bumbleprint, Author at Write Track Admissions
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How to Ace the HKS Perspectives Essay

Reading Time: 5 mins

Describe a time when interactions with others and/or an experience caused you to change your mind or expanded your point of view. (250 word limit)

The Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) ‘Perspectives Essay’, which is required for MPA, MPP, and MC/MPA applicants, allows you the opportunity to showcase your open-mindedness, authenticity, and capacity for self-reflection. In this guide, written by a former HKS alumni, Center for Public Leadership Fellow, and Founder of Write Track Admissions, we will explore how to understand the goals of the essay, brainstorm ideas, structure your response, and prepare a final checklist to ensure your essay shines.

Understanding the Goals of the Essay

Before you begin writing, it’s essential to understand what the admissions committee is looking for. This essay is not just about recounting a specific experience; it’s about illustrating your journey of personal growth and how it shapes your future interactions. The committee wants to see how you engage with diverse perspectives, demonstrate vulnerability, and embrace change. By highlighting your willingness to adapt and learn from your experiences, you can effectively convey your suitability for a program that values leadership and public service.

Ideating for the Essay

Now that you grasp the goals, it’s time to brainstorm ideas for your essay. Here are some guiding questions to help you generate content:

  • Initial Perspective: Reflect on a time when you recognized that your opinion or viewpoint might have been limited. What experiences or interactions made you question your beliefs?
  • Key Interaction: Identify the specific interaction or experience that challenged your perspective. What about this moment opened you up to change? Consider the emotions, thoughts, and feelings involved. Maybe it was a religious belief, a political perspective, a social-economic viewpoint. 
  • Change in Perspective: Clearly articulate what your perspective evolved into. What new understanding did you gain, and how did it impact your views on related topics?
  • Personal Insights: Analyze what this experience taught you about yourself. Were there traits or assumptions you had to confront? What did you learn about the other person involved in this interaction?
  • Future Application: Finally, think about the lessons you can apply moving forward. How will this experience influence your future interactions, decisions, or leadership style?

Structuring Your Essay

Once you have a wealth of ideas, the next step is structuring your essay effectively. Here’s a simple framework to follow:

Introduction

Start with a brief overview of your initial perspective. You want to capture the reader’s attention while setting the stage for the transformation you will describe. Consider opening with a compelling statement, statistic, dialogue (action) or anecdote that highlights your original viewpoint.

Experience

Next, detail the interaction or experience that prompted your change in perspective. Be specific—describe the setting, the individuals involved, and the emotions you felt. This section should be rich in detail, allowing the reader to connect with your experience. Highlight how this interaction challenged your preconceived notions and prompted you to reconsider your beliefs.

Learning Lesson

In the final section, discuss what you learned from this experience. This should include insights about yourself and others, emphasizing how this has equipped you for future challenges. Be sure to articulate how you plan to apply these lessons in similar situations moving forward.

Final Checklist and ProTips

Before submitting your essay, consider the following tips to enhance your final product:

  • Be Authentic: Show vulnerability in your writing. Authenticity resonates with readers and can make your essay memorable.
  • Avoid Divisive Topics: Steer clear of overly contentious subjects that could alienate readers and demonstrate close-mindedness.
  • Focus on Growth: Highlight your open-mindedness and willingness to admit when you were wrong. This demonstrates maturity and self-awareness.
  • Stay Concise: With a 250-word limit, every word counts. Make sure each sentence serves a purpose and contributes to your overall narrative.
  • Seek Feedback: Once you’ve drafted your essay, consider sharing it with trusted friends or mentors for constructive criticism.
  • Proofread: Check for grammatical errors, clarity, and coherence. A polished essay reflects your commitment to the application process.

Conclusion

The HKS Perspectives Essay is a unique opportunity to showcase your personal growth and capacity for change. Approach this essay with courage, authenticity, and creativity, and you’ll be well on your way to making a lasting impression on the admissions committee. 

Here at Write Track Admissions, we have been encouraging our clients since 2008 to be authentic, creative, and brave in their applications thereby greatly increasing their prospects for admissions. Feel free to contact us for a FREE consultation so you can learn more on how to stand out and get into top policy programs like HKS!

