why do i want to study mba essay

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A Guide to “Why MBA?” and “Why Our Business School?” Essays

D uring your MBA application campaign, you will almost certainly be asked why you believe you need an MBA. Often, this question is not just about “Why MBA?” it is also asking why you want an MBA from that particular business school.

The “Why MBA” Essay is your chance to convince admissions officers that their school is the perfect fit for what you are looking for in an MBA program. The best essays are both personal and specific. You need to effectively convey what you are seeking from an MBA program and tell the admissions committee why their school will best meet your needs. This article takes a close look at the “Why Our Business School” Essay and provides you with the insights, tools, and examples you need to succeed.

First, we’ll talk about the common mistakes that applicants make when writing a “Why MBA” Essay and highlight resources for preparing better answers. We’ll also share the characteristics of an outstanding essay response. We’ll even provide you with a set of building blocks for crafting a unique and powerful essay of your own.

In the final section of this article, we analyze a sample “Why Our Business School?” Essay so that you see all of the principles in this article in action.

Common Mistakes in a “Why MBA” Essay

You might seriously undermine your chances for admission to a top-tier program with a weak or generic answer to the “Why MBA” question.

Effectively answering this MBA essay question begins with careful research to select which business schools to apply to. That work will take more than browsing the rankings and spending a few minutes on each program’s website. When admissions committees ask you why you are applying to their school, you need to explain at a deeper level what you’re hoping to gain from an MBA program and how that exact school best meets your needs.

Because so many applicants submit generic, flawed answers to the “Why MBA” question, it’s worth spending a few moments examining an ineffective essay response.

Here we have printed an example MBA essay written by an aspiring student who failed to read this article and follow our advice:

I am applying to your school because I need a thorough grounding in general management and the key business disciplines. In your program, I will have the opportunity to study with world-class professors, alongside ambitious students who have distinguished themselves as future leaders. Your school’s alumni network will open doors and prepare me for long-term success. In short, I couldn’t be more excited about spending the next two years in your program and would be honored if offered the opportunity to do so.

This would-be MBA will cut and paste this response into all of his MBA applications and assume that he’s adequately explained his motivations for applying for an MBA. Months later, he’ll scratch his head and wonder what went wrong when the “ding letters” start rolling in from business schools he hoped to attend.

But what’s wrong with this example essay? His reasons for applying to the school appear logical on the surface, and he’s written flattering things about the program.

To understand the problems with this sample essay, put yourself in an admissions officer’s shoes. Would this essay response convince you that the applicant knows what sets your program apart from the others? Has he proven that your school is an excellent fit with his specific career goals, academic needs, and cultural expectations?

An effective “Why MBA” essay begins with thoughtful research on the programs available. If you haven’t started your school research , then you have plenty of work to do before you begin outlining the contents of this kind of essay. Once you have chosen your target programs, you’ll need to dig deeper into the specific resources each program offers that make it a good fit.

Research Tips for “Why Our School” MBA Essays

Where can you go to generate valuable material for a “Why Our Business School?” MBA essay? Here are some sources you may not have considered:

Visit the School

School visits will provide you with first-hand observations that admissions officers appreciate. For example, in your essays and interview, you can reference students you met and things that stood out to you while visiting the school. However, don’t go overboard; if it feels like you are name-dropping or padding your answer, this strategy can backfire.

Join Official Email Distribution Lists and Read Admissions Blogs

Many MBA admission offices communicate regularly through traditional and new media channels. We recommend that you make every effort to stay on top of information the admissions office publishes. Be sure to add your email to the distribution list of each school on your target list so that you don’t miss important news and events.

Follow Student Blogs

An increasing number of MBA students are writing blogs to share their experiences in business school; while some are sanctioned by the admissions office, others are not. Do not overlook these opportunities to benefit from current students’ eye-witness accounts.

Talk to Current Students

An information source even more valuable than a student blog is a chat, whether on the phone or in person, with a current student. Many MBA students are happy to play the role of ambassadors for their program and give you the “inside scoop” on classes, clubs, and the student experience. Officers of student clubs related to your personal or professional interests are possible options if you don’t have friends or friends-of-friends in your network. Make sure to respect the time of everyone you speak to — they are very busy people. Think carefully about what you want to learn so that you can ask questions that will lead to great insights for your “Why MBA” essay.

Chat with Alumni

The school’s alumni network is one of the most critical assets of any MBA program. Many alumni are ready and willing to tell you more about their experiences and relive their days in the program by sharing them with prospective students. Search your professional networks (such as LinkedIn) for connections to alumni from the schools you will apply to and ask them if they would be willing to have a quick chat with you about their alma mater.

Once you’ve gathered this information, it’s time to start thinking about which data points to include and how to assemble them. To do this successfully, you need to know how to score top marks with the admissions officer reading your essay.

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How to Score Top Marks on the “Why MBA” Essay

The best answers to the “Why MBA” essay questions are both personal and specific. They are personal because they cover the unique challenges that you need to prepare for, given your short-term and long-term career goals. They are specific because they draw distinct connections between your motivations for an MBA and the distinctive resources that a particular school offers. An excellent response will prove that you don’t just want an MBA; you want an MBA from that individual school!

Let’s look at the characteristics of an outstanding “Why MBA” Essay.

First off, MBA admissions officers tend to use the “Why MBA” essay question as a test of your decision-making abilities and your ability to communicate your rationale for a decision. These skills are fundamental to succeeding in business school and as a business leader in the future.

Do you have crystal clear reasons for pursuing an MBA at that school? By this stage in your application process, you need to have the building blocks of a convincing case for pursuing an MBA and pursuing an MBA there . Armed with those points, you are ready to make your case to the admissions officers. Your overarching objective is to persuade admissions officers that attending this program will benefit you tremendously – not just any student, but you specifically.

In the earlier essay example, you learned not to cut-and-paste boilerplate reasons for why you want an MBA. Instead, show admissions officers that you genuinely understand the school’s unique resources and culture. “Boilerplate” answers like “I’m applying because you have great professors, an amazing student body, and a powerful alumni network” just won’t cut it. Look carefully at each point in your essay outline – if you can make the same point about any top MBA program, then you haven’t tailored your essay enough to prove to the admissions committee that you value what their school has to offer.

Building on that idea, write about the classes, clubs, professors, and special programs that matter most to you. An essay that sounds like a list of bullet points analyzing the program’s competitive advantages can entirely miss the mark. The things that are different about the school must connect to your learning goals — the new skills, knowledge, and experiences you hope to acquire in the program that will help you succeed in the future. Armed with a clear understanding of your learning agenda, tell admissions officers how you plan to close those gaps as a student at their school.

