Use Action Words In Your MBA Application Essays

When it comes to writing MBA application essays, the use of action words can be incredibly powerful. Action words, also known as action verbs or power words, are words that describe specific actions or behaviors. They can help convey a sense of energy, enthusiasm, and purpose in your writing, and can make your essays more engaging and impactful.  Action words can have a big impact on the overall tone and effectiveness of your essays, helping them to stand out more.

Below are a few reasons why using action words in MBA application essays is so important.

They can help to demonstrate your leadership potential

One of the main reasons to use action words in MBA essays is to demonstrate your leadership potential. These words help to showcase your ability to take initiative, make decisions, and drive results. For example, instead of saying "I was part of a team that completed a project," you could say "I led a team that successfully completed a project." This small change in wording immediately communicates that you were the one driving the project and that you have the ability to lead others.

They add depth and specificity to your writing

Using action words in MBA essays adds depth and specificity by providing concrete examples of your experiences, achievements, and goals. These words help to paint a more detailed picture of who you are as a candidate and what you have to offer. For example, instead of simply stating that you have "experience in finance," you could use action words to describe specific responsibilities you held, such as "managed financial budgets" or "conducted financial analysis." This not only shows that you have experience in the field, but also provides specific examples of the types of tasks you have been responsible for. Additionally, by using action words, you can convey a sense of accomplishment and results, such as "increased revenue by 15%." This helps to demonstrate not only your skills but also the impact you have had in your previous roles. Overall, action words provide a more detailed and specific picture of who you are as a candidate and what you can bring to an MBA program.

They help convey your personal brand and values

Action words can help you effectively communicate your personal brand and values in your essays. By using words that reflect your strengths, passions, and goals, you can help admissions committees better understand who you are and what you stand for. For example, if you are passionate about sustainability, you might use action words like "advocate," "initiate," or "promote" to describe your efforts in this area.

They add variety and interest to your writing

Finally, using action words can add variety and interest to your writing, helping to keep readers engaged. By using a variety of action words, you can avoid repetition and help keep your essays fresh and lively.

Of course, it's important to use action words appropriately and in moderation. Overusing or misusing action words can result in clunky or artificial writing. It's also important to ensure that the action words you use are relevant and accurate, and to back them up with specific examples and details.

Overall, using action words in MBA application essays can be a powerful tool.  By taking the time to carefully select and use action words in your essays, you can help set yourself apart in the admissions process and showcase your unique strengths and experiences.

About Ivy Groupe:

Ivy Groupe is a boutique MBA admissions consulting company founded by Shaifali Aggarwal, who has been recognized as a top MBA admissions consultant by Business Insider and Poets & Quants. She received her MBA from Harvard Business School and undergraduate degree from Princeton University. Shaifali’s philosophy focuses on authenticity and storytelling to help clients craft compelling and differentiated applications that stand out. With this approach, Shaifali’s clients have gained admission to top-tier MBA programs such as Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Kellogg, MIT, Columbia, Booth, Tuck, and Yale, among others.

Click on the links to learn more about our company and how you can work with us to maximize your chances of gaining admission to the MBA programs of your choice.

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