Consolidated List of Essays of all Business Schools

Question

Watch out this space for a consolidated list of all b-schools' essay questions.
I intend to keep updating this thread with essays, so bookmark the page for finding all essays at one place

Essays updates:
 HBS 
 Wharton 
 Stanford 
 Booth 
 Kellogg 
 LBS 
 Ross 
 Tuck 
 Yale 
 MIT 
 Duke 
 Haas 
 Darden 
 Stern 
 Cornell 
 INSEAD 
Columbia
 IESE 
 UCLA 
 Tepper 
 Emory Goizueta 
Foster

MBADecoder · Answer

HBS MBA

Deadlines:  
  Round 1: 4 September, 2024
Round 2: 6 January, 2025

Harvard Business School has new essays this year. Please respond to all three essay prompts:

Business-Minded Essay : Please reflect on how your experiences have influenced your career choices and aspirations and the impact you will have on the businesses, organizations, and communities you plan to serve. (up to 300 words)

Leadership-Focused Essay : What experiences have shaped who you are, how you invest in others, and what kind of leader you want to become? (up to 250 words)

Growth-Oriented Essay : Curiosity can be seen in many ways. Please share an example of how you have demonstrated curiosity and how that has influenced your growth. (up to 250 words)

Recommendations:  
You will require two recommendations; the best recommenders are people who know you really well. These could be colleagues, supervisors or people with who you work on an activity outside work. Recommendation questions are:
 
  How do the candidate’s performance, potential, background, or personal qualities compare to those of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Please provide specific examples. (300 words)  
  Please describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (250 words)

MBADecoder · Answer

WHARTON MBA

Deadlines: 
 R1- 4 September, 2024
R2 – 3 January, 2025
R3- 2 April, 2025
Deferred Admission Round- 23 April, 2025
Applications must be submitted by 5 PM EST

Mandatory Questions:  
 Essay 1:  How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)

Tips from the adcom:
We recommend approaching this essay by addressing these three points:
The Setup: This is who I am, what I’m doing, and what I’ve learned
The Pivotal Moment: I realized I don’t know enough about X and need to gain skills in X to succeed
The Future: These are my short-term and long-term goals, and why I need an MBA from Wharton to achieve them

Essay 2:  Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

Tips from the adcom:
This essay provides you with a space to share how you can add value to our student-led community.
When approaching this essay, it’s helpful to mention some of the extracurricular and/or co-curricular involvements you hope to participate in at Wharton and how your previous experiences might allow you to positively influence those spaces.

Optional Essay:  Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. (500 words)

Tips from the adcom:
Bullet points are okay!
This essay is a good place to address information that you believe warrants any additional context.
Acknowledging any part of your application that you might feel is “weaker” will not disadvantage you in any way.

Required Essay for all Reapplicants:  Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)

Recommendations:  
Wharton requires  two recommendations  from individuals who know your performance in a work setting, preferably your current or former supervisors.

Recommendation questions are: 
1. Please provide example(s) that illustrate why you believe this candidate will find success in the Wharton MBA classroom. (Word count: 300)
2. Please provide example(s) that illustrate why you believe this candidate will find success throughout their career. (Word count: 300)

MBADecoder · Answer

Stanford MBA Essays

DEADLINES:  
 R1 - 10 September, 2024
R2 - 8 January, 2025
R3- 8 April, 2025

All deadlines are by 4.00 p.m. Pacific time

Mandatory Essays
Essay A: What matters most to you, and why? 
Tips from Adcom: For this essay, we would like you to reflect deeply and write from the heart. Once you’ve identified what matters most to you, help us understand why. You might consider, for example, what makes this so important to you? What people, insights, or experiences have shaped your perspectives?

Essay B: Why Stanford? 
Tips from Adcom: Describe your aspirations and how your Stanford GSB experience will help you realize them. If you are applying to both the MBA and MSx programs, use Essay B to address your interest in both programs.

Length: Both essays combined may not exceed 1,000 words. Stanford recommends up to 650 words for Essay A and up to 350 words for Essay B.

OPTIONAL ESSAY:
Think about a time in the last few years when you’ve created a positive impact, whether in professional, extracurricular, academic, or other settings. What was your impact? What made it significant to you or to others? You are welcome to share up to three examples (up to 1,200 characters, or approximately 200 words, for each example).

