The Complete Truth About Writing MBA Admission Essays

Posted by Sandip Bhattacharya on January 30th, 2016

Essays are one of the most crucial components of the application process in top-ranked MBA schools. Even though the questions are seemingly straightforward, they require a lot of introspection because admissions officers expect smart, succinct, and compelling answers. Here are some of the important truths you need to keep in mind when writing MBA admissions essays, plus some tried and tested tips: 

Truth: The earlier you start, the better. 

Some applicants mistakenly think that all they need is an hour to write the essay. What’s 500 words after all, right? Wrong. You need more than a couple of weeks to draft and redraft, carefully edit, and try new approaches so that each sentence packs a good punch. 

As soon as you decide to apply to a business school, start preparing your essay in a gentle, low-stress way. Grab a notebook and write down interesting ideas that comes to your mind—things like an inspiring lecture you recently attended, the first time you ran a marathon or a travel experience. All of these can be useful materials for your MBA admission essays. Consider starting a “brag sheet” by writing down skills and talents that you might not be able to put down on the actual application form. This can include languages you speak, extracurricular involvements, and even family traditions. 

Truth: Perfection is not the goal.

Many business school applicants are crippled by perfectionism. They obsess over writing the “perfect” essay, rewriting and editing so furiously that they don’t make any progress. Don’t make this mistake. It easier to edit than to write, so just type whatever comes to mind. You can trim and prune later. 

Truth: Different schools look for the same essential factors.

They don’t all ask the same question, but when admissions officers read essays, they are all looking for signs for good leadership, ethics, team skills, and communication skills. Just saying that you have these qualities is not enough, though. Every claim must be backed by supporting stories. 

Truth: You will need expert help.

At the end of the day, there is one undeniable truth about writing MBA admission essays: You are better off seeking professional advice than not. Like most MBA applicants, you are probably not an English major, so you might not have the technical skills it takes to express your thoughts in a short but persuasive manner. A professional editor and MBA admissions consultant can assist you to improve your chances of success.  

About the Author:

Sandip Bhattacharya is the Founder and 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 18 years of experience in MBA admission consulting Sandip Bhattacharya also holds a vast experience of working in global consulting firms in Unites States.