MBA Essay Questions Published So Far

Essay Questions for MBA Programs That Start In 2026

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.

Sign Up For a Free Consultation

US MBA Programs’ Essay Topics:

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Berkeley - Haas?

For Berkeley - Haas MBA applicants, the application includes required essays, a video essay, and supplemental information. Applicants must submit Essay 1 (Video Essay: 'What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why?', max 2 minutes, 2 attempts), Essay 2 (Career Goals: short-term and long-term, max 300 words), and Supplemental Information (Distance Traveled: personal journey and influences, max 300 words). An Optional Statement (max 300 words) is available for additional relevant information. Further online application questions cover extracurricular activities, supervisor recommendations, and academic discipline history.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Carnegie Mellon - Tepper?

For Carnegie Mellon - Tepper MBA applicants, the application requires one essay (max 500 words) from two prompts: 'time taking action without all answers' or 'personal and professional transformation goals'. An optional essay is available for additional information (upload file). A video essay on post-MBA career goals is also required, focusing on specificity and connection to long-term vision (max 2 minutes, 2 attempts). GMAT waiver requests require a document outlining academic readiness. Finally, a fun fact about yourself (1-2 sentences) is requested.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Chicago - Booth?

For Chicago - Booth MBA applicants, two essays are required: Essay 1 on how the Booth MBA helps achieve immediate and long-term career goals (250-word minimum), and Essay 2 on how a selected photo resonates with personal values (250-word minimum). An optional essay (max 300 words) is available for additional information. Reapplicants must address how their perspective has changed (max 300 words). Additional online questions cover personal history, post-graduation goals, professional awards, recommender choices, and academic honors.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Columbia Business School?

For Columbia Business School MBA applicants, both August and January entry terms require two short answers (immediate post-MBA goal, 50 characters each) and three essays. Essay 1 covers 3-5 year and long-term career goals (max 500 words). Essay 2 asks for an example of fostering team collaboration/community (max 250 words). Essay 3 focuses on co-creating the CBS MBA experience (max 250 words). An optional essay (max 500 words) is available for additional context. Additional questions cover employment gaps, extracurriculars, and interests.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Cornell - Johnson?

For Cornell - Johnson MBA applicants, required components include a statement of short and long-term career goals (max 350 words) and one essay from two options: 'Impact Essay' on contributing to the Johnson community, or 'The Unique Trait that Defines Me Essay' (max 350 words each). An optional essay (max 350 words) is available for clarification or reapplicants. The Park Leadership Fellows Program requires a separate essay (max 500 words). GMAT/GRE test waiver requests need a short statement (max 100 words) on academic readiness.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Cornell Tech?

For Cornell Tech MBA applicants, an essay (max 500 words) on creatively solving a work problem is required. An optional essay (max 250 words) is available for additional information like life experiences or employment gaps. Applicants must detail short-term (0-5 years) and long-term (5-10 years) career goals, current technical skills, and desired technical skills. A GMAT/GRE test waiver requires a statement (max 100 words) on academic readiness. A video essay (one attempt, 5 min prep, 5 min record for 3 questions) focusing on goals, experiences, and program fit is also mandatory.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Dartmouth - Tuck?

For Dartmouth - Tuck MBA applicants, three essays are required (max 2000 characters each): Essay 1 on why an MBA now and how Tuck contributes to goals; Essay 2 on identity, values, and contribution to Tuck; and Essay 3 on investing in someone else's success. An optional essay (max 2000 characters) is available for additional insight. Applicants can also apply for Forté and ROMBA fellowships with separate explanations (max 1200 characters each). Additional questions cover short-term and long-term professional goals, employment gaps, and activities/awards.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Duke - Fuqua?

For Duke - Fuqua MBA applicants, one short answer (post-MBA career goals, 100 words) and two essays are required. Essay 1 is '25 Random Things About Yourself' (max 2 pages/750 words). Essay 2 asks for '3 ways you expect to contribute at Fuqua' (max 1 page/500 words). Reapplicants must complete the short answer, Essay 2, and a reapplicant essay. An optional information section (max 1 page/500 words) is available for extenuating circumstances. Additional questions cover family information, employment breaks, and recommender explanations.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Emory - Goizueta?

For Emory - Goizueta MBA applicants, three short answer questions (max 40 words each) cover short-term career goals, how experience/MBA helps achieve them, and a fun fact. Two essay questions (max 300 words each) are required: Essay 1 on demonstrating leadership skills (proud moment or lesson learned), and Essay 2 on what or who has had the biggest impact on your life. An optional essay (max 500 words) is available for additional information. A required video essay involves answering a 'small talk' question.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Georgetown - McDonough?

