mcdonough mba essays

Georgetown McDonough MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples

Looking to ace your Georgetown McDonough MBA essays? Our comprehensive guide provides an overview, valuable tips, and real examples to help you craft compelling and impactful essays that will set you apart from the competition.

Posted March 2, 2024

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Georgetown McDonough MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examplese re

Applying for an MBA program is a significant milestone in one's academic and professional journey. The Georgetown McDonough School of Business is renowned for its rigorous curriculum and commitment to developing future business leaders. As part of the application process, applicants are required to submit several essays that provide insights into their experiences, goals, and motivations. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the role of these essays, provide tips for crafting compelling responses , and analyze examples of successful Georgetown McDonough MBA essays.

Georgetown McDonough Application and the Role of Essays

The Georgetown McDonough MBA application is designed to evaluate applicants holistically. While academic achievements, professional experience, and recommenders' insights are crucial, the essays play a vital role in revealing the applicants' personality, values, and aspirations. The admissions committee relies on these essays to understand the applicant's fit with the program and the potential for contributing to the McDonough community.

When it comes to the essay prompts, each one is carefully crafted to assess different aspects of the applicant's profile. These prompts are not just random questions; they are strategically designed to elicit specific information that will help the admissions committee evaluate the applicant's suitability for the program.

One of the essay prompts may ask applicants to reflect on a challenging situation they have faced and how they overcame it. This prompt allows applicants to showcase their resilience, problem-solving skills, and ability to learn from adversity. By sharing a personal story and demonstrating their ability to navigate difficult circumstances , applicants can provide valuable insights into their character and how they handle challenges.

Another essay prompt may ask applicants to discuss their long-term career goals and how an MBA from Georgetown McDonough will help them achieve those goals. This prompt provides applicants with an opportunity to articulate their aspirations and demonstrate their understanding of how the program can support their professional growth. By showcasing their clear vision and explaining how Georgetown McDonough's resources, faculty, and alumni network align with their goals, applicants can demonstrate their commitment and motivation.

In addition to these specific prompts, the essays also allow applicants to highlight their unique qualities and experiences that may not be evident from their resume or transcripts. Applicants can use the essays to share stories that showcase their leadership abilities, teamwork skills, cultural awareness, or community involvement. These personal anecdotes provide a deeper understanding of the applicant's values, passions, and potential contributions to the McDonough community.

Moreover, the essay writing process itself is an opportunity for applicants to reflect on their experiences, goals, and motivations . It allows them to introspect and gain clarity on their own values and aspirations. This self-reflection not only helps applicants craft compelling essays but also enables them to approach the MBA program with a deeper sense of purpose and direction.

Overall, the essays in the Georgetown McDonough MBA application serve as a window into the applicant's character, motivations, and potential fit with the program. They provide an opportunity for applicants to go beyond their academic and professional achievements and showcase their unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations. By carefully considering and thoughtfully responding to the essay prompts, applicants can make a strong case for their candidacy and increase their chances of being admitted to Georgetown McDonough.

Georgetown McDonough Essay Prompts (2023-2024)

Understanding the essay prompts is the first step towards crafting impactful responses. Let's delve into the essay prompts for the Georgetown McDonough MBA application for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle:

• Essay Prompt 1: Describe a defining moment when you were challenged and exceeded expectations. How did this experience shape you personally and professionally? (500 words maximum)
• Essay Prompt 2: Describe a time when you were an advocate for someone or something. What did you learn about yourself from this experience? (500 words maximum)
• Essay Prompt 3: Imagine that the Georgetown McDonough community is a team of colleagues. Describe how you would approach the team and contribute to its success. (500 words maximum)

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List of Expert Tips for Each McDonough Essay Prompt

Writing powerful essays requires careful planning and execution. To help you navigate the Georgetown McDonough MBA essay prompts effectively, we have compiled a list of expert tips for each prompt:

Essay Prompt 1: Challenging and Exceeding Expectations

1. Begin with a compelling anecdote that vividly illustrates the defining moment you have chosen.

2. Reflect on both personal and professional growth and emphasize how this experience impacted your development.

3. Discuss the lessons learned and how they have influenced your decision to pursue an MBA at Georgetown McDonough.

Essay Prompt 2: Advocating for Someone or Something

1. Select an experience where you effectively advocated for a cause, an individual, or a group.

2. Demonstrate empathy and a deep understanding of the issue or individuals you were advocating for.

3. Reflect on the personal growth and self-discovery that resulted from your advocacy experience.

Essay Prompt 3: Contributing to the McDonough Team's Success

1. Research Georgetown McDonough's values and culture to align your response with the program's ethos.

2. Showcase your teamwork skills, highlighting specific experiences where you collaborated effectively.

3. Emphasize your unique strengths and how they would contribute to the success of the McDonough team.

By following these expert tips, you can create essays that stand out from the competition and demonstrate your fit with Georgetown McDonough's values and community.

MBA Essay Tips: How to Write Compelling Essays

Writing compelling MBA essays requires some strategic thinking and an understanding of what the admissions committee is looking for. Here are a few general tips to help you create impactful essays:

1. Start early and allow time for multiple revisions:

Beginning the writing process early will give you ample time to brainstorm, draft, and refine your essays. Multiple revisions will ensure that your words are concise, engaging, and error-free.

2. Showcase your individuality:

Avoid generic or clichéd responses and strive to showcase your unique experiences, perspectives, and goals. This will help the admissions committee remember your application among the sea of candidates.

3. Connect your past experiences to future goals:

Highlight how your past experiences, both personal and professional, have shaped your career aspirations and how an MBA from Georgetown McDonough can help you achieve them.

4. Stay true to yourself:

Authenticity is key when writing your essays. Be genuine in your responses and avoid trying to mold yourself into what you think the admissions committee wants to hear.

5. Seek feedback from trusted individuals:

Share your essays with mentors, friends, or family members who can provide honest feedback. Their perspectives can help you refine your ideas and ensure that your essays are polished.

By incorporating these tips into your writing process, you can create essays that effectively communicate your experiences, aspirations, and suitability for the Georgetown McDonough MBA program.

Georgetown McDonough Essay Examples From Success Admits — With Analysis

Examining successful Georgetown McDonough MBA essays can provide valuable insights into what the admissions committee values and is impressed by. Success Admits, a leading MBA admissions consulting firm, has graciously shared examples of exceptional Georgetown McDonough essays along with expert analysis.

These essay examples, accompanied by insightful analysis, will help you understand why these essays were effective and how you can craft your own responses in a similar manner. Studying these examples can inspire you and provide a framework for successfully approaching your own essays.

