Yale School of Management’s Executive MBA fully reflects the character of the SOM and more broadly of Yale University: intensive community, holistic perspective, intellectual vigor, and real-world engagement and impact. Its unique “areas of focus” approach is central to its approach; it is not for everyone, but for the right people, it will be perfect. Make sure you are in the latter category before applying – and, if you are, in that case allow this approach to organically drive your application. Carefully review the website, read the blog, and, if possible, interact with the adcom by visiting the school and/or attending an info session. I strongly recommend obtaining the offered pre-assessment. These efforts should inform your essays and will help you convey fit.
Yale School of Management Executive MBA Application Essays:
Yale SOM EMBA Essay #1
Why have you selected your chosen area of focus? How do your professional and personal experiences and future goals align with your chosen area of focus? How will the Yale MBA for Executives program help you achieve these goals? (500 words maximum)
Yale’s EMBA program is unusual in that it involves a significant emphasis on specific “areas of focus,” which students typically work on in year 2. In the essay, integrate your reason for selecting your area of focus with your discussion of goals and how the Yale EMBA will help you achieve them.
With only 500 words to answer this multi-part question, keep the structure simple. I suggest starting with your professional goals, including both “what” (what industry, function, positions, perhaps geographies) and “why” (what motivates these goals, what footprint do you hope to have, what is your “vision for your career).
The question has an interesting twist in asking about your personal goals. These can be personal growth areas and/or explorations you wish to make for personal interest. They may or may not be directly connected to your professional goals. Most people will, understandably and appropriately, devote more space to the professional goals. But DO discuss personal goals as well. This part of the question aligns with Yale’s holistic perspective and is important for fit.
In discussing how the program will benefit you, be specific: describe what skills and knowledge you seek, and how the program will provide it. Yale’s “areas of focus” approach is unique; make your essay convey how and why this approach is ideal for your needs.
Yale SOM EMBA Essay #2
Cite a statistic that you find shocking. What actions could be taken to address this challenge? (500 words maximum)
You might at first reasonably think that you should choose a statistic strategically linked to your career goals in some way. Or that will show some distinctive area of knowledge or experience you possess. Well, maybe. Or maybe not.
Just picking some random statistic that you really did find shocking when you heard it might be a bit scary for an MBA essay. I’ve seen it work. Why? Think about Yale SOM’s intellectual dimension. They appreciate people who are open to intellectual exploration and find interest in the world around them. In this question, the Yale SOM adcom is truly interested in the quality of your thinking and your curious nature, not just how advantageously you can portray your existing interests.
What triggers your “shock”? And in determining what actions could be taken to address the issue, how do you approach it? Where do you look for answers, how do you synthesize your findings? How do you assess the viability of possible solutions? Your essay should show these elements.
Your topic may be known to you already – or it may be totally new. Regardless, the best essays in answer to this question will present freshness of inquiry, willingness to look at something new or in a new way, openness to considering steps that could be taken – you needn’t have the perfect answer; you should share the process of exploration.
Yale SOM EMBA Essay #3 (Optional)
If any aspect of your candidacy needs further explanation (unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, academic performance, promotions or recognitions, etc.), please provide a brief description here. (200 words maximum)
Use this space if you have an extenuating issue to address or a point that needs clarification. It is not an invitation to to write a whole new essay that goes beyond providing context.
For expert guidance with your Yale School of Management Executive MBA application, check out Accepted’s MBA Application Packages, which include comprehensive guidance from an experienced admissions consultant. We’ve helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to Yale SOM's EMBA program and look forward to helping you too!
Yale SOM EMBA Application Deadlines for January 2019 Intake
| Submission Deadline | |
| Round 1 | November 13, 2018 |
| Round 2 | January 29, 2019 |
| Round 3 | April 9, 2019 |
***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***
Cindy Tokumitsu has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA programs in her 15+ years with Accepted. She would love to help you too. Want Cindy to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!
Related Resources:
• A Lot About Yale SOM’s EMBA Program, a podcast episode
• School-Specific EMBA Application Essay Questions
• Executive MBA Applicants: 4 Immediate Action Items
This article originally appeared on blog.accepted.com.
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