essay writing topics for mba admission

MBA Essay Topics: What to Expect

While a school may change the wording of MBA prompts slightly every year, there are some common MBA essay topics that reoccur every application season. The MBA admission essay is a critical component of admission to business school, so preparing in advance by researching common MBA essay topics can give you an advantage.

Although all candidates must possess a winning combination of academic, personal, and professional achievements to get into grad school , MBA programs typically attract and accept students who have significant career experience. Therefore, your professional path is key to your admission to business school and should be emphasized in your application essays. In this article, we’ll look at 10 of the top business schools’ MBA essay topics, identify common themes that you can expect in any MBA essay prompt, and review some exemplary responses to help you prepare for this important part of MBA applications.

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Article Contents 13 min read

What purpose do mba essay topics serve.

MBA essay topics are meant to elicit what makes you the perfect candidate for an MBA and for the specific business program you are applying to. Your essay should convince the admissions committee that you have what it takes to be successful in an MBA program, based on personal, academic, and work experience, and that you are the right fit for the class. Whether you are writing an MBA personal statement , a statement of purpose, or another type of essay, your essay should tell the story of the steps you took to end up here. MBA essay topics also highlight the mission, core values, and priorities of the business school. Because business schools are all quite different, tailor your essay to emphasize the curricula and teaching approach that appeals to you in the school’s philosophy of business education and research. 

A Master of Business Administration is a highly sought-after credential. Admission to this challenging program is competitive, and the application process, like the MBA itself, is demanding. Business schools are seeking leaders, not followers, and the MBA essay is your opportunity to demonstrate how you measure up. The admissions committee will be keen to understand your background and aspirations and how you see yourself fitting in and contributing to the MBA program. Finally, they will be looking for proof of your self-assessment abilities and business acumen.

The key to acing MBA essay topics you encounter is to remember that everything you include in the essays must inevitably link back to the questions “Why MBA?” and “What makes you right for our MBA program?” We will discuss other important themes below, but as an MBA applicant, all your application components must in some way answer these important questions.

New MBA essay topics are typically published on business schools’ websites in May and June with their updated admissions requirements. However, as we already mentioned, many of the themes remain the same, even if the exact wording of the prompt changes. This is why you can start brainstorming and preparing for common essay topics long before you have to actually submit!

MBA programs may have rolling admissions or deadlines. Several business schools have three application rounds per year. The first round will be in September/October for admission in the fall semester of the following year; in other words, you are applying a full year before you hope to start the program, and your MBA essay is due when you submit your application.

What Format Do MBA Essay Topics Take?

There is a huge variety of formats your MBA essay may take. Some business schools require just an MBA letter of intent or personal statement, but most require one or more essays in different formats. MBA essay topics may be in written, multimedia, and/or video format. For example, John Molson School of Business requires a 500-word MBA statement of purpose and a video interview. Rotman School of Management asks that you include 1–3 images in your application based on their “spike factor”: life experiences that “demonstrate passion, grit, resilience, innovation, drive, ambition,” or other qualities. In addition to a 1,000-word essay, they require a 2-question video interview response with a timed 10-min. written response component. As part of their required essay package, NYU Stern asks you to describe yourself using their “Pick Six” method (six images with an introduction and corresponding captions in a PDF).

These divergent approaches underscore that you should research your preferred business schools carefully. You will see from our list of 10 of the top business schools’ MBA essay topics below that they are all quite different!

An MBA video essay or interview uses a third-party platform, such as Kira Talent , to enable you to introduce yourself and/or verbally respond to a prompt. It serves the same purpose as a written essay, but your answers must usually be much more concise. This requirement should not be mistaken for the interview extended by invitation only if the admissions committee decides to advance you in the application process! That is a separate step.

An MBA video essay, like an interview, is designed to assess your verbal communication skills as well as your ability to pitch yourself and think on your feet. It also helps the admissions committee evaluate how you might contribute to classroom discussions or teamwork. Kellogg Business School is one top b-school which requires an MBA video essay as part of its application.

Still working on your resume?

How Do I Submit my MBA Video Essay? 

Depending on the business school, you will record your video essay either via a link provided on the admissions page as part of the application requirements, or via a link sent to you after you submit your application. It is important to review the admissions page and make sure you understand the submission process.

The topics and instructions for video essays may appear on the admissions page, along with those for other required MBA essays, or they may only be provided once you access the link. In that case, there may be an option to test the platform and practice some questions before the actual recording. However, certain schools, such as Smith School of Business, present random questions in real time “designed to be answered without advance preparation … highlighting how quickly and concisely you can formulate an answer.”

You will be expected to complete any MBA video essay requirements independently, and your application will not be complete until you submit the video essay.

Required vs Optional MBA Essay Topics

With MBA essay topics, “required” vs “optional” also has diverse meanings! One essay topic may be required for first-time applicants, but it may be optional for reapplicants. Each business school may also have a different definition of a reapplicant. For example, if you applied to the MBA program within the last two years, you may be a reapplicant; however, if it has been three or more years, you may be considered a new applicant. It is essential to check which category you fit into and confirm the MBA essay topics and types that apply to you.

For reapplicants, the objective of an optional essay is usually to find out what you have done or what has changed (career moves, test scores) since your last application; in other words, why you are more worthy of admission now. Further, like many other graduate schools, MBA programs may provide the opportunity for applicants to explain any extenuating circumstances in an optional essay. In all cases, we recommend taking advantage of the optional essay to make your application stand out, unless doing so would go against the rules/requirements.

The following list outlines what you can expect in terms of essay requirements this year for admission to 10 top business schools in the United States and Canada. This list includes the name of the school and associated university/location as well as MBA essay topics, submission format, required length, and some examples of good responses.

You can also check out MBA essay questions and answers for Stanford Business School , Harvard Business School , Kellogg Business School (Northwestern U), Wharton School of Business (Pennsylvania U), Haas School of Business (California U), MIT Sloan, Yale, and Columbia.  

1. UCLA Anderson School of Management

University of California Los Angeles

The themes and topics covered by these prompts are extremely common in all types of admissions essays, including  law school essay prompts , medical school secondary essay prompts, and other graduate admissions. Keep these topics in mind as you go through other schools\u2019 prompts, as they are sure to reappear. ","label":"What are you really being asked here?","title":"What are you really being asked here?"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

2. Chicago Booth

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business

Notice that Booth wants to see what exactly attracts you to their program and why they would be a good fit with your goals. Schools often want to know why you chose them specifically. Did you do your research? Or are you applying blindly? For example, Booth has The Chicago Approach, which refers to a framework developed in-house by pioneering faculty in the 1950s\u201360s and which continues to evolve and inform their educational direction. This multidisciplinary framework, integrating economics, accounting, sociology, statistics, and psychology, aims to teach students how to think analytically to \u201cdefine problems, ask better questions, and develop better solutions.\u201d ","label":"What are you really being asked here?","title":"What are you really being asked here?"}]" code="tab2" template="BlogArticle">

Example for Essay Topic 1: “How will a Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals?”

Eight years ago, after earning my M.S. in Business Analytics from Franklin University, I partnered with two alumni in a startup venture. TechCapital’s mission is to assess technology needs of companies looking to retrofit their older plants. We act as an intermediary between investors and companies to structure, implement, and manage the retrofitting contract. Our unique business model has proven to be highly successful, and we guarantee significant ROI once operations begin.

Columbus, Ohio, has since come to be known as the Midwest’s “tech capital.” Recent investment in startups is booming. We launched three newly retrofitted enterprises, all representative of key industries: advanced manufacturing, logistics, and insurance. Moreover, we have tripled in size and expanded our core departments: consulting, business analytics, and contracting. Sensing that we are at the cusp of real growth, I know the time is right to step up my game.

With its reputation for innovation, impactful research, and transformative knowledge, the prestigious Booth Weekend MBA Program is my first choice for fulfilling a lifelong ambition. I certainly fit the profile of a high-potential professional seeking to rise to the next level. The Chicago Approach aligns perfectly with my analytical sensibility, as confirmed by attendance at several Roundtables and Student Panels. I am eager to learn from talented peers and an exceptional faculty. Finally, I look forward to building my professional network and ultimately establishing a second TechCapital in Chicago to share lessons learned and implement the novel, creative, and sustainable business solutions our company has pursued.

Check out more Chicago Booth MBA essay examples !

University of Virginia

Notice that Darden wants to see authentic responses based on your own perspective and experiences. They note, \u201cHow you choose to answer a particular question is often as insightful as what you choose to write about.\u201d They will be looking for evidence that their specific approach resonates with you and that you have a clear idea of what you will contribute as a unique individual. Known for its practical application of business knowledge based on research, Darden emphasizes learning by doing. So, they also expect a \u201cshow, don\u2019t tell\u201d approach to their essays, which is a good general strategy for writing most types of admissions essays. ","label":"What are you really being asked about?","title":"What are you really being asked about?"}]" code="tab3" template="BlogArticle">

Example for Essay Topic 2: “Please describe a tangible example that illuminates your experience promoting an inclusive environment and what you would bring to creating an inclusive global community at Darden.”

My first small business experience taught me valuable lessons about customer service and marketing but also about leadership and learning style. I hope to be able to share these insights with my peers at Darden.

To pay for my college tuition, I used to offer summer art classes in my backyard to neighborhood kids. I later expanded my activities by renting a small studio space. Yet, when my students went back to school, my client base shrank. To cover the rent, I offered a seniors’ promotion, and soon every hour not dedicated to my own studies was spent in the studio. It wasn’t an immediate success, however. My students weren’t happy!

In time, I got my answer. One student, expecting a lecture style as value for money, complained, “That’s not teaching.” Another contradicted them, saying, “You’re just telling, not showing.” Someone else said, “This project hurts my hands too much.”

With the kids, I recognized that they all had different needs, based on their ages, abilities, and interests, but I had assumed that my seniors would be a homogenous group. How wrong I was! To be successful, I had to address their different learning styles and expectations as well as any issues with vision, hearing, or fine-motor skills. I had to adapt my approach to each person while still presenting a coherent lesson. I had to recognize that even with adults, there is no single, correct approach.

I do have a passion for engaging with people, and I am a problem-solver by nature, but today, I take the time to better understand others’ perspectives. As a student at Darden, I will seek to connect with my peers and facilitate knowledge sharing. Perhaps most importantly, I will be prepared to challenge preconceptions and help others see things through someone else’s eyes.

4. Desautels

McGill University Desautels Faculty of Management

Desautels describes its business education as non-traditional and professes to recognize the diverse skillset, vision, and range of backgrounds of its applicants. As flexible specializations are offered to allow you to customize your degree, your essays should also reflect a clear sense of your own direction and objectives. Skills taught at Desautels that may differ from other MBA programs include financial technology, data analysis, AI, and design thinking. ","label":"What are they really asking for?","title":"What are they really asking for?"}]" code="tab4" template="BlogArticle">

Duke Fuqua School of Business, Duke University

For all business schools, the importance of an MBA essay should not be underestimated, yet Fuqua\u2019s requirements are extensive and specific. It is important to note the different word limits and details for each type of essay. For example, the first short-answer question is intended to be concise and informative, with a strong message. The second text is intended to be a list, not a dissertation; it should emphasize those experiences that you consider the most relevant, while respecting the word count and page limit. The third should focus on what you know about Fuqua and how you envision enriching the school. Given the range of formats, each essay necessarily showcases your writing skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow directions. The overall result should impress the admissions committee with your knowledge of the school and of yourself. ","label":"What are they really asking?","title":"What are they really asking?"}]" code="tab5" template="BlogArticle">

Example for Essay Topic 2: “25 Random Things” (10 Prompts to Get You Started)

• If I could live anywhere in the world, I’d live _______.
• If money was no object, I’d _______.
• If I were to teach any subject, it would be _______.
• If I could only read one book for the rest of my life, it would be _______.
• I’d love to open a shop that sells _______.
• I am most proud of _______.
• I won an award for _______.
• If I could start a foundation, I would aim to help _______.
• The first paper I ever wrote was on _______.
• If I could accomplish just one thing in life, it would be _______.

