Premium Essay

How to Write a Successful Mba Admissions Essay

In:

Submitted By MarcelKoca
Words 5885
Pages 24
MBA Admissions Essay
Powerful Tips for Improving Your Odds of Gaining Admission to the MBA Program of Your Choice
Admissions essays are easily the most challenging part of the MBA application process, and it’s no wonder. Most people don’t like to write, and even those of us who do enjoy writing can come up blank when called upon to write about ourselves, especially when so much is at stake. The fact remains: If you want to go to business school, you have to be able to generate one or two thousand carefully chosen words that sum up your background and experience, your career goals, your reasons for seeking the MBA, and why you’ve chosen the program to which you’re applying. Step one: Relax. Writing admissions essays is stressful—it’s supposed to be stressful— but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Everyone who has ever applied to business school has written admissions essays, and so can you. All you have to do is submit essays that are a little bit better than most of the others, and if you follow the advice we’ll cover in the following pages, it will be a lot less painful.

How to Write a Successful

Most MBA essays are mediocre
The good news is that most MBA admissions essays are mediocre at best. If you can at least come up with a marginally compelling narrative, and if you can spell and punctuate everything correctly—or know someone who can—you’ll automatically have an advantage over much of the competition. This guide is designed to help you get started (the hardest part) and avoid common mistakes that can ruin your chances of admission to a top MBA program. First, we’ll discuss several tips for writing better essays. After the tips you’ll find a “Guide to MBA Essay Writing Style” on page 6, followed by “Getting Started on page 9,” including several easy, fill-in-the-blank exercises that will help you generate actual material that you can use in your

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Marketing

...A Former Harvard Business School Admissions Board Member Reveals the Insider Keys to Getting In • Prepare your resume and professional record • Discover the differences between business schools • Top essay and interview strategies • Behind the scenes of the admissions process • Qualitative factors that can make you stand out • Application insights from insiders Chioma isiadinso, M.ed. former Admissions Board Member of Harvard Business School The Best Business Schools’ Admissions Secrets A Former Harvard Business School Admissions Board Member Reveals the Insider Keys to Getting In Chioma Isiadinso, M.ED. © 2008 by Chioma Isiadinso Cover and internal design © 2008 by Sourcebooks, Inc. Cover photo © Punchstock Sourcebooks and the colophon are registered trademarks of Sourcebooks, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems—except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews—without permission in writing from its publisher, Sourcebooks, Inc. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. —From...

Words: 89633 - Pages: 359

Premium Essay

Question of Mba

...aspirations and your reason for pursuing an MBA. This may be the most important essay question you tackle. You must convince the admissions committee that you deserve one of their few, cherished spots. Reference your background, skills and career aspirations, demonstrating how this degree is a bridge to the next step in your professional life. Be sure to speak to how this particular program will help you realize your potential. It's okay to present modest goals. Deepening your expertise and broadening your perspective are solid reasons for pursuing this degree. If you aspire to lofty goals, like becoming a CEO or starting your own company, be careful to detail a sensible, pragmatic plan. Don't be unrealistic. Question 2: What are your principal interests outside of work or school? What leisure and/or community activities do you particularly enjoy? There's more to b-school than the library. The best programs buzz with the energy of a student body that is talented and creative and bursting with personality. They're not just about case studies and careers. Describe how you will be a unique addition to the b-school community. B-school is also a very social experience. Much of the work is done in groups. Weekends are full of social gatherings, and the networking you do here will impact the rest of your career. Communicate that people, not just your job, are an important part of your life. Question 3: Who do you most admire? The admissions committee wants to know the qualities...

