This year, the MIT Sloan School of Management MBA application remains the same as the previous cycle. Again, the school requests that applicants submit a cover letter, organizational chart and 60-second video statement as part of their application.
Below, please find this year’s 2020-2021 application deadlines along with Personal MBA Coach’s advice on how to tackle the MIT Sloan application.
MIT Sloan’s 2020-2021 MBA Application Deadlines:
Round 1: October 1, 2020
Round 2: January 19, 2021
Round 3: April 12, 2021
MIT Sloan Cover Letter:
MIT Sloan seeks students whose personal characteristics demonstrate that they will make the most of the incredible opportunities at MIT, both academic and non-academic. We are on a quest to find those whose presence will enhance the experience of other students. We seek thoughtful leaders with exceptional intellectual abilities and the drive and determination to put their stamp on the world. We welcome people who are independent, authentic, and fearlessly creative — true doers. We want people who can redefine solutions to conventional problems, and strive to preempt unconventional dilemmas with cutting-edge ideas. We demand integrity and respect passion.
Taking the above into consideration, please submit a cover letter seeking a place in the MIT Sloan MBA Program. Your letter should conform to a standard business correspondence, include one or more examples that illustrate why you meet the desired criteria above, and be addressed to the Assistant Deans of Admissions, Rod Garcia and Dawna Levenson (300 words or fewer, excluding address and salutation).
Those applicants wondering how to get into MIT Sloan should keep in mind that the MIT cover letter requires quite a different approach from other MBA application essays. Candidates really need to reflect on their most significant accomplishments here and make it clear what they will bring to the table once they arrive at Sloan.
We actually advise Sloan MBA candidates to approach this cover letter as they would any professional cover letter. Ask for a place in the MIT Sloan class and tell the reader who you are. This is not the time to repeat your resume but, as with any cover letter, provide greater depth to your character and accomplishments. With such a short length, you will need to choose each word carefully and select the most compelling stories to tell. Think about MIT’s values as you write this letter and consider instances where you exhibited innovative thinking and leadership.
Finally, note SPECIFICALLY how you will bring this experience to the MIT Sloan MBA program and how you will use it to create meaningful contributions within the community.
MIT Sloan Video Statement:
In addition to the cover letter, Sloan asks candidates to complete a video statement: Applicants are required to upload a 1 minute (60 second) video as part of their application. In your video, you should introduce yourself to your future classmates, tell us about your past experiences, and touch on why MIT Sloan is the best place for you to pursue your degree.
Videos should adhere to the following guidelines:
- No more than 1 minute (60 seconds) in length
- Single take (no editing)
- You should be speaking directly to the camera
- Do not include background music or subtitles
For the video component of your MIT Sloan MBA application, it is most important to be yourself. This is a chance for admissions committee members to evaluate applicants’ physical presence and delivery. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to learn more about you both personally and professionally.
Keep in mind the direct request to address why MIT Sloan is a good fit. For this section of the video, candidates should be specific, thinking about particular aspects of the MBA program that appeal to them. With a lot to cover in one minute, be sure you strike a careful balance between talking about yourself and explaining your desire to attend MIT Sloan.
While you do not want to memorize the video statement and sound overly rehearsed, we do advise candidates to write out a rough script in advance of filming and to practice multiple times!
Consider factors such as audio quality, demeanor, and fluency in addition to the content itself. Personal MBA Coach includes analyses of sample videos in its comprehensive packages.
Organizational Chart:
Please upload an organizational chart which outlines the internal structure of your department and company. Limit to two pages.
Note: You may choose to create your own document or redact individuals' names. However, please provide as much information as possible.
We should be able to see your line of reporting to the top of your organization, and to easily find you, your peers, your supervisor, their peers, and your direct reports (should you have any), as well as any recommender or references from your current organization. For those in consulting, please submit an organizational chart of a current or previous project you were staffed on.
Click here to view a sample organizational chart.
There is no right or wrong format for the organizational chart. The key is that is it easy to follow and understand and shows your direct reports (if any) and who you report to. Most companies should have a chart that you can work from.
Are you looking for help with your MBA Applications? Personal MBA Coach is willing to be your guide. Founded by a Wharton and MIT graduate, we regularly help applicants navigate their applications each year. We also conduct mock interviews with former M7 interviewers on our team.
Personal MBA Coach has been guiding candidates through all aspects of the MBA application process for 13 years with a 96% success rate. Call us today at +1 617-645-2424 or email scott@personalmbacoach.com for a free consultation on your profile along with how we can help make your MBA dreams a reality!
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