University of Western Ontario

By these essay topic choices, Ivey is seeking evidence of your character, qualifications, and experience. They are interested in diversity, initiative, and leadership. They wish to discern how the school and MBA program will complement your immediate plans and how well you can elaborate your ambitions. They are also looking for evidence that you have thoroughly researched the school by getting involved in its activities and events for applicants. ","label":"What are they really asking?","title":"What are they really asking?"}]" code="tab6" template="BlogArticle">

Example for Essay Topic 2: Decision “Tell us about a challenge you have faced in your life, and what lessons you learned from it.”  

Our firm recently went through a merger, and a major challenge was to agree on production restructuring. While our plant included a range of manufacturing processes, the other firm’s three plants were specialized. To address the bottleneck, I met with the director of that company and key personnel. It soon became clear that what was needed was not a complete reorganization of the infrastructure but rather, a creative restructuring of teams. We took advantage of the change to close one floor in our plant that had aging equipment and reorganize the warehouse. In the process, we added a fourth production facility, turned the defunct production floor into office and meeting spaces, expanded the cafeteria, and reclaimed the yard for a staff garden. We also created an innovation hub to regroup senior technicians from each firm and interns from local schools. While this represented a massive challenge, respectful, open communication between the two management teams with input from staff at all levels enabled buy-in and consensus. In fact, the process seemed to energize the new firm. Although initially resistant, the employees recognized the benefits: a safer, cleaner, more pleasant work environment with efficient equipment. This experience was formative for me in terms of conflict mediation. It also showed me that value can be generated from potentially negative circumstances. The new firm has surpassed all its targets, and our HR team can hardly keep up with response to our job postings.

Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

By these essay topic choices, Ross is looking for concise, powerful statements that accurately and honestly describe your character and skills. As none of these essays is more than 150 words, it is essential to present the most significant experiences from your background that are the most relevant in the context of this business school.  ","label":"What are they really asking?","title":"What are they really asking?"}]" code="tab7" template="BlogArticle">

Example for Essay Topic 3: “Pick one thing from your resume and tell us more.”

My internship with Agrivesta was memorable. With my interest and experience in organic farming, I felt prepared for my role as assistant production manager in this small local startup. However, a major flood changed everything. Suddenly, I had to assume management responsibilities to help coordinate the emergency response and insurance claims. All of us had to pitch in and think on our feet to arrange vet care and alternative shelter for animals. We moved the store to safely sell off produce and maintain the revenue stream. This experience showed me that I can handle pressure, take responsibility, and act autonomously.

New York University

As part of a sprawling city and large university, NYU Stern offers its MBA students a distinct image and a range of degree options, including specializations such as the Tech MBA and Fashion & Luxury MBA. It also offers dual degrees: the JD\/MBA, MD\/MBA, MFA\/MBA, and many others. As part of your responses to the essay topics, it would be important to discuss both sides when applying to one of these unique options not offered elsewhere. ","label":"What are they really asking?","title":"What are they really asking?"}]" code="tab8" template="BlogArticle">

Examples for Essay Topic: “Change _________ it.”

• Change: Dare it.
• Change: Dream it.
• Change: Drive it.
• Change: Empower it.
• Change: Manifest it.
• Change: [Any word of your choice] it.

Preparing for your MBA interview? Check this out:

9. Tepper School of Business

Carnegie Mellon University

Tepper is looking for evidence of how you can personally contribute to the business school\u2019s mission, values, and diversity. To assess this, they are seeking original stories, evidence of recent advancement, and the ability to overcome setbacks. Their STEM-designated program incorporates management science with expertise in technology, engineering, and mathematics. Therefore, your MBA essay responses should balance your understanding and appreciation of the school culture and your facility in the focus subject areas. ","label":"What are they really asking for?","title":"What are they really asking for?"}]" code="tab9" template="BlogArticle">

Example for Required Reapplicant Essay Topic: “Explain how your candidacy has strengthened since your last application.”

I applied to the full-time MBA at Tepper School of Business two years ago, but unfortunately, I was not accepted. In seeking feedback from Tepper’s admissions services, I learned that my work experience was not considered extensive enough and that my TOEFL and IELTS scores were too low. While my speaking skills are strong, I struggled with the written component, as my studies were undertaken in Spanish in my native Bogotá, Columbia. I believe a related issue was my decision to take both the TOEFL and IELTS, to meet the requirements of my three preferred MBA programs in the United States. Although I prepared extensively for these two exams, without exposure to much specialized vocabulary in my work environment, I had few opportunities to apply my knowledge or practice my skills. Further, I realize now that I rushed the application process due to my excitement at obtaining my F-1 student visa. Nine months did not allow me enough time to adequately prepare both exams as well as fulfil all the other requirements and maintain my performance in my high-level position in human resources.

However, in the meantime, I was accepted to the MBA program at Universidad de los Andes and have just completed my third part-time semester. I was also promoted to the position of assistant director of our firm’s Bogotá branch after three years as an HR associate and four years as department manager. Last summer, I was offered a two-month internship at our sister office in Pittsburgh to engage in the joint exercise of reconciling our reporting, data management, SOP documentation, and other protocols to be able to expand our international market. This immersion experience, which involved considerable translation between Spanish and English alongside bilingual peers, was exactly what I needed to bring both my written and spoken English up to a professional level. In fact, my recent TOEFL score was 105. My IELTS scores were an especially gratifying personal best: Listening: 9, Reading: 7, Writing: 8, Speaking: 9. In writing, I gained a full 3 points.

I have therefore decided to reapply for the Tepper MBA but in the part-time online hybrid stream. I believe this to be a reasonable choice, given my advancement and responsibilities at our firm. The recent rapprochement of our offices in the two countries means that I will be able to travel freely between them. I know that the excellent leadership and analytical training I will receive at Tepper in its STEM-designated MBA will enable me to streamline the Pittsburgh office and develop our Bogotá branch to an unprecedented high level. In fact, our management science-based approach is what sets our HR services apart in that city, and this is precisely why I have returned to re-apply to Tepper—and only Tepper—as it is the ideal environment in which to advance my leadership skills as a new director and ensure that our firm has access to the most advanced business analysis available. Finally, and most importantly, I believe my persistence demonstrates my commitment to and interest in the school as well as my ambition. I am certain my contribution, enriched by recent experiences, will be significant, both academically and among the international student body.

Dartmouth College

Tuck emphasizes both individual and team-based learning in an experiential setting. This business school offers training in specialized skills and knowledge, along with social skills focused on emotional intelligence and self-awareness to support leadership development. With an MBA student population made up of 45% women and 43% international students, the school is highly diverse and seeks to understand through its essay topics how individualism and collaboration will inform your contribution. ","label":"What are they really asking?","title":"What are they really asking?"}]" code="tab10" template="BlogArticle">

Want to see more MBA essay examples from top business schools?

• Wharton MBA essay examples
• Columbia MBA essay examples
• Yale MBA essay examples
• Kellogg MBA essay examples
• Haas essay examples
• Kelley MBA essay examples
• Cornell MBA essay examples
• Stanford MBA personal statement examples

An MBA essay is intended to show the admissions committee why you are a perfect candidate for MBA and their program specifically. It also serves to introduce you and complement your application by providing additional information about your background, career experience, aptitude to succeed in a challenging MBA program, business acumen, and motivation. 

Certain business schools tend to change their MBA essay topics each year, while others use the same or similar topics to the previous year. The business school may seek to compare applicants to the previous cohort or focus on current priorities that match their unique philosophy of business education and research.

MBA essay topics are usually announced in May and June for applications starting in the fall for the following academic year.

You can start any time to research business schools, look at the types of MBA essay topics they post, visit the campus, attend events, make inquiries, connect with alumni, make notes, and write drafts. Then, when the topic is announced, you will be ready to write your MBA essay. Give yourself around 6–8 weeks to finalize your essays.

MBA essay topics may be presented as a letter of intent, personal statement, written essay, short answer questions, multimedia presentation, or video essay. One or more essays may be required in different formats. A wide range of formats is used by different business schools.

An MBA video essay is different from an interview, but it may take the form of responses to interview-type questions, such as “tell us about yourself” or “ why do you want to pursue an MBA ?”. It should not be mistaken for the by invitation only interview, which is a separate step. Some MBA video essay topics are proposed in advance in the admissions requirements, while others may be presented via a platform as random questions to which you must respond in real time.

The MBA video essay is part of the application package and must be submitted when you apply or via a link sent to you shortly after you apply.

If you are a reapplicant or have extenuating circumstances, the MBA optional essay will be required. We recommend taking advantage of the optional essay to make your application stand out, unless the instructions state otherwise.

Many applicants wonder if admissions consulting is worth considering. It certainly is, especially if you are unsure how to tackle your MBA essay topics. Your MBA essay is one of the most important components of your application because your admission depends on your career experience, not just your grades. An MBA essay consultant can help you craft a strong written response to your MBA essay topics and prepare for the MBA video essay.

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20 Great MBA Application Essay Samples (With Links)

Want to ace your MBA application? A stellar essay can be your golden ticket.

With elite business schools like Harvard and Stanford boasting acceptance rates as low as 10% and 6% respectively, every aspect of your application counts. While GPA and GMAT scores matter, your essay can be a game-changer. Recognizing its weight, we’ve gathered top-notch MBA essay samples, endorsed by admission committees from premier institutions. Dive in and let’s craft that standout application!

What is an MBA Application Essay?

An MBA application essay is a detailed write-up about your personal and professional goals and aspirations. It also explains how the MBA program will help you attain your objectives for the future. Your essay is your one shot to convince the admission committee to consider you for the initial interview.

What Admission Committee Look for in an MBA Essay?

• Academic ability
• Impressive work experience
• Career Course
• Authenticity of goals
• Competencies, leadership , dedication, challenges, and growth
• The right reason for pursuing an MBA
• Your compatibility with the culture in which the program is being offered

If you want to learn more, here is the complete guide on how admission committees process MBA applications.

20 Great MBA Applications Essays Samples

Now you have known that what makes a great MBA admission essay, the next step is to write one for yourself. Before writing, check out this list of expert-vetted MBA application essays that secured admissions to top-rated business schools in the world. Admission consultants have shared these samples and they can be helpful if you read and analyze them carefully. If you’re completely unsure about how to get started, there are also custom essay writing services that can help you structure your essay with the help of professional editors.

Sample 1: Leadership-focused MBA application essay

This sample is particularly focused on leadership traits. If your essay is about explaining your leadership quality experience, this sample is right up your alley. The best thing about the essay is that it is written in a simple, engaging, and humorous style. It defines a great experience in a very conversational style.

Sample 2: Self-focused MBA application essay 

If you are asked to write about your strengths, weaknesses, aims, and goals in your application essay, this sample will help you. The applicant who wrote this got accepted to the INSEAD business school. It doesn’t merely describe her strengths and weaknesses, but it presents a complete picture of herself as a person. It highlighted the events and incidents that shaped her personality.

Sample 3: Life-hardships-focused MBA application essay

If you want to explain your life’s hardships and the events that turned you into an ambitious person, this sample is for you. In this application essay, the candidate has defined three phases of his life and how he survived through each adversity. He beautifully explained why the MBA program is important to his future.

Sample 4: Continuous growth and learning-focused MBA application essay

This essay was submitted to Harvard Business School. The best thing about this piece is that the writer has explained her learning and professional development journey in a very sequential and engaging manner, which is truly admirable. A useful thing to remember about the MBA essays included in this list is that you can merge them into a single printable and perfectly formatted file with Sodapdf or another PDF editor. Having all of them stored in a single PDF is going to be quite helpful when it’s time to write your piece. But guess what? There are more examples to explore below, so let’s keep going…

Sample 5: Best MBA application essay for low scorers

Have a low GPA? What would you write about academics in an MBA essay to convince the admission committee? Do not overthink! MBA essay is not all about high achievements and sterling background. It is also an opportunity to atone for your past mistakes. This MBA essay was written by a student who obtained very low academic grades, yet got admitted to her desired business school. Her turning point? A powerful application essay.

Sample 6: A guitarist’s application essay for the MBA program

Suppose you are ambitious in a skill or profession that has nothing to do with the MBA program, yet you need the degree for certain reasons. How would you showcase that irrelevant skill in your MBA application essay? This sample essay will show how you how. A guitarist who got selected for the MBA program wrote this one. The applicant has intelligently defined his passion for guitar as a way of developing discipline, determination, leadership, and success. He explained how his passion affected his academics and how the guitar helped him cope with the challenges.

