london business school mba essay

2023-2024 London Business School Essay Tips and Example Essays

Jun 15, 2023

• Who is LBS looking for?
• How should I answer the LBS essay questions?
• Make Your Story Shine
• LBS Application Deadlines

UPDATE : This article was originally posted on November 28, 2018. It has been updated with new information and tips below. 

Located in one of the world’s most important business centers, London Business School offers a truly unique MBA experience. With the option to complete the course in just 15 months and a class made up of 60+ nationalities, London Business School is at the top of the list for many globally-minded professionals. 

As the #2 ranked business school in Europe, demand for LBS has only increased year after year, meaning that getting a spot at this elite business school is more challenging than ever. 

That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to help you use your LBS admissions essays to stand out. we’ve rounded up not only our best tips but have also included example LBS MBA essays to ensure you give your London Business School application your best shot.

1. Who is LBS looking for?

(Photo courtesy of @londonbschool on Instagram)

“We nurture our students to challenge the status quo, to question the norm and to develop the skills to become the world’s best business leaders. Over the years we have adopted a truly global outlook tackling challenges faced by international businesses and their leaders.” London Business School Admissions

Every year, London Business School searches the globe for outstanding professionals to join its annual class of around 500 students. With a strong emphasis on diversity and a global mindset (74 nationalities are represented in the Class of 2024 ), there is no “typical” LBS student, yet the average admitted student does tend to have 5 years of work experience and a 708 GMAT score . 

Beyond the impressive statistics, though, LBS offers its students the chance to prepare themselves to lead in an increasingly globalized world.  

So, if this sounds like a community in which you’d be right at home, you’ll have to think of the ways in which you align with the main characteristics of LBS’s students. This means forming your business school brand and then focusing on the aspects of that brand that align with changing the status quo, collaborative leadership, and a value for internationalism and diversity. 

2. How should I answer the LBS essay questions?

2.1. essay 1 tips.

What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School programme contribute towards these? (500 words)

This question has been part of the LBS application for many years and is a traditional goals essay, a common type of essay required of applicants at many elite business schools. 

In this essay, you have a big task. In around 500 words , you need to discuss:

• Context for your goals
• Your specific-post MBA goals
• Why you believe an MBA is necessary to reach these goals
• How an LBS MBA will help you reach these goals

Each of these elements must be included and must build off of each other. 

First of all, many candidates think they do not need to specifically state their goals, or that it’s better to leave “their options open.” If you are applying to elite business schools, however, you must have and present absolutely clarity about your goals. 

TOP TIP : If you’re having trouble figuring out what your post-MBA goals are, we’ve prepared this post to help you decipher this essential part of the application process! 

However, goals without context can be a little confusing to decipher or understand (or they can just seem a bit lackluster). For this reason, we suggest starting your essay with context . 

For example, a client last year initially started his essay by saying: 

“I want to become a Business Development Director at a Brazilian company.”

While interesting, it’s better to give a little bit of context to help these goals come to life. Check out the final version of the same essay’s introduction:

“In the 1970s, the phrase “think global, act local” came into use, suggesting that to have global impact, one must be active locally. With this mindset, I focused my career on Brazilian multinational companies to start creating global change at home. While at Company 1, I led a diverse global team, which showed me that clear communication is essential. I later accepted a finance position at a real estate company where I learned how new technologies can impact traditional local industries and that leaders must adapt to these trends to maintain competitiveness. Most recently, I joined Company 2 to participate in its daring globalization plan. At Company 2, I have learned how challenging it is to formulate effective global strategies to thrive in diverse markets. I have also developed management skills since becoming Financial Coordinator, learning how important establishing a culture of collaboration is to providing stability for organizations.

I now seek to take the next step to becoming a “global” leader by becoming Business Development Director at a Brazilian company pursuing globalization, giving me the experience to assume my long-term goal of CEO of one such company.”

Second, you should clearly demonstrate why you need an MBA . 

An MBA is not a catch-all degree that serves a purpose for all career paths. As such, you need to demonstrate that the goals you have set for yourself require the additional training an MBA can provide. 

Be thoughtful about this particular section. If you don’t need to improve in any meaningful way, you might be presenting the argument the admissions committee needs for why you can’t actually benefit from an MBA. 

Furthermore, if you show fluffy or unsupported reasons you need to hone your skills, you’ll also likely see your application tossed aside in favor of an applicant who was able to clearly demonstrate how they plan to leverage their time at business school. 

Third, add how LBS can specifically help you grow in the areas you’ve identified. Mentioning that you want to go to LBS because of its ranking will not cut it here. 

Instead, show that you understand the flexibility of LBS’ curriculum and have done significant, thoughtful research into how the opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom can help you grow. If you have space, it’s also highly recommended that you mention how you can contribute to the community. 

End with a winning conclusion statement that reinforces your personal brand and ties the whole essay together. 

Need more guidance?

Our MBA Resource Center has dozens of past successful London Business School essays that worked to get our clients admitted and a detailed brainstorm to help you plan out a winning LBS essay. Our library also includes guides for all top global MBA programs, detailed essay brainstorms, interview tips and mocks, CV templates, and recommendation letter guides. Click to join! 

2.2. Optional Essay Tips

Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School? (Optional) (500 words)

This optional essay is unlike other schools, in that it is open enough to speak about more than just “issues” in your application. If you do have a low GMAT score, poor academic record, or other pressing weakness, please use this space to address the issue(s). 

However, if you would like, you can also use this space to discuss a personal challenge you have overcome or some unique factor in your profile you were not able to address in the essays. 

Do not use the essay to discuss “Why LBS.” You have ample space to address this in other parts of your application.

2.3. Short Answer Tips

Inside the application form, LBS has also “hidden” many small essays. The topics and guidelines are below. 

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 budget for which you are directly responsible and the number of people in your team. (400 words max)

This should be a straightforward answer. Remember to highlight any leadership and/or global contact you have had in your current role.

If you are currently not working, or if you plan to leave your current employer more than three months before the programme starts, please explain your activities between leaving your last role and the start of the programme (max 300 words)

This answer, of course, depends on if there will be a gap between your employment and entry into the LBS program. Here, it will be best to highlight actions or steps you will take to enhance your potential candidacy during this gap. This can be in the form of courses, trainings, or extraprofessional activities towards your self-development. The activities you highlight should strengthen your skills and align with your post-MBA goals, where possible, to show your pre-MBA proactivity.

Is your employer willing to support you? In what way – time, tuition, or both?

If not, please write something like “My company does not currently have a sponsorship policy.” If you will be sponsored , please outline the arrangements your company offers.

Do you feel that your academic performance so far gives an accurate indication of your potential for success on the programme? If so, why? If not, why not?

If you have a low GMAT or GPA , you should use this to address why your performance was low and show “proof” that you will be able to do well at LBS.

Please outline your experience of working or studying in an English-speaking environment. Do you plan to take further English language tuition before the programme starts?

This should be a direct answer. Highlight all your previous contact working or studying in English.

