why mba application essay

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.

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Which program are you applying to?

Mba personal statement examples.

Get accepted to your top choice business school with your compelling essay.

MBA Personal Statement Sample Essays & Tips

Your academic record, GMAT scores, and GPA are important factors in the MBA application process. But, more than that, business schools ultimately care about who you are and whether you would be a good fit for their program. This is where your application essays come in. The goal here is to complete the picture that your scores and stats began sketching. Take your time when writing these essays. They will form the image the admissions committee will see before they meet you at your interview. Write, edit, and edit again. Be sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors in your essay. You want your portrait to be clean and clear. Once you are satisfied with your essay, ask a trusted friend, mentor, or admissions pro to read it. A fresh pair of eyes can often see things that you can’t.

7 tips for creating the best MBA essays

Here are some important things to remember when writing your MBA essays.

• Show who you are in a background essay Use this opportunity to reveal your values and personality, the obstacles you’ve overcome, and the seminal experiences that have shaped you into the person you are today. No two people have the same history. Use stories and examples to make your background bright and stand out to demonstrate what makes you special. Discuss how your history has brought you to this point. What is there in your background that compels you to pursue an MBA at this time?
• Show your direction in the goals essay Use this opportunity to show that you have clear direction and purpose based on experience and planning. Business school is not another opportunity to “find yourself.” Even if you have had one career path and will use your MBA to launch another career, this essay must describe the reasons behind your career-change, your new goals, and how the program will help you achieve them.
• Use your optional essay to explain negatives in your stats If your GPA was lower than you would have liked early in your undergraduate education, use your essay to show how you learned from this experience. Everyone makes mistakes. How you deal with your mistakes shows a lot to the admissions committee – determination, discipline, success, resilience, and breadth of experience are qualities that will serve you well in your MBA studies and later in life. Be sure that you explain your negatives and don’t try to justify them. Show that you understand the mistake you made, learned from it and changed as a result of processing the experience. That response shows maturity. Justifying – instead of learning or changing – is a sign of immaturity. MBA programs want mature adults. Almost all of them have made mistakes.
• Say what you mean, and mean what you say Admissions committees read thousands of essays during each admissions round. A concise, well thought-out essay will have them reading yours to the end.  You need examples and stories to support your statements and make your essay interesting and readable. Each of these needs to be to the point. These professionals are trained to spot an essay that is full of fluff and without substance.Avoid rambling and the use of keywords that you think the reader wants to see. A non-substantive essay will lead the reader to conclude that you, too, are without substance.
• Find your passion This relates to tip #4 above. You want to grab the reader right away and create an essay that will keep their attention to the very end – and leave them wanting to meet you and get to know you even better. In other words, offer you a coveted interview! Find a theme, and weave it throughout your essay. If you can identify a passion that you had from an early age and follow it through the different stages of your life, you will have an interesting, readable essay. Connect your passion to your childhood and you professional and extracurricular experiences and accomplishments. Demonstrate how your passion will influence your future career and serve the community at the school you want to attend.
• Focus on your professional experience and achievements Not everyone has a passion that they have carried with them throughout their life. However, since you are planning on attending an MBA program, you must have had professional and personal achievements. Highlight your professional skills and successes, as well as personal accomplishments. Show how these experiences and achievements have brought you to this point, and how they have influenced your long-term plans and reasons for pursuing an MBA.
• Highlight your experience in your EMBA essay An applicant to an Executive MBA program is an executive or manager currently in the workforce, usually with at least eight years of business experience. As an EMBA student you will be expected to excel in your coursework while continuing to hold down your full-time job. You must demonstrate significant leadership, impact, potential, and the legitimate need for the degree to be accepted. Highlight your current responsibilities and recent achievements, as well as your skill sets. Discuss your goals and how an EMBA will help you reach them. Include how you will positively impact the community at the program you are applying to.

Read MBA Personal Statement Examples

Now that you have the tools to write your compelling essay, check out our sample MBA application essays to see what you will be able to accomplish.

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“Why Do You Want to Pursue an MBA?” Essay Examples

Featured Expert: Nirusan Rajakulendran, MBA

“Why do you want to pursue an MBA?” essay is one of the most common supplemental or optional essays. Whether you are looking to apply to Harvard Business School or the Kellogg Business School , you will need to prepare to answer this question via essay or an MBA interview question .

Some schools may indeed state that the essay is optional, but any serious candidate would be well-advised to write it.

In this post, we will help you write the “Why do you want to pursue an MBA?” essay and increase your chances of landing that seat in the coveted program.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free initial consultation here <<

Article Contents 9 min read

“why do you want to pursue an mba” essay: why business schools ask for it.

At this point, you’re probably wondering why business schools even bother with such an essay. Well, there are many reasons, including:

#1 How an MBA will help your career goals

Universities don’t want to waste their time and resources on candidates who can’t fully commit to their studies. They need to select candidates who will graduate and pursue careers that will become a testimony to their alma mater.

Your essay will show them how much mettle and commitment you, the applicant, have. You can use this essay to show what getting an MBA will do for your career. It allows you to tell the admissions committee about why you’re going after an MBA – What are your motivations? What are your goals?

They can gauge your academic achievements by looking at your transcripts and GRE scores, for example. But, with this essay, you get a chance to reveal what drives you forward and what an MBA can help you with.

#2 Insight into personal character

Personal character is an important indicator of what the candidate is “made” of. The essay gives them an insight into your eligibility as a well-rounded and reliable individual.

They are looking for characteristics that make a candidate a dependable, even honorable, individual that can be relied upon to make smart decisions both in life and in their career.

Most importantly, it offers a chance for you to show the admissions officers what it is that makes you stand out from other candidates who have similar or better academic achievements and extracurricular activities.

This essay is another chance for you to stand out and remind the admissions committee of your unique skills and experiences.

#3 Shows how much the candidate wants the spot

More importantly, the admissions officers will be able to see how much you want to join the MBA program. A good “Why do you want to pursue an MBA?” essay conveys an applicant’s eagerness, passion, and even future dedication to a career in the business field.

There are some points to consider before you start writing. To begin with, don’t veer off-topic – the essay needs to lie within the school’s word-length requirements. For example, Harvard Business School has set its application essay length at 400, Yale asks for three required essays of 300 words or less, while Kellogg School of Business asks for two essays of 450 words each. This means that every word needs to contribute towards answering the question “Why do you want to pursue an MBA?” and nothing more.

Before you even start brainstorming, you need to do some research:

#1 School history

Do thorough research on the school. Find out as much as you can about its history, alumni, awards, commendations, and recognition it may have earned.

Are there any courses and classes the business school is known for and that you are interested in? Are there any faculty members lecturing at the school with whom you would like to work?

Are there any famous internship programs that can help you with achieving your career goals? Do they have a curriculum you know will teach you about a specific niche of business?

You can openly express your interest in these aspects of your future education in your essay. Showing that there is something specific that interests you in your chosen program demonstrates that you have made a careful and calculated decision. For example, you can say that a lecturer at this school is a role model with whom you would like to study. Or you can express that a specific course curriculum interests you because it is directly tied to your future career goals.

If you know someone who has graduated from your chosen MBA program, reach out to them! Send them an email or try to meet in person to ask any questions you may have. Alumni can be a great insight into the inner workings of a program. They can indicate what qualities you may want to showcase in your application and interview. Having someone on the inside is a great advantage!

#3 Extracurricular activities

University life doesn’t only involve life in the classroom. There are various on-campus activities for students to partake in. If your essay shows that you will contribute to life outside of the classroom, this may be your chance to stand out.

Business schools offer a wide range of sports, clubs, musical ensembles, theater groups, and student organizations. They always strive to enroll students with diverse interests so that they can effectively contribute to their collegial community.

What to Include in a “Why Do You Want to Pursue an MBA?” Essay

Let us move on and delve into what makes up a “Why do you want to pursue an MBA?” essay. We will have a look at important components that help create a well-rounded essay.

Some suggestions include:

#1 Achievements

Your essay should demonstrate to the admissions officers the different accomplishments you have achieved in your education, profession, and other aspects of your life.

Proof of accomplishments can include academic awards, professional recognitions, or contests that you have entered and placed in, such as essay contests, art competitions or science fair competitions, work diplomas or awards.

To show a track record of excellence, initiative, and ambition. ","label":"Aim","title":"Aim"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

#2 Strengths

Your essay must demonstrate, via examples, that you can indeed be “creative”, “mature” or “skilled.” The key is to show, rather than tell the admissions committee what relevant strengths you possess that make you the perfect candidate for an MBA program. Make sure to include details and demonstrate, with examples, what makes you the right fit for your chosen MBA program and the business world in general.

To show with examples that you are a strong and suitable candidate for your chosen program. ","label":"Aim","title":"Aim"}]" code="tab2" template="BlogArticle">

#3 International experience

If you are an MBA candidate looking to pursue a career in international business, you might want to emphasize what steps you took to prepare yourself for this path so far.

You can use the “Why do you want to pursue an MBA” essay to demonstrate your exposure to a wider world beyond your country’s borders. Whether it’s an educational or a professional experience, you can include it in this essay to show that you are serious about a global career.

Additionally, your experience abroad will demonstrate that you can get along with, learn from, and grow with peers from various countries.

To show that you have taken the necessary steps to prepare yourself for a career in international business. ","label":"Aim","title":"Aim"}]" code="tab3" template="BlogArticle">

#4 Extracurricular activities

A healthy individual will have a well-rounded life outside of the office. Your essay can demonstrate that you have hobbies and commit to non-work-related activities. Do not make the mistake of thinking that your extracurriculars are not interesting to the admissions committee! These may be precisely the details that make you stand out from the crowd. So, if you love dancing or tutoring children in math or science, you can feel free to incorporate this in your essay!

