Berkeley Haas MBA Video Essay: Questions, Strategy & Examples

Introduction: The Berkeley Haas Video Essay

The Berkeley Haas MBA video essay is now a centerpiece of the application. In a major shift, Haas replaced its traditional written personal essay with a mandatory video submission. Applicants now have two minutes to move beyond the resume and show the admissions committee their “Confidence Without Attitude.”

If you’re feeling camera-shy, you’re not alone. Most successful applicants start exactly where you are. What separates strong candidates isn’t professional acting—it’s clarity about what actually energizes them. The admissions committee isn’t looking for a polished news anchor; they are looking for a future classmate.

If you’re searching for practical Berkeley Haas video essay tips or wondering how this compares to a typical MBA video interview, you’re in the right place.

In this guide, we break down the 2026 prompt, explain the technical format, and share real-world examples that have worked for successful Berkeley Haas MBA admits.

At a Glance: Berkeley Haas Video Essay

The Prompt: “What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why?”
Duration: 1–2 minutes (Strict 2-minute cutoff)
Attempts: 2 takes (only the final take is submitted)
Deadline: Usually 7 days after your round deadline
Format: Recorded via the Kira-style application portal

How the Berkeley Haas Video Essay Works

Unlike many top-ranked MBA programs that use randomized questions, Haas gives you the prompt in advance. This means your preparation and storytelling matter significantly more than your ability to improvise.

The Official Video Prompt:

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

The Technical Blueprint

The 7-Day Window: You don’t have to record immediately after hitting “Submit.” You typically have one week to complete the video, giving you time to practice in a low-stress environment.
Preparation Time: When you hit “Start,” you get ~20 seconds to compose your thoughts before recording begins.
The “Blind” Factor: Haas often uses a blind interview format. Your eventual interviewer may not have seen your full application, making this video your best chance to introduce a dimension of yourself that doesn’t appear on your resume.

This video essay is separate from the interview stage. After submitting, selected candidates may be invited to a second-stage interview, which can be either a live conversation with an alum or a pre-recorded session.

Berkeley Haas Video Essay Examples & Winning Strategies

Haas is looking for candidates who naturally live out their Defining Leadership Principles. Don’t choose a topic because it sounds “impressive”—choose it because it is true to you.

Example 1: The Creative Problem Solver

The Activity: Restoring vintage mechanical watches.

The “Why”: “I feel most alive when working with components so small they require full concentration. It teaches me to Question the Status Quo—sometimes the old way of building things is the most resilient. I bring this same precision to my work in systems engineering.”

Example 2: The High-Stakes Explorer

The Activity: High-altitude technical climbing.

The “Why”: “At 15,000 feet, you learn exactly who you are. I feel alive in the flow state where every step requires focus and teamwork. This resilience is what drives me when leading teams through high-pressure product launches.”

Example 3: The Community Catalyst

The Activity: Mentoring first-generation college applicants.

The “Why”: “Helping a student realize their potential is my adrenaline rush. It’s the ultimate Beyond Yourself moment. That energy is why I’m pursuing an MBA—to scale social impact at a systemic level.”

Pro Tips for Your Recording Session

The 90-Second Rule: Just because you have two minutes doesn’t mean you have to use them. A crisp, high-energy 90-second answer is often more powerful.
Eye Contact: Look directly at the camera lens, not your own image on the screen. This creates a psychological connection with the reviewer.
Natural Lighting: Face a window. Good lighting signals “openness” and professionalism.
No Props: Keep the focus on your face and your story. Unless the prop is the star of the story, it’s usually a distraction.