Tips from adcom: we ask you to tell us about who you are and how you think Stanford will help you achieve your aspirations. We are also interested in learning about the things you have done that are most meaningful to you. Using these optional spaces, perhaps you would like to expand upon a bullet item from your resume and tell us more about the “how” or “why” behind the “what.” Or maybe you have had an impact in a way that doesn’t fit neatly in another part of the application.

Recommendations: 
Stanford requires  TWO  letters of recommendations. One is required from a current direct supervisor and the second from another supervisor (like a past supervisor). Do not send recommendations from family members or your reports.

Recommendation questions are:
1. How does the applicant’s performance compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in
similar roles? Please provide specific examples. (Up to 500 words)
2 Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant.
Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (Up to 500 words)
3 (Optional) Is there anything else we should know? Please be concise.

Recommenders also have to fill a grid of characters or competencies (Similar to GMAC's). Download this here.

MBADecoder · Answer

BOOTH MBA ESSAYS:

Deadlines: 
  Round 1: 19 September, 2024
Round 2: 7 January, 2025
Round 3: 3 April, 2025
Booth Scholars: 29 April, 2025

MANDATORY ESSAYS

1. How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (250 word minimum)

2. An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are… (Minimum 250 words, no maximum).

Optional Question: 
Is there any unclear information in your application that needs further explanation?(300 word maximum)

Re-applicant Question: 
Upon reflection, how has your perspective regarding your future, Chicago Booth, and/or getting an MBA changed since the time of your last application? (Maximum 300 words.)

Recommendations:
Applicants must submit TWO letters of recommendation. The first LOR should be from your current supervisor. If you are not able to use your current supervisor, explain the reason in the optional essay. The second LOR can be from a person who has worked with you in an organization, club, or on a volunteer project.

Booth has used the common recommendation prescribed by GMAC. Here are the questions:
1. How does the applicant’s performance, potential, background, or personal qualities compare to those of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Please provide specific examples.
2. Please describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response.

MBADecoder · Answer

Kellogg MBA Deadlines and Essays

DEADLINES:  
  Round 1: 11 September, 2024
Round 2: 8 January, 2025
Round 3: 2 April, 2025

MANDATORY ESSAYS:

The following two essays are required of all applicants:

Essay 1: Intentionality is a key aspect of what makes our graduates successful Kellogg leaders. Help us understand your journey by articulating your motivations for pursuing an MBA, the specific goals you aim to achieve, and why you believe now is the right moment. Moreover, share why you feel Kellogg is best suited to serve as a catalyst for your career aspirations and what you will contribute to our community of lifelong learners during your time here. (450 words)

Essay 2: Kellogg leaders are primed to tackle challenges everywhere, from the boardroom to their neighborhoods. Describe a specific professional experience where you had to make a difficult decision. Reflecting on this experience, identify the values that guided your decision-making process and how it impacted your leadership style.

Optional essay:

All applicants have the opportunity to provide explanations or clarification in Additional Information. Use this section if you think the person reviewing your application might have a few questions about one or more of your responses. This could include:

Unexplained gaps in work experience
Academic, GMAT or GRE performance
Extenuating circumstances that we should be aware of when reviewing your application

1Y applicants will respond to additional questions: 
Please discuss your post-MBA career goal, the current experience you will leverage to support the transition, and the Kellogg 1Y opportunities that will help you reach this goal. (250 words)

Reapplications: 
If you have previously applied to Kellogg, you must submit a new online application with updated transcripts and resume.

How have you grown or changed personally and professionally since you previously applied and what steps have you taken to become the strongest candidate you can be? (250 words)

Video Essay:

Applicants have to answer the video essays after they submit their applications.These are due 96 hours after the application deadline.

You will have 20 seconds to think about the question and up to one minute to give your response. Your video essays should take about 20-25 minutes to complete

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: 
Applicants must submit  TWO  letters of recommendation. Ideally, one of these should come from a current supervisor while the second can come from someone who can evaluate your professional performance and your managerial/leadership potential e.g. a former supervisor, previous employer, client.
The recommendation questions are:

1. Kellogg has a diverse student body and values students who are inclusive and encouraging of others with differing perspectives and backgrounds. 2. Please tell us about a time when you witnessed the candidate living these values. (300 words)
3. How does the candidate’s performance compare to those of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Please provide specific examples. (300 words)
4. Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the candidate. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (250 words)

MBADecoder · Answer

LBS MBA essays

Deadlines 
 R1: 6 September, 2024
R2: 3 January, 2025
R3 : 24 March, 2025

Essay questions have changed this year, with one added question:

Question 1. (500 words) :  What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School programme contribute towards these?