To demonstrate commitment and dedication to your community, as well as well-roundedness and curiosity.  ","label":"Aim","title":"Aim"}]" code="tab4" template="BlogArticle">

Admissions officers want to know what the candidate is aiming for. They need to have a clear picture – even if you don’t exactly have one yet – that you are at least aiming for a few milestones in your career. Remember, you do not have to be specific. However, you can mention what aspect of the business world you want to grow in.

You can be as specific as you want to be about your goals post-MBA.

The candidate demonstrates that they have plans of putting their education to good use both in the short and long run. ","label":"Aim","title":"Aim"}]" code="tab5" template="BlogArticle">

Do’s and Don’ts of the "Why Do You Want to Pursue an MBA?" Essay

Ok, we have come this far and the “Why do you want to pursue an MBA?” essay is almost complete. But, we also need to see what to do and not do in the essay.

Let’s have a look:

Include major milestones \u2013 draw a clear picture of the progress you made in education or a career. "}]" code="timeline1">

Don\u2019t use clich\u00e9s and generalizations or include controversial topics in your essay. "}]" code="timeline2">

Now, let’s have a look at a sample “Why do you want to pursue an MBA?” essay:

As a child, I was interested in how businesses were run. The idea of owning and growing a small business into an international conglomerate thrilled me. It is this passion that led me to want to join this esteemed institution.

My journey to pursue an MBA started during my first year in college, when I joined one of the largest banks in Canada as a Cash Counter Clerk.

Immediately, I loved that the work was demanding and required extra hours and even coming in on weekends. I learned and thrived in this environment. My communication and organizational skills that I applied in my role soon made me a reliable colleague. I managed to become Employee of the Month three times in a row without it affecting my college work. As a matter of fact, the experience at the bank helped me with creating a schedule for managing my time in college. I received several promotions at the bank while I was at college, and after graduation was also immediately offered a Supervisor position at the bank.

In my new role, I continued to develop my leadership abilities, which culminated in the $1billion move of our Finance and Auditing business from Memphis to Toronto – right in the middle of a financial system meltdown.

As a Supervisor, I used feedback from my team to make effective changes in my style of management. I allowed workers who wanted to work from home to do so as long as the deliverables and deadlines were met. This cut down on overhead in the office while also creating more relaxed, happier, and more efficient team members. My versatility and self-awareness resulted in a positive response from my team members, which was reflected in their attitudes and the quality of their work. They started putting in more hours and were more creative with their contributions. We cut costs but increased productivity.

Having worked as a Supervisor for over 4 years now, I have made the decision to pursue an MBA program to further develop my leadership and management skills. I have found that your MBA program, with its faculty and curriculum, is the exact tool I need to achieve my career goals. I hope to graduate and join the ranks of alumni like [INSERT NAME] who, after graduating from your business school went on to create ACME Intl. – one of the leaders in the business finance field. I am sure that with Professor [INSERT NAME], who teaches Leadership, Teamwork, Management, and Organizational Behavior, I will be able to build upon my experiences and take a step closer to making my dreams come true.

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

• Harvard MBA personal statement examples
• 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

Writing the “why do you want to pursue an MBA?” essay might understandably seem like a daunting task – after all, it is only your future career that is hanging in the balance. But, the trick to use is to imagine oneself telling a story and then trying to capture that story in writing. It is all about conveying the story intact.

Make sure to give yourself at least 6 weeks to draft and redraft your essay. Consider reaching out to an MBA essay consultant to help you. These professionals can help you brainstorm, edit, and finalize an essay that will perfectly reflect your strengths and suitability.

The rule of thumb is to avoid using fancy fonts. The best options are Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri in 12-point type. Also avoid using bold, italics or emojis.

Always check the university’s guidelines first. If there are none, make sure to structure your essay as an academic essay, with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Additionally, make sure that your essay includes A 1” margin on all sides with 1.5 or double line spacing and left alignment with no justification.

Use transitional sentences to connect paragraphs. As you read your essay, it should flow from one paragraph to the next.

Always check the university’s guidelines for specific length requirements. DO NOT write more than the word limit. If there are no guidelines, stick to 400 words or so. . Remember, it’s always best to write a concise essay, so writing less than the word limit is a good strategy.

The best way to gauge if a story belongs in your essay is to imagine telling it to someone you just met a few minutes ago. How would they react? That’s probably exactly how the admissions officer reading it would react too.

If there is a teachable moment you have experienced or a lesson was learned while trying to right a wrong, then you should, by all means, include them to show that you can learn from your mistakes.

Only as much as necessary. Remember, you are submitting your essay alongside other educational documents. The admissions committee will have access to them. You, therefore, don’t need to dwell on it unless it helps with your essay – “I passed with distinction…” or “I graduated top of my class…” should be enough information.

A good way to edit your essay fully would be to spellcheck, use third-party apps to have a second run through it, read it aloud, and finally have someone else read it. 

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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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5 Expert Tips for the "Why Stanford?" MBA Application Essay

Discover 5 expert tips to help you craft a compelling "Why Stanford?" MBA application essay that sets you apart from the competition.

Posted August 6, 2024

Featuring Matt P.

Planning Your MBA Application

Starting friday, september 6.

12:00 AM UTC · 45 minutes

Table of Contents

Writing a compelling "Why Stanford?" MBA application essay can greatly increase your chances of being accepted into this prestigious program. In this article, we will provide you with five expert tips to help you craft an essay that stands out from the competition and showcases your unique qualities. From understanding the importance of the essay to finalizing and reviewing your work, we will guide you through the process step by step.

How Important is the "Why Stanford?" Essay?

When applying to Stanford's MBA program, the "Why Stanford?" essay is an essential component of your application. It serves as an opportunity for you to demonstrate your motivation, fit, and alignment with the program. Admissions officers want to understand why you specifically chose Stanford and how you plan to contribute to the community. Therefore, it is crucial to approach this essay with thoughtfulness and authenticity.

Stanford University, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is renowned for its innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. The "Why Stanford?" essay provides admissions officers with insights into your goals, values, and aspirations. It allows them to evaluate your compatibility with the program and assess whether you can make the most of the resources and opportunities available at Stanford. Your essay should showcase your enthusiasm for joining the Stanford community and highlight the unique perspective you can bring to the program.

What's the Role of the Essay in Your Application?

The "Why Stanford?" essay holds significant weight in the admissions process. It is not just another piece of writing; it is your chance to stand out from the pool of applicants and make a compelling case for why you belong at Stanford. Admissions officers carefully review this essay to gain a deeper understanding of your motivations and aspirations.

By articulating your reasons for choosing Stanford, you demonstrate your ability to think critically and reflect on your own goals. Admissions officers are looking for individuals who have a clear sense of purpose and can articulate how Stanford's MBA program aligns with their aspirations. Your essay should provide a glimpse into your thought process, showcasing your ability to connect your past experiences and future goals with what Stanford has to offer.

What Stanford Looks for in Applicants

Stanford seeks applicants who are not only academically accomplished but also possess personal qualities that align with their values. They value individuals with intellectual vitality, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world. When writing your essay, consider how your experiences, skills, and aspirations enable you to contribute to these values.

Stanford's MBA program is known for its collaborative and inclusive community . Admissions officers want to see that you can thrive in this environment and contribute meaningfully to the Stanford community. Highlight any experiences you have had working in diverse teams or leading initiatives that promote inclusivity and collaboration. Showcasing your ability to work effectively with others and your commitment to making a positive impact will make your essay stand out.

Furthermore, Stanford values individuals who have a global mindset and are eager to tackle complex global challenges. Consider discussing how your international experiences or cross-cultural understanding can contribute to the diversity of perspectives at Stanford. Admissions officers want to see that you can bring a unique perspective to the classroom and engage in meaningful discussions that push the boundaries of traditional thinking.

In conclusion, the "Why Stanford?" essay is an opportunity for you to showcase your fit with Stanford's MBA program and demonstrate your potential to contribute to the community. By approaching this essay with thoughtfulness and authenticity, you can make a compelling case for why Stanford is the perfect place for you to pursue your MBA and make a lasting impact in the world.

How to Craft Your Unique Story

Before you start writing, take the time to reflect on your personal and professional goals. Understand what drives you and how an MBA from Stanford can help you achieve these goals. Your essay should provide a narrative that connects your past experiences, current strengths, and future aspirations.

Identify Your Personal and Professional Goals

Begin by analyzing your short-term and long-term goals. Outline the specific skills, knowledge, or experiences you need to develop to achieve these goals. Identify the areas where Stanford's MBA program can provide the resources and support necessary for your growth.

Showcase Your Unique Experiences and Perspectives

Highlight the experiences, achievements, and challenges that have shaped your character. Emphasize how these experiences have influenced your values and decision to pursue an MBA at Stanford. Be authentic and let your passion shine through your writing.

Read : 3 Things You Need for Successful Stanford MBA Essays

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How to Demonstrate Your Understanding of Stanford's MBA Program

An important aspect of your "Why Stanford?" essay is demonstrating your understanding of the program's curriculum and culture. Admissions officers want to see that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the opportunities Stanford offers.

Research Stanford's MBA Curriculum and Culture

Investigate the unique courses, professors, clubs, and other resources that Stanford's MBA program provides. Explain how these aspects align with your goals and interests. Show that you have taken the time to understand how Stanford can help you achieve your aspirations.

Align Your Goals with Stanford's Mission

Stanford has a mission of creating leaders who can make a difference in the world. Demonstrate how your personal and professional goals align with this mission. Showcase how your values and Stanford's values are congruent, and how you will contribute to the program's collaborative and forward-thinking community.

Writing Techniques for a Compelling Essay

In addition to the content, the structure and style of your essay play a significant role in making it compelling and engaging for the reader. Use the following techniques to enhance the impact of your writing.

