MBA Essay Questions Published So Far Probably the best MBA Admissions Consulting firm in the world

Essay Questions for MBA Programs That Start In 2023

Important Note! On rare occasions, schools change essay topics after they have been published.
In addition, we may inadvertently make a mistake in copying content.
In such cases, it may be that the information presented here is not accurate!
It is essential that you visit the school website to be 100% certain about the exact essay topics.

Please note that for re-applicants, the essay topics are often different from those below.

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US MBA Programs’ Essay Topics:

Instructions: We’d like to hear more about your aspirations and the passions and experiences that shape you. Please respond to both essay prompts below, using your best judgement regarding the length of response.

1. How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (textbox, 250-word minimum)

2. An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are. (textbox, 250-word minimum)

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FROM THE ONLINE APPLICATION

Chicago Booth & You

Post-MBA

  • What is your immediate post-MBA career goal? (textbox, 250 characters)
  • What is your long-term post-MBA career goal? (textbox, 250 characters)

Academics

  • Awards and Honors – Please list any collegiate academic or athletic awards or honors you have received. (textbox)

Employment

  • Do you have any gaps, lay-offs, or terminations in your employment? if yes, please explain: (textbox)
  • Professional Awards – Please list any significant professional awards/recognition that you have received. (textbox)

Activities

  • for each activity, Description of Participation (textbox)

Additional Information

  • Is there any unclear information in your application that needs further explanation? If so, please use this section to clarify. (textbox, 300 words max)

Your personal statement should be no more than 1200 words (3 pages), that address the following questions:

  • Why are you choosing to pursue an MBA at this time in your career? What are you hoping to accomplish by doing so? Briefly describe your short-term (upon graduation from the program) and long-term (5-10 years after the program) career goals. Please be as specific as possible with roles, companies and/or industries.
  • What excites you about being part of the Carlson School MBA program? Do you have an enterprise program that you are currently interested in and why?
  • Carlson MBA programs are looking for diverse voices and experiences to add to classroom discussions. Can you tell us about how you have participated in and/or advocated for building more inclusive communities in your career?

In addition to learning about your professional aspirations, the Admissions Committee hopes to gain an understanding of your interests, values and motivations through these essays. There are no right or wrong answers and we encourage you to answer each question thoughtfully. The “Goal” short answer and Essay 1, 2, and 3 are required.

Short Answer

Goal: What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (textbox, 50 characters)

Examples of possible responses:

  • “Work in business development for a media company.”
  • “Join a strategy consulting firm.”
  • “Launch a data-management start-up.”

Essay 1

Through your resume and recommendations, we have a clear sense of your professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next three to five years and what is your long-term dream job? (Maximum 500 Words) (upload file)

Essay 2

We believe Columbia Business School is a special place. CBS proudly fosters a collaborative learning environment through curricular experiences like our clusters and learning teams, co-curricular initiatives like the Phillips Pathway for Inclusive Leadership, which aims to equip students with the skills and strategies necessary to lead in an inclusive and ethical manner, and career mentorship opportunities like our Executives-in-Residence program. Why do you feel Columbia Business School is a good fit for you academically, culturally, and professionally? (Maximum 300 Words) (upload file)

Essay 3

Tell us about your favorite book, movie, or song and why it resonates with you. (Maximum 250 Words) (upload file)

Optional Essay

If you wish to provide further information or additional context around your application to the Admissions Committee, please upload a brief explanation of any areas of concern in your academic record or personal history. This does not need to be a formal essay. You may submit bullet points. (Maximum 500 Words) (upload file)

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FROM THE ONLINE APPLICATION

Employment

  • Please provide an explanation for any gaps three months or longer in your employment history: (textbox, 1000 characters)

Extracurricular Activities

  • Hobbies – Please list other activities or interests that you regularly engage in: (textbox)

In an essay that is 700 words or less, please incorporate answers to all the following questions:

1. Why are you applying to the Johnson Cornell Tech MBA?

2. Why are you interested in a one-year, tech-focused MBA (as opposed to a traditional two-year MBA program that would offer a summer internship opportunity)?

3. What personal attributes or skills do you think make you ideally-suited to be a Cornell Tech MBA student?

4. Demonstrate the relationship between your current professional experience and academic background to your short- (0-5 years after graduating) and long-term (6-15 years after graduating) career goals for this program.

5. Describe a situation in your personal or professional life when you were faced with a difficult decision or dilemma and how you resolved it (focusing on your process, not just the resolution itself).

6. At Cornell Tech, we aim to educate leaders for the digital age. What, in your opinion is the single most important characteristic that such leaders must possess? Why?

7. What else would you like the admissions committee to know about you?

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FROM THE ONLINE APPLICATION

Academic History

  • Have you ever been expelled or academically dismissed from school? if yes, Please explain what happened. (textbox)

GMAT/GRE Test Waiver

In response to continued hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and as we continue to debate the value of a GMAT/GRE score as a predictor of future academic and career success, Cornell Tech is offering applicants of the 2022-2023 application cycle the ability to request a GMAT/GRE test waiver, without negative bias. Please note, the admissions committee will review your statement, transcripts, and other supporting materials, and will connect with you via email to indicate if a test waiver has been approved. If your test waiver is not approved, your application will remain incomplete until a test score is submitted. Please upload a short statement for why you will flourish in our rigorous academic environment (100 words max).

*You do not need to submit the entire application to submit for the waiver. Once you upload your essay, your waiver is submitted.[upload file]

Professional Experience

  • What are your professional and career interests? (you can list them) (textbox)
    Example: short and long term goals i.e. short term goal product manager, long term goal create my own fintech startup.

Community of Belonging

Student clubs and organizations at Darden enhance and integrate with the academic experience through social, cultural and community events. Given that you will be forming lifelong connections with your classmates that extend beyond the classroom, what is important for your classmates to know about you that is not on your resumé? (textbox, 200 words)

Inclusive Leadership

The University of Virginia promotes an inclusive and welcoming environment that embraces the full spectrum of human attributes, perspectives, and disciplines. Diversity stands with ethics, integrity, and academic excellence, as a cornerstone of University culture. Review the University of Virginia’s Commitment to Diversity. Consistent with this ethos, the Darden School of Business seeks to improve the world by developing and inspiring responsible global leaders. We are committed to developing the School’s ability to leverage our global diversity — the multitude of different experiences and backgrounds among our stakeholders from around the world — to achieve excellence in business education in today’s complex marketplace. We do so in the service of our mission, adhering to an unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe all key stakeholders – students, faculty, staff, alumni – play a critical role in cultivating an inclusive environment, and every action – whether big or small – in service of this goal is important. Please describe a tangible example that illuminates your experience promoting an inclusive environment and what you would bring to creating a welcoming, global community at Darden. (textbox, 300 words)

Careers with Purpose

Darden’s Career Center delivers personalized career searches, support, and resources to empower students in their goals to create value as purpose-driven leaders. The team of dedicated, expert career coaches spans every major industry, function and geography and collectively represent over one hundred years of coaching experience. Coaches are prepared to support students wherever they are in their search, as career goals shift and evolve while pursuing an MBA. Through a wide variety of career-related programming, students gain lifelong skills they will continue to leverage throughout their careers. This support continues after graduation with access to complimentary career support for life through Darden’s Alumni Career Services. At this time how would you describe your short-term, post-MBA goal in terms of industry, function, geography, company size and/or mission and how does it align with the long-term vision you have for your career? (textbox, 200 words)

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FROM THE ONLINE APPLICATION

Family Background – Please elaborate on any of your above responses. Alternatively, you may use this opportunity to expand on hardships or unusual life circumstances that may help us understand the context of your opportunities, achievements and impact. (TEXTBOX, 150 words maximum)

Interests

  • For each activity – Description of Participation (textbox)
  • List up to three hobbies you enjoy in your free time.
  • What are you excited to explore in Charlottesville? (25 words)
  • Darden has an incredible network of alumni and partners around the world, and, in a typical year, the School connects with over 80 countries. If you could choose any location in the world, where would you want to travel? (5 words) And why? (50 words)

Scholarship & Financial Aid

Darden Scholarships

Darden strives to be one of the most accessible business schools within the United States. Scholarships for talented students are awarded to recognize academic and professional excellence. These scholarships, as well as need-based aid, are a priority of Darden’s capital campaign, Powered by Purpose, and are made possible through the generosity of alumni and friends of the School. Most of Darden’s merit-based scholarship awards are based on your application for admission to the School and do not require a supplemental application.

Darden offers prestigious competitive scholarships, such as the Batten Scholarship Program, which are designed to recognize high-achieving students who have demonstrated exemplary ability. Consideration for these scholarships requires a supplemental application process. Please find the essay question for the Batten Scholarship Program below.

Please review our website for a complete listing of all scholarship offerings.

Supplemental Application: Batten Scholars Program All candidates for the Batten Scholars Program are expected to exhibit strong leadership skills, a drive for innovation, and an entrepreneurial spirit and/or impact in the technology area, as well as recognizable background characteristics and goals that satisfy the desired purposes of the Batten Institute. For clarity, we designate three categories of Batten Scholars: entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation. Before applying, be sure to visit the Darden website for details on each scholarship category. To apply, please select the scholarship for which you are applying and answer the questions below.

Please answer the following in the text box below. (500 words)

  1. How do you meet the criteria of the Batten Scholars Program, consistent with the priorities of the Batten Institute?
  2. What are your career ambitions post-Darden in the areas of entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology?

Additional Information

  • Additional Comments – If there is further information you believe would be helpful to the Admissions Committee, please provide it: (textbox, 250 words)

Two essays are required and must be uploaded to your online application. The first optional essay allows you to tell us more about yourself, or to explain an area of concern. The second optional essay allows you to share ways you have been involved with diversity, equity and inclusion in your professional or personal life, or within your community.

Essay 1: Post-MBA Plans (750 words maximum)

Tell us your ideas about what lies ahead for you in your career. What are the gaps or deficiencies currently preventing you from pursuing these potential career paths? How do you plan to use your time in the Foster MBA program to fill these gaps and advance your career?

Essay 2: Inspiring Experience Essay (500 words maximum)

Tell us about an experience that inspired or confirmed your decision to pursue the MBA.

Essay 3: Optional essay (500 words maximum)

Include this essay if you have additional information you believe would be helpful to the admissions committee in considering your application.

Essay 4: Optional Diversity, Equity & Inclusion essay (500 words maximum)

At the Foster School of Business, we embrace diversity as one of the foundations of both successful business strategy and a world-class educational experience. We share the University’s dedication to promoting the understanding and appreciation of human differences, and the constructive expression of ideas. We welcome you to share some of the ways you have practiced inclusion, promoted equity or supported the advancement of underrepresented groups.

One short answer question and two essay questions must be completed before submitting your application. Prepare your responses carefully. The Admissions Committee considers your answers to the following questions important in the selection process.

