The gay angle, of course, can be taken to the extreme. An applicant who has helped establish an HIV clinic for gay men in Alabama may use his identity as a springboard for a much broader, high-impact essay that demonstrates exemplary leadership skills and vision. Ultimately, regardless of whether you are mentioning your sexuality, the color of your skin, or your religious background, you want it to humanize you, but not become the centerpiece of the narrative. An essay that feels too 'emotionally raw' may call into question the self-awareness of an applicant, or even his/her readiness for a rigorous, culturally (and sexually) homogenous environment.<br /><br />We recently worked with an AADSAS applicant who wanted to discuss the polarity between his religious and secular/university education. It was difficult to help him pull back on the deeply felt, religious elements of his personal statement, but ultimately, we were able to help him draw out deep themes and transferable skills from his religious education. When writing about topics of such personal importance, it is easy to find yourself on such a tangent. Avoid this it all costs, and find a seasoned thought partner who can help you to 'reign it in.' Balance is key!<br /><br />In many cases, gay applicants can use their identities to speak to their character, the challenge they've overcome, and their emotional intelligence. However, like any other dimension of your candidacy or person, your sexuality and unique identity should be incorporated into your admissions writing with the sure-footed strategy, deep reflection and subtlety.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Janson<br />Ivy Eyes Editing<br />www.ivyeyesediting.com<br />www.twitter.com/IvyEyesEditingNever Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-49230559078821793482010-06-18T01:18:00.000-07:002010-06-18T01:21:37.671-07:00MBA Applicants: GMAT or GRE?Hi everyone,<br /><br />Great article from BusinessWeek (http://bit.ly/bzqUfg). A key factoid:<br /><br />"At eight prominent business schools that accept the GRE for entry into their full-time MBA programs, only four percent of applicants actually submitted the test."<br /><br />Admissions trends and practices take time to shift, so we'll see if the GRE gains more momentum among MBA admissions committees this year.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Janson<br />Ivy Eyes Editing<br />www.ivyeyesediting.com<br /><br />***<br />Few MBA Applicants Submitting GRE Scores<br />Posted by: Geoff Gloeckler on June 10, 2010<br /><br />It’s been widely reported that more top business schools are accepting the GRE exam in place of the GMAT for admission into their full-time MBA programs. The list includes Harvard Business School, Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, and Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business. To schools, accepting the GRE for admissions broadens the applicant pool to include dual-degree students, younger applicants, and international applicants without easy GMAT access, individuals who otherwise may have been left out of the mix. It also benefits prospective students who aren’t as strong in the quantitative areas that aren’t focused on as heavily on the GRE exam as they are on the GMAT.<br /><br />But how many prospective students are taking advantage of the option for admittance into the MBA Class of 2012? Not many. At eight prominent business schools that accept the GRE for entry into their full-time MBA programs, only four percent of applicants actually submitted the test.<br /><br />Washington University’s Olin Business School received the highest percentage of GRE scores, accounting for seven percent of the total applications submitted. On the other hand, at the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business, only one percent of applications included the GRE. Similarly, at Stanford, while an exact percentage couldn’t be calculated, Derrick Bolton, MBA admissions director, said that the number of individuals submitting the GRE was “not a statistically significant group.” At Harvard, 468 applicants submitted GRE scores, which equaled about five percent of the total. Yale School of Management received a similar percentage of GRE scores as Harvard.<br /><br />Based on the small number of scores being submitted, it’s not a surprise that very few GRE applicants are gaining admittance at these programs. At the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, for instance, where less than two percent of applicants submitted GRE scores, only two or three were admitted, according to Sara Neher, director of admissions at Darden.<br /><br />True, the GRE is a new option for MBA-wannabes, which may explain the low numbers, but I think submitting GRE scores in place of the GMAT is still somewhat risky. My guess is that it will take a few years for admissions officers to feel completely comfortable with the test as an alternative to the old, reliable GMAT, and, until then, I’m not sure I would feel comfortable letting my application ride on such an unknown.