Structuring Your Essay Effectively

Start with a captivating introduction that grabs the reader's attention and clearly states your motivation for applying to Stanford. Use paragraphs or sections to organize your thoughts logically and ensure smooth transitions between ideas. End with a memorable conclusion that summarizes your key points and reaffirms your enthusiasm for joining the program.

Tips for Clear and Engaging Writing

Avoid jargon and technical language that may be unfamiliar to the reader. Write in a clear and concise manner, using concrete examples to illustrate your points. Use active verbs to make your writing more dynamic. Show genuine enthusiasm and passion for your goals and your desire to be part of the Stanford community.

Don't Forget to Finalize and Review Your Essay

Once you have completed your draft, it is essential to review and refine your essay to ensure it is polished and error-free. Follow these strategies to give your "Why Stanford?" essay the attention it deserves.

Proofread and Edit Your Strategies

Proofread your essay carefully to eliminate any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Read it aloud to check for readability and flow. Consider seeking feedback from trusted friends, mentors, or professionals to gain different perspectives and suggestions for improvement.

Seek Feedback and Make Revisions

Share your essay draft with individuals who can provide constructive feedback. Ask them to evaluate whether your essay effectively communicates your goals, values, and fit with Stanford. Revise your essay based on this feedback and make it even stronger and more impactful.

By following these five expert tips, you will be well on your way to creating a compelling "Why Stanford?" MBA application essay. Remember, authenticity, clarity, and showcasing your unique qualities are key to impressing the admissions committee. Good luck!

Read these articles next:

• 7 MBA Essay Tips to Make You Stand Out in 2024
• How to Prepare a Recommender Prep Doc for Your MBA Applications
• How to Nail Your Stanford GSB MBA Interview: Overview, Questions, & Tips

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Perspectives

5 tips for writing a standout mba application essay.

Crafting a compelling MBA application essay can be a daunting task. This essay is your opportunity to go beyond the numbers – GMAT scores, GPA, and resume – and reveal something deeper about yourself to the admissions committee. Here are five tips (plus a bonus!) to help you write an essay that stands out during the application review process. You can review the essay prompts for this year’s application any time.

1. Stay focused and answer the question

It’s surprising how often candidates write beautiful essays but fail to answer the actual question. Before diving into your essay, take a moment to understand what the prompt is really asking. As your application is reviewed by the Admissions Committee, they are not only reading the quality of your response but also assessing your ability to follow direction and stay on topic.

Tip: Avoid the temptation to recycle essays from one application to another. Each school’s prompt is unique, and your essay should be tailored to fit each specific question.

2. Be authentic and genuine

We are looking for genuine insight into who you are, what motivates you, and what you are passionate about. Avoid writing what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Instead, focus on telling your authentic story.

Tip: Reflect on your personal and professional journey. What are your major accomplishments? What challenges have you overcome? What motivates you? Let your unique voice shine through in your writing.

“The Admissions Committee can tell when an applicant isn’t being genuine or is recycling essay responses. This aspect of the application is the best way to showcase who you are and why you’re the right fit for the program…don’t waste it by taking the easy way out!” Katy Radoll Director of Admissions, Full-Time MBA Admissions

3. Keep your language clear and approachable

While it might be tempting to use industry jargon or complex language, it’s important to remember that not everyone reading your essay will be familiar with your field. Your goal is to communicate your experiences and aspirations clearly and effectively.

Tip: Imagine explaining your story to someone outside your industry, like a grandparent or a professor in a different field. Simplify your language and focus on the impact of your experiences rather than the technical details.

4. Show, don’t tell

Instead of just telling the admissions committee about your skills and accomplishments, use specific examples and stories to illustrate your points. This approach makes your essay more engaging and memorable.

Tip: Think about experiences that have shaped your character or influenced your career path. Describe these moments vividly and explain how they have prepared you for an MBA and your future career.

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5. Edit, edit, and edit again

Writing a great essay is a process. Your first draft is just the beginning. Take the time to revise and refine your essay multiple times. Using online resources like ChatGPT can be beneficial as a starting point, but should always be reviewed for accuracy and modified to reflect your voice. Seek feedback from trusted friends, colleagues, or mentors who can offer a fresh perspective and help you improve your writing.

Tip: After writing your initial draft, set it aside for a few days before revisiting it. This break can provide new insights and help you spot areas that need improvement.

Bonus tip: Be concise and respect word limits

Being concise is not just about meeting a word limit requirement; it’s also about demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively. As you tell your story, consider how you can get your point across succinctly.

Tip: Focus on the key messages you want to convey and avoid unnecessary details. Remember, quality over quantity!

Where can an MBA take you?

Pursuing an MBA is often the catalyst to higher earning potential, pursuing a new career path, or climbing the ladder within your current organization. Connect with our admissions staff during an office hours appointment to discuss your career goals, or take a look at where Tar Heel MBAs have gone after graduation.

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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

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MBA Essay Examples, Tips, and Analysis

Y our MBA application essays are your best opportunity to share meaningful life experiences that hide in the “white spaces” of the resume and to tell admissions officers not only “what” you have achieved but also “why” those achievements are meaningful to you.

Your MBA application essays are going to be crucial if you are competing for a spot at one of the world’s top business schools.

These resources will show you how to excel in the rigorous MBA essay writing challenges ahead of you, provide you with the guidance to create MBA essays that will impress admissions officers, and share MBA essay examples that illustrate our advice in action.

Second, we survey the five most frequently asked MBA essay questions. We preview video essay questions and link to detailed guidance on how to tackle this emerging class of application essays.

Third, we will teach you how to choose topics and stories for your essays and share a story-outlining technique to help you tell those stories.

Common MBA Essay Forms: Persuasive versus Narrative Essays

There are two primary forms that MBA application essays take: persuasive essays and narrative essays. In a persuasive essay, you must persuade your reader that your argument is a sound one. An op-ed column in a newspaper is one example of a persuasive essay.

The classic “What Will You Contribute to the Class?” question is an excellent example of a persuasive essay question that MBA programs like to ask. The essay you write must persuade the admissions committee that you will enrich next year’s class. You will generally present evidence from past experiences and achievements to support your claims about what you can offer the MBA community.

The other style of essay you’ll encounter in your MBA applications is the narrative essay. Certain MBA essay questions don’t sound like questions at all; they are, in fact, an invitation for you to tell a story. We refer to these as narrative essays – but others call them behavioral essays or expository essays.

The Leadership Story Essay is a perfect example of a narrative essay. It’s one thing to claim to be a leader – but it’s quite another to show the admissions committee that you’re a leader by telling a captivating leadership story in which you played the starring role.

While MBA essays often fall into these two categories, the actual prompts will differ from school to school. Let’s discuss the five most frequently asked MBA essay questions. ↑ To the Top

The Five Most Frequently Asked MBA Essay Questions

Every business school application requires you to answer one or more MBA essay questions. Although the essay prompts differ from application to application, we identified five types of MBA application essay questions that appear again and again.

Career Goals Essays

A career goals essay question regularly appears in one form or another on just about every MBA application. Even if you aren’t required to write this type of essay, you will almost certainly be asked about your post-MBA career goals during an admissions interview.

Admissions committees ask about your career plans because they want to understand what you aspire to do after your MBA and how the MBA degree fits into your career plan. As it turns out, a strong career goals essay is one of the best tools in your application to stand out from MBA candidates who don’t have a compelling career vision or haven’t effectively articulated their professional goals in their MBA application essays.

Leadership Essays

Leadership essays are your absolute best opportunity to convince MBA admissions committees of your leadership abilities. Remember that MBA admissions officers will be interested in your leadership achievements both inside and outside of work.

You probably won’t be asked directly, “Are you a leader?” Instead, you’ll be asked to tell stories about your leadership achievements. When given the opportunity, you need to supply evidence that you can rally other people and motivate them to work together to achieve an important shared vision or goal. Therein lies the objective of a great leadership essay.

Why MBA? and Why Our School? Essays

The “Why MBA? Why Our School?” essay is your chance to convince admissions officers that their school is the perfect fit for what you need from an MBA program. The best answers to these types of questions are both personal and specific. You need to effectively convey what you are looking for in an MBA program and tell the admissions committee why their school will best satisfy your learning goals and help you achieve your career development objectives.

“What Will You Contribute?” Essays

The “What Will You Contribute?” essay presents you with an opportunity to tell the MBA Admissions Committee why you would be a valuable addition to their incoming class. The schools are looking for candidates who can put in just as much as they take out. One critical thing to understand when preparing to answer these questions is that concrete and tailored answers about what you can contribute to each MBA program are crucial.

Professional Experience Essays

The professional experience essay is an executive summary of your career thus far. A resume is a record of jobs and achievements — a Professional Experience Essay provides the connections and interrelationships between those jobs and brings your resume to life. An effective Professional Experience essay will give the admissions committee a sense of the career decisions you’ve made, your major achievements in each step of your career, and the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired along the way.

MBA Application Video Essays

MBA admissions committees are increasingly relying on technology to help them evaluate and manage their growing applicant pools. MBA application video essays are becoming a popular tool, as MBA programs can use them to learn far more about candidates than the traditional application permits. In recent years, leading MBA programs including Kellogg Northwestern , MIT Sloan , and Chicago Booth have incorporated a video component into their evaluation process. Video essays are excellent screening tools that allow admissions officers to assess candidates’ professional presence and communication skills.

Free MBA Essay Writing Course

Please enter your email below to gain 30 days of free access to our MBA Essay Writing course. Learn about the five most frequently asked MBA application essay questions and access our brainstorming tools and sample essays.

No matter which type of MBA essay question you are tackling, your primary objective is to provide evidence that proves you possess the qualities that admissions committees value most. By doing so, you will move one step closer to an acceptance letter from a top business school.

