Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Personal Statement (Part 3)

In this blog series, we’ll be highlighting some of the most common mistakes we see applicants make as they approach the Personal Statement. Try your best to avoid them.

Staying linear: You don’t need the essay to be linear. Imagine your intro paragraph as the opening sequence of a movie—the most thrilling ones start mid-scene. You want to see an action star in action, not waking up to a buzzing alarm clock. Don't save the excitement for many scenes later. Show yourself there, then explain how you got there. 

Overusing passive voice: Keep most of your sentences active. Passive voice can minimize your contributions and slow down your essay's momentum. Active sentences move the statement forward. 

There is flexibility, of course. Some passive sentences aren't slow-going or unnatural. Take the passive "My research has been accepted for an oral presentation at the National Impressive Conference." vs. the active "The National Impressive Conference has accepted my research for an oral presentation." Honestly, both sentences are fine. Neither goes on too long nor is confusing. Both read as a natural way of speaking—the passive one might be a little more natural. 

There are also times when you'll use passive voice for effect, accuracy, clarity, or flow. Just be mindful of how often you're doing it. 

If you missed Part 1, Click here.

If you missed Part 2, Click here.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Personal Statement (Part 2)

In this blog series, we’ll be highlighting some of the most common mistakes we see applicants make as they approach the Personal Statement. Try your best to avoid them.

Being uptight: A personal essay is more like journalism than an academic paper. You're telling a story, and this one is about you. You want to sound intelligent and respectful but being a bit colloquial makes you appear confident and relaxed. As if to say, "This is who I am. This is who I plan to become." Boom.

Also, a profound statement is often a simple one. We've heard more than one app reader complain about needing to consult a dictionary because an applicant had been over-consulting a thesaurus. Another reason to write less formally: You're going to interview at these schools. (Hopefully!) If you don't speak at all how you write, they're going to be confused about who you really are. 

Getting too poetic: Being a little poetic can show style, but if your point isn't clear, a beautiful turn of phrase is meaningless. One of our mottos is: "Clarity above all things." Leave no room for misinterpretation. The reader needs to see the story how you do. Crisp and untangled writing is also best given the character count limitation and how much you need to share. There is room for imagery but there isn't a lot of room for showiness. 

Spouting off clichés: Nothing says, "I don't think outside of the box" quite like the phrase "I think outside of the box." We also read a lot of first drafts that include "puzzle pieces"—skip 'em, they're going to be in a thousand other essays. 

If you missed Part 1, Click here.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Personal Statement (Part 1)

Writing a Personal Statement is a massive undertaking. In a relatively short document, you’re trying to show the admissions committee who you are and what you value, while simultaneously building a case for why you will succeed in the program and, later, in your career. It’s a lot. But we can help. 

In this blog series, we’ll be highlighting some of the most common mistakes we see applicants make as they approach the Personal Statement. Try your best to avoid them.

Trying to include everything: You cannot fit every experience you've ever had into this essay—and hey, that's why you also submit a Resume or a Work and Activities section. Stick to one or two key experiences that prompted growth and reinforced your interest in the program. The Personal Statement is about showing depth. 

Telling instead of showing: The admissions committee is looking for more than a list of your strengths and traits. Not only is that boring, it is unreliable. A good rule of writing is: “Show, don't tell." Listing off your qualities is meaningless if you're not backing them up with real-life examples. Instead of telling the reader, “I am a good leader because I am diligent and organized,” provide a leadership anecdote that will show you empowering your team. 

Similarly, don’t tell the school what you will do in the future without showing them why you are capable of achieving such things. We've said it before: Sharing goals works when what comes before it exemplifies your strengths and abilities. More than what you want to do, what you have done tells us who you are.

Build a Strong Foundation for Your MBA Application (and Beyond) with a Brainstorm Document

Before you begin work on your business school application, we recommend that you create a brainstorm document where you will explore your formative experiences—what you thought, felt, said, and did. This brainstorm will be your touchstone for everything about this application process. It will help you discover what meaningful experiences and qualities you want to highlight in your essays and discuss during your interviews. 

Putting meaningful experiences into different "buckets" helps a lot. You might have some crossover with experiences technically fitting into two buckets or more—don't worry about that; put them in one bucket, for now, to keep things grouped. Maybe write: "This is also a leadership experience" or "Innovation/Critical Thinking" in your notes.

