One of the readers of this blog has asked me the following excellent questions regarding Chicago GSB Question Three:
1) In your opinion, should one use a minimalistic approach involving images to convey one's ideas?
2) Would a little bit of humor do good e.g. say a cartoon?
3) Is GSB looking for an analytical assessment of one's personality in these slides?
I will answer each of these questions in turn, but first here is the question again (taken from the online application, you can find the web version here, but the online application version is more clear regarding the length of the notes):
3. We have asked for a great deal of information throughout this application. In this portion of the application, we invite you tell us about yourself using a non-traditional application format--a PowerPoint presentation. In four slides or less, please provide readers with content that captures who you are.
[PLUS] PowerPoint Notes (200 words maximum)
I restate it here because I will refer to some of the wording below.
1) In your opinion, should one use a minimalistic approach involving images to convey one's ideas?
I think this will really depend on you. The important thing is to effectively convey something important about who you are to the admissions committee. If that can be done effectively with more images that is great, if it can be done effectively with minimal or no images that is also great. The important thing is that your reader understand the significance of any images you use. Luckily, you have the notes for that purpose. Just as in "real" PowerPoints, images or any graphic element can be used effectively or badly. Always ask yourself, why I am using this image? Does it really help them understand me? If it does, keep it. If it is mere decoration, think about eliminating it or replacing it with something that will have a positive impact on Chicago GSB's ability to understand who you are.
2) Would a little bit of humor do good e.g. say a cartoon?
Keeping in mind what I just wrote above, I think IT IS POSSIBLE to use humor effectively. You must practice extremely good judgment when using humor for any application. That said I have had a number of clients who successfully used humor in their applications for Chicago GSB both prior to and since Rose Martinelli started leading admissions.
3) Is GSB looking for an analytical assessment of one's personality in these slides?
I think they are looking for a meaningful assessment of your personality.
I will not say "analytical" because that is just one possibility. If by "analytical" you mean a detailed explanation for your character making use of standard forms of argument, it is fine to do it that way, but not the only way.
I use the word "meaningful" because it does not necessarily require logic or analysis to do so. For example, an image with some kind of description may provide Chicago GSB with great insight into who you are. Since Chicago is specifically being "non-traditional," you certainly can be as long as you answer the question.
Finally, please keep in mind that the use of the wording "content that captures" is a very open-ended requirement. Clearly that is Chicago GSB's intention. Think big and be creative. To answer this one effectively will take time, but if you want to get into Chicago GSB, put in the time.
Questions? Write comments or contact me directly at adammarkus@gmail.com.
-Adam Markus
アダム マーカス
シカゴ、ビジネススクール, MBA留学