Now that you have a better picture of the classic MBA essay questions you’re likely to face, let’s cover selecting the strongest stories to present in your MBA application essays.

How to Choose the Best Stories for your MBA Essays

Story selection is something all MBA applicants wrestle with. When you first read the MBA application essay questions, it may be hard to figure out which topics to cover or which of your stories to tell. We’ll explain how to go step-by-step to choose your best stories. Here are the steps:

Research the School’s Fit Qualities

Categorize the question.

• Brainstorm Topic/Stories

Choose a Topic or Story

To choose your best stories, you need to know what qualities MBA programs truly value when evaluating applicants. You want to tell stories that prove to the admissions officers that you possess the attributes they seek in MBA candidates. We refer to these as the school’s Fit Qualities . You might think of them as the highest-common denominators among the candidates who are accepted.

Early in your MBA essay writing process is the time to make some strategic choices about which qualities and strengths you will put front and center in your MBA essays. If you attempt to feature all of your strengths, you run the risk that admissions officers will finish your essays with no clear idea of any of them. Instead, select three or four of the qualities that your research tells you the school you are applying to prizes most of all.

Second, study the essay question to determine if it falls into one of the five essay categories discussed earlier in this article.

By categorizing each question, you’ll have a better idea of what the admissions committee will be looking for in your response. You’ll know the criteria for scoring top marks in that essay style, which will guide your application essay design decisions.

Brainstorm Topics/Stories

Third, you are ready to start brainstorming potential topics and stories. Remember that your central objective is to find opportunities to feature the key elements of your application strategy .

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help you to choose your best topic or story:

Are you the star of the story or supporting cast?

With very few exceptions, you need to write stories where you play the starring role. Don’t make the mistake some applicants make of writing a thrilling story about their parents’ hardships and triumphs, leaving little room for their own.

Did the experience occur recently?

It is usually best to choose stories that happened within the last three years. If an older story is incredibly compelling, then keep it on your list. However, bear in mind that admissions officers are rarely interested in reading about your high school glory days.

Does the essay feature several Fit Qualities?

Review your topic ideas objectively and ask yourself if they exemplify the school’s Fit Qualities. Because you’ll be limited to telling only a few stories, you’ll want to choose the ones that feature a few different Fit Qualities if at all possible.

Once you have selected your best stories, it is time to create an outline to organize your thoughts before jumping into the writing process. ↑ To the Top

How to Outline Your MBA Essay Stories

The persuasive essay writing style is prevalent in university and work settings, so it may have been some time since you were asked to write a story. For that reason, we want to share a powerful outlining technique called the STAR framework that will help with the “story-telling” essays you may be asked to write in your MBA application.

The STAR framework is designed to help you tell a concise story with a beginning, middle, and end.

The “S” in STAR stands for Situation .

The Situation is the time, place, and context of the story; you can think of it as the setting, but it might also include the broader challenge or conflict you or your organization faced. In essence, this is the set-up of the story.

“T” in the STAR acronym stands for Task . The Task is your role and goal in the story. What were you expected to accomplish by the end of the story? An effective story has built-in conflicts and complications.

The Action of the story is what admissions officers are really interested in because this is their chance to see your strengths and qualities in action. While it won’t be necessary to write down every step you took at the outlining stage, you’ll want to jot down the highlights.

Below is an MBA essay example told using the STAR framework. It outlines a story written by a candidate who served as a donation chair for a fundraising event for a non-profit organization.

Task: Assigning specific jobs to committee members, checking on their progress, helping teammates meet agreed-upon deadlines for obtaining the donations, and offering other assistance

Action: Motivated my team by having them meet Literacy Now children. Assigned tasks and checked in regularly. Successfully mediated team disputes. Visited 20 restaurants and called 12 wineries. Ensured deadlines were met.

Sample MBA Essays: MBA Applicant Beware!

MBA Prep School’s guide is replete with essay writing tips, and we do provide excerpts from sample essays to illustrate the most common MBA essay categories. However, while you will find page-after-page of helpful advice and building blocks for constructing your own original MBA essays and stories, we don’t publish an extensive catalog of MBA essays written by MBA Prep School’s past clients.

The problem with collections of sample MBA application essays is that they can mislead you into thinking that if you can just replicate one of those sample essays, you’ve got your golden ticket into business school. Unfortunately, the opposite can be true. The reason those essays “succeeded” is because they were an integral part of a complete story about an impressive human being whom the admission committee concluded belonged at their business school.

And the scary truth is that reading MBA essay examples might even harm your chance of admission for several reasons:

1. They might stunt your creativity and ability to express yourself. If you are trying to mimic someone else’s essays – the content, the style, or the approach – your story and voice are likely to get lost in the process. Admissions committees want to be impressed – but they want to be impressed by you. Feature the traits and tell the stories that depict “you” at your best.

2. Sample MBA essays can undermine your confidence in your MBA candidacy. The essays that get published as samples are often truly eye-catching, dramatic, and sensational – stories of exceptional accomplishment, rare feats, or extreme obstacles. It may seem, in comparison, that none of your stories stack up. The good news is that the whole package is what matters, not a single defining moment in a candidate’s life.

The last thing you need is to doubt your abilities or have a crisis of confidence when you’re trying to put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard). Trust in your own experiences and tell stories about what you – and only you – will bring to the MBA program.

3. Admissions officers can tell when you’ve “sampled” from sample MBA essays. The pesky thing about MBA admissions committees is that they’re filled with brilliant people who know how this game is played and what resources are available. They can spot themes and clichéd stories inspired by sample essay collections. More importantly, they can sense when you’re telling someone else’s story or when the story doesn’t ring true to your MBA application’s other elements. Don’t give an admissions officer reason to doubt your authenticity by risking even the appearance that you “sampled” from MBA sample essays that are swirling around on the Internet.

At MBA Prep School, we work with clients we believe in and help them tell their stories, not someone else’s. Remember that the MBA application process is not a storytelling contest; even if it were, the winners would be chosen based on the authenticity, originality, and integrity of the stories they tell!

Final Thoughts

Critics of MBA essays often wonder if they still have a place in the application process when admissions committees can rely on quantitative data points to choose among applicants. However, your transcripts, test scores, and resume are historical documents that only tell a fraction of the story. Your MBA essays represent a powerful opportunity to communicate your goals, strengths, reasons for applying, and potential contributions to the class.

The process of writing MBA essays provides you with a rare opportunity for self-examination and self-expression. Many applicants value the introspection required of them in the MBA essay-writing process and find they can better articulate their strengths and goals during their subsequent MBA interviews as a result. By putting ample thought and effort into brainstorming and writing your MBA essays, you will almost certainly increase your odds of being accepted to a top MBA program.

Related Articles: Essay Examples

• Career Goals Essay Example
• What Will You Contribute? Essay Example
• Why MBA? and Why Our School? Essay Example
• Leadership Story Essay Example
• Professional Experience Essay Example
• MBA Video Essays
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2024-2025 Wharton MBA Essay Tips + An Example

Originally published on July 13, 2023. Updated on July 3, 2024.

The Wharton MBA essay prompts are confirmed for 2024-2025 and they remain unchanged from last year. The questions are direct and allow enough word count to paint a robust picture of who you are and why Wharton is right for you (and vice versa). As such, this application can be a good one to tackle early in the process. The deadlines are also early in each round, which lends additional credence to this approach.

To help you get started, we’re sharing a Wharton MBA essay example as well as some tips to use while crafting your own. 

Wharton MBA Essay Questions

• How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)
• Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

Wharton MBA Essay Advice

While the Wharton essay questions read as fairly straightforward, don’t let them lead you down the path of writing bland essays.  Run of the mill essays do nothing to help you stand out from the sea of applications Wharton receives. Additionally, despite the generous word count, you will absolutely need to be strategic about what you include – and don’t.

Your Career Goals Are the ‘Anchor’ For Essay One

When it comes to the first essay, the critical thing to keep in mind is that all of your content should be ‘anchored’ by your short – and long-term career goals . If you haven’t given robust thought to these and done your due diligence to ensure they are sound, now is the time to do so.

Once you have defined and refined your career goals, you need to think backwards and forwards.

By thinking backwards, we’re encouraging you to think about the formative experiences that led you to your post-MBA career goals. Perhaps in your work as a consultant you were staffed on a healthcare project that opened your eyes to how complex yet exciting the healthcare industry can be. This sparked your interest in shifting to a strategy role within a healthcare company where you can make a lasting impact on the industry and those it touches. Tell the story of that case, focusing on why it was so eye-opening, so the adcom can really feel your passion and the authenticity behind your goals.

By thinking forwards, we’re recommending that you think very specifically about the skills you need to build to be successful in your target career. Then, research and describe the unique elements of Wharton’s program that will help you to build them. If the examples you cite are offered by other business schools, they are not specific enough to make a compelling argument as to why Wharton will best position you for success. Getting this part right takes work and that is exactly why it matters.

Focus Essay Two on Being a ‘Giver’ Not a ‘Taker’

When it comes to the second essay, take a cue from what Wharton professor extraordinaire Adam Grant’s concept of ‘ givers and takers ’. Whereas the ‘why Wharton’ section of the first essay can cover what you will ‘take’ from the experience, this essay should focus on the ways in which you will be a ‘giver’ while at Wharton and even after graduation. A giver ‘…[looks] to help others by making an introduction, giving advice, providing mentoring, or sharing knowledge, without any strings attached.’

To be in a position to ‘give’, you need to have a unique knowledge base, personality trait, or past experience from which others will benefit. This is the crux of the essay. It is, first and foremost, the place to share what distinguishes you from other applicants. Because the first essay is so career focused, we urge clients to write about something personal here.

