Great Applications for Business School, Second Edition (Great Application for Business School) 2nd Edition

I am the founder of GMAT Club, a massive online MBA community, representing 10% of the incoming class at top business schools this year. Here are my thoughts about the book:This is by far the best book on MBA Essays I have reviewed. It is motivating to read and contains nuggets of value on every page. Even the obvious points in the "what not to do" section are strongPROS+ Great self-diagnostic/reflection methodology+ Real essays and real examples+ What not-to-do section with every chapter+ Practical - it is not a bunch of tricks or gimmicks but solid value+ Numerous quotes from admissions officers+ Section on Letters of Recommendation (LOR)CONS- Essays are getting a bit dated in this edition, so awaiting the second edition- None reallyBottom line: taking into consideration that an Admissions consultant could cost $2-4K per school, this is a great guide. I wish this book was out when I was applying.Let me know if any questions about this book, I respond to comments and own/reviewed most of other MBA Admissions/GMAT booksBest Regards,BB, MBA, GMAT 750Founder of GMAT Club

I read and referenced Paul's book (Great Application's for Business School) as I worked on my application essay for the University of Minnesota's Executive Master of Healthcare Administration program - it made all the difference. Although the primary audience for this book is MBA applicants, the tips and insights were exactly what I needed to compose a successful MHA statement of purpose.Similar to top MBA programs (and other masters' programs), the top MHA programs are highly competitive. Added to this is the competition for one of a few slots for an "executive" program - where standard applicants are highly accomplished healthcare professionals. The University of Minnesota has firmly held a top three slot among MHA programs for countless years running and has an impressive alumni base. As a non-clinician and early career professional, I had a steep road to acceptance.My first attempt at a statement of purpose was written without the insights and guidance of Paul's book - when I read it now, even I am painfully bored! After reading this book, I was able to craft a compelling narrative that pulled together my personal story, my experience, and the unique aspects of the program so as to clearly articulate how the program was a natural fit for me and my career path. More importantly, I was able to paint the picture of how I was the perfect fit for the program.So, what was the result? I was amazed to receive an enthusiastic acceptance within the first round.Overall, I credit Paul and Great Applications for Business School for my successful application.

I Bought the second edition of this book right before I started working on my round 1 apps. I think this is one of the best books I have read on the subject. In my opinion ,it is well thought, clear and concise. Paul has done an excellent job at explaining all the intricacies of the B-School application process in one book of reference. In most sections , he has published examples of actual essays of admitted applicants and has explained how each example aligns with the explanation provided for the respective essay type . There were parts of the book when I literally put myself on the couch -- to think. I was surprised at how little I knew about writing essays for MBA programs. I highly recommend Great Applications for Business School for all those planning to get an MBA . It helped me get into Kellogg and Duke !

Very good book, useful tips and focused on what matters. Was the only resource I used to write my essays and gain acceptance to Columbia Business School, the only program I applied to. The one point that prevents me from giving it a perfect score is the length of the example essays. As other reviewers have already mentioned, they are way too verbose and of limited value in of themselves. Still, you can glean some useful insights from them, and the rest of the material is top notch, I highly recommend it.

I originally purchased this book (Kindle version) with a "confirmatory" goal; I'm aiming for a Top 10 MBA program and felt that my existing application approach was sufficient. I was hoping to glean a few tips to tweak my essays and tighten up my resume. After reading Bodine's advice, I now feel that I'd have been remiss to skip this reference. Clearly a veteran strategist, Bodine succinctly outlines his recommendations in an effective combination of theory and real-life examples. His writing style is smooth and accessible, and I found his information immediately useful.I especially recommend this book to those who already possess the scores, involvement, and experience necessary for top-tier admissions; this book will provide such applicants with a clearly marked path to a cogent and appropriately unique product for the adcoms.As a side note, I have since contacted Bodine via his webpage in order to utilize his consulting services. I have been impressed by his thoroughness and responsiveness - each of my e-mails was answered within minutes or hours.

I have been planning out my business school application process for quite awhile, and this book has been my guide. It is structured very clearly so that take-away is optimized and re-reading is simple and enjoyable. The Case Studies of less than ideal applicants making it into the top schools by working with Paul are inspirational and encouraging. The successful essay examples are fantastic to read, in particular to get a feel for how to relay an ordinary experience in an extraordinary way so as to equalize with candidates writing about extraordinary experiences. I highly recommend this book for any aspiring MBA. Lastly, do not forget to check out Paul's website if you feel you could benefit from his hands on admissions consulting services. [...]