<br /><br />Am I off base here? Any prospective MBAs (or current MBAs) who have, or are considering, submitting a GRE score, feel free to sound off.Never Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-50038154893393610992010-05-26T16:01:00.001-07:002010-06-18T00:35:22.650-07:00Yale SOM 2010-2011 Deadlines, Essay Topics & Essay AnalysisHi everyone,<br /><br />Please find Yale SOM's 2010-2011 deadlines, essay topics and our analysis below. <br /><br />For more information, visit their website:<br /><br />http://mba.yale.edu/news_events/CMS/Articles/7154.shtml<br /><br />As always, for those of you applying to Yale SOM, we encourage you to submit your essays to us at admin@ivyeyesediting.com for a free initial assessment!<br /><br />Best,<br />Brooke<br />Ivy Eyes Editing<br />www.ivyeyesediting.com<br /><br />***<br />Round 1<br />Application Deadline: October 7, 2010<br />Decision Notification: December 16, 2010<br /><br />Round 2<br />Application Deadline: January 6, 2011<br />Decision Notification: March 25, 2011<br /><br />Round 3<br />Application Deadline: March 17, 2011<br />Decision Notification: May 12, 2011<br /><br />For those candidates applying to SOM through the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, whose mission is to enhance diversity in business education and leadership, the deadlines for that application are November 15, 2010 (Round 1) and January 5, 2011 (Round 2). For both of these Consortium rounds, the SOM decision notification date will be February 25, 2011.<br /><br />Short Answers<br />Please answer each of the four questions below with a short paragraph of no more than 150 words. This is an opportunity to distill your core ideas, values, goals and motivations into a set of snapshots that help tell us who you are, where you are headed, and why. (150 words maximum per question)<br /><br />1. What are your professional goals immediately after you receive your MBA?<br />2. What are your long-term career aspirations?<br />3. Why are you choosing to pursue an MBA and why now? (If you plan to use your MBA experience to make a significant change in the field or nature of your career, please tell us what you have done to prepare for this transition.)<br />4. What attracts you specifically to the Yale School of Management’s MBA program?<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">This is the classic goals question posted by MBA programs across the globe, in slightly fragmented form. This means each answer must be crisp and targeted. Think of each question as a classic elevator pitch--you should be able to articulately #1-#4 before the elevator gets to your floor. Otherwise, how clear can your goals truly be? Your ability to think articulate with crisp precision could make the difference in the opportunity or the acceptance letter!<br /><br />Connecting #1-#4 is also critical. Show visionary, concrete connections between MBA-->short-term-->long-term goals in order to differentiate yourself from hundreds of other applicants with half-baked, bushy-tailed paths. Find a business person you identify with to model your career after. The fact is, few applicants are able to truly achieve this crystal-clear vision, but those that do come off more mature, polished and ready to hit the ground running.<br /><br />Don't overlook the question 3 parenthetical, which is a great way for the AdCom to weed out delusional, opportunistic students that see an MBA as a golden ticket toward career transformation.<br /><br />Yale has also tagged on the fit question ('why Yale'). You must also persuasively tether the Yale MBA experience to the achievement of your goals. This is where understanding of the Yale SOM brand will be critical. Some things to consider about Yale SOM:<br /><br />-an integrated general management curriculum ("team teaching, especially in the core classes, where perspectives from multiple disciplines are deployed to help students better understand complex management challenges")<br />-balance across public and private sector interests<br />-connection to larger university curriculum and community, and the intellectual/cultural diversity that affords<br />-small class size, interpersonal focus</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Of course, these elements should be unique to the applicant and reflect the research you've done into the Yale SOM curriculum and student life. So, do your research--reach out to students, visit, speak with alumnae, and get an insider's perspective.</span><br /><br />Personal Statements<br />Choose two (2) of the following topics and answer them in essay form. Please indicate the topic numbers at the beginning of your essays. (500 words maximum per essay)<br /><br />1. What achievement are you most proud of and why?<br />2. What is the most difficult feedback you have received from another person or the most significant weakness you have perceived in yourself? What steps have you taken to address it and how will business school contribute to this process?<br />3. Describe an accomplishment that exhibits your leadership style. The description should include evidence of your leadership skills, the actions you took, and the impact you had on your organization.<br />4. An effective leader for business and society is one who is able to hear, understand and communicate with people from all segments of society. In order to educate such leaders, Yale SOM is committed to promoting diversity and creating a community that cultivates a wealth of perspectives. In this spirit, describe an instance when, as part of a team, you played a role in bringing together individuals with different values or viewpoints to achieve a common goal.