For example, a past client discussed how she would use the determination that had helped her overcome personal challenges to motivate her peers in Wharton Women in Business. She went on to describe a specific area of programming she would bring to the club that tied in with some of the personal challenges she had conquered.  The essay was strategic, specific, and thoughtful (and it was successful in earning her an acceptance with full scholarship).

Wharton MBA Essay Example

Because it’s often hard to put theory into practice, below is a Wharton MBA essay example from one of our clients who was accepted (with scholarship!).

Wharton MBA Essay Example – Essay 1

My experience advising consumer products companies at [company x] and driving strategic go-to-market decisions at [company y] have sparked a fascination with strategy at the intersection of consumer and technology. Coupled with a Wharton MBA and a post-MBA role at a consumer technology startup, I plan to leverage these experiences to, one day, lead the strategy function of a company that disrupts a previously-established market by understanding and changing consumer behavior, like Airbnb or StitchFix.

In my work to date, I have seen both ends of the innovation spectrum, which has driven home the importance of responding to quickly evolving customer needs. At [company x], while interviewing company executives on a project for a multinational food manufacturer, I was surprised to find that they were focusing investment on legacy products that, while historically lucrative, would not position the company for future success in the face of changing consumer trends. In contrast, [company y] makes every strategic play based on customer needs. When customers became increasingly segmented by industry, we reorganized the sales team into industry verticals. When COVID-19 struck, we released [product], a product that helps customers evaluate how to safely restart operations. Combining my [company x] and [company y] experiences, I see an opportunity to leverage a deep understanding of consumer trends, based in data and analytics, to disrupt a consumer market with technology.

To succeed in this journey, I need to build the core business principles that were not a part of my liberal arts undergraduate education and develop my personal leadership style. At Wharton, a double major in Business Analytics and Strategic Management will provide a deep understanding of business fundamentals while teaching me to be an innovative strategic leader. Classes like Managing the Emerging Enterprise with Exequiel Hernandez will provide hands-on experience analyzing high-growth organizations, teaching me the fundamental principles of managing a disruptive consumer technology firm, from early competitive positioning to organizational structure and the strategic and operational art of expansion.

Further, understanding and developing my personal leadership style will be paramount to my future career. By taking part in the McNulty Leadership Program’s Leadership Ventures, such as the Quantico Intensive, I will apply my existing teamwork skills to a fast-paced problem-solving exercise. As someone who has always found growth in situations outside my comfort zone, I am excited to explore my personal leadership traits in this intense, hands-on environment, which will prepare me for the dynamic pace of the consumer technology industry.

Lastly, a leadership position in the Technology Club will provide access to Wharton’s broad industry resources and alumni base, preparing me to hit the ground running in a post-MBA role at a consumer technology start-up. Joining an existing but early stage company will expose me to the ins and outs of my target industry and, as is the nature with start-ups, provide experience playing multiple roles in a dynamic format. This breadth of experience will provide a holistic perspective on a consumer technology company’s growth levers and industry dynamics, solidifying my preparation to serve as a strategic leader.

Wharton MBA Essay Example – Essay 2

My parents nicknamed me “the quiet giant” because I was always the underdog whose determination surprised those who underestimated me. I grew up smaller than my peers, so when my softball coach told me that my size would prevent me from being competitive, I was crushed by his quick judgment of my size. Rather than letting this criticism deter me, I became resolved to prove him wrong. I persistently practiced my pitching technique and, two years later, was the best pitcher in the league, going on to win the all-star championship. In this pivotal moment, I was overcome with pride and realized that success was possible if I kept my will to persevere and pushed past my ‘limits’.

Throughout my life, I have leveraged this determination to benefit the communities and teams of which I have been a part. At [company y], I led a team of ten to create an automated headcount dataset that saved the strategy organization hundreds of hours of manual work each quarter. While this project required strategic alignment and technical creativity, my biggest contribution was my ability to motivate the team. We hit many roadblocks, but I took on every challenge with an open mind, encouraging my team to think creatively and listening receptively to each person’s perspective. As a result, our solution transformed the way the organization reports on headcount growth.

These same motivating principles and teamwork skills will allow me to make valuable contributions to the Wharton community. I look forward to using my determination to help motivate my learning team when coursework is challenging or the demands of recruiting wear on us. Through core classes like Corporate Finance, the difficulty of which has been emphasized by current students, I will work closely with my learning team and encourage my peers to persevere.

As a leader of WWIB, I look forward to working alongside my female peers to build our confidence in business settings and otherwise. As a woman in the male-dominated field of consulting, I have unfortunately felt the impact of being overlooked. After joining [company y], I attended courses on public speaking for women and was encouraged to voice my opinions. As a result of my determination to grow in this way, my confidence and presentation skills improved, which enabled my promotion to Manager. I look forward to continuing to develop these skills within WWIB alongside my diverse and talented female peers.

We hope you found this Wharton MBA essay example helpful and can apply our essay writing tips to your own personal narrative. We’re here to help if you’re struggling. Click here to request a free consultation . 

Katie is a passionate mentor and coach, helping her clients craft a unique, compelling story by leveraging her experience as a corporate executive, alumni interviewer, and campus recruiter. Before completing her MBA at Kellogg, Katie spent five years in banking where she learned practical finance skills as well as how to operate in a demanding, high pressure environment. She pursued an MBA in order to transition to an industry role where she could utilize her finance knowledge to drive change within an organization. Post-MBA, she worked in finance and strategy for a leading CPG firm, progressing to an executive role leading the finance function for a $2B business segment. Her experience managing diverse teams led to a passion for developing others. In addition to her day-to-day responsibilities, she led her firm’s MBA recruiting efforts and served as an alumni admissions interviewer for Kellogg.

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3 tips for writing your mba admissions essay.

The Admissions Committee is looking to understand more about you and your unique personality and how that can ultimately contribute to the Wharton community. We are a student-driven campus and need each and every MBA to bring something to the table.

If you’re like me, you probably intended to start writing this thing way earlier. You probably intended to think long and hard about it. Complete two drafts. Show 10 friends for feedback. But, alas, life got in the way, as it tends to do. And now, you are stuck Googling, “How to write an MBA admissions essay.” Don’t worry, I got you.

1. Write Out Everything Before You Worry About Word Count

“What do you hope to gain both personally and professionally from the Wharton MBA?” is a lofty question. The Admission Committee is asking you to bridge the last 4-10 years of your life to the goals of your next 30 years, on paper, in under 500 words.

You’re probably thinking, “How can I possibly convey everything important about me and my career choices in only 500 words?!” The answer is, you can’t. But, you can edit it down to show the highlights.

2. Connect the “Three Career Dots”

What have you done to date, what unique things do you already know, and what do you have still to learn? How can Wharton help you and how can you help the Wharton community? How does that all connect to your goals post-MBA?

I was an engineer who discovered a passion for connecting with consumers and meeting their needs. I’m Hispanic and have a passion for bringing the importance and potential impact of minority groups to the forefront. Although I had good analytical skills, I didn’t know anything about marketing or strategy, and it just so happens that Wharton has the best marketing faculty in the world.

For me, the Marketing and Operations major played to my strengths and developed my weaknesses. And since I feel strongly that good communication makes for great leaders, I wanted a program that taught me how to be a better speaker and developed my soft skills as much as my quantitative ones. Wharton would not only help me learn how to connect with consumers, it would develop me into a strong brand manager who could lead multi-national businesses.

Keep in mind that you are writing your essay for Wharton, not just any MBA program. It is pretty easy to tell if you spent a little time looking into why the school is the right fit, how you can leverage its resources, and how it will transform you as a business leader. Wharton is unique and your essay should reflect that.

3. Be Yourself

The Admissions Committee is looking to understand more about you and your unique personality and how that can ultimately contribute to the Wharton community. We are a student-driven campus and need each and every MBA to bring something to the table. Tell them how you, specifically, will make an impact.

This tip is important for editing as well. Incorporate feedback up until the point that you feel like it diminishes your voice. Don’t let revisions scrub your personality out of your writing. This isn’t an  admissions essay, it’s your  admissions essay.

Now you’re officially out of excuses. And almost out of time. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Posted: January 2, 2016

• Admissions and Applying
• The Wharton School

MBA Program

Jordan mock, wg’16.

Currently Assistant Brand Manager – Gain Dish for Procter & Gamble

Major Marketing

Previous Education University of Florida, BS in Packaging Science

Summer Internship  Brand Management Intern – Consumer Relationship Marketing, Procter & Gamble

Before Wharton Packaging Design Engineer for Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Packaging Engineer and Procurement Specialist for Colgate Palmolive

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Tuck Admissions Insights: 2024-2025 Application Essays

By patricia harrison director of admissions, evaluation and yield.

Crafting well-written essays is both challenging and rewarding. You can find advice and essay guidance from many outside influencers and websites; however, my colleagues and I want you to hear directly from those of us who are reading and evaluating your essays. Below I offer insight to help you craft your responses to our 2024–2025 essays. 

Essay Question #1: "Why are you pursuing an MBA and why now? How will the distinct Tuck MBA contribute to achieving your goals and aspirations?" 

This essay maps to our “Aware” criterion , so before you start reflecting and writing, review what being aware, ambitious, and purposeful means at Tuck . Essay 1 is intended to explore your “vision for the future” aspect of Awareness. We want to hear about your plan for the path forward and how the Tuck MBA will help you reach your aspirations.

Consider devoting roughly half the essay to why an MBA is right for you, and the other half to why Tuck is right for you. For the first part: explain why, given the various paths for growth and development, you’ve chosen to pursue the MBA degree and why you seek it at this stage of your professional development. Whether you come from a professional or personal background where pursuing an MBA is a typical step towards your goals or whether it’s less common, demonstrate that you’ve given real thought to the value of an MBA for you. Show that you understand why this is the right time for you to step away from working and towards an MBA. An MBA can add value across a variety of professional pursuits. We hope to see that you can express thoughtfully how an MBA adds value to yours. Occasionally, we have applicants who already hold a graduate degree that is similar to an MBA. If you do, be sure to address why you need a Tuck MBA in addition to what you already have.

