source: “Crazy Lady” by Olivia Stephens (Rhode Island School of Design)

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Do you feel like your MBA story is a bit bland? Or uninspiring compared to the applicant profiles you see online? What if you haven’t overcome insurmountable odds or accomplished something amazing?

Darren explores the possibilities of kishōtenketsu – a four act story structure used by Japanese and Chinese writers for centuries. What makes this story structure interesting is that it relies on contrast – not conflict – to generate interest.

Kishōtenketsu in 4 acts:

1. Ki (start)
2. Shō (development)
3. Ten (twist)
4. Ketsu (conclusion)

Listen on for ways you can use this Eastern story structure to keep admissions officers’ attention AND demonstrate your self-awareness.

Show Notes

• The Significance of Plot without Conflict (Still Eating Oranges)
• Nintendo’s “kishōtenketsu” Mario level design philosophy explained
• Charles Eisenstein
• #4: 4 Ways to Get and Keep the Adcom’s Attention
• #51 Stalking the Story for Your MBA Essays
• #83 MBA Essays that Work – Candid Thoughts on Essays, Authenticity and Being Yourself
• #93 Which Extracurriculars
• #113 Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t

source: Still Eating Oranges

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