Georgetown McDonough Essay FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Georgetown McDonough MBA essays:

1. Are the essays the most important part of the application?

While the essays are a crucial component of your application, they are not the only factor considered by the admissions committee. Academic achievements, professional experience, recommendation letters, and other application materials are also evaluated.

2. Should I strictly adhere to the word limits?

Yes, it is essential to adhere to the specified word limits for each essay prompt. The word limit provides an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to express your thoughts concisely and effectively, which is highly valued in the business world.

3. Can I reuse essays from other MBA applications?

It is not recommended to reuse essays from other MBA applications. Each program has unique essay prompts designed to assess specific qualities and fit with their values. Tailoring your essays to the Georgetown McDonough prompts will ensure that your application stands out and demonstrates your sincere interest in the program.

4. How should I balance personal and professional experiences in my essays?

It is important to strike a balance between personal and professional experiences. The essays provide an opportunity to showcase your holistic personality and highlight how both personal and professional experiences have shaped your goals and motivations. Be sure to connect the dots and demonstrate continuity between your past, present, and future.

In conclusion, the Georgetown McDonough MBA essays play a crucial role in the application process, providing an opportunity to showcase your unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations. By understanding the essay prompts, following expert tips, and studying successful examples, you can present compelling essays that reflect your fit with Georgetown McDonough's values and contribute to your overall application success.

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• Georgetown McDonough School of Business Essay Tips and Examples

July 20, 2023

Jeremy Shinewald

Candidates for Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business must provide just one written essay (of a somewhat succinct 500 words) in response to their choice of three question options. Applicants can discuss how their personal attributes and experiences can add to the school’s community, what they envision as their lasting impression or influence as a Georgetown MBA, or a particularly significant “win” from their professional life. McDonough also requires a short video essay in which candidates reveal up to ten facts about themselves that help illustrate who they are as a professional and/or leader. The school’s optional essay gives applicants the leeway to discuss anything they feel is necessary, so it should be sufficient to meet everyone’s needs. Our full analysis of McDonough’s essay prompts for 2023–2024 follows.

Georgetown McDonough 2023–2024 Essay Tips

We want to hear your story. when responding to our required essays, be authentic and take time to reflect on your goals and past experiences. craft a response that explains how these experiences led you to pursue an mba., our goal at georgetown mcdonough is to craft a diverse class with people who have had varying personal and professional life experiences. as such, we want to give our applicants the opportunity to select one essay (from a list of three) that allows them the ability to best highlight their experiences, characteristics, and values that showcase the value proposition that they can bring to the mcdonough community. please select one of the following three essays to complete in 500 words (approximately two pages, double spaced) and include the essay prompt and your first/last name at the top of your submission., essay option one – georgetown community, our mission is rooted in jesuit principles of equality and respect for everyone and an ethos of caring for the whole person. inclusivity and diversity are core to supporting a community of people with an intersectional understanding of themselves and the world around them. share how your educational, familial, cultural, economic, social, and/or other individual life experiences will contribute to the diversity of perspectives and ideas at georgetown university..

This essay is a great opportunity to provide the McDonough admissions committee with a better understanding of you as a unique individual. Start by thinking about the aspects of your personality that you believe truly define you as an individual—not just what you do and have done, but who you are—and fully explore your background, hobbies, talents, values, motivations, and quirks. You want to provide a well-rounded picture of yourself that draws from multiple areas and shows that you possess characteristics and/or knowledge that would make you a positive addition to the school’s diverse community. In addition, you will need to describe the situations and circumstances that have helped you develop these qualities and understandings. Although your personal background, strengths, and abilities might overlap with those of other McDonough applicants in some way, you can differentiate yourself here via the stories you choose to illustrate them.

A good way to start identifying your best options for this essay is by making a list of things you believe are notable about you and that would be helpful to have in an MBA environment. Then, pinpoint the experiences you have had that engendered these qualities. Especially consider situations from your past that both allow you to discuss your strengths and standout characteristics and in which you worked with or alongside individuals who were different from you. Instances when you helped create an inclusive atmosphere for others would also, understandably, be great fodder for this essay. If you can show the admissions committee concrete evidence that you know how to collaborate and communicate effectively with others who have disparate backgrounds, mind-sets, and/or styles, your essay will be even more powerful.

You will then need to demonstrate both self-awareness and a thorough understanding of McDonough by drawing connections between (1) what you have done and who you are and (2) what you can subsequently provide at the school as a member of its community. To do this effectively, you will need to truly familiarize yourself in depth with what the McDonough MBA experience is like. Go beyond the school’s website and published materials and connect directly with students, alumni, and other people who can provide firsthand, insider knowledge. Absolutely visit campus if at all possible, and sit in on a class. Read news articles about the school as well as student blogs, check out McDonough’s YouTube channel , and, if offered, attend admissions events in your area. As you do all this research, look for places where your skills, strengths, and personality would not just fit but also contribute in some way. You want to make sure that in your essay, you are not merely showcasing traits, events, and achievements that you think are interesting or singular. They also need to clearly fit with McDonough specifically.

The broad scope of this essay prompt allows you a great amount of freedom to choose and share the information you believe is most important for the admissions committee to know about you, but you have only 500 words for this submission, so focus on conveying your core message(s) clearly and directly. Concentrate on the elements of your identify that you feel are most significant and position you to make a meaningful contribution, explain for the admissions committee how those elements developed or were obtained, and show a connection between them and specific aspects of the program.

Essay Option Two – Leave Your Legacy

Commitment to service and community is an important value that hoyas share across georgetown mcdonough’s 40+ mba student-run clubs and organizations, nine centers and initiatives, and various other co-curricular activities. what do you want your legacy to be as a mcdonough student and alumni be as specific as possible. .

The key word in this essay prompt is clearly “legacy.” This means that the school is not asking solely about what you expect to add during your two years at McDonough. Rather than thinking strictly in terms of “contribution,” think also along the lines of “permanent impact,” whether as a student or an alumnus/alumna. So, for example, in addition to explaining how you will participate in a specific activity or club, describe how that activity or club will be different after your time at McDonough. Or, start by detailing the nature of the unique contributions you could make in class, and then discuss—humbly, of course—the lasting impact you would have on your peers. You could also describe how you plan to maintain your connection to the school after you graduate and what this enduring relationship will mean for the MBA program. What is important here is that you truly comprehend what you have to offer and then reveal exactly how you intend to make that contribution—this will inevitably require that you have a clear understanding of the McDonough experience (refer back to our suggestions on how best to develop this in our analysis for Essay Option One). So, before you elaborate on how, for example, you intend to establish a course on a subject that is dear to your heart or in which you are particularly well versed, make sure that your plans are within the realm of possibility. If you offer an idea or intent that simply would not work at McDonough because you have not learned enough about the program to realize that, you will ultimately show the admissions committee that you are not sufficiently invested in becoming an MBA student there.