<br />5. For Reapplicants (answer this topic plus one (1) of the other topics): What steps have you taken to improve your candidacy since your last application?<br /><br />Additional Information (Optional)<br />If any aspect of your candidacy needs further explanation, please provide any additional information that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. (250 words maximum)<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />1. Most applicants have difficulty deciding what type of accomplishment to choose here. In the majority of cases, professional accomplishments will bear most weight . However, that choice hinges on your personal brand and also the content of the rest of your essays. At the end of the day, this question is more about values and your nuanced, personal reflection on the things that matter. <br /><br />A leadership experience, an unprecedented promotion, a substantive impact with a non-profit client, a new operational process that bolstered revenue--all these accomplishments can be meaningful, if reflected upon in an authentic, methodical way.<br /><br />2. Again, here the most critical task is hidden in the second half of the essay. Business leaders must be reflective people capable of auto-correction and receiving challenging feedback. Much like the traditional 'weakness essay,' remember to apply a filter here. Some character flaws should be off the table in the admissions context. Think about trainable weaknesses.<br /><br />3. This is a deceptively complex question--be sure to balance your 500 words across all dimensions of the prompt. Leadership styles can also take many forms. Business schools don't preselect for hundreds of aggressive, Jack Welch-esque entrepreneurs. So, give careful thought to the type of leader you are within your organization (professional, extracurricular or volunteer).<br /><br />4. Global perspective and leadership bears a great deal of significance in all top MBA programs. However, of course, not everyone has this type of experience to draw from. You might have reached across company verticals or functional groups, campus organizations, etc. If you can show your openness to collaboration, and talent for inspiring it, you can truly make this prompt your own.<br /><br />5. Reapplicants must always take a close look at their application strategy. If your candidacy hasn't changed much, it needs to. Are your career goals convincing and well-reasoned? Have you taken on new leadership roles that demonstrate your readiness for a top MBA program? Have you polished your personal brand and thought more about what you want from your MBA education?<br /><br />In most cases, the 'additional' space will not be needed. You've polished your essays, you've discussed what has shifted in your candidacy--and hopefully, you've made economic use of the space provided to do so.</span>Never Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-24309517271384598432010-05-19T10:23:00.000-07:002010-06-18T00:25:52.377-07:00Personal Statement Caveats: Improving Your Graduate School Admissions ChancesWhether you are writing your law school, graduate school, medical school or AMCAS personal statement, we would like to share a few major pitfalls and considerations to be made. <br /><br />Your personal statement can either enhance or detract from a solid academic record. It can give depth to your candidacy and your intellectual capabilities, or it can make you seem like just another number or sheet of paper. <br /><br />While the caveats below do <br /><br />Cheers,<br />Brooke<br />Ivy Eyes Editing<br />www.ivyeyesediting.com<br /><br />Word Choice<br /><br />1. Obvious and offensive adverbs: "personally, clearly." If it is your personal statement, it is obviously personal. Nothing should ever be assumed to be so self-evident that the word 'clearly' is required.<br /><br />2. Elementary transition words: "Finally, in conclusion, second, third,..." Sophisticated, organized writing doesn't need transition words. This is an elementary school lesson that can be forgotten when it comes to your graduate school personal statement. <br /><br />3. "I believe" and "I feel" actually detract from the power of your conviction.<br /><br />4. Imprecise Adjectives: "various, unique, countless,..." You can always place a definitive character or number on something, and if you can't, it's very likely not worth saying or writing about.<br /><br />Semantics<br /><br />1. "As a prospective physician, I promise to..." "If given the opportunity to attend Yale Law School, I will..."<br /><br />Style<br /><br />AnalysisNever Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-69017657581144930232009-06-24T13:00:00.000-07:002010-06-18T00:25:39.202-07:00Medical Personal StatementsApplying to medical school? Let us help you with your admissions essay/personal statement. The most common pitfall of the medical school personal statement is "over-packaging," showing your path to becoming a physician and failing to pinpoint what makes medicine the ideal profession for you, both in terms of a career and a lifestyle. Applicants often resort to the "I decided to become a PHYSICIAN TYPE after my FAMILY MEMBER was diagnosed with CONDITION" template, which makes an essay seem ungrounded and trite. Of course, that is not to say that a personal statement that utilizes this trope cannot be successful; however, your job as a writer to keep your PS 'authentic' will be more challenging.