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Most MBA applicants use the opening line as a shock element. They start with something tragic, violent, anxiety-inducing, or scenery that gives the reader perspective that they are living a much more comfortable life compared to what the applicant went through. This approach works if your story truly has something unique – war, trauma, coming back from a life-threatening illness, or a challenge related to your identity.

For everyone else, use these 3 strategies:

1) Create a Gap
2) Avoid Cliches
3) Set the Right Expectations and Meet Them