Emory Goizueta 2015 MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines

To ace your Goizueta essays, you’ll need to show—not just tell—that you have the skills, passion, and motivation to excel in a rigorous academic environment, and in the business world at large. Illustrate who you are, what you want, and where you are going.

These essays are short – be prepared to make tough decisions about what key points to include and what to leave out. Write simply and directly to squeeze as much meaning and impact as possible out of each word.

Essays:

1. What is your short-term career goal and why is an MBA from Goizueta an important next step toward that goal? (200 word limit)

No room for backstory here. And notice the question is limited to short-term goal, i.e., the role you are targeting immediately upon graduating. Address in specific terms your desired position, an example of your desired company, what you expect to do in that role, and why you want it. Next, identify two to three aspects of the program most important to you and, for at least one point, note why you need a Goizueta MBA to achieve it.

2. If your initial career plans are not realized, what else are you considering? (200 word limit)

Present a credible “Plan B” short-term goal, noting why it’s still a good option and will be a viable path to your longer-term goals. Focus on the positive aspects of this other path, even if it is not ideal in your mind (i.e., avoid emphasizing why it’s not as good as your first choice).

3. The Business School is named for Roberto C. Goizueta, former Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, who led the organization for 16 years, extending its global reach, quadrupling consumption, building brand responsibility, and creating unprecedented shareholder wealth. It is his legacy and the strength of his character that gives rise to our vision: Principled Leaders for Global Enterprise. Goizueta once said, "The cynics will tell you that the good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. I'm telling you, do it anyway."

Provide an example of the good you have contributed to an organization and the impact of your actions. (300 word limit)

I suggest addressing this question as a story (a very succinct story): describe a time you contributed to an organization. Walk through it crisply, “zooming in” on relevant details and focusing on your actions. In a final, brief paragraph reflect on the impact and why it’s meaningful.

To select the best topic or experience to portray, look for something that is fairly recent and that has a clear impact. You can use a work or non-work experience, depending on what you strategically want to highlight, but most people should grab this opportunity to showcase their impact at work. Keep in mind that the contribution and impact should be to the organization.

4. Complete one of the following statements. (250 word limit)

I am unique because…
My most memorable cross-cultural experience…
I am passionate about…
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is…