You do not need to pursue additional study before the program, though, if you have a low TOEFL score, you may want to consider taking one such course and advising LBS of your plans here.

Please tell us your most significant international experiences to date: (100 words max)

LBS has asked you for your most significant experience, meaning we should limit ourselves to just one . 

If possible, choose one STAR-format example you have not highlighted elsewhere in your application. Show what you did and why it was meaningful for you. If you feel you have insignificant material for a single example, you can include two.

Tell us about your main interests and activities in your free time (300 words max)

This can be your INSEAD Motivational Essay 3 (if you are applying to INSEAD), or can

be an essay OR bullet list about your activities. Make sure to show what you were involved in, what title(s) you held, where the activity took place, and why it was/is important for you.

We encourage applicants to take into consideration the impact of study on family and friends. Who have you discussed your plans with and what was the response? (300 words max)

Here, speak from the heart. 

Discuss who you have spoken about the MBA with and try to show a positive view of their responses. They want to see that you have a strong community you are connected to and rely on.

If you know any London Business School Alumni or Students, please give their names, graduating class and tell us how you know them. (300 words max)

Add as many people as you know!  Also add how they have shaped your view of LBS, if relevant. 

Looking for London Business School MBA essay examples? Check out our real sample essays that got our clients admitted here .

3. We Make Your Story Shine

One of the most common mistakes we see in MBA essays is that candidates fail to tell compelling stories . This is important because if your stories are not compelling, they will not be persuasive. At the same time, they must be backed by strong examples that establish a track record of success and prove to the admissions committees why you belong at their school. 

Striking this balance between content and creativity can be tough, however, as succeeding means not only choosing the right stories but ensuring they are told in an optimal manner. 

This is why our iterative developmental feedback process here at Ellin Lolis Consulting helps you mold your message through the application of our storytelling expertise until it reflects exactly what makes your profile stand out and show fit with your target program. 

Not only can you take advantage of our iterative feedback process through multiple edits – you can also benefit from it after a single review! If your budget is tight, our editors will be happy to help polish your text as much as possible and leave “bonus comments” so you can keep working on it on your own!

No matter how long we work with you, we will always ensure your essays shine . Sign up to work with our team of storytelling experts and get accepted.

4. LBS Application Deadlines

Here are the deadlines for the 2023-2024 season. You can start your online application by clicking here . 

Real MBA Essays That Got People In

School-specific sample essays that got our clients accepted

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2023-2024 London Business School (LBS) MBA Essay Analysis

Admit expert.

• July 20, 2023

If you’re thinking about getting an MBA in the UK, you may have heard of London Business School (LBS). London Business School, located in one of the world’s most significant business capitals, offers a completely unique MBA experience. With the option to complete the program in just 15 months and a student body comprised of more than 60 different nationalities, London Business School is a top choice for many internationally-minded individuals.

London Business School has formally confirmed the essay prompts for the 2023-2024 admissions season. If you are interested in an MBA program with a worldwide community and access to a major metropolis, London Business School may be an excellent choice.

London Business School is really a global centre, with 60+ nationalities represented in the class of 2023 and distinguished professors and visiting speakers from around the world. In addition, 38 percent of the class of 2023 identifies as female, and students come from a variety of industry backgrounds, according to the information provided.

Getting into such a highly competitive MBA program requires you to ace every component of your application particularly the essay section. 

Here are the 2023-2024 essays for London Business School and how to answer them.

LBS MBA Essays

Lbs mba essay tips, essay 2 (optional), let us help you get into london business school.

Essays are a vital part of your application and we recommend that you spend a significant amount of time in their preparation. The questions for the LBS MBA programme are:

What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School programme contribute towards these? (500 words)

• Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School? (Optional) (500 words)

This question has been on the LBS application for some years now. It is a traditional goals essay, a type of essay that many top business schools ask applicants to write.

Through this essay, you must demonstrate that you have a long-term goal for your career and yourself and that you have a solid strategy for achieving it through the LBS MBA program. 

Of course, the fundamental presumptions are that business school is the logical next step in your development and that you should pursue your degree at LBS specifically because the institution offers the unique experiences, knowledge, skills, exposure, and/or other components that are essential for you to realize your goals and succeed in your chosen career. 

Ideally, you have previously done extensive research on the program to identify these crucial resources and areas of compatibility, but if not, do not skip this crucial stage and/or merely refer to the fundamental offers that the majority of business schools have. 

Your essay must be focused on LBS. The key to writing a strong essay response here is to demonstrate your genuine interest in the program by providing specific instances and creating links between what the school offers, what you need, and who you are.

In short, through this essay you need to explain the following:

• Background of your goals
• Your post-MBA goals
• Why MBA and why now to achieve those goals
• How LBS MBA can help you achieve those goals

Here are five ideas to get you started:

• Go beyond your resume

Instead, pay attention to the instances that helped you stay on track with your career aspirations or demonstrated your leadership potential. Make a point of emphasizing the links between your prior experiences and your present goals.

• For your post-MBA career goals, make sure they are thoroughly researched and feasible.

Consider this when making career, role, or location changes. If you don’t have a solid strategy for the future, the admissions committee will see that as a big red flag.

• Explain why LBS is the best option for you.

‘I desire to expand my professional network’ could be used in any MBA essay. Your presence in the LBS classroom isn’t warranted just on the basis of this flimsy argument. LBS encourages students to think beyond the box and challenge the status quo. Make sure you can explain why LBS is the ideal fit for you.

• Make sure you talk to LBS alums/current students to get a sense of what the school stands for.

The LBS website has testimonies and contact information for student ambassadors. Searchable by program nationality and industry, this database of student ambassadors is an invaluable tool. Take advantage of the opportunities that are available to you by speaking with current LBS students and attending virtual events.

• LBS should be a platform to help you achieve your long-term career goals and objectives.

For those who want to tailor their MBA experience, LBS claims to have the “world’s most adaptable MBA.” Using LBS as a launching pad, explain how you plan to move from point A (your current job) to point B (your post-MBA profession).

In addition, keep in mind what you’ll study at LBS and in London. What additional education or training can help you reach your professional objectives? 

Do you want to impress the LBS Adcom?

At Admit Expert, we have helped hundreds of students get into top MBA programs around the world. We would be happy to help you too. Schedule a free call with us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your goals.

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Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School? (500 words)

Applicants usually use the optional essay to explain confusing or problematic parts of their application, like a low grade or GPA, a low GMAT or GRE score, a gap in work experience, etc., and LBSs can be used in this way as well. 

If you think you need to clarify something about your profile, first look at the other parts of the school’s application, where you may already have a chance to do so (such as academic performance and disciplinary instances). 

If you can talk about your problem somewhere else, do that instead. Don’t use this essay to just repeat what you said elsewhere.

If you don’t think there are any parts of your application that need more explanation, you could use this essay to give a more complete, positive picture of yourself. Just be sure to use this chance wisely. 

Do not just cut and paste an essay you already wrote for another school and hope for the best. Take a step back and think carefully about what the admissions committee already knows about you from the rest of your application, including the required essay. 

