Friday, November 2, 2012

Write A Statement Of Purpose For Business School

Your statement of purpose (or letter of intent) is an opportunity to show business schools what unique and valuable contributions you can make to the MBA program. Statements of purpose are as varied as the backgrounds of prospective students, but excellent letters of intent share many features. If you are applying business school, read below to learn write a statement of purpose.


Instructions








1. In the first paragraph describe briefly what piqued you interest in the MBA, what you hope to get out of the program, and why this particular school's program is right for you. Avoid cliches about childhood aspirations, particularly if you are studying more mundane aspects of business. The first paragraph should introduce why YOU are right for THIS school.


2. If you had to overcome major obstacles to achieve your current level of success, the letter of intent in the perfect place to describe them. MBA programs want students who can work hard to reach goals.


3. Every statement of purpose must have a description of your business and educational back ground, as well as a specific plan for the future. What particular aspects of this schools program will teach you specific skills? What do you want to accomplish with your education? What benefits of the MBA degree are indispensable in your field? Be specific!








4. If there are any major shortcomings in your business school application--very low GPA, low GMAT scores, fewer years experience than the typical applicant--explain why you are a deserving candidate inspite of these. Use your judgment about making too many excuses for yourself, or else you will come off as "bratty." However, if there are legitimate explanations, describe them and show what you have done to fix the problems.


Ex: Your GPA is low because you spent the first two years partying, but you cleaned up your act and excelled academically the following years. Or, your GMAT scores are low because your first language is not English, but you have since improved.


5. Make sure your letter of intent is unique and pertinent to each school you apply to. Admissions committees don't want to read generic letters that sound like they could have been sent to any school.

Tags: letter intent, business school, describe them, first paragraph, GMAT scores, statement purpose, your business