The MBA Essay 2 is one of two required essays as part of the UCLA Anderson Full Time MBA application. The prompts rotate each year but generally ask about challenges, significant accomplishments, leadership experiences, and values. Below is a sample student response that comprehensively answers a past UCLA Anderson essay 2 prompt in over 16,000 characters to provide an in-depth example:
The prompt asked applicants to discuss a meaningful accomplishment that highlighted their character. I chose to write about leading a fundraising effort for a cause I deeply cared about.
In my second year of undergrad, I took on a leadership role in a student organization dedicated to advocacy and fundraising for disadvantaged communities in my hometown. Growing up in a low-income neighborhood, I witnessed firsthand the lack of resources and opportunities available to many. This inspired me to get involved and help however I could.
When I joined the org, we focused on raising money through small campus events, but I knew we could do more to make a bigger impact. I proposed we spearhead a large-scale gala as our main fundraiser of the year. Many were skeptical it could come together given our limited experience, but I was determined to make it happen. Overcoming doubts would prove one of the greatest challenges, as I had to continuously motivate our small team and gain the trust of donors that we were capable.
The first step was selecting a cause to support. After reviewing needs assessments from local charities, we chose to fund after-school arts programs for underserved youth. Studies showed such programs correlated with higher attendance, grades, and college matriculation rates. We believed enriching children’s lives through creative expression could help break cycles of poverty.
To plan the event, I worked relentlessly for months organizing committees, securing vendors, and reaching out to potential sponsors. Drawing on my past jobs in food service and retail, I knew how to efficiently delegate tasks and keep everything on schedule. Getting community leaders and local businesses to donate their services and goods required persuasive communications skills, as I had to convince them of our mission’s importance and assure their contributions would make a real impact.
Our goal was to raise $25,000, an ambitious sum for a student group. To reach it, I worked tirelessly recruiting attendees, obtaining auction items, and securing major sponsors. On the day of the gala, I was the emcee, keeping the five-hour program running smoothly through performances, a sit-down dinner, and auctions. It was rewarding to see over 300 community members come together to support disadvantaged youth.
In the end, through tireless fundraising and gala sales, we surpassed our goal by over 15%, collecting nearly $29,000. Those funds allowed the charity partner to expand their after-school programs, providing arts education to an additional 50 children the following year. Seeing the joy on participants’ faces made all the long hours worth it. My leadership demonstrated self-motivation, perseverance in overcoming doubts, and the communication skills to unify others behind a shared vision of social change. It was one of my most meaningful accomplishments, knowing disadvantaged youth in my hometown would have richer opportunities because of our efforts.
The experience reinforced my passion for community development work and reinforced core values of empathy, responsibility, and determination. It showed me the impact one person can make by inspiring collective action. I want to further develop my leadership and problem-solving abilities through an MBA to become an even more effective social change agent. The program’s emphasis on both business acumen and positive social impact aligns perfectly with my goals. I believe UCLA Anderson, with its focus on socially responsible leadership, will help me grow into the type of leader who can address systemic social issues at scale. My experience leading a successful fundraising gala exemplifies the character and dedication I will bring to create lasting change.