<br /><br />There are more sophisticated ways to show the development of your interest in medicine. We work with medical school and residency applicants to zero in on the pivotal moment(s) in their careers to date, distilling what really appeals to them about such a challenging but rewarding career path. Let us help you define your skill set and organically show how your experience has helped prepare you for the rigors of medical school or a residency program.<br /><br />Contact us today for a free assessment of your medical school personal statement!<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />Ivy Eyes Editing<br />www.ivyeyesediting.comNever Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-68905062830079567072009-07-01T14:17:00.000-07:002010-06-18T00:25:39.201-07:00"How do I explain a less than stellar GPA?"Many applicants find themselves asking this question. Did your GPA drop suddenly during your sophomore year, as a result of a personal circumstance? If so, do you draw more attention to the lapse by explaining it in your essay, or hope that the admissions committee doesn't notice the C's on your transcript?<br /><br />Like most admissions questions, the answer is dependent upon your specific case. Did your grades improve after the personal setback? Was there an obvious dip in your academic performance? What type of personal circumstance impacted your studies--and does it sound legitimate? If you choose to mention poor grades in your admissions essay, the most important thing to consider is showing growth. How did the setback help you to refocus and reestablish your goals? How can you best show this growth--did your academic or career performance improve?<br /><br />Let us help you with some of these challenges--email us for a free assessment of your work!<br /><br /><br />Sincerely,<br />Ivy Eyes EditingNever Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-84804353074927689322009-09-11T13:11:00.000-07:002010-06-18T00:25:39.199-07:00Crafting a Winning Introductory Paragraph<span style="font-style:italic;"><br />"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair..."</span><br /><br />Most people will instantly recognize this excerpt as the opening lines from <span style="font-style:italic;">A Tale of Two Cities</span>, whether they have read the full novel or not. Very much like the work of Charles Dickens, your introductory paragraph can leave a lasting, resonant impact on your reader.<br /><br />Remember the following when constructing your introduction:<br /><br />-Show rather than tell, e.g. 'My father instilled in me a love for entrepreneurialism." Avoid broad generalizations and 'laundry lists' of accomplishments or experiences. Reflect more deeply on your achievements or the situation you are addressing.<br /><br />-Immerse your reader in a given situation, rather than retelling a story as a passive participant. Include the details that you think may be inconsequential, but that evoke a particular climate or situation.<br /><br />-ALWAYS avoid direct restatements of the prompt, e.g. 'My most substantial accomplishment is...' These restatements detract from the sophistication and organic quality of your prose.<br /><br />-Set the stage and paint a picture that is anchored by concrete, vivid detail.<br /><br />Crafting an effective, compelling introductory paragraph can help to win your reader's attention from the moment they begin reading your essay. <br /><br />Email us to craft the perfect introduction, and help your essay stand out!<br /><br />All the best,<br />Ivy Eyes Editing<br />www.ivyeyesediting.com<br />*Email us for a Free Assessment of Your First Submission!*Never Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-92116206226265242252009-09-24T08:45:00.000-07:002010-06-18T00:25:39.198-07:00Reading Between the Lines: Avoiding Cliches in Admissions WritingCliches have a way of sneaking into one's writing. They have become a natural part of our everyday language, so in our writing, they may feel more authentic or truthful. <br /><br />However, the real truth is that cliches most often detract from the authenticity of one's prose. They dilute detail and specificity. They leave your prose sounding similar to the next applicant's. Some common cliches that pop up in admissions essays include:<br /><br /> * Fly by the seat of your pants (figure things out as they come along)<br /> * Crossing that bridge when we come to it (figure things out as they come along)<br /> * Burning bridges (severing ties to important contacts)<br /> * Pushing the envelope (exceeding limits; setting a new trend)<br /> * Burning the midnight oil (working late)<br /> * Reinvent the wheel (do what has already been done, made, invented)<br /> * The whole nine yards (everything)<br /> * Jump on the bandwagon (follow the crowd; do what is popular)<br /> * Strike while the iron is hot (act quickly while there is attention being given)<br /> * Between a rock and a hard place (to have no good choice)<br /> * Dot your "i"s and cross your "t"s (finish the details of the job)<br /><br />Other cliches can be more colorful and less obvious ("That dog will hunt" is my father's favorite--a southern cliche that affirms a strong choice), but they are still idiomatic expressions that most frequently fail to capture the essence of an idea.