Sample 7: An engineer’s essay for MBA application

If you come from a technical or engineering background and have the ambition to pursue an MBA degree to boost your engineering career, this sample essay will help pave the way for you. This essay was submitted by a mechanical engineer to Harvard Business School. The writer explained how his engineering experience motivated him to pursue an MBA and how the program is important to his long-term goals.

Sample 8: Harvard Business School MBA essay

This essay was written by a candidate who got accepted to Harvard Business School. Check it out to know what the prestigious academic institution looks for in your essay.

Sample 9: Wharton Business School MBA essay

This essay has been honored as one of the best MBA essays ever received by the Wharton Business School in Pennsylvania. Check out the structure, organization, and flow, and adapt the same to your essay.

Sample 10: Columbia Business School MBA essay

The Columbia Business School’s admission committee shared this MBA essay. They explained why the applicant who wrote this was instantly accepted to the program and why they appreciated its content.

Sample 11: Stanford Graduate School of Business MBA essay

This essay was written by a candidate who got accepted to Stanford Business School for an MBA. If you are aiming to get your MBA at Stanford, this sample will give you a deep understanding of what convinces the esteemed school’s admission committee to accept applicants into their fold.

Sample 12: University of California Business School MBA essay

This sample was taken from a pool of successful MBA application essays submitted to the University of California business school. Read it carefully and analyze its structure, words, and substance before you compose your own fantastic MBA essay.

Sample 13: University of OXFORD business school MBA essay

If Oxford Business School is your target destiny for earning your MBA, then check out this outstanding application essay. The person who wrote it managed to grab the admission committee member’s attention.

Sample 14: London Business School MBA essay

This essay was written by a candidate who got accepted to the London Business School. The school’s admission consultant shared this sample as a reference to other MBA aspirants. This piece will specifically help you understand the tone, writing style, formatting, and overall flow of the MBA application essay that meets the school’s standards.

Sample 15: A goal-oriented MBA application essay

Sometimes the MBA admission portal may demand an essay specifically focused on your future goals. In such a case, you must be very sure about yourself and must convey your goals and future directions based on your experiences and planning. Check out this sample to get an idea of how a successful candidate writes about personal goals.

Sample 16: Executive MBA essay

This successful MBA application essay was submitted to the MIT Sloan Executive MBA Program. EMBA essay requires you to show strong potential, impact, leadership, and the ultimate need for the program. Read this essay if EMBA is on your horizon.

Sample 17: MBA video essay

Many business schools are turning to video-based essays for MBA applications. A video-based essay is a better option to express yourself directly to the admission committee. A successful candidate for the Kellogg School of Management submitted this sample. Listen to the video and appreciate how beautifully the applicant has explained his journey from beginning to end. Want to learn more about video MBA essays? Here is a complete guide.

Sample 18: Short-answer-based MBA application essay

Some business schools require candidates to respond to short questions to get insights into their personalities and suitability for the MBA program. More or less, most of the questions revolve around the same theme. The key to success is to grasp the intention of the admission committee behind the questions and to stick to your identity . These successful answers submitted to the Tepper School of Business will help you in formulating your answers.

Sample 19: MIT Sloan School of Management

This essay was submitted by a successful candidate for the MIT Sloan School of Management MBA program. See how this applicant smartly answered the essay questions.

Sample 20:  Michigan Ross School of Business MBA program

The Michigan Ross Business School asks a diverse range of questions from candidates to analyze their competencies from multiple perspectives. If Michigan Ross is where you intend to get your MBA, this essay submitted by a candidate who got admitted to the school’s MBA program will help keep you on track.

What Should be Included in the MBA Application Essay?

• Your background: What shaped you into what you are now? Including ethnicity, obstacles, and struggles.
• Self-reflection: Your values, characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Your goals : How do you envision your future?
• Aspirations: Why MBA is important to you and how this program will help you in shaping your future?
• Justification: If you have low academic grades, explain the reasons you did not do well and what you learned from it.
• Experience and achievements: What have you achieved so far?

These are the significant components of an MBA essay. Just adjust the sequence, play with words, and come up with a persuasive yet realistic picture of yourself.

What Makes a Great MBA Application Essay?

• Be school-specific. Explain why you are passionate about the MBA program of the school to which you’re applying.
• Avoid edition. Write simply and engagingly. Let the reader read a meaningful story about you.
• Make it 100% typo-free. Grammatical errors and typos will ruin your essay. Apply standard essay format and structure guidelines , scan your piece several times for errors, get it reviewed by an expert, and present a very professional piece to the admission committee.
• Be original. Do not copy-paste from any source. Strictly follow plagiarism guidelines.
• Write an overwhelming introduction to urge the reader to keep reading and conclude your essay with a strong declaration.
• Be authentic. Write what you are, not what the committee wants to read.
• Be concise, as many schools impose a limit on the essay word count .

Do you want more tips? Here is a complete guide to writing a compelling MBA application essay.

The application essay is a core part of the admission process in the increasingly competitive MBA program. If you do not want to miss the chance of getting selected, you need to know what will make your essay stand out . The expert-vetted list of MBA application essay samples we cited here worked for the top business schools. Learn them by heart, and who knows, it may work for you too. Put your other activities aside, read and analyze the list carefully, and start writing your MBA essay to land in your dream business school.

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How to write powerful MBA essays that actually work

Candidates often wonder what it takes to write strong MBA essays that work. It can be a scary and confusing process. Let’s try to figure out a step-by-step process to write a great MBA essay.

For many of us, writing an essay brings back memories of a hot, stuffy classroom on a sleepy summer afternoon, a strict English teacher keeping watch with hawk-like eyes, a mostly blank sheet of paper with the words “My Best Friend” written on top.

And in the middle of it all, you looking desperately at your friend seated next to you, hoping for some inspiration to strike. Or at the very least, for the school bell to strike, lest the English teacher see your as-yet blank sheet of paper and strike first.

In other words, you think of essays as boring. Perhaps even traumatizing, depending on how strict your English teacher was, and how inspiring your best friend was.

We’re here to tell you that that’s not what an essay should be.

An essay should be educating, entertaining, inspiring, thrilling, humorous, and heartbreaking.

Basically, anything but boring.

So if you’re writing boring essays, or if you think essays are boring, you’re doing them wrong.

What is the purpose of writing an MBA essay?

Everybody has seen The Wolf of Wall Street . Remember that famous scene where Leonardo di Caprio pulls out a pen from his coat pocket and tries to sell it to a spellbound, captivated audience hanging on to every word of his?

That’s how an essay should be.

Instead of the pen, you’re trying to sell your story. Your audience is the MBA admissions committee of your dream B-school, and at stake is your MBA dream.

But first, a word of caution – channelling your inner wolf of Wall Street does not mean that you throw form and formality to the wind. This is a B-school, and you’re still expected to wear a suit and tie.

An essay could be like a piece of classical music with multiple layers that merge seeamlessly. Or it could be like hip-hop with a catchy vibe and an impactful message.

But if you can demonstrate that you possess an aesthetic palette eclectic enough to accommodate both Beethoven and Busta Rhymes, that is impressive.

If however, you’re more of a Bollywood and Bhangra person with no appreciation or flair for classical music or hip-hop, you can still write a rocking MBA essay.

The point being, there’s no formula to create successful MBA essays. But you can still improve your odds of creating an essay that you’re proud of, if you follow these simple tips.

Here are 6 steps to writing an impressive MBA essay.

• Start early
• Understand the MBA essay prompts
• Demonstrate your fit with the MBA program
• Stick to the word count
• Add a little X factor to it
• Get someone to look over your essay

Let’s delve into each of them to understand the finer nuances.

How to write powerful MBA essays

1. start early.

Writing takes time. A slow cooked dish brings out the flavors of the food being cooked by allowing the spices to percolate, the aromas to emerge, and the textures to develop.

It’s the same with writing.

You need to let the thoughts in your head marinate on low simmer for days for them to develop into well-formed sentences that will delight your reader. Even if you think you’ve got it all sorted out in your head, putting it on paper is a different challenge altogether.

You’ll need a few days of contemplation to come up with points you want to put in. Jot these down as they strike you. Next, brainstorm with friends, foes, family – anyone willing to provide feedback, and whose judgement you trust.

Next, organize your ideas in a structured framework. What this means, in plain English, is that you need to be able to weave your ideas into a story your readers would love.

No, you don’t need a degree in creative writing to be able to do that.

It’s actually pretty simple. Every story has 3 parts – a beginning, a middle, and an end. In theater and film-making jargon, this is called the 3-act structure.

Act 1 is the set-up.

This is where we get to meet the protagonist (you!), and what is called the “inciting incident”, which is something that incites our protagonist into action. ( the need to do an MBA/ get into your dream B-school)

At this point, the stage is set for an exciting journey. The reader is now expecting an adventure of Tolkien-esque proportions. ( we’re kidding, this is an MBA application, not the Lord of the Rings)

Act 2 is the conflict

This is where our protagonist runs into challenges and obstacles. Their attempt to overcome these is the beating heart of the story. It’s the action that the reader started reading the story for, in the first place.

In your MBA essay, this is where you explain why you want to do an MBA, and why specifically from the B-school you are applying to, and how this will help you in achieving your career goals.

Act 3 is the resolution

This is the happy ending of the story. This is where you tie all the lose ends together, and the reader realizes that the protagonist has been transformed by the quest.

Remember that the journey from act 1 to act 3 is not any series of random actions strung together – it needs to be transformative. At the end of the story both the protagonist and the reader of the story get a sense of a change that has happened.

In the case of MBA essay, what this means is that your essay should convey a clear sense of how the MBA (and only this particular MBA from this particular school) will help you overcome the challenges you foresee in your career, and will thus be transformative.

Also keep in mind, that while it is important for your essay to be engaging, this does not mean by any stretch of imagination, that you invent incidents merely to spice things up. Always state facts and facts only.

Remember, facts are stranger than fiction, and the simplest stories are the most beautiful The novelist John Updike once said that the purpose of art is to give the mundane its beautiful due.

Any story can be made beautiful and exciting with the 3-step act. The journey of the caterpillar from egg to butterfly is a classic 3-step act.

There is no need to go chasing fantastic beasts and inventing imaginary islands; all the magic ingredients you need to write that rockstar MBA essay are already within you in the form of your own unique and wonderful life journey. Let the world hear it.

In the interest of time, some applicants may be tempted to use ChatGPT to write their MBA essays. Find out what should and shouldn’t be done if you are planning to use it, here .

2. Understand the MBA essay prompts

Most things in life come with user manuals. It’s the same with B-school essays.

Your school will usually provide instructions of what kind of essays they want, and what they are looking for in an essay. Make sure you follow these instructions to a T.

For instance, some B-schools might want one long essay, while others might want two to three shorter essays.

Often the essay would come with a question, or an essay statement, such as “state your short-term and long-term career goals, or “why do you want to pursue an MBA at this particular stage in your career”, and so on.

Pay close attention to what is being asked as what you write will depend on the question.

Unfortunately, most of us have a habit of tossing the user manual into trash unopened, and then call customer care when we can’t figure out how to operate the washing machine. Let this not be the case with your MBA essay.

Here’s an introduction to the most commonly used MBA essay questions

Why MBA now? MBA Essay question: Why this school? Long-term and short-term career goals essay Leadership in MBA essays Optional MBA essays – Career failure essay – career break , education gap, low GPA or any other aspects.

3. Demonstrate your fit with the MBA program

This is an exercise you need to perform as much for your own benefit, as for the admission committee’s. First and foremost, convince yourself that the particular MBA program is exactly what you need to meet your career goals.

Because MBAs are expensive, and confirmation bias is real.

Just because someone put it into our heads when we were 16 that xyz is a great B-school, it is entirely possible that we will psych ourselves into believing that this school is the perfect fit for us, even if it is not.

Then, at the other end of the spectrum are the cases where we just want to get into any B-school at all, and never really give a good thought into why we want to do an MBA.

If you’ve got USD 150,000 lying around the house, and all you want is to make more money, you’d be better off opening a post office savings account and living off the 7.5% interest you get on it.

