ISB Application Submitted

I hope I can justify my long break from blogging. I was too much into the ISB App. And finally when it is submitted, I am feeling a sigh a relief.

The fact that I am staying on the ISB campus has certainly helped me. Having interacted with so many people here, I developed very good relations. So there were a lot of people to review my essays and provide valuable comments, beyond pointing out cosmetic errors. Anyway, the night of 14th September (15th being the deadline) was very long. On 13th, I thought my essays are near completion and I made 14th afternoon as my target. But on 14th morning, my final reviewer gave solid comments that required me change my 1st essay completely.

I spent the whole day on the 1st essay itself and getting that reviewed twice again by other friends here. But at the end, I was satisfied. The new essay had come out very well and was a true reflection of who I am. I learnt a lot of things with respect to essay writing. I was highlighting a lot of aspects of my personality, but I was not highlighting my best. When people probe you, that brings out the best in you and that is what you have to focus on in your application essays.

I was awake till 6 am on 15th and slept only after I had made the final payment. There were a lot of things to do. The word limit specified by ISB (300) was too stringent. And guess what, you are not even allowed 301 words. So I guess it is strict and it involves a lot of word play, reframing of sentences, etc. At times, you feel the essence or the meaning is lost if you forcefully eat up words. So it is advisable that you complete your drafts long before the deadline and try to reframe the sentences in a logical manner so as to not lose the meaning. Believe me, it is possible.

Monday was a bad day since I showed up at office only at 3pm. It took me two days to get bac to my normal schedule. Now too much of procrastination and break from essays, I have to get back to another set. Now let's see what I have:

Tuck (EA 15th Oct)
INSEAD (R1 1st Oct)
Darden (28th Oct)
Haas (4 Nov)

Well, it's a pretty difficult target considering I have a lot going on at work and a few work related visits are also planned in October that will not allow me to give my 100% to essay writing during that time. But then, I have no other choice but to squeeze out every minute and put into essay writing. You do not procrastinate over important decisions in life. Let's get to Tuck, I love that school.

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Do I procrastinate too much? Moved Darden to R2

This has happened again. While I moved Anderson to R2 as my essays were not in good shape, I repeated the same with Darden. I was targeting at least 1 R1 application and that could have been Darden but till today, 2 out of 3 essays are in bad shape. So a kind soul recommended me to apply in R2 with a stronger application rather than hurry up and submit mediocre essays.

Actually, if I go back and introspect, I actually started quite late. Although I had taken my GMAT long back, I had not decided to apply to US this year. Then I changed my mind and started with my app in late September. This explains a bit. Another factor which contributed was my work load. I am working 10 hours non-stop on weekdays. By the time I get home I do not have any energy left to think about my essays. The last and the biggest reason, I am slow. I think a lot and write down one point and build on it. Or maybe my approach of getting in the perfect words in the first draft itself is incorrect.

In fact, I worked hard on meeting the deadline. I had put in 6-7 hours per day on the weekend, that accounts for my nightouts. Anyways, what has happened has happened. In the meanwhile, ISB R2 deadline (15 Nov) is approaching and I decide to work hard on that. Since ISB is high up on my priority list, I do not want to miss that deadline. Immediately after that, I decide on finishing off my Anderson and Darden apps as both are rolling. Let’s see what happens.

Slipping the Deadline

UCLA Anderson R1 deadline is 24 Nov and my essays are still in draft stage. From whatever is in my hands (essays, et al), I think if I sit for days and nights, I can complete them on time. But without a review, they are incomplete and I do not think without a review, I would know how my essays are perceived by another person. And THAT is an important input. The other things, like my resume is just done, my first recommender has sent in his recommendation. The only thing remaining is the essays.

I know I have excuses. I was too damn busy with my work. But I do believe that if something is important for you, you will find time to complete it, no matter how busy you are.

Ok, I agree I am procrastinating and this time it has hit me hard. I have to work on this bad habit of mine.

In the meanwhile, Darden R1 deadline is also approaching (Nov 1) and I sincerely do not wish to miss that. I will continue to work on Anderson app for a while and apply ASAP as it is a rolling cycle of admissions. Darden's 1 essay draft is done. I know what content I have to write in the other two. Another big task achieved - found out contacts in Darden and Anderson who are my undergrad alumni. They are of great help. In addition, they will be my potential reviewers and the source of all inside info.

Is there anyone else in the same boat - missing a deadline?

Darden and UCLA Progress

I started late so I have less time. I can only apply to Darden and UCLA in Round 1. I have postponed Haas and Tepper to Round 2. Many factors led me to this decision. One is obviously shortage of time. I have not yet taken TOEFL date and the latest available was 20th of Oct. So I could not have sent it to Tepper and Haas on time. UCLA's TOEFL deadline is 30 Nov. In addition, I am not required to take TOEFL for Darden as my undergrad was completely in English.

I have sent my scores to all the univs and sent the recommendation forms to my recommenders. I just have to spend some more time with them to make the understand the application process and the aspects they need to focus on in the reco. I have written drafts for 2 essays for UCLA and 1 for Darden.

It had been a long week, as the work load is also increasing and have to work on my application too. So by the time I get home, I'm too tired to think about my application. the only way out is sleep less, work on the essays in the morning, and give some extra time on weekends. That was the progress this week. Planning to complete first drafts of essays of both univs during the weekend. Let's see if I am on target.

How's everybody's application going? Do share.