I picked up Avi Gordon's book just by chance at Border's bookstore. I was thinking about applying to Business Schools and just by reading through the first couple paragraphs of the book's introduction, I knew this book would have everything that I would want - an in-depth education of what it takes to get in to business school, what the adcom looks for, how to communicate my match to them, etc, etc, etc. The PROFILING which Avi stresses on is so KEY. I followed to book to the T. I have made my own personal notes on the book and have used that step-by-step as I prepare my MBA application packages. I definitely, highly, recommend this book. Reading the book is like talking to a friend, a coach, and it gives you the confidence that what you're doing--following the book--will take you in the right direction: to a top business school. Personally, I took 2 days off and went away just to focus on reading the book and preparing my profile. Later, I signed-up for Avi's service, and now he's helping me review my work and essays and I hope that is the other-half of what it will take me to get into the b-school of my choice! Avi, I look forward to working with you... and I owe you a big treat if I get in where I want to :-)

I highly recommend this book. Avi Gordon has done a great job of
providing insight into what will make a succesfull MBA application.
Really practical ideas and tips. I almost read it like a novel.
It is so engaging. You wont feel bored even for a minute. Its in the same league as Richard Montauk's book. In fact I think it is more compact and more up to date. Highly recommended.

I found this guide to be very helpful in preparing my MBA admission essays. In particular, Gordon's step-by-step explanation of the 10 essay archetypes, and advice on developing an overall theme for my application will hopefully pay dividends. My essays are now much more clearly focussed and address the real concerns of AdCom. I previewed several other guides before purchasing this one and am happy that I made a good decision.

I applied to Darden using another reference and online resources before I found "MBA Admissions Strategy". I was blown away by the insight that permeates each chapter, and I corrected many
mistakes on my HBS app. I do not know what Gordon's background is, but he clearly knows exactly what goes on behind the scenes at adcom. He even explains what kind of people end up on the adcom and how to tailor your message to them.
So, I was waitlisted at Darden and now I have an interview at
Harvard. Wow! Can't argue with results like that. It was a lot of work but this book was my sole guide in transforming my essays. I am not an excellent writer but I am very pleased with the results. I would never try to apply to an MBA program without this book.