An important note: Eighty percent of these experiences should be from adulthood (college and beyond). Twenty percent can be from before then if they established foundational skills or led to evolutions in perspective. For example, if a family member’s illness during your high school years inspired your desire to work in a healthcare start-up. 

Bucket 1: A-ha Moments. What meaningful experiences changed your mind about or expanded your perspective on something? Some could be spectacular successes, others, catastrophic failures. Have you learned from a mistake? What skills of yours did you discover in a challenging time? What did you think about these things at the time? How did you feel? (Prepare yourself, we're going to ask those last two repeatedly.) 

Bucket 2: Leadership. In what meaningful experiences did you show your leadership abilities? Did leadership come naturally to you, or did you work to get to this place? (Both things are great!) How did you support your team? Did you encourage collaboration or independence? Did you feel supported by your team? Did you experience any pushback, and how did you handle that if you did? What did you think about these things at the time? How did you feel? 

Bucket 3: Teamwork and Collaboration. During what meaningful experiences did you work with a team or collaborate with others? Were you working with people unlike yourself? Was there a struggle for balance in the beginning? Any confusion? What did you appreciate about your team members? How did they influence and impact you and your actions? Did one or two team members step up in a way you admired? What did you think about these things at the time? How did you feel? 

Bucket 4: Innovation. In what meaningful experiences did you utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills? How did you determine the best course of action? Did you approach something one way at first and then correct yourself? What did you think about these things at the time? How did you feel? 

Bucket 5: Experiences that Reinforced Your Commitment to an MBA. What meaningful experiences reinforced your commitment to pursuing an MBA and your post-MBA goals? Was it meeting a professional you admired? Was it accomplishing something at work or in a volunteer setting? What did you think of these things at the time? How did you feel?

Bucket 6: Miscellaneous. What experiences have you had that you can't quite categorize? What else should we know about you? What do you think we don't necessarily have to know? Don’t be afraid to expose some vulnerability and use everything you’ve got. You should even include things about yourself and what you care about that you don't imagine will be a factor in an essay (e.g., your quest to make the perfect chocolate cake, your passion for wordle). You might be able to weave aspects of your personality or some fun facts into your essays and interviews to add some color—or something even better.

Your Round One MBA Application Timeline: Fall 2025

MBA Round One application deadlines will be released this summer, but It’s never too early to create your business school application strategy. We’ll share Apply Point's ideal schedule in posts throughout this week.

September - October 2025

• Submit your applications no later than the deadline (confirm the submission time and time zone).  

• Update your social media accounts to ensure that your profiles reflect you in a positive and appropriate way.

September-December 2025

• Prepare for and participate in interviews. Your brainstorming document will continue to be useful here. Interviews are a great way for the admissions committee to get to know you as a person (beyond your application) and for you to learn more about a program’s student experience, experiential learning opportunities, and/or alumni network.

Your Round One MBA Application Timeline: Summer 2025

MBA Round One application deadlines will be released this summer, but It’s never too early to create your business school application strategy. We’ll share Apply Point's ideal schedule in posts throughout this week.

June 2025

• Be all about GMAT / GRE preparation. Take a prep course and/or work with a tutor to prepare for the test. 

• Reach out to your recommenders. We'd like you to get two letters of recommendation, one from a current supervisor (if possible) and another from a supervisor who can speak to your performance in full-time post-baccalaureate employment.  

• Visit MBA programs of interest, and gain an understanding of their offerings and how they align with your goals. 

• Continue keeping a journal. This is repetitive for a reason—never stop doing this. It is so helpful. 

July 2025

• Take the GMAT or GRE.

• Finalize your school list. You want a hearty list of "I could go here" schools and you’ll ultimately want to apply to between six and eight schools. 

• Move all of your journaled experiences into a brainstorming document. 

• Update your resume to showcase the results you’ve achieved and impact you’ve had. 

August 2025

• Request your transcripts—and this includes those from schools abroad. 

• Start drafting your essays. This is going to take a while. If you blast through them all in one week, you haven't done it right. Give yourself time for outlining, writing, revisions, and re-writing. 

• Fill out the school applications. 