<br /><br />Questions on cliches and how to avoid them? Email us! admin@ivyeyesediting.com<br /><br />All best,<br />Paul<br />Ivy Eyes Editing<br />www.ivyeyesediting.comNever Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-87929919399416345202009-10-06T14:56:00.001-07:002010-06-18T00:25:39.196-07:00The 5 Most Common Admissions Essay MistakesHi everyone,<br /><br />We understand the intensity of admissions season and wanted to create a series of quick tips to help steer you in the right direction. From our point of view, here are the 5 most common admissions essay mistakes:<br /><br />1.Tonal and Narrative Balance - We have mentioned this before, but the key is finding a balance between humanity and authenticity and targeting the prompt and sophistication in your essays. This balance is shifted depending on the level of the applicant (MBA essays will feel more 'buttoned up' than a college level essay). However, every admissions essay should target a specific prompt and also convey a deeper sense of who you are. Use language and content to find this balance!<br /><br />2. Admit me! Admit me! Overselling Yourself - Applicants frequently push too hard to demonstrate fit with an institution. Their writing loses all sense of authenticity and focus. They resort to stilted language like, 'If admitted to XXX, I will bring my enthusiasm...' In doing so, they impede the natural momentum of their writing.<br /><br />3. Underdeveloped Ideas and Cliches - "I want to be a doctor because I thrive on patient interaction." "A legal career will help me to drive change in underserved communities." "You can never judge a book by its cover." "I want to make the world a better place." Vague, underdeveloped ideas and cliches seem to go hand in hand.<br /><br />Stay specific and concrete--flesh out the path even if you are uncertain. Employ language that is your own. Whether you are writing a college essay, MBA admissions essay, med school or law school personal statement, clearly define your story and your purpose.<br /><br />4. Missing the Prompt - Make sure that you reread the prompt. Did you catch every facet of the prompt--such as the 'why' component? Consider the admissions committee point of view. Do you think you gave them the level of reflection they are looking for?<br /><br />4b. The Man in the Mirror - All admissions essays should show a degree of perspective and self-reflection. Ultimately, this implies maturity, and a willingness to enter a community that can shape you (and vice versa).<br /><br />5. Concision - It is ironic that we needed to add a 4b to squeeze in this last tip. It just goes to show, it is difficult to think and write concisely. In admissions essays, however, it is to your advantage to 'think crisp.' This will help you to sharpen your content, and cut out 'fluff' which does not enrich your candidacy.<br /><br />We hope these tips help you as you work on your admissions materials at levels--MBA Essays, Commmon Application essays, medical personal statements and more. As always, message us with specific questions or to receive a free assessment of your first writing submission, including admissions essays, personal statements, resumes, cover letters, dissertations and more.<br /><br />All best,<br /><br />Ivy Eyes Editing<br />www.ivyeyesediting.comNever Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-9903939163206403662009-10-08T16:41:00.001-07:002010-06-18T00:25:39.194-07:00English 101: Figurative Language in Admissions Essays (and elsewhere)You have the scores, the stats, the resume, the experience and the drive. Your personal statement is thorough; it is teeming with impressive qualifications, but it lacks a certain je ne sais quoi. It feels a bit sterile. Unremarkable. Dry.<br /><br />Do not look to the literal to remedy this problem. Awaken your tired essay with your new best friend: figurative language! Take heed: we do not advocate a foray into unnecessarily flowery prose, or dealings in poetics ill-suited for the rather buttoned-up forum that is 'the admissions essay.' You must always maintain your sense of clarity, direction and formality. That said, draw upon evocative images and personal anecdotes to add luster and drive home your point(s).<br /><br />Figurative language describes something by comparing it to something else. Like shadows and light delineating never before seen angles of a familiar face (that, by the way, was a simile), figurative language can sharpen and illuminate your writing, giving your prose depth and complexity. The following are some examples of figurative language devices you might employ:<br /><br />Imagery: Language that appeals to the senses. Descriptions of places, people,objects expressed in terms of senses.