How to Write a Great MBA Essay: 10 Tips, and 10 Mistakes to Avoid

­Dear MBA aspirant,

Whether you are starting your essay from scratch or seeking to enhance your existing draft, this article aims to equip you with the necessary tools to create essays that showcase your unique qualities, potential, and dedication to craft standout essays.

Drawing from my own experiences working with numerous candidates, I present 10 tips to help you structure, articulate, and present your qualifications, experiences, and aspirations in a way that resonates with the admissions committee.

It’s not only about what to do though; it’s equally crucial to be aware of the common pitfalls that could hinder the impact of your essay. Therefore, we discuss 10 critical mistakes to avoid during your writing process.

Before we delve into the strategies, let’s take a look at why MBA essays are important, and what MBA admissions committees seek. Check out my full article here for the deepdive

What AdComs Look for in MBA Essays

When evaluating essays, MBA admissions committees focus on:

• Writing Abilities: Admissions committees assess your writing skills, coherence, and clarity in presenting your ideas.
• Personal Characteristics: The essays provides insights into your personality, values, and traits that make you YOU.
• Business Experience: Your essays highlight your professional experiences and accomplishments in the business world.

To that end, MBA programs seek applicants with:

• Creativity and Critical Thinking: A strong ability to think critically, creatively solve problems, and innovate in the business realm.
• Clear Goals: A clear and well-defined set of career goals that align with the program’s offerings.
• Well-Roundedness: Demonstrated efforts in engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

The good news: crafting an outstanding MBA admission essay allows you to present your best self, increasing your chances at your dream MBA program.

10 Tips for Writing a Great MBA Essay

Crafting a compelling MBA essay is an art that requires careful thought, self-reflection, and strategic storytelling.

Here are 10 tips that will help you navigate the essay writing process effectively:

1. Start Early: Give yourself enough time to brainstorm, write, and revise. Rushed essays may lack depth and coherence.
2. Focus on the Opening: Make your introduction captivating to grab the reader’s attention and set the tone for the rest of the essay.
3. Answer the Question Directly: Stay focused on the essay prompt and ensure your essay directly answers the question asked.
4. Address Weaknesses Positively: If you have any weaknesses in your profile, such as gaps in employment or low GMAT/GRE scores, address them honestly but positively, emphasizing how you have learned and grown from these experiences.
5. Show Cultural Fit: Demonstrate how your values and personality align with the school’s culture and values.
6. Emphasize Impact: Highlight not just what you did but also the impact of your actions on your team, organization, or community.
7. Avoid Generic Statements: Stay away from cliches and generalities. Be specific and unique in your essay.
8. Stay Within the Word Limit: Adhere to the specified word limit. Admissions committees appreciate candidates who can convey their ideas concisely.
9. Connect Your Past and Future: Draw a clear connection between your past experiences and your future aspirations, explaining how the MBA program will bridge the gap.
10. Proofread Thoroughly: Typos and grammatical errors reflect poorly on your attention to detail. Proofread your essay meticulously before submission.

10 Mistakes to Avoid While Writing your MBA Essays

1. Copying from Sample Essays: Admissions committees read numerous essays and can spot generic content or plagiarized sections. Write an original essay that represents your unique story.
2. Exaggeration and False Claims: Be honest about your achievements and avoid exaggerating your accomplishments. False claims can lead to a negative impression.
3. Neglecting the School’s Specifics: Each MBA program has distinct features. Avoid submitting a generic essay that could be used for any school. Tailor your essay to the specific program you are applying to.
4. Too Much Jargon: While some industry-specific language may be appropriate, excessive jargon can make your essay hard to understand for non-experts.
5. Ignoring Instructions: Follow all the application instructions carefully. This includes word limits, formatting guidelines, and any additional materials required.
6. Second-guessing the Admissions Committee: Avoid changing anecdotes, adding points or providing justifications (e.g. for why MBA, what is your post MBA goal, etc.) with your expectation or guess of what the AdCom would like to read. Authentic essays are key to differentiate yourself, and any responses resulting from second-guessing can be spotted.
7. Lack of Proofreading: Spelling and grammar errors can create a negative impression. Always proofread your essay thoroughly before submission.
8. Superficiality: Avoid writing a superficial essay that merely lists your accomplishments without providing context or reflection. Go beyond the surface and delve into the reasons behind your choices and experiences.
9. Negativity or Blaming Others: Refrain from expressing negativity, blaming others for your failures, or making excuses. Instead, focus on how you have overcome challenges and grown as a result.
10. Repeating Information from Other Application Components: Avoid duplicating information already present in your resume, transcripts, or recommendation letters. Your MBA essay should complement the rest of your application rather than rehashing the same details.

The road to writing a stellar MBA essay may be challenging, but it's a voyage worth undertaking. Embrace the journey and seize the opportunity to stand out among the best as you embark on your MBA adventure.

Drop me a line if you'd like personalized support on your B-school application journey.

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