An MBA is a different beast. It’ll take from you not just your money, but also two years off the prime of your life, a lot of energy (read pulling off all-nighters trying to crack case studies and making presentations), and time spent away from your loved ones.

If you’re going to be investing all this into an MBA, you need to be very sure of two things – why you want to do an MBA, and why you want to do it from the particular school you are applying to.

Once you have it all figured out, put it down in your MBA application. Remember, if you’re not convinced yourself, you will most certainly not be able to convince the admissions committee either.

Our MBA MAP process is a helpful tool used by many applicants to select the right business schools.

Read this: – How to write business school specific MBA essays – How to evaluate ‘Fit’ with MBA program

4. Stick to the word count

There’s an old bit of Jewish wisdom which says that a proverb has 3 characteristics – few words, good sense, and a fine image.

While the adage may be about proverbs, it is the hallmark of all good writing.

There’s a reason people remember proverbs but forget stories. Proverbs speak to us less with words, and more with sense and images.

Word counts exist for a reason. One of which, of course, is that admissions committees have to wade through a ton of applications, and their time is limited.

But, equally importantly, a word count tests your ability to communicate ideas effectively. If you can’t get your message across in a 1000 words, you definitely will not get it across in 10,000.

And a good manager is nothing if not a good communicator. So take the word count of your essay as another test that you must pass on your way to your dream B-school.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you obsessively start counting words after every sentence you type. A margin of (+/-) 5% to 10% is acceptable in most cases.

But even if the b-school’s online application form does not enforce a hard cut-off, we’d recommend erring on the conservative side and staying below the word count.

Try to fit in all you need to say within this. You really don’t need anything more than that to tell your story. You’re writing an essay, not an autobiography.

Oscar Wilde famously said that brevity is the soul of wit, and we have since come to accept that brevity is pretty much the soul of most forms of communication, MBA essays included. Be frugal with your words and fathomless in your meaning.

Read: How important is the word count for MBA essays

5. Add a little X factor to it

This one is a little difficult to pin down, since what this X factor means will differ from one candidate to another.

That little magic dust that you sprinkle on your application to make it stand out from the crowd.

This become more important when you’re fighting in very competitive applicant pools and your resume doesn’t have much that automatically grabs the admission officer’s attention.

Here are some examples of what you can look at.

A small aspect of your life-story that you may have overlooked could provide that X factor that converts a regular story into a memorable masterpiece.

Or it could be related to your extracurricular activities where you achieved or experienced something remarkable.

Or it could be your unique writing style, or the way you use analogies to bring your ideas to life.

With the right, structured introspection, you’ll find that there are several avenues to highlight that makes the essays unmistakably reflect the real you.

This is one of the reasons we strongly discourage MBA applicants from using sample MBA essays that worked for others.

At first glance, they may look impressive to a new applicant, but they weren’t designed for recycling.

Using sample MBA essays will kill the uniqueness of your essays and consequently the crucial X factor.

Read why sample MBA essays don’t work .

Before we share our 6th and final tip, let’s first delve a little into the reasons we kept it for the end.

Despite their best efforts, even the strongest applicants tend to make mistakes in their application. We invited a special guest from a top school to list them down.

Top 5 mistakes to avoid while writing MBA essays

By rebecca loades, director, career accelerator programs, esmt berlin.

Unfortunately, the following 5 mistakes are all too common:

• Not being authentic . No matter how qualified you may be on paper, authenticity counts. The biggest mistake we see is when applicants tell us what they think we want to hear, rather than showing us who they actually are.
• Not answering the question or going beyond the word count . There’s a reason we ask the questions we do and limit the word count. Ignoring the prompt makes you stand out for the wrong reasons
• Not trying . You might have stellar credentials and a super high test score but that doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a place. Being successful in an MBA program requires more than pure academics. The essays are where you can help us see beyond your CV so that we get a sense of you, the unique perspective you will bring, and what you want to achieve.
• Spelling and grammar errors . Spellcheck is there for a reason, use it! Ditto for making sure that you’ve spelled the school’s name properly and/or are calling us by our name vs the last business school you applied to.

  With that context, it becomes apparent why this final tip is so important.  

6. Get someone to look over your essay

Once you’re done writing, take a break and get some one you trust to have a look at your essay.

Having a fresh set of eyes go over your writing is always helpful. This is the reason why editors even exist.

Even the most gifted writers – the madcap literary geniuses and the Nobel Prize winners – relied on editors to polish their rough drafts into the enduring literary classics we know them as today.

The thing with writing is that when you’ve been living with the ideas in your head for so long, and then you begin the long, slow, painful process of putting those ideas on paper, you become just too familiar with them to be your own critic.

Those words have been a part of you for so long, you can no longer tell whether they’re good or bad.

It’s like how when we stare at a screen too long without blinking we begin to see the fine pixels and dots that make up the picture, but lose sight of the picture itself?

That sort of a thing.

A good editor can make that draft shine like a lapidary polishes a rough diamond to brilliance.

A “good editor” does not mean you need to get in touch with the New York Times to ask if they can loan out their literary editor for a day.

Here’s a candidate who got a USA MBA admit despite a big mistake in application .

A friend or a mentor with the experience and knowledge of the admissions process can help.

If you don’t have anyone like that in your life, and if all this sounds a little overwhelming, consider hiring a good MBA application consultant .

MBA Crystal Ball has highly experienced admission consultants who can help you polish your application. Read more about our MBA essay editing services .

Drop us an email when you’re ready: info [at] mbacrystalball [dot] com

That’s all folks. Make sure you follow these steps, and we’re confident that you will be able to write an amazing MBA essay that with the potential to impress the admissions committee and to get you that elite MBA seat that could change your life.   Also read: – Top MBA application tips – Sample Harvard Stanford MBA essays using ChatGPT

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20 Must-Read MBA Essay Tips

Business school admissions committees care about more than (just) your  GMAT scores and GPA —they want to know who you are and why you belong in their program . Your MBA essays are your best chance to sell the person behind the résumé. They should tie all the pieces of your business school application together and create a comprehensive picture of who you are, what you've done, and what you bring to the table.  Here's a roundup of our best MBA essay tips to keep in mind as you begin to write.

How to Write an Unforgettable B-School Essay

1. communicate that you are a proactive, can-do sort of person..

Business schools want leaders, not applicants content with following the herd.

2. Put yourself on ego-alert.

Stress what makes you unique, not what makes you number one.

3. Communicate specific reasons why you're great fit for each school.

Simply stating "I am the ideal candidate for your program" won't convince the admission committee to push you into the admit pile.

Read More: Find Your Business School

4. Bring passion to your writing.

Admissions officers want to know what excites you. And if you'll bring a similar enthusiasm to the classroom.

5. Break the mold.

Challenge perceptions with unexpected essays that say, "There's more to me than you think."

6. If you've taken an unorthodox path to business school, play it up.

Admissions officers appreciate risk-takers.

7. Talk about your gender, ethnicity, minority status or foreign background....

But only if it has affected your outlook or experiences.

8. Fill your essays with plenty of real-life examples.

Specific anecdotes and vivid details make a much greater impact than general claims and broad summaries.

9. Demonstrate a sense of humor or vulnerability.

You're a real person, and it's okay to show it!

BONUS: Don't Make These MBA Essay Mistakes

1. write about your high school glory days. .

Admissions committees don't care if you were editor of the yearbook or captain of the varsity team. They expect their candidates to have moved onto more current, professional achievements.

2. Submit essays that don't answer the questions.

An off-topic essay, or one that merely restates your résumé, will frustrate and bore the admissions committee. More importantly, it won't lead to any new insight about you.

Attend UNC's top-ranked online MBA program without putting your career on hold. See how.

3. Fill essays with industry jargon.

Construct your essays with only enough detail about your job to frame your story and make your point.

4. Reveal half-baked reasons for wanting the MBA.

Admissions officers favor applicants who have well-defined goals. However unsure you are about your future, it's critical that you demonstrate that you have a plan.

5. Exceed the recommended word limits.

This suggests you don't know how to follow directions, operate within constraints or organize your thoughts.

6. Submit an application full of typos and grammatical errors.

A sloppy application suggests a sloppy attitude.

7. Send one school an essay intended for another—or forget to change the school name when using the same essay for several applications.

Admissions committees are (understandably) insulted when they see another school's name or forms.

8. Make excuses.

If your undergraduate experience was one long party, be honest. Discuss how you've matured, both personally and professionally.

9. Be impersonal in the personal statement.

Many applicants avoid the personal like the plague. Instead of talking about how putting themselves through school lowered their GPA, they talk about the rising cost of tuition in America. Admissions officers want to know about YOU.

Read More: How to Ace Your MBA Interview

10. Make too many generalizations.

An essay full of generalizations is a giveaway that you don't have anything to say.

11. Write in a vacuum.

Make sure that each of your essays reinforce and build on the others to present a consistent and compelling representation of who you are, what you've done, and what you bring to the table.

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Top Essay Writing for MBA Admission Tips

Like the admissions process for many other graduate school programs,  applying for an MBA program  has become more competitive, requiring candidates to be more creative when trying to distinguish themselves from the rest. But what do you do when everyone’s résumé, GMAT scores, and grades are similar? Moreover, what do you do when your stats aren’t as great as those of the other candidates?

Your best bet is to  write a personal statement  that is strong and receive solid recommendations. In this article, we’ll explore the former. That is, if you need help with writing your MBA essay, stay put and read through our guide! With the following tips, you’ll learn how to write a strong personal statement that will make MBA admissions officers (“adcom”) say, “yes, we want this candidate!”

Now, you might think that this is a difficult task, but in truth, the most common personal statement question prompt isn’t a trick. It’s so simple, in fact, that one of the  biggest mistakes  applicants make is overthinking the question, which ultimately makes them fail to answer the question altogether !

But never fear—we’re here to break down the classic MBA admissions question prompt for you.

The MBA Question Prompt

Most MBA schools ask some variation of the following four questions on their applications:

• What have you done/experienced?

What do you want to do (short term/ long term) and why?

How will our school help you get there.

Before we discuss what these four parts mean, let’s back up a little bit to emphasize what they  don’t  mean. We can’t stress it enough, but  no one wants you to rehash your résumé .

If you don’t understand why not, take a second to think about it. [Hint: The schools asked for your résumé in another part of your application so they could avoid reading some long prose-form list of accomplishments. Don’t make them think that you can’t follow basic directions.]

Now that we’re on the same page about  not  rehashing your résumé, let’s get back to  what should belong in your personal statement . Any MBA admissions essay should cover the four basic questions we list above. Of course, depending on how your target school’s questions may be worded, you may spend more time on some of the four aspects mentioned above than on others. But, generally,  if you don’t answer all four questions, you’re going to fall short of painting a good picture of who you are .

Let’s take a closer look at the four parts of your personal statement.

What have you done?

Here’s the big trap.  Unless  the question specifically asks about your past work history (and fewer schools do so now than before), you should  not  spend more than 75-125 words talking about your past work experiences. Why? Because the schools have that information elsewhere (résumé, interview, recommendations, etc.), the only reason you’d mention your work history in this personal statement is to provide some context to support question #2 (your goals).

But even if your school asks you to discuss your professional experiences, you don’t want to spend more than half your essay going on and on about things adcoms can find elsewhere in your application.

So how are you supposed to mention what you’ve done? Here’s a little secret:   the best way to weave your past into the discussion is through storytelling.  Make sure that you incorporate your career experiences as a means of supporting the other 3 questions we listed above. That is, instead of saying, “I worked as an investment analyst at a large bank for the past five years and pushed papers while juggling other tasks…blah blah,” integrate that information as background information to discuss, for instance, your long-term goals, like in the examples shown below under the subheading “What do you want to do (short term/ long term) and why?”

The two major pitfalls to avoid when responding to this part of the MBA admissions essay question prompt are (1) writing too generically and (2) failing to show a logical connection between your prior work and your future goals. Now, it’s true that some people want to switch career paths and that an MBA is part of that process. However, even then, you need to show a nexus between your past skills and future dreams.