As you do your in-depth research on the McDonough program, keep an eye out for instances in which others have made a lasting mark on the school. You do not want to copycat anyone else, of course, but use this input to assess what kinds of efforts tend to be influential, and from there, brainstorm ideas for yourself, based on your personal strengths and potential contributions.

Pay special attention to the aspects of and areas at McDonough that speak to you personally in some way, and consider social events/clubs and professional development opportunities along with course work and academic offerings. Business school is meant to be a comprehensive environment and experience that enriches students in ways not just related directly to business, and perhaps your best potential for contribution lies in one of these areas. 

Essay Option Three – Magis

Magis is a jesuit value that instills the sense of achieving “more” or “greater” excellence. share how you achieved magis during a professional experience as evidenced on your resume. describe why this experience exemplified excellence and what about your involvement (i.e. strengths or skills) contributed to the excellence. .

We imagine that at this point in your life, you have achieved a number of things professionally that you could use as fodder for an application essay. However, your goal here is not simply to impress the admissions committee with the scale or impact of your accomplishment but to offer one that best fits this particular prompt. This means you will need to select one that was truly meaningful for you on a profound level. This essay should provide the McDonough admissions committee with two important things. First, it will gain a better understanding of your values by the nature of the experience you choose and the reasons you consider it so successful (i.e., how do you define “excellence,” especially in your area of interest?). And second, it will learn what kinds of skills you already possess and how you employ them to achieve a desired outcome. 

In addition to creating a compelling narrative for this essay, you should take care to not sound as though you are in any way bragging. The school is less interested in the accomplishment itself and more interested in how you achieved it and why you consider it so significant and successful. As you tell your story, emphasize your actions and let the story do a lot of the work for you. Finally, reflecting on the experience is key, so do not consider this portion of your essay just a simple afterthought you can sum up in a single sentence. McDonough asks you specifically “why” this experience is one you view as exemplifying excellence, so you must dedicate a portion of your essay to the reasons behind your choice.

If space allows, consider mentioning how you anticipate you could be even more successful in a similar circumstance in the future after earning your McDonough MBA, noting what specific skill you will gain or experience you will have at the school would provide this missing piece. Showing that you recognize areas for improvement further demonstrates your capacity for self-assessment, as well as a sense of humility.

Video Essay: Building a cohort of diverse and unique individuals is important to the admissions team. We want you to bring your whole self to Georgetown McDonough. Throughout the application, we’ve learned about what you would add as a professional and leader. Just as important is learning about your interests outside of work. In one minute, please share 5-10 random facts about yourself that are not on your resume and how these facts contribute to who you are as a professional and leader.

McDonough’s video essay is intended specifically for you to offer the school a more dynamic glimpse into your character and personality as an individual, so your primary focus should be on ensuring that you respond in as authentic and natural a way as possible. The admissions committee wants to hear about facets of your background that did not quite make the cut for your application resume (do not repeat any information that appears there, no matter how impressive or interesting you think it might be). These could include accomplishments, skills, qualifications (such as courses you have taken), and even “extracurricular” efforts in the workplace (such as mentoring a coworker or organizing a volunteer day as a team-building exercise). 

Although the prompt notes that the school is interested in “learning about your interests outside of work,” it also stipulates that it wants to know how the information you share “contribute[s] to who you are as a professional and leader.” So, we imagine that you can discuss elements from your personal life and community service activities, but if so, they must fulfill this latter requirement. You will have to clearly show how the fact enriches you within this context.

Go beyond a basic description to really draw a (verbal) picture of your chosen topics for this video. Compare, for example, “I enjoy mentoring people and helped a recent hire at my current job successfully prepare for a difficult exam” with “I feel an incredible sense of fulfillment when I am able to support another person in reaching a goal they’ve set for themselves. My coworkers joke that I am the office cheerleader and know that if they ever need inspiration or advice, they can count on me. I recently helped a new hire at my office study for Level I of the CFA exam, and when she passed the first time, I really couldn’t tell you which of us was more excited.” The latter is much more interesting and entertaining—and would likely make a more lasting impression on the admissions committee. More importantly, it helps illustrate for the school the kind of professional/leader you are.

Given that this is a video, you will obviously need to think beyond what you will say and consider the clothing you will wear, the setting or background of your video, your tone of voice, your language style, and a host of other such details. On a practical note, be sure to speak clearly in your video. You naturally do not want any part of your message to be lost or misunderstood, and the admissions committee might view your communication skills and style as indicators of how you might interact with your classmates and/or speak in the classroom. Spend some time practicing in front of a mirror or a friend, but do not overrehearse. You want to come across as genuine and natural.

Optional Essay: Please provide any information you would like to add to your application that you have not otherwise included (300–350 words, approximately one page, double spaced).

We tend to believe that the best use of the optional essay is to explain confusing or problematic issues in your candidacy, and this prompt offers an opportunity to do just that. So, if you need to, this is your chance to address any questions an admissions officer might have about your profile—a poor grade or overall GPA, a low GMAT or GRE score, a gap in your work experience, etc. In our mbaMission Optional Essays Guide , we offer detailed advice on how best to take advantage of the optional essay, with multiple examples, to help you mitigate any problem areas in your application.

However, because the question can be interpreted rather broadly, it does open the door for you to discuss anything that is not addressed elsewhere in your application and that you feel is truly critical for the admissions committee to know to be able to evaluate you fully and effectively. We caution you about simply trying to fill this space because you fear that not doing so would somehow count against you. Remember, by submitting an additional essay, you are asking the admissions committee to do extra work on your behalf, so you need to make sure that time is warranted. If you are using the essay to emphasize something that if omitted would render your application incomplete, take this opportunity to write a very brief narrative that reveals this key new aspect of your candidacy.

Re-Applicant Essay: Required for re-applicants. How have you strengthened your candidacy since your last application? We are particularly interested in hearing about how you have grown professionally and personally (300–350 words, approximately one page, double spaced). 

Whether you have improved your academic record, received a promotion, begun a new and exciting project, increased your community involvement, or taken on some sort of personal challenge, the key to success with this essay is conveying a very deliberate path of achievement. McDonough wants to know that you have been actively striving to improve yourself and your profile, and that you have seized opportunities during the previous year to do so, because a McDonough MBA is vital to you. The responses to this essay question will vary greatly from one candidate to the next, because each person’s needs and experiences differ. We are more than happy to provide one-on-one assistance with this highly personal essay to ensure that your efforts over the past year are presented in the best light possible.

