{"id":49422,"date":"2020-08-07T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-08-07T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=49422"},"modified":"2020-08-04T05:00:07","modified_gmt":"2020-08-04T12:00:07","slug":"uc-berkeley-haas-mba-essay-tips-deadlines-2020-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/uc-berkeley-haas-mba-essay-tips-deadlines-2020-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"UC Berkeley Haas MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines [2020 \u2013 2021]"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Berkeley<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Haas changed one of its required essay questions this year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few things haven\u2019t changed. While Haas has made it very clear that you need outstanding academics to get in, they will not compromise their values to maintain those stats. The Four Defining Leadership Principles are taken very seriously by Haas\u2019 administration and admissions team. You need to show you share and live by those principles if you are to receive serious consideration at Haas. The Four Principles are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Question the Status Quo

    <\/li>
  2. Confidence Without Attitude

    <\/li>
  3. Students Always

    <\/li>
  4. Beyond Yourself<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Keep those principles very much at the forefront of your mind as you prepare your Haas application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Haas is one of the few schools that doesn\u2019t have an essay about goals. Don\u2019t be surprised, however, if you are asked about your goals and how Haas will help you achieve them when invited to an interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Haas School of Business Application Essays<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Be sure to visit the Haas website<\/a> which provides excellent resources and advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Haas MBA essay #1<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why? (300 words maximum)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This question asks about something that \u201cmakes you feel alive when doing it<\/a>.\u201d Since most of us like to feel alive, we\u2019ll return to that kind of activity again and again for the sense of vitality it gives us. This activity could be a hobby. It could be a responsibility tied to giving in a community service activity. It could be something to do with nature. Hiking, scuba diving, parachuting, gardening, or thousands of other activities could fit the bill. Perhaps it\u2019s something that ties you to your tradition and belief system. The possibilities are endless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However, while the options may be limitless, the word count is not: 300 words. A possible structure for this essay would be to start with a vivid description of the activity and then go into why it makes you feel \u201calive.\u201d The why<\/em> is probably going to be harder than describing the activity, but make sure you do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Try to connect to relevant elements of Haas\u2019 Four Principles without parroting them mindlessly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Haas MBA essay #2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The definition of successful leadership has evolved over the last decade and will continue to change. What do you need to develop to become a successful leader?  (300 words max)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How do you define \u201cleadership\u201d in this dynamic environment? What qualities do you need to develop further to be a successful leader as you define it? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Can you give an example of a time when you succeeded in a leadership role<\/a> by revealing some of the qualities required for leadership, as you define it? ? That example would serve as a great start to this essay. Then acknowledge what you need to develop and improve to become the kind of leader you really want to be. .If your example also reveals that you share Haas\u2019 4 principles you will further strengthen your case for admission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Haas MBA Optional Information #1<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    We invite you to help us better understand the context of your opportunities and achievements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. What is the highest level of education completed by your parent(s) or guardian(s)?

      \u2022 Did not complete high school

      \u2022 High school diploma or equivalency (GED)
      Associate\u2019s degree (junior college) or vocational degree\/license

      \u2022 Bachelor\u2019s degree (BA, BS)

      \u2022 Master\u2019s degree (MA, MS)

      \u2022 Doctorate or professional degree (MD, JD, DDS)

      <\/li>
    2. What is the most recent occupation of your parent(s) or guardian(s)?

      \u2022 Unemployed

      \u2022 Homemaker

      \u2022 Laborer

      \u2022 Skilled worker

      \u2022 Professional

      <\/li>
    3. If you were raised in one of the following household types, please indicate.

      \u2022 Raised by a single parent

      \u2022 Raised by an extended family member (grandparent, aunt\/uncle, niece\/nephew, cousin)

      \u2022 Raised in a multi-generational home

      \u2022 Raised in foster care

      <\/li>
    4. What was the primary language spoken in your childhood home?

      <\/li>
    5. If you have you ever been responsible for providing significant and continuing financial or supervisory support for someone else, please indicate.

      \u2022 Child

      \u2022 Spouse

      \u2022 Sibling

      \u2022 Parent

      \u2022 Extended family member (grandparent, aunt\/uncle, niece\/nephew, cousin)

      \u2022 Other

      <\/li>
    6. Please elaborate on any of your above responses. Alternatively, you may use this opportunity to expand on other hardships or unusual life circumstances that may help us understand the context of your opportunities, achievements, and impact. (300 words maximum)<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Simply and honestly answer the short answer questions and then elaborate in #6 if relevant or use this essay to discuss hardships, disadvantages, or \u201cunusual circumstances\u201d that are the context for the rest of the application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      In providing that context, especially when talking about hardships overcome, provide enough information for the admissions committee to understand the hardship, but not so much that you end up writing a pity essay or you end up appearing somehow \u201cdamaged\u201d or broken. Overcoming hardship<\/a> can strengthen a person. That\u2019s the kind of image you want to create if you choose to write on the topic. Yes, you may have experienced something difficult, maybe even tragic or terrible, but you have overcome this and are stronger as a result. The reader\u2019s reaction? Admiration, not pity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      For an example, listen to Ida Valentine: Investment Banker, Inspirational Speaker, HBS 2021<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Haas MBA supplemental information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n