Since we’re getting closer and closer to the big date(s), I’ll probably continue to have more frequent updates. I met my goal of finishing a draft of all essays by last weekend to some degree. Cornell hasn’t posted questions yet so that one is beyond my control, and as I mentioned last time, I’m reconsidering applying to Booth. I also had a brief moment of doubt about MIT, but after a bit more research, I remembered why I liked it and why I think I could fit there.
Booth, on the other hand, didn’t do well with further research. I also spoke with a relative who graduated a few years ago from Haas, and in conversation, he mentioned some of the connotations of Booth that I’m concerned about which just reinforced my doubts. However, my dad summed it up best when he said that it’s a school of theorists, and I’m very much a practical, hands on type. Booth is a fantastic school, which is why I struggle in giving it up, but I think he’s right – it’s just not a fit for me.
As a result, I didn’t write that set of essays (clearly). I am considering replacing it with Tuck, however, as I think I could fit there. So technically, I haven’t written that set either.
I’ve become somewhat stressed in the past few days however, because it’s recently occurred to me that Wharton and HBS are both due Oct 1st – just a bit over a month away – and I a) haven’t asked my other two recommenders yet, and b) I will be busy every moment of both this weekend and next weekend. Which will make for very busy weekdays, except that I happen to be buried at work currently. Oh, joy.
I know I’ll be fine. Honestly, in college I tended to work best at the last minute and under pressure. But considering I have been preparing and planning and dreaming about this since I graduated from college in 2005, I feel I should really put everything I have into this, which tends to work better when it isn’t a last minute situation.
All I can do is take baby steps. The essays are written (except Wharton’s perspectives…dang that prompt…) and I’m distributing them to my editors tonight. I also plan to begin to put together recommender “packets” including my goals, positioning, etc.
Deep breath, here goes…
Read the full article: Feeling Under the Gun, and a School Switch