Explain your spike factor (something unique about yourself) that you believe will contribute to the Rotman community and is aligned with Rotman values. (up to 1000 words)
Optional - Please upload 1-3 of your 'spikiest' pictures to the supplemental items section of your application here. Note: Your photos must be uploaded as a single PDF.
This MBA essay from Rotman has 3 main parts:
- Describe what is unique about you
- How is your unique factor aligned with Rotman's values?
- How will use your unique factor to contribute to Rotman
While the question is interesting and gives you enough space to showcase your strengths, the way they want your uniqueness to align with Rotman values makes it narrow in scope and limits your freedom. So you need to think deeply and find ways in which you can connect your personal qualities with Rotman values of:
Diversity
Excellence
Integrity
Respect
The generous word limit of this MBA essay makes it a good opportunity yet daunting at the same time. You need to write 1000!
To arrive at your spike factor, think about how your life experiences have shaped your thoughts and beliefs and have helped the achievements that differentiate you, that make you special.
Rotman seeks to admit students who have done interesting things in their lives, who have made a mark in their world with their passion, drive, innovation, and ambition.
Your spike factor, as Rotman instructs, can cover any aspect of your life outside of work – hobbies, volunteerism, awards, entrepreneurial ventures, sports, and the arts.
Go for it!
This is not a required part of the admissions process, but instead an opportunity to share anything you think the Admissions Committee should know that has not been covered by the rest of the application? There is no need to answer this question if you feel that your background has been thoroughly presented throughout the application.
Do you need to even write this essay? That is the first question you should ask yourself.
Attempt this essay only if you feel that it will improve the factual and material strength of your application.
You could use this space to explain shortfalls in your application that you feel are truly detrimental to your candidature. Areas of underperformance (academic or professional or GMAT) or events which stick out such as gaps in your resume or a previous MBA or academic disciplinary actions are possible reasons why you attempt this optional essay. Comment on your shortcomings with intelligence, perspective, and credibility: giving vague excuses or blaming xyz for failures will be counter-productive. Explain the issue clearly and maintain a greater focus on the correction of the issue.
OR, you could use this essay to highlight exceptional aspects of your candidature that could not be accommodated in the previous essay. Since this essay does not have to be limited to a single theme or event, disparate yet impressive info points can be quoted.
If you are certain that this new essay is a robust constructive addition to your candidacy, start working on it!
Along with the short questions, you will be required to submit two video answers.
Rotman says that "Both questions are are designed to be answered without any advanced preparation and will allow us to get to know the personality, interests, passions, and talents of our applicants much better than we could in a written essay format."
Few examples of practice video questions:
: Tell us why you've selected Rotman. What makes it the best fit and best choice for your MBA.
: Please introduce yourself. Talk about who you are and where you are headed
: Why should Rotman select you? What it is about your background that makes you a great candidate for our program?
: Why are you pursuing an MBA? What are your goals. MBA video tips
Rotman MBA application requires you to submit a one-page resume along with details about your employment and academics. The typical MBA resume format consists of employment, education, and extracurricular details. MBA resume tips
In your Rotman application, you will be asked to provide two MBA letters of recommendation - from your current or previous supervisors. Here you can access details about the LOR questions. MBA LOR tips
As is the policy with most top business schools, Rotman MBA interviews are conducted only by invitation. Students typically would receive an invite 4-6 weeks after submitting their MBA applications. MBA interview tips
