Great Applications for Business School, Second Edition

I read and referenced Paul's book (Great Application's for Business School) as I worked on my application essay for the University of Minnesota's Executive Master of Healthcare Administration program - it made all the difference. Although the primary audience for this book is MBA applicants, the tips and insights were exactly what I needed to compose a successful MHA statement of purpose. Similar to top MBA programs (and other masters' programs), the top MHA programs are highly competitive. Added to this is the competition for one of a few slots for an "executive" program - where standard applicants are highly accomplished healthcare professionals. The University of Minnesota has firmly held a top three slot among MHA programs for countless years running and has an impressive alumni base. As a non-clinician and early career professional, I had a steep road to acceptance. My first attempt at a statement of purpose was written without the insights and guidance of Paul's book - when I read it now, even I am painfully bored! After reading this book, I was able to craft a compelling narrative that pulled together my personal story, my experience, and the unique aspects of the program so as to clearly articulate how the program was a natural fit for me and my career path. More importantly, I was able to paint the picture of how I was the perfect fit for the program. So, what was the result? I was amazed to receive an enthusiastic acceptance within the first round. Overall, I credit Paul and Great Applications for Business School for my successful application.

I am the founder of GMAT Club, a massive online MBA community, representing 10% of the incoming class at top business schools this year. Here are my thoughts about the book: This is by far the best book on MBA Essays I have reviewed. It is motivating to read and contains nuggets of value on every page. Even the obvious points in the "what not to do" section are strong PROS + Great self-diagnostic/reflection methodology + Real essays and real examples + What not-to-do section with every chapter + Practical - it is not a bunch of tricks or gimmicks but solid value + Numerous quotes from admissions officers + Section on Letters of Recommendation (LOR) CONS - Essays are getting a bit dated in this edition, so awaiting the second edition - None really Bottom line: taking into consideration that an Admissions consultant could cost $2-4K per school, this is a great guide. I wish this book was out when I was applying. Let me know if any questions about this book, I respond to comments and own/reviewed most of other MBA Admissions/GMAT books Best Regards, BB, MBA, GMAT 750 Founder of GMAT Club

I originally purchased this book (Kindle version) with a "confirmatory" goal; I'm aiming for a Top 10 MBA program and felt that my existing application approach was sufficient. I was hoping to glean a few tips to tweak my essays and tighten up my resume. After reading Bodine's advice, I now feel that I'd have been remiss to skip this reference. Clearly a veteran strategist, Bodine succinctly outlines his recommendations in an effective combination of theory and real-life examples. His writing style is smooth and accessible, and I found his information immediately useful. I especially recommend this book to those who already possess the scores, involvement, and experience necessary for top-tier admissions; this book will provide such applicants with a clearly marked path to a cogent and appropriately unique product for the adcoms. As a side note, I have since contacted Bodine via his webpage in order to utilize his consulting services. I have been impressed by his thoroughness and responsiveness - each of my e-mails was answered within minutes or hours.

Very good book, useful tips and focused on what matters. Was the only resource I used to write my essays and gain acceptance to Columbia Business School, the only program I applied to. The one point that prevents me from giving it a perfect score is the length of the example essays. As other reviewers have already mentioned, they are way too verbose and of limited value in of themselves. Still, you can glean some useful insights from them, and the rest of the material is top notch, I highly recommend it.

I Bought the second edition of this book right before I started working on my round 1 apps. I think this is one of the best books I have read on the subject. In my opinion ,it is well thought, clear and concise. Paul has done an excellent job at explaining all the intricacies of the B-School application process in one book of reference. In most sections , he has published examples of actual essays of admitted applicants and has explained how each example aligns with the explanation provided for the respective essay type . There were parts of the book when I literally put myself on the couch -- to think. I was surprised at how little I knew about writing essays for MBA programs. I highly recommend Great Applications for Business School for all those planning to get an MBA . It helped me get into Kellogg and Duke !

I found this book very helpful in my graduate school application process. I am a slightly unique grad school candidate in that I applied to both MBA and MS in Marketing programs. I am already strong writer, but whenever I begin writing I really need a lot of "inspiration" and examples to produce a coherent "story" for myself, and this book provided exactly what I needed. Being able to read a lot of sample essays really helped me generate strong personal statements. There were also a lot of tips, pointers and guidance provided as well. In the end, after using this book I was accepted to 4 out of the 5 graduate schools to which I applied, and I was offered scholarships to 2 of them. I highly recommend this book if you are going through the application process!

I wasn't what I would consider the obvious choice as an MBA candidate. I didn't get my undergrad in business and I wasn't in a career like finance or banking, that typically feeds into MBA programs. I was determined to get my MBA, and I was set on going to only one program. In fact that was the only program I applied to. I knew that I had to make every inch of my application count. There was no room to give admissions even a hesitation when reviewing my materials. If I could go back and choose one source of information (not just for the essays but the whole admissions process) I wouldn't change anything, I'd choose this book again and again. The admissions essays are the ONLY part of your application that you have 100% control over the content. Paul's book does a great job of guiding you to make every single letter count. More importantly it provides a strategy for tackling every type of essay question out there, even the more obscure ones. The most helpful factor of this book is that the author does a fantastic job of pushing you to develop your "story" which helps you to solidify your message across the essays, your interview, and even the less creative aspects of your application. I'm certain I could not have succeeded with out the guidance from this book.

Clear, step-by-step advice on how to pick your strongest essay topics and how to write them in the most compelling way. As a former MBA Admissions Director, I recommend Paul's "data-mining" exercises and questions to derive your best material, and his insights are spot on in terms of what admissions are looking for. You can also find plenty of sample essays. There are also helpful chapters on recommendations and wait list strategy. The only downside is that this book is very much focused on essays (as opposed to school selection, resumes, etc). Nevertheless, great value! Start here if you need expert guidance on your essays. - Darren, Touch MBA