The best essays captured the applicant's technical, persuasion, and communications skills. If you need help with strategizing and editing your MBA Application essays, Subscribe to F1GMAT's Essay Editing service

Q) I had a 6-month gap in 2021 when the Pandemic was at its peak, and layoffs were common. During this period, I volunteered to assist a couple of small businesses in pivoting to a digital-first strategy. Does the consulting experience have any value since I joined back in an Investment Banking role in late 2021? How many gap months is an acceptable gap for M7 and the top 10 schools in the world?

Atul Jose (Admissions Consultant, F1GMAT): I know from experience helping clients plan through the Pandemic that even the best candidates, laid off because of a fall in demand, typically take 3 months to get an offer at par with the previous offer. When your gap exceeds three months, things will get tricky.