For Georgetown - McDonough MBA applicants, one personal essay (max 500 words) must be chosen from three options: 'Georgetown Community' (diversity contribution), 'Cura Personalis' (supporting a teammate), or 'Achieving Excellence' (professional achievement). A video essay (max 1 minute) sharing what brings joy outside of work is also required. An optional essay (max 300-350 words) is available for additional information. Re-applicants must explain how they have strengthened their candidacy (max 300-350 words).

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Harvard Business School?

For Harvard Business School MBA applicants, three essays are required: Essay 1 on how choices influenced career path/aspirations (max 300 words), Essay 2 on experiences shaping leadership/investing in others (max 250 words), and Essay 3 on demonstrating curiosity and growth (max 250 words). An additional information section (max 75 words) is available for clarification, not an extra essay. Further online application questions cover family background, employment gaps, post-MBA goals, activities, and awards.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Michigan - Ross?

For Michigan - Ross MBA applicants, two essays are required: Part 1 on short-term career goals and how Ross's action-based learning helps achieve them (max 300 words), and Part 2 (max 200 words) choosing one prompt from four options (e.g., what makes you unique, overcoming a challenge). An optional essay (max 250 words) is available for explanations like employment gaps. Reapplicants must provide an additional essay with updates (max 200 words). GMAT waiver requests require a statement of quantitative academic readiness (max 200 words). Questions on crime and conduct are also included.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Minnesota - Carlson?

For Minnesota - Carlson MBA applicants, a personal statement (max 3 pages) is required, addressing motivations for an MBA, short-term and long-term career goals, excitement about the Carlson MBA program (including enterprise programs), and participation in/advocacy for inclusive communities. An impromptu video essay is also mandatory, where applicants respond to one question (2 minutes prep, 2 minutes record, one attempt) to demonstrate authenticity.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for MIT - Sloan?

For MIT - Sloan MBA applicants, a cover letter (max 300 words, excluding address/salutation) is required, addressing why you meet MIT Sloan's criteria. Two video questions are mandatory: Video Question 1 to introduce yourself to classmates (max 1 minute, single take), and Video Question 2 to respond to a randomized question (10 seconds prep, 60 seconds record, one take). An organizational chart of your current employer or a recent project is also required. Additional questions cover academic concerns, employment gaps, and how your background shaped you.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for NYU - Stern?

For NYU - Stern MBA applicants, a short answer on professional aspirations (max 150 words) is required. Two essays are mandatory: Essay 1, 'Change: _______ it.' (max 350 words), where you fill in the blank and explain its resonance; and Essay 2, 'Personal Expression (Pick Six)', using six images and captions to introduce yourself. An optional essay (max 500 words) is available for additional information or reapplicants. Additional questions cover activities/interests, disciplinary history, and GMAT waiver statements.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Northwestern - Kellogg?

For Northwestern - Kellogg MBA applicants, two essays are required: Essay 1 on motivations for an MBA, specific goals, and why Kellogg is a catalyst (max 450 words); and Essay 2 on a professional experience involving a difficult decision, values, and leadership style (max 450 words). An additional information section (max 280 words) is available for extenuating circumstances. Video essays (three questions, max 1 minute response each, due 96 hours after deadline) are also mandatory. Additional questions cover career goals, desired industry/function, and activities.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Notre Dame - Mendoza?

For Notre Dame - Mendoza MBA applicants, a written statement (max 500 words) is required, detailing post-master's career plans, how background/experiences/Notre Dame studies will help achieve ambitions, and specific short-term/long-term goals. An optional essay is available for additional information. A video assessment is also mandatory, with a series of questions to understand the applicant better, emailed after application submission.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Pennsylvania - Wharton?

For Pennsylvania - Wharton MBA applicants, three prompts are required: Short Answer 1 on immediate post-MBA professional goal (max 50 words); Short Answer 2 on career goals for the first 3-5 years and long-term (max 150 words); and an Essay on how your background adds value to the Wharton community (max 350 words). An additional information section (max 500 words) is available for clarification or extenuating circumstances. Reapplicants must share how they have reflected and grown since their previous application (max 250 words). Additional questions cover activities/engagements and awards/recognitions.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Rice - Jones?

For Rice - Jones MBA applicants (Full-Time, Professional, Hybrid, and Deferred Enrollment), two short answer responses (max 100 words each) are required for short-term and long-term career goals. A creative essay is also mandatory, where applicants tell the story of a significant photo (max 500 words written or 1-3 minute video response).

