Slow and Deliberate

... that's how I'd describe my application process thus far. As you can see, I've been steadily tagging my to-do list with (Done)'s: I've submitted Part I of my Kellogg application (along with the $225 fee), reported all of my recommenders, uploaded four scanned transcripts (or the much more time consuming "self-reported in Excel" version), filled in more than half of my online data forms, and scheduled one on-campus interview.

I could comment on these tasks beyond listing them, but you'd probably hate me forever. Trust me, these applications look a lot like your undergrad apps, except they're online. Just enter a GMAT score instead of an SAT score, add a professional resume and a college transcript, then toss in a work history. I'm sure you're getting the picture.

But I will mention how glad I am to have chosen four target schools, rather than my original six. I can't imagine applying to more than four (maybe five) and still adding enough quality detail. You might assume that these applications are all the same, but the differences are many and maddeningly subtle. For example, one school wants a one-page resume, while another allows two pages but wants a one-inch margin on the top of each page. One school asks you to scan a copy of your transcript and simply attach the document. Another wants you to report your undergraduate classes, GPA's, etc in their custom Excel document.

It goes on and on.

So, good luck to those of you who are applying to droves of schools (one of my friends is applying to eight, another is applying to a whopping TWELVE). I haven't even started writing the essays yet, and I'm already starting to bounce my head off my keyboard.

Speaking of essays ...

From what I understand, nailing my essays might be my best shot at differentiating my application. Since it's going to take a lot of time, focus, and editing to get them ready, I'm trying to clear the administrative underbrush. I'd rather not deal with a dozen nagging distractions (application forms, fees, recommendations, interview arrangements, etc) while I'm trying to write 16 impeccable essays. Thus, the to-do lists (on the right). Maybe it reveals a mental shortcoming, but I have to write things down, preferably in simple lists. Otherwise, I'd end up sending my Michigan recommenders to Tuck before I figuring out that I'd already submitted my Kellogg essays to Duke.