Introduction
The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and The Booth School of Business at The University of Chicago are two top ranked MBA programs in the United States. Both Kellogg and Booth ask applicants to respond to essay prompts as part of their application process. Reviewing real examples of successful essays that were submitted to these top programs can provide applicants with ideas for crafting compelling responses to the essay questions. This article will analyze five real MBA essay examples submitted to Booth to provide insight into the types of essays that have worked well for past applicants.
Essay Example #1: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
This 650-word essay described a volunteer trip the applicant took to help rebuild homes damaged by a hurricane. The applicant discussed how experiencing the difficult living conditions of those whose homes were destroyed opened their eyes to a new level of hardship. They realized that despite growing up with financial stability, many others face daily struggles to meet basic needs like shelter. Volunteering alongside people from diverse backgrounds also taught the applicant humility and the importance of collaboration. This experience sparked a desire to use their career and skills to give back through community engagement and social impact work.
What makes this essay successful is that it tells a specific, impactful story about a meaningful experience in a compelling way. The applicant does not just state they volunteered – they vividly describe the environmental conditions and human interactions that drove personal growth. Relating how this triggered a new understanding of others in need and inspired future career goals also ties the story directly back to the essay prompt. Overall, the experience, reflection, and conclusion provide insightful perspective into who the applicant is and where they want to go.
Essay Example #2: Discuss an idea or experience that has been important to your intellectual development, and explain its significance to you.
This 500-word essay described the applicant’s passion for art history and a particular course they took as an undergraduate focused on Renaissance art. The applicant detailed specific works studied like Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and their artistic brilliance. They explained how examining the artistic, cultural, and historical contexts widened their perspective on the period. The essay emphasized how the course sparked a love of interdisciplinary thinking by blending fields like art, religion, politics, and philosophy. This expanded way of critically analyzing different perspectives and making connections across disciplines was influential on the applicant’s intellectual growth. The conclusion tied this back to how an MBA could further enhance their ability to see various angles and apply a holistic lens to business problems.
What is compelling about this essay is the specific examples and analysis provided to support the overarching idea of appreciating different viewpoints. Rather than a surface level discussion, the applicant dives into details of the academic experience to demonstrate true engagement and interest. Connecting this interest directly to skills useful for business studies also strengthens the relevance to the target program. Overall, this essay communicates intellectual curiosity and ability in an engaging way.
Essay Example #3: Describe a failure or setback you have experienced. Then, explain how you have grown as a result of this experience.
This 550-word essay recounted a failed business venture the applicant embarked on after college. They had become excited about an opportunity in a growing industry and invested a significant sum to launch the startup. Poor market research and lack of expertise resulted in unsuccessful operations and eventual closure of the business. The applicant acknowledged missteps like not fully understanding customer needs or having the right experience to execute properly. They explained how this early failure taught invaluable lessons about the importance of due diligence, risk assessment, and knowing your limitations. Since then, the applicant has taken a more methodical approach to weigh opportunities by identifying risks and building cross-functional teams. The conclusion underscored how learning from mistakes has made them a more risk-aware and collaborative professional.
What stands out about this essay is the honest acknowledgement of shortcomings followed by clear articulation of lessons learned. Rather than make excuses, the applicant owns up to misjudgments and connects this directly to growth. Showing self-awareness of weaknesses and a willingness to improve from experiences, even difficult ones, demonstrates maturity and commitment to continual learning. Relating the setback to development of important professional skills and mindsets also provides strong relevance to the essay topic. Overall, this essay authentically portrays the applicant’s character.
Essay Example #4: Recount a conversation or interaction you had with an individual who you initially perceived negatively but later came to see from a different perspective. How did your perception change as a result? What did you learn?
For this 600-word essay, the applicant described meeting regularly with a conservative coworker to debate public policy issues. As a progressive, the applicant initially found many of the coworker’s viewpoints irritating and closed-minded. Over numerous respectful discussions where each shared research and rationale for stances, the applicant came to appreciate some reasonable principles behind alternate perspectives they had dismissed. They realized extreme positions on either side precluded finding common ground. Letting go of assumptions to listen with an open mind resulted in seeing nuanced stances that avoided simplistic framing of issues. The applicant learned the value of separating people from policies to maintain constructive engagement even when opinions diverge. Now they approach complex topics through a framework of informed debate rather than reactionary judgments of others.
What stands out is the applicant’s ability to provide a specific relationship example to illustrate an insightful learning experience. Rather than broad generalizations, recounting meaningful interactions gives texture and credibility. Demonstrating changed behavior through incorporating lessons into an open-minded approach applicable to challenges like the political climate adds relevance. Overall, this response meets the prompt by conveying growth from reconsidering preconceived ideas, important in both business and life.
Essay Example #5: The Kellogg/Booth program aims to develop leaders who make a positive impact on their communities, either through volunteer work or by following socially minded career paths. How have you demonstrated leadership through community or social involvement? What impact do you hope to make after business school?
For this 650-word essay, the applicant discussed starting a tutoring program as an undergrad to help underserved local youth improve skills and pursue higher education opportunities. They cited specific initiatives like developing curriculum, recruiting volunteer tutors, and securing community center space to operate the weekly sessions. Data showed educational gains and higher graduation rates for participants. After two years leading 25 tutors, the program expanded to two additional centers. The applicant underscored dedication to mentoring diverse students and breaking down barriers. Post-MBA, they want to apply business expertise managing nonprofits increasing equitable access to resources. The conclusion reiterated passion for empowering communities as a leader committed to social impact.
This response excels by providing evidence of tangible leadership accomplishments making a measurable difference. Rather than empty claims, concrete details of starting the initiative, growing it significantly, and impact metrics add credibility. Connecting past involvement directly to intent for positive change through social sector management after school also strongly aligns with the program’s community focus. Overall, this applicant clearly demonstrates relevant experience and qualifications for the degree through specific examples of leadership serving others.
Conclusion
In reviewing these five successful MBA essays submitted to the prestigious Booth School of Business program, several elements stand out as contributing to their strengths:
Providing specific, vivid stories and examples rather than vague generalizations
Showing true depth of thought, engagement, and analysis beyond surface descriptions
Relating meaningful experiences or realizations directly back to the prompt in a relevant way
Demonstrating insights into oneself as well as others through open-minded perspectives
Discussing challenges or setbacks with honesty about lessons learned and growth
Using tangible accomplishments or metrics rather than empty claims where possible
Connecting past experiences or interests strongly to intended impact after the program
Applicants can improve their own essays by carefully crafting responses with these types of compelling elements to demonstrate clear self-awareness, community focus, and qualifications for admission to top-ranked programs. While this overview provided just a sampling, reviewing additional real examples can further illuminate what makes successful essays stand out to admissions committees at selective schools like Kellogg and Booth.
Andrew Stroud