Reapplicants: candidates who applied during the 2021-2022 application cycle are considered reapplicants. All re-applicants are required to complete the Short Answer Question, Essay 2, and Reapplicant Essay. Reapplicants should ensure that they are answering the questions as they are asked since the essay prompts or word counts may have changed since submitting their application in the prior year. Reapplicants are not required to generate a new list of “25 Random Things About Yourself,” but may submit the same list from last year OR create a new list of “25 Random Things”. The Admission Committee will have access to essays submitted in the prior year. Reapplicants should take advantage of the opportunity to revise their essays and provide the Admissions Committee with new or updated information.

Applicants also have the opportunity to submit optional information explaining any extenuating circumstances about which the Admissions Committee should be aware.

All essays are scanned using plagiarism detection software. Expressing your ideas by using verbiage from existing sources, including other applicants’ essays or materials, without properly crediting those sources constitutes an act of plagiarism. Plagiarism is considered a cheating violation within the Honor Code and will result in an application denial. Note: if you have worked with a consultant to complete your application materials, please ensure that the honor code policy is discussed and he/she will not share your essays with other potential applicants.

Short Answer Question

Short answer questions will allow for 100 words.
What are your post-MBA career goals? Share with us your first-choice career plan and your alternate plan.(textbox, 100 words)

Essay 1

The ‘Team Fuqua’ spirit and community is one of the things that sets the MBA experience apart, and it is a concept that extends beyond the student body to include faculty, staff, and administration. Please share with us “25 Random Things” about you. The Admissions Committee wants to get to know YOU – beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript. Share with us important life experiences, your hobbies, achievements, fun facts, or anything that helps us understand what makes you who you are.

Please do not copy the essay question in the document you upload with your application, and limit your response to 2 pages (750 words maximum). Present your response in list form, numbered 1 to 25. Some points may be brief, while others may be longer.

A note on word counts: you do not need to include the listed numbers 1 – 25 in your total word count. Some word processing programs, like MS Word, will count numbers as “words,” but you may exclude the numbers from your final count. The application will allow you to upload your full essay even if MS Word indicates a slightly higher word count.
(upload file)

Essay 2

Fuqua prides itself on cultivating a culture of engagement. Our students enjoy a wide range of student-led organizations that provide opportunities for leadership development and personal fulfillment, as well as an outlet for contributing to society. Our student-led government, clubs, centers, and events are an integral part of the student culture and to the development of leaders. Based on your understanding of the Fuqua culture, what are 3 ways you expect to contribute at Fuqua?

Please do not copy the essay question in the document you upload with your application, and limit your response to 1 page (500 words maximum).
(upload file)

Optional Information

If you feel there are circumstances of which the admissions committee should be aware, please explain them here (e.g. unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance). Note that you should NOT upload additional essays nor additional recommendations in this area. The Optional Information section is intended to provide the admissions committee with insight into your circumstances only.

– Please do not copy the essay question in the document you upload with your application, and limit your response to 1 page or 500 words maximum.
(upload file)

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FROM THE ONLINE APPLICATION

Professional Experience

  • Please explain any breaks in your employment. (textbox)

Recommendations

  • If any of your recommenders are not a current supervisor, please provide a short explanation. (textbox, 500 words)

Leadership Experience and Community Involvement

  • For each activity – Contribution: (textbox)

Conduct and Honor Code

  • Have you ever been dropped, suspended, placed on academic or disciplinary probation, disciplined, expelled, requested or advised to resign from any post-secondary school, college, university, professional school, or law school?
  • Have you ever been arrested, charged or cited for any crime or been convicted of any offense other than a minor traffic violation? You are not required to report any matter that has been expunged by a court of law.
  • Have you ever been discharged or dismissed from the armed forces other than by honorable discharge or been subject to military discipline?

By answering “Yes” to one or more of the above questions, you are required to submit a supplementary explanatory statement. (upload file)

The essays are an important part of your MBA application because they give you the opportunity to tell the MBA Admissions Committee more about yourself. To go beyond your resume bullet points and share more of your story. Please complete all the required essays below and follow the word limits provided. Your essays should be written in 10- or 12-point, Arial font and double-spaced; please do not include the essay title on the page. Upload your essay answers, numbered and in order, as one pdf document.

Post-MBA Career Goals

Define your short-term post-MBA career goals. How are your professional strengths, past experience, and personal attributes aligned with these goals? (300 word limit)

Leadership in Business

The business school is named for Roberto C. Goizueta, former Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, who led the organization for 16 years, extending its global reach, quadrupling consumption, building brand responsibility, creating unprecedented shareholder wealth, and demonstrating a commitment to values and positive impact on society. Roberto Goizueta’s core values guide us in educating principled leaders to have a positive influence on business and society. Provide a specific example of your leadership and explain what you learned about yourself through the experience. (300 word limit)

Why Goizueta?

What are you looking to gain from Goizueta’s MBA degree and how do you see yourself contributing to the Goizueta community? (200 word limit)

Video Essay

Telling your story in the written essays is an important part of the application process, but we also want to hear you tell some of your story. The video essay lets every candidate talk to the MBA Admissions Committee and we enjoy getting to know you through the “small talk” questions.

Optional Essay

If there is an important part of your story missing from your MBA application (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, academic probation issues), please use this section to provide a brief explanation. Please use bullets if you need to address more than one topic.(200 word limit)

Essays help us learn about who you are as a person and how you will fit with our community. We seek candidates from a broad range of industries, backgrounds, and cultures. Our distinctive culture is defined by four key principles – Question the Status Quo, Confidence Without Attitude, Students Always, and Beyond Yourself. We encourage you to reflect on your experiences, values, and passions so that you may craft thoughtful and authentic responses that demonstrate your fit with our program – culturally, academically, and professionally.
Candidates are required to complete two essays. Candidates applying for concurrent degrees are required to submit an additional statement of purpose. Please do not exceed the specified word count for each essay.
Application essays will be screened through anti-plagiarism software.

Required Essays

Essay #1

What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why?

A successful essay will share a specific and personal experience that helps the reader get to know you better, giving insight into your character, values, or how you would uniquely contribute to the Berkeley-Haas community.

(textbox, 300 words maximum)

Essay #2

What kind of leader do you aspire to be and why?

(textbox, 300 words maximum)

Supplemental Information

1. If you have not provided a letter of recommendation from your current supervisor, please explain. If not applicable, enter N/A. (textbox)

2. List, in order of importance, up to five significant community and professional organizations and extracurricular activities in which you have been involved during or after university studies. Include the following information for each using the format below:

  • Name of organization or activity
  • Nature of organization or activity
  • Size of organization
  • Dates of involvement
  • Offices held
  • Average number of hours spent per month

If not applicable, enter N/A. (textbox)

3. List full-time and part-time jobs held during undergraduate or graduate studies indicating the employer, job title, employment dates, location, and the number of hours worked per week for each position held prior to the completion of your degree. If not applicable, enter N/A. (textbox)

4. If you have ever been subject to academic discipline, placed on probation, suspended, or required to withdraw from any college or university, please explain. If not applicable, enter N/A. (An affirmative response to this question does not automatically disqualify you from admission). (textbox)

Optional Information

As part of the University of California public university system, we value the impact our program can have in increasing social and economic mobility. As such, please help us understand the context of your opportunities and achievements. You may answer part, all, or none of the questions as they relate to your background.

1) What is the highest level of education completed by your parent(s) or guardian(s)?

  • Parent or Guardian 1: (select)
  • Parent or Guardian 2: (select)

2) What is the most recent occupation of your parent(s) or guardian(s)?

  • Parent or Guardian 1: (select)
  • Parent or Guardian 2: (select)

3) If you were raised in one of the following household types, please indicate: (select)

4) If English was not the primary language spoken in your childhood home, please indicate: (select)

5) If you have you ever been responsible for providing significant and continuing financial or supervisory support for someone else, please indicate: (select)

Please elaborate on any of your above responses. Alternatively, you may use this opportunity to expand on other hardships or unusual life circumstances that may help us understand the context of your opportunities, achievements, and impact. (textbox, 300 words maximum)

Additional Optional Information

This section should only be used to convey relevant information not addressed elsewhere in your application. This may include explanation of employment gaps, academic aberrations, supplemental coursework, etc. You are encouraged to use bullet points where appropriate. (textbox)

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FROM THE ONLINE APPLICATION

Personal Data II

  • Briefly describe your immediate post-MBA career goals (textbox, 150 words maximum)
  • One of our goals at Berkeley Haas is to develop leaders who value diversity and to create an inclusive environment in which people from different ethnicities, genders, lived experiences, and national origins feel welcomed and supported. Can you please describe any experience or exposure you have in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion, whether through community organizations, personal, or in the workplace? (textbox, 150 words maximum)

We have one essay question for you to answer (900-word limit):

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?

We think you know what guidance we’re going to give here: don’t overthink, overcraft, or overwrite. Please answer the question in clear and concise language that those of us who don’t know your world can understand.

Please upload your document below – PDFs generally work best. We have no preferences for what type font you use as long as it isn’t too small. Note we do not accept audio or video submissions in lieu of a written essay.
(upload file)

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FROM THE ONLINE APPLICATION

FAMILY

  • Please use this section to share any additional information about your family background. (Optional) (textbox, 250 characters)

RESUME

  • Do you have any gaps in your employment history? if yes, please explain: (textbox, 1000 characters)

Post-MBA Goals

  • Industry Group (select)
  • Function (select)
  • Briefly, tell us more about your career aspirations: (textbox, 500 characters)

EDUCATION

  • Academic Disciplinary Action – Have you ever been the subject of disciplinary action at an academic institution (including, but not limited to, violations of academic integrity)? if yes, Please explain: (textbox, 600 characters)

ACTIVITIES

  • For each activity – Description: (textbox)

Awards and Recognition

  • For each award – Basis of Selection (textbox, 200 character)

Supplemental Information

  • Have you previously applied to HBS? if yes, Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (textbox, 250 words)

Additional Information

  • Please share additional information here if you need to clarify any information provided in the other sections of your application. This is not meant to be used as an additional essay. Please limit your additional information to the space in this section. We know you’ll be tempted, but please don’t send us any additional materials (e.g., additional recommendations, work portfolios). To be fair to all applicants, extra materials won’t be considered. (textbox, 500 characters)

Disciplinary Action

  • Have you ever been the subject of disciplinary action (including, but not limited to, during military service or at place of employment)? Please do not include disciplinary action at academic institutions. if yes, Please explain: (textbox, 600 characters)

Conviction of Felony

  • Have you ever been convicted of a felony (a crime with a punishment of more than one year in prison)? if yes, Please explain: (textbox, 600 characters)

Goals and Interests

A statement of your goals will begin a conversation that will last throughout the admissions process and guide your steps during the MBA program and experience. To the best of your understanding today, please share your short and long term goals and complete the following sentences and answering the short answer question below.

In 5 years I want to work as a ____Role____ at ____Company____ in the ____Industry____ industry.