If you’ve done your school due diligence, you’ve taken active steps to get to know the program. However, simply name-dropping the professors, students, or alumni you’ve spoken to won’t help. Instead, tell your reader what you learned in your school research that impressed you and why.

Next, once you have a complete draft, consider the tone of your essay – have you expressed excitement and enthusiasm? Your emotional and personal reasons for applying can be just as convincing as the logical ones.

Finally, while some schools may ask a separate “what you plan to contribute” essay , this prompt offers another opportunity to share plans for being an active contributor on campus. For example, if you write about a student club that appeals to you, also tell the admissions officers how you might make the club even better as a student leader.

Let’s take a look at the content building blocks for an outstanding “Why MBA” Essay.

Content Building Blocks for the “Why MBA” Essay

You already know that, to create a strong “Why MBA” Essay, your points must be personal, specific, and convincing. The trick is to connect your learning goals — the new skills, knowledge, experience, and relationships you must have to succeed in your future career – with the unique resources that impressed you about the school — the academic programs, professors, student organizations, special programs, and relationships that only this school can offer you.

On the way to showing you an effective sample MBA essay, let’s look at the brainstorming process of a hypothetical applicant who has a plan for showcasing personal and specific evidence for her “Why MBA” essay.

Our case study applicant “Cheryl” plans to start a luxury retail goods company long-term. In general, Cheryl wants to build marketing expertise through an MBA. Specifically, she wants to acquire expertise in building a brand in the luxury retail sector. During her school research, she discovered that Columbia had several courses, professors, and resources that matched her learning goals. She combined her career planning and school research to create sharp points for her “Why MBA” essay.

First of all, Cheryl will go beyond boilerplate answers such as “I need to learn about marketing” and plans to write about the “Design and Marketing of Luxury Products Course” offered by Columbia.

Second, instead of a generic point about building relationships with her fellow students, she will make the more specific point that Columbia is the ideal place to build relationships in the luxury retail sector because of its location in New York, a global fashion hub. Furthermore, Columbia is one of only a handful of programs with a Retail and Luxury Goods Club, and Cheryl aspires to be the President of the club.

Finally, whereas the flawed sample essay refers vaguely to the appeal of “Top-Notch Professors, ” Cheryl is going to write about her plans to conduct a field study with the former CEO of Saks 5th Avenue, who, she learned, is currently a visiting professor at Columbia.

In the sample essay below, you can see how Cheryl assembled her content building blocks into a compelling “Why MBA” essay.

We hope this example convinces you of the power of synthesizing your development goals with thorough school research. If you do that, you will have points for your “Why MBA” essay that describe your learning goals and illustrate how they link to the school’s unique attributes and resources.

“Why Our School” Essay Sample

Introduction One of the most valuable things I have learned in my two years founding and building an Internet retailer is what I don’t know. After successfully selling my start-up to a larger firm, I have decided to apply for an MBA from Columbia to learn how luxury brands are built.

Lead/Thesis Columbia’s courses, professors, location, and extracurricular organizations make the program an ideal place to prepare me for my career aspirations to build a luxury goods brand.

“Why Our School” Point #1 At Columbia, I can learn how a fashion brand is built. I was thrilled to discover Columbia’s “Design and Marketing of Luxury Products” Course – where I would have the chance to study cases of successful luxury brands and to collaborate on a class project with designers from the Parsons School of Design.

“Why Our School” Point #2 Only at Columbia will I have the opportunity to study with Professor John Smith, a recognized guru in the luxury goods world and former CEO of Saks Fifth Avenue. Furthermore, in the school’s innovative Master Class program, I can engage with a luxury goods retailer in my second year and apply what I have learned about luxury brand building in the Columbia classroom.

Final Thoughts

When you conduct school research to determine which MBA programs to apply to, assess the program’s “fit” with your goals and preferences. Your “Why Our Business School?” essay is your chance to present that evidence to admissions officers to persuade them that their school is the perfect match with your academic needs, career goals, and cultural expectations. Aligning your interests with the program’s strengths and resources in a personal and specific way will get you one step closer to an acceptance letter from a top MBA program.

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MBA Resources

Top Insightful Strategies to ace your “WHY MBA essay”: A consultant review

MBA & Beyond Team

14/11/2023 | 8:18 pm

Essays are vital in your business school application, serving as a key gateway to convey your aspirations and suitability. The ‘Why MBA’ Essay Answers specifically provide the admissions committee with a detailed understanding of your reasons for pursuing an MBA, your career objectives, and how an MBA from their school aligns with your goals. This essay also signals to potential employers your readiness and fit for the business world, underscoring the importance of clarity, conviction, and alignment in your response.

An excellent ‘Why MBA’ Essay requires many strong aspects to weave your story together. That is why, together with our experts, we are here to provide some premium tips on how to develop a killer ‘Why MBA’ story.

Here is the Snapshot of the article:

WHY SHOULD YOU ACE THIS ESSAY?

This question addresses the majority of the questions that the adcom may have about you, which is why ‘WHY MBA’ is critical to answer in order to gain the attention of the adcoms that are reading your essay.

While the question is good, the information provided by applicants is generic. The goals they mention are vague and ineffective. You want to make money, learn new things, and become a leader. So, who doesn’t like it?  The question is w what motivates you to pursue an MBA?

Now, what are the reasons why you should ace the ‘WHY MBA’ essay?

Control/Responsibility

Control and responsibility come only when the firm’s top management is confident that you understand the business principles and can handle them; this comes from prior experience and knowledge obtained while pursuing the MBA; this is ” WHY MBA. “

Connections

An MBA connects you with a diverse and intellectual group beyond your everyday work environment, thereby fostering valuable networks, especially in fields you’re passionate about. Consequently, high-quality MBA programs assemble individuals from varied backgrounds, offering unmatched learning experiences.

While applicant motivations differ, the core of the “WHY MBA” question is to explain how an MBA promotes personal growth and fills educational or experiential gaps uniquely, requiring thoughtful reflection before you articulate your response.

While answering the why MBA question, it is critical to consider the post-MBA objectives and get to know them. We have a full essay on Strong Post-MBA Goals Essay Sample.

How to frame practical post MBA goals essays? 

STRUCTURE OF A WINNING ESSAY FOR “WHY MBA”

Crafting a well-defined structure proves invaluable in compiling comprehensive information about a candidate’s background, MBA and beyond designed this basic structure for individuals wishing to write a killer MBA essay

1) Strength

The admissions committee evaluates your personality, credibility, and alignment with their b-school community based on the strength of your stories. Thus, conveying your authentic self in essays is both vital and challenging. This segment aims to support you in articulating your strengths in a captivating and compelling manner, resonating with admission officers.

How to address your strengths? Click here to know more!

