When I started writing my MBA essays, I kept asking myself:
“Is this story impressive enough?”Should I talk about a big win? A personal setback? Something dramatic?
I thought I needed a “hero moment” to stand out, but that mindset slowed me down more than anything.
Here’s what I’ve learned:- It’s not about how big your story is. You don’t need to start a company or save the world. What matters is what the experience meant to you—what you learned, how it changed you.
- Pick a story only you can tell. If someone with a similar background could write it, it’s probably too generic.
- Emotion > accomplishment. Your biggest growth might show up in the messy parts—uncertainty, failure, or unexpected clarity. That’s what makes your story real.
I ended up writing about something that didn’t seem “impressive” at all. But it was the piece that resonated most.
Curious—what kind of story are you considering for your essay?Happy to trade thoughts if you’re unsure where to start.