Do it now
⁠⁠Should you apply now or wait to apply to the Harvard Kennedy School?

Reading Time: 5 mins

Applying to Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is an exciting milestone, but timing your application can be challenging. Whether you choose to apply now or wait, several key factors will affect your application’s success. This article, written by a former HKS alumni, Center for Public Leadership Fellow, and Founder of Write Track Admissions, covers considerations like academic readiness, leadership experience, market conditions, and funding to help you make the best decision for your future.

Can You Improve Your Academic Record?

A strong academic record is central to a successful HKS application. If your GPA or recent academic performance doesn’t reflect your full potential, it might be wise to delay applying. During this time, you can enroll in additional coursework or professional programs like HKS’s Public Leadership Credential (PLC) to showcase your growth and commitment to public service.

Can You Improve Your Standardized Test Scores?

Strong scores on standardized tests like the GRE or GMAT can boost your application. If your current scores are below your target, consider taking extra time to prepare more thoroughly. Waiting a year to improve your test scores through focused studying or test prep courses can make your application more competitive.

Can You Improve Your English Proficiency?

For non-native English speakers, strong TOEFL or IELTS scores are critical. If your language proficiency scores could be stronger, taking the time to improve your skills before applying may benefit you. Investing in language learning or tutoring could lead to a higher score and enhance your candidacy.

Can You Add Leadership or Professional Experience?

The Harvard Kennedy School looks for applicants with a strong track record of leadership and professional experience. If you’re expecting a promotion or are about to take on new responsibilities at work, waiting to apply could strengthen your application. Highlighting leadership roles, particularly those that show your impact in public service, can make your profile more appealing to the admissions committee.

Are Market Conditions Favorable?

The broader economic and job market conditions may also influence your decision. In times of uncertainty, pursuing a degree in public policy could give you a competitive advantage in career transitions. On the other hand, if you’re on the verge of a promotion or career shift, waiting until your professional goals are clearer might lead to a stronger application.

Do You Need More Time to Clarify Your Goals?

Having a clear vision for your future is essential when applying to HKS. If your goals are still taking shape, waiting to apply could give you time to refine your narrative and solidify your long-term objectives. Admissions committees value applicants who can clearly articulate how a Kennedy School degree fits into their career plans, so taking the extra time could improve your application.

Will Waiting Help You Secure Better Funding?

HKS is a significant financial investment. If funding is a concern, waiting a year could give you more time to save, apply for scholarships, or explore employer-sponsored tuition programs. Additional time may also allow you to discover fellowships or grants that can ease the financial burden of attending. If you have a better chance for funding now then later that should also factor into your overall decision-making.

Can You Get Stronger Recommendation Letters?

Your recommendation letters play a pivotal role in your application. If you feel your current recommenders can’t fully capture your strengths, waiting to apply could allow you to cultivate better relationships with mentors or supervisors. A well-written, personalized letter from someone who truly understands your potential can make a big difference in your application’s success.

Can You Show Greater Interest in HKS?

Finally, demonstrating genuine interest in the Harvard Kennedy School can enhance your application. Visiting the campus, attending information sessions, auditing a class or even enrolling in the PLC can show your dedication. These steps could also provide valuable insights into the program and help you tailor your application to better reflect what HKS values.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to apply to Harvard Kennedy School now or wait requires thoughtful consideration. If you can improve your academic record, test scores, or professional experience, or if waiting could help you secure more funding or stronger recommendation letters, delaying your application might be the best option. However, if you feel ready and confident in your qualifications, applying now could be the right next step. 

We at Write Track Admissions have been helping clients make this decision and preparing them to be the best HKS applicants possible for over a decade. Feel free to contact us to learn more about our proprietary HKS-Admissions Assessment Program today! 

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The Top 10 Common Mistakes Made by HKS Applicants Over the Past 10 years!

Reading Time: 5 mins

Applying to Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is a dream for many aspiring leaders in public policy, government, and nonprofit sectors. However, the application process is highly competitive, and mistakes can cost applicants their chance at admission. 

