IMD essays

Who knew that when they say 1230 characters they mean it? No, really – in the online application form you cannot physically type more than the specified number of characters, and it counts spaces and new lines. How do I explain my career progression, goals and fit in this space? Furthermore, if this strict attitude starts right from the application form, where does it end? I  remember IMD alumni telling me that the year at b-school was the most stressful and intense in their lives. Do I really want to subject myself to this kind of treatment?

The truth is, probably yes. After all, this is the top school to go to if you want to get away from the consultants and investment bankers.

I am beginning to understand that IMD is a stretch school for me. Sure I will apply but I would be lucky to get an interview invite. And why are they calling it an interview instead of being honest and calling it ‘one day of medieval torture on campus’?

By the end of the month I will hit the ’submit application’ button. Believe it or not, it feels good.

More people who make sense

In case anyone is interested, here’s some more insightful commentary about the crisis: this op-ed and the next one by Lewis and Einhorn. What they are saying is hardly new and pretty much obvious to anyone who has been paying attention to the news and has a brain. Of course, this means they are probably regarded as dangerous radicals. Have fun.

P.S. thanks to all for the encouraging comments! You will be pleased to learn that I’ve taken the next week off and sacked my laziest recommender. An old boss of mine agreed to do the the whole thing on her own. Still no IMD essay drafts though, I hope next week the inspiration comes.

Feeling low

The IMD deadline is in less than a month, I am absolutely nowhere and feeling like shit. Somehow, the INSEAD essay topics seemed easier so I have drafts for them, but that is the later deadline. Stupid, I know. All the recommenders want me to tell them what to write. Okay, I could come up with ideas for a recommendation, but for three?? They will never look like they are coming from three separate people.

And what is the point of this MBA thing anyway? To give all the money you ever had and then some more on top, with no predictable result?

The saddest thing is I am not going to give up – too much time money and effort are already gone into this and I am unable to count them as sunk costs and move on. I’ll submit something to both schools and we’ll see.