Words: 743 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Sample Essay

...说明 1. 本资料来源于英文版《How to get into the top MBA programs》,作者为Don Martin. 2. 第一部分为115份真实的ESSAY, 分别来自于17个不同背景的申请人. 3. 第二部分为对21个常见ESSAY问题的分析,包括问题的关键,常见错误,正确的回答方式. 个人认为这一部分比真实的ESSAY更重要. 4. 由于文件采用扫描和文字识别方法输入, 可能存在一些错误. 5. 此文件仅供CHASEDREAM网友参考使用, 请尊重原书版权, 切勿用于商业用途. Xiearmyxiearmy 零四岁末于美国穷乡僻壤 Chapter I Application Essay Examples INTRODUCTION This appendix contains 115 actual essays written, by 17 different applicants, for leading MBA programs. They address dozens of different essay topics. The applicants and their essays have been selected to give you the widest possible range of materials from which to profit. The first four applicants all applied to the University of Chicago. They were chosen by Chicago’s admissions director, Don Martin, according to my desire that they be from four very different people and of average quality for those admitted. In other words, these essays will show you exactly what you are competing against. They are of perfectly acceptable quality, but they should not discourage you. If you follow the lessons of this book you should be able to surpass each of these efforts. The second set of three applicants—Melissa, Doreen, and Carol—is taken from Columbia University’s files. Columbia’s admissions director, Linda Meehan, was asked to supply several applications, again from people of widely differing backgrounds, but this time of superior quality. I think that this group’s applications...

Words: 76050 - Pages: 305

Premium Essay

Statement of Purpose

...Sample Statement of Purpose: MBA The term “globalism” has become overused, and often misused. In fact, we might say that it has actually been devalued to the level of the everyday language of buzzword-brandishing marketing pundits. Such freewheeling usage has perhaps prompted many a CEO (or future CEO) to launch into a global plan or strategy without proper consideration of the demands and dynamics of the international marketplace. Many would-be globetrotters neglect the acquisition of language skills, knowledge of foreign trade and tax laws, accounting standards, etc., all of which are necessary to effectively “go global.” Superficial knowledge only leads to failure. This has, indeed, happened, and while there is no doubt that neglecting to capture the gains achievable in overseas markets is equally suicidal, misguided attempts at competing globally (along with rapidly developing opportunities in the global marketplace) have placed a dramatic premium on individuals who take the time to properly train themselves in international business. For me, the Columbia MBA is a significant component of this training. I foresee my own career moving in the direction of European/American business, initially from an advisory perspective (i.e. investment banking or consulting) and ultimately from a leadership role within a manufacturing entity, preferably a start-up venture. This prophecy, in part, has evolved from my past experiences in western and eastern Europe which, in turn, have formed...

Words: 4285 - Pages: 18

Premium Essay

Statement of Purpose

...Statement of Purpose - MBA 1.  Studying for an MBA requires a certain determination and strength of character. In recent years, the business world has become rapidly integrated across once restricting borders, and anyone with high goals in the business world must have an international perspective and be aware of the realities of different international arenas. I am unique, and uniquely fortunate, to have a diverse background both academically and professionally which has exposed me to different continents, peoples, cultures, and languages. As a native of Asia, I am familiar with the increasingly important markets of this region, and as such I am thoroughly prepared for the demands and challenges presented by undertaking study in the MBA program at your institution.   From a young age, I set goals beyond those of my peers. I decided to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in International Hotel Management, but in recognition of the limitation of programs in this field in my native country, I decided to pursue my undergraduate degree in Europe. The international hotel management course I joined was run by Goodwell University in the UK, and due to the experience of the instructors and the overall sophistication of the program, I received an incredibly valuable learning experience, beyond that which I could have received elsewhere. My undergraduate coursework at Goodwell University focused on management marketing, accounting, and various aspects of tourism. I received broad business-based...

Words: 4216 - Pages: 17

Premium Essay

65 Successful Harvard Business School Application Essays 2nd Edition 1

...BUSINESS SCHOOL HARVARD SUCCESSFUL 65 APPLICATION SECOND EDITION E S S AY S APPLICATION BUSINESS SCHOOL HARVARD SUCCESSFUL 65 ECSNS A IYI O N S SE O D ED T With Analysis by the Staff of The Harbus, the Harvard Business School Newspaper ST. MARTIN’S GRIFFIN NEW YORK 65 SUCCESSFUL HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL APPLICATION ESSAYS, SECOND EDITION. Copyright © 2009 byThe Harbus News Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. For-information, address St. Martin's Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010. www.stmartins.com Library of Congress Cataloging...in..Publication Data 65 successful Harvard Business -School application essays : with analysis by the staff of The Harbus, the Harvard Business School newspaper / Lauren Sullivan and the staff of The Harbus.-2nd ed. p.em. ISBN 978...0..312...55007...3 1. Business schools-United States-Admission. 2. Exposition (Rhetoric) 3. Essay-Authorship. 4. Business writing. 5. Harvard Business School. 1. Sullivan, Lauren. II. Harbus. III. Title: Sixty...five successful Harvard Business School application essays. HF1131.A1352009 808'.06665-dc22 2009012531 First Edition: August 2009 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 CONTENTS Acknowledgments Introduction ix xi I. Defining Moment Stacie Hogya Anonymous Anonymous David La Fiura Anonymous Avin Bansal Anonymous Brad Finkbeiner Anonymous 4 7 10 13 17 20 23 26 29 ii. UndergradUate experience John Coleman Maxwell Anderson...