In this post, written by a former HKS alumni, Center for Public Leadership Fellow, and Founder of Write Track Admissions, we’ll explore the top 10 mistakes made by HKS applicants over the past 10 years and how to avoid them to maximize your chances of success.

1. Not Securing Strong Recommenders in Time

Recommendation letters are critical to your Harvard Kennedy School application. Many applicants wait too long to request recommendations, leaving their recommenders with insufficient time to write a thoughtful letter. Rushed or generic letters weaken your overall application. To avoid this, approach your recommenders early and provide them with context on why you’re applying to HKS and how their insights can support your candidacy.

2. Overlooking the Importance of Standardized Test Scores

While HKS takes a holistic approach to evaluating candidates, strong standardized test scores remain essential for a competitive application. Some applicants mistakenly assume their professional experience or academic background will overshadow lower scores, particularly in English proficiency exams like TOEFL or IELTS or standardized tests like the GRE. Make sure your test scores reflect your readiness for HKS’s academic rigor.

3. Not Preparing Transcripts in Advance

Transcripts are a fundamental part of your HKS application, but some applicants don’t request them from their previous institutions in time. For international students, the delay is often compounded by the need to translate transcripts into English. Request your transcripts early and ensure that a certified provider completes any translations to avoid delays in submission.

4. Failing to Articulate Clear Career Goals

HKS is looking for applicants with a strong sense of purpose and direction. Not clearly articulating your career goals and how the HKS program will help you achieve them can be a major setback. Vague or disconnected goals may leave the admissions committee questioning your fit for the program. Clearly outline your career objectives and explain how the Kennedy School will provide the tools and resources necessary for your professional growth.

5. Not Responding to the Essay Prompts

Your application essays are an opportunity to showcase your unique experiences and motivation. A common mistake is not addressing the essay prompts directly, leading to impersonal or off-topic responses. Some applicants also exceed the word limit, which can signal to the admissions committee that you did not follow instructions. Stay on topic, be genuine, and adhere to the word count to present a polished application.

6. Duplicating Information Across Materials

Your resume, essays, and short-answer questions should each highlight distinct aspects of your profile. Rehashing resume content in the essays or providing repetitive information across the application results in a one-dimensional portrayal of who you are. Use each component of the application to highlight different strengths and experiences, offering a well-rounded narrative.

7. Ignoring the Optional Statement

The Harvard Kennedy School provides an optional statement to explain potential weaknesses in your application, such as gaps in employment, low test scores, or legal issues. Many applicants leave this section blank or do not use this section strategically, thinking it isn’t necessary. However, failing to address potential red flags could result in the admissions committee making assumptions. Use the optional statement to provide context and demonstrate how you’ve overcome challenges or addressed weaknesses in your profile.

8. Failing to Show You’ve REALLY Researched the Kennedy School

A common mistake is not demonstrating that you’ve thoroughly researched Harvard Kennedy School. Admissions officers want to see that you understand the school’s resources, research centers, courses, and extracurricular activities. By aligning these with your career goals, academic interests, and prior experiences, you can create a compelling narrative that highlights why HKS is the perfect fit for you. Showing this level of knowledge and connection makes your application stand out and demonstrates genuine commitment to the program.

9. Delaying Financial Aid Applications

Securing financial aid is often crucial for making HKS a viable option. Waiting until the last minute to apply for scholarships, fellowships, or other funding opportunities can lead to missed deadlines and limited financial resources. Research financial aid options early and ensure you meet all deadlines to maximize your chances of receiving support. Personally, this was critical to my decision to apply to HKS. So I spent significant time applying to as many funding opportunities as possible and ended up receiving a $92,000 scholarship that funded my HKS education, housing, and living expenses!

10. Procrastinating on the Application

Waiting until the last minute to complete your application can lead to rushed, poorly developed materials. Last-minute efforts often result in overlooked details, incomplete essays, or even missed deadlines. Begin the application process early, set incremental deadlines for each component, and give yourself time for revisions to ensure that your application is thorough and free from errors.