*Target Job Role Post-MBA___________________

*Target Job Company Post-MBA___________________

*Target Industry Post-MBA ___________________

In 5-10 years post-MBA my goal is to work as a(n) ____Role____ at ____Company____ in the ____Industry____ industry.

*Target Job Role in 5-10 Years___________________

*Target Job Company in 5-10 Years___________________

*Target Industry in 5-10 Years___________________

* How has your experience prepared and encouraged you to pursue these goals? (textbox ; website mentions 350 words maximum, application doesn’t mention a limit)

* Select the spring Immersion Learning program that best matches your interests. (select)

Are you interested in a Johnson Intensive program? (select)

* Select your intended post-MBA career industry. (select)

* Select your intended post-MBA career function. (select)

Essays

Limit each essay response to 350 words or less.

IMPACT ESSAY: At Cornell, our students and alumni share a desire to positively impact the organizations and communities they serve. Taking into consideration your background, how do you intend to make a meaningful impact on an elite MBA community? (textbox, 350 words or less)

OPTIONAL/REAPPLICANT ESSAY

OPTIONAL ESSAY: If you are applying for the first time and wish to submit an optional essay, please enter it in the re-applicant text box below.
You may use the optional essay to explain gaps in your resume, call attention to items needing clarification, or provide additional details about any aspects of your application that do not accurately reflect your potential for success at Johnson.

REAPPLICANT ESSAY: If you are reapplying for admission, please use this essay to indicate how you have strengthened your application.
(textbox, 350 words or less)

Financial Aid

  • What steps have you taken to prepare financially for your MBA study? (textbox)

Park Leadership Fellows Program Essay (optional, Two-Year MBA only)

The Roy H. Park Leadership Fellows Program is a two-year, full-tuition fellowship award for Two-Year MBA candidates in Ithaca who have demonstrated outstanding leadership potential and who are committed to making an impact within their communities. Each year, fellowships are awarded to up to 25 incoming students with the expectation that they will participate in additional leadership and personal development activities outside of our regular curriculum, serve in leadership roles within the school, and complete a public service project by the time they graduate. The Park Fellowship is only available to U.S. citizens applying for the Two-Year MBA program.
To receive consideration for the fellowship, you must submit your online application during the October or January Application Rounds or by the Consortium Early Application or Consortium Traditional Application Deadlines, complete the enclosed essay regarding leadership, and be invited to attend a Johnson Leadership Exploration and Assessment Day (L.E.A.D.) event.

Park Leadership Fellows Program Essay Prompt:

To apply for the Park Fellowship, please complete this essay (500-word limit).

Describe a past formal or informal leadership experience and how it informs your goals for growth as a leader. How would the Park Leadership Fellowship assist with these goals?

GMAT/GRE waiver

In response to continued hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and as we continue to debate the value of a GMAT/GRE score as a predictor of future academic and career success, Cornell Johnson is offering candidates of the Full-Time MBA 2022-2023 application cycle the ability to request a GMAT/GRE test waiver, without negative bias. The admissions committee will connect with you via email to indicate if a test waiver has been approved, within 5-7 business days following the full submission of your application. If your test waiver is not approved, your application will remain incomplete until a test score is submitted.

Would you like to be considered for GMAT/GRE Test Waiver? if yes, Please enter a short statement for why you will flourish in our rigorous academic environment (textbox)

This is your chance to tell us why you think Kellogg is the right place for you. As you get started, remind yourself of the experiences that led you here and how they have shaped where you want to go.
Write your essays in your program of choice, but we ask that you please copy and paste them from Notepad (PC) or TextEdit (Mac) to ensure the proper formatting is saved with your application.

Essay 1

Kellogg’s purpose is to educate, equip and inspire leaders who create lasting value. Provide a recent example where you have demonstrated leadership and created value. What challenges did you face and what did you learn? (textbox, 450 words)

Essay 2

Values are what guide us in our life and work. What values are important to you and how have they influenced you? (textbox, 450 words)

Additional information

If needed, use this section to briefly describe any extenuating circumstances (e.g. unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, etc.). (textbox, 280 words)

Video Essays

We’ve read your essays, we’ve read your resume — now we want you to bring all that to life in a video. Show us the person behind all those carefully crafted words. The video will be comprised of three questions, each designed to help you showcase your personality and share some of the experiences that brought you here today.

While they are an optional component of the application, we find these videos to be a great opportunity for you to tell us more about your story, experiences and why Kellogg is the right place for you.

Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare to complete this section:

  • Video essays are due 96 hours after the application deadline
  • A video essay link will appear on your application status page after you submit your application and payment
  • You will need an internet-connected computer with a webcam and microphone
  • The video should take about 20-25 minutes to complete, which includes time for setup

After submitting your application and payment, you will be able to access the video essay through your application status page. You will be asked to answer three questions:

Video essay 1: Please introduce yourself to the admissions committee.

– Consider this your opportunity to share what you would want your future Kellogg classmates and our admissions committee to know about you. What makes you, you?

Video essay 2: What path are you interested in pursuing, how will you get there, and why is this program right for you?

– This is an intentionally broad question so you can answer honestly and meaningfully. We want to know why you’re pursuing an MBA and why you’re choosing a particular Kellogg Full-Time Program.

Video essay 3: This question will be based on a challenge you’ve faced and what you’ve learned from it.

Here are some additional tips:

  • There are practice questions that you may complete as many times as you like to get comfortable with the format and technology. The practice questions and experience will simulate the actual video essay experience, so this is meant to be a useful tool to help you feel prepared.
  • We encourage you to practice so you are comfortable with the format once it is time to complete the official questions. You will not have an opportunity to re-do the answer to the official video essay questions.
  • You will have 20 seconds to think about the question and up to one minute to give your response.

Certain applicants will respond to additional questions:

One-Year applicants: Please discuss your post-MBA career goal, the current experience you will leverage to support the transition, and the Kellogg One-Year MBA opportunities that will help you reach this goal. (250 words)

MBAi applicants: The Kellogg McCormick MBAi Program is designed to train the next generation of leaders who can help businesses deliver successful outcomes through AI-driven technology. Tell us about your firsthand experience with this disconnect between business and technology and how MBAi will prepare you to successfully lead businesses at the intersection. (450 words)

MMM applicants: The five core values of the MMM Program are curiosity, creativity, empathy, open-mindedness and a learning mindset. Describe a situation in which you demonstrated one of these values. Why is this value an important part of the MMM experience for you? (250 words)

JD-MBA applicants: Please discuss your post-JD-MBA career goals and why the JD-MBA Program is the right program to help you reach those goals. (250 words)

Reapplicants: Since your previous application, what steps have you taken to strengthen your candidacy? (250 words)

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FROM THE ONLINE APPLICATION

Employments history – Career goals

Please tell us about your career goals. You’ll also have the opportunity to expand on this in other parts of the evaluation process.

  • Industry desired after Kellogg (select)
  • Functional area desired after Kellogg (select)
  • What has been your most significant career accomplishment? (textbox, 240 characters)
  • What is your short-term career goal? (textbox, 150 characters)
  • What is your long-term career goal? (textbox, 150 characters)
  • What drives your interest in these short- and long-term goals? (textbox, 240 characters)

Share your accomplishments

  • For each award – description: (textbox)

Activities

  • For each activity – Description of Participation (100 character limit)

International experiences

  • For each experience – Purpose (textbox)

Jobs or work-study programs

  • Brief description of employment (textbox, 200 characters)

Applicants are encouraged to invest in a thorough final review of all essays. Updates to essays will not be accepted after submission.

Essay 1 (required) – 500 words –

Please respond to the questions below that will assist us in learning more about you:

  • What are your immediate career goals and how will you benefit from earning an MBA at Kenan-Flagler Business School?
  • As the business world continues to evolve, circumstances can change and guide you in a different direction. Should your goals that you provided above not transpire, what other opportunities would you explore?

(Upload file)

Essay 2 (required) – 500 words –

We all belong to different communities representing various aspects of who we are, including groups we belong to, where we come from, how we think, what we believe, and how we see and experience the world. The process of discovery is strengthened when people with diverse perspectives and life experiences come together to share and learn from one another, negotiate differences, and engage in diplomacy.

How do you envision furthering your growth as an inclusive leader as a MBA student and future business leader?

(Upload file)

Essay 3 (optional) – 200 words –

We encourage you to tell us more about who you are so we can get to know you as a person and potential member of the Carolina community. Use this essay to convey information that you may not have otherwise been able to in the application.

Optional topics:

  • Personal or professional accomplishments
  • Interests and passions
  • Gaps in work experience or inconsistent academic performance
  • Context for recommender selection
  • A fun fact about yourself

(Upload file)

Employment Information

  • If you are not currently employed full-time, or if there are gaps in your full-time employment history, please use the box below to explain. (textbox, 200 words maximum)

MBA FT GMAT/GRE Exam Waiver Request

While scores from standardized tests such as the GMAT or GRE are a beneficial way for our Admissions Committee to evaluate the likelihood of academic success in our Full-Time MBA program, we recognize that some candidates can build a strong case for admission based on degrees earned, academic experience, professional milestones, or certifications. GMAT/GRE waivers are available for new applicants to the UNC Kenan-Flagler Full-Time MBA class of 2025. The Admissions Committee requires all applicants seeking a GMAT/GRE waiver to submit requests by the test waiver deadline for each round. Late submissions may be denied or moved to the next Round. You may continue working on the rest of your application as we process your decision but may not submit your application for admission without an approved waiver or valid test score on file.

GMAT/GRE Waiver Request Statement

In 300 words or less, please emphasize academic or professional characteristics of your background that you feel are relevant to the Admissions Committee’s assessment of your waiver request. Please be sure to include what your future career goals are (functional area and/or industry focus). Candidates who present a strong profile across several of the above criteria based on submitted materials are more likely to be granted a test waiver. (textbox)

Leadership & Recognition

  • Awards, Honors & Achievements – Please list any awards or other forms of recognition you have received from college and beyond. You may also include any professional certifications earned. (textbox)
  • Community & Professional Involvement – Please list any ongoing activities and/or volunteer experiences from college and beyond. The MBA program is particularly interested in activities where you took a leadership or substantial member role. (textbox)

Please upload the responses to the following essay questions in one combined document in the area entitled “Personal Statement” below:

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)

Essay #2 (Required) – Please draft a letter that begins with “Dear Admissions Committee” (word limit: 600)

This letter is meant to be your personal statement that provides the Admissions Committee with an understanding of your candidacy for Marshall beyond what is evident in other parts of your application. This essay is purposely open-ended. You are free to express yourself in whatever way you see fit. Our goal is to have an appreciation for and an understanding of each candidate in ways that are not captured by test scores, grades, and resumes.