2) Achievements

The primary reason many strong applicants are not admitted to top business schools is their inability to effectively communicate the significance of their stories. This segment is designed to help you choose your most compelling stories and articulate them in a manner that optimizes your potential across all your applications.

3) Weakness

Addressing your weaknesses proves to be the most challenging aspect of your application. Many candidates falter in this area because they often misunderstand what admissions authorities seek to learn about their weaknesses. Weakness stories should focus on how you navigated a situation rather than dwelling solely on the context or the events that transpired.

How to address your weaknesses? Click here to know more!

Incorporate no more than one or two weaknesses, ensuring you go beyond mere acknowledgment. It’s crucial to offer a reasoned justification rooted in your future aspirations. Ask yourself why you seek to change a particular aspect and consider how this transformation aligns with your goal of personal growth.

Do you realize there’s a fine line between weakness and failure? What is that fine line, and how can you explain your shortcomings so that you project a good and influential personality in your essays? Weaknesses are dynamic and evolve over time, while failure tends to be more fixed. It showcases the challenges you’ve overcome and highlights your distinctive qualities.

5) International experience

In a business school, the learning extends beyond professors to encompass valuable insights gained from classmates. Hailing from diverse backgrounds, these peers play a crucial role in shaping your educational experience. Admission authorities are keen to understand your ability to showcase your value in such a varied and dynamic setting.

Suggested Reading: What do Business schools mean by International Experience?

6) Extracurricular activities

The extracurricular area provides a chance to demonstrate the colorful, dynamic personality that b-schools want. However, what should you highlight in this section if you’re not engaged in organizational activities? Even if you have, which ones should you choose to make the greatest influence on the admissions committee? 

Extracurricular activities should have two characteristics: For starters, it personally enriches you. Second, your ECs should have some communal effect.

What is the role of Extracurriculars activities in your MBA applications? Click here to learn more

Your post-MBA short-term and long-term ambitions are critical in creating a cohesive picture for the admissions committee.

If you are unable to establish clear connections between your job experience, short-term goals, and long-term ambitions, there’s a potential risk of compromising your admission prospects to a top MBA program, even with an otherwise stellar profile.

Suggested reading: How to frame practical post MBA goals essays? Strong Post MBA goals essays Sample

Every business school asks “Why MBA?”—a question many candidates struggle with. We’ve broken it down: Checklist 1.0 focuses on your current skills and role, while Checklist 2.0 envisions your future post-MBA. The MBA serves as the bridge from 1.0 to 2.0, shaping your answer to “Why MBA?” and outlining the skills you’ll gain to evolve into your future self.

Suggested Reading: How to build your MBA application ?

Let’s look at an example with a table

Our product assists applicants in writing a powerful essay with impactful “Why MBA” Essay answers by filling in the holes that applicants overlook. Additionally, our product is free to use and provides a framework that anybody can use.

DO’S AND DON’T WHILE WRITING THIS ESSAY

Crafting essays, particularly “Why MBA” Essay answers, is vital for articulating your thoughts and shaping the admissions committee’s perception of you. Moreover, these essays go beyond academic achievements, authentically reflecting your response to the ‘Why MBA’ question, helping to paint a comprehensive picture of your motivations and aspirations for pursuing an MBA before your interview.

1) Tell your own story – Everyone aims to stand out and make a memorable impact, particularly through “Why MBA” Essay answers. Remember, this essay should reflect your unique voice, a trait only you can genuinely convey.

2) Be truthful-  Admissions officials, like it or not, are like lie detectors. They have a keen ability to discern the distinction between an authentic candidate and one attempting to deceive.

3) Tell them about the Goals – Share your objectives and elucidate how an MBA can contribute to realizing those goals as your “Why MBA” essay answers.

4) Why you are the best fit for the school –  Admissions officers will want to know why after you’ve selected to attend a specific business school.

5) Research – Research provides a distinct advantage, and numerous expert guidance websites (such as MBA and Beyond) offer essential information and recommendations for crafting a ‘WHY MBA’ essay.

6) Practice your essay- Don’t be concerned about the word limit while composing your essay. Initially, put down all your thoughts on paper without worrying about refinement.

DONT’S 

1) CV is not your essay. – Transforming your CV into an essay is not advisable. The admissions committee is already aware of your academic and professional achievements through your resume. Now, they seek to gain deeper insights into your personality and understand your motivations for pursuing an MBA.

2) A sob story is not always an option – Using a sob story to elicit sympathy is not an effective strategy for gaining attention unless it directly addresses the question. Otherwise, it may create a negative impression of you in the eyes of the admission committee.

Want to pursue an MBA but not sure if your profile fits?

Talk to our Profile Experts to know your chances for a top MBA Program.

ESSAY EXAMPLES

Despite highlighting the do’s and don’ts, applicants often make errors in their essays. To assist, we provide examples of successful candidates admitted to top B-schools. These examples can guide you in assessing your standing and applying the mentioned principles systematically.

INSEAD Success story essays

This is an example in which we requested candidates to compose the essay without any aid and then assisted them in identifying gaps and filling those gaps with appropriate remarks. Click here to access

Different colleges pose distinct essay questions, and responding uniquely to each is key to navigating the process successfully. For instance, Kellogg, INSEAD, and Darden each emphasize different aspects in their requirements.

EXAMPLES OF GOOD “WHY MBA” ANSWERS

*An MBA will help me grasp how firms operate and are controlled. My long-term objective is to become a company’s CFO with a whole perspective of the entire firm. My Undergraduate degree has given me a solid foundation in accounting and finance. An MBA will teach me strategy, marketing, international business, law, and the necessary soft skills to be a successful corporate leader.*

Though grades, courses, and test scores are crucial, essays, particularly “Why MBA” Essay answers, can distinguish you in your application. They offer a direct connection with admissions officers, addressing critical questions like “Why MBA?” and why you choose a specific school. Consequently, these essays significantly impact Adcoms, showcasing your commitment and aligning your aspirations with the MBA program’s offerings, thereby illustrating your dedication to the school once admitted.

We believe in every applicant’s ability to complete the application process, which is why we developed a product designed to aid applicants in essay writing. Our experts help identify gaps and guide them in crafting a compelling essay that stands out.

So, schedule a call with us today and have our experts point out your gaps so you can fill them with something concrete. Book a free evaluation call with our experts now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are you doing an MBA answer?

This is a question that every business school asks, and only a few MBA applicants can answer it. This has been broken into two sections: checklist 1.0 and checklist 2.0. MBA is necessary to bridge the version 1.0-to-version 2.0 gap. This gap serves as your answer to the question, “Why MBA?” This response will help you realize the necessity for an MBA and acquire the skills needed to become version 2.0.