Words: 47268 - Pages: 190

Free Essay

Personal Statement

...access to dozens of expertly written ones. These samples are a great way to see how other people put together their personal statements, and to visualise the sort of structure and language they use. Reading through these will allow you to judge which ones you think are good or bad, which in turn will greatly help you in putting together your own winning statement. YOU ARE STRONGLY ADVISED NOT TO COPY THESE EXAMPLES WORD FOR WORD, BUT INSTEAD USE THEM AS USE THEM AS GUIDES AND AS A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION. Many students struggle to put together an effective personal statement, primarily because they find it difficult to write about themselves. They may also fall for other common essay writing mistakes such as straying from the core subject and message they should be trying to get across. To help students overcome these potential pitfalls we have developed this resource page as a guide to giving them useful tips, strategies and techniques on writing a professional profile that is of the highest quality and one that will maximise their chances of enrolling at their first choice university. By following our advice, preparing properly and with a bit of practise, putting together your personal statement should become a lot easier. WHAT IS A PERSONAL STATEMENT A personal statement is a self marketing statement and a vital part of not only the UCAS application form, but also the overall university admissions process. It is essentially a personally written whole page document of no more...

Words: 2730 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Mba Applications Essays

...Ivy League Admission: 180 Successful Business School (MBA) Essays Nancy L. Nolan, Ph.D. Ivy League Admission: 180 Successful Business School (MBA) Essays Nancy L. Nolan, Ph.D. First Edition Magnificent Milestones, Inc., Florida Copyright 2006. Nancy L. Nolan, Ph.D. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system without written permission from the author, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review. Electronic and CD-ROM versions published by: Magnificent Milestones, Inc. Post Office Box 100582 Palm Bay, Florida 32910 www.ivyleagueadmission.com CD ROM Edition 10-digit ISBN 0977376443 13-digit ISBN 9780977376445 PDF Version 10-digit ISBN 0977376494 13-digit ISBN 9780977376490 Printed in the United States of America Disclaimers: (1) This book is a compilation of successful admission essays; it does not claim to be the definitive word on the subject of MBA admission. The opinions expressed are the personal observations of the author based on her own experiences. They are not intended to prejudice any party. Accordingly, the author and publisher do not accept any liability or responsibility for any loss or damage that have been caused, or alleged to have been caused, through the use of information in this book. (2) Admission to business school depends on several factors in...

Words: 89385 - Pages: 358

Free Essay

A Way to Studyin Finland

...Aalto University School of Business Admissions to Master’s Degree Admission 2014 Guide Admission Guide 2014 Admissions to Master’s degree Master of Science in Economics and Business Applicants with an appropriate Finnish Administration or non-Finnish university or university of applied sciences degree may apply directly to a Master’s degree programme to take the degree of Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration at the Aalto University School of Business. The Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration) degree is a higher academic degree (second-cycle degree) in Finland and equals to 120 ECTS credits which corresponds to two years of full-time This admission guide covers only admissions studying. The student may also be assigned to Master’s degree and gives you information supplementary studies (max. 60 ECTS credabout the Master’s admission requirements, its). Studying towards the Master’s degree does not suit students working full time. the application and selection process and some general information regarding studying Depending on the course, the lectures may be during the daytime or sometimes also in the and living in Finland. The Aalto University evening. reserves the right to make changes to the names, contents and details of the degree programmes to further develop education. Admission criteria for admission round 2014 have been decided and cannot be changed. Application period begins 16 Dec 2013 and ends 31 Jan 2014 at 4:15 pm...

