Using "I" in an Admissions Essay

[burbuja0512]

I need some expert opinions please

I am in the process of putting together my MBA application for admissions and in lieu of taking the GMAT, they'll accept essays of 750+ words on two assigned topics. I enjoy writing and would much rather do the essays than go take the GMAT.

Anyhow.. My question is as follows. The topics for the essays seem very personal and I feel like my writing would come across as more passionate about the given topics if I'm able to give my opinions in the first person. I will paraphrase the questions below and I would really appreciate your advice. Do I write the essays in the first person, which may not sound as formal, but will express my passion and interest in the topics at hand, or do I write the essay in the third person? I looked this up online and it seems to be ok, but I wanted to see what you guys think.


Topic #1 is to define plagiarism in your own words and discuss the impact of the internet on academic integrity and discuss how plagiarism can be avoided.

Topic #2 Discuss the skills and attributes you bring to the MBA program and also talk about how you will be able to succeed in the program.


Based on the topics, am I good to write personal and expressive essays? Third person just won't sound as interesting based on the assignments, but I don't want to hurt my chances of acceptance.

Thanks!!

[ryoder]

Do the one on plagiarism if you are concerned about injecting your own opinion too much.
I have written a couple of papers on plagiarism already and find it a very interesting topic.
I can also share some references and links with you.

There are some scholarly journal articles covering the propensity of business students and MBA students to cheat and reasons as to why this is happening.
You could get some material from the school's own academic integrity policy and quote that.

[burbuja0512]

Do the one on plagiarism if you are concerned about injecting your own opinion too much.
I have written a couple of papers on plagiarism already and find it a very interesting topic.
I can also share some references and links with you.

There are some scholarly journal articles covering the propensity of business students and MBA students to cheat and reasons as to why this is happening.
You could get some material from the school's own academic integrity policy and quote that.

Ryoder, I knew you would answer.

I actually have to do both of the essays, each has to be 750+ words. I could pretty easily do the plagiarism essay in third person, but the other one would be very awkward if I did.. that's why I'm thinking that it might be ok to go with the first person, more personal essay. However, 1st person feels a little too informal for a graduate level essay, so that's why I'm confused.

[bricabrac]

Hi burbuja0512,

I am actually getting ready to begin the same task and had begun researching relevant guiding material. Hope it helps you too!

Purdue OWL: Writing the Personal Statement
Purdue OWL: Writing the Personal Statement
Purdue OWL: Writing the Personal Statement

http://www.rpi.edu/web/writingcenter/wc_..._Essay.pdf

https://www.e-education.psu.edu/writingp...p4_p2.html

[burbuja0512]

Awesome info!! Thanks so much

[ryoder]

I think I would write a paragraph or two about what plagiarism is since there are different forms, how rampant it is in school and business school in general, its effects on the student and the body of scholarly knowledge in general and then conclude with my personal affirmation that I will respect the code of conduct and complete assignments in my own words.

Schools really want ethical students these days.

[BrandeX]

These two question prompts seem indicative of essays that would be acceptable in the first person, and particularly necessary in the case of the second prompt.
(academic/3rd person would sounds ridiculous in an essay that requires you to talk about yourself.

[marianne202]

I would do the first topic as a scholarly paper in third person, then do the second in first person, since it is designed to get you to present your skills and passion. My guess is that they want you to demonstrate skills in both writing styles. JMHO!

[burbuja0512]

Thanks all for the feedback. I definitely feel better about getting these essays taken care of now.