How do you conclude an MBA essay?

– Link your conclusion and your introduction.

– Include a surprising twist.

– Be unique to stand out.

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How to answer the question: “Why do you want to study an MBA?”

Are you considering pursuing an MBA but finding it challenging to articulate your reasons for doing so? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many aspiring MBA candidates struggle with answering the question, “Why do you want to study an MBA?” in a compelling and convincing manner. In this article, we will explore some key points to help you craft a strong response that showcases your motivation and aligns with your career goals.

Here I’m going to share with you some of the reasons that are always relevant for answering this question:

Reflect on Your Career Aspirations

Acquire business and leadership skills, expand your professional network, access to specialized knowledge and resources, develop transferable skills, practical application through internships and projects, showcasing commitment and initiative, opportunities for global networking, personal and professional growth.

In this article, we are going to go deeper into each one of those reasons. Let’s go!

The Importance and Relevance of the Question

The question, “Why do you want to study an MBA?” holds significant importance and relevance in the MBA application process. It serves as an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their motivation, drive, and alignment with the program.

Admissions committees seek candidates who are genuinely passionate about pursuing an MBA and have clear reasons for doing so. By articulating your motivation, you showcase your commitment to personal and professional growth, as well as your understanding of how an MBA can contribute to your career aspirations.

Motivation is key in the MBA journey. It is the driving force that propels you through the challenges and intensities of the program. Admissions committees want to identify candidates who have a deep-rooted desire to learn, grow, and make a positive impact in the business world.

When addressing the importance of this question, emphasize the relevance of motivation in your MBA journey. Highlight how your motivation will empower you to fully engage in the curriculum, collaborate with peers, and actively participate in extracurricular activities. Discuss how your motivation will fuel your commitment, resilience, and willingness to push your boundaries.

Remember, the question about why you want to study an MBA goes beyond a mere checklist item in the application process. It provides a platform for you to showcase your true passion, dedication, and readiness to embark on this transformative academic and professional experience.

By emphasizing the importance and relevance of this question, you strengthen your overall application and convey to the admissions committee that you are not just seeking an MBA as a means to an end, but rather as a catalyst for your personal and professional growth.

Before delving into the specifics of why you should consider pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, it is essential to take a moment to deeply reflect on your career aspirations and long-term goals. Ask yourself: What is it that you truly want to achieve in your professional journey? How does obtaining an MBA align with your ambitions and contribute to your overall career trajectory? By gaining a clear understanding of your objectives and vision for the future, you will not only be able to answer the question of why you want to study an MBA effectively but also showcase your unwavering commitment, determination, and laser-like focus on your professional growth and success. Remember, having a well-defined sense of purpose and direction is key to making the most out of your MBA experience and maximizing the opportunities it can offer in accelerating your career advancement and achieving your ultimate goals.

Most relevant answers for the “Why MBA?” question

One of the primary reasons individuals pursue an MBA is to acquire essential business and leadership skills. An MBA program not only offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of business, such as finance, marketing, operations, and strategy, but also provides numerous opportunities for practical application and skill development. Through coursework, case studies, and real-world projects, you will have the chance to delve deeper into these areas and gain hands-on experience. Additionally, an MBA program often includes networking events, guest lectures, and industry partnerships, which further enhance your understanding of the business world and allow you to build valuable connections. By immersing yourself in this dynamic learning environment, you will not only gain a solid foundation in these areas but also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills that are crucial for success in a competitive business environment. Ultimately, an MBA program offers a holistic and transformative educational experience that prepares you to excel and make a meaningful impact in the business world.

Networking plays an incredibly important role in career advancement. It provides you with a platform to establish connections and build relationships with professionals from various fields and backgrounds. An MBA program offers numerous opportunities for networking, enabling you to interact with a diverse group of individuals. Business schools are known for their extensive alumni networks, which can be an invaluable resource for career growth. Additionally, these schools often organize networking events where you can meet industry leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and like-minded MBA students.

By actively participating in networking activities, you can broaden your horizons and gain insights into different industries and career paths. The connections you make during your MBA journey can lead to internships, job opportunities, and even mentorship from experienced professionals. These relationships can greatly enhance your professional growth and open doors to new and exciting possibilities.

In summary, networking is a vital aspect of career development, and pursuing an MBA provides you with abundant opportunities to expand your professional network. Building meaningful connections with professionals from diverse backgrounds can greatly enrich your professional journey and contribute to your long-term success.

Another significant advantage of pursuing an MBA is the vast array of specialized knowledge and resources that it provides access to. By enrolling in an MBA program, you not only gain access to renowned faculty members who are experts in various fields, but you also benefit from their valuable insights and guidance. These faculty members possess a wealth of knowledge and experience that they can share with you, helping you develop a deeper understanding of different business concepts and strategies.

Moreover, MBA programs offer access to extensive research databases, case studies, and industry reports. This access to a wide range of resources allows you to stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in the dynamic and ever-evolving business world. By studying and analyzing real-world case studies, you can gain practical insights into how successful businesses operate and make informed decisions.

Furthermore, being part of an MBA program provides you with ample opportunities for networking and building connections with fellow students, alumni, and industry professionals. These connections can be valuable for future collaborations, job opportunities, and mentorship, further enhancing your professional growth.

In summary, pursuing an MBA not only grants you access to specialized knowledge and resources but also offers opportunities for personal and professional development through interactions with faculty, access to research databases, and networking with peers and professionals.

An MBA not only equips you with business-specific knowledge but also helps develop a wide range of transferable skills. In addition to effective communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, your MBA journey provides opportunities to enhance skills such as leadership, adaptability, and strategic decision-making. These skills are highly valued by employers across various industries and can greatly contribute to your professional growth and success. By pursuing an MBA, you not only gain specialized knowledge but also the chance to broaden your horizons, build a strong professional network, and gain exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences. This holistic approach to education can have a transformative impact on your career prospects and open doors to new opportunities and challenges.

Many MBA programs recognize the importance of integrating internships and real-world projects into their curriculum. By incorporating these hands-on experiences, students have the chance to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom and practical application in real-life business scenarios. This approach not only enhances the learning experience but also equips students with the necessary skills and confidence to tackle complex challenges in a professional setting. Engaging in internships and projects enables students to gain valuable practical experience, build a robust portfolio of accomplishments, and showcase their ability to make a tangible impact. These experiences serve as a testament to their readiness for the demands of the business world and their capability to deliver meaningful results.