Words: 16785 - Pages: 68

Premium Essay

Cataolog

...ork2012 - 2013 Catalog A Message from the President “Sullivan University is truly a unique and student success focused institution.” I have shared that statement with numerous groups and it simply summarizes my basic philosophy of what Sullivan is all about. When I say that Sullivan is “student success focused,” I feel as President that I owe a definition of this statement to all who are considering Sullivan University. First, Sullivan is unique among institutions of higher education with its innovative, career-first curriculum. You can earn a career diploma or certificate in a year or less and then accept employment while still being able to complete your associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree by attending during the day, evenings, weekends, or online. Business and industry do not expand or hire new employees only in May or June each year. Yet most institutions of higher education operate on a nine-month school year with almost everyone graduating in May. We remained focused on your success and education, and continue to offer our students the opportunity to begin classes or to graduate four times a year with our flexible, year-round full-time schedule of classes. If you really want to attend a school where your needs (your real needs) come first, consider Sullivan University. I believe we can help you exceed your expectations. Since words cannot fully describe the atmosphere at Sullivan University, please accept my personal invitation to visit and experience...

Words: 103133 - Pages: 413

Premium Essay

Mba Outline

...COURSE AND SUBJECT GUIDE POSTGRADUATE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS 2010 The information contained in this Course and Subject Guide: • • is current only at the date it is published and Melbourne Business School is under no obligation to update the information or correct any inaccuracy which may become apparent at a later date; and is not intended to provide or make recommendation on which you should rely. Melbourne Business School reserves the right to change course content, lecturers, course time, examination procedures and other course details. To the extent permitted by law, Melbourne Business School specifically excludes any liability for any error or inaccuracy in, or omissions from, the information in this Guide and any loss or damage which you or any person may suffer. Last updated: 12 March 2010 1 2 MELBOURNE BUSINESS SCHOOL 2010 ACADEMIC CALENDAR ___________________________________________________________________ TERM 1 Thursday Monday Tuesday 14 January 18 January 26 January Orientation Evening – Weekend Mode and Standard Part Time World of Management Weekend Mode and Part Time (until Friday 22 January) Australia Day Academic School Holiday Carlton Campus on Sunday operations Monday Thursday Friday Monday Thursday Friday Friday Thursday Friday Sunday 9 February 18 February 26 February 8 March 18 March 19 March 2 April 15 April 16 April 25 April Commencement Term 1 Teaching (standard 12-week format subjects) Weekend Mode – Module 1a (until...

Words: 31716 - Pages: 127

Free Essay

Gmat

...GMAT GRADUATE MANAGEMENT ADMISSION TEST McGraw-Hill’s 2008 Edition James Hasik Stacey Rudnick Ryan Hackney New York | Chicago | San Francisco | Lisbon London | Madrid | Mexico City | Milan | New Delhi San Juan | Seoul | Singapore | Sydney | Toronto Copyright © 2007 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Manufactured in the United States of America. Except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher. 0-07-151120-2 The material in this eBook also appears in the print version of this title: 0-07-149340-9. All trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Rather than put a trademark symbol after every occurrence of a trademarked name, we use names in an editorial fashion only, and to the benefit of the trademark owner, with no intention of infringement of the trademark. Where such designations appear in this book, they have been printed with initial caps. McGraw-Hill eBooks are available at special quantity discounts to use as premiums and sales promotions, or for use in corporate training programs. For more information, please contact George Hoare, Special Sales, at george_hoare@mcgraw-hill.com or (212) 904-4069. TERMS OF USE This is a copyrighted work and The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“McGraw-Hill”) and its licensors reserve all rights...