<br /><br />Metaphor: An implied comparison between two relatively dissimilar things using a form of the verb, "to be." The comparison need not be accompanied by a preposition.<br /><br />Simile: A type of metaphor. A comparison (of two dissimilar things)using "like" or "as."<br /><br />Irony: Here we are talking about verbal irony -- as distinct from its cousins dramatic irony (which you might find in Greek tragedies) and situational irony (which you might find in your favorite Alanis Morrissette tune). Verbal irony is an implied discrepancy between what is said and what is meant. The simplest example? "Oh great!" ...after something awful happens.<br /><br />Sarcasm: A type of irony that leans toward the hostile or critical.<br /><br />Alliteration: Repeated consonant sounds occurring at the beginning of words or within words. Alliteration is used to create melody, establish mood, call attention to important words, and point out similarities and contrasts.<br /><br />Personification: This figure of speech gives the qualities of a person to an animal, an object, or an idea. It is a comparison used to show something in an entirely new light, to communicate a certain feeling or attitude towards it and to control the way a reader perceives it.<br /><br />Onomatopoeia: The use of words that mimic sounds. They appeal to our sense of hearing and they help bring a description to life. A string of syllables the author has made up to represent the way a sound really sounds. Think: Rice Krispies commercial.<br /><br />Hyperbole: An exaggerated statement used to heighten effect. It is not used to mislead the reader, but to emphasize a point. As in, "I've told you a million times not to put recyclables in the trash!"<br /><br />Idioms: Language specific expressions. Be careful that your idioms are not clichés! Always steer clear of clichés in admissions essays. Find some great idiom lists at<br />http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/ or http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/<br /><br />Wishing you puns, oxymorons and happy writing,<br />Ivy Eyes Editing<br />www.ivyeyesediting.com<br />*Email us Today for a Free Assessment of Your Writing!*Never Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-72639228517367493742009-10-11T17:33:00.000-07:002010-06-18T00:25:39.193-07:00Nursing Shortage? UT Secures State Funds To Support Nursing StudentsHello everyone,<br /><br />We wanted to keep all our readers posted about important admissions statistics and important factors weighing into applicants' decisions!<br /><br />Regards,<br />Ivy Eyes Editing<br />www.ivyeyesediting.com<br /><br />***<br /><br />From San Antonio Business Journal:<br /><br />The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has awarded the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio $300,000 to expand the school’s nursing classes for the 2010-11 academic year.<br /><br />If certain benchmarks are met, the Health Science Center’s School of Nursing could receive an additional $450,000 to support a larger incoming class the following year.<br /><br />The state board is working to boost the number of qualified nurses in Texas as a way of addressing the nursing shortage. The School of Nursing received the funds because of its successful track record of recruiting and graduating top-notch individuals in the nursing field. The money will be used to create 30 more student slots next year and hire five more nursing faculty members. If the nursing program received the additional $450,000 for the 2011-12 academic year, the school may be able to add another 15 student slots to the program.<br /><br />“Receiving funds to hire more faculty members is one of the keys to enrolling more students and getting them into the workforce,” Nursing Dean Eileen Breslin says. “This funding further validates our successful nursing program.”<br /><br />The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is furnishing the funds to the local nursing program through its Professional Nursing Shortage Reduction Program. This is the second time the School of Nursing received funds under this program. Through the Professional Nursing Shortage Reduction Program, both public and private schools with a more than 70 percent nursing graduation rate can apply for funds. The Health Science Center’s graduation rate for nurses was 84 percent as of the Spring 2008 semester.<br /><br />There were 2.5 million registered nurses in the United States in 2006, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. By 2016, it is projected that 587,000 more nurses will be needed. The Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies is forecasting a need for 25,000 new registered nurses for Texas alone by 2020 to keep up with demand.<br /><br />The Health Science Center educates and trains physicians, dentists, nurses, scientists and other health professionals in South Texas.Never Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1190279889080607862.post-82090636633512029542009-12-15T15:17:00.000-08:002010-06-18T00:25:39.189-07:00Ivy Eyes Editing: Key Considerations for Different Types of Admissions WritingHi everyone,<br /><br />Every type of admissions writing is different; expectations of your audience, strategy and style will vary across the board. Of course, at Ivy Eyes Editing, we do have principles that we emphasize throughout all types of writing, including humanity, authenticity and story-building. Even with the most constraining MBA essay prompt, we will push our clients to create interesting, reflective stories. