In the recent (and excellent) Yale chat an applicant asked a question that could have flowed from any number of motivations. None of them good. Here is the question and Bruce Delmonico's response. Suffice it to say that he was nicer than I was

IT_boy (Sep 25, 2008 12:43:12 PM)
Bruce: How does the admissions committee distinguish whether the essay is genuine or it is just written to impress the AdCom? How do you check the accuracy of the facts and experiences elaborated in the essays?

BruceDelMonicoYALE (Sep 25, 2008 12:45:37 PM)
IT_boy, we do care a lot that you write about what's important to you. You shouldn't try to guess what's important to us. Be yourself! In terms of checking accuracy, we do that in a number of ways, including the background check and the interview. So it does behoove you to be accurate and factual. That is one area in which we have no tolerance for: Inconsistency.

IT_boy (Sep 25, 2008 12:55:20 PM)
Thanks Bruce, I'll give you an example. For example. If you ask me in an essay what I have learned from a mistake? How can I realistically and truthfully answer the question if I think I haven't made any significant mistakes in my life? I am not counting a mistake in an exam or following a wrong technical procedure at work as a mistake that makes for a good answer!

Linda Abraham (Sep 25, 2008 12:56:03 PM)
IT-boy, if you are in your mid 20's and have never made a significant error in your life, either you aren't reflective on your actions or you have never tried anything. And probably the former. I am not speaking for Yale. That is my opinion.

BruceDelMonicoYALE (Sep 25, 2008 12:58:22 PM)
IT_boy, I think you should think hard about whether you have never made a mistake in your life. If you have not made a mistake, then it's likely that you have not stretched yourself or gotten out of your comfort zone, which is something you need to do to succeed. It doesn’t need to be a huge mistake or something you did horribly wrong, but even just a time when you looked back and saw how you could have handled something differently is important. It also shows that you are introspective and can learn from the things you do, which are also keys for success.

You cannot be an active player in this world, a person of vision, integrity, and initiative, if you have never erred. You can live in a cave and fail to have any impact...or any mistakes. You can be active, fail to reflect on your actions, and consequently fail to recognize mistakes, opportunities for improvement, or lessons you can apply to your next venture.

In short, you cannot be the kind of leader top b-schools, including Yale SOM seek, if you cannot answer this question with sincerity and integrity.