Conclusion

Avoiding these common mistakes can significantly improve your chances of being admitted to Harvard Kennedy School. Securing strong recommendations, providing clear career goals, meeting all requirements, and following instructions closely will help you submit a competitive application.

For over a decade, we have helped HKS applicants navigate these pitfalls with great success.  We provide a FREE consultation to assess your needs and get you on the write track to HKS admissions success!

How to Stay Motivated as a Student: Checking in on Your Well-Being
Are you having trouble feeling motivated enough to finish out the school year? If so, you may need to examine your overall well-being. Here’s how to do a mid-semester wellness check-in:  

Wellness for Students

Wellness is not taught to students, so many times we feel like we are only surviving from semester to semester. Society’s constant need to work is causing ‘getting by’ day after day to become a dangerous norm. According to the BBC, overworking is actually killing people. It has become the largest occupational killer. Overworking causes a fight or flight response in the human nervous system.  We must stop these bad habits as students, to prevent ourselves from becoming victims to this socially acceptable way to die. Therefore, thriving must be our goal because surviving is no longer enough. As students, we must look at ourselves as whole beings and not just as work machines. A focus on wellness is the way to do this.  Understanding wellness also gets us away from the toxic side of self-love culture. It is a holistic approach that allows us to look inwardly and outwardly at ourselves. To get started on a wellness check-in there are four questions that I like to ask myself:
  1. How am I doing physically? 
  2. How am I doing socially?
  3. How am I doing emotionally? 
The answer to these questions will add up to give us an answer for how we are doing with our overall well-being. This may help in decerning what is the root of the motivation struggle.   

Physically

Physical wellness is ensuring that the best decisions are being made when it comes to taking care of our bodies. Most people choose one or two parts of their physical well-being to focus on and overlook the rest. Neglecting one of them will most likely harm the effects of another. Physical Wellness includes (but is not limited to): 
  • Nutrition
  • Physical activity 
  • Sleep
  • Skincare 
  • Haircare
  • Water intake 
  • Blue light screen time
 

Socially

UC Davis has a helpful guide to social wellness. Social wellness is cultivating meaningful relationships with proper boundaries and trust. As well as,  showing respect to everyone in your life. Social wellness includes (but is not limited to):
  • Proper Boundaries
  • Cultivating healthy relationships
  • Participating regularly in social interactions
  • Trying new activities
  • Meeting new people
  • Knowing and using your support system
 

Emotionally

How well we are able to handle feelings and emotions while adapting to changes and stresses in life is the core of emotional wellness according to the National Institutes of Health. College is a time of transitions and unknowns, so stress, anxiety, and depression are issues for college students. This is especially true after the pandemic. PBS News reported that 1 in 4 college students have considered suicide. Taking care of our emotional health is what we must do to continue living. Emotional Wellness includes (but is not limited to): 
  • Stress levels 
  • Happiness 
  • Coping with change
  • Acceptance of emotions
  • How you treat others 
  • The perspective you have of yourself
  • Managing difficult emotions
  • Having a purpose in life
  • Positive/negative self-talk
  • Gratitude 
  • Having a safe space to process
  • Getting professional help for mental illnesses
  In school, we will not be successful when these areas are off. If physical wellbeing is neglected then our brain has less capacity to process information. Our self-esteem plummets when our social lives are not healthily maintained. In addition, we will not have the necessary social skills to succeed in our professional life. Our emotional health can often be the foundation of our well-being, as unaddressed mental struggles can affect our functioning in life. So, as students, we need to check in with ourselves and make sure that we are wholistically doing well. If we are not, there are steps that we can take to get better. Stay on the lookout for more blogs discussing how to improve in each of these areas.     ~ Victorie Norman | WTA Communications Director
How to Have Great Senior Year in High School
Everyone wants their senior year in high school to be a magical picture.     *queue record playing nostalgic music*    A special time where you say goodbye to your school, friends, and essentially move into adulthood. Filled with final football games, school dances, getting into college with no problems, and senior pranks. Where senioritis hits at just the right time in the second semester and your teachers are kind enough to let it slide.    *Your record gets scratched with reality setting in*   However, this is usually a dream too good to be true. For many, senior year is a stressful time, filled with the unknowns of the future. Burnout plagues because seniors are trying to apply to colleges, keep up with their grades, take college-level classes, be involved in extracurriculars, and study for exams. This begs the question, can seniors have all of this responsibility and still enjoy their senior year?   The answer is yes!   
  1. Live in the here and now. 

