For my next Admissions Straight Talk podcast, I’m going to interview Victor Cheng. Victor has many claims to fame, including: Former McKinsey consultant, resume screener, and case interviewer. Passed 60 out of 61 case interviews and landed 7 consulting job offers. Author of Case Interview Secrets, an extremely clear and well-written book on excelling in…
Admissions Resume: What to Include
I suggest that applicants begin assembling materials for their applications five months in advance of the first fall deadlines. One of the ideal documents to begin now is a resume, something that any professional should always have updated and at the ready. Here are some tips on starting the ideal admissions-worthy resume. First, you need…
5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid: Download Your Free Copy
Admissions Straight Talk: Interview with Dr. Drew Appleby
For this week’s episode of Accepted Admissions Straight Talk, Accepted’s biweekly podcast, we interviewed Drew Appleby, Professor Emeritus at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, who identified five types of applicant errors. These mistakes decrease candidates’ chances of acceptance to graduate school – even if the applicants have stellar stats. Check out the full recording to learn…
What is “Passion” in Admissions?
Years ago, when I first heard b-school representatives talking about wanting to see passion in applications, I thought to myself, “You’re looking for passion from a bunch of investment bankers and engineers???? That’s a pretty calculating bunch.” “Passion” has a sexy ring to it. An emotional, visceral appeal. It evokes images of glamorous actors and…
Happy Thanksgiving!
In the spirit of this American holiday, one of my favorites, I would like to share a few things with you: One of my favorite posts on this blog is a post I wrote for Thanksgiving several years ago. I like the story, and it also manages to convey a few important techniques that you…
Fatal Flaw #5: Muddled Thinking
I am not sure why I made muddled thinking the last flaw. Good writing starts with good thinking and ends with lots of editing, but editing is a topic for another series. Let’s stick with thinking in this tip. One of the biggest causes of muddled thinking: Writing what you think the admissions committee wants…
Accepted Editor Publishes Book
Long-time Accepted.com editor Judy Gruen has re-published her book, Till We Eat Again: A Second Helping, revising and updating a wonderful diary revealing the trials and tribulations of the chronic dieter. Her wry perspective on weight loss and exercise brings a smile to the face of anyone who appreciates our ever-elastic ability to rationalize, justify,…
An Admissions Lesson from JFK
In John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address on Friday, January 20, 1961, he said something which quickly made its way into all high school history and civics textbooks. As one of the most well-known presidential sound-bites, I’m sure you’ve heard it: “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you –…
A Peek Into What Your Potential Employer Is Thinking
Millenial Branding has conducted a new study of employers and their hiring of recent college graduates. Apparently, 30% of companies are recruiting liberal arts majors, while 34% are looking for computer information systems and engineering majors. Surprisingly, “Only 18% are recruiting finance and accounting majors combined.” And how do these employers go about recruiting? Only…
Yahoo’s Scott Thompson and the Trap of Marginal Thinking
Are you considering padding your resume or record as you apply to college, graduate school, or a job? Think again. This past week I came across several articles at different times and on different topics that you should know about. Obviously there are the stories about Yahoo CEO Scott Thompson’s embellished college record. Just a…
Save 50% on ALL Accepted.com Books – TODAY & TOMORROW ONLY!
Yesterday was my birthday, and today is your day to celebrate with super bookstore savings! Today and tomorrow are the last days of Accepted’s birthday blowout book sale, during which you can save 50% on ALL Accepted books with promo code SAVE50! Browse our growing collection of books, choose the ones that match your admissions…
MASSIVE Birthday Book Sale Starts Today!
To celebrate my birthday (May 10th) we’re giving you a present! Buy any Accepted.com books between now and Sunday, May 12th and save 50% when you use promo code SAVE50! Browse our bookstore to choose the best admissions books for you! MBA Admissions Books Medical School Admissions Books Law School Admissions Books Graduate School Admissions…
As Chinese Grad School Applicants Flock to the US, What’s the Impact for You?
Earlier this month the Council of Graduate Schools reported that 2012 is seeing a continued torrent of Chinese applicants to US graduate programs: up 18% for fall 2012, following increases of 21% in 2011 and 20% in 2010. The most popular recipients of the applications are engineering, business, and earth sciences programs. This significant news…
Optional Essays: When and How to Write Them
In this short video, Linda Abraham explores the two kinds of optional essays, who should write them, and what should go into them. Don’t miss the crucial warning at the end. Related Resources: • 5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your Application Essays, a free guide • How to Edit Your Application Essays, a podcast…
How to Give the Adcoms a Good Nap
It’s National Sleep Week! You’re probably too busy to observe the annual NSW Snooze Fest, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do your part to help others enjoy a deep siesta! The following tips will ensure that when the adcoms pick up your application essay, they’ll be transported to Lala-land in no time. Trust us…
How To Manage Your Time Better
Do you ever feel like your life is moving too fast without you being in control of your time? Often, I find that instead of me telling myself what I want to do, my calendar tells me what to do. If you are sick of being run by your calendar, here are ten tips to…
The President Wrote My Letter of Recommendation!
“Wouldn’t that be great. I’m in!” Or are you? On this President’s Day, let’s think about it: Would a letter of recommendation from President Barack Obama, POTUS himself, ensure your acceptance? I’m sure a letter from President Obama would get passed around the admissions office. That presidential seal and signature (even if from a machine)…
Adcoms’ New Tool to Detect Plagiarism in Essays
Rather than go through the hassle of writing your application essays yourself, especially since you’re not the most effective or practiced writer (or since you don’t have enough time), why not have someone who really knows how to do it well write them for you? That someone could be a friend or colleague who’s offered…
Does Your Personal Statement Deliver?
I attended a lecture over the weekend. As the speaker began, he mentioned a couple of ideas that sounded intriguing, and I settled back expecting him to explore them, perhaps tie them together. Then came a few more unrelated ideas. OK, I thought, the first ones must have been warm-ups. It could be interesting if…