So, what do they mean by short-term and long-term goals and how do you explain them in your essay?  Adcoms want to see what you are passionate about. They want to know what excites you so much that you want to spend a few more years studying to acquire skills that can help you to achieve your dreams. To do so,  identify a specific role you want to fill when you graduate .  Then back up and tell a story of how you became interested in wanting this particular job.  In other words, don’t only say “I want to be a manager because…” or “I worked in finance and like it, so I want to be a banker.” Boring! These types of statements are a sign of laziness. You haven’t done your research and thought carefully about that one job you’d really like to have.

With that said, you don’t have to be too specific when you might not actually know what job you could get. But you do want to specify a niche that correlates to skills you’ve honed over the past. And if you aren’t quite sure what next step you want to take, you may want to wait to apply or at least spell out in your essay, a few options you’ve contemplated.

Let’s look at the following example of storytelling. It not only shows passion but also how the person thinks and further expands the information that would have already been provided on a résumé. In fact, these vignettes better show the type of candidate the person is and the potential that person has to use the skills learned through an MBA program in order to truly succeed.

Not one week into my job as an assistant operations manager at my family’s vertical farming venture, I informed my boss (my father) that his business needed to be completely revamped. To make our business scalable, I realized certain aspects of production needed streamlining. Moreover, I suggested that we reconsider our target audience and marketing efforts. I did not want our business to be a yuppie fad that merely fades away within a few years. Rather, I believed that our enterprise could flourish into a sustainable business that could reach corporate clients in profound ways. Over the next six months, I worked closely with engineers to design new production methods that cut our production time by half and costs by 20%. After this victory, I tackled the larger issue of reshaping our client base by… When my father asked what additional steps we should take to better position ourselves to target our new potential client base, I realized how much I needed a stronger grounding in business management to more satisfactorily respond to my father’s questions. Armed with an MBA from [School], known for its strong entrepreneurship and family business management, I am confident that I will utilize the skills learned to fully launch our vertical farming venture into the B2B world, not only locally, but also nationally and eventually globally.

Now,  the trick to explaining your long-term goal is to remember that there must be a connection between your short-term goal and your long-term one . You can’t say that you want to be a brand manager for the next couple of years and then switch to asset management, for example. You can, however, show a natural evolution in interests from one field to another. In the example above, it’s logical to think that the expansion of a business would start locally then progress nationally and internationally, in that order. Another example would be someone who wants to pursue a career as an HR manager at a socially responsible enterprise and then later create a consulting agency that advises corporations on ways to spur local area development through hiring practices and other activities.

Admittedly, this part of your essay requires far less soul-searching than the prior two aspects. What adcoms want to know, essentially, is the answer to “why our school and not another.” You have to show them that this school is the only school for you. Common sense would dictate, then, that you shouldn’t use generic phrases like “your school.” Don’t give adcoms the impression that you copy-pasted your essay from another school’s application.

Instead, identify two-to-three specific courses you would want to take at the school and explain what you would gain from those experiences. Also, choose one or two extracurricular activities offered by the school and explain how those would enrich your learning experience and bring you closer to achieving your goals. Finally, research the school’s strengths and mission statement and discuss how those principles align with what you are seeking from a school.

Including each of these elements will show how you would fit into the school and also clearly explain why you have chosen that particular institution.

Why are you getting an MBA now?

If the school specifically asks you why you want to pursue an MBA now,   make sure that you answer the question . This can be shown through natural progression if you use a storytelling technique that culminates in your reaching a point where you can no longer advance without formalized training. Similarly, if you are seeking a career change, the decision to leave your current profession would be a natural break during which you could pursue formal education to transition to another field.

Essay Writing for MBA Admission in a Nutshell

While you write your essay, remember what the adcoms are ultimately seeking. They want people that are go-getters with strong decision-making skills who can offer something to their school and who can, in turn, benefit from what their school has to offer. Show them what you are passionate about. Show them how you logically concluded that you needed  their  specific resources to achieve your short- and long-term goals. In a nutshell, paint a picture in which if either you or the school were cut from the scene, the picture would be so incomplete that the adcoms must accept your candidacy!

We wish you the best of luck during the application process, and if you need an extra pair of eyes to review your draft to eliminate those nasty grammar mistakes and logical flaws that would make adcoms stop reading your paper, please check out our  SOP editing services and application essay editing services  for help with your admissions essays to improve your chances of acceptance into graduate school and MBA programs.

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After landing that sweet job position when you finish your MBA, be sure to get English editing services for any of your crucial business documents before sending them to colleagues or clients. See our list of business editing and writer editing services below.

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GMAT Prep Online Guides and Tips

7 tips for writing a winning mba application essay.

Nervous about your MBA admissions essay? You’re not alone! Many applicants wonder how to put their best foot forward in a business school entrance essay.

In this article, I’ll tell you what admissions committees look for in application essays and offer MBA essay tips on how to make yours stand out. We’ll also take a look at the different kinds of business school essays and a few examples of MBA essay prompts.

Why Do Business Schools Ask for Essays? What Do They Look For?

Business schools ask for essays for several reasons, all of which help admissions committees determine whether you have the skills and traits to succeed in an MBA program.

First, MBA admissions committees want to see how you write. Communication skills—including concision, clarity, style, and fluency in English—will be essential to your success in business school. One way of discerning your level of writing ability is to require an original writing sample. In an MBA essay, you have to get your point across straightforwardly, elegantly, and concisely; being able to do this is a key element of succeeding in business school and the world of business in general.

Also, MBA admissions committees want to get a sense of who you are on a more personal level. MBA application essays tell admissions officials about you not only through what you say, but in how you say it. Are you self-aware, for example, and can you reflect on past challenges or mistakes in a thoughtful way? Do you demonstrate insight into who you are and your goals? How you answer questions about yourself, your career, and your journey can help MBA admissions officials discern your level of critical thinking and personal insight.

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You can have countless accomplishments, but to succeed in business school, you’ll also need to fit in with the campus climate, work well with your peers, and contribute to campus diversity in a meaningful way. The MBA essay is a place for you to talk about the background or experiences you have that are unique to you and that you believe could differentiate you from your colleagues and/or provide a fresh perspective to campus.

Finally, essays are a way for you to showcase the qualities that most MBA programs say they are looking for in applicants, such as leadership skills, community involvement, problem-solving skills, communication skills, clear goals, and a strong sense of ethics. Some of these traits might not be readily apparent from a resume alone, and an MBA essay can be a place for you to elaborate on how you’ve cultivated them in yourself.

MBA Entrance Essay Sample Prompts

Most MBA entrance essays ask you about one of several things. Many of them are variations on similar questions: the open-ended question, the leadership question, the personal growth question, questions on short- and long-term academic and career goals, and the diversity question. For each one, I’ll give an example of a real MBA essay prompt from 2016 or 2017.

#1: Open-Ended

The open-ended MBA application essay question is just that: open. It allows you to tell your own story, giving you quite a bit of freedom but also little to no guidance. For that reason, many applicants find it to be the most challenging MBA essay prompt.

Harvard Business School has only one essay for its MBA application, and it’s the quintessential open-ended MBA essay question. This is the prompt for 2017-2018 applicants.

As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program?

Note that, as in other open-ended MBA admission essay prompts, this question asks you to decide what you’ll write about. Successful Harvard applicants and HBS admissions counselors have advised applicants to use the prompt as a chance to demonstrate their past use of an especially desired trait, such as problem-solving skills. For example, many successful applicants use the prompt to describe a scenario in which they faced and overcame a challenge, especially as a leader or alongside a team.

Notably, Harvard also doesn’t list a word limit, so you can decide the appropriate length for your essay. However, most admissions counselors will advise you to keep it concise and straightforward.

#2: Leadership

Another common MBA essay prompt asks you to demonstrate your experience and skills as a leader. Leadership qualities are listed by nearly all MBA admissions counselors as fundamental to a career in business and, thus, to a successful business school application.

Let’s look at a sample leadership MBA essay prompt from Kellogg.

Leadership and teamwork are integral parts of the Kellogg experience. Describe a recent and meaningful time you were a leader. What challenges did you face, and what did you learn? (450 words)

In a response to this kind of prompt, you should be as specific as possible. Name the company you were working for or specifically describe the project you were heading. Who was on your team? What were your objectives? Did you meet them? How could you have done so more effectively?

While you shouldn’t be overly self-deprecating, don’t be afraid to address the challenges you met and how you overcame them (or would overcome them now, with more experience and knowledge). Remember that one important aspect of leadership is accountability, so if there were problems, don’t solely blame your team for them. Instead, reflect on how you successfully worked with your team to solve the problems, and/or on how you could have done so more effectively or efficiently.

#3: Personal Growth

The personal growth MBA admission essay prompt will ask you how you’ve changed in the past and how you want to grow in the future. Here’s one example from the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management.

Pursuing an MBA is a catalyst for personal and professional growth. How have you grown in the past? How do you intend to grow at Kellogg? (450 words)

Don’t be afraid to get a bit personal with these kinds of prompts . They’re meant to gauge something about your personality and who you are, rather than only what you’ve done.

Many successful MBA admission essays that respond to these kinds of questions follow a past/present/future format. Ask yourself what traits you’ve gathered over the years that have benefited you personally and professionally, how you’ve improved, and what you’ve learned. What experiences have shaped you? Be as specific as possible.

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Then, take stock of yourself now: your career, your education, and where you see yourself in the future. What do you need in order to get there?

Finally, most essay MBA prompts in this vein (like Kellogg’s) will ask you how they can help you move towards that personal or professional goal. Be as specific as you can, focusing on the particular strengths of the prospective MBA program and how they match up with what you want to improve about yourself as a person, colleague, and leader.

#4: Your Plan

Some MBA application essay prompts will ask you about your career goals and how attendance at a particular business school will help you to achieve them. Let’s look at one from the USC Marshall School of Business.

Essay #1 (Required) – What is your specific, immediate short-term career goal upon completion of your MBA? Please include an intended position, function, and industry in your response. (word limit: 100)

As you can see, questions like these often request brief responses. So get straight to the point, and give details. Name a specific job you’d like to hold, what you’d like to do there, and even particular companies if you can.

Questions like this one will require some research. Research alumni from your prospective business school who’ve ended up in positions comparable to ones you’d like to hold in the future, particular companies and positions that match up with your personal and professional goals, and specific coursework or industry experiences offered by your prospective business school that would help you get there.

#5: Diversity, Culture, and Community

Finally, some MBA essay prompts will ask you how your unique background and experiences would contribute to the overall diversity and collegial atmosphere of a school’s campus climate and community. Here’s one example from USC.

Essay #2 (Required) – At Marshall, we take pride in the fact that our students work collaboratively, both inside and outside the classroom, to create a culture, a community, and an environment that truly defines what we call the Trojan Family. Please describe the contributions you expect to make to your classmates during your time at USC. How will they benefit from your presence in the program? (word limit: 500)

You can respond to questions like this, depending on the wording of the original prompt, by discussing your cultural background, identity, and/or personal experiences that have given you particular insight into a given community or that have lent you a unique perspective that could be valuable to your colleagues as you collaborate.

You can also discuss past community service projects or issues you’re passionate about and how you plan to carry those experiences and passions into your work at your prospective MBA program.

7 MBA Essay Tips

Writing MBA essays takes a particular skill set. Let’s go over the top seven MBA essay tips for making your application essay shine.

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#1: Write Early and Often

Even though MBA entrance essays are brief, they take a lot of polishing. Writing MBA essays takes time.

Don’t expect to write yours at the last minute or knock out a quality essay in a day. Most students need several drafts to make sure they’re getting their points across as elegantly and clearly as possible.

Start your essay well before the application deadline, when you don’t yet feel any pressure. For several weeks, don’t try to write at all. Instead, before crafting your essay for MBA admission, take notes on your past, present, and future. What have you learned? What unique experiences have you had? What have been the most meaningful projects you’ve undertaken? Ask friends, family, and mentors to tell you what they value most about you or what they see as your greatest personal and professional assets.

Only once you’ve gathered this material should you begin your first draft of your MBA application essay. Start with an outline for each one that includes the story you want to tell and the main points you want to get across.

Once you have a clear outline, you can start drafting. Taking the writing process seriously from start to finish will give you a much better product in the end than trying to write something hastily right before the deadline.