Question 2. (200 words) :  What makes you unique?  (NEW QUESTION)

Optional Essay:
Question 3. (500 words):   Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School?

Other questions in different parts of the application form: 
1. Do you feel that your academic performance so far gives an accurate indication of your potential for success on the programme? If so, why? If not, why not?

2. Please outline your experience of working or studying in an English-speaking environment. Do you plan to take further English language tuition before the programme starts? (300 words max)

3. Please tell us your most significant international experiences to date. (100 words max)

4. Tell us about your main interests and activities in your free time. (300 words max)

5. We encourage applicants to take into consideration the impact of study on family and friends. Who have you discussed your plans with and what was the response? (300 words max)

6. If you know any London Business School Alumni or Students, please give their names, graduating class and tell us how you know them. (300 words max)

MBADecoder · Answer

ROSS MBA Essays

Deadlines:
Round 1: 9 September, 2024
Round 2: 6 January, 2025
Round 3: 24 March, 2025
All deadlines are 11.59 p.m. E.T.

MANDATORY ESSAYS:  
Part 1: Ross Experiences in Action-Based Learning (REAL)
At Michigan Ross, we believe the best way to learn is by doing. In our Full-Time MBA Program, you will put your skills and knowledge to the test in real-world situations with real stakes.
 How will this learning environment benefit you, and how do you plan to contribute to the action-based learning experience? (300 words)

Part 2: How will you make an impact at Michigan Ross? 
Michigan Ross is proud to support a community of leaders and impact makers. As a future member of this community, we want to know more about who you are and what drives you.
Please choose 1 of the following prompts to tell us more about what makes you stand out beyond your academic and work experience. List the prompt you are answering at the top of your response. (200 words)

What makes you unique?

Can you provide a specific example of how you've overcome a personal challenge?

What makes you excited to get up each morning?

Describe a time when you made a difference in your community or with an individual.

Part 3: Career Aspirations 
 What is your short-term career goal, and how will Ross help you achieve it? (200 words)

Optional Essay 
Is there something in your resume or application that needs a brief explanation? Appropriate uses of this essay would be the explanation of an employment gap, academic outliers, choice of recommender, completion of supplemental coursework, etc. You may use bullet points where appropriate. (250 words)

Recommendations:  
Ross requires ONE recommendation, ideally from your current or former supervisor. other alternatives include a client or a mentor.  The recommendation questions are

1. Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant's role in your organization. (50 words)
2. How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? (E.g., what are the applicant's principal strengths?) (500 words)
3. Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (500 words)

MBADecoder · Answer

TUCK MBA ESSAYS

Deadlines: 
Round 1: 26 September, 2024.
Round 2: 6 January, 2025
Round 3: 26 March, 2025

R1 Guaranteed Interview deadline: 3 September, 2024
R2 Guaranteed Interview deadline: 2 December, 2024

All deadlines are at 5.00 p.m. EST
 
  Mandatory Essays  
 
 Why are you pursuing an MBA and why now? How will the distinct Tuck MBA contribute to achieving your goals and aspirations? (300 words) 
 Tell us who you are. How have your values and experiences shaped your identity and character? How will your background contribute to the diverse Tuck culture and community? (300 words) 
 Describe a time you meaningfully contributed to someone else’s sense of inclusion in your professional or personal community. (300 words)

Optional Essay: 
Please provide any additional insight or information that you have not addressed elsewhere (e.g., atypical choice of references, factors affecting academic performance, unexplained job gaps or changes). Complete this question only if you feel your candidacy is not fully represented by this application. (300 words)

Reapplicant Essay: 
How have you strengthened your candidacy since you last applied? Please reflect on how you have grown personally and professionally. (300 words)

Recommendations:  
You must submit TWO recommendations. Reco questions are:
 
 Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization. (50 words) 
 How does the applicant’s performance compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Provide specific examples. (500 words) 
 Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (500 words) 
 Optional: Is there anything else we should know?