When answering the question, “Why do you want to study an MBA?” it is essential to showcase your commitment and initiative. In addition to explaining how you have taken steps to learn more about the program and its offerings, you can also mention the following:

• Attend webinars, information sessions, or MBA fairs: This will not only provide you with valuable insights into different schools but also help you understand their unique features and offerings.
• Conduct relevant research: Take the time to delve into the curriculum, faculty, and alumni network of the MBA programs you are interested in. This will demonstrate your thoroughness and dedication.
• Engage with current students and alumni: Reach out to current MBA students or alumni to gain first-hand perspectives on their experiences. This will showcase your proactive approach and genuine interest in the program.

By incorporating these additional points, you will present a more comprehensive response that highlights your sincere interest and dedication to pursuing an MBA.

Another compelling reason to pursue an MBA is the opportunities it offers for global networking. Business schools attract students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, creating a rich and diverse learning environment. By interacting with classmates from different parts of the world, you can broaden your perspectives, develop cross-cultural communication skills, and build a global professional network. This network can be invaluable in terms of future collaborations, business partnerships, and career opportunities on a global scale.

Furthermore, engaging with a diverse group of students allows for the exchange of ideas and knowledge from various industries and markets. This exposure to different perspectives can enhance your understanding of global business trends, widen your intellectual horizons, and foster creativity and innovation. In addition, the cultural diversity within the MBA program can provide you with a deeper appreciation and understanding of different cultural norms and practices, which can be advantageous in today’s interconnected global business landscape.

Moreover, the global networking opportunities extend beyond the classroom. Many business schools organize international study trips, where students can visit companies and meet with executives in different countries. These trips offer firsthand experiences of different business cultures and practices, allowing you to observe and learn from successful global companies. Additionally, business schools often host networking events and conferences that attract industry leaders and experts from around the world. Attending these events can provide you with the chance to connect with influential professionals, gain insights into global business trends, and establish valuable connections in various fields.

In conclusion, pursuing an MBA not only offers the chance to acquire business knowledge and skills but also provides extensive opportunities for global networking. The diverse and international nature of business schools creates an environment that fosters learning, collaboration, and the development of a global professional network. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can broaden your horizons, enhance your cross-cultural competencies, and open doors to exciting career prospects on a global scale.

Lastly, pursuing an MBA offers tremendous opportunities for personal and professional growth. The intensive nature of the program challenges you to step out of your comfort zone, expand your perspectives, and develop a growth mindset. Through rigorous coursework, collaborative projects, and exposure to diverse classmates, you will enhance your adaptability, resilience, and leadership abilities. An MBA experience can be transformative, equipping you with the skills and mindset needed to navigate the complexities of the business world successfully.

In conclusion, the decision to pursue an MBA is a significant one that requires thoughtful consideration. By reflecting on your career aspirations, acquiring business and leadership skills, expanding your professional network, accessing specialized knowledge, developing transferable skills, engaging in practical application, showcasing commitment and initiative, and embracing personal and professional growth, you can confidently answer the question, “Why do you want to study an MBA?” Remember, your response should be authentic, aligned with your goals, and convey your passion for continuous learning and professional development.

Feel free to explore our website for comprehensive resources on interview preparation and MBA application. We offer a range of materials, including interview tips, guides, and valuable insights from industry experts. Remember, success in your MBA journey starts with a well-crafted response to the question, “Why do you want to study an MBA?”

Tips for Crafting a Compelling MBA Essay

Writing a strong MBA essay is essential when applying to business schools. Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling essay that stands out:

• Start with a captivating introduction: Begin your essay with a captivating opening that grabs the reader’s attention. Consider sharing a personal anecdote, a thought-provoking quote, or a compelling statistic to engage the reader from the start.
• Clearly articulate your goals: Clearly state your short-term and long-term career goals in your essay. Explain how pursuing an MBA aligns with these goals and how the program will help you achieve them. Use specific examples and demonstrate a clear understanding of the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your chosen field.
• Highlight your unique experiences: Showcase your unique experiences, both professional and personal, that have shaped your aspirations and decision to pursue an MBA. Discuss any challenges you have faced and how they have contributed to your growth and resilience.
• Connect your past experiences to future goals: Connect your past experiences and achievements to your future goals. Show how your previous accomplishments and skills can contribute to your success in the MBA program and your future career.
• Demonstrate your fit with the program: Research the specific MBA program you are applying to and highlight why it is a good fit for you. Discuss the program’s curriculum, faculty, resources, and extracurricular activities that align with your interests and goals.
• Show self-awareness and growth mindset: Demonstrate self-awareness by discussing areas for growth and improvement. Show that you are open to learning and developing new skills. This demonstrates humility and a willingness to embrace challenges.
• Be authentic and genuine: Be true to yourself and write from your heart. Admissions committees value authenticity and want to understand who you truly are. Avoid using clichés or writing what you think the committee wants to hear. Instead, focus on sharing your unique story and perspective.
• Edit and proofread: After writing your essay, take the time to edit and proofread it carefully. Check for grammar and spelling errors, and ensure that your ideas flow smoothly. Ask a trusted friend, family member, or mentor to review your essay and provide feedback.

Remember, the MBA essay is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get to know you beyond your test scores and resume. Use it to showcase your unique qualities, motivations, and aspirations. Good luck with your MBA application!

Feel free to check our services for interview preparation when preparing for a  job interview . Check our page if you’re applying for an  MBA , where you can find  our approach  to this process and testimonials that validates our value. Also, check our Resources page to get access to the best available materials for your job interviews or your MBA application process.

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Write a why MBA essay that makes the admissions angels sing

• April 26, 2021

Successful MBA essays showcase brilliant future goals, detailed future positions that inspire, and intimate and tangible school fit. Here’s how to achieve that in your own why MBA essay and MBA admissions process.

What is MBA school fit?

Fit is a really important thing. Have you ever worn shoes that were just a half-size too small? Or a suitcoat that wasn’t quite right and pulled in the shoulders?

Oh yes. Now imagine being in an MBA program that just doesn’t quite fit —the culture doesn’t align with your values, or the career placement, approach towards teaching and pedagogy, or the student clubs are a swing and a miss for the experience you want to have. That would suck.

School fit is mutual: you’ve got to fit the school, and it’s got to fit you! Showing school fit is your key to an amazing MBA personal statement and career goal essay.

When you’re creating your business school application, you need to

• choose programs that will support you with your personal and professional goals, and
• show these schools that you’d be a stellar addition to the program and your future classmates.

Let’s talk about what “school fit” really means.

Prefer video? Watch this:

The word “fit” causes a lot of heartburn for MBA applicants because when schools say, “showing fit with our program is important,” candidates often mistake it to mean “showing you’re good enough .”

And remember, we’re not playing the good enough game here. You ARE good enough to get into business school .

But even if you put “good enough” aside, the concept of fit seems vague and unactionable.

So let me demystify it for you.

