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Origin Story as Opening Line (Stanford MBA What Matters Essay)

The opening line is,  "I began my daily trivia talk on the mechanics of the engine, then switched to horsepower, and with dread, I asked, "Shall I take the car for a spin." "

This is a reflection of the applicant as a 7-year-old seeking permission from his father, an automobile engineer, to take the car for a spin.

The opening line clearly establishes the role the applicant's father had in his entrepreneurial ambition and a habit of tinkering with ideas, business models, and technology. The entrepreneurial spirit of 'America' pushed the applicant to explore ideas and opportunities that finally led to the EdTech startup. For the essay, I wanted to also capture the applicant's strategic understanding of the market. In a crowded technology applicant pool, sharing perspectives atypical in the vocabulary of a technologist or a technology entrepreneur is a way to stand out.  The opening line has limited connection with the theme of the essay but helps the applicant personalize his journey by starting with an origin story

Read the Preview of the Essay Example: Power of Restlessness  

Download F1GMAT's Stanford MBA Essay Guide