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MBADecoder · Answer

Yale MBA Essays 2024-25   Deadlines for Yale MBA Application:

Round 1: 10 September, 2024
Round 2: 7 January, 2025
Round 3: 8 April, 2025

Career Related Essay questions:  
Briefly describe your career interests and how you arrived at them. What have you already done to pursue these interests? What do you need to do going forward?(200 words maximum)

Which industry best aligns with your short-term, post-MBA career interests?
(Drop down Menu)

Which industry best aligns with your long-term, post-MBA career interests?
(Drop down Menu)

Essays  
Select from ONE AMONG the following THREE PROMPTS (500 words):

1) Describe the biggest commitment you have ever made. Why is this commitment meaningful to you and what actions have you taken to support it?

2) Describe the community that has been most meaningful to you. What is the most valuable thing you have gained from being a part of this community and what is the most important thing you have contributed to this community?

3) Describe the most significant challenge you have faced. How have you confronted this challenge and how has it shaped you as a person?

Adcom’s tips: In answering the prompt – whichever one it is – you should think about the life experiences that have been most meaningful to you and that you most want to communicate to the committee, and pick the question that will best allow you to express that aspect of yourself. We find that the most compelling essays are the ones that are truly important to you, so make sure that’s your guide in choosing what to write about; don’t try to guess what we’re looking for or what you think we want to hear. Importantly, regardless of which prompt you choose, you’ll want to support your essay with concrete examples.

Optional Essay:  
If any aspect of your candidacy needs further explanation, please provide a brief description here. (200 words maximum)
 Adcom’s tips: Consider providing additional context if it will allow us to better understand your academic performance, promotions or recognitions, or other information that is not apparent from the rest of your application. If you’ve taken concrete steps to mitigate a weaker element of your application or have an accomplishment that does not fit anywhere else in the application, you might include that here. Note that you should use the specific prompts provided in the Work Experience section to address gaps in work experience or choice of recommender.

After the application submission:  
 
 Submit the Video Questions. Applicants are required to record three video questions. These questions are randomized and no two applicants will receive the same questions. 
 Submit the Behavioral Assessment. After you pay the application fee, a link to the behavioral assessment will appear on your status page. The assessment is a series of questions that require no prior preparation and take about 20 minutes to complete. It measures a set of interpersonal and intrapersonal competencies associated with business school success.

Recommendations:  
Yale requires two sets of recommendations. Of these atleast one should be from a recommender at your most recent job. If you are an entrepreneur or work for your family’s business, you may get a professional recommendation from a client or mentor. To make the process easier for recommenders, Yale accepts recos written in English, Spanish, and Chinese. following are the reco questions:
 
 Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization. (Recommended word count: 50 words) 
 How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? (E.g. what are the applicant’s principal strengths?) (Recommended word count: 500 words) 
 Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (Recommended word count: 500 words) 
 Are you in a position to know whether the applicant is sponsored for the MBA by his or her current employer? If so, please comment. 
 (Optional) Is there anything else we should know?

MBADecoder · Answer

MIT MBA Essays 2024-25

Deadlines:
R1: 30 September, 2024
R2: 14 January, 2025
R3: 7 April, 2025

Applications should be submitted by 3:00 p.m. EST

ESSAY QUESTIONS:

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 professional examples that illustrate why you meet the desired criteria above, and be addressed to the Admissions Committee (300 words or fewer, excluding address and salutation).

VIDEO 1: 
 Introduce yourself to your future classmates.  Here’s your chance to put a face with a name, let your personality shine through, be conversational, be yourself. We can’t wait to meet you!

Videos should adhere to the following guidelines:
* No more than 1 minute (60 second) in length
* Single take (no editing)
* Speaking directly to the camera
* Do not include background music or subtitles

VIDEO 2: 
All MBA applicants will be prompted to respond to a randomly generated, open-ended question. The question is designed to help us get to know you better; to see how you express yourself and to assess fit with the MIT Sloan culture. It does not require prior preparation.

Video Essay 2 is part of your required application materials and will appear as a page within the application, once the other parts of your application are completed. Applicants are given 10 seconds to prepare for a 60-second response.

RECOMMENDATIONS: 
ONE recommendation is needed, ideally from a manager or supervisor. The recommender should answer the following questions:
 
 How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant? 
 How does the applicant stand out from others in a similar capacity? 
 Please give an example of the applicant’s impact on a person, group, or organization. 
 Please give a representative example of how the applicant interacts with other people. 
 Please tell us anything else you think we should know about this applicant. 
 Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response.  
 ADDITIONAL REFERENCES: 
In addition to one required recommendation, applicants can provide the names of two other recommenders from a professional context. If the adcom feels the need for more inputs on your candidature, they will reach out to these recommenders separately.