Words: 234594 - Pages: 939

Premium Essay

Police

...Belhaven University 1790 Kirby Parkway Suite 100 Memphis, TN 38138 Belhaven University 4151 Ashford Dunwoody Rd. Suite 130 Atlanta, GA 30319 Belhaven University 5200 Vineland Rd. Suite 100 Orlando, FL 32811 Traditional Admission Adult and Graduate Studies Admission – Jackson Atlanta Chattanooga Desoto Houston Memphis Orlando Alumni Relations/Development Belhaven Fax Business Office Campus Operations Integrated Marketing Registrar Student Life Security Student Financial Planning Student Development Online Admission Online Student Services (601) 968-5940 or (800) 960-5940 (601) 968-5988 or Fax (601) 352-7640 (404) 425-5590 or Fax (404) 425-5869 (423) 265-7784 or Fax (423) 265-2703 (622) 469-5387 (281) 579-9977 or Fax (281) 579-0275 (901) 896-0184 or Fax (901) 888-0771 (407) 804-1424 or Fax (407) 367-3333 (601) 968-5980 (601) 968-9998 (601) 968-5901 (601) 968-5904 (601) 968-5930 (601) 968-5922 (601) 968-5969 (601) 968-5900 (601) 968-5933 (601) 968-5932 (601) 965-7043 (601) 968-8947 Website http://www.belhaven.edu http://atlanta.belhaven.edu http://chattanooga.belhaven.edu http://houston.belhaven.edu http://jackson.belhaven.edu http://memphis.belhaven.edu http://orlando.belhaven.edu http://online.belhaven.edu Visitors are welcome at Belhaven University. The admission office for...

Words: 151104 - Pages: 605

Free Essay

Thesis on Impact of Education on Domestic Violence

...THESIS ON IMPACT OF EDUCATION ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Sparkles Soft offers under stated Services 1. Plagiarism free writing services 2. PHD Research Papers 3. MBA Dissertations Writer 4. MBA Thesis writer 5. MBA Assignment writer 6. ACCA,BSC Applied Accountancy Project 7. Australian MBA Assignment writing Services 8. UK MBA Assignment writing Services 9. LLB Thesis writing Services 10. LLM Thesis writing Services 11. LLB Assignment writing services 12. LLM Assignment writing Services 13. Australian and UK LLB Thesis writing Services 14. Australian and UK LLM Thesis writing Services 15. Australian and UK LLB Assignment writing services 16. Australian and UK LLM Assignment writing Services https://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Students-in-UK/170124656395756 SPARKLES SOFT Skype       sparkles.soft Email sparklessoft@gmail.com Viber/WhatsAPP 00923004604250 Uk LandLine +441252594901 SUBMITTED TO: SUBMITTED BY: Table of Contents CHAPTER 1 3 INTRODUCTION 3 1.1 Pakistan as a country: 3 1.2 Domestic Violence: 3 1.3 Western Vs local Domestic Violence: 5 1.4 Research Question: 6 1.5 Research Objectives 6 1.6 Research Significance 7 CHAPTER TWO 8 EDUCATION SYSTEM IN PAKISTAN 8 2.1. Education: 8 2.2. Education System: 8 2.3. Education system of Pakistan: 10 2.3.1. Problems of Education system of Pakistan: 11 2.3.2. Policies and Reforms in Education system...

Words: 11215 - Pages: 45

Free Essay

Gd-Pi

...Group'Discussions'&'Personal'Interviews during(MBA(admissions(to(India’s(best(B9schools Written'by Compiled'by Loads'of'MBA'Aspirants The'PaGaLGuY'MadCapz'Group PaGaLGuY.com Antholo gy Hundreds of real personal accounts of Group Discussions and Personal Interviews during MBA admissions to India’s best business schools. In this edition: The IIMs at Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Indore & Kozhikode. Written by Loads of MBA aspirants Compiled by The PaGaLGuY MadCapz Team PaGaLGuY GD-PI Anthology Copyright © 2011, PaGaLGuY.com All text and content in this document is solely owned by PaGaLGuY.com. Reproduction without permission in any form or means is illegal. Special copy prepared exclusively for mustafa rokerya Get your own Free personalized copy (with your name on it) of this book from http://www.pagalguy.com/books/ What this book is about What is a real IIM interview like? What kind of questions do they ask and what judgments do applicants have to make while answering them? Since 2003, those with real Group Discussion and Personal Interview calls from India’s top bschools have been posting entire and detailed transcripts of their admission interviews immediately after they happen, so that others slotted for later interviews can learn what GDPI is going to be like this year. This book is a collection of dozens of handpicked GDPI experiences from the country’s top bschools during the admission years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and...

Words: 178933 - Pages: 716