Essay #3 (Optional) – Please provide any additional information that will enhance our understanding of your candidacy for the program. (word limit: 250)

Essay #4 (Required for all candidates requesting a test waiver) – Test Waiver Essay – Please submit a brief statement that summarizes why you believe you qualify for a test waiver. (word limit: 200)

Required Essay

Picture yourself at graduation. Describe how you spent your time as a Texas McCombs MBA to achieve your personal and professional goals. (500 words) (upload file)

Optional Statement

Please provide any additional information you believe is important or address any areas of concern that you believe will be beneficial to MBA Admissions in considering your application (e.g. gaps in work experience, choice of recommender, academic performance, or extenuating personal circumstances). (250 words) (upload file)

Fall 2023 Essays

We want to hear your story. When responding to our required essays, be authentic and take time to reflect on your goals and past experiences. Craft a response that explains how these experiences led you to pursue an MBA.

Our goal at Georgetown McDonough is to craft a diverse class with people who have had varying personal and professional life experiences. As such, we want to give our applicants the opportunity to select one essay (from a list of four) that allows them the ability to best highlight their experiences, characteristics, and values that showcase the value proposition that they can bring to the McDonough community. Please select one of the following three essays to complete in 300-350 words (approximately one page, double spaced) and include the essay prompt and your first/last name at the top of your submission.

  • Essay Option One – Principled Leadership: Georgetown McDonough places a strong emphasis on principled leadership, providing both curricular and co-curricular opportunities to strengthen your leadership skills. Describe a time when you have led a team in a professional environment to implement a new idea or process. What leadership characteristics did you utilize? What could you have done to be more effective? And most importantly, what skills will you be able to bring to the teams you lead at McDonough?
  • ​Essay Option Two – Hoyas for the Common Good: Georgetown McDonough embodies the ethos that people and organizations can and should contribute to the greater good. The admissions committee would like to better understand how you have demonstrated these values during uniquely challenging times. Describe a time where you have put the needs of others ahead of your own or ahead of the bottom line. We look forward to learning more about the challenge you faced, what unique characteristics you brought to that scenario, and what you learned from it.
  • Essay Option Three – The Georgetown Community: Georgetown McDonough is a diverse, global community. We look to understand the contribution that your personal background would make to our community. As appropriate, you may wish to address any obstacles or challenges you have overcome; any educational, familial, cultural, economic, and social experiences that have helped to shape your educational and professional goals; or how your background (e.g. first-generation student, resident outside the U.S.) or activities (e.g. community service and leadership) will contribute to our community.
  • Video Essay: Building a cohort of diverse and unique individuals is important to the admissions team. We want you to bring your whole self to Georgetown McDonough. Throughout the application, we’ve learned about what you would add as a professional and leader. Just as important is learning about your interests outside of work. In one minute, please describe a hobby, passion, or what you do for fun in your free time – and why.
    • You may use your phone, computer, or other means to record the video, but please ensure all audio and visual components are clear. We recommend a well-lit room and minimal noise distraction.
    • The admissions committee would like for you to appear in person during part of your video.
    • We recommend unscripted, conversational videos – help us get to know the real you!
    • Upload your video to an accessible website (such as YouTube, Vimeo, Youku, or Tudou), and submit the direct video URL into your online application.
    • Please note that all videos must remain active and accessible to the admissions committee online for a minimum of five years for record retention purposes.
    • For your privacy: Do not include your name in the title of your video. You may submit “unlisted” videos via YouTube or password protected videos through Vimeo. If using a password, please include immediately after your link in the text box below. [Ex: www.youtube.com/123, password: Hoyas]
  • Optional Essay: Please provide any information you would like to add to your application that you have not otherwise included (300-350 words, approximately one page, double spaced).
  • Re-Applicant Essay: Required for re-applicants. How have you strengthened your candidacy since your last application? We are particularly interested in hearing about how you have grown professionally and personally (300-350 words, approximately one page, double spaced).

Two required essays (one optional):

    1. Share with us one of your strongest values. Help us understand how that value connects to your career aspirations. Please include the following in your response: Target function and/or industry; Desired company or organization; Skills you will need to develop; Necessary connections and/or experiences (350-500 word maximum)
    2. The confidence to operate beyond one’s comfort zone is grounded in understanding who you are, what you value and how you uniquely contribute. Share your story. Describe who you are and the impact you wish to have. (350-500 word maximum)
    3. Optional: Is there anything else you would like to share? If so, please provide any additional information not previously addressed in the application that would help the admissions committee assess your candidacy. (250-word maximum)

Your written statements give us great insight into your unique qualities, goals and personality. We have two required written statements with a 150 word limit.

  • Statement 1: What are your short-term career goals after obtaining your MBA and what functional area do you plan to study while in the MBA program? What are some specific skills that you want to develop during your time in business school to help you achieve your career goals?
  • Statement 2: Please highlight something about yourself that isn’t already captured in the application.
  • Optional Explanatory Statement: You may provide an additional statement to explain anything that you think is important for the Admissions Committee to know about you that is not already addressed elsewhere in your application. Many applicants use this statement to explain significant gaps in full-time employment, lack of recommendation from a current supervisor, or subpar academic performance.

Full-Time MBA & Professional MBA Required Short Answer Responses (100-word limit, each):

Rice Business seeks to have a clear understanding of your career goals upon the completion of your MBA experience.

Short Answer Response #1: “In 100 words or less, please share your short-term career goals.”
Short Answer Response #2: “In 100 words or less, please share your long-term career goals.”

Full-Time MBA & Professional MBA Required Creative Essay (choose one topic and response format):

Please choose to answer one of the following prompts:

Prompt #1: “What movie, song, or book has most influenced your life and the way you view the world? Why?”
Prompt #2: “While we know a picture is worth 1000 words, in 500 words or less tell us the story of a photo of your choosing that has significant value in your life experiences. Please feel free to share your photo!”

Please choose only one method of communication that you would like to use for your response:
– Write an essay (500-word limit)
– Share a video (one to three-minute time limit)

Executive MBA Required Essay (750-word limit):

“As you evaluate where you are today, how have your educational, professional, and personal endeavors brought you to this point? In addition, please explain how the Rice EMBA is part of your future plan.”

Optional Essay (500-word limit):

If you have any additional information for the admissions committee or if you wish to clarify any aspect of your application (including breaks in employment, your choice of recommendation providers, your past academic performance, etc.), you may submit an additional, optional essay

Part 1: Short-answer questions

Select one prompt from each group of the two groups below. Respond to each selected prompt in 100 words or less (< 100 words each; 200 words total).

Group 1:

— select one —

  • I want people to know that I:
  • I made a difference when I:
  • I was aware that I was different when:

(upload file)

Group 2:

— select one —

  • I was out of my comfort zone when:
  • I was humbled when:
  • I was challenged when:

(upload file)

Part 2: Short-answer question

Pick one thing from your resume and tell us more. (100 words)

(upload file)

Part 3: Career Goal

What is your short-term career goal? (25 words) (upload file)
Why is this the right short-term career goal for you? (150 words) (upload file)

Optional statement: Is there something in your resume or application that could use some explanation? You might want to discuss the completion of supplemental coursework, employment gaps, academic issues, etc. Feel free to use bullet points where appropriate. (upload file)

Crime and Conduct

  • Have you ever been expelled, suspended or placed on probation by any secondary school or college you have attended, for reason of academic dishonesty or because of an offense that harmed or had the potential to harm others?
  • Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense other than a minor traffic violation, or been found to be delinquent by a juvenile court, or are there such charges currently pending against you at this time?
  • Have you ever had a professional license revoked or been subject to disciplinary action by a licensing board or commission due to an ethical violation or professional misconduct?

If you answered “Yes” to any of the questions above, please enter your explanation here. Please limit your response to no more than 50 lines of text. (textbox)

Cover Letter

MIT Sloan seeks students whose personal characteristics demonstrate that they will make the most of the incredible opportunities at MIT, both academic and non-academic. We are on a quest to find those whose presence will enhance the experience of other students. We seek thoughtful leaders with exceptional intellectual abilities and the drive and determination to put their stamp on the world. We welcome people who are independent, authentic, and fearlessly creative — true doers. We want people who can redefine solutions to conventional problems, and strive to preempt unconventional dilemmas with cutting-edge ideas. We demand integrity and respect passion.

Taking the above into consideration, please submit a cover letter seeking a place in the MIT Sloan MBA program. Your letter should conform to a standard business correspondence, include one or more professional examples that illustrate why you meet the desired criteria above, and can be addressed to:

Admissions Committee
50 Memorial Drive
Cambridge, MA 02142

Your cover letter should be 300 words or fewer, excluding address and salutation. If you have any additional questions, please visit our FAQ page.

Upload a Word or PDF document.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FROM THE ONLINE APPLICATION

Academic Record

  • Are there any areas of concern with regard to your academic record? If so, please briefly explain here in a few sentences: (textbox)

Employment Information

  • If there are any gaps in your employment history, please use the space below to explain. (textbox)

Organizational Chart

Our goal is to learn about you and your professional background. Your employer’s organizational chart will help us better understand the role you play within your organization, who you report to, and the impact you might have on your department or company.

Some important details:

  • Give us as much detail as possible (names, titles, etc.) but it’s ok to redact names if you need to.
  • Please circle your role in red so that your position is easily identifiable.
  • Make sure we can easily identify where you are, to whom you report, and if applicable, who reports to you.
  • If your recommender or references are on your organizational chart (they may not be, and that’s ok!), please highlight them for us.
  • If you are a consultant, entrepreneur, or affiliated with the military review our FAQs for suggestions on how to approach the organizational chart.
  • Please upload an organizational chart that outlines the internal structure of your place of employment. Limit to two pages. (upload file)

Video

Introduce yourself to your future classmates. Here’s your chance to put a face with a name, let your personality shine through, be conversational, be yourself. We can’t wait to meet you!

Videos should adhere to the following guidelines:

  • No more than 1 minute (60 seconds) in length
  • Single take (no editing)
  • Speaking directly to the camera
  • Do not include background music or subtitles
  • Note: While we ask you to introduce yourself to your future classmates in this video, the video will not be shared beyond the admissions committee and is for use in the application process only.

Upload Instructions

To upload media to your digital portfolio, add the files using the “Select Files” button below and click “Start Upload.” Uploading may take anywhere from seconds to several hours depending upon the size of the media file and your connection speed. If your file is large, we recommend that you upload from a wired connection if possible.
Once your file has been received, it will be displayed under the “Your Portfolio” tab. Your file will be processed and converted into its final form soon after uploading. Processing may take several minutes or hours depending upon the file size. You do not need to remain on this page after the media has been uploaded, as processing will occur automatically and independently.
You may re-order your uploaded media at any time by dragging the slides around. Please supply title and media information by clicking Edit Details.
Should you experience difficulties uploading your file, please ensure that you’re using a modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Safari) on the fastest wired Internet connection available. An intermittent or slow Internet connection can cause uploads to timeout.

File Sizes and Types

We support media files as large as 5GB, but please be advised that larger files will take longer to upload from your Internet connection and may stall if you are on a wireless connection or one that cannot sustain a connection for the necessary period of time. Uploaded documents may contain no more than 75 pages. We support the following file formats:

Video: .3g2, .3gp, .avi, .m2v, .m4v, .mkv, .mov, .mpeg, .mpg, .mp4, .mxf, .webm, .wmv

Optional Short Answer Question

We’d like to give you the opportunity to expand on your background. This question is completely optional.
How has the world you come from shaped who you are today? For example, your family, culture, community, all help to shape aspects of your identity. Please use this opportunity if you would like to share more about your background.

Please do not include any links in your response. 250 words or less. (textbox)

Additional Questions

Student Conduct – How you’ve handled problems and challenges is important to us. Were you ever the subject of a disciplinary action at a prior academic institution?
if Yes, To help us understand you better, in a few sentences, please tell us the nature of the situation and what you learned from that experience. (textbox)

We request that you write two personal essays.

In each essay, we want to hear your genuine voice. Think carefully about your values, passions, aims, and dreams. There is no “right answer” to these questions – the best answer is the one that is truest for you.

Essay A: What matters most to you, and why?

For this essay, we would like you to reflect deeply and write from the heart. Once you’ve identified what matters most to you, help us understand why. You might consider, for example, what makes this so important to you? What people, insights, or experiences have shaped your perspectives?

Essay B: Why Stanford?

Describe your aspirations and how your Stanford GSB experience will help you realize them.

Length

Both essays combined may not exceed 1050 words. We recommend up to 650 words for Essay A and up to 400 words for Essay B. We often read effective essays that are written in fewer words.

Formatting

  • Double-spaced
  • Number all pages
  • Upload one document that includes both essays

Short Answer Question

In this section, we provide an optional opportunity for you to discuss some of your contributions more fully.
What do we mean by “optional”? We truly mean you have the opportunity to choose. In evaluating your application, we want to know about who you are and how you think Stanford will help you achieve your aspirations. We are also interested in learning about the things you have done that are most meaningful to you. If you feel that you’ve already addressed these questions well in other areas of the application, congratulations, you’re done! If you would like to go beyond your resume to discuss some of your contributions more fully, you are welcome to share up to three examples (up to 1200 characters, or approximately 200 words, for each example).
For more information, see our website.

Question:

Think about times you’ve created a positive impact, whether in professional, extracurricular, academic, or other settings. What was your impact? What made it significant to you or to others? (textbox, 1200 characters).

You can add another example (textbox, 1200 characters).

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FROM THE ONLINE APPLICATION

Personal information

  • Additional Context – We know that each person is more than a list of facts or pre-defined categories. With this question we provide you with an optional opportunity to elaborate on how your background or life experiences have helped shape your recent actions or choices. (textbox, 1200 characters)

Education

  • Have you ever been suspended, dismissed, or placed on enforced leave from any college or university, or been the subject of disciplinary action by such an institution, or are you currently the subject of a pending disciplinary proceeding (note that such proceedings might include, but not be limited to, honor code, code of conduct, or Title IX matters)? Have you ever been placed on academic probation or been other than in good academic standing at any college or university, or is an academic standing proceeding pending against you?
    If yes, Provide an explanation of the above in a separate document so that we may better understand the context of the situation(s). (upload file)
  • Additional Coursework – If you have completed or are in the process of completing any additional coursework not shown on your transcripts (e.g., professional certifications, MBA prep classes, English enrichment classes, etc.), provide relevant information here. (textbox, 320 characters)

Activities or Interests

  • For each Activity or Interest – Description of activity/interest and your role, impact, or contribution. (textbox, 320 characters)

Professional Experience

  • Have you had any gap(s) of four months or more in your employment or educational history since secondary school? Let us know what you did during that period. (textbox, 145 characters)
  • Post-GSB Aspirations – Write a sentence or two about what you aspire to do after graduating from Stanford GSB. (textbox, 255 characters)

Awards and Honors

  • Basis of Selection (textbox, 500 characters)

Additional Information

  • We are deliberate in the questions we ask. We believe that we get to know you well through all of the elements of your application. Complete this section only if you have critical information you could not convey elsewhere on your application (e.g., extenuating circumstances affecting academic or work performance). This section is not meant to be used as an additional essay. (upload file)

Our Stern essay questions give you the opportunity to more fully present yourself to the Admissions Committee and to provide insight into your experiences, goals, and thought processes.

Please note the following details when completing your essays:

  • Written essays must be submitted using double-spacing and 12-point font.
  • Your response to Essay 1 should answer all parts of the question with a maximum of 350 words.
  • Your essays should be written entirely by you. An offer of admission will be revoked if you did not write your essays.

Uploading Formats

You may upload Word and PDF documents into the online application.

Short Answer: Professional Aspirations

(150 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)

What are your short-term career goals?  (upload file)

Essay 1: Change: _____ it

(350 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)

In today’s global business environment, the only constant is change. Using NYU Stern’s brand call to action, we want to know how you view change. Change: _____ it. Fill in the blank with a word of your choice. Why does this word resonate with you? How will you embrace your own personal tagline while at Stern?

Examples: Change: Dare it. Change: Dream it. Change: Drive it. Change: Empower it. Change: Manifest it. Change: [Any word of your choice] it. (upload file)

Essay 2: Personal Expression (a.k.a. “Pick Six”)

Describe yourself to the Admissions Committee and to your future classmates using six images and corresponding captions. Your uploaded PDF should contain all of the following elements: A brief introduction or overview of your “Pick Six” (no more than 3 sentences). Six images that help illustrate who you are. A one-sentence caption for each of the six images that helps explain why they were selected and are significant to you. Note: Your visuals may include photos, infographics, drawings, collages, or any other images that best describe you. Your document must be uploaded as a single PDF. The essay cannot be sent in physical form or be linked to a website. (upload file)

Essay 3: Additional Information (optional)

(250 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)

Please provide any additional information that you would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee. This may include current or past gaps in employment, further explanation of your undergraduate record or self-reported academic transcript(s), plans to retake the GMAT, GRE, EA, IELTS or TOEFL, or any other relevant information. (upload file)

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FROM THE ONLINE APPLICATION

Activities and Achievements

Activities

  • List college extracurricular, professional, or community activities in the order of their importance to you. Include dates of involvement and any offices held (e.g., Activity – Dates of Involvement – Office Held). (textbox)
  • List post-college extracurricular, professional, or community activities in the order of their importance to you. Include dates of involvement and any offices held (e.g., Activity – Dates of Involvement – Office Held). (textbox)

Achievements

  • List any college and post-college awards, scholarships, or other types of recognition you have received (academic – for example, Phi Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude; military; extracurricular; professional; community). (textbox)

Professional Certifications

  • List any professional certifications you have received (e.g. CFA, CPA, PMP, Series 7, etc.) (textbox)

Background Information

Disciplinary Background

  • Have you ever (a) been subject to any disciplinary action, academic probation, suspension, or dismissal from an educational institution, or (b) withdrawn or been required to withdraw for academic or non-academic misconduct from an educational institution; or is any such action pending or expected to be brought against you? If yes, Please explain the circumstances in the field below (textbox, limit 1000 characters):
  • Have you ever been convicted of a crime involving financial impropriety, or is any such action pending or expected to be brought against you? You should answer “no” if your conviction has been sealed, expunged, or overturned or if you were arrested but acquitted, or if the charges against you were dropped. If yes, Please explain the circumstances in the field below (textbox, limit 1000 characters):
  • Have you ever had a professional license suspended or revoked, or have you ever been sanctioned by a professional organization, or is any such action pending or expected to be brought against you? If yes, Please explain the circumstances in the field below (textbox, limit 1000 characters):
  • Have you ever been convicted at trial, or pled guilty to, a criminal offense involving violence, physical force or the threat of physical force, a sexual offense, or is any such action pending or expected to be brought against you? You should answer “no” if your conviction has been sealed, expunged, or overturned or if you were arrested but acquitted, or if the charges against you were dropped. if yes, Please explain the circumstances in the field below (textbox, limit 1000 characters):

Here’s where you continue to tell us more about yourself. Give us a little insight into who you are and the impact you’ll have on the Tepper Community.
Answer our essay question so we can learn more about you. That’s right, just ONE essay question!
Finally, there is an optional essay for you to share whatever you like with us.
We can’t wait to see what you have to say.

Career Goals

We know you just recorded your goals – thanks for that! We are looking forward to watching your video. We do still need a few more data points, though.

  • Desired Industry? (select)
  • Desired Function? (select)
  • Desired Position? _____________

MBA Essay

The Tepper community is dynamic and unique with students who strive to be collaborative, supportive and inclusive. Please provide an example of when you experienced or created an inclusive environment and how you will use that experience to help members of the community reach their full potential.
(Maximum 500 words, double spaced, 12 point font) (upload file)

Optional Essay

Is there anything else that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee as we evaluate your application? If you believe your credentials and essays represent you fairly, you should not feel obligated to answer this question. This essay is intended to provide a place for you to add information that you think is important but is not covered elsewhere in the application. This could include clarification of your employment or academic record, choice of recommenders or helpful context for the admissions committee in reviewing your application. (upload file)

Test Waiver Option

Our Tepper MBA program is focused on the success of our students in the classroom and in employment outcomes. The application process allows us to assess readiness of candidates and provide guidance in improving future academic and career outcomes.

We believe standardized exams are one way that business programs gauge academic readiness; however while many Tepper MBA applicants will submit a GMAT/GRE/EA score, we also recognize there are multiple ways to demonstrate academic readiness. This is the reason we offer a test waiver option.

Here is some guidance on our test waiver option:

• Waivers will be granted on a case-by-case basis.
• Waivers are evaluated on the basis of academic readiness for the Tepper MBA.
• If you are granted a waiver by the Admission Committee, it does not signal admission to the Tepper MBA.
• The admission decision will be based on a holistic review of the application.
• Even if you are granted a waiver, the admissions committee may require or recommend additional academic preparation prior to the start of the program that will improve your academic outcomes.
• Applying with a test waiver will not affect your eligibility for scholarship.

Upon submission of your application, the waiver request will be reviewed, and you will receive a response to the waiver request via email within 10 business days of the application deadline.

To request the waiver, upload a document that describes your academic readiness for the Tepper MBA program. Be sure to describe how you have prepared academically for the Tepper MBA experience with an emphasis on quantitative or analytical strengths.

What should you include? That’s up to you, but here are our suggestions:

  • Upload and include any supporting documentation like unofficial transcripts, diplomas or certificates, or note that they have already been uploaded in the Education section of this application.
  • Include references to the following (if applicable): advanced degrees (such as a masters degree) in a quantitative area or professional certifications in areas such as CFA, CPA, PMP.
  • Note strong performance in an undergraduate program.
  • Describe full time work experience in an analytical or quantitative role.
  • Share performance on an expired GMAT/GRE/EA exam or performance on another professional exam such as the MCAT, LSAT, PCAT, DAT.
  • Detail any other kind of academic performance that demonstrates preparedness for the Tepper academic experience.

VIDEO ESSAY

We know this is an important component of your decision to attend business school. We take it seriously as well. Please describe your post-MBA career goals.

It would be helpful to consider the following information in your response:

  • You have up to 2 minutes to respond to this question.
  • Please be as specific as possible. If you have not yet identified specific companies, that is okay. Just tell us what interests you for your next role or company. What about the industry, company, or functional role is appealing to you?
  • If you have any criteria you are using to evaluate career opportunities, please share those as well. We may have great opportunities to add to your list.
  • How does this post-MBA career goal relate to your long-term career plan?

New for the fall 2023 application cycle is a required video essay to discuss your post-MBA goals.

Pro-Tips:

  • Be as specific as possible. If you have not yet identified specific companies, that is okay. Just tell us what interests you for your next role or company. What about the industry, company, or functional role is appealing to you?
  • If you have any criteria you are using to evaluate career opportunities, please share those as well. We may have great opportunities to add to your list.
  • How does this post-MBA career goal relate to your long-term career plan?

Video Essay – Goals

Now, let’s hear directly from you! We know that your career goals are an important part of your decision to attend business school, and we are excited to hear them. Please describe your post-MBA career goals. You have up to 2 minutes to respond to this question.

The recording process is as follows:

1. Select ‘Start Test’ below to begin the video recording process. Be sure to read the steps here and on the next screen carefully. You will be given one test attempt prior to recording your first response.

2. After the test, you will be prompted to start your first recording. Once ready, the recording will start immediately after you select ‘Start Recording’ button OR automatically 90 seconds after selecting ‘Ready’. The recording will end when you select ‘Stop Recording’ OR automatically 90 seconds after it begins.

3. If you are satisfied with your recording, select ‘Continue’ to save and move onto the next section of the application. If you are NOT satisfied with your first recording, you can select ‘Start Over’ to re-record your video. You will be allowed to re-record your video a maximum of two (2) more times; however, note that once you choose to re-record, previous attempts will be erased.

4. If you choose to re-record your video, you will have to go through the testing process each time. Read the instructions on each screen prior to starting the test and note that it will list ‘Testing Mode’ in the header during the testing phase.

5. If you do not select to submit one of your first two recordings, your final recording will automatically be submitted on your behalf.

NOTE: If you are located outside of the U.S. and you are having bandwidth issues that prevent you from recording your video on the first attempt, please try to locate a stronger bandwidth and reattempt your recording. If you continue to experience bandwidth issues and you are unable to submit your video essay after your 3 attempts, please contact the MBA Admissions Office for alternate options.

One More Thing

One more question from the Admission Committee – just for fun! List an interesting fact about yourself that you’d like to share with your future Tepper classmates (P.S. – 1 or 2 sentences will be just fine): (textbox)

  1. Tuck students can articulate how the distinctive Tuck MBA will advance their aspirations. Why are you pursuing an MBA and why Tuck? (textbox, 300 words)
  2. Tuck students recognize how their individuality adds to the fabric of Tuck. Tell us who you are. (textbox, 300 words)
  3. Tuck students are encouraging, collaborative, and empathetic, even when it is not convenient or easy. Describe a meaningful experience in which you exemplified one or more of these attributes. (textbox, 300 words)

Optional: Please provide any additional insight or information that you have not addressed elsewhere (e.g., atypical choice of evaluators, factors affecting academic performance, unexplained job gaps or changes). Complete this question only if you feel your candidacy is not fully represented by this application. (textbox, 300 words)

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FROM THE ONLINE APPLICATION

Convictions

  • Tuck carefully considers all parts of your application. Information provided below will be considered in the context of the rest of your application and does not necessarily prevent you from being admitted to Tuck. Have you ever been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a criminal offense (other than a minor traffic violation), or are there such charges currently pending against you? if yes, Please explain the circumstances. (textbox, 200 words)
    If you need additional space, please use the optional essay.

Program and Interests

  • Share your short-term goals. (textbox, 50 words)
  • Share your long-term goals. (textbox, 50 words)

Other Employment Information

  • Have you had any gaps of longer than 2 months in your employment history? if yes, please explain below. (textbox, 200 words)

Activities

  • for each activity, Description of Participation (textbox, 50 word limit)

Awards

  • for each award, Description (textbox, 50 word limit)

First-time applicant and re-applicants (those who applied to begin the program in the fall of 2022 or 2021) are required to complete both essays.

The Admissions Committee wants to get to know you on both a professional and personal level. We encourage you to be introspective, candid and succinct. Most importantly, we suggest you be yourself.

Required Essays

1. 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. (textbox, 500 words)

2. Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (textbox, 400 words)

Optional Essay

Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. (textbox, 500 words)

Required Essay for all Reapplicants: Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FROM THE ONLINE APPLICATION

Personal information

  • Community Honors/Recognitions – List any awards, recognitions, honors, and/or fellowships/scholarships that you have received in your collegiate or broader personal communities. (textbox, 2000 characters)
  • Extracurricular Activities/Community Engagement – Please list up to five of your extracurricular activities, community involvements, and/or responsibilities that you participated in during or after your collegiate years. We recommend that you list in order of greatest significance. for each activity, Brief Description (textbox, 250 characters)
  • Conduct – Have you ever been placed on probation, dismissed, or suspended from any college or university for reasons pertaining to academic and/or campus judicial integrity? If so, please enter a statement below. (textbox, 1500 characters)

Work experience

  • How many employees do you supervise? Please explain this number briefly (i.e. direct reports, matrix organization, dotted line). (textbox, 500 characters)
  • Professional Awards, Honors, and Recognitions – List your most significant professional awards, honors and/or recognitions you have received. (textbox, 2000 characters)

Academic Background

  • Academic Honors and Awards – List any academic awards, recognitions, honors, and/or fellowships/scholarships that you received in your collegiate and post-graduate studies. (textbox, 1000 characters)

Test Information

  • English Language Test Waiver – I am waiving the English language test because I have earned an undergraduate or master’s degree in an English-speaking country or from an institution at which English is the language of instruction or I have spent 4 years in an English speaking professional environment. (If waiving due to professional environment, please provide a description of your environment below.)
    If waiving due to professional environment or academic experience, please provide a description here. (textbox, 1000 characters)
  • Additional Language Information – Standardized test scores are not the only indicator of language skills, therefore, if you have submitted an English language test score, please use this section to describe how, when and where you are using English in your day-to-day life. This should include circumstances where you speak, read or write in English on a regular basis. (200 words) (textbox, 1000 characters)

ARINGO Note to candidates, due to Yale’s policy: If you are “recycling” an essay from another school to create a Yale essay, use the non-edited first draft that you created for the other school.

Please answer the required essay question below. Your essay must be entirely your own work. Although you may ask others for general feedback, you may not allow anyone to write or edit your essay.
If you have applied to the Yale School of Management in the last two years, you must complete both the required essay and the required for re-applicants essay.
If any aspect of your application requires additional explanation, you can address it in the Optional Information section. Please note that this section is truly optional – if no aspect of your application requires further explanation, you can leave this section blank.

Required Essay

Describe the biggest commitment you have ever made. (500 words maximum) (upload file)

Optional Information

If any aspect of your candidacy needs further explanation (unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, academic performance, promotions or recognition, etc.), please provide a brief description here. (200 words maximum) (upload file)

Video Questions

After you pay the application fee, a link to the three required questions will appear on your status page. The questions will take about 30 minutes to complete. You will need a laptop or desktop and high-speed internet connection to complete them. If you require accessibility accommodations, please contact mba.admissions@yale.edu.
You will receive access to the video questions after you submit your application and pay your application fee. The video questions are not a substitute for the interview. Instead, they provide a unique way for us to assess your communication skills and your ability to think on your feet, and enable us to create a more dynamic, multi-dimensional profile of each candidate.
Every candidate will receive a set of randomized, previously recorded questions asked by an admissions team member. No two applicants will have the same set of questions. The questions asked are similar to typical interview questions, and there are no “trick questions.” We are not trying to stump you.

Behavioral Assessment

After you pay the application fee, a link to the behavioral assessment will appear on your status page. The assessment requires no advance preparation and will take about 20 minutes to complete. Yale SOM is committed to continuous innovation in the ways we identify future members of our community. The newest component of our application process is the Behavioral Assessment, although we’ve been working on it behind the scenes for many years. The Behavioral Assessment might be the most unique component of the Yale SOM application.
The Behavioral Assessment is an online test administered by ETS, the testing service behind the GRE. But unlike the GMAT or GRE, which are tests of certain cognitive abilities, the Behavioral Assessment is a non-cognitive test that measures a set of inter- and intrapersonal competencies that are associated with success in business school. We look at it alongside, and sometimes as a counterpoint to, traditional academic metrics. And much like any other piece of the application, the Behavioral Assessment will never be the deciding factor for admission, but will instead be used in combination with the rest of a candidate’s profile.
The exercise itself should take about 20 to 25 minutes to complete and uses a forced-choice format, meaning you’ll be given 130 pairs of statements and must select the ones that best match your own behaviors. The assessment is adaptive, so no two candidates will receive the exact same set of statements.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FROM THE ONLINE APPLICATION

Academic Record

Disciplinary Review

We believe that interactions with disciplinary processes often involve circumstances that are important to appreciate in understanding your experience. Your answer to the questions below will be considered as one fact among many in our review of your candidacy; a “yes” answer – in and of itself – will not limit your opportunity to be admitted. In your response, we give you the option to share any additional context that will help the committee better understand your experience of the incident, the disciplinary process, or the impact the experience has had on your academic or personal life.

