HBS’s question was released this morning. It is no longer optional, however, you do have a lot of discretion about how you answer the question!

Columbia Business School released their deadlines and essay prompts for the 2015-2016 MBA admissions season last week. There are slight changes from last year, however, the core questions remain the same

MIT Sloan School of Management released their deadlines and essay prompts for the 2015-2016 MBA admissions season last week. There are several changes that you’ll want to take note of for Sloan this year. They will have three rounds rather than two (if you’re applying first round, your deadline will be in September – see below). The school has reduced the essay requirement for all applicants, with a single required essay question. If you want to share more information, Sloan will continue to offer an optional essay question that will allow you to share additional information that will help them to consider your candidacy. If you are invited to interview, you’ll be asked to write a response to a second question.

Each year, Stanford’s question #1 it is one of the highlights of the application. It is also one of the most challenging questions for many applicant’s process.  The essay requires thoughtful self-reflection and serves a dual purpose of introducing you to the committee, while sharing clear insight about how you think. The key here is that no answer is better than another; how you tell your story is more important than what story you tell.

A timely introduction can change a job search experience completely. Introductions have created business partnerships, helped people to explore industries, and made the entire job search process more personal. Read more for tips on how to give and get effective introductions!