The admissions committee has a very short and precise list of questions about you that they’re contemplating as they evaluate whether their program is a fit for you.

1. Are you going to business school for the right reasons?

2. have you done your research, 3. will you leave the place better than you found it, 4. is this school your top choice.

That’s it. Plain and simple. Notice that these four questions are all about YOU.

Notice also how practical and commonsensical they are. They’re questions you need to ask YOURSELF first before you can even decide to apply to a school in the first place.

In other words, here’s the question to keep in mind:

“How do I SHOW school X that THEY’RE a fit for ME in my business school admission essay?”

Whereas  storytelling  is an art form, exhibiting MBA program fit is more like a science.

Let me iterate just once more: “fit” is really not the same thing as “qualified to attend our program.” That is a separate calculation.

Table of Contents

Calculating your mba odds and determining your school fit are two totally different things.

The first place most people’s minds go when they think about school fit is GMAT, GMAT GMAT. But the GMAT and GRE don’t play a role in school fit.

Each school WILL evaluate your GMAT or GRE score, your GPA, your resume (i.e. your accomplishments and career progression) and those will determine whether you’re qualified  to attend the school.

To understand how competitive you are from the standpoint of these stats, be sure to look at  school acceptance rates and the average class stats vis-à-vis the class profile links above and the rankings:

• Economist MBA Rankings
• Forbes MBA Rankings
• US News MBA Rankings
• Poets & Quants MBA Rankings
• Bloomberg MBA Rankings

(Sidebar — does it also strike you as odd that there are more than 6 different MBA school rankings? Do we really need that many? Try to keep in mind that the purpose of rankings is to sell subscriptions to the publisher’s service, not to actually help you get into b-school. So take them with a huge mound of salt.)

Or even better than consulting the MBA rankings, go get your personalized MBAmo MBA Calculator report . Just enter your GMAT, grades, and a little other data. And in 60 seconds you’ll get a 20-page readout on your MBA candidacy and fit with your favorite schools.”

MBA admissions calculator, MBAmo.

Get your customized school odds and strategy report & kick off your MBA application sprint!

Calculate your odds

Your stats do matter, but  fit  is an entirely different calculation. A candidate who is barely qualified can still get in if their fit with the school is strong. I could share dozens of case studies from my own client roster to prove this. People who were 10 years older than average. People with weak GMATs or GPAs. People with no community service or short careers to date.

It’s not the best MBA candidates that gain business school admission, it’s the best fit candidates

By some calculations, 70% of applicants  qualify .

Fit, therefore, will play a huge role in determining whether you’re actually admitted from the huge pool of qualified hopeful students.

Just like bathing suits (or those shoes and suitcoats I mentioned earlier),  MBA program fit is mutual. You fit the program and it fits you.

You’d never buy a bathing suit that doesn’t fit you, so why buy a $200,000 MBA that doesn’t?

Not everyone belongs at every school.

Although any MBA education is going to propel your career forward, school cultures, your fellow students, and the campus experience vary so widely that you’re unlikely to be truly happy at more than a few programs. Figuring out which ones are really for you is a part of the process.

Every year exceptionally qualified candidates get rejected because they don’t show MBA program fit. The most important thing you can do for your MBA applications is demonstrate fit .

So let’s dig in and talk about the first component of MBA program fit.

Step 1: Show the admissions committees you’re going to business school for the right reasons

There is really only one reason people go to business school: because they want more..

In fact, this is the only reason people do anything. Because they want more… more money, more stuff, more knowledge, more freedom, more happiness, more love, more sex, more joy, more power, more whatever. We all want certain things in life. That’s part of what defines us.

If you’re considering business school, it’s because you want more from your career. You want to do more of the stuff you love and less of the stuff you find boring. You want to have more impact at a higher level. You want more leadership experience. You want more authority, expertise, and regard. You want your career to matter more — to you and to the world. (We’re not your everyday MBA Admission Coches, but this is why we focus on MBAs at Career Protocol. Because we LOVE people who want that stuff.)

If this is the only reason people go to business school, then how could you fail to show that you’re getting an MBA for the right reasons?

People make two big mistakes in this regard.

MBA Application Mistake #1: People don’t do the work to figure out who they really are and what they really want.

Stanford gives you a great opportunity to do this in their application essay. “What matters most to you and why?” they ask.

Inherent in that question is an invitation to reveal who you truly are and what you truly value – your personal traits and personal experience, what makes you you. Remember, everyone wants more — in that way we’re all the same. Further, all MBA applicants want to make a bigger difference, achieve more impact, and help more people (including themselves and their loved ones) have better lives.

We’re all the same in that way, too. So keep this in mind:

What makes you unique isn’t what you want or even what you value, it’s the choices you’ve made in service of those values.

When it comes to any given pool of MBA applicants, one facet of diversity that stands out among the thousands of essays the admission committees read is the choices made. Some people took jobs in banking, others took jobs in nonprofits. Some people chose to mentor their peers, others chose to invest time in developing themselves further. Some stayed close to friends and family, some charted new courses in new geographies.

Who you are today is the reflection of all the choices, big and small, that you’ve made in your life, and the best way to launch your MBA application process is to explore, own, and celebrate those choices . In doing so, you’ll not only uncover your best stories for your MBA essays (more on how to craft winning MBA essays and write your Life Story ), you may also discover in a new and inspiring way the course you want the rest of your life to take. And please don’t write like these terrible MBA sample essays .

How to AVOID mistake #1: Construct clear and well-motivated career goals when you talk about why you want to go to b-school.

There is no substitute for deep self-awareness as the foundation of your MBA application process. This is why our application services begin with the You Discovery Process™. Taking the time to explore and honor your life choices will get you a long way in this direction. If you want to home in even further on your motivations…

Ask yourself some hard, deep questions, and answer them as honestly as you possibly can.

Here are some useful avenues of exploration to help you build a compelling essay:

• What are the core values you strive to uphold in your daily life?
• List 2-3 times in your life when it was very hard to live up them, but you did it anyway. What did you learn?
• List 2-3 times you failed to live up to those values. How did you change after those experiences?
• If you could be known for only one thing in your career so far (a value, a choice, an accomplishment, whatever), what would it be?
• What one thing must you tell the admissions committee about who you are as a person to feel like you have helped them make a fair and good decision about you?

Here are some more tips to build a strong future career goals, a solid long-term objective, and strong reasons why you need an MBA for your essays based on those insights from our Career Guru, Aziz

If you want to chat through these questions — or any other part of your MBA applications with a seasoned savvy MBA Admissions consultant Professional Development Coach — apply for a free MBA strategy session.

Now let’s look at one more way applicants go wrong in answer the why they want an MBA essay question?