Then, do your best to come up with and tell a story that really helps people understand your character. Because this question is so broad, you have a lot of ways to answer it. 

You’ll need to be honest with yourself and ask yourself if you’re just adding something extra to your application with this essay or if you’re actually adding something that would help the school get a full and fair picture of you. 

Be mindful and respectful of the admissions committee’s time, and keep in mind that each additional file you send requires more resources from the admissions office. 

This means that whatever you write must be really worth it and show that you took advantage of this chance to give more information about yourself.

In our opinion, this open-ended question is a great chance to tell a personal story and give it some color to show how you will fit in with the culture. This could be the perfect place to talk about a background, experience, or trait that doesn’t fit anywhere else on the application.

There are many ways to look at diversity. It could be where you come from, the culture you identify with, or how you live your life. If different experiences or ways of thinking don’t speak to you, ask yourself if you’ve ever been challenged or come up with something new. 

When have you tried something new or questioned what everyone else thought? A global perspective is also very important. Think of stories that could show how you have shown any of these qualities that LBS looks for.

We will help you write essays that portray your unique strengths and experiences in the most favorable light so that your application shines above the rest. We have helped hundreds of students get into top US business schools. Let us help you too.

Do you want to get into your dream business school?

Take the first step towards your MBA dream and schedule a free 1 on 1 application strategy call with us.

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Advice, tips and insights from the admissions dream team., table of contents, london business school essays: tips & strategy.

• By Emma Bond

London Business School requires one essay and offers another optional one.

As former Senior Manager of MBA Admissions at LBS, I believe that very best versions of Essay One will give the Admissions Committee insight into what has motivated your post-MBA career goals and how the LBS program will help you achieve them.

Recently, I sat down for a virtual conversation with LBS Admissions Director David Simpson . When I asked about the qualities he’s looking for in an MBA candidate, Simpson said:

“Above all for me is the idea of an inquiring mind — someone who’s fascinated by other views gathered from around the world, somebody who is open for personal growth… In addition: ambition, collaborative nature, curious / questioning, global outlook and desire, reflective and self-aware — with some humility. These are factors that everybody needs in business and in society.”

With this in mind — and always remembering the global outlook central to life and learning at LBS — your essays are the place to convey a high level of self-awareness and ambition, while conveying your uniqueness to the Admissions Committee.

HOW TO TACKLE THE LBS ESSAYS

ESSAY 1. What are your post-MBA plans and how will your prior experience and the London Business School programme contribute towards these? (500 words)

LBS has retained this question for a long time;  answered well, it should tell the Admissions Committee exactly what they need to know. The question pulls no punches — it doesn’t make you read between the lines — but its seeming simplicity is actually what makes it so tricky. At a minimum, you need first to make a compelling case for needing an MBA to achieve your professional goals and then to demonstrate how London Business School is uniquely positioned to help get you there. The very best answers go a little deeper, giving the Admissions Committee context into what has motivated your post-MBA career goals and showing an advanced level of self-awareness.

Like all schools, LBS wants to see you’ve done your homework, so you’ll need to showcase a more in-depth knowledge of the program and community than you can glean from a quick review of their website. This is your opportunity to highlight your school research and show your LBS love. Think about how specific classes, professors, clubs or other on and off campus initiatives will factor into your success, and importantly, how they are relevant to your career goals.

ESSAY 2. (Optional) Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School? (500 words)

In many business school applications, the optional essay needs to be used to explain a less than stellar undergraduate performance or low GMAT. However, London Business School asks you about your prior academic performance specifically in their application form. If you have another weakness you’re concerned about— perhaps you were let go from a job or took an extended career break— you should use this section to explain.

Otherwise, use this section to further make the case for your candidacy by highlighting another aspect of your profile that makes you a great fit for LBS. Perhaps you have another passion, not directly related to your career goals. This is your chance to tell the committee what you’ve done with that passion, and what you’ll do to share it with the community, showcasing your leadership, team skills and/or international outlook along the way.

Our clients always come up with some great examples for this essay. Some of the most memorable include a candidate who had overcome learning disabilities and wanted to help connect learning-disabled students at LBS with the resources to help them succeed in the program; an amateur photographer who had organized exhibitions who wanted to revive the LBS photography club; and an LGBTQ+ rights advocate who had been a senior organizer of his city’s Pride parade and wanted to take a leadership role within the OiB club on campus.

View our MBA Admissions Essay Masterclass featuring London Business School, INSEAD & HEC Paris, above. Previous sessions from our MBA Admissions Essay Masterclass series are available on  Fortuna’s YouTube channel .

Let’s Get You In.

Fortuna Admissions is a dream team of former MBA Admissions Directors and Officers from 18 of the top 20 business schools, including LBS. With our unparalleled collective expertise, we are able to coach you to develop a clear vision of your goals for business school and beyond. We work closely with you throughout the application process and provide expert guidance at every stage to maximize your chances of admission to a top school.

Our free consultations are consistently rated as the best in the industry. To learn more about Fortuna and assess your chances of admission to Wharton and other top programs, request a  free consultation .

Want More Advice?

For more insights and advice on LBS, view our related articles and videos:

• How to Get Into London Business School
• Why London Business School Should Be On Your Shortlist
• London Business School MBA Interview: Everything You Need to Know
• A Conversation with LBS Admissions Director David Simpson  (video strategy session)
• INSEAD & London Business School: Insider Admissions Advice (7-min video blog)
• MBA Admissions Trend: One Letter of Recommendation

Updated Oct. 3, 2023

Fortuna’s Emma Bond is an expert MBA admissions coach and former LBS Senior Manager of MBA Admissions. For a candid assessment of your chances of admission success at a top MBA program, sign up for  a free consultation.

• Posted on October 3, 2023

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London Business School Essay Tips: 2023-2024

If you are seeking an MBA program with a global community and access to a major city, London Business School may be a great option for you.

With acclaimed professors and visiting speakers from around the world, and students representing 63 nationalities in the class of 2025, London Business School is truly a global hub. Information on the class of 2025 also notes that 43% of students identify as female, and students come from a variety of industry backgrounds.

If you have decided that the London Business School full-time MBA program is a good fit for you, check out Personal MBA Coach’s tips below for tackling the LBS MBA essay questions.

Once again, the London Business School application will ask applicants to answer one required essay question . This year, the school is minimizing changes and keeping the question the same as the previous application cycle.

London Business School gives candidates the opportunity to answer an optional essay question as well, which also remains the same this year.

London Business School’s MBA Essays for 2023-2024:

Personal mba coach’s london business school essay tips:.

LBS Essay 1:  What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School programme contribute towards these?  (500 words maximum)

This is a standard goals essay. Personal MBA Coach recommends beginning your essay by providing some background context about yourself and detailing your career accomplishments to date. This does not mean that applicants should detail their entire careers or repeat what is on their resume. However, LBS is looking to understand how your past career has prepared you to achieve your goals. Therefore, you should include some discussion of your career in terms of how it relates to your aspirations.

