If you wish to write a successful essay, it is not obligatory to read huge number of books and to reconsider set of sites. It is enough to be guided by thirteen principles.

1. Do not distort the truth
It is not necessary to changó the facts from the life, even if you desire it very much. First, it not always looks convincingly. Secondly, liars need to have very good memory - to remember all nuances of the changed biography and not to be caught.

2. Do not make up
It is not necessary to speak too much about reputation of university, excellent teaching structure, a network of graduates and so forth. To say about yourself and that you will give to university is better.

3. Do not exuse yourself
Justifications of weak grades, bad GMAT, an insufficient operational experience make an essay ridiculous. Speak only about the good. If you are not asked about the bad, do not tell about that.

4. Do not try to be another
All wish to be appropriate for the school which has been chosen. But in a pursuit of it many lose true "yourself". Be yourself - business schools search a variety.

5. Do not give in to a gregarious instinct
The first successful step to positioning - differentiation. Begin with the one whom you are not. Then pass to whom you favourably differ from others. If you can tell only, instead of prove, be specific.

6. Do not be stereotypic
Develop stereotypes of readers. It concerns your experience, a nationality, functions on work. Make yourself unique.

7. Don't  be the know-it-all
Nobody is perfect. MBA sounds arrogantly, but it does not mean, that you should not have weaknesses. Be truthful and if you are asked, don't be  afraid to tell that you need something to learn.

8. Do not repeat
The reader will have a full profile of you, therefore try not to repeat contents. First, thus you take a place important for other information. Secondly, you irritate the reader.

9. Do not speak much
It is better to be focused on one moment of your life, than to try to describe all life in several essays. Narrow horizons, make the analysis more seriously.

10. Do not do lists
Lists are perceived better, than histories. But lists are boring, therefore better write a story. People love stories, lists leave on then.

11. Do not add the tense facts
Certainly, the story should be supported by the facts. But if they are not present, it is not necessary. It strains the reader, and he should read an essay simply.

12. Do not accuse
If you negatively respond about someone will negatively think first of all of you. Take lessons and do conclusions it it is better.

13. Do not speak about the trite things
About the politics, religion, abortions, drugs, sex, the East, a nationality, George Bush and so forth it is better not to speak. The reader can be of another opinion.

What to do...
Choose interesting themes which concern you and your development. Do not digress. In general, observe 13 rules.