MBA Admissions Strategy: From Profile Building to Essay Writing [Paperback]

Avi Gordon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2005 | ISBN-10: 0335218903 | ISBN-13: 978-0335218905 | Edition: 1

"I would definitely buy this book if I were applying again."--Rodney Bryant, Macquarie Bank, Australia, formerly of Morgan Stanley, New York

Learn all about MBA admissions techniques and skills from an expert!

MBA Admissions Strategy guides candidates through the four most important aspects of a successful, competitive business school application:

• Competitive Strategy
• Profile Development
• Essay Management and
• Writing Technique

This lively and accessible new book takes you step-by-step through the process of producing a successful MBA application, with primary emphasis on the essays.

The book outlines a system for candidates to identify the competitive value of their past and construct an application profile and compelling message from this. The book then deals with the typical essay questions that applicants face and shows candidates how to fit their profile message to each question: how to know what to write, which essay to write it in, and how to write it well. Along with specific templates and solutions for improving expression, the book shows readers how to avoid common essay pitfalls. An essential must-read for all those considering applying for a MBA.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A.V. Gordon, MBA, is the director of The MBA Admissions Studio (www.mbastudio.net) a specialist admissions coaching and essay editing practice for MBA and executive MBA applicants. He has been the resident expert on MBA admissions essays with The World MBA Tour. He writes and consults in various aspects of business coaching and communication strategy.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional - Open University Press; 1 edition (September 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0335218903
• ISBN-13: 978-0335218905
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #719,186 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #43 in Books > Business & Investing > Job Hunting & Careers > Business School Guides

More About the Author

Web: http://mbastudio.net
Twitter: @mbastudio
Facebook: http://ow.ly/2mRd3

Avi Gordon is a specialist MBA admissions coach and editor, and director of the MBA Admissions Studio (http://mbastudio.net). Avi is ex-business media, with a communications-marketing background, MBA Adcoms experience, World MBA Tour applicant advisor experience, and is also a graduate of a top-10 MBA program.

Avi has helped hundreds of successful applicants since 2002. He maintains a significant profile in the admissions community, and is published widely on admissions topics. He is also Business Week's invited MBA Admissions expert, and founder of the MBA Admissions Forum on Business Week's Business Exchange (BX).

Avi is admitted as a full member of the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants (AIGAC) -- the oversight and credentialing body in the admissions field -- and practices to the standards and ethics set by the association.

Avi personally directs application strategy and profile building for every MBA Studio client, and also personally reviews and edits essays

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource for Essays, March 1, 2006

By 

Darian Diggler (Tulsa, OK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: MBA Admissions Strategy: From Profile Building to Essay Writing (Paperback)

I applied to Darden using another reference and online resources before I found "MBA Admissions Strategy". I was blown away by the insight that permeates each chapter, and I corrected many

mistakes on my HBS app. I do not know what Gordon's background is, but he clearly knows exactly what goes on behind the scenes at adcom. He even explains what kind of people end up on the adcom and how to tailor your message to them.

So, I was waitlisted at Darden and now I have an interview at

Harvard. Wow! Can't argue with results like that. It was a lot of work but this book was my sole guide in transforming my essays. I am not an excellent writer but I am very pleased with the results. I would never try to apply to an MBA program without this book.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Striking Strategy Nailed My Essay, August 16, 2007

By 

M. Gearhart (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: MBA Admissions Strategy: From Profile Building to Essay Writing (Paperback)

I had a technically perfect, reasonable and ambitious Statement of Purpose and solid work experience. However, I wanted to be sure that it was a winning essay and turned to Avi for insight about it. After reading Avi's advice, it was obvious that my long-term goal of becoming a VP or Worldwide Marketing, while ambitious, was not adventurous or striking enough to secure my admission into an MBA program.

Thanks to Avi, I reset my essay (and career) strategy to something that made me nervous yet more excited and confident that my Statement of Purpose would standout when reviewed by the MBA Admissions Board. I don't want to give away my competitive strategy, but I believe Avi's book and valuable experience will enable you to prepare your own striking strategy, possibly rethink your career goals, and is a "must read" before applying to any college. I landed in the MBA program that I really wanted and trust that you will be successful as well.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential for anyone applying to business school!, September 8, 2009

By 

Anonymous (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: MBA Admissions Strategy: From Profile Building to Essay Writing (Paperback)

I came across MBA Admissions Strategy after reading most of the other ones on the market and have since only used this one. The book is streamlined, informative, and honest. Avi is straightforward, telling you exactly what AdCom is looking for, without sugar coating anything. The method for essay writing is tough and time consuming but it is absolutely worth every second, as it forces introspection and the creation of a cogent, compelling story. The book is not long, but it does not need to be. I have not seen any other book on the market that is comparable. If you want to get into a top 10 MBA Program, buy this book!