Tips for Writing MBA Admission Essays

Posted by Sandip Bhattacharya on January 4th, 2016

Writing the perfect MBA admission essay is the most daunting and challenging part of the process of getting into a reputed business school. It can prove to be a tricky affair as the essay goes beyond the scores obtained and the accolades won. An admission essay helps you go past your credentials, and highlights experiences that have shaped your life and personality.

While writing an MBA admission essay, try to introspect and think about your values, ethics, culture, passions, personal experiences and long-term aims and dreams. While they should demonstrate aspiration, it is important to be realistic and in sync with what the business school is looking for. This is one platform where you can get a chance to convey your message directly to the admissions committee.

Here are some tips for writing MBA admission essays.

• Sound Proactive: It is important that you appear to be an active participant in the experience or event you describe. If you are writing about an inspirational book or historical figure, try to include how you applied the knowledge that you gained in your life. 

• Keep Notes: Try and write down various topics for essays and things about you that would not appear on your resume or recommendation letter. Do not worry if it is worth putting in your essay. When it comes to writing it, you can go through your notes for ideas and points you may otherwise miss. 

• Do Not Procrastinate: An MBA admission essay can take up to fifty hours of work, or it may be done in five. Under no circumstances should you leave it till the very end. Write it well ahead of time so you have time to edit and rewrite if necessary. 

• Draft and Re-draft: When you start, do not wait for the perfect opening or introduction. Write and fill up the pages. This will help you overcome the stress of an empty page and get started. As you write and edit, you will get fresh ideas that you can incorporate. Be prepared to edit and rewrite your essay a number of times. Ensure that there are no spelling or grammatical errors in your final draft. 

•  No One is Perfect: Do not portray yourself as a person who can do no wrong. In fact, essays that show your vulnerability are better received than others. Talk about how you learned from a failure, overcome a crisis, etc. 

• Get Help: Do not be shy about asking for help. Get someone with experience to read your essay. It could be your college professor or a friend who is already in an MBA program. You can also get ideas and suggestions from sample MBA admission essays available online. 

The MBA admission essay is your opportunity to show that you are more than what appears at first glance. As a crucial part of the admission process, give it the time and preparation it deserves. 

About the Author:

Sandip Bhattacharya is the founder and the director of MBA Essay Consultant, an organization providing MBA essay services to global applicants for top MBA schools across the globe such as Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Oxford, Cambridge etc. With more than 14 years of experience in MBA admission consulting Sandip Bhattacharya also holds a vast experience of working in global consulting firms in Unites States.