Before I dive into recommendations for university entrance exams, I need to make sure you understand what a case study recommendation as per the case memo framework is. In simple terms, this means writing about your own unique experience during your academic career. This does not necessarily mean that you must write about your personal High School experiences or your college days, but it should provide a relevant glimpse into how you managed your own life throughout those years. It should also show your strengths, weaknesses, and most importantly where you learned the most valuable lesson that you have taken to this present moment.
For example, if you are writing a case study recommendation for the University of Florida, let’s say you went to eat at Fries’ on a recent weekend and ate a delicious Double Cooked Flounder, a stuffed Spaghetti with tomato sauce, and a Chocolate Latta. Let’s also say that you feel you have had a strong success at understanding and applying the principles of linear logic and would like to pursue a degree in the field of Mathematics. You could easily write an essay about your Fries experience and describe the taste, colors, and overall atmosphere of this popular Florida eatery. Another excellent option for your case study recommendation for the University of Florida would be to write an essay on why Fern Fort University is such an excellent institution. Explain the unique features and benefits of enrolling at Fern Fort University.
An excellent case study recommendation can serve as both a springboard and a roadblock to help you create your own unique document. Perhaps you have experienced a similar situation that has inspired your case study recommendation. Perhaps you have written hundreds of recommendation letters already, but the one that stands out as the most influential has not received much attention. As a general rule, the more controversial the topic or the higher quality the document, the more likely it will get more attention, both from students who are reviewing the materials for admission and from those outside the university who are reviewing your recommendations for possible entry into their universities.
For example, let’s say that your case study recommendation for the University of Florida states that you attended a summer institute which taught you valuable lessons in business ethics, cost management, business strategies, and other important topics that would benefit students who wish to enter the University of Florida’s undergraduate business program. Students who are reviewing this letter are looking for a statement that states, “My major area of concentration was in business ethics, and I learned valuable lessons in managing resources that led me to earn a Master’s degree in Business Administration.” They want your personal experiences as a student in that specific university to show that you understand how to manage people, finances, and resources. If you were hired by the University of Florida, or another similar competitive University, your case study letter could become a valuable part of the admissions process and be included as one of the documents submitted to the University for review prior to the decision to accept or deny admissions.
Another situation that may warrant an assignment like this one is a severe essay topic. A severe essay topic typically requires multiple documents and multiple drafts. The review of your case study recommendation letter may end up being an important part of the admissions decision-making process at many competitive universities. It is possible that your case study recommendation essay may be the basis for a committee member’s review of your application, which could impact whether or not that person is willing to accept your admission. Therefore, it is critical to review your case study recommendation letter with the committee members assigned to review your case.
In addition to your case study letter, you may want to include an additional document with your application: a Harvard study solution guide or an MCAT exam study guide. The purpose of the guide/exam is not only to inform you about the format of medical exams using Harvard exams, but also to inform you about important information about taking those medical examinations. Some of the topics covered in the guides include managing time during medical examinations using a checklist format; selecting appropriate charts; managing test taking notes properly; and controlling emotions. It is also important to review this material with a member of your admitting committee so that they can also have an idea of what the material on the guide covers and what you are trying to accomplish with your application.
Finally, after all of the material has been reviewed and you have received your approval to proceed, it is important to put this material into action. In particular, you will want to compile your recommended topics into a specific case study. To do this, you should prepare two separate but similar sets of documents: one to compile your case study and one to create your “recommendations”. These documents should contain your “recommendations” as well as your “case study” (for example, your diagnostic-ledger form for each specific case), both in black-and-white and in color, and a concise introduction and conclusion.