The misconception about goals is that you have to have a certain goal or a certain subset of goals in order to be an attractive candidate for a given school. And this is just patently untrue. There is literally an infinite array of MBA application career goals that you could have that both necessitate an MBA and that make you an attractive candidate for business school. And which goals or set of goals is right for you depends on you. It depends on your background, your experiences, your ambitions and your vision for the future. It depends on where you want to have an impact. It depends on the kind of work that you want to be doing post MBA based on the experience that you've had pre-MBA. You’ll submit a unique MBA application that is tailored to you and your personal experiences. I can't tell you how many times I've had my clients go and speak to their friends who are alumni, their alumni friends tell them “You need to destroy this entire essay and you need to talk about wanting to have goals in finance.” or “You can't say that you want to go into consulting, everybody says they want to go into consulting.” or “You have to have an entrepreneurial goal or the school isn't going to accept you.”. The problem with taking advice in general from alumni is that they have a data set of one. They have their own application process and what they believe made them successful in getting into business school. It's only natural to think that whatever worked for you is definitely what's going to work for everyone else. But this is crazy and it's wrong because for the most part, there's a very good chance that those alumni got into school, not because of their essays or their goals, but in spite of them.

This was definitely the case in my case. When I look back on all the horrible mistakes I made in my MBA essays, I can't even believe how lucky I was to be admitted because frankly, I was admitted not because of my essays, but in spite of them. So, taking advice from anyone who has a single data point is always a risky proposition. And where I see this most going wrong – with alumni in particular – is advising you to have a certain set of MBA application goals that they think the school is interested in or that they themselves met success with. But that has nothing to do with you or your specific ambitions or your unique MBA application. And I'm picking on alumni here, but if you go to the internet, you're going to find a lot of misinformation about what goals you should and should not have when you apply to business school.

Mistake #2: People have the wrong expectations for what an MBA program can provide.

Yes, any MBA will help you get more from your career by helping you develop better professional knowledge, some technical knowledge and a whole slew of soft skills: communication skills, interpersonal skills, leadership skills, managerial skills, team management skills, and an international perspective. Read more about why you should get an MBA in this article.

But no MBA is a magic wand . It is not a substitute for hard work, self-awareness, questioning, networking, relationship building, appetite for learning, willingness to fail, or an  understanding of how the world really works .

Here’s an example of what I mean:

Venture Capital is a tiny, competitive niche industry relative to many other business positions. Very few people get the chance to work in Venture Capital and those who do check many boxes. They have a demonstrated track record of entrepreneurial thinking and acting, they have elite relationship building and management skills, they have a highly advanced financial analysis skillset, and they ALREADY have at least the start of a strong network in the field. They frequently have already held technical roles or a position as a management consultant, investment banker, private equity analyst, or serial entrepreneur.

If someone like me — an English teacher with a little Human Resources exposure and a professional network based entirely in South Korea at the time I applied to bschool — claimed I wanted an MBA so I could get my first post-MBA job in Venture Capital in Silicon Valley, that would be magic wand thinking.

The MBA cannot grant any possible career wish.

That doesn’t mean you can’t have absolutely anything you want in your career. It just means that no degree is going to magically make it happen for you. And schools know this.

If the school admitted me believing it could magically make me a Venture Capitalist, I would have ended up a very unsatisfied customer indeed. Nobody wants that, and that’s why your application MUST reflect an accurate understanding of what the MBA offers vis-à-vis what you need to fulfill your goals .

How to avoid mistake #2: Have credible goals that are achievable with your specific background and knowledge (and a little bit of an MBA goose).

Create a tactical plan to get to where you want to go. What this really boils down to is

• Share an inspiring Long-Term Vision, and
• Have a credible Medium-Term Strategy to get what you want (i.e. a plan for your internship and immediate post-MBA job). Understand what it actually takes to get one of those jobs, and make sure your post-MBA goal makes sense given your business experience and current position.

Do you want to work at an e-learning company after school? E-learning companies do not tend to recruit en masse on MBA campuses. So how will you build your own network in that industry, leveraging your and school resources to create such opportunities? And then, of course, what skills, learnings, and experiences do you need from the school to prepare yourself for your target roles?

Check out our Comprehensive MBA Career Report for much more insight into which companies recruit at which MBA programs.

Pro Tip: If what you REALLY want isn’t achievable immediately post MBA, make it your second step or longer-term goal.

(Entrepreneurship falls into this category for 95% or more of applicants.)

Finally, and crucially, you have to understand what your dream schools actually facilitate in terms of recruitment . Where do alumni of your favorite MBA universities actually go to work?

Want to work in Silicon Valley? Stanford and Haas can help you out a lot by providing direct interaction with companies just down the street. Columbia Business School and London Business School will struggle more since they’re geographically so much farther away. How will you compensate for that with your own efforts, knowledge, and multi-disciplinary creative approach to recruiting?

Step 2: Show schools you’ve really done your research

School research is so important that we’ve actually got multiple articles explaining how to approach it.

When you’re constructing your career goal essay, be sure to research all aspects of the school: the learning environment, key classes and professors, the alumni network, the experiences of classmates and current students. Business schools aren’t just teaching business. They’re creating a two-year 360 degree experience in the type of environment that fosters learning both in an out of the classroom. Be sure you get to know it well.

Here are some ways to do that:

• Figure out which MBA programs are best for your goals
• Show your target schools the love
• Visit campus when you can
• Research the learning experience
• Ask good questions of current students

And since things aren’t so normal lately, here’s how to network with schools during a pandemic.

Step 3: Show them you’ll leave the place better than you found it.

Showing you’re going to have a positive impact on your MBA community and classmates goes beyond what you write in your personal statement. Your MBA resume should show a track record of contributions to the communities you’ve been a part of. Your story essays should reflect the values of inclusivity and service, character, empathy and kindness.

But I talk a lot more about showing school’s you’re going to be a contributor to the campus community in this article about showing showing MBA Program Committees You’re Worth Investing In

Step 4: Show them they’re your first choice.

SHOW (don’t tell) schools they’re your Number 1 choice.

This last one is tricky, and it’s basically the sum of everything we’ve discussed so far. As I mentioned at the start, you’re asking a school to invest in you — they have, let’s say, 575 seats in their program, and you’re asking them to give you one.

Schools have legitimate concerns about yield due to the pressure of rankings.

In other words, the higher the percentage of admitted students who matriculate , the better it is for their ranking. Harvard Business school is king here, then Stanford Graduate School of Business. The rest trail by a wide margin. So programs want some assurance that their choice to invest in you (i.e. give you one of their coveted seats) is a good one.

The best way to show them that their investment in you is safe is to invest in them first.

