Berkeley Haas MBA Application Deadlines, Essays, and Tips: 2025-2026

Berkeley Haas, with its distinctive culture rooted in “Question the Status Quo,” “Confidence Without Attitude,” “Students Always,” and “Beyond Yourself,” offers an MBA experience unlike any other. For the upcoming application cycle, Haas has unveiled the essay prompts designed to delve deeper into your personal story, career aspirations, and unique journey.

Berkeley Haas MBA Application Deadlines 2025-2026

Berkeley Haas MBA Application Essays and Tips 2025-2026

The Haas admissions committee is looking for individuals who embody their defining leadership principles and can contribute meaningfully to their collaborative community.

Required Essay #1 – Video Essay: What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why? (1-2 minutes)

This video essay is your chance to showcase your personality and passion beyond your resume. Haas wants to see the authentic you.

• Choose Wisely: Select an activity or experience that genuinely ignites your passion. This isn’t about professional achievements; it’s about what makes you human, what you do for joy, or what drives your curiosity.
• Tell a Story: Instead of simply stating what makes you feel alive, provide a brief, compelling anecdote that illustrates your passion. Show, don’t just tell.
• Explain the “Why”: The “why” is as important as the “what.” What emotions, values, or insights are connected to this activity? How does it reflect who you are as a person?
• Be Authentic and Energetic: Let your genuine enthusiasm shine through. Practice speaking naturally, as if you’re discussing your passion with a friend. Avoid memorizing a script, but have key points in mind.
• Technical Check: Ensure good lighting, clear audio, and a neutral background. Test your connection before recording.

Required Essay #2: What are your short-term and long-term career goals, and how will an MBA from Haas help you achieve those goals? (300 words max)

This is your classic goals essay, but with a crucial emphasis on why Haas is the right fit.

• Clearly Define Your Goals: Be specific about both your short-term (3-5 years post-MBA) and long-term (decade or more) career aspirations. What industry, role, and impact do you envision? Ensure a logical progression between them.
• Articulate the “Why MBA”: Explain why an MBA is necessary to bridge the gap between your current experience and your desired future. What skills do you need to acquire, or what knowledge do you lack?
• Demonstrate Haas Fit: This is where your research into Haas truly pays off. Don’t just list programs; explain how specific courses, faculty expertise, research centers (e.g., Fisher Center for Business Analytics, Institute for Business & Social Impact), clubs, or experiential learning opportunities (like Haas@Work projects or the Cleantech to Market program) will directly help you achieve your goals. Connect your goals to Haas’s Defining Leadership Principles where appropriate.
• Be Concise: With a 300-word limit, every word counts. Be direct, impactful, and avoid unnecessary jargon.

Supplemental Information: Distance Traveled (300 words max)

“At Berkeley Haas, we consider ‘distance traveled’ as the contextual information that helps us understand the unique circumstances, challenges, or influences that have shaped your personal and professional journey. We invite you to share aspects of your background, personal circumstances, or significant experiences that have meaningfully impacted who you are today and how you’ve reached this point. Please tell us how these experiences have influenced your perspectives, decisions, and aspirations, and how they contribute to the person you are becoming.”

• Embrace Your Unique Story: This essay is a powerful opportunity to share aspects of your background that may not be evident elsewhere. Think beyond traditional accomplishments. Have you faced significant socioeconomic challenges, overcome personal adversities, or navigated unique cultural experiences?
• Focus on Impact and Growth: It’s not just about listing challenges, but about demonstrating how these experiences shaped your resilience, perspective, values, and decision-making. How did they influence the person you are today and the leader you aspire to be?
• Show, Don’t Just Tell: Use brief, illustrative examples to convey the “distance” you’ve traveled.
• Connect to Your Contributions: How will these unique experiences and perspectives enrich the Haas community?

Optional Statement (300 words max)

“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.”

• Use Only if Necessary: This is not a space to write another essay or reiterate information. Only use it to explain weaknesses or anomalies in your application (e.g., a dip in grades, an employment gap, or a unique recommender situation).
• Be Concise and Factual: Use bullet points for clarity. Briefly explain the situation, acknowledge responsibility if applicable, and highlight any steps taken to mitigate the issue. Avoid making excuses.

The Berkeley Haas application demands authenticity, strategic clarity, and a deep understanding of what makes Haas unique. At ARINGO MBA Admissions Consulting, we are experts in helping ambitious candidates present their strongest profile to top business schools. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step towards your Berkeley Haas MBA!