2023-2024 Business School Essays Georgetown University (McDonough) MBA Essay Tips

Tags: business school essay MBA application essays McDonough School of Business optional essay reapplicants video essay

Upcoming Events

• Mar 26, 2024 Your 2024 MBA Application Action Plan (Online)
• Apr 25, 2024 Assessing Your MBA Profile (Online)

Upcoming Deadlines

• Mar 25, 2024 Dartmouth Tuck (Round 3)
• Mar 25, 2024 London Business School (Round 3)
• Mar 26, 2024 Texas McCombs (Round 3)
• Mar 26, 2024 Vanderbilt Owen (Round 4)
• Mar 28, 2024 Berkeley Haas (Round 4)
• Apr 1, 2024 Penn State Smeal (Round 4)
• Apr 2, 2024 Penn Wharton (Round 3)
• Apr 3, 2024 Columbia (Round 3)
• Apr 3, 2024 Northwestern Kellogg (Round 3)
• Apr 3, 2024 Virginia Darden (Round 3)
• Apr 4, 2024 Chicago Booth (Round 3)
• Apr 4, 2024 Michigan Ross (Round 3)
• Apr 8, 2024 MIT Sloan (Round 3)
• Apr 9, 2024 Stanford GSB (Round 3)
• Apr 9, 2024 Yale SOM (Round 3)
• Apr 10, 2024 Cornell Johnson (Round 3)
• Apr 12, 2024 UCLA Anderson (Round 3)
• Apr 15, 2024 USC Marshall (Round 3)
• Apr 29, 2024 Toronto Rotman (Round 4)
• Apr 29, 2024 UNC Kenan-Flagler (Round 4)
• Apr 30, 2024 Georgetown McDonough (Round 4)

Click here to see the complete deadlines

2023–2024 MBA Essay Tips

• Berkeley Haas School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
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• Cambridge Judge Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Chicago Booth School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Columbia Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management Essay and Examples
• Dartmouth Tuck School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Duke Fuqua School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Emory Goizueta Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• Esade Essay Tips and Examples
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• IE Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• IESE Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• INSEAD Essay Tips and Examples
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• Ivey Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• London Business School Essay Tips and Examples
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• MIT Sloan School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
• Northwestern Kellogg School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
• Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• NYU Stern School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Ohio Fisher College of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Oxford Saïd Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• SMU Cox School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Stanford Graduate School of Business Application Essay Tips and Examples
• Texas McCombs School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management Essay Tips and Examples
• The Wharton School Essay Tips and Examples
• Toronto Rotman School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
• UCLA Anderson School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
• UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• USC Marshall School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• UVA Darden School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• UW Foster School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management Essay Analysis, 2023–2024
• Villanova School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Yale School of Management Essay Tips and Examples

Click here for the 2022–2023 MBA Essay Tips

MBA Program Updates

• Berkeley-Haas
• Boston University (Questrom)
• Cambridge Judge Business School
• Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)
• Columbia University (Columbia Business School)
• Consortium for Graduate Study in Management
• Cornell University (Johnson)
• Dartmouth College (Tuck)
• Duke University (Fuqua)
• Emory University (Goizueta)
• George Washington University (GWSB)
• Georgetown University (McDonough)
• Harvard University (Harvard Business School)
• IE Business School
• IESE Business School
• Indian School of Business
• Indiana University (Kelley)
• Ivey Business School
• London Business School
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)
• New York University (Stern)
• Northwestern University (Kellogg)
• Notre Dame (Mendoza)
• Ohio State University (Fisher College)
• Oxford University (Saïd Business School)
• Penn State Smeal College of Business
• Rotman School of Management
• Saïd Business School
• Southern Methodist University (Cox School of Business)
• Stanford University (Stanford Graduate School of Business)
• University of California Los Angeles (Anderson)
• University of Cambridge (Judge)
• University of Chicago (Booth)
• University of London (London Business School)
• University of Michigan (Ross)
• University of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler)
• University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
• University of Southern California (Marshall)
• University of Texas at Austin (McCombs)
• University of Virginia (Darden)
• Vanderbilt University (Owen)
• Villanova School of Business
• Yale University (School of Management)

Which program are you applying to?

Accepted Admissions Blog

Everything you need to know to get Accepted

July 22, 2023

Georgetown McDonough MBA Essay Tips and Deadlines [2023 – 2024]

This year, Georgetown requires two essays from all its applicants. Sharing the same structure as last year, the first required essay allows you to choose to answer one of three prompts. The prompts have changed from last year’s, however. The program’s second required essay is again a video essay, with a different prompt this year. The admissions office also provides an optional essay and a reapplicant essay. 

Don’t forget to take advantage of the opportunity to be granted an application fee waiver. You’ll find the details about how to do so in the Application Fee section of McDonough’s Applications Component page . 

Ready to get to work on your McDonough application? Read on. 

McDonough application essay tips

Mcdonough application deadlines, mcdonough class profile, required essay.

Our goal at Georgetown McDonough is to craft a diverse class with people who have had varying personal and professional life experiences. As such, we want to give our applicants the opportunity to select one essay (from a list of three) that allows them the ability to best highlight their experiences, characteristics, and values that showcase the value proposition that they can bring to the McDonough community. Please select one of the following three essays to complete in 500 words (approximately two pages, double spaced) and include the essay prompt and your first/last name at the top of your submission.

Each prompt provides a different perspective on your candidacy. When deciding which option to respond to, consider which one resonates with you most and will allow you to showcase yourself best. 

Essay Option One – Georgetown Community

Our mission is rooted in Jesuit principles of equality and respect for everyone and an ethos of caring for the whole person. Inclusivity and diversity are core to supporting a community of people with an intersectional understanding of themselves and the world around them. Share how your educational, familial, cultural, economic, social, and/or other individual life experiences will contribute to the diversity of perspectives and ideas at Georgetown University.

Community is a vital aspect of any MBA program experience, and Georgetown’s Jesuit values underscore the importance of contributing to this community. Throughout your life, you have had many experiences that have shaped who you are and are the basis for your unique perspectives and ideas. This essay provides an opportunity to consider your most impactful experiences, how they influenced you, and how you will add value to your community because of them. Consider how your presence and contributions to the community will enrich your classmates.

​Essay Option Two – Leave Your Legacy

Commitment to service and community is an important value that Hoyas share across Georgetown McDonough’s 40+ MBA student-run clubs and organizations, nine centers and initiatives, and various other co-curricular activities. What do you want your legacy to be as a McDonough student and alumni? Be as specific as possible.

