R.J. Wachs

I’ve chosen to apply to graduate school at Columbia University’s school of management. The two-year M.B.A. program is one of the most highly regarded in the nation. The requirements for this program are fairly exhaustive. The school evaluates candidates on three basic principals: academic strength, professional promise, and personal characteristics. For instance, the “average” applicant has three years work experience, a 3.4 GPA, and a GMAT that places them among the top 10% in the nation.
The most important issue regarding my admission to this program is my apparent lack of field experience. Most critics would cite this as an insurmountable obstacle for me. However, I believe that my internship, which features all the real duties of a full-time staff member, when presented correctly, will stand as an acceptable substitute for “real-world” experience.
I feel confident about my chances for success in a program such as this because of the nature of an M.B.A education. Most programs, Columbia included, advertise their desire to seek out a diversified student body, one that represents the full spectrum of business and life experiences. I believe that the range of activities I took part in, and the responsibilities I embraced while completing my undergraduate education make me a prime candidate to provide an unique voice in graduate school. On a more personal note, I believe that entering graduate school to study business immediately following my undergraduate program will allow me to learn theories and assess principals without the pessimism and negativity that hardened professionals often possess.
I believe that if given the chance I am capable of proving myself worthy of admission to this program. The leadership positions I’ve been fortunate enough to hold in my past, and my unique blend of legitimate internship experience and academic excellence will stand as indicators of my ability to succeed in graduate school.