First things first, throw that ridiculous fantasy of a movie like a senior year away. That’s overrated. Living in the moment in real life – whether it is stressful or happy is a wonderful tool to have. Remember, comparison (especially to an unrealistic dream) is the thief of joy  
  1. Think about what you want from your senior year in high school. 

Next, Write out goals. Break them up into two categories: Academic and Personal. This will help you stay on top of your schoolwork while also having some fun planned too.

 Some ideas for academic goals are: 

  • End senior year with _____ GPA 
  • Get to know a teacher that you admire better 
  • Join a new club 
  • Improve on your SAT/ACT score 
  • Try truly reading your textbooks 
  • Focus on a subject that you don’t like and try to find at least one positive about it. 
  • Tour 3 colleges that you are interested in
  • Consult a college admissions counselor 
 

Some Ideas of Personal Goals are: 

  • Find a mentor
  • Go to every home football game 
  • Go all out during spirit week 
  • Take a freshman under your wing
  • Have a Mental Health check-up 
  • Finally, ask your crush to homecoming/prom 
  • Find one self-care task, and do it at least once a week
  • Train two extra times a week for your sport 
  These are just some ideas, but make four or five goals for each of these categories and write them down. This will give you direction for the year.   
  1. Get ahead in every way possible. 

To reduce the stress that senior year may bring, try getting ahead in one area. If you have a ton of AP exams ~ have a consistent study plan going during the first semester. If you are stressed about college applications, start planning out what you will need for them right now. If you have a crush, try saying ‘hi’ to them right when you get back to school. If you want your Friday nights off for fun, see if you make a plan to get your work done before then. Getting ahead can allow a bit of senioritis to set in, without it turning into complete burnout.   
  1. Talk with Someone When You are Stressed 

There is a lot of pressure on your shoulders! It is okay to get overwhelmed; especially because you’re living through a global pandemic. Please do not try to keep it all to yourself and suffer alone. This will have negative effects on your mental and physical health (even if you can’t see it now, it will show up in the future). Find someone to talk to: a friend, parent, teacher, therapist, youth group leader, a coach, a mentor, etc… It makes all the difference to allow yourself to be supported.   
  1. Have Fun ~ It’s the only High School Senior Year You’ve Got

Finally, this is the only high school senior year that you will have. Build on your connections with the friends that you have. Go all out during Spirit week. Cheer as loud as you can at sporting events. Let the team that you are on become your family. Try to find a positive outlook as you go to class every day. Do something kind for a classmate. Be proud of all that you have accomplished.    Remember that your happiness should not be dependent on a test score, GPA, or even a college acceptance letter. Find it from within. If you can do this you will be ahead of a lot of adults in this world.    Have a wonderful school year!!!   ~ Victorie Norman | WTA Communications Director
Alternative Ways to Pay for College
College Debt is everyone’s nightmare. The excitement of admissions fades one students think about how they are going to pay for college. If this is you,  you’re far from alone. Even high earners believe that the cost of college is out of reach. In fact, the Institute for Higher Education Policy says that families with incomes above $100,000 a year don’t believe they can pay for upwards of 6 in 10 U.S. universities.
Even when students can afford to pay for college, they’re still likely to graduate with a mountain of debt:
  • The average student loan borrower leaves college today with $37,172 in student loans – more than twice the amount of 2005 grads
  • The average monthly student loan payment has jumped by more than $150 over roughly the same period
Scholarships & Alternative Means to Pay for College No problem, you say. There are tons of scholarship and work-study opportunities out there. You merely have to know where to look for the ones that work for you. And, to an extent, that’s true. The operative word, though, is tons. For instance, whole books have been written about the FAFSA, an often-confusing online form required to get need-based aid. Even when you think you’ve filled out everything correctly, each school uses the information how they choose.

