MBA Admissions Essays - Beyond the Curve

In December 2014, The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education published “Rethinking the Admission Process.” This article was written by Frank DiMaria, who takes a look at the research of the former president of the University of Wyoming, Robert Sternberg. DiMaria explains Sternberg’s stance against the current admissions process. Sternberg has research that depicts, “GPA, standardized tests, and essays do not successfully measure the true talent of a college applicant.” He believes that the policies need to change. Sternberg offers an alternative to the current process. Sternberg has been a part of a new admissions policy testing students not just on their memorization and analytical skills, but on their creative, practical, and wisdom-based skills as well. Sternberg’s ideas stem from his experience with disadvantaged youth and their ability to adapt and overcome obstacles. Sternberg claims that students who grow up in the upper middle class tend to have an environment which better values the analytical skills that the current tests measure. He argues that, because of this, colleges may not be getting the most creative and adaptable students. He shows that some of these less privileged students are capable of handling a college workload even though they may not have been able to score as high on the SAT or other tests. DiMaria believes that through Sternberg’s Kaleidoscope policy may be a solution. The Kaleidoscope way of admissions administers tests which ask open ended

For as long as I can remember, I have loved numbers. Ever since elementary school, I remember explaining and tutoring my classmates in subjects related to math. Math was such a passion for me that in high school my professors entrusted me to provide supplemental tutoring to my classmates. Moreover, while in high school, I participated in math competitions and worked on research projects related to business. I always wanted to pursue a college education abroad because I believed I would be fully equipped to help others and to become a better professional. Therefore, when I graduated from high school I applied to a program to come to the USA. There is still a lot that the future holds and the Investment Management Fund program would provide me the opportunity to gain hands-on experience managing a real investment portfolio.

I started working for Dollywood Splash Country my sophomore year of high school as a lifeguard. It requires many early mornings, long days, late nights and constant focus out in the hot summer weather. Even though this isn’t always the most glamorous job I have taken pride in working hard and being ready to serve in whatever capacity I can to help out other employees and managerial staff. I arrive early and will work late if needed, because I really enjoy working hard and the satisfaction I receive. No matter how I’m feeling that day I come into work every day and fully dedicate myself to the job trying to feel like I did everything I could to improve the workplace when I leave that day.

The future. A place filled with unknowns and unexpected twists and turns. As I near the end of my high school career, the idea of college and all that follows it is becoming a reality in my mind. I do not know what God has in store for me, but I do know that He has a plan. As a freshman, I thought that I would have everything figured out by senior year; however, now that it is senior year, the future looks more mysterious than ever. While this is the case, I have still postulated some of my future goals and ambitions.

During my childhood raised by my mother with an only a ninth grade education, father passed when I was nine, I vowed to become an example for my younger siblings. Joined the military in 1987 while serving my country I earned promotions, awards, recognition, etc. but there was still one thing missing which was education. How could I be an example to my children and family if I was missing the very thing that I wanted to make sure they had accomplished? After retirement from the military I got into the private sector with a successful profession where I currently am, still I felt like something was not complete.

A student body that is diverse and engaged will spawn tremendous positive energy and foster a collaborative environment. That is the college atmosphere that I aspire to be a member of. “Who I am is complicated. What I am is a little easier. I'm a threat. I alter outcomes.” I‘m sorry I couldn’t resist. I am a big entertainment enthusiast, in particular the assemblies of Denzel Washington, and the above was a classic quote delivered by his adversary in the movie “The Equalizer”. Mr. Washington is an amazing artist, and a master of his craft. He lives his life to make a difference in others, and I try to emulate that.

Growing up I was spoon fed ideas. I was taught a countless number of things were right, while the ugly things were wrong. My childhood is a conservative blur of standing in a corner with my nose on a wall and watching VHS tapes of Green Acres. Every memory I have pre high school is filled with Irish Catholic white people never willing to admit gay people exist. Before high school I never realized how sheltered my life was until I was drowning in this new, beautiful, multicolored world. Looking back, I was unwilling to embrace this change, but I was focused into it and because of this I am greatly pleased I did. The only reason why I am sharing this personal scenario is because my experience in this class has been similar; what I thought was normal and right became challenged and was torn open to new concepts and ideas, leaving me more educated and glad that it happened.

Have you ever wanted something so badly, but never knew how to start or even get there? Ha-ha...who am I kidding, we all have. Well that how my story all starts.

Admissions essays are a critical piece of any student's application process. College admission officers investigate admissions essays for affirmation that an understudy has the capacity compose well and contend a theme in a firm way. The admissions essay you compose speaks to you as a potential student to the staff of the college and layouts your fundamental accomplishments. Admissions essays give forthcoming students a chance to personally present themselves and are, basically, the college's first subjective impression of them. Essay should be personal, convincing and effective. Your essay ought to demonstrate who you are, the place you've been and where you are going. Structures and air pocket sheets can't clarify a lifetime of work and development.

Every time I close my eyes and take a deep breath, I can hear the repetitious honking of the taxi drivers, fed up with the incessant New York traffic. I can feel the soft wind blowing through the tallest trees in Central Park, lightly blowing my hair in every direction. I can smell the grease from innumerable hotdog carts, strolling their way up and down 85th Street, desperate for business. I can see the blinking traffic lights, and the countless men, women and children, all looking like they belong in New York. I wanted to be like them. I can remember everything, from the stickers on the crosswalk signs, to the name of the cluttered antique shop. I see all of these things as if they were scenes from my favorite movie. The vacation I took to New York City, the summer before I started high school, has changed my life forever.

I came to the United States last year and it has been an extremely rewarding experience. I have truly enjoyed working and living in a multicultural environment. In my professional life, I have taken on greater challenges and led a team in the expansion of a new business. I also joined the Toastmasters where I honed my English communication skills and made new friends. My greatest delight is that I found my life’s passion.

If you never stop learning, life will always be interesting and filled with new opportunities. My mission to continually stretch myself has led me to return to school again at an age most people are thinking more about their children’s college loans rather than their own.

My decision to pursue graduate study in the United States is underscored by my desire to be a part of the graduate program at your institution. Since University of California offers great research facilities and the faculty at the university is excellent.

On May 11th, I was denied admission to Husson University’s Masters of Business Administration program. With no reason provided or official denial letter, I was taken aback as I wasn’t sure what the reason for my denial would be. After speaking with my adviser Jennifer Flynn, I learned that the Husson University MBA program is more rigorous and GPA-oriented than the B.S. of Business Administration program which I graduated from this month.

Education Programs should encompass both on-site and off-site formal programs designed specifically for management. Educational opportunities should include short courses offered by consultants or universities on topical practices and issues as well as more rigorous MBA and university programs.