"So I didn't write this book because I've accomplished something extraordinary. I wrote this book because I've achieved something quite ordinary, which doesn't happen to most kids who grow up like me." - J.D. Vance, Hillbilly Elegy

J.D. Vance's memoir - Hillbilly Elegy, written when he was 31 years old - launched him into the national spotlight and eventually the Vice Presidency of the United States.

But in the book's first paragraph, Vance writes "... I'll be the first to admit that I've accomplished nothing great in my life, certainly nothing that would justify a complete stranger paying money to read about it."

Yet Vance's memoir became a cultural touchstone to help understand why "hillbillies, rednecks and white trash" voted for Donald Trump in 2016, and later got made into a Netflix movie. His story launched him into national politics.

Do you feel like your profile is ordinary for business school? Why not try the "J.D. Vance?" Instead of hunting for bigger achievements, why not share the distance you traveled to get where you are? Why not offer admissions readers more context in which to evaluate your performance?

Listen on as Darren breaks down this counterintuitive positioning strategy for your MBA applications.

Topics

• Why "Getting to Ordinary" Might Be Your Best Story (0:00)
• Reading the First Paragraphs of Hillbilly Elegy (2:55)
• What Obstacles Have You Overcome? (8:55)
• Uncovering Your Best Obstacle Stories (10:45)

Show Notes

• Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance
• Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant

Resources for MBA Applicants

• ⁠⁠Get free school selection help at Touch MBA⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Get pre-assessed by top international MBA programs⁠⁠
• ⁠Join our Admissions Edge Course & Community⁠
• ⁠⁠Our favorite MBA application tools (after advising 4,000 applicants)⁠

Almost two years ago, I heard 10-time Moth GrandSLAM winner and novelist Matthew Dicks share his storytelling secrets on the Knowledge Project Podcast with Shane Parrish. Then, I listened to entire the 2-hour podcast again, it was that good! I've now listened to this interview three times!

I wanted to share 3 storytelling tips from the episode to help you craft compelling stories for your MBA applications.

Topics

• Introduction (0:00)
• Story is Change over Time (3:00)
• The Architecture of Story: How to Structure your Stories (12:45)
• Beginnings: Give Them a Reason to Listen (15:10)
• How to Maintain Interest: Stakes, Suspense, Surprise (17:00)
• Summarizing Key Takeaways (22:30)

Show Notes

• The Knowledge Project Podcast: How to Become a Master Storyteller (and IMPOSSIBLE to Ignore)
• Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling by Matthew Dicks
• Stories Sell: Storyworthy Strategies to Grow Your Business and Brand by Matthew Dicks
• #113 Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t

Resources for MBA Applicants

• ⁠Get free school selection help at Touch MBA⁠
• ⁠Get pre-assessed by top international MBA programs⁠
• Join our Admissions Edge Course & Community
• ⁠Our favorite MBA application tools (after advising 4,000 applicants)

Many top-ranked MBA programs in Europe, Asia, Canada, and Australia actively encourage applicants to connect with admissions teams before submitting an application. But most applicants don't know this - or are too nervous to reach out.

Should you contact admissions before you're ready? What if you haven't taken the GMAT yet, or your resume isn't polished? And how do you make sure the conversation is actually useful for both sides?

In this episode, Darren invites Admissions Directors from three top-ranked programs - IESE (Spain), CUHK (Hong Kong), and AGSM (Australia) - to guide you on how to approach these early conversations, what to expect, and how to use them to strengthen your application.

If you're considering reaching out to an MBA admissions team before applying, listen to this first.

Topics

• Introduction (0:00)
• What is an MBA Pre-Assessment? with Roanne Law, CUHK MBA (3:15)
• How to Engage Early - Tips & Expectations with Patrik Wallen, IESE MBA (11:15)
• Addressing Common Concerns About Pre-Assessments with Kenneth Cheung, AGSM MBA (18:30)

Show Notes

• CUHK MBA
• IESE MBA
• AGSM MBA
• Get pre-assessed by top MBA programs
• #116 Interacting with MBA Admissions Officers at Events
• #192 MBA Coffee Chats: Thoughtful Advice on How to Get the Most Out of Your MBA with Adam Putterman, Kellogg MMM ’19

Resources for MBA Applicants

• Get free school selection help at Touch MBA
• Get pre-assessed by top international MBA programs
• ⁠Join our Admissions Edge Course & Community⁠
• Our favorite MBA application tools (after advising 4,000 applicants)