  • Have you ever been disciplined or placed under academic sanction (for example, expulsion, suspension, probation or formal reprimand) by any college or university you have attended, or are there disciplinary charges pending against you at the present time? if yes, Please detail the nature of the charges, the date on which the incident leading to the charges occurred, a description of any sanctions that were imposed (or the status of current charges), and any other information that you would like to share: (textbox)
  • Have you ever been convicted of, or pleaded guilty or no contest to, a felony or misdemeanor; are there any criminal charges pending against you at the present time; or are you currently subject to the requirements of a deferred prosecution agreement? if yes, Please detail the nature and date of the crime or alleged offence, any sentence you received or status of any pending charge or deferred prosecution agreement, and any other information that you would like to share: (textbox)
  • Have you had a GMAT or GRE test score cancellation that resulted from a policy violation? if yes, Please provide details regarding the violation. Indicate the exam type, date, and category of the violation. GMAT test score violations are defined as: testing issue (T), policy violation (P), or serious policy violation (S). GRE test score violations are defined at ets.org. (textbox)

Work Experience

  • Gaps in Work Experience – If you have had any post-undergraduate gaps in full-time employment greater than three months (other than for graduate study), or if you are currently unemployed, please use the space below to provide more information. (textbox, 250 words maximum)

Post-MBA Career Interests

  • Which industry best aligns with your short-term, post-MBA career interests? (select)
  • Which industry best aligns with your long-term, post-MBA career interests? (select)
  • How did you arrive at these career interests? How have you or how will you position yourself to pursue them? (textbox, 250 words maximum)

European MBA Programs’ Essay Topics:

  1. Which aspects have you improved on during your academic and professional career so far? Which tools or values have helped you achieve this? (textbox, Maximum 3000 characters)
  2. How will your background, values and non-work-related activities enhance the experience of other ESADE MBA students and add to the diverse culture we strive for at ESADE? (Note: The goal of this essay is to get a sense of who you are, rather than what you have accomplished). (textbox, Maximum 3000 characters)
  3. What are your motivations in pursuing a full-time MBA at this point in your life? Describe your mid-term and long-term visions for your post-MBA career path. What is it about ESADE you think will help you reach your goals? (textbox, Maximum 3000 characters)
  4. Complete two of the following four questions or statements
    • a) I am most proud of…
    • b) People may be surprised to learn that I…
    • c) What has your biggest challenge been and what did it help you learn about yourself?
    • d) Which historical figure do you most identify with and why?
      (textbox, Maximum 3000 characters)

Please, provide any additional information that you would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee. This may include gaps in employment, your undergraduate record, plans to retake the GMAT or any other relevant information. (textbox, max 3000 characters)

List the countries or country in which you have lived, studied, or worked. Provide the times spent in the country and purpose of the stay. Please state ‘Not Applicable’ if this question does not apply. (textbox, Maximum 255 characters)

Work experience – Main Tasks and Responsibilities. (textbox, Maximum 4000 characters)

Are you applying to other Schools? Please provide detail of Schools and Programmes. This information is for our own records; it will not affect the Admissions Comittee’s decision. (textbox, Maximum 255 characters).

Did you learn about this programme through an Alumnus recommendation? If so please provide us with the name and graduation year. (textbox, Maximum 255 characters)

1. Why are you applying to the HEC MBA Program now? What is the professional objective that will guide your career choice after your MBA, and how will the HEC MBA contribute to the achievement of this objective? (textbox, 500 words max)

2. What do you consider your most significant life achievement? (textbox, 250 words max)

3. Leadership and ethics are inevitably intertwined in the business world. Describe a situation in which you have dealt with these issues and how they have influenced you. (textbox, 250 words max)

4. Imagine a life entirely different from the one you now lead, what would it be? (textbox, 250 words max)

5. Please choose from one of the following essays: (textbox, 250 words max)
a) What monument or site would you advise a first-time visitor to your country or city to discover, and why?

b) Certain books, movies or plays have had an international success that you believe to be undeserved. Choose an example and analyse it.

c) What figure do you most admire and why? You may choose from any field (arts, literature, politics, business, etc).

6. Is there any additional information you would like to share with us? (textbox, 900 words max)

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FROM THE ONLINE APPLICATION

Have you applied before? If yes, please explain the reason that you are re-applying below (textbox)

Which other MBA Programs are you applying to and why? (textbox, 100 words max)

Professional Experience

  • Description of the position (textbox, 200 words max)
  • Please describe your immediate career goals following your MBA including location (textbox, 200 words max)
  • Please explain how you plan to finance your MBA education (textbox, 250 words max)

International & Extra-professional Activities

  • For each Activity – Description (textbox)

Scholarships Applications

  • Once you’ll be admitted to the MBA Program, you will automatically be considered for our Excellence, Diversity, 30% Club and Paris Saclay Innovation Cluster scholarships by the HEC Paris MBA Scholarships Committee. You won’t have to submit an essay but should you want to share with us any information that may support your application to one of those pre-mentioned scholarships, feel free to share it below. (textbox)
  • Please note that in order to be considered for the L’Oreal and Forte scholarships you must submit an essay. Please share each one of them below. L’Oreal scholarship Essay: (textbox)

Express Yourself

Step one: Personal Essay

This section is important in understanding who you are, not just as a student but also as a person in order to grasp the value that you could add to our program. Take this as an opportunity to showcase your unique attributes and personality. There are three formats you can choose to express yourself: a video (max. 3 minutes), a PowerPoint presentation (max. 10 slides), or a written essay (between 250-650 words). Please pay special attention to punctuation, structure and content.

What is the most important thing that you would like us to know that is not in your resume or application?

All your compositions must be absolutely original and specifically intended for this admission application. The compositions must be composed, executed and completed by you alone. Before submitting the links, check that they work correctly. The links must be active and available for consultation for a minimum of 18 months after the date the application is submitted.

Upload your personal essay here:
Please keep in mind that the text should be between 250-650 words and should be uploaded as one of the following:.pdf, .doc or. docx, font size 11, line spacing 1.5 or presentation .ppt, .pptx (Max size of file 6 MB)
Include the link if you are responding in other format:

Step Two: Live Questions

Once you have submitted the application form and paid the admissions fee, you will receive an email to complete an online assessment through our partners at Kira. During this exercise you will be answering questions to demonstrate why you would be a valuable asset to the IEU community. This will take around 20-30 minutes

More about you

  • At what age did you first earn money from anyone other than your direct family? How did you earn it? (textbox, 140 characters)
  • Indicate with three words how you believe your colleagues/classmates would describe you:
    1. __________
    2. __________
    3. __________
  • I wish that the application had asked me … (textbox, 140 characters)

Background Statement

1. Have you been suspended, expelled, placed on probation, or otherwise disciplined by any college or university for academic or other reasons?
if yes, If yes, please explain the circumstances (textbox, Max 400 caracteres)

2. If you think there is any relevant information on possible disciplinary actions, criminal proceedings where you were involved or related matter, please describe them (textbox, Max 400 caracteres)

Essay Question I: Tell us about a time that you created impact on an individual, company or community? What did you learn from it? (word limit 300 max) (upload file)

Essay Question II: What are your short-term and mid-term post-MBA goals? How will the IESE MBA program help you achieve them? (word limit 300 max) (upload file)

Optional Essay: What would you like to highlight about yourself or your journey which may have not been captured in your application? (word limit 300 max) (upload file)

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FROM THE ONLINE APPLICATION

Work experience

  • Have you worked in an international environment (projects, international teams, multinational companies)? if yes, Please elaborate about your international work experience․ (textbox, 50 words)

IESE Scholarship Essay

  • How do you plan to finance your MBA and why do you think you deserve a scholarship? (500 words) (upload file)

Describe a situation in which you failed as a leader. What did you learn from it? (textbox, Word limit 300)

Optional – Is there any additional information that is critical for the Admissions Committee which has not been covered elsewhere in this application? (i.e. re-application, health, grades, etc.) (textbox, Word limit 50)

Source of Information

  • Provide additional information on the source (for IMD Alumni or Participant, go to the next section) (textbox)
  • What other programs are you applying to? Of the programs you are applying to, what can IMD bring to you as a differentiator? (textbox, Word limit 100)

Career Development

  • What specific companies do you want to target? What kind of responsibilities you are looking for? Do you already have a network in place? Please enter what specific companies do you want to target? what kind of responsibilities you are looking for? do you already have a network in place? (textbox, word limit 50)
  • What skills and experience do you think you already possess that will help you with your post MBA career plans and will make you stand out in front of potential employers? (textbox, Word limit 100)
  • What is your plan B if you are not able to secure your ideal job post MBA? (textbox, Word limit 50)

JOB DESCRIPTION ESSAYS

1. Briefly summarise your current (or most recent) job, including the nature of work, major responsibilities, and where relevant, employees under your supervision, size of budget, clients/products and results achieved. (textbox, 200 words maximum)

2. What would be your next step in terms of position if you were to remain in the same company instead of going to business school? (textbox, 200 words maximum)

3. Please give a full description of your career since graduating from university. Describe your career path with the rationale behind your choices. (textbox, 300 words maximum)

4. Discuss your short and long term career aspirations with an MBA from INSEAD. (textbox, 100 words maximum)

5. If you are currently not working or if you plan to leave your current employer more than 2 months before the programme starts, please explain your activities and occupations between leaving your job and the start of the programme. (optional) (textbox)

MOTIVATION ESSAYS

1. Give a candid description of yourself (who are you as a person), stressing the personal characteristics you feel to be your strengths and weaknesses and the main factors which have influenced your personal development, giving examples when necessary (textbox, maximum 500 words).

2. Describe the achievement of which you are most proud and explain why. In addition, describe a situation where you failed. How did these experiences impact your relationships with others? Comment on what you learned(textbox, maximum 400 words).

3. Describe all types of extra-professional activities in which you have been or are still involved for a significant amount of time (clubs, sports, music, arts, etc). How are you enriched by these activities? (textbox, maximum 300 words)

4. Is there anything else that was not covered in your application that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee? (textbox, maximum 300 words)

Video Interviews

Upon submission of your application form, you will receive a message requesting you to record your video interviews through Kira Talent. You will also be able to access this from your online application Dashboard. For optimal user experience, we recommend that you use Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari or Chrome to record your Kira videos (Internet Explorer is not supported). Please note that mobile devices, smartphones and tablets are not supported in Kira at this time.
Please complete your video interviews at your earliest convenience and no later than 48 hours after the deadline to which you are applying for. Through the videos we hope to get a deeper insight into your background.
Shortly after completing your INSEAD MBA online application, you will receive an e-mail notification from Kira Talent with a unique link to complete 4 video interviews. Your link will be also available on your dashboard within the application system.
The video should be seen as a unique opportunity for you to share your passions, your motivations and who you truly are. The MBA Admissions Committee is interested in obtaining an authentic view of you as a person, to see how you think on your feet and how you convey your ideas.
The video interviews do not replace the face-to-face interviews with Alumni.
Your application will be considered as complete and ready to be reviewed only once we have received your answers to the video interviews. Please complete your video interviews at your earliest convenience and no later than 48 hours after the deadline to which you are applying. We strongly recommend however that you complete this step before the final date to allow yourself some time to prepare for this exercise.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FROM THE ONLINE APPLICATION

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

  • Please briefly explain any time gaps (2 months or more) since leaving high school that are unaccounted for in your application (textbox, 40 words maximum).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

  • Can you please share with us if you plan to attend the programme with a partner and/or children? This information is optional but would enable INSEAD to better welcome you and your family. (textbox, 200 words maximum)

Essay question 1: Describe a difficult decision that you had to make. What did you learn from this and how have you changed as a result? (textbox, up to 200 words)

Essay question 2: Describe a time where you worked with a team on a project. What did you learn from the experience and how might you approach it differently today? (textbox, up to 200 words)

Essay question 3: If you could give one piece of advice to your 18-year-old self, what would it be? (textbox, up to 200 words)

Essay question 4: Additional question for re-applicants.
Describe any relevant developments since you last applied to the Cambridge MBA? (textbox, up to 200 words)

Evidence of English Language proficiency

  • If you are fluent in English even though it is not your native language, please provide evidence of your experience in English. This should include academic experience and any work experience you have had in English, including the number of years in each. (textbox)

Work experience

  • Previous roles/promotions – Previous roles/promotions at your current company – including dates (textbox, Maximum 150 words)
  • Primary responsibilities – Describe your primary job responsibilities;
    1. type and size of internal and external teams with which you work or supervise
    2. type and number of clients or projects you manage;
    3. size of budget or revenue for which you are responsible;
    4. international experience or exposure
    (textbox, 250 word limit)
  • Challenge – What has been your most significant professional challenge? (textbox, 200 word limit)
  • Accomplishment – What has been your most significant professional achievement? (textbox, 200 word limit)
  • Gaps in your CV/resume – Please explain any gaps in your CV (textbox, 200 word limit)

Career objectives

Please provide details of your post-MBA career plans. The statement should not exceed 500 words and must address the following: (textbox)

  • What are your short and long-term career objectives? How will the Cambridge MBA equip you to achieve these?
  • Looking at your short-term career goal,describe the research you have done to understand how this industry/role/location recruits MBA talent and what they are looking for in a candidate?
  • How do you meet the requirements of your short-term career goal? What preparation are you doing now?