For the second part: explain why you are applying to Tuck. There is a distinction here between loving Tuck and knowing Tuck. Show clarity and awareness about how Tuck uniquely advances you towards your goals. That requires aligning what Tuck offers with what you want. The strongest essays are ones where the reader cannot simply replace the word "Tuck" with any other school name without the essay losing its meaning. Whether it is aspects of Tuck’s curricular or programmatic offerings, or the uniquely supportive community and alumni network, help us understand what it is about Tuck that speaks to you and why it will help you achieve your aspirations. 

Sometimes we see candidates include a list of names of all the Tuckies they have connected with. Please continue to seek out members of our community to learn about the Tuck experience, but rather than focusing on who you have spoken with in your essay, reflect directly on what you have learned from those conversations and how it relates to your goals.  

Since you’ve stated your short- and long-term goals elsewhere, you don’t need to restate them here. We read each application in its entirety, so the person reading your application has already seen your goals before reading your essay. Some of you may choose to use this essay to elaborate on goals, while others might make your case for an MBA and Tuck without explicitly referencing your goals. Either way, consider this essay a supplement to your goals rather than a recitation.  

In summary: a strong response goes beyond generic responses, applicable for any MBA program or any Tuck applicant, and instead provides a clear, highly personalized articulation of the match between you and Tuck. 

Essay Question #2: “Tell us who you are. How have your values and experiences shaped your identity and character? How will your background contribute to the diverse Tuck culture and community?” 

Like the first essay, this second essay also maps to our “Aware” criterion. Essay 2 explores the understanding of yourself aspect of Awareness. As you approach it, think about the interplay between individuality and community. Some of you have asked us whether your response should show that you “fit in” with Tuck or whether it should highlight that you are different and distinct. They’re not mutually exclusive. Our extraordinary community is a tapestry of the collective individuals therein who choose to consistently engage. We want you to confidently bring your whole unique personal self, including your strengths and growth areas, to Tuck. 

This prompt is an invitation to articulate your individuality. In alignment with Tuck’s core values of being personal, connected, and transformative , we strive to get to know our candidates well, and this is another deliberate step to learn more about you. Perhaps my favorite aspect of this question is that there’s no one right answer, or even a right category of answers. We’re expecting responses that are as diverse and wide-ranging as our students. Maybe you define who you are most strongly through your professional experiences and aspirations. Or perhaps your sense of self is rooted in your life story that may not have anything to do with your professional work. Maybe a community of importance, a culture, specific relationships, challenges overcome, or personal values shaped who you are. The heart of this question is about your individual identity, and the strongest responses will reveal the clarity and depth of your reflection. Your answer is not limited to describing a single experience in your life. Instead, if applicable, feel free to include multiple aspects of your background that have come together to shape who you are. Applicants will sometimes ask me how they can differentiate themselves when they come from an industry that is heavily represented in the pool. This is a great place to do that! You are so much more than a job title. Use this space to tell us about the real you, things that we couldn’t otherwise know just by looking at your resume.  

Finally, we are interested in hearing about the person who will show up at Tuck and what you bring to the Tuck fabric rather than the things you will do here . We expect some of you may choose to explicitly name aspects of Tuck where you will add. That’s okay, but the true heart of this essay is your individuality rather than a list of classes and clubs of interest. In fact, a strong essay does not necessarily have to mention Tuck at all; you may be able to convey who you are in ways that implicitly and powerfully illuminate what you bring.  

In summary: we hope your response is honest, revealing, and deeply personal—one you and only you could have written! 

Essay Question #3: “Describe a time you meaningfully contributed to someone else’s sense of inclusion in your professional or personal community.” 

This essay maps directly to our “Encouraging” criterion , so we suggest that you review what it means at Tuck to be encouraging, collaborative, and empathetic . We are excited to learn about how you empathize with and support others. 

At Tuck we honor diversity in all its forms, welcome each person as they are, and provide the spaces and opportunities to engage in respectful, meaningful, and growth-oriented discussion and debate. Not every student’s journey to Tuck follows the same path, but the community embraces everyone. With this essay, we are looking for how you have actively welcomed others to a new experience or place, how you encouraged them to join in, or helped them belong. 

Unlike in essay 2, here we’re asking you to tell one specific, discrete story rather than offer general reflections or a collection of stories. The 300-word count is brief, so use good judgment about the level of detail to provide. Give enough context to set the stakes while leaving yourself enough space to focus on what you did and what outcome you achieved. Tell a story that focuses on your engagement with one other person, or perhaps a very small group, conveying the richness and depth of interpersonal interactions. Here too, we expect a breadth of responses as diverse as the fabric of Tuck. Your story can be personal or professional. What matters most is the depth of experience and its meaning to you and to those affected by your actions. 

Go beyond a simple tactical description of teamwork or an example of inviting another to join a group or community. We are interested in the interpersonal relationships you built, the personal investment you made, and the impact you had. We hope to see that your interactions and empathy are not routine, common, or expected. A defining quality of our "Encouraging” criterion is that these characteristics occur “even when not convenient or easy.” Your example should go beyond doing something that would be expected of anyone in your situation or role.  

In summary: a strong response will focus on a meaningful engagement with another person or small group, and go beyond what’s expected, routine, or common. 

A Note on Word Limits 

We recognize that 300 words is not a lot of space, and it is sometimes harder to write a shorter essay than a longer one. The ability to concisely make your point is a valuable skill, and we hope the word limits will encourage you to distill your answers into what is truly most important to you. Please do not use tricks, like stringing together multiple words with hyphens, to get around the word limits. This would undermine the word limits, show a lack of awareness, and be viewed negatively by the Admissions Committee.  

As always, my Admissions colleagues and I are happy to help if you have further questions about your essays or any other part of your Tuck application. Happy writing—we look forward to getting to know more about you through your essays!  

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How to Write a Memorable MBA Essay

The personal statement—sometimes referred to as the MBA essay—is among the most critical pieces of your  Howard University’s Online Master of Business Administration  (OMBA)  application . It’s your opportunity to explain, in detail, why Howard’s OMBA is the perfect fit for you.

Most prospective MBA students apply to multiple business school programs with near-identical essay questions. It’s a time-consuming process, and you’ll be tempted to take the shortcut of recycling your essay for each MBA application. If you take nothing else away from this article, at least remember this: don’t do that. Admission officers see hundreds of applications, and they can spot recycled essays in an instant. When they see one, their takeaway is: our school is not this student’s first choice. That’s not the impression you want to make.

When applying to  Howard’s Online MBA Program , tailor your essay to what distinguishes Howard and why that inspires you. Emphasize what makes you unique, who you are, and how issues of diversity factor into your story. Your MBA essay should address  why  Howard is the best program for you. How will Howard’s OMBA help you achieve your dreams and reach your career goals? How will you balance working full-time while enrolled in a part-time MBA program?

Authenticity is more important than having a “perfect” resume and set of experiences. If you have less-than-stellar GRE or GMAT scores, address that. Did your undergraduate GPA suffer because you had to care for a sick relative? Were you working full-time to pay for your college degree? Whatever your story, weave it throughout your  business school application . The essay is your opportunity to provide context.

MBA essay tips

Howard’s MBA admissions committee reviews OMBA essays carefully because they often offer the most insight about a prospective student. In addition to general writing skills and the ability to communicate clearly, the admissions officers look for emotional intelligence. Do you know yourself? Are you relatable? What extracurricular activities are on your resume? Can you talk about entrepreneurship and success without being boastful? The MBA applicants who stand out are honest about their life experiences and the hardships they’ve faced. Tell the story of you, and make it genuine.

“Your MBA essay isn’t the place to flex your excellent sense of humor.”

Think critically about the “Why Howard?” aspect of your MBA personal statement. You want to attend Howard Online, obviously, or you wouldn’t be applying — but why? What does the flexibility of an online program mean to you? How will an online, part-time MBA program allow you to continue working, and why is that important? Is there a particular business school faculty member from whom you want to learn? Will you leverage  Career Services  or Howard’s robust alumni network? Are you attracted to Howard’s status as a historically Black college/university (HBCU)? What will you do post-MBA? What do you bring to the table?

Like all top business schools, Howard’s online MBA program seeks diversity of thought. What makes you different? The school also seeks students who can succeed in its program. Do you have what it takes to work full-time and complete a degree part-time while giving your attention wholly to both? Do you have experiences that prove your perseverance, grit and resilience? How will you make the most of your MBA experience if you  get in ? The MBA application process — especially the essay — allows you to answer all of these questions.

What should a B-school personal statement include?

There’s no one-size-fits-all at Howard; OMBA essay tips vary according to your profile. However, note the specifics of the OMBA personal statement prompt:

• Applicants should provide a personal statement that describes the uniqueness of his/her character, abilities, issues of diversity, academic history, community service activities, and professional experience.
• The statement should discuss the applicant’s interest in the Howard University Online MBA program and how completing the Online MBA will facilitate realizing his/her dreams and aspirations.
• The statement should be between 2-3 pages and double-spaced.

Think critically about how Howard’s core values of excellence, leadership and service align with your own. Howard develops compassionate, historically aware leaders who solve problems on a global scale. Living up to the motto “In Truth and Service,” Howard students engage in scholarship to make the world better. What does all of this mean to you? Think less about the word limit and more about content (while keeping your essay to three pages, max).

What’s the best tone for answering MBA essay questions?