Important sidebar here: Don’t lie . Please don’t write “Wharton / Harvard Business School / Columbia Business School / Chicago Booth is my first choice school because blablablabla.” It will seem disingenuous even if it’s true , because schools know that you are almost certainly applying to multiple schools. Talk is cheap anyway. Remember, MBA admission is not about pandering.

This is part of why Harvard Business School doesn’t have a formal personal statement essay question. They don’t put a strong emphasis on school fit until the interview because they know they’re your first choice, so they don’t even bother asking. They will, on the other hand, note if you have visited campus, visited their website (multiple times and for how long), and engaged with their media.

So if you want to seal the deal on showing a school that you’re worth investing in…

Take as many actions as you can (big and small) to get to know your target schools and their communities.

Information about your web activity is being recorded at all times. The technology to track your behavior on websites isn’t even that new, and you can bet at least some schools are tracking your activities on their site. So get over there!!

Visit your favorite schools’ sites on a regular basis, click around, read stuff. It’s part of research, but it’s also part of your investment in the program. You’re investing your time, after all, in getting to know them.

Go to local events in your area hosted by target schools and their alumni community.

Go to the  Forte Forum ,  QS MBA World Tour , the  Poets&Quants Centre Court Event , and/or  the MBA tour  in your area and rub elbows with adcom members. Ask good questions and make sure your attendance is registered (i.e. sign the sign-in sheet).

Once again: When it’s possible to do so, go to campus. Even if you do it in the summer when students are away, make sure your presence is registered .

Finally, if the school includes a “Creative Essay” option — you know, the videos, PowerPoints or other multimedia  that takes a lot more work and commitment —  do it if you can tell your best story through that medium. Engaging with this alternative option shows your commitment and investment. Use one of these  10 cool tools to create it .

If you do all these things, your Why MBA essay should knock their socks off, blow their minds, and make the angels sing.

Or at least, it will give the very best chance at MBA admission at your favorite schools.

If you’d like a partner for your MBA journey and a team of MBA Admissions Coaches who’ll help you find your authentic voice and shine in your MBA applications in the most inspiring way, that’s what we’re here for.

Let’s have a conversation!

Talk to us..

Angela Guido

Student of Human Nature| Founder and Chief Education Officer of Career Protocol

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MBA Essays: Everything You Need to Know

Scott Edinburgh - Personal MBA Coach

Scott Edinburgh is an mba.com Featured Contributor and the founder of Personal MBA Coach , a boutique MBA admissions consulting and tutoring firm.

Nearly all MBA hopefuls are familiar with the term “MBA essay”, but what exactly does this mean and why is the MBA essay so important? To help guide MBA hopefuls, Personal MBA Coach would like to answer some common questions about the MBA essays and share details on the most common MBA essay types.

Why do I need an MBA essay?

Beyond the obvious answer that nearly all schools require you to write one in order to be admitted, the MBA essay is your chance to show MBA admissions committee members who you are BEYOND the facts and figures. These essays are your opportunities to show what makes you unique, share your goals and discuss how you will add to the dynamic community at your target business school. 

Do I need different MBA essays for each program I apply to?

Unfortunately, YES! While there are some overlapping themes across the most common MBA essay types (more on this below), each business school has its own unique essays. Unless you are applying through an organization such as The Consortium (which has some specific requirements), you must complete a separate application for each MBA program and answer each school’s specific essay questions.

To make this daunting task more manageable, Personal MBA Coach helps clients identify common elements across essay types. Ultimately, however, you should develop a separate essay for each school you are applying to.

What should I write about in my MBA essay?

First and foremost, you should answer the question. It is surprising how often candidates write beautiful essays that do not actually answer the question. Instead of writing what you think admissions committee members want to hear, answer the question.

What are the most common MBA essay questions?

While there are countless different essay questions across MBA programs, the three most common types of essays questions are Goals Essays, Why an MBA? Essays, and Personal Story Essays. (Often one essay question will ask clients to discuss both their goals and why they want an MBA.)

Below, Personal MBA Coach shares our tips for answering each of these key essay types:

Goals Essay

When answering a question about your MBA goals , it is crucial that you are decisive . While no one will hold you to what you write in your MBA applications, you should have a specific post-MBA plan. For most schools, you will want a short-term and a long-term career goal. This goal should be logical for you. This means it should flow naturally from your passions and experience. If it doesn’t, it is crucial that you explain why this goal makes sense for you.

Finally, this goal should be attainable. You are not going to be the CFO of Pepsi two years after graduating from business school (sorry!). Do your research in terms of what position might be reasonable in your target industry.

Why an MBA? Essay

To answer a question about why you want an MBA or why you want to study at X school, you want to show that you have carefully thought through how an MBA (at your target program) will prepare you to achieve your career goals. To do so, Personal MBA Coach suggests being very specific in detailing the opportunities you plan to take advantage of on campus.

Discuss classes you are particularly interested in or perhaps professors you are looking to study with, etc. Do not include a laundry list. Instead, carefully think through how each offering will allow you to fill in your skill and/or experience gaps. Be sure to show an understanding of your target school’s culture and avoid writing vague statements and copying content from other MBA application essays.

Personal Story Essay

With a personal story essay, your objective is to show the reader how your story is unique and how you will add value and diversity to classroom discussions and on campus activities. This can be one of the hardest essays to write. To get started, Personal MBA Coach advises that you make a list of everything you have done in your life and take the time to write it all down. Then, think carefully about the decisions you have made, activities you enjoy and, most importantly, why you made those choices. Finally, look for a theme! What single idea connects these items? This is the hard part, so give it time.

How do you conclude an MBA essay?

Do not overthink the conclusion. In fact, with short word limits, Personal MBA Coach often advises clients to write just one concluding sentence or remove the conclusion altogether. Conclusions can be fluffy, generic or repetitive. You do not need (or want) to waste words here. If you have told your story well and you have addressed the question clearly and concisely, do not worry about the conclusion!

How far in advance should I start my MBA essays?

As soon as possible! It is never too early to start thinking about your MBA essays. In fact, Personal MBA Coach works with many clients 6 month – 3 years in advance through our Early Planning package, helping future applicants make the appropriate career and extracurricular decisions to ensure they have enough experience to write strong MBA essays.

That said, with diligence, some Personal MBA Coach clients are able to develop a compelling MBA essay within a month. (Keep in mind, this is a very compressed timeline and takes dedication to achieve!). Plus, you always want to leave time for proofreading and should avoid submitting your essays at the last minute. 

Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 14 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2, currently holding the #1 ranking in the US on Poets&Quants.

We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing and mock interviews. Our team includes a former M7 admissions director and former M7 admissions interviewers.

Last year, our clients earned more than $6M in scholarships!