Additional information

  • About you – Please provide information on any aspect of your candidacy that requires further explanation, or information that you would like the Admissions Committee to know (textbox, 300 word limit).

The Admissions Committee will consider carefully the answers to the following essay questions. To provide your answers to the following essay questions, you must download the essay-question answer template using the link at the end of this paragraph. Complete your answers in the template, then attach them to your application form.
Download the essay-questions answer template.

Essay Question Instructions:

The Admissions Committee will carefully consider your answers to the following questions. Please complete all of the essay questions beginning your answer below each question and giving word counts for each answer. Once complete, please attach this document to your online application following the instructions given on the web form.
You are required to add the word count at the end of each question.
Please do not write more than the specified word limit for each essay. Any extra words or essays may be disregarded.
Candidates should not contact us to ask for advice on how to answer the essay questions. We expect all candidates to interpret the questions as they see fit.
If you experience technical difficulties or have a question about the application process, please email apply.mba@london.edu If your matter is urgent and you require immediate assistance please telephone our Recruitment and Admissions Office on +44 (0)20 7000 7525 between 09.00 and17.00, Monday to Friday.

Question 1 (500 words)

What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School programme contribute towards these? (textbox)

Question 2 (500 words) (This question is optional)

Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School? (textbox)

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FROM THE ONLINE APPLICATION

Current employment

  • What’s your organisation’s main area of activity? (textbox)
  • Tell us about your responsibilities. Describe your day-to-day role, details of any clients you work with/for, the level/title of the person you report to, the size of budget for which you are directly responsible and the number of people in your team. (textbox, 400 words max)
  • If you are currently not working, or if you plan to leave your current employer more than three months before the programme starts, please explain your activities between leaving your last role and the start of the programme (textbox, max 300 words).

Previous employment

  • What was your organisation’s main area of activity? (textbox)
  • Your responsibilities (textbox)

Academic performance

  • List any academic honours, award, or scholarships previously received (textbox)
  • Do you feel that your academic performance so far gives an accurate indication of your potential for success on the programme? If so, why? If not, why not? (textbox)
  • Have you ever received formal disciplinary action from an academic institution, been forced to withdraw from a course of study, or failed to graduate? If so, you must declare that information here. (textbox)

English language ability

  • Please outline your experience of working or studying in an English-speaking environment. Do you plan to take further English language tuition before the programme starts? (textbox, 300 words max)

Additional information

  • Please tell us your most significant international experiences to date. (textbox, 100 words max)
  • Tell us about your main interests and activities in your free time. (textbox, 300 words max)
  • We encourage applicants to take into consideration the impact of study on family and friends. Who have you discussed your plans with and what was the response? (textbox, 300 words max)
  • If you know any London Business School Alumni or Students, please give their names, graduating class and tell us how you know them. (textbox, 300 words max)

Your essays should be your own work and may be checked using plagiarism detection software as part of the admissions process. If you are including information in your essays that you did not author, for example, quoting from an article, please use appropriate citations and footnotes (these are excluded from the word count).
Please keep to the word count, though a tolerance of +/- 10% is acceptable.

Personal Statement – please provide a personal statement that outlines anything additional that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. Maximum 250 words (upload file)

Online assessment

You will need to complete four questions via our online assessment platform.
To virtually meet you, get a sense of your personality and see how you think on your feet, you will need to complete an online assessment as part of your application:

1. Two motivation-based questions – all candidates will answer the same questions
2. One competency-based questions – this will be randomised
3. Written response – this will be randomised and light-hearted to show us how you can think on your feet!

The motivation-based questions give you the opportunity to demonstrate your motivations for undertaking an MBA and why the Oxford MBA is the right programme for you.
The competency-based question lets you demonstrate the skills and qualities we look for, such as decision-making, problem-solving, influence, leadership and strong communication skills.
Once you have submitted your application for either the Oxford MBA or Oxford 1+1 MBA you will see a link in your application status portal. This will enable you to register with Kira Talent, our online assessment platform, and complete your assessment. This link will appear up to 24 hours after submitting your application, therefore we strongly encourage you to leave yourself enough time to practice and complete the online assessment by the deadline in which you are applying.
You will be provided with preparation time and practice sessions before going live with your real responses. The whole online assessment should only take up to 30 minutes for you to complete. All you need is a desktop or laptop computer with a functioning webcam, microphone and internet connection.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS FROM THE ONLINE APPLICATION

Additional Academic Information

  • Please provide details of any period of study, complete or incomplete, taken in the UK that you have not already listed. Please list start and end dates, course title, level and institution. Please only complete this section if you require a Tier 4 Visa (full-time Programmes only). (textbox)
  • Please provide details of any research, publications and/or awards. (textbox)

Professional Qualifications

  • Please provide information regarding any relevant professional qualifications that you hold including the professional firm or educational institution attended, qualification, subject, year achieved and result. (textbox)
  • Please upload any certificates relevant to your professional qualifications (upload file)

Extenuating Circumstances

  • If your application has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please indicate which of the following are relevant to you. This will enable our academic assessors to give consideration to these difficulties when assessing your application. If your circumstances have had an impact on your examination results, we expect you to raise this with your current/previous institution. You should only declare circumstances that have not been addressed by the relevant institution.
    If you need to bring to the attention of the academic assessors additional details of the circumstances, please summarise them below and describe the impact they have had on your application. Please note the information you provide here will be visible to all admissions administrators and assessors alongside all other materials submitted with your form, so only provide information that you are comfortable sharing in this way. The University’s data protection policy is available here. For sensitive personal information that you wish to make available to academic assessors but do not wish to include in your application form, follow the guidance here. (textbox)
  • Please upload evidence (eg a letter from a prospective employer) to support the extenuating circumstances that you have indicated. Documents will be visible to all admissions administrators and assessors alongside all other materials submitted with your form, so only upload information that you are comfortable sharing in this way. The University’s data protection policy is available here. For sensitive personal information that you wish to make available but do not wish to upload in the form, follow the guidance here. (upload file)

Employment history

  • Define your current role – Please list your main responsibilities, your most significant challenges and greatest achievement (textbox, 5000 characters)

Post-MBA Plans

This section is designed to give us a better understanding of your short-term career plans. The questions will also help you to reflect upon your professional goals. We recommend that you research your chosen role and relevant employers (if applicable) before answering these questions (e.g.: check company websites, LinkedIn profiles, etc). Hold CTRL to select more than one option.
Please select the option(s) most aligned to your short-term career goals:

if employment is selected:

Employment

i.e. working as an employee of a company or partnership, for which you will be paid a salary and other benefits, but in which you would not hold any significant shareholding. This could include returning to your current employer.

  • Describe below your immediate plan after graduating from the MBA: (textbox)
  • Preferred sector upon graduating from the MBA (select)
  • Preferred location upon graduating from the MBA (select)
  • How does your preferred sector in your preferred location recruit MBA talent and what do they look for in a candidate? Describe the research you have done so far. (textbox)
  • Reflecting on your answer above, how do you meet these requirements? (textbox)
  • What do you plan to do between now and starting your MBA to prepare and maximise your chances of success? (textbox)
  • Should you not be successful in securing your first choice of role, what is your alternative? (textbox)

if Entrepreneurship is selected:

Entrepreneurship

  • Describe your business idea including details of your business plan and the steps you have taken so far to develop or launch your business idea (textbox)
  • Preferred sector upon graduating from the MBA (select)
  • Preferred location upon graduating from the MBA (select)
  • How will the MBA help you start, or further develop, your own business? (textbox)
  • What do you plan to do between now and starting your MBA to prepare and maximise your chances of success? (textbox)
  • Should you not be successful in developing or launching your own business, what is your alternative? (textbox)

if Family Business is selected:

Family Business

  • Describe the scale and scope of your family business (textbox)
  • What role do you currently play in the business (textbox)
  • Preferred sector upon graduating from the MBA (select)
  • Preferred location upon graduating from the MBA (select)
  • Describe the main differences between the role that you hold now and the role that you’ll be occupying once you return (textbox)
  • What are your immediate future plans for developing the family business? Describe how the MBA will help you achieve them (textbox)
  • What do you plan to do between now and starting your MBA to prepare and maximise your chances of success (textbox)

if other is selected:

Other

  • Describe your plan after graduating from the MBA (textbox)
  • Preferred sector upon graduating from the MBA (select)
  • Preferred location upon graduating from the MBA (select)
  • How does the MBA fit in your plans and how will it enhance your short-term direction? (textbox)
  • How will you develop your career goals before starting your MBA? (textbox)
  • What research have you already conducted? What further research will you do? (textbox)
  • How will the MBA help equip you for the future? (textbox)

Funding

  • Oxford-Grace Lake Scholarship – Please upload your scholarship essay, following the instructions listed here (https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/oxford-experience/scholarships-and-funding/oxford-grace-lake-scholarship) (maximum 500 words). (upload file)
  • Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) LGBTQ+ Fellowship – Please upload your Reaching Out MBA essay, following the instructions listed here (https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/oxford-experience/scholarships-and-funding/reaching-out-mba-romba-lgbtq-fellowships) (maximum 500 words per question).(upload file)
  • The Skoll Scholarship – Download the Skoll Scholarship essay questions (https://apply.sbs.ox.ac.uk/apply/skoll-essay.docx) and upload all three essays in one document. Full scholarship details can be found here. (https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/oxford-experience/scholarships-and-funding/skoll-scholarship) (upload file)
  • Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarship – Please upload your supporting materials, following the instructions listed here (https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/fees-and-funding/fees-funding-and-scholarship-search/oxford-centre-islamic-studies-ocis-scholarships). You must also select the relevant checkbox above. (upload file)
  • Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship and Leadership Programme – Please upload your supporting materials, following the instructions listed here (https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/fees-and-funding/fees-funding-and-scholarship-search/weidenfeld-hoffmann-scholarships-and-leadership-programme). You must also select the relevant checkbox above. (upload file)

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