Great Applications for Business School, Second Edition

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 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 strong PROS + 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 really Bottom 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 books Best Regards, BB, MBA, GMAT 750 Founder of GMAT Club

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.

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 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 !

I found this book very helpful in my graduate school application process. I am a slightly unique grad school candidate in that I applied to both MBA and MS in Marketing programs. I am already strong writer, but whenever I begin writing I really need a lot of "inspiration" and examples to produce a coherent "story" for myself, and this book provided exactly what I needed. Being able to read a lot of sample essays really helped me generate strong personal statements. There were also a lot of tips, pointers and guidance provided as well. In the end, after using this book I was accepted to 4 out of the 5 graduate schools to which I applied, and I was offered scholarships to 2 of them. I highly recommend this book if you are going through the application process!

Great book for those who want to pursue MBA from US/ Europe/ Singapore based business schools. It covers most important topic of your MBA application that is essays and what to do and what not to do.

This is a very good book. I used this book in 2016 while applying to Master of Finance in Canada and I got admission from the 2 schools I applied to. Now I’m returning to that book to apply for PHD. This book helped me a lot as an English 2nd language and I advice all the the non-native to use it.

There is too much information and advice out there for people applying to business schools - most of it is really terrible, tries to scare the applicant to bits or treats the applicant very condescendingly. I browsed through quite a few books, blogs etc before deciding to buy this book. I can honestly say that this was one of the best investments during the application process. Paul gives advice you can actually use, and in a way that motivates you to use it. I worked through the book quite early into the application process - around May after completing my GMAT exams for Round 1 deadlines and it was an amazing help. It helped me decide how to position my candidacy, how to articulate every aspect that I wanted to, how to approach the essays (especially the goals essay which is extremely important) - I cant think of any part of the application where it was not a big help. Following Paul's advice was invaluable - this month I found out I was admitted to both Kellogg and Yale (2 out of 3 schools I applied to). I would recommend this book highly to everyone thinking of applying to b-schools - it's the best there is!

Fairly common sense concepts, but great to have so many examples. Got lots of inspiration out of it.

Very Helpful specially for those who are new to application process. It gives a strong background that individual can refine to come up with Winning Application. Great Work!!!!!!