Perhaps when you were talking with a McDonough graduate or student about an activity they were involved in, you immediately thought, “That is absolutely something I want to be a part of and would like to take it to the next level.” Or, maybe the conversation sparked an idea of something you could introduce to the community. Either way, can you see yourself making a sustainable impact long after you leave the Hilltop? Share your proposed activity or idea, and explain how you came to learn about it. Focus your answer on what your legacy will be, and provide details about how you will make your mark on the McDonough MBA experience.

Essay Option Three – Magis

Magis is a Jesuit value that instills the sense of achieving “more” or “greater” excellence. Share how you achieved magis during a professional experience as evidenced on your resume. Describe why this experience exemplified excellence and what about your involvement (i.e. strengths or skills) contributed to the excellence.  

This essay option allows you to showcase professional excellence from a personal perspective. Not only will you share the experience referenced in the prompt, but you will also describe in detail how you contributed to achieving excellence. Consider whether you want to share an example of a time when you worked with a team versus one in which you were an individual contributor. What does one communicate versus the other? Make sure you share specifics about what YOU did. What motivated you to take the action you took? Did you consider any options? How did you include others in the process? How did you decide to pursue the direction that led to achieving excellence? As the prompt indicates, share strengths, skills, and ideas – and don’t forget to describe the outcome and impact on your organization.  

Video Essay

Building a cohort of diverse and unique individuals is important to the admissions team. We want you to bring your whole self to Georgetown McDonough. Throughout the application, we’ve learned about what you would add as a professional and leader. Just as important is learning about your interests outside of work. In one minute, please share 5-10 random facts about yourself that are not on your resume and how these facts contribute to who you are as a professional and leader.

• You may use your phone, computer, or other means to record the video, but please ensure all audio and visual components are clear. We recommend a well-lit room and minimal noise distraction. 
• The admissions committee would like for you to appear in person during part of your video.
• We recommend unscripted, conversational videos – help us get to know the real you!
• Upload your video to an accessible website (such as YouTube, Vimeo, Youku, or Tudou), and submit the direct video URL into your online application. 
• Please note that all videos must remain active and accessible to the admissions committee online for a minimum of five years for record retention purposes.
• For your privacy: Do not include your name in the title of your video. You may submit “unlisted” videos via YouTube or password protected videos through Vimeo. If using a password, please include immediately after your link in the text box below. [Ex: www.youtube.com/123, password: Hoyas]  

The great thing about the video essay is that you get to present yourself to the admissions committee. For some, this might be intimidating. But, with preparation and practice, you can confidently submit your video essay. This essay is an opportunity to share facts about your life outside of work and connect them to how you show up professionally and as a leader. As the essay prompt states, your resume does not include the facts you will share in this essay response. There is no wrong answer here, as long as you can tie the fact to how it has shaped you as a professional and a leader. 

The essay allows various adcom members to view your video. Start your essay by briefly introducing yourself, and remember to smile! While it might feel strange, given that you are talking to the camera, smiling will help you come across as warm and friendly. If it helps, imagine you are sharing your facts with a friend instead of the admissions committee. Remember, you want the recording to capture your authenticity so the viewer can imagine you as a member of the McDonough community!  

For example: “I work with a local youth group, and each summer, we take the group on a white water rafting trip on the Youghiogheny River. I enjoy working with kids unsure of their ability to complete the journey. I enjoy coaching them and helping them realize that they can learn how to work with the others in their group to maneuver that raft on the rapids. I take this same approach at work, supporting new hires on my team to find their footing in a new environment and helping them achieve success in their roles.”

Here are some practical tips to remember when recording your video:

• Prepare at least five and no more than ten facts to share in the 60 seconds.
• Write a few bullet points to help you recall the experience you will discuss.
• Do not read from a script. You want to come across as relaxed and conversational.  
• Start the essay by briefly introducing yourself – and remember to smile! 
• Practice your essay, recording yourself, and review the recording to make note of how you sound and appear. Make adjustments before recording your next practice video. Do this as many times as it takes for you to feel comfortable!
• Follow all the instructions that the admissions office outlined.

Optional Essay

Please provide any information you would like to add to your application that you have not otherwise included (300-350 words, approximately one page, double spaced).

Is there an experience, circumstance, or information you couldn’t convey in other parts of your application? The optional essay is the place to do it. Here are some topics to consider:

• Do you have a gap in your employment, or are you currently unemployed? 

Provide the details of the period of unemployment, including ways you were or are engaged in your community or otherwise enhancing your skills or preparing for business school.

• Did your grades suffer during a period in college?

You might have had a difficult period during undergrad for many reasons. Perhaps you were a first-generation college student and didn’t have sufficient parental guidance, or you were ill during a given semester. Whatever the reason, rest assured that the admissions committee took note when reviewing your transcripts. Use this space to explain the circumstances of the situation.

• Have you overcome difficult personal circumstances?

Often, situations we have overcome personally impact how we view the world and interact with others. Share information demonstrating “grit” or your ability to succeed despite the circumstances. 

• Have you been involved in supporting others who are less fortunate, with the goal of providing opportunities and the chance for a better life? 

Georgetown University is committed to social justice and life-changing service. Your work in this area aligns with the Jesuit identity of the university and will resonate with the adcom.

One important thing to remember is that if the information you want to share is deeply personal, ensure that you provide enough detail to convey the situation but aren’t oversharing. Part of what the admissions committee will consider is your judgment regarding what you include in the essay. 

If you feel you have thoroughly communicated your candidacy in other areas of the application, you needn’t feel compelled to provide this essay.

Reapplicant Essay

Required for reapplicants. How have you strengthened your candidacy since your last application? We are particularly interested in hearing about how you have grown professionally and personally (300-350 words, approximately one page, double spaced).

This essay is straightforward. Update the committee about how you have improved your candidacy since you last applied. In addition to having another year of work experience, what achievement can you share? Did you work on any special projects? Learn new skills? What interesting things have you done outside of work that might impact your contributions to the community? If you retook a test and improved your score or took additional classes to prepare for the MBA, note that in this essay, even if there is another place to include the information in the application as a data point. The reapplicant essay should comprehensively summarize what you have done to strengthen your candidacy. 