• Follow up with your recommenders to ensure that they have plans to submit their Letters of Recommendation prior to the deadlines.

Your Round One MBA Application Timeline: Never Too Early

MBA Round One application deadlines will be released this summer, but It’s never too early to create your business school application strategy. We’ll share Apply Point's ideal schedule in posts throughout this week.

Never too early 

• If you haven't connected with us yet, do it as soon as you can. We can guide you on school selection, provide an initial assessment of your transcripts and work experience, and advise you on ways to bolster your candidacy. 

• Solidify your plans to take the GMAT or GRE. Taking your standardized test in the spring or early summer before your application deadline gives you some wiggle room if you must retake it. The latest you should retake this test is two weeks prior to the application submission date. We recommend no later than mid-August for Round One applicants and December for Round Two applicants.  

• Start a journal. You'll raid your journal for details for your School-Specific Essays and, later, for interview preparation. Make notes on your current experiences as they happen and past ones whenever you have a moment to ponder them. You can keep a paper or digital diary or even record audio and text notes on your phone as they come to you, and organize them into a document later. (You will eventually want all of your experiences in one place.) 

• Gain meaningful professional experiences and seek out leadership opportunities in internship and/or volunteer settings. 

Anatomy of a Successful MBA Application: Show Compatibility in Close Knit and Collaborative Communities

In this three-part blog series, we’re taking a deep dive into what admissions committees are looking for in your MBA application. Each post this week will highlight one question your application must answer effectively for admissions success. 

After you’ve demonstrated your academic readiness and high quality and quantity of professional experience, one question will remain in the minds of admissions committees: Will this applicant be compatible in our program’s collaborative and close-knit community?  

To answer this question the admissions committee will pay particular attention to:  

• Essay responses. Do not use your essay and/or short answer responses as additional resume space. Instead go deep into a story that allows the reader to come to their own conclusions about some of your character traits and abilities. Highlight how you’ve struggled, triumphed, learned, and how these experiences have developed you into the person you are now. Keep in mind that listing off your qualities is meaningless if you're not backing them up with real-life examples.

Review our blog on using lessons from memoir to write your personal statement.

• Interview responses. Use nearly every response to tell a story, rather than making general claims about your abilities. Anyone can speak in generalities. How boring! But no one has your set of unique experiences. Through anecdote, your values and character will come alive.   

Review our blog series on the MBA interview. 

• Recommendations. While these responses are not within your control, they are within your influence. Provide each of your recommenders with a portfolio of information that includes illustrative anecdotes that will show your ability to thrive in a collaborative environment and grow from constructive criticism.  

Review our blog on obtaining high-quality recommendations.

Anatomy of a Successful MBA Application: Show Meaningful Professional Experience

In this three-part blog series, we’re taking a deep dive into what admissions committees are looking for in your MBA application. Each post this week will highlight one question your application must answer effectively for admissions success. 

After you’ve demonstrated academic readiness, the MBA admissions committee will assess the quality and quantity of your full-time, post-baccalaureate work experience. They want to know: Does this applicant have the professional experience they need to accomplish their short-term post-MBA goals? 

To get their answer, the admissions committee will pay closest attention to your:

• Resume and Essays. Think of your resume as a general overview of your life from the start of college until today, that articulates clearly the results you’ve achieved and impact you’ve had in each role or involvement. In contrast, your essay responses should be deep dives that will show the reader, through anecdote, your abilities in the areas of innovation and/or leadership and/or teamwork. On average, business school matriculants have about four years of work experience. If you’ve spent less than four years working, provide an explanation as to why you want to get your MBA now. 

Review our blog on crafting a results-driven resume. 

Review our blog on key mistakes to avoid when writing your MBA application essays.

• Your stated career goals. Provide the admissions committee with specific short-term, post MBA goals that make sense given what you’ve done in the past. This will convince them that you will hit the ground running securing an internship and job as soon as you enter the program.

  A common mistake we see in MBA admissions is applicants who, unknowingly, position themselves as an employment risk. This can happen when you articulate a goal set that is too vague or unrelated to any of your past experiences. Once you are admitted, you will have the opportunity to reevaluate your goals. You’re allowed to change your mind! But your first goal, of course, is getting into business school. 

