We often make naive statements. Unfortunately, we don’t realize it. For example, in 2001-2002, I wrote in my “Why MBA?” essay:
I have the intuition of a CEO, but I lack formal business training. That’s why I need an MBA.
I removed the sentence after a friend commented on how ridiculous it was. His dad was the CEO of Proctor & Gamble.
Here’s the lesson learned: don’t be (unconsciously) arrogant. Avoid adjectives like “best,” “most,” and “greatest” (aka superlatives). Stay away from unreasonable comparisons and statements that indicate poor judgment. It’s tacky and worst of all, not credible. Here are some examples:
- “I worked on the most important project in the history of the company.”
- “I took the most demanding computer science class ever.”
- “After six months, there was nothing new for me to learn.”
Keep in mind that you can still describe the importance of a project, class, or job performance. Instead of a superlative, use facts or maybe even third-party testimonials. You’ll achieve your goal without sounding arrogant. Here’s are some rewrite examples:
Using Facts
- “This project reduced processing time by 20%, which saved the company $300 million per year.”
- “During my senior year, I took an artificial intelligence course, which included a 35 hour per week lab component.”
Using Testimonials
- During the last performance review, my boss wrote: “John is an amazing performer. I nominated him for the Platinum Star award. He won. Platinum Star awards are given to one analyst every year (out of 200).”
Read the full article: MBA Essay Tip: Don’t Be (Unconsciously) Arrogant