Alternative Means Education Financing Companies.

Fortunately, there’s another – saner – way. Alternative Means Education Financing companies, such as NextGenVest, can save you time, money, and aggravation. You leverage technology and the hive mind of your peers, plus company experts, if needed, to find and take advantage of every break you can – before the decision-makers dive into your numbers. “The scholarship hunt can be daunting and overwhelming, but with organization and preparation, it’s possible. I applied to the Marshall, Rhodes, and Gates-Cambridge scholarships at one time and researched to make sure I was a good fit. This provided me with the financial means to pursue my dream by studying at one of the top universities in the world!” ~ Nadine Jawad, Rhodes Scholarship recipient and Director of College Admissions at Write Track Admissions Think out of the box, maximize your time to research all financing possibilities out there, and make sure to tap into the expertise that exists to get that life-changing and affordable degree in your hand!   ~ Abhijith Ravinutala | Write Track Director of Professional Services & Graduate Admissions Expert   Contact Write Track Admissions to out how you can fund your dream degree!
All Things LSAT- A Practical Guide on Preparing for the LSAT
Reading Time: 4 minutes   Are you confused about all things LSAT? Do you feel unprepared and overwhelmed? Well, you’re not alone and we want to help. The next LSAT test date is fast approaching, and here are some study tips to make sure that you are successfully preparing. Most law school applications open any time between the end of August to the beginning of October. With this in mind, it’s safe to say that it’s time to start preparing, and Write Track Admissions has some tips to help you out. 

When to take the LSAT

It is best to get the test-taking done ASAP, for peace of mind and for the optimal admissions decision. Also, the longer you hold off on taking your LSAT, the later you finish your application. Law school has rolling admissions, so if  you wait to apply to your top choices, your chances of admission will have diminished. Taking the LSAT early, allows you to retake it, so that you can improve your score with time to spare.  There are several more LSAT testing dates available in 2021. Be sure to keep track of when you need to register.   

Hacks to Help you Prepare

To prepare yourself for the harsh reality of standardized testing, here are some LSAT prep tips from Write Track’s founder, Hamada:
  • TAKE PRACTICE EXAMS: Note the common mistakes you make in each set of questions and keep practicing them until you feel confident. 
  • REAL EXAMPLES: Don’t use anything but REAL past exam questions (also known as LSAT Direct Questions), because once you see and understand the patterns in real questions, you will be able to master anything they give you.
  • TESTING CONDITIONS: Make sure to simulate real exam conditions and timing. For example, do three sections back-to-back with a minute break. Then, take a 15 mins break and do two sections back-to-back. Also, use the same pencil, timer, and chair you will use/find in the exam. If they don’t allow ear plugs then don’t use them in the practice exams.
 

The Digital LSAT

The digital LSAT is being universally administered electronically on Microsoft Surface Go tablets. They have been pre-loaded with LSAC patented software that features a timer with 5-minute warnings, and interactive options such as answer elimination, text highlighting, and question flagging (so you can revisit those tough ones later).  The digital LSAT is comprised of Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Writing Sections. 

Here are some hacks that can help during the LSAT:

  • Figure out the question type to help you narrow down the answers.
  • The digital LSAT test allows you to flag questions. Skip ones that take you a long time to answer, and come back to them questions later. 
  • Use the text highlighting feature to flag the root of each question. The question is often hidden amongst a lot of other extraneous information. 
  • Read all the answers before selecting one to help you identify potential test, tricks, and red herrings.
  • Practice for speed, because often the exam comes down to technique, practice, and timing.
  • If all else fails, just skip hard logical reasoning questions, then come back to it at them at end.
If you follow this methodology, you will already be ahead of the game. And if for some reason you don’t score where you want to, keep a cool head and try again! Write Track’s Founder, Hamada, took the LSAT 3 times and still did not do great. However, by using storycrafting he managed to get into Berkeley Law. It is important to stay strong in the face of adversity, even when that face is the LSAT staring you down.  A strong application can help balance out test score weaknesses!