After sharing this background information, go on to discuss your MBA goals. If you are having trouble articulating your goals, take a look at Personal MBA Coach’s six key pieces of essay advice . This section should be a good portion of your essay and should include a specific short-term and long-term goal.

Finally, the remainder of your essay should specifically discuss how attending London Business School will help you accomplish these goals. Be sure to research everything that London Business School’s MBA program has to offer and detail what you plan to take part in on campus. Is there a class you want to take? A club you hope to join? Mention these here and clearly explain how they relate to your MBA goals. Keep in mind that LBS is an international program, and a strong essay will explain why this is important to you.

LBS Essay 2 (Optional):  Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School?  (500 words maximum)

While Personal MBA Coach normally does not advise most candidates to complete optional essays, you  should  consider answering this essay. This is the chance to tell London Business School a bit more about who you are and what makes you unique.

Possible topics to cover here include extracurricular leadership roles or other work that is not presented in the rest of your application. This could be a personal story, triumph, or a side project you were involved in.

Want to learn more about the London Business School full-time MBA program? Visit Personal MBA Coach’s LBS school page for more information on what sets the program apart.

Ready to apply? Reach out today to find out how we can help with our Comprehensive Packages !

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London Business School LBS MBA Essay Examples

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LBS MBA Essay Samples

London Business School Admissions (LBS) likes to see uniqueness in each applicant, as that helps to add to the diversity dimension more broadly – it’s not just international diversity but differences in professional experiences, goals, and paths to these goals.

LBS is very focused on Leadership. “There is a big emphasis on how we could recognise certain characteristics in applicants who were likely to become global business leaders,” shared a representative of LBS’s MBA program. LBS really wants well-rounded students. They are interested in mistakes or failures that candidates have experienced and how they have grown from those experiences. Demonstrating global awareness is key, as LBS teaches a global business model, not just the American business perspective.

SBC has former LBS MBA Admissions Officers and several additional LBS experts on our team. We know the nuances of applying to LBS successfully. If you’d like to speak with one of our Principals about your candidacy, please request a free analysis here.

Successful Examples of LBS Essays

Here’s a snapshot of the caliber of expertise on our SBC team .

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School HBS MBA

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School Kellogg MBA

Director HBS Admissions at Harvard Business School MBA, the Wharton School

HBS Admissions Board at Harvard Business School

Director HBS Admissions at Harvard Business School HBS MBA

Admissions Officer at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) MBA, Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB)

Asst Director MBA Admissions at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) Director MBA Admissions at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business

MBA, Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) Minority Admissions, the GSB Diversity Programs, the GSB

Associate Director MBA Admissions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania

Associate Director MBA Admissions and Marketing at the Wharton MBA’s Lauder Institute

Director, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania Professional Writer

Assistant Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS) NYU Admissions

Assistant Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS) M.S.Ed, Higher Education, U of Pennsylvania

Associate Director MBA Admissions at Columbia Business School (CBS)

Ashley is a former MBA Admissions Board Member for Harvard Business School (HBS), where she interviewed and evaluated thousands of business school applicants for over a six year tenure.  Ashley  holds an MBA from HBS. During her HBS years,  Ashley  was the Sports Editor for the Harbus and a member of the B-School Blades Ice Hockey Team. After HBS, she worked in Marketing at the Gillette Company on Male and Female shaving ...

Kerry is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS). During her 5+ year tenure at HBS, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a wide range of backgrounds across the globe. She also led marketing and outreach efforts focused on increasing diversity and inclusion, ran the Summer Venture in Management Program (SVMP), and launched the 2+2 Program during her time in Admissions. Kerry holds a B.A. from Bates College and  ...

A former associate director of admissions at Harvard Business School, Pauline served on the HBS MBA Admissions Board full-time for four years. She evaluated and interviewed HBS applicants, both on-campus and globally.  Pauline's career has included sales and marketing management roles with Coca-Cola, Gillette, Procter & Gamble, and IBM.  For over 10 years, Pauline has expertly guided MBA applicants, and her clients h ...

Geri is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS).  In her 7 year tenure in HBS Admissions, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a diverse set of academic, geographic, and employment backgrounds.  Geri also traveled globally representing the school at outreach events in order to raise awareness for women and international students.  In additio ...

Laura comes from the MBA Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS) and is an HBS MBA alumnus. In her HBS Admissions role, she evaluated and interviewed hundreds of business school candidates, including internationals, women, military and other applicant pools, for five years.  Prior to her time as a student at HBS, Laura began her career in advertising and marketing in Chicago at Leo Burnett where she worked on th ...

Andrea served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at Harvard Business School (HBS) for over five years.  In this role, she provided strategic direction for student yield-management activities and also served as a full member of the admissions committee. In 2007, Andrea launched the new 2+2 Program at Harvard Business School – a program targeted at college junior applicants to Harvard Business School.  Andrea has also served as a Career Coach for Harvard Business School for both cu ...

Jennifer served as Admissions Officer at the Stanford (GSB) for five years. She holds an MBA from Stanford (GSB) and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Jennifer has over 15 years experience in guiding applicants through the increasingly competitive admissions process into top MBA programs. Having read thousands and thousands of essays and applications while at Stanford (GSB) Admiss ...

Erin served in key roles in MBA Admissions--as Director at Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and Assistant Director at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB). Erin served on the admissions committee at each school and has read thousands of applications in her career. At Haas, she served for seven years in roles that encompassed evaluation, outreach, and diversity and inclusion. During her tenure in Admissions at GSB, she was responsible for candidate evaluation, applicant outreach, ...

Susie comes from the Admissions Office of the Stanford Graduate School of Business where she reviewed and evaluated hundreds of prospective students’ applications.  She holds an MBA from Stanford’s GSB and a BA from Stanford in Economics. Prior to advising MBA applicants, Susie held a variety of roles over a 15-year period in capital markets, finance, and real estate, including as partner in one of the nation’s most innovative finance and real estate investment organizations. In that r ...

Dione holds an MBA degree from Stanford Business School (GSB) and a BA degree from Stanford University, where she double majored in Economics and Communication with concentrations in journalism and sociology. Dione has served as an Admissions reader and member of the Minority Admissions Advisory Committee at Stanford.   Dione is an accomplished and respected advocate and thought leader on education and diversity. She is ...

Anthony served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he dedicated over 10 years of expertise. During his time as a Wharton Admissions Officer, he read and reviewed thousands of applications and helped bring in a class of 800+ students a year.   Anthony has traveled both domestically and internationally to recruit a ...

Meghan served as the Associate Director of Admissions and Marketing at the Wharton MBA’s Lauder Institute, a joint degree program combining the Wharton MBA with an MA in International Studies. In her role on the Wharton MBA admissions committee, Meghan advised domestic and international applicants; conducted interviews and information sessions domestically and overseas in Asia, Central and South America, and Europe; and evaluated applicants for admission to the program. Meghan also managed ...

Amy comes from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where she was Associate Director. Amy devoted 12 years at the Wharton School, working closely with MBA students and supporting the admissions team.  During her tenure at Wharton, Amy served as a trusted adviser to prospective applicants as well as admitted and matriculated students.  She conducted admissions chats with applicants early in the admissions ...

