When working with clients who are applying to graduate programs, I often observe that they focus 100% of their energy on perfecting their resume and essays. Written documents are critical components of a successful application, as are standardized test scores and college grades. What can differentiate...

The most popular post of the last six months is “Focus on Fit,” and since Linda is taking a brief vacation, we are reposting it for this week. In this show, she shares the four not-so-easy steps to make sure you show you belong at your...

At the AIGAC conference in June, I spoke to a couple of people on the HBS admissions staff and asked them how applicants with less than stellar records can show they are “new and improved” – focused, mature, and ready for business school. They responded...

Teamwork, and its close cousin, leadership, are highly prized by graduate programs and universities. Haven’t worked in teams on any regular basis? Don’t worry! There are more ways than you may realize to prove your chops in this area. Consider the following 4 options: 1. Remember: No...

How many times have you wandered through a bookstore, opening up a book to read the first few lines only to quickly close it again? How often have you read one of those free samples on your Kindle, only to decide after a paragraph that...

The whole point of GRE prep is, of course, to be ready for GRE test day. But how do you know when you’re ready? How do you know when you’ve had enough prep? Many people who take the GRE before they’re truly ready have the wrong...

You’re ready to sit down and write your statement of purpose. Besides for a full cup of coffee and a good chunk of time to think and write…what do you need to get started? 1. A clearly thought out goal This is the most important thing. Your...

You’re ready to sit down and write your statement of purpose. Besides for a full cup of coffee and a good chunk of time to think and write…what do you need to get started? 1. A clearly thought out goal This is the most important thing. Your...

You’re ready to sit down and write your statement of purpose. Besides for a full cup of coffee and a good chunk of time to think and write…what do you need to get started? 1. A clearly thought out goal This is the most important thing. Your...

Now, now. Don’t get angry. Deal. First and foremost, focus. And use writing techniques that convey your message and stay within the word limits. What writing techniques are those? Glad you asked! 1.  Minimize use of the passive voice. • Passive: Experience A has been complemented by experience...