LSAT Scoring

While on the subject of test scores, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page regarding how, exactly, the LSAT is scored. Your LSAT score is comprised of a raw total of the number of questions you answered correctly. There are then converted into a score in the range of 120-180. The average LSAT score is 150… but if you have your sights set on attending a top law school, your score should be in the “well above 160” range.    If you are not meeting your LSAT score goals, contact Write Track for help with rounding out your application. We will use your story to craft a winning application, ensuring that you have the best chance at getting admitted to your dream law school, just like our founder, Hamada.     Aly Hartman | Write Track Communication Officer Write Track Admissions  
Staying Competitive in COVID – How MBA students can keep up with jobs during COVID
Reading Time: 5 minutes     There is no doubt that COVID-19 has had a drastic impact on the job market. In fact, the Economic Policy Institute has already stated that the impact will continue to be most noticeable in the leisure and hospitality, social spending, manufacturing, and education and health services sectors, with the private sector taking the biggest hit.    As we face this general econ economic downturn, many will be faced with the J-O-B question – that is, how will they apply for a job like they had previously planned, and how will they stay competitive when doing so, in light of COVID-19?   According to the Economic Policy Institute, the first thing to note is the change in ongoing MBA programs. Business schools have moved to online instruction, shut down global and on-campus events, and taken a hiatus on MBA admissions events everywhere. This will likely set back future applicants, while also posing challenges to current MBA students as they struggle to capitalize on their education which has taken such a drastic change. It is also inevitable that alongside MBA admissions activities, the MBA job market, which was once overflowing with opportunities, will face a harsh downturn, as jobs in general are put on hold in favor of quarantine.    This does not mean the job hunt must come to a grinding halt for MBA students. Here are Write Track Admissions’ top things to do in quarantine to help you remain competitive in the job market:   

1. Be resourceful. There are still job opportunities that you may not think exist. Here are just some of the sectors that are actively hiring: The Government, Medical Device Companies, Essential Retailers (i.e. pharmacies, grocery stores), Delivery Service Providers, Online Health Services. There is also a comprehensive list of start-ups hiring And here are just some of the larger companies that are actively recruiting:

 

2. Ask for informational interviews via Zoom or Google Hangouts, or a different video/calling platform. Even if a company is not hiring, you can still get your name on their radar by conducting an informational interview from home. If you want to learn more about how to get your foot in the door, check out Write Track’s recent Linkedin Live on How to Stand Out and Get Hired in the Corona Economy!

 

3. Apply for funding. If you’re worried about continuing to fund your MBA career and subsequent job search period, apply for industry specific funds or lower-tier fellowships.

 

4. Take some time to sit back and plan. If you can enter into your job search with a clear path, it will set you out as having forethought and staying active while facing a challenge (aka a global pandemic).

 

5. Be innovative and entrepreneurial, and try to address a need that will likely continue well after this crisis. After all, these companies did just that in the last economic crisis and now many are helping us weather this current one:

  If you are still feeling unsure of how to navigate the MBA job market due to the effects of COVID-19, contact Write Track Admissions for help!   Aly Hartman,  Communications DirectorWrite Track Admissions
How to tackle the “Why” School Specific Essay For College and Graduate Programs
Reading Time: 3 minutes   Most schools, nowadays, will ask their applicants some form of the question “Why us?”. This supplement has gotten more and more famous over the years, and many schools are adopting it into their supplements. Before we get into how to tackle this kind of question, it’s important to understand why a specific school or program would ask this kind of question. Schools always accept more applicants than they can actually take on because not all applicants who are accepted decide to go: this ratio of admitted students and students who decide to attend is called a yield rate. Schools want to have the highest yield rate possible and want to ensure that the students they are accepting will attend, hence the “Why us?” question.    Tackling the “Why us?” the question seems like a daunting task, but it’s much easier when separated into a few subsets. Most responses to the “Why us?” question mention one of the following: Academics, Community, or Location. However, successful responses mention more than one of these three subsets and are sure to mention specific parts of the school at hand, whether that be specific professors, classes, cafes on campus, or anything between!    To help you get a better grasp at a successful “Why us?” response, let’s look at some example sentences or wordings that WORKED:  
  • “Although I was never able to visit X school, one of its faculty members made herself known to me”
  • “X’s cafe on Brooks street, while small and run down, serves as the perfect analogy to X school. While X school isn’t small and run down, much like the cafe, it serves as a homey place that brings students from all corners of the community”
  • “Outside of academics, X school’s student-life excites me. X school’s pan-Asian student group is well-known in my community for its strong bonds, its dance team, and … its food.”
  As you can see, these snippets are well-informed, show commitment to the schools they are discussing, are playful, and think beyond the surface-level. You, too, can do this! Remember, schools want you to attend; show them how much YOU want to attend, too!   Also check out our latest YouTube Video on Acing the “Why” School Specific Essay For College and Graduate Programs!   ~ Aly Hartman Write Track Admissions – Marketing Officer  

The Pros and Cons of Online Education
Read Time: 5 minutes   COVID-19 has raised many questions – especially for students. As learning institutions across the world shift to online education platforms, you may be wondering “Why aren’t all classes online?” Almost three million students attend their higher education classes online, and at least six million take one or more of their degree-required classes online at some point in their academic careers. They do so for various reasons – cost effectiveness and flexibility among the top proponents of what’s really drawing millions of students to pursue online degrees. And now, as students around the globe are gearing up to get a taste of online education due to the pandemic, we at Write Track Admissions have put together a list of the benefits and drawbacks of online education.     PRO: Cost Savings   Online schools tend to be cheaper, primarily due to the elimination of the cost of living on campus at a brick and mortar university. Though some online schools have higher per-unit costs, these are typically offset by the decrease in living costs.    CON: Lack of interaction    One of the most profound and understated benefits of attending face-to-face classes is the social development that goes alongside it. Learning with others helps you acquire key social skills (patience, compassion, adaptability, teamwork), develop or test out your emotional intelligence, and build a strong network that you will carry with you for the rest of your life.    PRO: Flexibility & Applicability   Taking an online class gives you control and flexibility – something that you likely won’t find much of at a traditional university. Students are able to plan your schooling around the rest of your day, giving you greater freedom to pursue your passions. Moreover you can listen, re-listen, engage with and learn both from a visual and an auditory perspective.    Online learning has also been known to better meet the needs of students with learning challenges including ADHD/ADD. First and foremost it removes the in-person classroom stigma and instead provides an environment that is more comfortable, thus promoting a more positive learning experience. It also eases coping with distractions or problematic social situations as students who are struggling can take a break and learn at their own pace with more sustained and repetitious exposure to the material.    CON: Lack of Learning Environment   The exceptions to the joys of flexibility are traditional schools that have simply moved their classes online. You still have to attend class during its designated time, albeit via video conference, which undoubtedly opens the door to a lack of focused learning environment. Some students need the structure and accountability of in-person classes to help them learn and thrive.    PRO: Improved Technical Skills   Teachers and students alike are forced to become best friends with their computers/electronic devices in order to properly attend online classes. Programs like Blackboard and Canvas are the Learning Management Systems (LMS) of choice and they have many great technical features to help you absorb, interact, and learn in ways you never thought possible before. These technical skills will serve you as you enter a workforce that is becoming increasingly reliant on technology. The more computer programs you are familiar with, the better!   CON: Technical Difficulties & Accessibility   Online learning will likely pose a host of technical difficulty as generational differences and incompatibility between Mac and PC operating systems collide, as well as the sheer number of low income students who simply do not have access to proper computers and reliable internet. Indeed, internet accessibility has posed a major concern for students who relied on brick and mortar institutions for that necessity.   If you are struggling with imposed shifts to online class due to COVID-19, or need help deciding whether or not to pursue your degree online, contact Write Track Admissions!   Aly Hartman,  Communications DirectorWrite Track Admissions