|
8. Theme: Failure/What Mistakes Have You Made? Discuss
a nonacademic personal failure. In what way were you
disappointed in yourself? What did you learn from the
experience?
Translation:
Can you admit to a genuine failure? Do you have enough
self-awareness to know what one is real? Can you learn from your
mistakes? Do they lead to greater maturity and self-awareness?
Do you take accountability when the fault is yours?
Many applicants make the mistake of answering this question
with a failure that is really a positive, “I’m a perfectionist
and so therefore I was too demanding on a friend when she was in
a crisis.” Or, they never really answer the question, fearful
that any admission of failure will throw their whole candidacy
into jeopardy. The truth is, if you don’t answer this question
with a genuine failure or mistake, one that the committee will
recognize as authentic, you may have jinxed your application.
In this essay you want to write about a failure that had some
high stakes form you. Demonstrate what you learned from your
mistake and how it matured you. What’s the relevance to b-school
here? Your ability to be honest, take accountability, and face
your failures head on reflects what kinds of decisions and
judgments you will make as a business professional.
Can’t think of a time you failed? Discuss the essay question
with a friend or family member. An outsider’s perspective may
jar your memory. Remember, if you’re whose application has been
about work, work, work, this is a great place to convince the
committee you’re a real person.
|
