MBA programs require essays from candidates, which fall into four types: core values, reasons for applying, achievements, and interaction with others. Additional requirements may include supporting material or extra questions.
In most Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs, essays are required from each candidate. These MBA essays fall into four general types: the candidate’s core values, an explanation of why the candidate is applying, the candidate’s accomplishments, and the candidate’s interaction with others. Most MBA applications, regardless of which of these four types of essays may be requested, may also include supporting material or additional questions.
Core Values MBA essays focus on the beliefs or experiences that shaped the candidate and what an MBA degree means for those values. As an example, Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management requires an essay that explains how the candidate’s values will make the Kellogg experience better for all students in the candidate’s class. Stanford University’s MBA application process requires applicants to explain what is important to them and why.
Essays focused on the reasons why a candidate is applying require an explanation of why the candidate is submitting the application at this particular time in life and how it fits with their long-term career and personal goals. The University of Chicago MBA program, for example, requires this type of essay. In most cases, the reason why essay also requires applicants to detail specific personal or professional life experiences that resulted in an application for admission to the program.
MBA achievement essays focus on what the candidate has achieved prior to application. Many MBA programs require work experience after graduation as a condition of admission. The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, as an example, requires MBA essays that detail career accomplishments.
Some programs require an essay on what impact the candidate has had on others or what impact others have had on the candidate. Harvard University requires MBA essays focusing on a candidate’s life-defining experience, among many other required materials. Other programs require an essay that details how the candidate lived their values and how those values affected others.
Within these general types of MBA essays, each program has additional specific requirements that may be included in the application essay or submitted as supporting documentation. The University of Chicago, for example, requires a slideshow to illustrate the essay. Some programs request an additional essay on the candidate’s global perspective. Many programs ask the candidate to submit a secondary essay about a positive or negative team experience and what the candidate learned from that experience.
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