#2: Show, Don’t Tell

MBA admissions committees want to be able to tell that you have the qualities that are necessary to succeed in business school, such as leadership skills and integrity.

Your MBA admissions essay can be a great place to showcase those qualities. However, remember to show, not tell. Saying “I have strong leadership skills” doesn’t tell an admissions committee much. Through an anecdote about, say, meeting a difficult deadline or overcoming an obstacle, a reader should be able to tell that you have the qualities of a strong leader without your having to say so explicitly.

#3: Research Your Goals

When describing your future goals, be as specific as possible. Business schools know that your goals may change in the future, but stating specific goals now will show that you’ve done your research and have an idea of what you want and how an MBA program can help you get there.

Before writing your essay for MBA admission, research the ins and outs of the industry you want to enter, the position you’d like to have, companies you might like to work for, and coursework and internships or fieldwork that could aid you on your way to those goals.

#4: Keep It Concise

Never, ever go over a stated word count limit when you’re writing your essay for MBA admission. It might be tempting, but business schools want to see that you can get your point across concisely and straightforwardly.This rule goes for MBA essay prompts that don’t have specific word counts, too: sometimes, less is more.

One of the biggest mistakes applicants make in writing an essay for MBA admission is to use too much flowery language to come across as more professional. If you do this, it can be distracting and cause the admissions committee to miss the main points you’re making.

Bottom line, trim anything extraneous from your essay —that is, anything that doesn’t actively support the main point(s) you’re trying to get across.

#5: Show Self-Awareness

It might feel tempting to use the MBA admission essay as a space to list all of your accomplishments (and since your resume is already part of your application, this is unnecessary), but MBA admissions committees would rather see that you have insight into both your strengths and weaknesses. No one is perfect, and in your essay for MBA admission, you shouldn’t try to come across as if you’ve never made a mistake or faced a challenge that you’ve had to learn from.

Also, in business school and the business world at large, bouncing back from failures, being flexible, and problem solving are all essential skills. All of them require a thick skin and awareness of what you could do better.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t showcase your achievements, but if you’re asked about personal growth or an obstacle you’ve overcome, be clear about what you could have done more effectively in the past (at a job or in your education, for example) and the steps you’ve taken or will take to sidestep that mistake in the future.

#6: Share Your Personal Journey

Many applicants would prefer to focus only on their professional backgrounds and goals in their MBA essays, but you shouldn’t be afraid to get personal in your essay. You don’t need to tell your whole life story, but especially in response to questions that ask about your growth over time, you should showcase your personality and give the admissions committee an idea of your personal background and experiences.

#7: Ask for Edits

It might seem obvious, but many applicants don’t do it: proofread your work! When writing MBA essays, revision is key. Turning in an MBA essay with typos and other errors will come off as thoughtless and unprofessional.

You should also get a second (and, perhaps, a third and fourth) pair of eyes on your essay to make sure it’s coming across as you want it to. Going through several rounds of drafts is a necessary part of the writing process to ensure that you’re putting your best foot forward in your MBA entrance essay.

What’s Next?

Worried about how your GMAT score matches up to other applicants’? Find out more in our list of average GMAT scores by school.

Concerned about your chances of getting into an MBA program? Our guide to business school acceptance rates will help.

Ready to apply to business school? Check out our top eight tips for applying to MBA programs here.

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Author: Laura Dorwart

Laura Dorwart is a Ph.D. student at UC San Diego. She has taught and tutored hundreds of students in standardized testing, literature, and writing. View all posts by Laura Dorwart

• 5 expert tips to write an impressive MBA essay
• MBA Application

Dee Leopold, former director of admissions at Harvard Business School, once said, “Applying to Harvard is not an essay writing contest.” What she wanted to advise was that candidates should start working on getting those rich experiences at work and beyond that could be used for writing impactful essays. Once they have a few stories to share they can begin introspecting to bring out suitable experiences to answer specific questions in the essay.

So, an “impressive essay” is one that is based on your unique experiences and manifests your true self in front of the MBA admissions committee.

If you’re looking to apply to a top business school, you should never forget this advice. To help you implement this advice in your essay, in this article, we’ll explain what MBA admissions committees look for in your essays and how to write an MBA essay that impresses the adcom.

Types of MBA essays

Importance of mba essays, what do mba admissions committees want to see in your essays, five tips to write an impressive mba essay, 10 mistakes to avoid in your mba essays, final thoughts.

First, let’s understand the types of MBA essays:

Following are eight common types of MBA essays, which likely cover about 80-90% of the essay archetypes:

• Goals essay
• Self-Reflection essay
• Contribution & Impact essay
• Leadership & Teamwork essay
• Video essay
• Optional essay
• Application form essay
• Creative essay

This is one essay you can expect to see on MBA applications to most schools. The goal of this essay is to find out why you want to go to business school and what you plan to do afterward. More often than not, schools also ask applicants to share their motivations for wanting to pursue an MBA at their school. There are many different ways to answer the question and different word limits.

For example, Wharton has a 500-word question about this, while Darden has a 200-word specific question about this. On the other hand, MIT Sloan does not ask you at all about your goals. 

Wharton essay prompt – How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)

Darden essay prompt – At this time how would you describe your short-term, post-MBA goal in terms of industry, function, geography, company size, and/or mission and how does it align with the long-term vision you have for your career? (200 words)

Self-Reflection

In a self-reflection essay, you can talk about the values and traits that make up who you are as a person. These essays also give you an opportunity to talk about how you dealt with a failure or how you would handle an ethical dilemma.

Stanford GSB ’s essay prompt is a perfect example. GSB requires applicants to talk about what matters most to them and why. Such questions require deep introspection in order for you to get to the core of your personality and influences.

Contribution & Impact Essay

The contribution essay in MBA applications is a great way for schools to assess what applicants might bring to the table. Some examples of such essays include:

Wharton – Taking into consideration your background– personal, professional, and/ or academic- how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community?

Cornell Johnson – At Cornell, our students and alumni share a desire to positively impact the organizations and communities they serve. Taking into consideration your background, how do you intend to make a meaningful impact on an elite MBA community?

Leadership Essay

This MBA essay format allows you to tell an admissions committee about a time when you showed leadership or initiative, or some other favorable trait that they may use to judge your potential.

Here are a few samples of MBA essays:

Berkeley Haas – What kind of leader do you aspire to be and why?

Kellogg – Kellogg’s purpose is to educate, equip and inspire leaders who create lasting value. Provide a recent example where you have demonstrated leadership and created value. What challenges did you face and what did you learn?

Video Essay

Video essays can help give the admissions committee a chance to learn more about an applicant’s personality and how they may perform in job interviews. It also gives the admissions committee a chance to judge the candidate’s nonverbal and verbal communication skills, which can also help them select / eliminate candidates without investing limited resources in offering full-fledged interviews. And they can also be used to test a candidate’s ability to thrive in stressful situations. In case you are wondering how, allow us to explain. In many cases, you have as little as 30-60 seconds to formulate your answer before you have to deliver your response on-the-spot or extempore. Yikes! And then, there could also be an unusual situation like the one we heard at a conference with school representatives where a cat basically jumped into the frame when this person was completing a video essay and the person gracefully lifted the cat up and got her out of the way, all while smiling and completing delivery of her response. Talk about a superstar, right?

Examples – Kellogg Video essays

• Video essay 1: Please introduce yourself to the admissions committee.
• Video essay 2: What path are you interested in pursuing, how will you get there, and why is this program right for you?
• Video essay 3: This question will be based on a challenge you’ve faced and what you’ve learned from it.

Optional Essay

Optional essays are meant to explain extenuating circumstances related to academic performance, gaps in work experience, etc. (most schools have this) or provide additional information which makes this type of essay totally open-ended.

Duke Fuqua – If you feel there are circumstances of which the admissions committee should be aware, please explain them here (e.g. unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance). Note that you should NOT upload additional essays or additional recommendations in this area. The Optional Information section is intended to provide the admissions committee with insight into your circumstances only.

London Business School – Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School?

Application Form Essay

These essays typically ask for supplemental information about you. 

For example, London Business School asks these details

• Tell us about your responsibilities. Describe your day-to-day role, details of any clients you work with/for, the level/title of the person you report to, the size of the budget for which you are directly responsible, and the number of people in your team. (400 words max)
• Tell us about your main interests and activities in your free time. (300 words max)

Having a solid GMAT or GRE score is the first step toward creating a competitive MBA application. However, the process is not over yet. As the number of people applying to business schools continues to rise, standing out based only on your GMAT score becomes increasingly difficult. You won’t be the only person who applies with strong test scores. So, what can you do to improve your chances of getting into your target business school? Write an impeccable essay.

MBA essays are a great way to demonstrate your strengths, vulnerabilities, motivations and explain any parts of your application that could raise eyebrows. A low GMAT score or GPA can be explained by a well-written essay, but a strong test score alone will never make up for a bad essay. That’s how important an essay is.

And what makes a great essay great? The one that shows the ‘true’ you because that is what MBA admissions committees expect.

Jennifer Hayes, Senior Associate Director at Kellogg says , “We are looking for the story YOU wish to tell. The best essays I’ve read have heart, are not over-edited, and let the applicant’s personality emerge.”

MBA admissions committees want to ‘know you better’ through your essays. They want to see a true reflection of yourself in your essay and this is exactly what the Stanford MBA admissions committee advises its applicants – “There is no typical Stanford MBA student, no ideal for applicants to chase. Our advice is to just focus on you and ensure that your application is a true reflection of yourself.”

Chad Losee, HBS’s Managing Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid, said that the main purpose of the essay is for them to learn more about you. The choices you’ve made, what drives you, and any experiences that have shaped you. But you shouldn’t be afraid to show who you are in the process.

He specifies 5 things to keep in mind while writing an essay for Harvard Business School admissions:

• The essay should add new information. It shouldn’t be another version of your resume.
• It should be of the right length. HBS MBA essay has a word limit of 900 words, so you should conclude within the word limit.
• The essay should be about ‘you’ – Ask yourself could this essay also describe someone else.
• The adcom should know you better after reading your essay
• While rewriting/editing to polish your resume, don’t shine away your personality.

Now that you know what MBA admissions committees wish to see in your essays let’s take a look at how to write an essay that impresses them.

Be Authentic

Don’t write what you think the people on the admissions committee want to read. Your best selling points are the things and experiences that make you unique. Each essay should give a clear picture of who you are, what drives you, and what you’re passionate about.

In a similar way, don’t feel like you have to fit the “ideal” candidate’s profile. The admissions committee will see right through this, and you could end up hurting your chances of getting in more than helping. Instead, put all your energy into just being yourself.

Kris Mercuri, Director of Admissions, Recruiting and Outreach at the Yale School of Management states , your essay is an “opportunity to speak in your own voice about something meaningful and distinctive in your life.” Don’t waste this opportunity by writing about something inauthentic that you think will make you look better, but is actually a pretense.

Carefully structure your essay

Blair Mannix, the admissions director at Wharton , shared in this video that all successful essays had the same structure: the setup, the pivot point, and the future.

The setup tells the admissions committee who you are, what you do, and what you’ve learned.

The pivot moment is when you switch from talking about what you know and do to what you want to learn and how it will help you achieve. Mannix calls this a “lightbulb moment,” when you realize you’d be better in your work with additional knowledge.

In the last portion of your essay, explain how obtaining knowledge and abilities/skills will improve your career and why that MBA program will make this achievable.

Answer the specific question asked

So many applicants submit well-written essays that fail to address the prompt. I strongly support thinking outside of the box and considering the “why” behind an essay topic. First and foremost, you must answer the question.

Business school applicants are generally extremely successful and over-achievers in their domains, and it might be tempting to try and cram your accomplishments into your essays. Don’t give in to this temptation; instead, zero in on the question at-hand.

Be Succinct

In our experience, several of the best full-time MBA programs are imposing tighter word limits on essays. In recent application cycles, many schools have lowered their required essay word counts, including Michigan Ross, Stanford GSB, UCLA Anderson, and Duke Fuqua. In fact, Harvard Business School, which previously did not have a word limit, has introduced a 900-word-limit on its single prompt in the year 2022-23. Moreover, schools are also mandating checks in their applicant portals where candidates are no longer able to exceed word limits either. Keeping these patterns in mind, it’s important to remember one important piece of guidance: keep it short and sweet.