An excellent OMBA essay is clear and concise. State your point up front. Many MBA essays open with an overused quote from someone other than the prospective student writing the essay. Avoid this. The same goes for words like “rewarding” or “challenging,” which don’t paint a picture of your life and work. Show rather than tell. Creating jobs, helping others, running a non-profit, building a business that does good for the world, and coming up with creative solutions are all examples of what makes a “rewarding” career path. Use concrete examples of how you’ve driven change already — or want to in the future.

Share what you do and how you got here. Job titles vary within and across industries, so spell things out in detail. How will you make an impact? How  have  you made an impact? Don’t bullet your job description and responsibilities. Highlight results. Which experiences add to your candidate profile? The MBA essay is your opportunity to discuss a break in employment, a lower-than-expected test score, or any other aspect of your candidacy you want to explain or clarify.

The right essay tone and voice are critical and often challenging. Your MBA essay isn’t the place to flex your excellent sense of humor; “what’s funny” varies widely, and jokes are more likely to flop than to land. The same goes for Internet slang and pop culture references, which typically fall flat when taken out of context. However, this doesn’t mean stripping your essay of personality.

Reviewing, revising and submitting OMBA application essays

When should you start working on your MBA essay? How long will it take to complete the first draft? Start by writing a few hundred words each day until you fully address each prompt. Work through multiple versions before you consider it “final” — and, even then, know that you’ve got a way to go. Be patient.

Share your MBA application essay with people you trust — friends, family, mentors, professional contacts and previous teachers. If you don’t have anyone in your network to help, many MBA admissions consultants offer free consultations, and nearly all of them write  blog entries  with MBA essay tips. Consider seeking help from the same people who you’ll ask to write your letters of recommendation. When narrowing your list, prioritize the those who:

• Know you well and can make sure you’re representing yourself genuinely
• Understand your goals, accomplishments, and the challenges you’ve overcome
• Have strong writing skills and opinions you trust

Be specific about what kind of feedback you want. Ask readers to review technical aspects, like grammar, formatting, ensuring you’ve answered the essay prompts and covered all relevant information of your candidacy. Is your purpose clear and concise? How are your tone and voice? Are you memorable? Are readers left wanting to know more?

Be clear about how and when you want feedback. Do you prefer direct edits or suggestions? What’s your deadline? If your essay is in Google docs, share a copy of the original. Don’t share your MBA essay with less than 24 hours to go. Give at least a week for feedback.

How will you know when you’ve finished your essay? It’s easy to improve your writing for longer than you need to, but you need to stop at some point. Sit with your MBA essay. Come back in a week, then read it again. If the essay tells your story, you’re done. If not, keep working.

For more information on the personal statement and  applicable admissions deadlines  for the OMBA application process, as well as  frequently asked questions , please  visit Howard Online  or speak with an  enrollment advisor .

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Sample MBA Essay for Wharton

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MBA essays can be hard to write, but they are one of the most important parts of the MBA application process . If you need help getting started, you may want to view a few sample MBA essays for inspiration. The sample MBA essay shown below has been reprinted (with permission) from EssayEdge.com . EssayEdge did not write or edit this sample MBA essay. It is a good example of how an MBA essay should be formatted.

Wharton Essay Prompt

Prompt: Describe how your experiences, both professional and personal, have led to your decision to pursue an MBA at the Wharton school this year. How does this decision relate to your career goals for the future? Throughout my life, I have observed two distinct career paths, my father's and my uncle's. My father completed his engineering degree and secured a government job in India, which he continues to hold to this day. My uncle's path began similarly; like my father, he earned an engineering degree. My uncle, on the other hand, continued his education by moving to the United States to earn an MBA, then started his own venture and became a successful businessman in Los Angeles. Evaluating their experiences helped me understand what I wanted from my life and create a master plan for my career. While I appreciate the excitement, flexibility, and independence my uncle has in his life, I value my father's proximity to his family and culture. I now realize that a career as an entrepreneur in India could provide me with the best of both worlds. With the objective of learning about business, I completed my bachelor's degree in Commerce and joined KPMG in the Audit & Business Advisory Department. I believed that a career with an accounting firm would serve me in two ways: first, by enhancing my knowledge of accounting -- the language of business -- and second, by providing me with an excellent introduction to the business world. My decision seemed to be a sound one; in my first two years at KPMG, I worked on a wide variety of assignments that not only strengthened my analytical and problem-solving skills, but also taught me how large businesses managed their sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution functions. After enjoying this productive and educational experience for two years, I decided I wanted greater opportunities than what the audit department could offer. Thus, when the Management Assurance Services (MAS) practice was established in India, the challenge of working in a new service line and the opportunity to help improve the risk management mechanisms of businesses influenced me to join it. In the last three years, I have improved risk management capabilities of clients by addressing strategic, enterprise and operational risk issues. I have also assisted the MAS practice in tailoring our international portfolio of services to the Indian marketplace by conducting risk management surveys, interacting with professionals in other developing economies, and conducting interviews with senior client management. Besides becoming skilled at process risk consulting, I have also significantly improved my project management and new service development abilities in the last three years.

During my tenure with the MAS department, I have encountered challenges that have motivated me to seek  a management degree . For example, last year, we conducted a process risk review for a cash-starved Indian auto ancillary that had expanded capacity without assessing sources of competitive advantage. It was clear that the company needed to rethink its business and operational strategy. Since the MAS department lacked the necessary skills to execute the project, we hired consultants to assist us in the assignment. Their approach of reviewing both the strategic and operational aspects of the business was an eye-opener for me. The pair of consultants used their knowledge of international business and macroeconomics to evaluate key industry trends and identify new markets for the company. In addition, they employed their understanding of supply chain management to benchmark key capabilities with competition and identify opportunities for improvement. As I witnessed the progress made by these two consultants, I realized that in order to achieve my long-term professional goals, I needed to return to school to expand my understanding of the fundamentals of corporate and industry analysis. I also believe that management education can help me develop other vital skills essential to my standing as a professional. For example, I will benefit from the opportunity to further polish my public speaking ability and hone my skills as a negotiator. Also, I have had limited experience working outside India, and I feel that an international education will equip me with the skills necessary to deal with foreign suppliers and customers. After graduating from Wharton, I will seek a position in a strategy consulting firm in its business building/growth practice. In addition to providing me with an opportunity to apply what I have learned, a position in the growth practice will expose me to the practical issues of new business creation. Three to five years after earning an MBA, I would expect to establish my own business venture. In the short-term, however, I may explore exciting business ideas and examine ways to build a  sustainable business  with the help of the Wharton Venture Initiation Program. The ideal education for me includes the Wharton Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management majors coupled with unique experiences like the Wharton Business Plan Competition and the Wharton Technology Entrepreneurship Internship. Perhaps even more importantly, I look to benefit from the Wharton environment -- an environment of boundless innovation. Wharton will give me the opportunity to apply the theory, models and techniques I learn in the classroom to the real world. I intend to join the 'entrepreneurs club' and consulting club, which will not only help me form lifelong friendships with fellow students but also give me exposure to  top consulting firms  and successful entrepreneurs. I would be proud to be a part of the Women in Business club and contribute to the 125 years of women at Penn. After five years of business experience, I believe that I am ready to take the next step toward my dream of being an entrepreneur. I also am confident that I am ready to participate actively as a member of the incoming Wharton class. At this point I am looking to gain the requisite skills and relationships to grow as a professional; I know that Wharton is the right place for me to accomplish this objective.

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Stanford MBA Essay Tips, Analysis, Framework for 2025 Intake

By admitStreet Team

9 September 2024

Applying to Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) is a dream for many aspiring business leaders. Known for its innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and transformative education, Stanford GSB challenges applicants to reflect deeply on their personal values and professional goals through its essay prompts. For the 2025 MBA admissions cycle, Stanford requires two essays: Essay A, “What matters most to you, and why?” and Essay B, “Why Stanford?” These essays, though deceptively simple in their prompts, demand thoughtful introspection and a clear articulation of your motivations and aspirations.

In this article, we will delve into the nuances of these essay prompts, offering insights and tips to help you craft compelling responses. We will also consider Stanford’s advice on essay length, which emphasizes brevity and effectiveness. By the end of this guide, you will be equipped with the tools and strategies needed to present a powerful and authentic application to Stanford GSB.

What Stanford MBA Admissions Committee Seeks

Framework to write a winning essay, tips for writing, what stanford mba admissions committee seeks from this essay, final thoughts, stanford mba essay a.

What matters most to you, and why

When Stanford GSB asks, “What matters most to you, and why?”, they aren’t looking for a perfect answer or a specific theme. Instead, they seek authenticity and depth. The admissions committee wants to understand your core values and motivations—the driving forces behind your decisions, actions, and ambitions. They are looking for introspection, vulnerability, and self-awareness. This essay is your chance to reveal who you are beyond your resume and achievements. It’s about what drives you, what you stand for, and how your experiences have shaped your values.

Stanford’s approach to this essay reflects its broader mission to develop leaders who make a difference in the world. The admissions team is keen to see if you have the introspective ability to reflect deeply on your life, identify what is genuinely important to you, and articulate it in a compelling manner. They want to see your thought process and the reasoning behind your priorities. In essence, they are looking for candidates who not only have ambitious goals but also a strong sense of self and a clear understanding of what truly motivates them.

Step 1: Deep Introspection

Start by asking yourself the central question: “What matters most to me, and why?” This might seem straightforward, but it requires deep introspection. Don’t rush this process. Spend time reflecting on your life, values, and experiences. Consider the moments that have had a profound impact on you, the lessons you’ve learned, and the values that guide your decisions.

Step 2: Brainstorm Key Moments

Write down the 15 to 20 most significant events, accomplishments, interests, or experiences in your life. Include the good, the bad, the astounding, and the challenging. Think of events from your early childhood to the present day. This list should be comprehensive, capturing a wide range of experiences that have shaped who you are.