Ally brings six years of admissions experience to the SBC team, most recently as an Assistant Director of Admission for the full-time MBA program at Columbia Business School (CBS).  During her time at Columbia, Ally was responsible for reviewing applications, planning recruitment events, and interviewing candidates for both the full-time MBA program and the Executive MBA program. She traveled both internationally and dome ...

Erin has over seven years of experience working across major institutions, including University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School, and NYU's Stern School of Business. At Columbia Business School, Erin was an Assistant Director of Admissions where she evaluated applications for both the full time and executive MBA programs, sat on the admissions and merit scholarship committees and advised applicants on which program might be the best fit for them based on their work experience and pro ...

Emma comes from the MBA Admissions Office at Columbia Business School (CBS), where she was Associate Director.  Emma conducted dozens of interviews each cycle for the MBA and EMBA programs, as well as coordinating the alumni ambassador interview program. She read and evaluated hundreds of applications each cycle, delivered information sessions to audiences across the globe, and advised countless waitlisted applicants.

My interest in the intersection of healthcare and technology was initially piqued during a high school internship at a laboratory. While I realized in college that I prefer the world of finance to a career in medicine, I have retained a strong passion for healthcare that I plan to apply to my post-MBA goals. After graduating from LBS, I intend to join a global venture capital (VC) fund in London, such as X, Y, or Z, with exposure to digital health and a thesis that aligns with my vision of making healthcare more accessible. As a naturally curious person, I am drawn to VC because I’m excited to invest in founders who create innovative solutions that improve people’s lives. Working in VC will allow me to gain insight into the operational challenges of building a startup through partnerships with founders all around the world and learn about existing gaps in the healthcare landscape. This will prepare me for my long-term aspiration of launching a women’s health-tech startup in India. In GLOBAL BANK’s ABC Group, I work on private equity-led transactions and analyze investment ideas for our clients – these are transferable skills that I will leverage for a job in VC. My internship with VC FIRM has further prepared me for VC by providing a window into the operational side of investing. The next step for me is to pursue an MBA at LBS in order to cultivate a diverse network and develop the requisite skillset that will aid me in accomplishing my post-MBA career goals. LBS’ location at the center of Europe’s burgeoning startup ecosystem coupled with its entrepreneurial focus is appealing to me. I plan to take advantage of living in London by interning at VC firms throughout the year and consulting a startup through ABC, a module I become excited to pursue after speaking with ALUNA3 (’20). The LBS curriculum caters to my interests in VC, entrepreneurship, and healthcare and will help me to develop as an effective leader in a global context. In conversations with Professor NAME and ALUMNA4 (’21), we discussed my career aspirations and how electives such as ELECTIVE1 and ELECTIVE2 will help me gain the strategy and operational skills that I will benefit from in my post-MBA goals. These electives, coupled with the initiatives through the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship will prepare me to become a well-rounded investor. Immersion into the LBS community through student clubs is a key ingredient in broadening my network and achieving my career goals. The global treks offered by the PE / VC Club are opportunities to engage with VC firms that I could work at post-MBA. The ABC challenge and the annual VC challenge will allow me to place myself in the shoes of an investor and test out my business ideas in the healthcare space. These clubs, along with LBS ABC CLUB, are also great ways to connect with LBS alumni working in firms that interest me.

At the end of 2019, I secured a part-time internship in venture capital at VC FIRM, in addition to my current job in investment banking, through a combination of networking and thought leadership through my online blog. I source deals, tackle operational challenges with founders, research industries of interest to VC FIRM, and execute due diligence. Placing myself in the shoes of an investor has further demonstrated to me the value and strength of a global network and has deepened my interest and passion for investing and entrepreneurship. While it has been difficult at times to balance the internship with my current job, I have honed my prioritization and time management skills and feel motivated knowing that I am getting invaluable hands-on experience that will help me immensely with my post-MBA plans. This drive and resilience is something that I have consistently noticed in the diverse group of LBS students I have spoken with. Inspired by ALUMNA3 (’21) and other students I have spoken with in the LBS network, I am excited to become a Student Ambassador at LBS. My prior experience as the UNIVERSITY recruiting caption for GLOBAL BANK’s summer intern program and my desire to give back to students who have been in the same place as me is something that motivates me. Through my involvement with UNIVERSITY intern recruiting, I also built out a mentorship program for female students in order to help them succeed before, during, and after the internship. This effort carried over to our recruiting process for other schools and last year we were able to achieve gender equity in our intern class. Empowering women through mentorship and elevating their voices is a cause that I am very passionate about. As I aspire to join a heavily male-dominated industry, I am a proponent of having a strong network of women throughout one’s career starting at the earliest stages, which is why I would like to build out a mentorship program between LBS CLUB and women in senior VC positions in London.

As an Investment Banking Associate in the ABC Group at GLOBAL BANK I advise global private equity firms on transactions and assist with investment idea generation for their portfolios. The clients I work with are late stage investment firms and buyout firms, such as X, Y and Z. These clients are amongst the largest clients of the bank and our business with them generated approximately $XXMM in revenue last year, making our group the highest revenue-generating group in the bank. I perform financial analyses to assist in due diligence for global transactions ranging from $XXMM to $XXBN, with fees ranging from ~$XXMM to $XXMM. My role is dynamic in nature and I must manage unpredictability of transaction timelines and ad hoc client requests, which consistently require fast turnarounds. I mainly interact with Principals and Partners at our private equity clients and frequently speak to portfolio company management whenever there is a live transaction. Speaking directly with company management is interesting for me as it allows me to understand the drivers of day-to-day choice within the company as well the thought process behind larger scale, strategic decisions. In addition to frequent interactions with clients and company management, I work cross-functionally across portfolio management, credit, capital markets, and relationship managers to lead processes for deal approval and execution. Our deal teams are comprised of Managing Director, a Vice President, an Associate, and an Analyst from each of these internal groups, including my group. I report directly to the Head of U.S. ABC Coverage, who reports directly to our Head of North America Investment Banking and Markets. Moreover, I supervise five analysts on deals and client pitches; this has helped me refine my communication and conflict resolution skills and become an effective and trusted mentor and supervisor for junior colleagues. The development of my people management skills has also been beneficial when I present to clients, senior management, or at deal screenings. When I first joined this group, I joined a team of XX people; in the last two years, the group has expanded to include XX people. This rapid growth has allowed me to actively undertake more responsibility in my current role over the last two years. In addition to being designated as a lead Associate on deals, I spearheaded our firm’s middle market direct lending initiative, which culminated in an increase in revenue of almost $XXM against a $XXMM budget.

As an NATIONALITY1 NATIONALITY2 woman, living in EUROPEAN CITY and working at a GLOBAL bank was an immersion into a rich blend cultures that gave me a view into how business is conducted differently across the globe. I stepped into the shoes of my international teammates to understand their culturally driven approaches to certain situations, making me a better problem-solver. I acquired the ability to value and leverage the characteristics of those working around me, became a more dynamic worker, and developed the confidence and empathy required to navigate unfamiliar situations with adaptability and understanding.

