Author: Richard Montauk

Publisher: Prentice Hall Press; Third edition

Pub. in: July, 2005

ISBN: 0735203903

Pages: 672

Measurements: 9.4 x 6.8 x 1.8 inches

Origin of product: USA

Order code: BA00729

Other information: ISBN-13: 978-0735203907

Widely acclaimed as one of the most comprehensive and best written MBA guides, Richard Montauk's book is now in its third edition is is one of the bestselling MBA guides out there.

If you could only buy one book on MBA admissions, make it this book. How to Get Into the Top MBA Programs is the most thorough and comprehensive guide to MBA admissions; Montauk answers nearly every possible question an MBA hopeful could have. The caveat is that because this book is slightly outdated, it is best paired with a more updated book like, Your MBA Game Plan by Omari Bouknight and Scott Shrum. Although Montauk has this new edition (I am referencing the 2nd edition, so be sure to get whatever the most recent edition is), I think Your MBA Game Plan puts forth some important, more up-to-date advice that is slightly different, because it comes from the perspective of recent admits to a top b-school. However, it is not nearly as comprehensive as Montauk's book.

A short summary of the good and the bad:

The Good:

1. Many great sample essays from a variety of candidates and a variety of schools.

2. A solid section on interviewing.

3. A very helpful section on MBA essay topics, why certain questions are asked and how to approach them.

4. School specific quotes from actual MBA admissions officers.

5. All the sample essays are not perfect - the commentary at the end of the essays shows this. This analysis can really help applicants analyze their own work and understand what works in a b-school essay and what doesn't.
6. Useful sections like Appendix I, a Personal Organizer, which will help candidates begin to analyze their own applicant profiles and start the process of highlighting strengths and mitigating weaknesses.

The Bad:

1. This book overall would benefit from an even more recent edition. For example, there are sample essays in there at this point that would no longer work. I spoke with an admissions officer from Wharton who said, about one particular type of example, it almost never works.

2. Overall, I've seen some people rely a little too heavily on Montauk's book. Know that just because you "pattern" or "structure" your essay exactly like one in this book, it doesn't mean your essay will be a winning one. Use Montauk's book as a guide and a reference. It should be one of many data points that help you form your b-school application plans.

3. There is some advice he gives that I have heard actual admissions officers advise against (specifically in the chapter entitled,"How to Choose the Right School for You.") This is understandable given how old this book is. What I advise readers to do is to make sure they are in communication with admissions officers at their target schools. Make sure you visit schools, go to information sessions, talk to current students, alumni and faculty. When you have questions, ask them during the info sessions and/or even email the general admissions email address at your target school. So when reading a book like this, you can "bump" these quotes and information up against what current admissions committee members advise. Remember that schools always change and even those who make up the admissions committee change - so know the viewpoints of the current admissions committee members.

When I applied to b-school, I used this book. I ended up going to Harvard Business School and this book provided key insights and guidance that helped me get in. In short, buy it, but keep the caveats in mind. And be prepared to pass it on to your friends after you get into a great b-school! As more and more people obtain MBA degrees and more apply to competitive programs, it is important to have a book like this in your arsenal to give you an edge. Buying this book is not a guaranteed admission to a top school (nothing is, not even an 800 GMAT), but it will definitely increase your odds.

Also, I think this book can help everyone - regardless of what their profile is. You don't already have to be a "great" prospect. If you have serious deficiencies, this book can help you (but again, there's still no guarantee). I've seen plenty of people who were seemingly "ordinary" get into great schools. One reason is that they knew (whether they used this book or not) how to apply the right strategies and create a great application.

Other good books to help with MBA admissions and essays: The Elements of Style (Strunk and White) and 65 Successful Harvard Business School Application Essays.

(From quoting Dani Lee, USA)

Target readers: Those who are planning to get an MBA and those who are involved in MBA training and counseling. Also good for those who are looking for a nice gift to MBA prospects.