Source: Georgetown McDonough website

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with Georgetown McDonough directly to verify its essay questions, instructions, and deadlines.***

Here is a look at the McDonough MBA Class of 2024 (data taken from the McDonough website ):

Applications received: 1,537

Enrolled: 249

Female: 34%

U.S. diversity: 38%

Underrepresented minorities: 17%

International: 42%

Countries represented: 39

Military: 9%

Average years of work experience: 5.7

Average age: 29

Average GPA: 3.29

Mid 80% GPA range: 2.82-3.77

Average GMAT: 697

Mid 80% GMAT range: 640-740

Average GRE: 317

Mid 80% GRE range: 307-327

Percentage taking GRE: 48.6%

Undergrad fields of study:

• Business: 31.7%
• Engineering: 19.7%
• Economics: 16.9%
• Humanities: 13.7%
• Social sciences: 6.8%
• Government & international studies: 4.8%

Industry backgrounds:

• Financial services: 20.1%
• Consulting: 10.4%
• Tech & media: 8%
• Government: 4.8%
• Construction: 4.4%
• Healthcare: 4%

You’ve worked so hard to get to this point in your journey. Now that you’re ready for your next achievement, make sure you know how to present yourself to maximum advantage in your Georgetown McDonough application. In a hotly competitive season, you’ll want a member of Team Accepted in your corner, guiding you with expertise tailored specifically for you. Check out our flexible consulting packages today!

As the former executive director of admissions at Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School and assistant dean of admissions at Georgetown’s McDonough School and the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz School,Kelly Wilson has 23 years’ experience overseeing admissions committees and has reviewed more than 38,000 applications for the MBA and master’s programs in management of information systems, computational finance, business analytics, and product management.  Want Kelly to help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch!

Related Resources:

• Can Artificial Intelligence Help with Your MBA Applications?
• How to Get Into Georgetown McDonough’s MBA Program , podcast Episode 512
• Eight Tips for Attention-Grabbing Resumes

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Georgetown MBA Essays for 2023-2024

Is the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University on your shortlist of target MBA programs? Then get ready, because the Georgetown MBA essays and deadlines for the new admissions cycle have been confirmed.

Georgetown MBA Essays

Notes from the school:.

Our goal at Georgetown McDonough is to craft a diverse class with people who have had varying personal and professional life experiences. As such, we want to give our applicants the opportunity to select one essay (from a list of three) that allows them the ability to best highlight their experiences, characteristics, and values that showcase the value proposition that they can bring to the McDonough community.

Please select one of the following three essays to complete in 500 words (approximately two pages, double-spaced) and include the essay prompt and your first/last name at the top of your submission.

Essay Option One – Georgetown Community Our mission is rooted in Jesuit principles of equality and respect for everyone and an ethos of caring for the whole person. Inclusivity and diversity are core to supporting a community of people with an intersectional understanding of themselves and the world around them. Share how your educational, familial, cultural, economic, social, and/or other individual life experiences will contribute to the diversity of perspectives and ideas at Georgetown University.

Essay Option Two – Leave Your Legacy Commitment to service and community is an important value that Hoyas share across Georgetown McDonough’s 40+ MBA student-run clubs and organizations, nine centers and initiatives, and various other co-curricular activities. What do you want your legacy to be as a McDonough student and alumni? Be as specific as possible.

Essay Option Three – Magis Magis is a Jesuit value that instills the sense of achieving “more” or “greater” excellence. Share how you achieved magis during a professional experience as evidenced on your resume. Describe why this experience exemplified excellence and what about your involvement (i.e. strengths or skills) contributed to the excellence.

Video Essay

Building a cohort of diverse and unique individuals is important to the admissions team. We want you to bring your whole self to Georgetown McDonough. Throughout the application, we’ve learned about what you would add as a professional and leader. Just as important is learning about your interests outside of work. In one minute, please share 5-10 random facts about yourself that are not on your resume and how these facts contribute to who you are as a professional and leader.

You can find more information about the parameters of this essay here .

Optional Essay

Please provide any information you would like to add to your application that you have not otherwise included (300-350 words, approximately one page, double-spaced).

Re-Applicant Essay

Required for re-applicants. How have you strengthened your candidacy since your last application? We are particularly interested in hearing about how you have grown professionally and personally (300-350 words, approximately one page, double-spaced).

For more information on applying, please visit the Georgetown MBA admissions website. If you need guidance on your Georgetown MBA essays or wish to discuss your MBA plans, reach out for a complimentary analysis  of your candidacy. We’re here to help!

With deadlines around the corner, you may be interested in the world-famous SBC Flight Test . Once a full set of application materials for your initial school have been drafted, but not finalized, the application will be sent to a former admissions committee member for a one-time review, adcomm style. You’ll have the benefit of a true admissions committee review while still having the ability to tinker and change.  You will receive written feedback within two business days after submitting.

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Georgetown MBA Deadlines for 2023-2024

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Georgetown MBA Essays: Tips for McDonough 2023-2024

At Menlo Coaching, we noticed that most MBA essays will fall into one of a number of categories: personal essays, career goals essays, behavioral essays, etc.. Read ahead for our expert guide on approaching these essays for the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business.

Personal (Video) Essay

• You may use your phone, computer, or other means to record the video, but please ensure all audio and visual components are clear. We recommend a well-lit room and minimal noise distraction. 
• The admissions committee would like for you to appear in person during part of your video.
• We recommend unscripted, conversational videos – help us get to know the real you!
• Upload your video to an accessible website (such as YouTube, Vimeo, Youku, or Tudou), and submit the direct video URL into your online application. 
• Please note that all videos must remain active and accessible to the admissions committee online for a minimum of five years for record retention purposes.
• For your privacy: Do not include your name in the title of your video. You may submit “unlisted” videos via YouTube or password protected videos through Vimeo. If using a password, please include immediately after your link in the text box below. [Ex: www.youtube.com/123, password: Hoyas]  

Behavioral Essay

• Principled Leadership:  Georgetown McDonough places a strong emphasis on principled leadership, providing both curricular and co-curricular opportunities to strengthen your leadership skills. Describe a time when you have led a team in a professional environment to implement a new idea or process. What leadership characteristics did you utilize? What could you have done to be more effective? And most importantly, what skills will you be able to bring to the teams you lead at McDonough?
• Hoyas for the Common Good:  Georgetown McDonough embodies the ethos that people and organizations can and should contribute to the greater good. The admissions committee would like to better understand how you have demonstrated these values during uniquely challenging times. Describe a time where you have put the needs of others ahead of your own or ahead of the bottom line. We look forward to learning more about the challenge you faced, what unique characteristics you brought to that scenario, and what you learned from it.
• Contribute to Georgetown Community:  Georgetown McDonough is a diverse, global community. We look to understand the contribution that your personal background would make to our community. As appropriate, you may wish to address any obstacles or challenges you have overcome; any educational, familial, cultural, economic, and social experiences that have helped to shape your educational and professional goals; or how your background (e.g. first-generation student, resident outside the U.S.) or activities (e.g. community service and leadership) will contribute to our community.