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART: 
To help us better understand your current role and the impact that you have on your team and department, please submit an organizational chart. We should be able to clearly understand the internal structure of your organization, where you sit in your organization, and your line of reporting.

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MBADecoder · Answer

DUKE MBA ESSAYS

Deadlines:
Early Action: 4 September 2024
R1- 1 October, 2025
R2 – 9 January, 2025
R3- 20 February, 2025
R4 – 3 April, 2025

Required short-answer essay question:

What are your post-MBA career goals? Share with us your first choice career plan and your alternate plan. ( Word limit: 500 characters, the equivalent of about 100 words).

First required essay: 25 random things about yourself

The ‘Team Fuqua’ spirit and community is one of the things that sets the MBA experience apart, and it is a concept that extends beyond the student body to include faculty, staff, and administration. Please share with us “25 Random Things” about you. The Admissions Committee wants to get to know YOU – beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript. Share with us important life experiences, your hobbies, achievements, fun facts, or anything that helps us understand what makes you who you are. (Word Limit- 2 pages, 750 words maximum, 1.5-line spacing and a font size no smaller than 10-point).

Second required essay: The Fuqua community and you

Fuqua prides itself on cultivating a culture of engagement. Our students enjoy a wide range of student-led organizations that provide opportunities for leadership development and personal fulfillment, as well as an outlet for contributing to society. Our student-led government, clubs, centers, and events are an integral part of the student culture and to the development of leaders. Based on your understanding of the Fuqua culture, what are 3 ways you expect to contribute at Fuqua? ( Word Limit- 1 page, 300 words maximum, 1.5-line spacing and a font size no smaller than 10-point).

Optional essay: Tell us more

If you feel there are circumstances of which the admissions committee should be aware, please explain them here (e.g. unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance). DO NOT upload additional essays nor additional recommendations in this area. The Optional Information section is intended to provide the admissions committee with insight into your circumstances only. (Word Limit: 1 page, 300 words maximum).

Other Application Requirements:

Standardized Test Scores: 
Fuqua accepts GMAT, GRE, and Executive Assessment (EA) scores.

Recommendations: 
New applicants are required to submit ONE letter of recommendation. They can also submit an additional letter of recommendation.

Note: In addition to the two required recommendations, applicants can provide additional endorsements from Fuqua alumni or current students. Applicants will be eligible for application fee waivers if there is an endorsement form submitted on their behalf.

At least one recommendation should reflect your performance in your most recent professional setting. Volunteer activities or other service-oriented roles are also good sources for recommendations. Academic recommendations and recommendations from relatives and friends are discouraged.

Following are the Recommendation questions:
1. Comment briefly on the context of your interaction with the applicant.
2. How do the applicant’s performance, potential, or personal qualities compare to those of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles?
3. What do you perceive as the applicant’s areas for growth?
4. Describe the applicant’s awareness of these areas and his/her response to constructive feedback.
5. Please include additional comments you feel will be helpful to the admissions committee.

MBADecoder · Answer

Haas MBA Essays

Deadlines: 
 Round 1: 12 September, 2024
Round 2: 9 January, 2025
Round 3: 3 April, 2025

Haas MBA Essays for 2024-2025  
Our distinctive culture is defined by four key principles – Question the Status Quo, Confidence Without Attitude, Students Always, and Beyond Yourself. We encourage you to reflect on your experiences, values, and passions so that you may craft thoughtful and authentic responses that demonstrate your fit with our program – culturally, academically, and professionally.

Required Essay 1: 
 What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why? (300 words max)

Required Essay 2: 
 What are your short-term and long-term career goals, and how will an MBA from Haas help you achieve those goals?  (Short-term career goals should be achievable within 3-5 years post-MBA, whereas long-term goals may span a decade or more and encompass broader professional aspirations.) (300 words max)

Required Essay 3: 
One of our goals at Berkeley Haas is to develop leaders who value diversity and to create an inclusive environment in which people from different ethnicities, genders, lived experiences, and national origins feel welcomed and supported.

Describe any experience or exposure you have in the area of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging whether through community organizations, personal, or in the workplace? (300 words max)

Candidates seeking consideration for mission-aligned fellowships may use this space to reflect on their commitment to the mission of those fellowships.

