Introduction
Getting admitted into LBS MBA program is highly competitive. The average acceptance rate is only around 15-20%. Therefore, your application and essays need to stand out from the thousands of other applications. The admission committee is looking for well-rounded individuals who can add value to their peer group and the school. In this article, we will discuss the various components of an effective LBS MBA admission essay.
I) Why LBS MBA? (2500 characters)
The biggest question on the minds of the admission committee is “Why LBS?”. They want to understand your motivation for pursuing an MBA from their program specifically. Some key points to highlight include:
Research the culture and strengths of LBS program such as international student body, focus on leadership, social impact curriculum etc. and explain how it aligns with your goals.
Mention how the learning experience, resources and peer network at LBS will help you achieve your short term and long term career aspirations. Provide specific examples.
Highlight any previous connection or experience you have with LBS, U.K. or international education/business environment which shows your commitment to the program.
Illustrate with examples how the thought leadership of LBS faculty and exclusive programs like Private Equity module will add value to your career.
Emphasis on LBS’ strong alumni network around the world which will help you reach your fullest potential in the future.
The committee wants to believe you have strong reasons for choosing LBS above others and this section plays a key role in conveying that.
II) Professional Experience (3000 characters)
The second most important section is about your past professional achievements and how it positions you for an LBS education. Some aspects to focus on include:
Provide a brief background of your past 2-3 roles, responsibilities handled, skills gained and measurable impact/contributions made.
Highlight any professional challenges faced, learnings from overcoming them and how it developed you as a leader. Adversity is looked upon favorably.
Mention any specific projects, initiatives, turnarounds or new business verticals you helped establish and the outcomes achieved. Quantitative data impresses the reviewers.
Explain how your practical work experience so far relates to your future goals and areas of interest you want to explore further in the program like consulting, venture capital etc.
Connect your past accomplishments and strengths to how you will positively impact the learning environment and your peer group at LBS.
Thank your past managers/mentors and illustrate how they have supported your leadership development over the years.
Showcasing your relevant work experience in a clear, impactful way goes a long way in demonstrating your suitability for a top B-school program.
III) Leadership experience and qualities (2000 characters)
Beyond the functional domains, top schools look for well-rounded leaders who can motivate peers and teams. This section examines your soft skills:
Highlight any positions of responsibility held earlier like leading projects, communities, associations etc.
Discuss challenges faced while coordinating cross-functional teams/initiatives and how you overcame them using your collaboration,communication skills.
Showcase actions taken to mentor or develop subordinates which exemplifies your coaching abilities. Testimonials/appreciation further validate this.
Demonstrate your initiative, out-of-the-box thinking by giving examples of change/process improvements suggested or problems solved innovatively.
Illustrate your interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity through multicultural group engagements in college/work earlier.
Mention proactive community services/social initiatives led which displays your passion for social impact related domains at LBS.
Authentic examples depicting your inclusive leadership style, adaptive mindset and commitment to developing people will lend credibility to your candidature.
IV) Future academics and goals (2500 characters)
This is where you tie everything together and link your past, present ambitions and future prospects aligned with an LBS MBA. Some pointers:
Highlight planned academic/industry tracks of interest to pursue post MBA like healthcare, sustainable investing, consulting etc.
Illustrate how the MBA will augment skills/network in your chosen areas fulfilling long term aspirations and potential career trajectories.
Quantify value add expected in terms of increased compensation, responsibility levels, progression opportunities, transition industries aimed for etc. showing depth of thought.
Align program strengths to future roles imagined and potential companies possibly interested to recruit candidates from LBS with your calibre post MBA.
Emphasize aspiration to leverage learnings for societal good through social entrepreneurship, non-profit roles etc. which appeals to LBS’ impact lens.
Directly request committee belief in your ability to excel in the program and propel further as an alumna through this investment in your future.
This concluding section ties up all your qualifications and ambition cohesively making a compelling case for your admission.
Conclusion
An effective LBS MBA admissions essay chronicles your proven leadership journey, substantiates why LBS is integral to propelling the next phase, while also reinforcing how you will add value as a student. Authentic examples, succinct storytelling exhibited through your writing style and passion for the program will help your candidature stand out. Wishing you the very best with your LBS dream!
Andrew Stroud