Anatomy of a Successful MBA Application: Demonstrate Academic Readiness

In this three-part blog series, we’re taking a deep dive into what admissions committees are looking for in your MBA application. Each post this week will highlight one question your application must answer effectively for admissions success. 

The first question that an MBA admissions committee will ask when they look at your application is simple: Will this applicant be able to compete in the academic rigor of our program?

Elite MBA programs are academically challenging. You must be able to thrive amidst the inevitable analytical and quantitative challenges. Since the best predictor of future success is how you’ve handled rigorous academics in the past, to answer this question, the admissions committee will pay closest attention to your: 

• Undergraduate (and graduate if you have them) Transcripts. They will consider not only your GPA, but also the quality of your course load. Does your GPA fall into the average range for the schools where you are applying (typically between a 3.3 and a 3.7)? Did you take on challenging courses and do well? Did you succeed in classes that required analytical or quantitative work? 

  If your answer to any of these questions is “no” or even “...maybe,” consider taking an analytical course or two, prior to applying to business school. Succeeding in these additional classes will provide the dual benefit of shoring up your confidence and case for admission, as well as giving you a chance to confirm that you’ll enjoy the MBA curriculum. 

• Standardized Test Scores. Submitting a strong GRE/GMAT/Executive Assessment score will reassure the admissions committee that you have the critical thinking, verbal reasoning, and quantitative skills necessary to succeed in the program. A strong quantitative score is particularly beneficial if your undergraduate major or professional experience did not require much in the way of analytics.

  The good news for business school applicants is that admissions committees will only use your highest submitted score. So, re-take it. You’ll likely do better the next time around.  Not only will a higher score benefit you from an admissions perspective, you will be more likely to get one of those sought after merit-based scholarships. 

MBAs come from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. That’s the fun of business school! Just be sure you can convince them that you’ll thrive in their classroom.

Thinking about an MBA Round Three Application? Consider Your Finances.

As a rule, we do not recommend applying for your MBA in Round Three, but there are a few circumstances when it can be a sound choice for an applicant. We’ll highlight these considerations throughout this week.

You don’t require merit-based support. If you don’t need financial support in the form of merit-based scholarships, Round Three is fine. Most programs won’t consider applicants for scholarships after the January deadlines.  

Thinking about an MBA Round Three Application? Consider Your Reasoning.

As a rule, we do not recommend applying for your MBA in Round Three, but there are a few circumstances when it can be a sound choice for an applicant. We’ll highlight these considerations throughout this week.

You face a professional transition. Were you recently laid off? Did you just return from a military deployment or other overseas work experience? Shutter your startup? If you have a personal or professional reason for submitting an application in Round Three, rather than earlier, we recommend that you include this information in the optional essay space. Providing the admissions committee with an understanding of your timing will help you to build a stronger case for admission. 

Thinking about an MBA Round Three Application? Consider Your Value Proposition.

As a rule, we do not recommend applying for your MBA in Round Three, but there are a few circumstances when it can be a sound choice for an applicant. We’ll highlight these considerations throughout this week.

You bring a unique value proposition. Admissions committees are looking for applicants who will bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the business school. Applicants who can showcase a unique point of view will stand out even in the competitive third round. Unsure? You might consider holding off on applying while you garner more professional and community experiences.

Thinking about an MBA Round Three Application? Sometimes it’s Alright.

As a rule, we do not recommend applying for your MBA in Round Three, but there are a few circumstances when it can be a sound choice for an applicant. We’ll highlight these considerations throughout this week.

You have a competitive application. The third round is among the most competitive because there are fewer seats available. To gain admission, you must submit a strong application. Confirm that your GPA and test scores compare favorably to the school’s average ranges for admitted students. If you have doubts about your test scores or your work experience, or are concerned about getting strong recommendations in a quick time-frame, we recommend that you hold off until the next admissions season.

You’ve Received Multiple MBA Acceptances: Consider the Cost

You now find yourself in the enviable position of having been accepted to multiple MBA programs, and you have to make an important choice. This week we’ll highlight the factors you should weigh before committing. 

Cost. An MBA is a major investment so compare the cost, including cost of living. But, keep in mind, not all schools offer the same ROI. Attending a top-tier school, while necessitating a larger initial outlay, can prove to be a better return on your investment. Conversely, if you know you want to return to your company post-graduation, it may make sense to opt for a very good, but more reasonably priced MBA program.