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Admissions processes are more competitive than ever, and who wants to read another hackneyed, mechanical answer to a prompt? Why not just read through a resume instead?</span><br /><br />Below we would like to provide you with an overview of some of the subtleties unique to each type of admissions writing. For more detailed tips on each type of admissions writing, check out our specific blog categories!<br /><br />***<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">College Admissions Essays: </span>College essays are first and foremost about color and writing ability. Can this candidate write at the level of a Yale University or MIT student? What unique perspective do they bring to the table? Will the be a strong community member? Supplemental Essays allow for admissions committees to explore concepts like 'fit' and intellectual capabilities in greater detail, but for most prompts, they simply want to pinpoint students that know how to write--and who will enrich their campus.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Transfer Essays:</span> Strategy. Transfer essays are absolutely about strategy and positioning. Why do you want to transfer from Dartmouth to Princeton, or Harvard to Juilliard? Your case cannot be rooted in criticism of your current institution, but instead--a legitimate case for why another curriculum will help you attain your future goals.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">MBA Essays:</span> Target, Position, Align. Most frequently, MBA applicants do not answer the full prompt. They get to their long-term goals, but they do not address 'why Kellogg,' or create a real sense of continuity between past, present and future. Of all types of admissions writing, MBA essays are perhaps the most challenging because they demand that you answer specific, targeted questions and tether your answers to the full spectrum of your academic, professional and even personal experience. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Law School Personal Statements:</span> In some ways, the law school personal statement is an elevated version of the college essay. Again, writing ability is paramount, as well as analytical, reflective thinking. The best law school personal statements have nothing to do with law at all (though some are tangentially related). Law schools around the country admit English and humanities majors, not undergraduate law or economics majors--and with good reason. These are the applicants that are accustomed to comparative, investigative analysis and reflection.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Grad School/PhD Statements of Purpose, Personal Statements and Personal Histories: </span>The more advanced the degree, the more specific and refined your sense of purpose should be. Whether you are applying to a graduate program in Organizational Behavior, or a PhD program in English, you must show clarity of purpose. Please refer to our past blog entry on the differences between SOP's, personal statements and personal histories <br /><br />http://ivyeyesediting.blogspot.com/2009/12/ivy-eyes-editing-grad-school-statements.html<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Med School/Residency/Fellowship Statements:</span> While clarity of purpose is important as you progress through the medical track--we like to emphasize a sense of authenticity and humanity in medical school admissions writing. Most prospective physicians are attracted to the career for similar reasons, and, what we aim to do is help our clients give depth and meaning to that perspective.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Letters of Recommendation: </span>Yes, even admissions officers know that candidates often have a hand in drafting their letters of recommendation. In some ways, this means the bar is set even higher. Your LOR may not cite a strength that has never been conceived of ("John is immaculate!"), but it must articulate that strength in a different, compelling way. Your unique abilities must be tethered to concrete, anecdotal experience. Moreover, your weaknesses should never be strengths couched as weaknesses--they should be genuine development needs capable of development.<br /><br />This of course a high-level overview, based on our unique perspective, what we see work for our clients and applicants, and implicit trends within the admissions space. Perhaps you are considering what types of programs to apply to, or perhaps you have friends applying to different types of schools. In any case, we hope these considerations help you to start the process, and begin creating a skeleton for your essays, or your admissions writing roadmap.<br /><br />Best of luck, and please reach out to use for a free assessment of your material. We are here to help!<br /><br /><br />All my best,<br />Brooke<br />Ivy Eyes Editing<br />www.ivyeyesediting.comNever Been a Pair of Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08276601629342057661noreply@blogger.com0