VIDEO ESSAY:  
The Berkeley MBA program develops leaders who embody our four Defining Leadership Principles. Briefly introduce yourself to the admissions committee, explain which Defining Leadership Principle resonates most with you, and tell us how you have exemplified the principle in your personal or professional life. Video essays should last 1-2 minutes and may not exceed 2 minutes.

OPTIONAL ESSAYS  
Some applicants may have faced hardships or unusual life circumstances, and we will consider the maturity, perseverance, and thoughtfulness with which they have responded to and/or overcome them.

Optional Information #1 
We invite you to help us better understand the context of your opportunities and achievements.

Optional Information #2 
This section should only be used to convey relevant information not addressed elsewhere in your application. This may include explanation of employment gaps, academic aberrations, supplemental coursework, etc. You are encouraged to use bullet points where appropriate.

Supplemental Information 
If you have not provided a letter of recommendation from your current supervisor, please explain. If not applicable, enter N/A.

1. List, in order of importance, significant community and professional organizations and extracurricular activities in which you have been involved during or after university studies. Include the following information for each using the format below:
Name of organization or activity
Nature of organization or activity
Size of organization
Dates of involvement
Offices held
Average number of hours spent per week

2. List full-time and part-time jobs held during undergraduate or graduate studies indicating the employer, job title, employment dates, location, and the number of hours worked per week for each position held prior to the completion of your degree.

3. If you have ever been subject to academic discipline, placed on probation, suspended, or required to withdraw from any college or university, please explain. If not, please enter N/A. (An affirmative response to this question does not automatically disqualify you from admission.)

Letters of Recommendations:

Haas requires  two letters of recommendations  and prefer atleast one from a current employer/ current supervisor. If you are not getting a recommendation from a current supervisor, explain why in the supplemental section.

Following are the Recommendation questions:

Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization. (upto 500 words) 
 How does the applicant’s performance compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Please provide specific examples. (E.g. what are the applicant’s principal strengths?) (upto 500 words) 
 Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (upto 500 words) 
 (Optional) Is there anything else we should know?

MBADecoder · Answer

DARDEN MBA Essays 2024-25

Deadlines:
Early Action: 5 September, 2024
Round 1: 2 October, 2024
Round 3: 7 January, 2025
Round 4: 2 April, 2025

Darden’s essays questions are a series of small, multiple questions that allow the admissions team to understand “who you are and who you will be at Darden”:

Essay 1: Community of Belonging:  What would you want your classmates to know about you that is not on your resume? (100 words)

Essay 2: Inclusive Impact:  Please describe a tangible example that illuminates your experience promoting an inclusive environment and what you would bring to creating a welcoming, global community at Darden. (300 words)

Essay 3: Careers With Purpose:  At this time how would you describe your short-term, post-MBA goal in terms of industry, function, geography, company size and/or mission and how does it align with the long-term vision you have for your career? (200 words)

*- the Early application round at Darden is non-binding. That means,  you do not  have to withdraw your applications from other business schools if you get an admit a Darden

Recommendations: 
Darden requires ONE recommendation;  which should preferably be work-related. More recommendations may be submitted but use your discretion whether they offer new insights about you. Recommendation questions are:

1. Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization.
2. How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles?
3. Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response.

Interview: 
Darden has an open interview period from mid-July until end of September. Applicants who apply in Early application deadline, need not wait for an interview invite. They can, on their initiative, schedule an interview. Applicants applying to Round 1, 2 or 3 can interview only on invitation. Applicants living in the US must visit campus.

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MBADecoder · Answer

STERN MBA ESSAYS:

Deadlines for NYU STERN
R1: 16 September, 2024
R2: 16 October, 2024
R3: 16 January, 2025
R4: 16 April, 2025

MANDATORY ESSAY QUESTIONS:

Professional Aspirations (150 words maximum): 
• What are your short and long-term career goals?

Essay 1: Change: it 
(350 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)
In today’s global business environment, the only constant is change. Using NYU Stern’s brand call to action, we want to know how you view change. Change: __ it. Fill in the blank with a word of your choice. Why does this word resonate with you? How will you embrace your own personal tagline while at Stern? Examples:

Change: Dare it.
Change: Dream it.
Change: Drive it.
Change: Empower it.
Change: Manifest it.
Change:   it.