Step 3: Identify Common Themes

Review your list and identify common themes or patterns. What do these moments reveal about your values and priorities? Look for connections between different experiences and consider how they collectively define what matters most to you. These themes will form the foundation of your essay.

Step 4: Select Key Stories

Choose a few diverse items from your list that best support a central theme. These stories should illustrate how your values have influenced your actions and decisions. Make sure they are personal, specific, and reflective of your unique journey. Avoid generic or overused topics unless you have a truly distinctive angle.

Step 5: Analyze and Reflect

Incorporate a thorough analysis of your chosen stories. Explain the “why” behind each experience—why it was significant, what it taught you, and how it relates to your core values. This reflection is crucial as it demonstrates your self-awareness and ability to derive meaningful insights from your experiences.

Step 6: Weave a Cohesive Narrative

Craft a cohesive narrative that ties your stories together. Your essay should have a clear structure, with a beginning, middle, and end. Start with an engaging introduction that sets the stage for your theme. Use the body paragraphs to delve into your key stories and reflections. Conclude with a powerful ending that reinforces your central message and leaves a lasting impression.

1. Be Authentic and Honest

Authenticity is paramount. Write about what genuinely matters to you, not what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Your sincerity will shine through and make your essay more compelling.

2. Show, Don’t Just Tell

Instead of simply stating your values, illustrate them through your experiences. Use vivid descriptions and specific examples to bring your stories to life. Show how your values have influenced your actions and decisions.

3. Focus on the “Why”

The “why” is critical in this essay. Make sure to explain why each experience or value is important to you. This reflection demonstrates your depth of thought and self-awareness.

4. Avoid Clichés and Generic Themes

While it’s okay to write about common themes, ensure your approach is unique and personal. Avoid clichés and focus on your individual perspective and experiences. Your essay should reflect your unique journey and insights.

5. Seek Feedback

Discuss your ideas and drafts with people you trust—friends, family, mentors. Their input can help you validate your themes and ensure your essay is both authentic and impactful. However, be careful not to lose your voice in the process.

6. Edit and Refine

Revise your essay multiple times. Pay attention to clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Ensure your narrative flows smoothly and your message is clear. Proofread carefully to eliminate any grammatical errors or typos.

7. Be Vulnerable

Don’t be afraid to share your vulnerabilities and challenges. Authenticity often comes from being open about your struggles and how you overcame them. This can make your essay more relatable and powerful.

Stanford MBA Essay B

“Why Stanford?”

Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) aims to understand the unique motivations and aspirations of its applicants through its essay prompts. Essay B, “Why Stanford?”, delves into your personal reasons for choosing Stanford over other top-tier business schools. Unlike the conventional “What are your goals?” question, Stanford’s prompt challenges you to articulate why the GSB is the ideal place for you to pursue your ambitions. The admissions committee looks for authenticity, deep research, and a clear understanding of how the GSB’s offerings align with your personal and professional goals.

Stanford values individuals who are not just dreamers but also doers—those who have a clear vision and the capability to execute it. This essay is your opportunity to demonstrate that you are such an individual. By sharing your motivations, past experiences, and specific aspirations, you can show the admissions committee that Stanford is uniquely positioned to help you achieve your dreams.

Crafting a compelling response to Essay B involves a structured approach that intertwines your personal narrative with specific aspects of the GSB experience. Here’s a framework to help you create a winning essay:

1. Start with a Hook: Begin your essay with a captivating story or anecdote from your past that highlights your motivation for your career goals. This could be a formative experience, a pivotal moment, or a personal passion that has shaped your aspirations. For instance, if you’re passionate about developing green technologies, you might start with a story about your first encounter with sustainable practices or a significant project that sparked your interest in this field.

2. Clearly Define Your Goals: Despite Stanford’s unconventional prompt, it’s essential to articulate your career goals. Be specific about your short-term and long-term aspirations. Explain how these goals align with your personal values and past experiences. Clarity here is crucial, as it demonstrates your focused vision and commitment to your chosen path.

3. Explain Why an MBA is Necessary: Discuss why you need an MBA to achieve your goals. Highlight the skills and knowledge gaps you currently have and how an MBA will help bridge these gaps. Avoid vague or generic statements. Instead, provide concrete reasons why the advanced training, leadership development, and networking opportunities at an MBA program are essential for your career trajectory.

4. Demonstrate Why Stanford: This is the heart of your essay. Show that you have done thorough research on Stanford GSB. Go beyond mentioning popular courses like “Interpersonal Dynamics” or “Startup Garage.” Instead, delve into specific aspects of Stanford that resonate with you personally. This could include unique programs, faculty, extracurricular activities, or even broader Stanford University resources that align with your interests and goals.

5. Connect to the GSB Culture: Stanford prides itself on its culture of innovation, collaboration, and impact. Illustrate how you will contribute to and benefit from this culture. Mention specific clubs, initiatives, or community activities you’re eager to join. Demonstrate that you understand and embrace the spirit of Stanford GSB and that you are excited to be part of this dynamic community.

6. Conclude with a Vision: End your essay by tying everything together. Reiterate how a Stanford MBA will be the catalyst for achieving your goals. Paint a picture of the impact you hope to make in your field or society at large. Ensure your conclusion reflects the themes and motivations discussed in your introduction, creating a cohesive and compelling narrative.

1. Be Authentic: Authenticity is key. Admissions committees can easily spot insincerity. Write about what truly matters to you and how Stanford fits into that picture. Avoid clichés and overly generic statements.

2. Do Thorough Research: Go beyond surface-level information. Engage with current students, attend virtual events, and read up on specific programs. Your essay should reflect a deep understanding of what makes Stanford unique and how it aligns with your goals.

3. Avoid Popular Courses: Many applicants mention well-known courses like “Interpersonal Dynamics” or “Startup Garage.” Challenge yourself to find other offerings that resonate with your personal and professional interests. This demonstrates a deeper level of engagement with the GSB’s offerings.

4. Be Specific and Concise: With a word limit of 350 words, every sentence counts. Be concise and specific in your writing. Avoid unnecessary jargon or verbose language. Each sentence should add value to your narrative.

5. Connect with Essay A: Ensure there is coherence between Essay A and Essay B. While Essay A delves into what matters most to you, Essay B should reflect how your time at Stanford will further those values and goals. Consistency in your essays shows clarity of thought and purpose.

6. Show Your Unique Perspective: Stanford values diversity in experiences and perspectives. Highlight what makes you unique and how you will bring a distinct voice to the GSB community. Your individual perspective is your greatest asset—use it to stand out.

Writing your Stanford GSB essays is a journey of self-discovery and strategic communication. Essay A asks you to reflect on your deepest values, while Essay B challenges you to articulate why Stanford is the perfect place to pursue your ambitions. Together, these essays provide the admissions committee with a holistic view of who you are, what drives you, and how you envision your future.

Remember, Stanford GSB values authenticity, clarity, and a genuine connection to its community and mission. As you write, keep these principles in mind and ensure that your essays reflect a true representation of your aspirations and character.

If you’re looking for personalized guidance to navigate the complexities of the Stanford GSB application, consider leveraging the expertise of AdmitStreet’s MBA admissions consulting services. Our team of experienced consultants can provide tailored advice and feedback to help you craft standout essays and strengthen your overall application. Let us help you take the next step towards achieving your MBA dreams.

For more information, visit AdmitStreet and start your journey to Stanford GSB today.

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How The Consortium Helped Me Achieve My MBA Dreams

Contributing Writer

September 18, 2024

The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management  enhances diversity in business education and leadership by helping reduce the underrepresentation of African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans in MBA programs and in the ranks of management. As a member school, Georgetown McDonough provides scholarships for students who are admitted as part of The Consortium. All eligible applicants are considered upon submitting a completed application to the Full-time MBA Program at Georgetown McDonough through The Consortium.

We spoke with Tory Paez (MBA’20) about her experience in The Consortium, why she applied, and how the program helped position her for success in her career as a manager at The Bridgespan Group. 

Tory Paez (MBA’20)

Prior to business school, I was serving in the U.S. Peace Corps on a remote island in Costa Rica. I applied to pursue my MBA because I saw it as an opportunity to further develop the necessary hard skills and leadership capabilities needed for a long-term career in social impact. I specifically saw The Consortium as an opportunity to further my passion for diversity and inclusion, as well as to build a meaningful network with like-minded individuals. But I underestimated the career opportunities it would provide me. 

In my Consortium application essay, I wrote:  

“After receiving my MBA, I plan to alleviate economic challenges for marginalized individuals by serving as a consultant at a nonprofit management consulting firm, such as The Bridgespan Group, to assist their International Development team with projects around the globe.”

Upon acceptance into the Consortium family, I attended the annual Orientation Program Conference, a week-long introduction event for incoming MBA students. The Orientation Program provides the chance for Consortium university students to connect with one another as well as with top employers across the country. You can imagine my excitement (and nervousness) when I saw The Bridgespan Group as an employer at the Orientation Program Career Fair. Michelle, my Orientation Program roommate, fellow Georgetown student, and new friend of three days, pumped me up prior to heading into the employer gauntlet. I waited in line for more than 30 minutes to speak with employees of Bridgespan. From that initial connection, I was able to cultivate meaningful relationships over the next year to eventually secure a full-time offer upon graduation. 

This experience demonstrates the power of the Consortium. Not only was I able to secure my dream job upon graduation because of this organization, but I also met my best friends in the MBA program. These friends are more than just my professional network – my Consortium friends got me through finance and accounting, they showed me how business can be better for society, and they were always there to catch up over a beer at KEGS, our weekly MBA networking event. I am so grateful for what I learned as a Consortium scholarship recipient. It provided me with the career opportunities, support network, and endless encouragement to achieve my MBA dreams.

-Tory Paez (MBA’20)