While MBA program admissions directors consider an applicant’s GMAT scores and academic track record, their goal is to get to know a potential student beyond the numbers. That’s why the essay component is an important—and enjoyable—opportunity for you to practice some self-reflection and state why you’re a uniquely strong candidate.
With the goal of clarifying the essay writing process and easing some of the stress associated with it, here are some tips to keep in mind as you start writing.
Be a storyteller in your application essay
The application essays are your story to tell. This is your shot to explain motivations and display your commitment and enthusiasm. Make sure you are presenting a consistent picture of who you are, what you have done and what you want to achieve.
Be concise on why you want to go to business school and how you think the program specifically will help you in achieving your goals. Some people may feel that they are not able to fully express themselves given the essay word limit, but take it as an opportunity to focus on what is truly important and relevant to the question asked of you.
While essay questions will vary by school and by year, they will often share some core objectives.
Common questions of MBA essays
Essay questions frequently fall along the lines of:
Video essay
You will need to complete video essays as part of the application, which will replace the personal essay. The purpose of the personal essay has always been for the Admissions Committee to get a deeper understanding of who you are and what drives you. By changing it to a video format, we hope to get more authentic and direct answers from applicants that will give us more insights into your thought process and communication style.
Once you submit the written application and pay the application fees, you will receive a Kira Video Essay link (within 24-hours) to be completed by the Application Round Deadline. The link will expire in 48-hours after receipt. All instructions will be provided to you together with the link. Please click on the link, create a Kira account and you will be given a chance to practice before submitting your video essay. There will be three video essay questions that you will be required to complete. For each question, you will be given some time to prepare before your answer is recorded.
Be concise, you only have 1.5 minutes to provide an answer and be genuine in your answers. Again, the Admissions Committee wants to know who you are so don’t worry so much about what you think we would like to hear. Remember that we will consider your application as complete and ready to be reviewed only after we have received all components of your application including your video essays.
What are your post-MBA goals?
Here’s the chance for applicants to express their personal objectives and illustrate how an MBA help them get there.
There are two key things to remember when writing this type of essay:
- Be concise
- Be specific
Your goal here is to express concrete career goals. You also shouldn’t hesitate to mention and describe target roles and companies. Going further, how do these goals fit with your values? And what impact do you hope to bring to potential organizations or sectors?
Applicants pursuing a career change should detail the skills they already possess and how an MBA program will bridge the gaps in the way of a successful professional pivot. Here, you’re encouraged to identify relevant program offerings as well as clubs, classes and career treks that reaffirm why you are applying.
Scholarship essay advice
How do you plan to finance your MBA? Why do you think you deserve a scholarship?
Pursuing your MBA is a big investment and it is essential to have a solid financial plan with contingencies. Applicants often combine various financing options including personal or family savings, public or private loans and scholarships. It is important to consider the feasibility of your financial plan and provide a good reasoning to support your scholarship application.
The IESE MBA program offers an array of scholarships. But highlighting your motivation and commitment to joining the school and emphasizing how you can further contribute to the school community is always advisable.
Read the article What is an MBA? All you need to know
