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Mistakes to Avoid When Getting Help on Your Personal Statement

Writing a personal statement for an MBA application can be one of the most introspective, challenging tasks of the entire application process. Personal statements are a canvas where you’re not just recounting achievements or sharing credentials but presenting a narrative that captures who you are, why you’re exceptional, and what you will bring to a program. With stakes this high, people who are inexperienced writers tend to struggle the most with this part of their MBA application. As such, they naturally reach out to others for help.

Whether you go to a friend, access your school or company’s resources, or hire a professional like us , it’s crucial that you don’t seek advice without a plan or accept it uncritically. Be mindful about who you ask and how you integrate their feedback. Here’s why seeking advice on your personal statement can be a game-changer — and how to do it right.

Gain Valuable Perspective on What Makes You Unique

In the 19 years that I’ve been helping MBA applicants earn admission to their dream schools, I’ve noticed that many of the most exceptional people don’t understand how great they are. When you’re used to your own accomplishments, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s remarkable about them. This is especially common for high achievers, who often view their accomplishments as the standard.

Asking others, particularly people who know you well, what they find interesting, unique, or exceptional about you can illuminate details that you might overlook. These fresh perspectives can be the difference between a technically proficient essay and one that resonates emotionally.

Imagine talking with a close colleague or a mentor. They might point out, “Remember that time you turned around that project in half the budgeted time?” or “Your ability to bring out the best in a team really sets you apart.” These details may feel routine to you but can be incredibly impactful in the eyes of an admissions committee, especially if you build on those ideas through thoughtful storytelling and a powerful unified theme . This type of external validation not only helps you identify your strengths but also brings an authenticity that elevates your personal statement.

Leverage AI Tools Thoughtfully

Look… I know you’re tempted to do it, and that many of you probably WILL do it, so let me say a quick word about using ChatGPT. No judgment. AI tools like ChatGPT can offer a fresh perspective and are especially useful for brainstorming ideas. For example, you can input your resume into a tool and ask for potential story angles based on a particular school’s strengths. This is a great way to gather new ideas or consider directions you hadn’t thought about. However, remember that AI should be just one source of feedback, not your primary one.

Admissions committees use highly effective AI detectors (one of Gurufi’s strengths is preventing this, whether you have an existing draft that you need to be rebuilt because it uses AI or you are starting from scratch. If this is you, shoot us a message at [email protected] so we can work with you to avoid AI detection!) so you need to be careful about how you use this tool.

Even beyond that, though, your personal statement should reflect your unique voice and insights — something AI can only support, not replicate. Also, if you rely too heavily on AI, you risk ending up with a statement that feels generic or overly polished without the personality admissions committees are looking for.

Limit the Number of People You Consult

One of the most common pitfalls applicants face is asking for feedback from too many people. It’s natural to want to gather as much input as possible to get everything “right,” but asking too many people for advice can lead to what I call a “Frankenstein essay.” This is an essay that feels pieced together from multiple perspectives, lacking a cohesive voice or direction. When different people suggest varying improvements, and you attempt to incorporate them all, the essay risks becoming a fragmented narrative rather than a unified, powerful story.

To avoid this, limit the number of people you consult to no more than three. Choose these individuals carefully — they should know you well, understand your goals, and ideally have some knowledge of the MBA application process. This might be a trusted mentor, a colleague who has attended an MBA program, or a professional consultant who understands the nuances of MBA admissions . These people can offer valuable insight without diluting your voice.

Exercise Critical Judgment on All Feedback

Another crucial aspect of seeking feedback is knowing how to filter and process it. Not all advice is good advice, and even well-intentioned suggestions may not align with your story or the image you want to present. Every person brings their own biases and ideas to the table, and what worked for them may not be the best fit for you. If someone suggests that you should add a particular story or experience, think about how it aligns with the rest of your narrative.

One helpful question to ask whenever someone recommends adding something is, “What should I remove to make space for this?” Since MBA personal statements usually have strict word limits, adding content requires prioritizing certain stories and elements over others. This question forces both you and your reviewer to consider what truly belongs in the essay and what might be less essential. Writing is as much about making choices as it is about storytelling, and every addition requires you to make room by cutting something else.

Avoid the Trap of Over-Editing

While revision is an essential part of writing a compelling personal statement, there is such a thing as too much editing. A polished essay is important, but every time you revise, you risk moving further away from the core of your initial idea. Over-editing can lead to an overly sterile or mechanical essay, which lacks the vitality and personal touch that admissions committees look for. After a certain point, more edits may not add much value, especially if the suggestions are coming from those outside the MBA admissions world, who may not fully understand what resonates with admissions teams.

Instead, aim to create a strong draft, receive focused feedback from a few trusted individuals, and make adjustments accordingly. Once you feel that your essay reflects who you are and conveys your message powerfully, it may be best to leave it as is, even if minor imperfections remain. A heartfelt, genuine essay will always outshine one that’s been polished to the point of losing its personality.

The Power of Seeking the Right Help

Ultimately, talking with others about your MBA personal statement is about seeking clarity, perspective, and insight. It’s an opportunity to step outside of yourself and see your experiences through the eyes of others, allowing you to highlight aspects of your journey that you may take for granted. Whether it’s a mentor who knows your professional side or a friend who understands your motivations, these conversations can reveal powerful themes you might not discover alone. At Gurufi / FourthWrite , our Guided Support will help you brainstorm, organize, and write a powerful personal statement that’s tailored to you and projects your ideas and voice powerfully.

Just remember to be strategic: gather input selectively, use AI tools as supplementary resources, and make careful, deliberate choices about which advice to follow. In doing so, you’ll create a personal statement that is not only a testament to your achievements but a reflection of the person you aspire to become in your MBA journey. By thoughtfully incorporating the perspectives of others, you’re not just strengthening your application; you’re honing a self-awareness that will serve you well, both in business school and beyond.

For more help with your personal statement, check us out at Gurufi.com . Our personal statement editors and consultants have decades of experience helping clients get into top MBA programs. Our specialty is helping you craft compelling personal statements that move the needle in your admissions process! For questions, shoot us an email at [email protected] . Check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn .