The MBA application essay is crucial to telling your unique story and standing out among a large pool of otherwise qualified candidates. With careful thought and planning, you can craft compelling essays that highlight what makes you the ideal candidate for a top program. Here are some top MBA essay tips to keep in mind as you prepare your application for the 2018 admissions cycle.
Show, Don’t Tell Your Story
Rather than simply stating your qualifications and accomplishments, use compelling examples and vivid descriptions to bring your story to life. Admissions officers want to understand who you are through concrete experiences, not just a list of achievements. Think of memorable anecdotes, challenges you’ve overcome, lessons you’ve learned, and how you’ve grown personally and professionally. Focus on a few profound stories rather than trying to pack in everything.
Address Essential Application Questions
Be sure to directly answer any questions or prompts in the application. Don’t just write generally about yourself if there is a specific question or required essay. Take time to carefully read and fully respond to each part of the application to avoid missing opportunities to highlight relevant experiences. Tailor your content based on the questions or guidance provided.
Demonstrate Leadership and Impact
Top MBA programs seek candidates who will contribute meaningfully to their class and someday lead in their careers and communities. Include examples of how you exhibited leadership, inspired and influenced others, collaborated effectively in teams, and created tangible impact or change. Quantify results when possible, such as fundraising amounts for a non-profit or revenue increases from a new initiative. Show, don’t just state, that you are ready to be a leader.
Highlight Personal Growth and Development
Admissions officers want to understand your motivations, strengths as well as areas for further growth. Consider thoughtfully addressing a challenge you overcame, a failure and what you learned from it, or how your personal or professional development inspires your goals. How have you evolved and grown since early careers or roles? Demonstrate both self-awareness and a commitment to continual learning and betterment.
Use Storytelling Techniques
Apply creative techniques to engage the reader, such as setting the scene, using vivid details, dialogue, conflict and resolution within a compelling narrative structure. Consider starting with an attention-grabbing intro before diving into the meat of the story. Leave the reader with a powerful call to action or conclusion. Use emotional intelligence to craft an engaging and memorable experience for busy admissions officers assessing dozens of applications.
Express Authentic Personality and Passion
While demonstrating professionalism and qualifications is essential, you also want to shine through as a unique individual. Select examples and stories that authentically express your personality, interests, values and genuine excitement or passion for a specific goal, career path or industry. Don’t be afraid to show some personality and candor to make an impression beyond just your qualifications on paper.
Proofread Thoroughly for Spelling and Grammar
Nothing destroys credibility like simple spelling or grammar mistakes. Give your essay at least 3-4 careful reviews to identify and fix any errors. Ask trusted peers to proofread as well. Use spell check and read it aloud to catch mistakes you may miss on subsequent reads. Taking the time to proofread and perfect your writing mechanics will provide confidence to admissions officers in your communication abilities.
Customize for Each School
Resist the urge to use the same cookie-cutter essay across all your applications. Tailor each one for the unique strengths, culture and focus of that specific program. Reference aspects of the mission, classes, faculty research or campus experiences that appeal to you about that school. Consider addressing how what the program offers aligns with your goals and background in a way other options may not. Personalization is crucial to standing out in each school’s applicant pool.
Stay Positive and Sell Yourself
While honesty is important, stay away from any statements that cast you negatively or are self-deprecating. Emphasize strengths, not weaknesses. Show how you’ll be an engaged, contributing member of the learning community. Express enthusiasm to join that student body and school culture. You’re essentially branding yourself as the perfect match and fit, so sell yourself compellingly without arrogance or exaggeration. Stay true to your authentic self while projecting optimism and confidence in your narrative.
Get Feedback From Advisors
Ask career centers, admissions consultants, alumni interviewers or other trusted advisors to review sample drafts of your essays. They can identify issues to refine like development, clarity, focus and readability. You want an objective perspective from experts familiar with the schools’ needs and preferences. Make revisions based on their expertise while staying true to your authentic experiences and perspective. Using feedback to hone your writing will set you apart.
Leave Them Wanting More
Your essay should accomplish its purpose to introduce you as a unique candidate worthy of admission without rambling or repetition. Craft it to resonate and make an impression that lingers with the reader after they’ve finished. End with an engaging call to action rather than finality. Inspire them to want to learn more about you through your accomplishments, drive and motivation evident within a compelling narrative arc.
It’s an intensive process, but with strategic planning, honest self-reflection and willingness to revise, you can craft top-tier MBA application essays that sell your candidacy in ways mere qualifications cannot. Stand out from the competition by being memorable through vivid storytelling that expresses your authentic values, growth and potential impact. Admissions officers read thousands of applications each cycle; use your writing to make yours truly unforgettable.
Andrew Stroud