Career Goals

• What is your short-term goal following graduation from the Georgetown McDonough School of Business? (text box, 1-2 sentences max)
• What is your long-term goal following graduation from the Georgetown McDonough School of Business? (text box, 1-2 sentences max)

Optional Essay

• You may use this essay to provide any additional information that you have not otherwise included in your application. You may address anything in your academic or professional background or anything you feel the admissions committee may need to know regarding your application. (300-350 words—approximately 1 page, double spaced, or less.)

Reapplicant Essay

• How have you strengthened your candidacy since your last application and why do you feel that you are better-positioned this year to begin the MBA Program? We are particularly interested in hearing about how you have grown professionally and personally. (300-350 words—approximately 1 page, double spaced, or less.)

Applying to Georgetown University McDonough School of Business

The golden opportunity of this school is its location in Washington D.C., the pinnacle of access to the government and policy making. Opportunities here include trips to off-campus sites along industry lines and policy briefings hosted by research centers on Capitol Hill. Through the story you relate in your essay, the admissions council is looking to see if you reflect the same values that the school does. MSB is looking for students who are global, innovative, and committed to learning. The best way to represent that you possess those qualities is through the type of essay you choose to write. 

The Personal Statement Essay

Like we touched on earlier, schools are looking for the right fit for their campus community, just as you are searching for the school that aligns best with your goals. In the personal essay, this is your chance to show MSB the values that drive you both as a person and as a student. These values tell the admissions council what you prioritize, the moral code you live by, and, most importantly, who you are as a person. 

In these essays, you can talk about almost anything; typically, applicants will write about relationships in their lives, or times when there was a hardship they had to overcome. Be warned, though: there are some topics to avoid, and we have outlined a few things to watch out for in this article . 

When it comes to  video essays  specifically, we have some advice:

• Practice—but don’t memorize:  it’s always clear if someone has memorized what they intend to say in a video essay verbatim, and this can make your content seem staged and inauthentic. If you find that you’re repeating the same speech over and over again, change the first sentence. You’ll be surprised at how this will throw you off!
• Make sure that your setting is appropriate:  you want to make sure that your lighting is good and that there are no empty tequila bottles in the background.
• Speak slowly and clearly:  clear diction can make a big difference when it comes to reviewing your video essay.

The Behavioral Essay

To make it simple: the behavioral essay is meant to show MSB that you have developed some sort of leadership skills, what your values are as a leader, and how you are going to most benefit from their development programs. They want students who strive to be leaders. With the school’s convenient location in D.C., there are endless opportunities to either join or create a space in which you can lead. Bonus points if this leadership continues after graduation! 

Before we get there, though, the admissions committee is looking for applicants that are self-reflective. Whether it’s through a setback you’ve experienced, or how you dealt with situations that have gone awry, the school is looking for students who are resilient and able to learn from their mistakes.

Do not overexaggerate (or underexaggerate!) the situations you decide to write about. Be honest about what happened; McDonough is looking for genuine people to join their campus community, and they are less likely to admit an applicant who has overinflated their prior experiences.

Last but not least, make sure to describe what you learned and how you implemented this in a subsequent situation. This is an expected element of the behavioral essay, even if it’s not directly written in the prompt. Prompts that deal with these topics can be daunting, especially when they require you to write about a weakness you have or a failure you’ve experienced. 

The Career Goals Essay

The career goals essay is the space to emphasize your post-MBA plans. MBA programs want to accept students who have concrete, achievable career plans and a roadmap to success. MBA programs want a glowing post-grad report that proves they produce successful graduates with many job prospects (and who will donate money in the future)! Stern also wants students to promote their program to friends, co-workers, and prospective applicants. The career goals essay combines your hard statistics (ex: GMAT score) with your interpersonal skills (ex: recommendations) to formulate the case for getting an MBA. 

Make sure to state your achievable short-term and long-term goals explicitly. Explain why an MBA would help you achieve these goals and how Stern is essential to your plan. Connecting the positive attributes from your personal essay to your career goals essay is critical to forming a well-rounded application.

Once you’ve completed your application, the optional Georgetown McDonough essay gives you an additional opportunity to provide the AdCom with any additional information or clarity that you feel would enhance your application.

One trap that MBA applicants fall into is using the additional space provided by this essay to write on a whole new topic. However, this is not always the best idea.

You should only make use of this essay if you what you write will provide context to an element of your application to improve your candidacy—you don’t want to jeopardize your chances by adding unnecessary noise to your application.

For reapplicants, Cornell Johnson requires a specific essay in which you can address how your application has improved since your last application.

In this essay, you can address any improvements to your test scores, promotions at work, additional volunteer or community work, or any significant professional development that you have undertaken since you last applied to the program.

Timing is key for reapplicants, and when you’re applying for an MBA program a second time around, you want to be sure that you are a more qualified and desirable client than you were a year ago—even if your application was stellar the first time.

Writing strong, coherent, genuine stories is an essential part of your MBA application. These essays are meant to help you stand out among many other applicants, so it is worth your time to do the work and write about situations unique to your life and that you truly learned from.

Our McDonough MBA essay advice and MBA application consultants will empower you to present your best self to admissions committees.

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• MBA Essay Tips From 3 Top Admissions Consultants
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How to Write Georgetown’s School of Business Essay

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Alex Oddo in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.

What’s Covered:

Understand the prompt, reflect on your goals and values, discuss your interests and motivations.

Georgetown asks applicants to The McDonough School of Business to respond to the following prompt:

The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivations for studying business at Georgetown. – 1 page, single-spaced

In this article, we will discuss what the prompt is asking for and how to approach writing a response for this essay. For more information on Georgetown’s other essays, read our article on how to write the Georgetown essay supplements .

The McDonough School of Business prompt is like many “ why major ” essays in that it asks you to discuss your motivations for choosing your program, which, of course, in this case is business at Georgetown. 

The prompt gives you a brief description of McDonough’s school mission as context, saying that it’s both a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial, and global perspectives. This is a strong hint that you should aim to integrate the goals and focus areas highlighted in the mission within your response. 

Supplemental essays are a key part of any college application as they give you an opportunity to showcase your personal voice and unique perspective. But they also allow you the opportunity to reflect on how your goals and values align with the values of the university or specific program to which you’re applying. 

Take another look at the prompt and think about the aspects of the mission statement that resonate most deeply with you and why. Which questions are you looking to answer? What problems interest you most? What about McDonough’s approach to business education is most appealing? Reflecting on questions like these will help guide you as you begin to draft your response. 

While you certainly don’t need to address every single way that you could benefit from a degree in business, your motivation for applying to the program needs to go beyond your goal of getting a high paying consulting job after graduation. Wanting to have a successful post-grad career is a given, however focusing more on the intellectual value of the program will help you craft a successful response to this prompt and stand out from the pile. 