Whether it has been through advising a non-profit on its business strategy or collaborating with GLOBAL BANK’S human resources department to implement new corporate social responsibility initiatives, helping others by getting involved has been a driving force in my life. For the last three years, I have volunteered with NFP1, advising resource-constrained local organizations and organizing the annual conference in New York. My involvement has challenged me to think outside the box and prepare for unexpected situations – these skills have proven critical when leading projects at work. Through volunteering, I have been able to combine my interests in entrepreneurship and commitment to social impact initiatives while also improving my team-building and negotiation skills. I hope to continue contributing my time to social impact causes through participation in the XXX Club at LBS. For the last five years, I have mentored young women as GLOBAL BANK’s UNIVERSITY recruiting team captain and have organized firm wide networking events led by senior leadership as a member of the Women’s ABC Group. Having had strong female mentors throughout my career, I am driven to elevate women’s voices and promote female leadership. Inspirational conversations with women at LBS have underscored my excitement about collaborating with likeminded individuals in LBS ABC CLUB and using the platform to organize a speaker series with women in venture capital. Two years ago, I started an online blog, where I publish my thoughts on various industries and interviews with founders. My blog serves as a portfolio of my thoughts and has served as a bridge into the startup ecosystem. The release of creativity and freedom I feel when I write is similar to the rush I get when playing the piano and composing music, an activity that I started when I was five years old and still continue to pursue in my free time. Finally, being a competitive figure skater for nine years and playing doubles tennis in both high school and college have been two of my most wonderful experiences. Today, these sports remain a large part of my life and continue to instill in me the values of discipline, self-motivation, and teamwork.

SBC’s star-studded consultant team is unparalleled. Our clients benefit from current intelligence that we receive from the former MBA Admissions Officers from LBS, Columbia CBS and every elite business program in the US and Europe.  These MBA Admissions Officers have chosen to work exclusively with SBC.

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MBA Application Preparation: Essay

By Kirsten Wells (Senior Global Recruitment Manager, MBA & Masters in Finance)

Essays can often be one of the most dreaded parts of any business school application, but it really doesn’t have to be. Although we get a lot of information from your application form, the essay segment of the application can allow you to show more of your personality! The next blog instalment in the MBA Application Preparation series will be on essays, and what they bring to your MBA application!

Why do business schools ask for essays?

Business schools across the world will really vary in why they have essays and particularly what they ask as their question(s). Some might ask about your motivations for applying to that particular school, others might be more interested in your career goals. Generally, an essay component is included in an application to help Admissions Committees find out more about a candidate, beyond the black and white of the application form!

A lot of business schools will have set questions they ask but some might have one set question and one optional question (like LBS does!), so it’s important to know exactly what the essay questions are asking before you start preparing.

What should I include or address in my essay?

First and foremost – make sure you answer the question asked of you! For example, the LBS MBA application asks a question specifically about your future career goals, so do make sure you’re telling the Admissions Committee exactly that. When it comes to your aspirations, you might not have them specifically set in stone or you might be using the MBA to explore. This is fine! However, it is always good to include a focus to your career goals, i.e. you know the sector you would like to go into and potential steps to get there. It’s never a bad thing to consider any alternative plans too.

My next piece of advice of what to include – research! You’ve likely spent a lot of time researching the School, maybe even spoken to students and alumni or attended events, so make sure you include evidence of your research. Is there a particular elective you’d like to take because it’s applicable to your career aspirations? Tell us! Do you already know how you want to contribute to the LBS community? Let us know!

Finally, show us a bit of your personality! The essays should be written in your true, authentic voice. Be open and transparent with us and show us more of who you are!

Is the LBS optional essay truly optional?

In short, it really is. Every year, many candidates will choose to fill it in, and many will opt not to. It’s entirely up to you.

Whilst the essay is optional, I do urge candidates to view it as an opportunity! We include our optional essay to give you the space to tell the Admissions Committee anything you haven’t had chance to tell us yet in the application. It shouldn’t be a rehash of your first essay, or a regurgitation of your application form – it should be information that is new, or something particularly relevant to you as a person that you haven’t yet informed us of.

You might then be thinking, what could I write about? The Admissions Committee have truly seen it all! Some examples of optional essays I’ve seen in applications include: reinforcement of important points made elsewhere in the application, impactful volunteering experiences, more on their leadership roles they hold outside of work (i.e. sports teams, or professional networks), hobbies that have shaped their lives, and even quite personal stories! There really aren’t any restrictions on what you could choose to write about!

What are some best practice tips when it comes to writing the essay?

As explored above, the essays are really your chance to tell us your story, so it’s good to make sure you’re spending time on them. Be prepared to draft, redraft and maybe even redraft some more!

I often advise candidates to get someone else to read them – at the very least to check for any typos. Some ideas on who you can show it to – a family member or friend might be good option as they’d be able to advise you on whether your true character is reflected in the essay! Another person to show it too, might be someone who has limited knowledge on what your job responsibilities are – to make sure that you’re being clear in your messaging.

There is however a fine line with just how many people you share your essays with. You still want to make sure it’s your voice coming across, rather than someone else’s. There is a risk of too many cooks in the kitchen if you show it to every single friend and family member! 2-3 should be more than enough!

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Homepage > MBA Admissions > Business Schools > London Business School MBA Essays | Analysis and Tips | 2019-2020

London Business School MBA Essays | Analysis and Tips | 2019-2020

Posted by Nayeem Noor | Oct 25, 2019 | Business Schools , MBA Admissions , MBA Application Process

Every year, LBS enrolls exceptional professionals with a strong emphasis on diversity and a global mindset. Apart from its excellent employment statistics, London business School provides its students the chance to prepare themselves to lead businesses in a progressively globalized world. And with the reintroduction of the UK’s two-year post-study work visa makes London Business School an attractive destination for pursuing an MBA.

In this article, we will share tips and guidelines to approach London Business School 2019-20 MBA application essays. Here is the outline of the article:

• The London Business School MBA 2019-20 application deadlines
• The London Business School MBA essay questions

Do’s and don’ts while writing the LBS application essays

Analysis of lbs essay questions, 2019 – 2020 lbs mba application deadlines.

The following are the deadlines for the London Business School MBA program’s 2020 intake.

Note: All applications are due by 17.00 (UK time)

LBS MBA Essay Questions 2019-2020

The LBS MBA application essay questions have remained unchanged from last year. Applicants for the 2019-20 intake are required to write one compulsory essay of 500 words. There is also an optional application essay of 500 words.

The application essay questions for London Business School MBA incoming class of 2020 are:

• Don’t repeat what is already there in your resume. Essays provide an opportunity for the applicants to explain the admissions committee what is not there in the resume.
• Thoroughly check for the spelling and grammar of your essay before submitting it.
• Don’t explain what is not asked by the admission committee, read the question, and understand what the admissions committee wants from the question.
• Share examples from your professional or personal life for the admissions committee to know more about you.