Focus on giving a few essential highlights, peppering in some intriguing details, and letting your true voice come through in your writing rather than trying to inundate the reader with information. Explain your decisions, highlight your achievements, and talk about what you’re passionate about. It will be easier to accomplish this goal if you narrow the scope of your essays.

Write Business School specific essays

It might seem self-evident that the topic of your business school application essay should be the business school itself. However, this is an excellent chance to demonstrate your preparation and interest in the school in question.

Do you know what courses you would want to pursue? If you are accepted, have you decided which extracurricular activities you wish to participate in? How would you contribute to the school’s community?

Have answers to these questions ready. These will certainly show why you consider this particular business school an important place that will transform you personally and  professionally

You now know what to do to make your essay an impressive one. Next, you should know the things to avoid while writing your essays.

Do you want to impress the MBA Adcom with your essay?

At Crack The MBA, we have helped hundreds of students get into top MBA programs around the world. We would be happy to help you too. Schedule a consultation with us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you get into your dream school.

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Top MBA programs look for candidates from all over the world who share their school’s values, want to grow personally and professionally, and can organize their thoughts and talk in a clear way. With so much competition from around the world, it’s even more important that your MBA admissions essays stand out.

Your admissions essays can’t have any mistakes if you want to get into a top business school. There are many different things you can tell the adcom, but there are also a few things you should never do.

Here are 10 mistakes you should avoid in MBA essays:

• Starting too late. Our rule of thumb is to expect to spend 11-12 weeks on applications to 4-5 business schools
• Not researching adequately. Not making an effort to understand the school and how it fits into your plans
• Recycling essays from one school to another
• Not answering the essay question and/or not addressing each part of the question. 
• Trying to copy sample essays
• Providing too many instances, at the risk of confusing the reader
• Not providing something new. Repetitive content 
• Lack of introspection
• Not proofreading.
• Lack of flow

Getting into a good business school can be hard if you don’t know how to write a great MBA admissions essay.

But the process is much easier to handle if you know where to start, make an outline for each essay, and get help from an expert. If you follow these steps, you’ll be able to write a great MBA essay!

Get in touch with us for expert help on your essays. As a result of our interactions with MBA admissions committee members at all top schools, we understand what the MBA admissions committee looks for in a candidate and can advise you appropriately.

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A Guide to the HBS Essay

Our guide to one of the most important parts of the MBA application for Harvard Business School: the essay, including our hand-picked HBS coach recommendations and other articles to get you started.

Posted January 10, 2024

Featuring Karla M.

From Waitlisted to Admitted: Insider Tips for MBA Admissions

Tuesday, april 9.

6:00 PM UTC · 60 minutes

Harvard Business School is one of the most renowned universities and business programs in the world. Established in 1908, it boasts impressive alumni like Michael Bloomberg, George W. Bush, and Abigail Johnson. With such a reputation, it is no surprise that the HBS application can be a grueling process. This is our guide to one of the most important parts of that application: the essay. Read on for tips to help you distinguish your candidacy and present the best essay possible.

HBS Essay Prompts (2024): Traditional & Deferred

Traditional application essay prompt.

The HBS essay asks a simple and open-ended question that gives applicants the ability to highlight whatever they believe is most important and relevant. The prompt is as follows:

As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program? (900 words maximum)

On its website, Harvard advises applicants, “Don’t overthink, over craft, and overwrite. Just answer the question in clear language that those of us who don’t know your world can understand.” HBS has only recently instigated the limit of 900 words. With such an ambiguous question, it’s important to make every word count. It is easy to go on tangents, use the wrong example, or write simply to put words on the page. Students often don’t know where to start, and when to end.

HBS 2+2 Deferred MBA Essay Prompts

As of 2024, HBS has updated its deferred MBA essay prompts for the first time in many years. The new deferred essay requirements involve writing three short essays: two personal ones and one career one. Each essay has a limit of 300 words.

Personal Essays

The HBS classroom and community thrive when we bring together people who can share a variety of perspectives. To get to know you better and how you will engage at HBS, please choose two of the three prompts below to tell us more about yourself:

1. How have your experiences shaped who you are, how you lead, and how you will contribute at HBS? 2. What intellectual experiences have influenced your approach to learning and have led you to pursue an MBA? 3. What communities have you been engaged with that have defined how you invest in others?

Career Essay

How do the career plans you shared in the Career Plans section of the application fit into your current long-term career vision? What skills and/or professional experiences do you hope to obtain in the deferral period that will help build the foundation for your post-MBA career?

For more info on the HBS deferred MBA essays, read: HBS 2+2 Deferred MBA Essay Prompts & Tips (2024)

Here at Leland, we provide you with the expertise and opportunity you need to succeed as an MBA applicant, and beyond. Put in your email here to receive access to free coaching resources, community events, and exclusive updates.

Now, here are our five HBS essay tips, designed to help you stand out among the over 9,000 applicants that apply to Harvard Business School each year.

HBS Essay Tips for Success

1. tell a story.

There is no set formula or “right” way to write your HBS essay. Every MBA candidate comes from a different background and unique circumstances. Your job with this essay is to paint the most accurate picture you can of who you are and why you should be accepted into Harvard. They want you to stay true to yourself and let your personality shine. Your resume, test scores, and GPA are important, but they don’t show character; the essay is where you can really make a difference in your application.

With that being said, don’t write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. They have read through thousands of essays, but they have never read an essay by you , so capitalize on your individuality. HBS wants to know where you have come from and what experiences have shaped who you are. This essay should absolutely not be a retelling of your resume and professional achievements.

Through this essay, HBS wants to see that you understand yourself. They also want to know whether you align with Harvard’s missions and values. They are looking for future leaders who want to make a difference in the world. The best way to prepare for this essay is to deeply reflect on yourself. Who are you? What matters to you? Why are you the way you are? At the end of the day, if you can answer this question, posed by an HBS alum , then you have got a good start: “Could this essay also describe someone else?” If so, then you probably need to do some more introspection.

2. Be Concise

When in doubt, ask yourself, “Does the admissions committee need to know this?” If not, it’s probably safe to take out. There is no “right” length to hit as every candidate will have a different story they’re trying to tell; however, there is a difference between telling a story and rambling. Include relevant information and paint an accurate picture, but do so in a clear and concise manner. Imagine that your essay is the hundredth that the adcom member is reading that day. How would you write to keep them engaged while also preserving the integrity of your story? That is the balance that you are looking for.

3. Don’t Just Answer “Why HBS?”

Unlike many other business schools, Harvard does not ask the stereotypical “Why HBS?” question. With that being said, applicants often feel like they need to use the essay to demonstrate their commitment to HBS. Most of the time, this is not the right approach. Your essay should be about you. Harvard is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and you don’t need to justify why you want to attend. Using the precious space you have to talk about HBS is a missed opportunity to shed light on your experiences.

The caveat to this is if providing your reason for attending Harvard makes your overall essay stronger. Some applicants may have a personal story tying them to HBS that they want to expound on. If that’s the case, then include it. The same adage from earlier applies here: If your “Why HBS?” answer could also explain someone else, then you probably don’t need it.

4. Build, Build, Build

Like any good story, your HBS essay should have a thread of continuity throughout. Introduce a theme or lesson, touch base on it every once in a while, and tie everything together in the conclusion. In addition to making your essay more interesting, this will prevent it from coming off as disjointed. Building up to the main point will also keep the reader in suspense and eager to read on. Because the prompt is so open-ended, it’s easy to have many different things you want to talk about. Sticking to a theme will help you ensure that everything you include is relevant.

5. Get Feedback

After spending lots of time writing something, it can be difficult to step back and view your work with a fresh, unbiased eye. Once you’ve written a rough draft, have a peer or mentor read through your essay and provide feedback. Ideally, the person reviewing your essay will be an alum of the school. But if that’s not an option, choose someone with business experience and writing skills that knows something about your background.

Don’t overedit your essay. Drafts, reviews, and edits are all part of the writing process but you don’t want to overpolish, especially to the point that you rub out your individuality. Instead, we recommend starting your essay early so that you have plenty of time to self-reflect, write, and step back for perspective. Once you’ve completed your first draft, ask for feedback and make some edits, but then put it away for a while. When you come back to it, you will have a fresher perspective and be less bogged down by the details.

At Leland, we have a broad network of world-class coaches who can help with any part of the MBA application. Many of them are experts in essay writing, browse them here. Want to work with an HBS alum who has first-hand experience of the Harvard application process? Here are some of our highest-rated MBA admissions coaches.

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Where Can I Start?

The application process can be daunting and difficult, especially without help. Read these articles to get started on your HBS journey.

• Harvard Business School: MBA Program & Application Overview
• How to Write a Powerful MBA Essay
• A Comprehensive MBA Timeline–With Chart
• How to Ace the HBS MBA Interview

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50 MBA Essays That Got Applicants Admitted To Harvard & Stanford

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What Matters? and What More? is a collection of 50 application essays written by successful MBA candidates to Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business

I sat alone one Saturday night in a boardroom in Eastern Oregon, miles from home, my laptop lighting the room. I was painstakingly reviewing a complex spreadsheet of household energy consumption data, cell by cell. ‘Why am I doing this to myself? For remote transmission lines?’…I felt dejected. I’d felt that way before, during my summer at JP Morgan, standing alone in the printing room at 3 a.m., binding decks for a paper mill merger that wouldn’t affect my life in the least.

That’s how an analyst at an MBB firm started his MBA application essay to Stanford Graduate School of Business. His point: In a well-crafted essay, he confronts the challenge of finding meaning in his work and a place where he can make a meaningful difference. That is what really matters most to him, and his answer to Stanford’s iconic MBA application essay helped get him defy the formidable odds of acceptance and gain an admit to the school.

Getting into the prestigious MBA programs at either Stanford Graduate School of Business or Harvard Business School are among the most difficult journeys any young professional can make.

NEARLY 17,000 CANDIDATES APPLIED TO HARVARD & STANFORD LAST YEAR. 1,500 GOT IN

This collection of 50 successful HBS and GSB essays, with smart commentary, can be downloaded for $60

They are two of the most selective schools, routinely rejecting nine or more out of every ten applicants. Last year alone, 16,628 candidates applied to both schools; just 1,520 gained an acceptance, a mere 9.1% admit rate.

Business school admissions are holistic, meaning that while standardized test scores and undergraduate transcripts are a critical part of the admissions process, they aren’t the whole story. In fact, the stories that applicants tell the schools in the form of essays can be a critical component of a successful application.

So what kinds of stories are successful applicants to Harvard and Stanford telling their admission officers? For the first time ever, a newly published collection of 50 of these essays from current MBA students at these two schools has been published. In ten cases, applicants share the essays they wrote in applying to both schools so you can see whether they merely did a cut-and-paste job or approached the task anew. The 188-page book, What Matters? and What More?, gains its title from the two iconic essay prompts at Harvard and Stanford.

THOUGHTFUL CRITIQUES OF THE ESSAYS

Stanford can easily boast having the most difficult question posed to MBA applicants in any given year: In 650 words or less, candidates must tell the school what matters most to them and why. Harvard gives applicants ample room to hang themselves, providing no word limit at all, “What more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy?”

One makes this unusual collection of essays powerful are the thoughtful critiques by the founders of two MBA admissions consulting firms, Jeremy Shinewald of mbaMission and Liza Weale of Gatehouse Admissions. They write overviews of each essay in the book and then tear apart portions by paragraphs to either underline a point or address a weakness. The book became available to download for $60 a pop.

As I note in a foreword to the collection, published in partnership with Poets&Quants, the essay portion of an application is where a person can give voice to who they are, what they have achieved so far, and what they imagine their future to be. Yet crafting a powerful and introspective essay can be incredibly daunting as you stare at a blank computer screen.

APPLICANTS OPEN UP WITH INTIMATE STORIES THAT SHOW VULNERABILITY

One successful applicant to Harvard Business School begins his essay by conveying a deeply personal story: The time his father was told that he had three months to live, with his only hope being a double lung transplant. had to undergo a lung transplant. His opening line: “Despite all we had been through in recent years, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I asked my mother one summer evening in Singapore, ‘What role did I play during those tough times?’”