Essay 2: Personal Expression (a.k.a. “Pick Six”): 
Introduce yourself to the Admissions Committee and to your future classmates using six images and corresponding captions. The Pick Six is a way to share more about the qualities you will bring to the Stern community, beyond your professional and academic achievements. Your uploaded PDF should contain all of the following elements:

A brief introduction or overview of your “Pick Six” (no more than 3 sentences). 
Six images that help illustrate your interests, values, motivations, perspective and/or personality.
A one-sentence caption for each of the six images that helps explain why they were selected and are significant to you.
Note: Your visuals may include photos, infographics, drawings, or any other images. Your document must be uploaded as a single PDF. The essay cannot be sent in physical form or be linked to a website.

Optional Essay: 
Please provide any additional information that you would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee and/or give context to your application. This may include important aspects of yourself not otherwise apparent in your application, including but not limited to: hardships you have encountered, current or past gaps in employment, further explanation of your undergraduate record or self-reported academic transcript(s), plans to retake the GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment, IELTS or TOEFL, or any other relevant information. (500 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)

Recommendations: 
  Stern requires ONE EQ endorsement .  A second one can be submitted but is not required.

1. Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization.
2. How does the applicant’s performance compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles (if applicable)? Please provide specific examples. (E.g. what are the applicant’s principal strengths?)
3. Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response.
4. IQ+EQ is a core value of NYU Stern, and we seek exceptional individuals who possess both intellectual and interpersonal strengths. Emotional intelligence (EQ) skills such as self-awareness, empathy, communication and self-management are at the core of our community of leaders. Please provide one specific and compelling example to demonstrate the applicant’s emotional intelligence.
5. (Optional) Is there anything else we should know?
.

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CORNELL MBA Essays

Application Deadlines:
Round 1 : 18 September, 2024
Round 2 : 9 January, 2025
Round 3: 10 April, 2025
Deadlines are 11 p.m. Eastern time

Goals Statement Prompt:

To the best of your understanding today, please share your short and long term goals by completing the following sentences and answering the enclosed short answer question (350 words maximum):

Immediately post-MBA, my goal is to work as a(n)   at   within  .
Targeted Job Role:
Target Job Company:
Industry:

In 5–10 years post-MBA, my goal is to work as a(n)   at   within  .
Targeted Job Role:
Target Job Company:
Industry:

Please share how you plan to utilize the resources available to you at Johnson as well as any existing resources you bring to the program to help you secure your post-MBA career goal. (350 words)

Essay 2: Select one between the two:

Impact Essay: 
At Cornell, our students and alumni share a desire to positively impact the organizations and communities they serve. How do you intend to make a meaningful impact on the Johnson community? (350 words maximum)

OR

The Unique Trait that Defines Me: 
What is something unique about you that others will remember you by? (350 words maximum)

Optional Essay: 
You may use this essay to call attention to items needing clarification and to add additional details to any aspects of your application that do not accurately reflect your potential for success at Johnson (350 words maximum).

Reapplicants: 
If you are reapplying for admission, please use the optional essay to indicate how you have strengthened your application and candidacy since the last time you applied for admission. Please also review our Application Guide for additional information about reapplying (350 words maximum).

You are also required to submit a new letter of recommendation (though, it can be from the same person).

Recommendation:
 One recommendation is required,   but you may submit up to two. The recommendation should preferably be from your past or current supervisor, client or colleague. If you are a reapplicant, you still have to submit a new recommendation.

Cornell uses the GMAC recommendation format. The recommendation questions are:

1. Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization. (Up to 50 words)
2. How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? (E.g. what are the applicant’s principal strengths?) (Up to 500 words)
3. Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (Up to 500 words)
Is there anything else we should know? (Optional)

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INSEAD MBA ESSAYS:

Deadlines for September Intake:
Round 1: 10 September 2024
Round 2: 5 November 2024
Round 3: 14 January 2025
Round 4: 4 March 2025

Job Description Essays
1. Briefly summarise your current (or most recent) job, including the nature of work, major responsibilities, and where relevant, employees under your supervision, size of budget, clients/products and results achieved. ((200 words maximum)

2. What would be your next step in terms of position if you were to remain in the same company instead of going to business school? (200 words maximum)

3. Please give a full description of your career since graduating from university. Describe your career path with the rationale behind your choices. (short answer)

4. Discuss your short and long term career aspirations with an MBA from INSEAD. (100 words maximum)

5. (optional) If you are currently not working or if you plan to leave your current employer more than 2 months before the programme starts, please explain your activities and occupations between leaving your job and the start of the programme.

