Titling Application Essay

[jfclarky]

I am applying to business school, kind of early, whatever it doesn't matter. Question, to title the application essay(s) or not and should include my name on the header or footer?

 

[dfagdfsh]

what would your title be? also id include all of your contact information, but it will be removed during the application review process

 

[jfclarky]

Beyond the One Big Idea

 

[dfagdfsh]

bear in mind that the people reviewing this applications are locked in a big windowless room and reading hundreds of essays a time.

 

[jfclarky]

I understand, this is my personal essay, and I am not sure if should be titled or not. I'll flip a coin.

 

[KJT]

I would suggest simply putting your name, whatever the application called the essay, name of the school, and the page number as a header on each page, unless indicated otherwise in the application. Some schools I applied to were quite specific in this regard and others had no guidance at all.

Joe Smith - Personal Statement/Essay 1/etc. - HBS - Page 1

Don't title it something campy, unless you're trying to stand out as a non-traditional applicant:

Joe Smith: An Appreciation of Excellence

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Eason]

I have a strict policy where I don't apply for any jobs or programs which ask me to write an essay as part of the application process.

Give your essay a title. It will make it more memorable for the person reading it, and help them understand it. Without a title, it's easier to get lost and not know what the point of the essay is/give up and move on to the next one.

 

[KJT]

Originally Posted by Eason

I have a strict policy where I don't apply for any jobs or programs which ask me to write an essay as part of the application process. Give your essay a title. It will make it more memorable for the person reading it, and help them understand it. Without a title, it's easier to get lost and not know what the point of the essay is/give up and move on to the next one.
If they can't get the point of your "why mba" essay for bschool, you need to rewrite it.

 

[Eason]

Indeed, but when I'm reading/grading 150 or so essays, I give it about 15 seconds a page unless it grabs me.

 

[dfagdfsh]

fwiw, i don't think you should give the essay a title other than personal statement.

 

[Eason]

IF it's just a personal statement then I agree. But if it's something like "write something about ____" where the specifics are up to you, then it's a good idea to have a specific title.

 

[Don Carlos]

"Why I Hate Black People" by J.F. Clarky.

At least it'll get attention.

 

[Eason]

Originally Posted by Don Carlos

"Why I Hate Black People" by J.F. Clarky. At least it'll get attention.
I knew I shouldn't have titled my essay for Jet Li's PA "********: Human Cockroaches" :/

 

[KJT]

Originally Posted by Eason

Indeed, but when I'm reading/grading 150 or so essays, I give it about 15 seconds a page unless it grabs me.

I have to hope they at least give every application at least one read through. It costs the applicant ~$250 to submit, so that's the least they can do. They must, because there are enough stories of applicants with terrible stats (GPA, GMAT, etc.) and great life/work experience that end up in bschool.

 

[KJT]

Originally Posted by jfclarky

I am applying to business school, kind of early, whatever it doesn't matter. Question, to title the application essay(s) or not and should include my name on the header or footer?

Are you applying for the class of 2014?