You’ve Received Multiple MBA Acceptances: Consider the Fit

You now find yourself in the enviable position of having been accepted to multiple MBA programs, and you have to make an important choice. This week we’ll highlight the factors you should weigh before committing. 

Fit. Will you feel comfortable at the school? Does it meet your expectations in terms of collegiality? Alumni-base? Are there other students similar to you in terms of lifestyle and/or interests? You want to choose a program where you’ll not only be happy for the next two years, but where you’ll be able to build a life-long network. 

You’ve Received Multiple MBA Acceptances: Consider the Geography

You now find yourself in the enviable position of having been accepted to multiple MBA programs, and you have to make an important choice. This week we’ll highlight the factors you should weigh before committing. 

Geography. Where you are located plays an important role in your ability to network. If you know where you want to live post-graduation, consider those programs that are within that city or state. Similarly, if your goal is to enter a particular industry, think about programs that are located near one of the industry’s hubs. 

You’ve Received Multiple MBA Acceptances: Consider the Academics

You now find yourself in the enviable position of having been accepted to multiple MBA programs, and you have to make an important choice. This week we’ll highlight the factors you should weigh before committing. 

 Academics. Which schools can boast leading professors in your specific areas of interest? Whose research makes you most excited? Are students involved in faculty research? Confirm that the school offers concentrations or majors in areas that you want to study and/or consistently makes courses available in topics of interest to you (beware the visiting professor!).

You’ve Received Multiple MBA Acceptances. What's Next?

Congratulations! You now find yourself in the enviable position of having been accepted to multiple MBA programs, and you have to make an important choice. This week we’ll highlight the factors you should weigh before committing. 

Post-graduate employment opportunities. Take a close look at what companies are actively recruiting and hiring at the MBA programs that you’re considering. You can review each school’s career placement report (most schools have made their 2024 report available) and/or engage with the school’s career services team to learn more. Alternatively, if you dream of starting your own company, consider how each program supports entrepreneurs with mentoring, networking, and access to financing. 

MBA Re-Applicants: Provide New Insights

So, the last application cycle did not work out in the way you’d hoped. Follow along on the blog this week, as we cover the steps you will want to take for a successful re-applicant journey. While the disappointment may sting, the good news is that business schools will highly value you, as a re-applicant, for your persistence and tenacity.

When you update your application materials, keep in mind that schools may review your updated submission alongside your initial application. You will want to ensure that your updated materials provide new insight to the Admissions Committee on who you are and how you will fit into their program. 

• Check program policy regarding recommendation letters. Many programs request that you provide new reference letters, although you may opt to use the same recommenders. If possible, include at least one new reference who is in a current managerial role and can speak to your recent professional accomplishments. 

• Update your resume to include results you’ve achieved and impacts you’ve had since your last application. Also, consider what activities may round out your resume. Look for professional or volunteer involvements that may set you apart from other applicants. 

• Submit new essay responses. Show commitment and don’t be afraid to expose some vulnerability. Some MBA programs will provide a re-applicant question, while others (including Stanford and Harvard) do not. If the application does not provide you explicit space, use your personal statement to show the reader your leadership or innovation potential through a recent endeavor. You will also want to explain the reasons behind your re-application. Ensure that your writing is clear, cohesive, and polished. 

• See below some sample re-applicant essay questions. (While some programs deem the question optional, we encourage you to take advantage of this additional space to demonstrate exactly why your candidacy is more compelling than in your previous application.)

Chicago Booth: Upon reflection, how has your perspective regarding your future, Chicago Booth, and/or getting an MBA changed since the time of your last application? (300 words)

UPenn Wharton: Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)

Northwestern Kellogg: How have you grown or changed personally and professionally since you previously applied and what steps have you taken to become the strongest candidate you can be? (250 words)

MIT Sloan: (Optional) Tell us what has changed for you both personally and professionally since you last applied. (short answer) 

Columbia: How have you enhanced your candidacy since your previous application? Please detail your progress since you last applied and reiterate how you plan to achieve your immediate and long term post-MBA professional goals. (500 words)

NYU Stern: If you wish to highlight any changes from your last application, you may do so in the optional essay 3: Please provide any additional information that you would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee. (250 words)