Motivational Essays
1. Give a candid description of yourself (who are you as a person), stressing the personal characteristics you feel to be your strengths and weaknesses and the main factors which have influenced your personal development, giving examples when necessary (maximum 500 words).
Read my analysis: https://mbadecoder.com/insead_for_indian_applicants/

2. Consider a situation where you failed to achieve your objective(s). How did you handle failure? What did you learn about yourself and/or your interactions with others from this situation? (400 words)

4. Is there anything else that was not covered in your application that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee? (maximum 300 words)

Video Essays:
Once you submit your application online, you will get access to a link for submitting your video essays. You will have 48 hours to complete and submit these. These together with the online form complete the stage one of the application.

The video is an opportunity for you to share your passions, your motivations and who you truly are. The Admissions Committee is interested in obtaining an authentic view of you as a person, to see how you think on your feet and how you convey your ideas. You will have to answers to 4 questions. You will get 45 seconds to prepare each answer and 60 seconds to record your answer.

Other Application Components:

Resume:
You can use your own format for the resume or use the format suggested by INSEAD for drafting your resume.

Recommendations:
You are required to submit two professional recommendations. From these, at least one should come from your workplace while the other recommendation should be from someone who can evaluate you in a professional setting. You can also provide an optional third letter of recommendation.

Recommendations should be submitted within 48 hours of the deadline.

Interview:
Interviews are by invitation only. There are two interviews, and these are normally conducted by alumni.

Reapplications:
Reapplication is not that easy at INSEAD. They welcome you to apply, but only if your profile has gone through significant changes.

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Columbia MBA Essays

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IESE MBA Essays

Deadlines:

R1 September 26, 2024  
  R2 January 9, 2025  
  R3 March 20, 2025  
  R4 May 6, 2025  
  All application deadlines are 23:59 Barcelona time

Career Goals Essay:  
What are your immediate career goals after graduation and your mid-term career goal 5-10 years after graduation? How will the IESE MBA program help you achieve them?” (word limit 300 max)

Optional Essay: 
What would you like to highlight about yourself or your journey which may have not been captured in your application? (word limit 300 max)

Scholarship Essay: 
Why do you think you deserve a scholarship?   450 words

Video Essay:  This year you will also complete a Video Essay as part of the application. Once you submit the written application and pay the application fees, you will receive a Kira Video Essay link (within 24-hours) to be completed by the Application Round Deadline. The link will expire in 48-hours after receipt, hence to provide yourself with adequate time we recommend submitting the written section a few days ahead of the deadline. There will be two video essay questions that you will be required to complete. We will consider your application as complete and ready to be reviewed only once we have received your answers to the video questions. All instructions for this section will be shared with you along with the link.

Recommendations: 
One Letter of recommendation is required. You may register up to 3 recommenders for this application if you consider it necessary.

This letter should reflect your capacities in the work environment. Recommendations from former employers or clients, and extra-curricular activities such as Volunteer Organizations can also be considered.

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UCLA MBA

Deadlines:  
  Round 1: 1 October, 2024  
  Round 2: 6 January, 2025  
  Round 3: 7 April, 2025

UCLA MBA’s Essay questions for the 2024-2025 admission cycle are:

Short Essay Questions (mandatory for first time applicants): 
1. Why are you pursuing an MBA? (150 words)

2. Describe your short-term and long-term post-MBA career goals. (150 words)

3. At Anderson, our mission is to prepare transformative leaders by developing students to think innovatively, problem-solve, and adapt to others – all with a driven and purposeful mindset. How do you plan to achieve your goals and develop into a transformative leader during your time at UCLA Anderson? (250 words)

Optional Essay: 
Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions committee should be aware? (250 words maximum)

Recommendations:  
UCLA requires two recommendations from individuals who know your performance in a work setting, preferably your current supervisors or managers who are best equipped to answer questions about your leadership, communication, teamwork and initiative.

If you are unable to ask a current supervisor for a recommendation, then you can ask a former boss, a manager from another department, or a consultant or client who knows you well enough to answer the questions insightfully.

Recommendation questions are: 
1. Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization (50 words)
2. How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? E.g. what are the applicant’s principal strengths? (Recommended word count- 300 words)
3. Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response (Recommended word count- 300 words)

Reapplicants:  
Reapplicants are required to answer the first two Short Essay Prompts. It is suggested, but not required, to also answer the third Short Essay Prompt, as well as the Optional Essay.

Recommendation: Reapplicants can submit only one new recommendation (can be same recommender as previous application)

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