For this candidate to Stanford Graduate School of Business, the essay provided a chance to creatively engage admission readers about what matters most to him–equality-by cleverly using zip codes as a hook.

60605, 60606, 60607.

These zip codes are just one digit apart, but the difference that digit makes in someone’s life is unfathomable. I realized this on my first day as a high school senior. Leafing through my out-of- date, stained, calculus textbook, I kept picturing the new books that my friend from a neighboring (more affluent) district had. As college acceptances came in, I saw educational inequality’s more lasting effects—my friends from affluent districts that better funded education were headed to prestigious universities, while most of my classmates were only accepted by the local junior college. I was unsettled that this divergence wasn’t the students’ doing, but rather institutionalized by the state’s education system. Since this experience, I realized that the fight for education equality will be won through equal opportunity. Overcoming inequality, to ensure that everyone has a fair shake at success, is what matters most to me.

HOW AN APPLICANT TO BOTH SCHOOLS ALTERED HIS ESSAYS

Yet another candidate, who applied to both Harvard and Stanford, writes about being at but not fully present at his friend’s wedding.

The morning after serving as my friend’s best man, I was waiting for my Uber to the airport and—as usual—scrolling through my phone,” he wrote. “I had taken seemingly hundreds of photos of the event, posting in real time to social media, but had not really looked through them. With growing unease, I noticed people and things that had not registered with me the night before and realized I had been so preoccupied with capturing the occasion on my phone that I had essentially missed the whole thing. I never learned the name of the woman beside me at the reception. I could not recall the wedding cake flavor. I never introduced myself to my friend’s grandfather from Edmonton. I was so mortified that before checking into my flight, I turned my phone off and stuffed it into my carry-on.

The Stanford version of his essay is more compact. In truth, it’s more succinctly written and more satisfying because it is to the point. By stripping away all but the most critical pieces of his narrative, the candidate focuses his essay entirely on his central point: the battle of man versus technology.

Even if you’re not applying to business school, the essays are entertaining and fun to read. Sure, precious few are New Yorker worthy. In fact, many are fairly straightforward tales, simply told. What the successful essays clearly show is that there is no cookie-cutter formula or paint-by-the-numbers approach. Some start bluntly and straightforwardly, without a compelling or even interesting opening. Some meander through different themes. Some betray real personality and passion. Others are frankly boring. If a pattern of any kind could be discerned, it is how genuine the essays read.

The greatest benefit of reading them? For obsessive applicants to two of the very best business schools, they’ll take a lot of pressure off of you because they are quite imperfect.

GET YOUR COPY OF WHAT MATTERS? AND WHAT MORE? NOW

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Essays help us learn about who you are rather than solely what you have done.

Other parts of the application give insight into your academic and professional accomplishments; the essays reveal the person behind those achievements.

Essay Questions

We request that you write two personal essays.

In each essay, we want to hear your genuine voice. Think carefully about your values, passions, aims, and dreams. There is no “right answer” to these questions - the best answer is the one that is truest for you.

Essay A: What matters most to you, and why?

For this essay, we would like you to reflect deeply and write from the heart. Once you’ve identified what matters most to you, help us understand why. You might consider, for example, what makes this so important to you? What people, insights, or experiences have shaped your perspectives?

Essay B: Why Stanford?

Describe your aspirations and how your Stanford GSB experience will help you realize them. If you are applying to both the MBA and MSx programs, use Essay B to address your interest in both programs.

Both essays combined may not exceed 1,050 words. We recommend up to 650 words for Essay A and up to 400 words for Essay B. We often read effective essays that are written in fewer words.

Editing Your Essays

Begin work on the essays early to give yourself time to reflect, write, and edit.

Feel free to ask friends or family members for feedback, especially about whether the tone and voice sound like you. Your family and friends know you better than anyone. If they think the essays do not capture who you are, what you believe, and what you aspire to do, then surely we will be unable to recognize what is distinctive about you.

Feedback vs. Coaching

There is a big difference between “feedback” and “coaching.” You cross that line when any part of the application (excluding the letters of recommendation ) ceases to be exclusively yours in either thought or word.

Appropriate feedback occurs when others review your completed application - perhaps once or twice - and apprise you of omissions, errors, or inaccuracies that you later correct or address. After editing is complete, your thoughts, voice, and style remain intact. Inappropriate coaching occurs when you allow others to craft any part of your application for you and, as a result, your application or self-presentation is not authentic.

It is improper and a violation of the terms of this application process to have someone else write your essays. Such behavior will result in denial of your application or revocation of your admission.

Additional Information

If there is any information that is critical for us to know and is not captured elsewhere, include it in the “Additional Information” section of the application. Pertinent examples include:

• Extenuating circumstances affecting your candidacy, including academic, work, or test-taking experiences
• Academic experience (e.g., independent research) not noted elsewhere

This section should not be used as an additional essay.

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Important WAT Topics for IIMs and Other Top Business Schools

Updated on 2nd January 2024 | 3:34 pm | #MBAWATtopics

An important part of the final admission process to MBA programs at top B-schools including the IIMs, XLRI, MDI, and SPJIMR the Written Ability Test is a reflection of your communication skills and command over the written expression. For various B-schools, WAT holds a 10-20 percent weightage in the final selection of candidates.

The name of the admission round can vary based on the university with IIM Ahmedabad calling it the Academic Writing Test (AWT), and IIM Calcutta and IIM Bangalore referring to it as the Writing Ability Test (WAT). After a break due to COVID-19 in 2021 and 2022, WAT has been reinstated for the admission process in 2023 across many top B-schools.

Why WAT Matters in MBA Admissions

Besides the usual exam scores (CAT, MAT, CMAT), top business schools want to see your General & Business Awareness and how well you express your opinions. WAT and Personal Interviews provide insights into how well you can formulate decisions and express them through your writing and communication skills. Since good managers need to communicate effectively, how you write in WAT on various topics and events is crucial.

The Weightage of WAT in the Selection Process

WAT is a 15-30 minute written exam assessing your essay writing skills. IIMs and other top MBA colleges give significant weightage to your WAT performance, along with Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI). This combined evaluation makes up about 10-20% of the final selection decision.

You should start preparing for further admission rounds, including WAT, right after your CAT exam. Practice on various WAT topics covering critical reasoning, situation analysis, and current affairs.

WAT Topics For IIMs

While WAT topics for IIMs and other MBA programs can vary, they often fall into these broad sections Global and Indian Current affairs, Business, Economics and Finance, Social issues, and abstract topics.

WAT topics: Global Current Affairs

•  Ukraine war and global economic impact
•  Climate crisis and potential solutions
•  Rise of artificial intelligence and automation
•  Cryptocurrency market trends and regulations
•  International conflicts and diplomatic challenges
• Space exploration: ethical considerations and potential benefits for humanity
• Cyber security threats and vulnerabilities in a digital age

WAT topics: Indian Current Affairs

•  Upcoming 2024 elections and potential outcomes
•  Economic reforms and policies under implementation
•  Social issues like gender equality, healthcare, or education reform
• Technological advancements in India and their impact
• Demographic dividend in India: Myth or Reality?
• Increasing social media censorship and its implications for freedom of speech
• The Rise Of 5G Telecom
• National Education Policy

WAT Topics: Social Issues

• The ongoing fight for gender equality and women's empowerment globally
• Education reform and ensuring access to quality learning for all
• Addressing mental health issues and reducing stigma in society
• The impact of immigration on national identity and social cohesion
• The role of art and media in shaping public opinion and social movements
• The impact of global travel and cultural exchange on individual perspectives and understanding
• Corruption in India
• The rising income gap and its consequences

WAT topics: Business, Economics, and Finance

• Future of work and evolving job markets
• Indian Budget
• Impact of globalization on businesses and economies
• Role of startups and entrepreneurship in economic growth
• Challenges and opportunities facing specific industries (e.g., FinTech, healthcare)
• Business ethics and corporate social responsibility
• Is the stock market similar to online gambling?
• The growing importance of data privacy and security in the digital age
• The gig economy and its implications for traditional employment models
• The role of central banks in regulating inflation and managing economic fluctuations
• The challenges and opportunities of remote work in a post-pandemic world
• The future of traditional banking in the face of the Fintech revolution
• Universal Basic Income: Solution to Poverty
• Reduced GST will impact the growth of the Indian Economy
• Cashless Economy: Is India Ready
• Corporate Tax Policy in India
• Slowdown of the Indian Economy
• The future of traditional brick-and-mortar businesses in the e-commerce era.
• The impact of trade wars on global trade relations

WAT Topics: Abstract and Ethical

•  Meaning of life and philosophical questions
•  Consciousness and the potential of artificial intelligence
•  Nature of reality and scientific advancements
•  Future of humanity and potential challenges
•  Impact of social media on mental health and wellbeing
• The importance of critical thinking and questioning assumptions in an increasingly complex world.
• Free will versus determinism: do we truly have control over our choices?
• The relationship between art and technology in the digital age
• The concept of truth in a world of conflicting information and perspectives
• Does technology make us more or less human?

WAT Topics: Management-related

•  Importance of soft skills in effective leadership
•  Role of data analytics in business decision-making
•  Leadership styles and their impact on team dynamics
•  Managing diversity and inclusion in the workplace
•  Challenges and opportunities of remote work
• Your definition of success and how you plan to achieve it
• Why do you want to pursue an MBA?
• What are your ethical considerations when making business decisions?

Predicting exact WAT topics for specific IIMs is tricky, and this is not an exhaustive list and specific WAT topics for IIMs and other B-schools can vary. The key is to stay informed about current events, be familiar with business and economic concepts, and be able to think critically and express your ideas clearly.

WAT Topics: Writing Tips

While there's no single "perfect" essay for every WAT topic, there are strategies and elements you can focus on to write a strong and impactful essay.

Content and Structure

• Understand the prompt : Read the topic carefully and identify the key question or issue it asks. Don't deviate from the prompt in your essay.
• Develop a clear thesis statemen t: This is your central argument or opinion on the topic. State it explicitly in your introduction paragraph.
• Build a strong body : Support your thesis with relevant arguments, evidence, and examples. Use facts, figures, statistics, or even personal anecdotes to strengthen your points.
• Consider different perspectives : Briefly acknowledge opposing viewpoints or counter-arguments, and demonstrate why your position is valid.
• Conclude with impact: Summarize your key points and memorably reiterate your thesis statement. Avoid weak endings like "In conclusion..." or "I hope I have answered the question."

Style and Technique

• Maintain a formal tone : Avoid informal language, slang, or contractions. Aim for a professional and objective writing style.
• Write concisely and clearly : Avoid unnecessary jargon or flowery language. Get your point across with simple but effective language.
• Vary sentence structure: Use a mix of sentence lengths and structures to keep your writing engaging. Short, punchy sentences can emphasize important points, while longer sentences can add depth and nuance.
• Proofread carefully : Check for grammatical errors and punctuation mistakes. Ensure your essay is polished and error-free.

Additional Tips

• Practice regularly : Write essays on different topics to improve your writing skills and critical thinking. Time yourself to simulate the actual WAT conditions.
• Get feedback : Share your essays with friends, teachers, or mentors for constructive criticism. Identify areas for improvement and refine your writing based on their feedback.
• Stay updated: Keep yourself updated on current affairs, social issues, and general knowledge. This will give you an idea of WAT topics to draw on and support your arguments.
• Be confident : Believe in your writing abilities and express your thoughts with conviction. A confident tone can make a significant difference in the impact of your essay.

There's no one-size-fits-all formula for the perfect WAT essay. However, by focusing on these elements and practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your writing skills and increase your chances of writing a strong and impactful essay for the WAT.

What is asked in WAT in IIM?

In the Written Ability Test (WAT) at IIMs, candidates are required to express their opinions and thoughts on diverse topics related to international, national, social, and business events.

What is the word limit for WAT?

The word limit for WAT, or Writing Ability Test, can vary depending on the specific IIM institute and year. However, it typically falls within a range of 200 to 400 words.

What is the WAT format?

The Written Ability Test (WAT) at IIMs involves writing short essays, typically within 15-30 minutes. Candidates express their views on various topics, showcasing their writing skills and opinions.

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