Perhaps you love data and consequently value McDonough’s emphasis on both ethics and analytics. Or maybe you’re interested in the unique global perspectives you could get at the McDonough school. Focus on aligning your current interests and experiences directly with the program’s unique set of values and educational opportunities. 

One tip to remember is that while the prompt asks you to discuss your motivations for studying business, be sure to tie your response into your major of interest and the specific resources that the McDonough school offers especially as they relate to the mission as outlined in the prompt.

Looking to learn more about undergraduate business programs across the states? Check out this post for a list of the top business programs in the country and their acceptance rates.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Georgetown University’s McDonough MBA Program: A Unique Experience in Washington DC

Georgetown University’s McDonough MBA program offers a distinctive global experience, thanks to its strategic location in the heart of Washington DC. Not only will you find yourself immersed in a culturally diverse community, but you will also have the opportunity to connect with various cultures through the program’s strong ties with the diplomatic community. The Georgetown Embassy Series frequently hosts internationally-focused events at various embassies in the city.

Another remarkable aspect of being a part of Georgetown is the chance to savor the beauty of its campus throughout your two-year MBA journey. Many first-time visitors are awestruck by the majestic Healy Hall, which stands as a welcoming symbol on campus. Overlooking the Potomac River, the hilltop campus offers breathtaking views that you can enjoy from the exclusive graduate student rooms in the school’s library.

KEY FEATURES – Georgetown McDonough MBA?

Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business is a top choice for many aspiring MBA candidates due to its unique features and commitment to holistic education.

Academic Excellence

Georgetown McDonough MBA program is known for its rigorous academic curriculum. Students are exposed to a diverse range of subjects, equipping them with a well-rounded understanding of business management.

MBA Curriculum

Georgetown McDonough’s MBA curriculum spans the fall and spring semesters of the first and second years of the program. Before commencing the first fall semester, students complete an opening term consisting of three courses: Leading Teams for Performance and Impact, Structure of Global Industries, and Accounting Fundamentals. As part of the core curriculum, students must complete 16 courses, which include subjects like Managerial Statistics, Firm Analysis and Strategy, Analytical Problem Solving, and Ethical Leadership. Additionally, Georgetown offers a vast array of over 70 elective courses, covering topics such as Negotiations, Applied Data Visualization, Corporate Social Responsibility, Strategic Pricing, and Game Theory.

Faculty Expertise

Georgetown University prides itself on having a faculty of accomplished experts in their respective fields, many of whom have industry experience. This ensures students receive practical insights in addition to theoretical knowledge.

Industry Engagement

The faculty actively engages with industry professionals, fostering a bridge between academia and the business world. This engagement results in valuable networking opportunities for students.

Experiential Learning Programs

Georgetown McDonough’s experiential learning program offers several ways for students to gain practical experience during their MBA journey. For example, students can participate in real estate investments through the Real Estate Clinic or complete an apprenticeship at a Venture Capital or Private Equity Firm through the Venture Fellows Program.

Research Centers

Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business hosts nine research centers and initiatives, including the Center for Business and Public Policy, the Women’s Leadership Institute, and the Global Business Initiative.

The Georgetown MBA Experience

Georgetown’s MBA curriculum promotes teamwork among students and professors through challenging courses, hands-on learning, and the case method. A rigorous core curriculum provides a global management framework with a focus on ethical leadership, essential for long-term professional success. Students can customize their education by selecting specialized electives and participating in intensive learning activities to enhance their professional skill set in today’s global marketplace.

Admission Deadlines

Application requirements.

To be eligible for the Georgetown MBA program, applicants must meet specific requirements, including:

• GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment scores (valid within the last five years)
• Cumulative GPA
• Academic transcripts listing course names and grades
• A diploma/degree certificate displaying the date of conferral
• An official grading scale of the academic institution
• TOEFL/IELTS scores for international applicants
• PTE score (minimum 68) for those taking the PTE

Application Documents

The application process includes several essential documents:

• Application Form
• Test scores
• Transcripts
• Recommendations
• Application Fee
• Interview (by invitation only)

Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, situated in the dynamic environment of Washington, DC, offers a close-knit, diverse, and intellectually curious MBA community. The application process for the 2023-2024 admissions season features revised essay options and includes a required video essay, as well as an optional essay. Let us discover the academic and career advantages of being a part of the Georgetown MBA community and explore the updated essay questions to make your application stand out. You are to attempt one of the essays.

Georgetown MBA Application Essay analysis for 2023-2024 can be found  here

Expert Tips for Success

Writing outstanding essays is essential for gaining admission to the Georgetown McDonough MBA program. Here are some expert tips:

Start Early

Begin your essay preparation well in advance. This allows time for brainstorming, drafting, and revising. Rushed essays seldom shine.

Show Alignment

Clearly demonstrate how a McDonough MBA is aligned with your career goals. Be specific about the resources, programs, and networks that attract you.

Be Authentic

Authenticity matters. Admissions committees appreciate candidates who are genuine and open about their experiences and aspirations.

In conclusion, Georgetown University’s McDonough MBA program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity, offering a rich global experience from its strategic location in Washington, DC. The program’s deep connections with the diplomatic community, beautiful campus, and extensive curriculum options make it a top choice for those seeking a diverse and enriching educational journey. Whether you’re interested in specializing in finance, marketing, or any other field, Georgetown offers a wide array of courses to shape your MBA experience. The experiential learning programs, research centers, and strong core curriculum all contribute to the program’s excellence. By choosing Georgetown, you’re not just pursuing an MBA; you’re embarking on a transformative journey that prepares you for success in a global marketplace.

1. Is Georgetown University’s McDonough MBA program only for U.S. residents?   No, the program welcomes students from all over the world. International applicants must meet specific requirements, including language proficiency, to ensure a successful academic journey.

2. How many elective courses can I choose from?   Georgetown offers over 70 elective courses, covering a wide range of subjects. You can choose electives that align with your interests and career goals.

3. Can I declare a major or concentration in the MBA program?   While it’s not mandatory, Georgetown allows students to select an academic area to shape their elective coursework.

4. Are there scholarships or financial aid options available?   Georgetown University provides various scholarships and financial aid opportunities for eligible candidates. Make sure to explore the options and apply for assistance as needed.

5. What is the application process for the Georgetown MBA program?   The application process involves submitting documents such as test scores, transcripts, essays, a resume, recommendations, and more. International applicants may have additional requirements, so it’s essential to review the application guidelines carefully.

6. What are the career prospects after completing the Georgetown MBA program?   Georgetown’s strong focus on ethical leadership and a well-rounded education equips graduates for success in a variety of industries and leadership roles. Alumni often find opportunities in government, public policy, finance, marketing, and many other fields.

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