Few tips for people on the thread
(corresponds to few questions ask earlier + few tips from my personal experience)
The adcomm let Israelis read few essays in rare occasions where something sounds little too much to be true. Otherwise, at least in Wharton, they make sure that Israelis do not read other Israelis’ applications. The same policy goes for all other nationalities. You have to realize that in general, Americans and Europeans do not think highly on army people unless they are in special units etc’. Their system works different where the typically people from weaker levels of society volunteer to their armed forces. Don’t shy your experience, but definitely try to build on other strengths you have.
As for how much to ‘fix’ your story … please bear in mind that most people, and especially US citizens who went through application process for their undergrad, are very good in presenting themselves. You should do the same in the limit of reason BUT never tell a lie. If you are embarrassed by your own story when you tell it to a friend (Israeli) you probably went too far ahead with your story.
Be very careful from where and whom you take your information / advise from. Some people, inside and outside this board – fellow applicants, prospective, people like me (students), essay consultant, may think they know how the process works and may give you, with good intentions, information, or worse, advises based on their sometime narrow / biased experience that may lead you to wrong decisions. I personaly took a very bad advise in the past from the Fulbright guys thinking they supposed to know. Take every advice you get (including my own) with a grain of salt.
At the end of the day – it is all about you, your story… and your career.
All the information you could probably want exists on the businessweek’s board. Please read through this board. 99% of your questions (current and future) were already answered there. The Q&A there will open your mind to questions / issues you haven’t realized yet that you have.
The link to board is: color=#800080http://www.businessweek.com/bschools/index.html
There is also a great book I used in the process that called ‘how to get into top MBA program’ (or something like that) with all the information you could possibly need to plan your application process (some essay examples, recomm etc’)
Apply as early as you can. It is not a fair game across all rounds. Just look at this year’s statistics of Israelis accepted at Wharton / HBS this year (probably available on BW thread) to see what I mean.
Last but most important advise – do yourself a favor and do not underestimate the process and the competition … it is tough and sometimes painful getting in … but, from personal perspective, it is so much worth it.
If there are any specific questions on Wharton – I will be happy to answer.
Good luck to you all – and enjoy you summer.
Stam
