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admitStreet
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Joined: 14 Mar 2023
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Location: India
Concentration: Strategy, Finance
Schools: HEC Jan 2018 Intake (A$) ISB '19 (A)
WE:Management Consulting (Consulting)
Schools: HEC Jan 2018 Intake (A$) ISB '19 (A)
Posts: 1,635
Kudos: 571
Berkeley Haas MBA Essays (2024-2025): Winning Tips and Frameworks 27 Sep 2024, 21:56
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The Berkeley Haas MBA program is known for nurturing a diverse group of forward-thinking leaders who embrace innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility.

As you approach the 2025 application essay prompts, your goal should be to align your personal narrative with Haas' core values of questioning the status quo, confidence without attitude, student always, and beyond yourself.

Let's break down each essay prompt, understand what the admissions committee is looking for, and develop a framework for writing a standout response.

Essay 1: What makes you feel alive when you’re doing it, and why? (300 words)

What the Haas MBA Admissions Committee Seeks

The first essay prompt is designed to tap into your passions. Haas wants to know what fuels your enthusiasm and drives you to excel. This is your chance to showcase your authentic self, linking your passion to the kind of leader or professional you aim to become.

Haas emphasizes authenticity, emotional intelligence, and a values-driven approach. Therefore, when you answer this question, you’re revealing what motivates you and how you might contribute to the Haas community beyond academics.

Haas is looking for individuals who embody their defining leadership principles, and this essay prompt helps them assess if your personal values align with theirs.

Your response should reveal a deep connection between your passion and how it might translate into meaningful contributions in the MBA program and thereafter.

Framework to Write a Winning Essay

Start by reflecting on moments when you felt energized and fully engaged in what you were doing. These don’t have to be monumental professional achievements; they could be personal experiences, hobbies, or professional activities where you felt a strong sense of purpose.

  • Identify your passion: Begin by pinpointing one or two activities or experiences that make you feel most alive. Describe them vividly, engaging the reader with specific sensory details or emotions.
  • Link it to your personal and professional journey: Explain why this activity is meaningful to you. What internal values or external factors drive your passion? How does it connect with the goals and values you hold? This part should transition smoothly into how this passion has shaped your perspective or contributed to your development as a leader or individual.
  • Connect to Haas: Conclude by linking your passion to the Haas MBA program. Consider how the principles of Berkeley Haas, such as "Beyond Yourself" or "Confidence Without Attitude," resonate with your passion and how you see this continuing at Haas and beyond. Highlight how this passion will enable you to contribute to the Haas community in a unique way.


Tips for Writing

  • Be authentic: Don’t try to craft a passion that sounds impressive. Write about something that genuinely excites you, as your enthusiasm will come through more clearly and leave a lasting impression.
  • Show vulnerability: It’s perfectly okay to talk about something personal. Admissions committees appreciate candidates who are open, reflective, and honest.
  • Keep it concise and focused: With a 300-word limit, avoid rambling. Focus on one or two key experiences or activities that best illustrate what makes you feel alive.
  • Don’t forget the 'why': It’s easy to describe what makes you feel alive, but the essay shines when you can clearly explain why it matters to you and how it informs your future aspirations.


Essay 2: What are your short-term and long-term career goals, and how will an MBA from Haas help you achieve those goals?

What the Haas MBA Admissions Committee Seeks

In this essay, Haas wants to understand your career vision. The admissions committee is interested in candidates who have a clear sense of direction and are driven by long-term ambitions that align with the Berkeley Haas mission. They want to see that you’ve done the self-reflection necessary to map out a realistic career trajectory, supported by specific goals, both in the short term and the long term.

Haas also values leadership, innovation, and a commitment to making an impact. In your response, you should clearly outline how an MBA from Haas will serve as a critical step toward achieving your goals and how you plan to leverage Haas' resources to reach your objectives.

Framework to Write a Winning Essay

  • Start with your long-term vision: Begin by outlining your broader career aspirations—what you ultimately want to achieve in the next 10-15 years. Are you aiming to lead an organization, drive industry-wide changes, or solve global challenges? Be bold but grounded. Haas appreciates candidates with big ideas who are prepared to take on significant responsibilities.
  • Break it down to your short-term goals: Next, link your long-term aspirations to achievable short-term goals. Where do you see yourself in the first few years after graduation? Be specific about the role, industry, and even companies if applicable. The admissions team is looking for clarity and evidence that you’ve done your research. Your short-term goals should feel realistic and build toward your larger vision.
  • Demonstrate why Haas is the ideal place to achieve these goals: This is where you connect the dots between your aspirations and what the Berkeley Haas MBA program offers. Be specific about Haas’ unique curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, leadership programs, and the resources that you believe will help you achieve your goals. Mention Haas' strong connections to the Bay Area’s tech and entrepreneurship ecosystems, its commitment to sustainability, or its renowned faculty, as applicable to your career path.
  • Show your growth potential: Highlight how your previous experiences and the Haas MBA will combine to make you a better leader, capable of tackling your long-term goals. This part of the essay should demonstrate self-awareness and a commitment to continuous learning.

Tips for Writing

  • Be specific: Avoid vague career goals like "becoming a leader" or "working in finance." Identify specific roles, companies, or industries you are targeting.
  • Research Haas thoroughly: Demonstrating an understanding of what makes Haas unique is key to standing out. Mention specific courses, clubs, or initiatives you’re excited to join. Tie them directly to your career goals.
  • Strike a balance between ambition and realism: It’s important to dream big, but also ensure that your short-term goals are practical and achievable with an MBA from Haas.
  • Show progression: Clearly outline how your short-term goals are stepping stones to your long-term vision. The committee wants to see a logical, well-thought-out career trajectory.


Final Thoughts

Approaching the Berkeley Haas MBA essays requires thoughtful introspection and a genuine understanding of how your passions and career aspirations align with Haas' values.

These essays are your opportunity to showcase not just what you’ve accomplished but who you are at your core.

By following the frameworks outlined here and staying true to your authentic self, you’ll be able to craft compelling essays that resonate with the admissions committee and make your candidacy stand out.

Drop us a line if you’d like to have a chat about your MBA applications – we’d be glad to be of help!

Regards,
Arvind
Founder, admitStreet | Request a free chat
W: https://admitstreet.com | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com