London Business School says, “We nurture our students to challenge the status quo, to question the norm, and to develop the skills to become the world’s best business leaders. Over the years, we have adopted a truly global outlook tackling challenges faced by international businesses and their leaders.”  Understanding what admissions committee is looking for is crucial while articulating your essays.

Applicant’s research about London Business School will help them to answer these questions. A campus visit to LBS or interaction with a London Business School Student Ambassado r will be helpful in approaching the essay questions. Once you have a good understanding of what the school offers and how you will contribute to the LBS community, you will be better equipped to approach the essay questions.

Now let us analyze each application essay question and look at some tips for approaching them.

London Business School Essay 1:

What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School program contribute towards these? (500 words)

Let us break down the question to understand what the admissions committee is looking for:

• Applicant’s career goal after MBA program
• How LBS helps the applicants to fulfill their MBA goals
• Why London Business School?

Talk about your Post-MBA goals

This is a fairly standard goals essay . Considering the details that need to be included in this response, highlighting one or two key accomplishments from your professional career is suitable. As essay-1 is the only required essay for the LBS application, it is crucial to include some achievements. You can possibly mention them when you discuss how your work to date has prepared you for your target post-MBA role.

Focus on transferable skills

Compelling essays will provide all the requested information upfront. Naming the job you wish to hold immediately after an MBA, and how it fits into your long term post-MBA goals. Applicants should aim to demonstrate a high degree of thoughtfulness in discussing how their prior experience has provided skills and knowledge that will transfer to their desired role. And detail out specific elements of the LBS MBA program that will ease this transition.

While structuring your 500-word response, we recommend you start the essay with a story, event, or life experience that has shaped your career so far. Make the opening statement engaging enough to hook the admissions committee. You can make your starting statement engaging in several ways: a question, a quote, an anecdote, or statistics. Be specific in explaining your career progression and how your responsibilities increased over time. Spend 100-150 words in this ‘past’ section.

Now explain how your experience has molded your future goals and what are your plans for the future.  This part of the essay must describe both your short-term and long-term career goals. The short-term goal is the post-MBA job that you want to achieve, while the long-term goal characterizes where you want to be in a time frame of 10 to 30 years.

Be Specific about your short Term Goals

A great goal carries a clear description of the future function and/or industry, which will give the ad com a sense of your future role. At the same time, an ambiguous goal leaves the admissions committee muddled about what you want to chase after your MBA from LBS. Start with the short-term goals and then discuss your long-term goals. Make sure you make a logical linking between your short-term and long-term goals. You must spend 100-200 words to substantiate your short term and long-term goals.

Mention How LBS serve as a stepping stone for your careers and professional goals

You should aim to dedicate at least 200 words of Essay 1 to the ways a London Business School MBA would distinctively prepare you for future success. Rather than narrating in generalities about the program, deep-diving into flexible curriculum and clubs of your interest will allow getting as much mileage for your application as possible. Go beyond the program’s website and take the time to learn about the program by attending admission events and connecting with current students and alumni to collect their insights about the LBS MBA program.

London Business School – Essay 2 (Optional Essay)

Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School? (500 words)

The optional essay provides an excellent opportunity for you to discuss the information that they couldn’t explain in any other part of the application, like in the compulsory essay, the résumé, or the application form.

You can utilize this opportunity to address the areas of your concern in the application. Even if you do not have any weakness in your profile, good reasons to write the optional essay include:

• A low GMAT score or weak GPA
• Explain gaps in your work experience
• Any relevant personal situations that have greatly influenced your application
• Explaining your choice of recommenders
• How you have improved as a candidate since the last application.

Above all, always remember to keep your essay word limit to 500 words.

Here are a few other articles that you may find useful:

• London Business School – Class Profile & Employment Reports
• £15 Million BK Birla Scholarship for 10 Indian and International Students
• What is a good GMAT score for London Business School
• MBA essay: 5 types of essays explained with examples
• Importance of MBA Essays in Business School applications

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Nayeem Noor

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London business school mba essay—tips & advice.

©LBS Facebook—Our expert tells you how to ace the tricky MBA admissions essay

Here’s how to answer the latest MBA essay questions at LBS

Thu Sep 12 2019

To get accepted, you’ll need to complete an MBA admissions essay first. Here are the London Business School essays for 2019-2020 and how to answer them:

1. What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School program contribute towards these? (500 words)

2. Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School? (Optional) (500 words)

The first London Business School application essay cuts straight to the chase. Why are you pursuing an MBA? Why at LBS? And what is the thread that runs through your current career, the LBS MBA and your post MBA goals?

The essay asks you to address these directly. 

Most application essays want you to touch on these issues, but many other schools’ essay prompts ask you to do so in a more roundabout way.

Here are five tips:

1. There is not enough time to go over your CV in this essay

Rather focus on pulling out the pertinent points – the moments that helped you focus on your career goals, or your leadership moments.  Make sure you stress the connections between your past and your future plans. 

2. Make sure your post-MBA plans are well-researched and realistic

Particularly if you plan to change industries, role or location. LBS has a stellar employment record so insubstantial plans will be a huge red flag for the admissions committee. 

3. Make sure to show why LBS specifically will help you achieve your goals

General platitudes like ‘I want to grow my network’ could be applied to any MBA application essay. It’s not a compelling enough reason to justify your seat in the LBS classroom. LBS prizes independent thinking, global mindsets, and challenging the status quo. Make sure you can explain how LBS is the right fit for you. 

4. Make sure you speak to Alumni to get a sense of the LBS values

You can find testimonials and student ambassador contact details on the LBS website. Student ambassadors are searchable by program nationality, and industry so this is a great resource. 

5. Your career goals and strategy should shape your journey through LBS

LBS boasts ‘the world’s most flexible MBA’ and offers you the chance to customize your program. You’ll want to elaborate on the specifics of how you are getting from A (your current career) to B (your post-MBA career) via the springboard of LBS.

©LBS Facebook

Optional essays are a great way to address any gaps or shortcomings in your application. Doing so shows a sense of self awareness and can provide the LBS admissions committee with context. 

The optional essay, however, should not come across as a set of excuses. It should demonstrate self-awareness and that you have taken steps to address any weak points in your application.

At LBS the average GMAT score for the Class of MBA2020 was 707, with a class range of 600 to 800. 600 is the minimum score LBS will accept. If your score falls in the lower ranges you may have to address this, by demonstrating your academic abilities, or quantitative skills elsewhere. You may also have to speak directly with the admissions team about retaking the test. 

If any part of your application seems weak relative to the LBS class profile, you can consider providing support to show why your situation is exceptional. If your work experience seems flimsy in comparison to other applicants, you can strengthen your your case by demonstrating the quality of your experience and/or your unique perspectives. 

You may find for example that your undergrad marks were low, but this can be mitigated by the fact that you were launching your own business, or still near the top of your class in a difficult course.

The optional essay also particularly important for international applicants who may need to give some context to their application. Don’t assume that the admissions team knows about the company you work for, or the particular context of your country. 

LBS recommends you spend a ‘significant amount of time’ on these essays, a ‘vital part of your application’. So start brainstorming, and good luck!