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Stanford GSB?

For Stanford GSB MBA applicants, two personal essays are required: Essay 1 on 'What matters most to you, and why?' (max 650 words), and Essay 2 on 'Why Stanford for you?' (max 350 words), describing aspirations and how GSB helps achieve them. An optional short answer question (up to three examples, max 1200 characters each) allows discussion of significant positive impact. An additional information section (max 1200 characters) is for critical information not conveyed elsewhere. Further online application questions cover additional context, coursework, activities, awards, and post-GSB aspirations.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Texas - McCombs?

For Texas - McCombs MBA applicants, two short answer prompts are required: Prompt 1 on why McCombs MBA was the right decision for personal/professional growth (max 250 words), and Prompt 2 on a core value that defines you and how it shapes contributions/growth (max 250 words). An optional statement (max 250 words) is available for explanations like employment gaps. A video assessment (5 questions, 1-3 minutes each, due 7 days after access) is also mandatory. Additional questions cover employment status, short-term/long-term career goals, and GMAT waiver reasons.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for UCLA - Anderson?

For UCLA - Anderson MBA applicants, four short answer prompts are required: Prompt 1 on why an MBA is right (max 150 words); Prompt 2 on post-MBA short-term and long-term career goals (max 150 words); Prompt 3 on why UCLA Anderson is a top choice and how you'll contribute (max 250 words); and Prompt 4 (optional) for extenuating circumstances (max 250 words). Reapplicants should update relevant fields. Additional questions cover GMAT/GRE waiver explanations and other academic/personal circumstances.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for UNC - Kenan Flagler?

For UNC - Kenan Flagler MBA applicants, two essays are required: Essay 1 on MBA goals reflecting unique background/perspective (max 250 words), and Essay 2 on which core value (impact, innovation, inclusion, integrity) resonates most with professional journey (max 250 words). Essay 3 is optional (max 250 words) for additional personal info. Essay 4 is required for reapplicants. Video essays (two questions, 2 minutes total, 2 attempts) are mandatory. GMAT/GRE waiver requests require a statement (max 300 words). Applicants can also apply for the MBA Vetter Dean’s Fellows Program with three short essays (max 150 words each).

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for USC - Marshall?

For USC - Marshall MBA applicants, Essay #1 (required) covers short-term and long-term career goals and how an MBA from USC Marshall helps achieve them (max 400 words). Essay #2 is optional for new applicants and required for reapplicants, for additional information or profile updates (max 500 words). Applicants interested in Forte Fellowship or ROMBA Fellowship scholarships must provide information on their commitment to the respective missions (max 200 words each).

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Vanderbilt - Owen?

For Vanderbilt - Owen MBA applicants, two written statements are required: Statement 1 (max 400 words) on career journey, two post-MBA career paths to explore, and skills developed; and Statement 2 (max 300 words) reflecting on a challenge/stressful situation and lessons learned. An optional explanatory statement is available for additional information like employment gaps. A video response is also mandatory, featuring easy-to-answer 'small talk' questions to reveal authentic self.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Virginia - Darden?

For Virginia - Darden MBA applicants, three questions are required: 'Relationships Matter Here' on what classmates should know about you (max 200 words); 'Community' on building community and its impact (max 200 words); and 'Careers With Purpose' on short-term post-MBA goals and long-term vision (max 200 words). An additional information section (max 250 words) is available for further helpful details. Additional questions cover organizations/community involvement, hobbies, Charlottesville exploration, impactful global locations, Batten Scholars Program application (with a 500-word essay), and family information.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Washington - Foster?

For Washington - Foster MBA applicants, two essays are required: Essay 1 on post-MBA plans, gaps, and how Foster MBA fills them (max 750 words); and Essay 2 on how one part of the Foster mission statement ('TOGETHER – WE FOSTER LEADERS, WE FOSTER INSIGHTS, WE FOSTER PROGRESS – TO BETTER HUMANITY') resonates with you (max 500 words). Two optional essays (max 500 words each) are available: one for additional information, and another for sharing involvement with diversity, equity, and inclusion (also for ROMBA/Forté Fellowships). A video interview is also mandatory, with instructions emailed after application deadline.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Washington - Olin?

For Washington - Olin MBA applicants, a required personal statement (max 500 words) describes how life experiences shaped the decision to apply to graduate school and how WashU Olin will help achieve long-term professional and personal goals. A career prompt (max 100 words) asks for the ideal immediate post-graduation career. An optional essay (max 250 words) is available for any additional information not previously addressed.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Yale SOM?