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The One-year MBA application will open in July 2024.

• We have three application deadlines each year
• All application deadlines are 17:00 UK time
• Selected applicants are invited to join us for an interview conducted by alumni or senior admissions staff, usually in the region in which you are based

Prepare for your application

You can start preparing for your application for the August 2025 intake, following the below guidance:

• Prepare for and take your GMAT or GRE test
• Notify your professional referee 
• Begin drafting and writing your essays, as per essay questions below

Question 1. (500 words) What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School programme contribute towards these?

Question 2. (500 words) (This question is optional) Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School?

Deadlines for the One-year MBA application are likely to run alongside our 15-21 month MBA programme  rounds .

Please register your interest to receive relevant updates.

Register your interest

Candidate requirements

If you are made an offer at London Business School and you are a European Economic Area (EEA), Swiss or non-EEA national, you may need a visa to study in the UK. For more information, please visit  visa requirements .

Candidates must have graduated three or more years ago with a Masters in Management or equivalent from a university/business school approved by the accreditation bodies EQUIS and/or AACSB , or from a University of London member institution. This is essential for entry onto the One-year MBA.

The application form is designed to be completed over several sessions. You can save your work as you go and submit the completed form whenever you are ready.

Essays are a vital part of your application and we recommend that you spend a significant amount of time in their preparation. The questions for our MBA programmes are:

• What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School programme contribute towards these? (500 words)
• Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School? (Optional) (500 words)

Your one-page CV is uploaded as part of the online application form. Please give reasons for significant gaps in employment history on a separate sheet.

You need to ask someone to act as your referee, this person could be either of the following:

• your current employer (if you don't want to ask your employer to be a referee, a colleague is acceptable)
• someone else who knows you well in a work context, for example a former employer or long-standing client.

After you input your referee's details into the online application form we will send them an email with log-in details for our online reference system. London Business School reserves the right to contact your referee for further information in connection with your application.

Download further information on references for applicants and referees (PDF document, 156.00kb)

You must have a valid GMAT, GMAT Focus or GRE test score before submitting an application. We also accept EA scores from candidates who have previously scored well on the GMAT / GRE when applying for their masters, but whose scores are no longer valid. Valid scores must be less than five years old and you must request for the test organisation to report the official score to us. Please submit your official test taker copy of your score with your application.

Register to take the GMAT, or try the GMAT test.

Please note, you may be asked by the Admissions Committee to retake the test before receiving an offer.

Read the FAQs for more information on GMAT/GRE requirements.

If English is not your native language, or if you have not been studying fully in English or living in an English-speaking country for at least two years, please submit your IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge CPE, CAE or PTE Academic score. Other tests will not be accepted.

Our TOEFL institution code is 0898.

For more information, see our English language requirements for guidance on accepted scores.

The application fee is £200. This fee is paid by credit card with your application form; your application will remain incomplete until we receive the correct fee.

A transcript of grades from each university you have attended (if you are made an offer). Transcripts also require a certified translation into English.

Admissions blog

Get an inside look at how best to showcase your potential to the Admissions Committee.

GMAT simulator

A strong GMAT or GRE score helps us assess your ability to succeed on the programme.

So what happens next?

Once you successfully submit your application. Here’s what to expect next.

Your application will be considered by the Admissions Committee in keeping with the deadlines relevant to the stage you applied. If you are successful your Regional Admissions Manager will begin the process of finding an alumnus/alumna in your region to interview you.

Selected applicants will then be invited to join us for the interview stage. Interviews are conducted by alumni or senior admissions staff of the One-year MBA programme and your interview will take place in the region in which you are based. Based on interviewer availability, you may be asked to travel in order to complete your interview.

Interview feedback is then combined with your initial application and used by the Admissions Committee to reach a decision which may be:

• Offer – The exceptional merits of your application and interview mean London Business School would like to offer you a place to join the One-year MBA programme
• Reject – Your application will come to an end for this year but the option to apply in the subsequent admission cycle is available
• Waitlist – London Business will not be making an offer at this stage, but we remain open to gathering more information concerning your candidacy given the strengths of your application

Please note that all offers are made via email. Given varying time zones this email may reach you outside of working hours.

Each year some applicants who are placed on the waitlist are later offered a place in the current class, or sometimes for the following year. If you are placed on the waitlist you will be provided with additional information about next steps.

Admissions advice

David Simpson, MBA and MiF Admissions Director at London Business School, shares his advice on applying to the MBA programmes.

Fees, financing and scholarships

We have a broad and growing scholarship portfolio to help support your studies, as well as a number of loan options.

London Business School in 360°

Dynamic. Cosmopolitan. Diverse. You’ll find all the energy of London – its cultural richness and spirit of innovation – right here on our London campus. Take a look around in this 360° tour.

How to apply FAQs

Applications for the inaugural 2025 class will open in July 2024. Please  register your interest  to receive programme updates.

You must ensure that your GMAT, GMAT Focus or GRE score is valid upon submitting your application.

Our average GMAT score for the MBA class is around 700, with a typical class range of 600 to 800. You should note that the minimum score we will accept is usually around 600, depending on your academic and professional background.

Our score expectations for GMAT Focus are in line with the equivalent scores from the previous GMAT. You should aim for 645, but we are likely to require at least 555 and above.

For GRE, we prefer scores over 160 for both verbal and quantitative sections.

We will look at all elements of your score and although a good score is preferable, the GMAT / GRE is just one of the admissions criteria. Just as a high score does not guarantee admission, a below average score does not always eliminate a candidate.

If you feel that you could improve your score, you are advised to retake the test to help make you a more competitive candidate. If you plan to retake your GMAT after the application deadline you should liaise directly with the MBA admissions team at [email protected] for further advice.

We will accept the EA if you have a good score on a prior GMAT / GRE, but it is from more than five years ago.

You should be aware that some employers may prefer you to have a GMAT score.

Please note, you may be asked by the Admissions Committee to retake a test before receiving an offer if they feel that your current score is too low. Practice the GMAT test with London Business School's GMAT simulator and prepare yourself for the test.

No. You’ll need to select which programme you’re applying to at the beginning of your application. If you are unsure which is best for you, please contact our recruitment team  [email protected] .

The School does not have any arrangements for students to transfer between its programmes or to/from a programme at another institution.

The expected range of work experience after completing your masters in management is 3 to 10 years.

We will consider you, but the strength of your case will depend on the quality as well as the length of your work experience.

In addition to having obtained a masters in management, you will need to have at least three years’ relevant, high-quality work experience that demonstrates a strong track record of achievement.

Your work experience does not necessarily need to include experience as a manager. The programme is suitable for people who come from technical backgrounds (for example, engineering or IT), as well as for people who have worked in finance or consultancy or run their own business. We also welcome applications from people who have worked in the public sector/government.

Yes, we believe that military experience is very valuable. We strongly encourage former military personnel onto our programmes, as they have proven leadership, interpersonal and team-building skills.

Application to the One-year MBA will be free to London Business School alumni and active military candidates.

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