For Yale SOM MBA applicants, one required essay (max 500 words) must be chosen from three prompts: 'biggest commitment', 'most meaningful community', or 'most significant challenge'. Reapplicants must also complete a re-applicant essay. An optional information section (max 200 words) is available for further explanation. Required video questions (approx. 20 minutes) and a behavioral assessment (approx. 25 minutes) are also mandatory, with links appearing after application fee payment. Additional questions cover employment gaps, recommender choice, post-MBA career interests, and background information.

European MBA Programs’ Essay Topics:

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Cambridge - Judge?

For Cambridge - Judge MBA applicants, three essays (max 200 words each) are required: Essay 1 on a professional mistake, Essay 2 on the best team worked with, and Essay 3 on someone who positively impacted your life. Reapplicants have an additional Essay 4 (max 200 words) on relevant developments. A career objectives statement (max 500 words) is also mandatory, covering short/long-term goals, recruitment research, and confidence in achieving goals. Additional questions cover language experience, work experience details, professional challenge/achievement, CV gaps, and other programs applied to.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for ESADE?

For ESADE MBA applicants, five essay questions are required: Essay 1 on academic/professional improvements (max 3000 characters); Essay 2 on how background/values/non-work activities enhance ESADE (max 3000 characters); Essay 3 on motivations for MBA, mid-term/long-term career vision, and how ESADE helps (max 3000 characters); Essay 4 to complete two from four statements (e.g., 'I am most proud of…', max 3000 characters); and Essay 5 for additional information (max 3000 characters). Questions on other schools applied to and alumnus recommendations are also included.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for HEC PARIS?

For HEC PARIS MBA applicants, six essays are required: Essay 1 on why HEC MBA now and professional objectives; Essay 2 on most significant life achievement; Essay 3 on leadership and ethics; Essay 4 on an entirely different life; Essay 5 to choose one from three prompts (e.g., monument, undeserved success, admired figure); and Essay 6 for additional information. Scholarship consideration is automatic, but an optional essay is available for additional scholarship information. Professional experience details, immediate career goals, financing plans, and international/extra-professional activities are also requested.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for IE?

For IE MBA applicants, a personal statement is crucial, detailing the most significant aspect to know about you not on your resume. This can be submitted as a video (max 3 minutes), PowerPoint (max 10 slides), or written essay (550-650 words). A background statement (max 400 characters) is for relevant disciplinary/criminal information. Further questions include when you first earned money (max 140 characters) and three words to describe you. An online assessment with three live questions (two video, one written) is required after application submission.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for IESE?

For IESE MBA applicants, a Career Goals Essay (max 450 words) is required, covering immediate, short-term (3-5 years), and long-term (5-10 years) goals, and how IESE helps achieve them. A Motivation and Fit essay (max 300 words) asks why IESE is the right program and what aspects resonate. An optional essay (max 300 words) is available for additional highlights. A video essay (three questions, 1 min prep, 1 min 30 sec response each, 48-hour validity) is mandatory. A scholarship essay (max 450 words) on why you deserve a scholarship is also included.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for INSEAD?

For INSEAD MBA applicants, three essays are required: Essay 1 on candid self-description as a person/leader, strengths/weaknesses, and development (max 500 words); Essay 2 on a highly stressful situation and lessons learned (max 400 words); and Essay 3 (optional) for additional information (max 300 words). A job description section requires a career summary (max 500 words) and short/long-term career aspirations (max 300 words). A video interview is mandatory, with a link provided after application submission (due within 48 hours). Additional questions cover employment gaps and activities.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for London Business School?

For London Business School MBA applicants, two essays are required: Question 1 on post-MBA goals, prior experience, and how LBS contributes (max 500 words); and Question 2 on what makes you unique (max 200 words). Question 3 is optional (max 500 words) for additional information. Reapplicants must address how they have strengthened their candidacy (max 300 words). Additional questions cover current/previous employment responsibilities, academic performance, English language experience, international experiences, interests, event attendance, discussions with family/friends, and alumni/student connections.

What are the MBA Essay Questions and Application Requirements for Oxford - Said?

For Oxford - Said MBA applicants, a personal statement (max 250 words) is required for additional information. An online assessment (approx. 30 minutes) with three randomized competency-based questions is mandatory, with a link appearing after CV and referee details are uploaded. Additional questions cover current employment details (responsibilities, challenges, achievements), post-MBA plans (employment, entrepreneurship, family business, or return to current employer, with detailed sub-questions for each), additional academic information, professional qualifications, and other programs applied for.

Latest MBA Essay Questions & Topics for Top Business Schools