Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the Management, Entrepreneurship, & Technology (M.E.T.) program?
A: Berkeley’s Management, Entrepreneurship, & Technology program aims to educate leaders with a seamless understanding of technology innovation, from idea to real-world impact. M.E.T. students earn two Bachelor of Science degrees in one program that combines the best of the top-ranked College of Engineering and Haas School of Business. Its integrated curriculum enables students to complete their two degrees within four years, while internships, career coaching, and other enrichment activities provide ample opportunity for hands-on practice with technology innovation. Each M.E.T. cohort is small, allowing for close mentoring and a tight-knit community.
Q: What makes M.E.T. unique?
A: Graduates of the M.E.T. program earn two full, unabridged undergraduate degrees: a B.S. in Business Administration and a B.S. in either Bioengineering (BioE), Civil Engineering (CE), Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences (EECS), Industrial Engineering & Operations Research (IEOR), Materials Science & Engineering (MSE), or Mechanical Engineering (ME). M.E.T. students receive mentoring and coaching, robust internship opportunities, and a curriculum tailored for future technology leaders.
Q: I’m a current Berkeley student. Can I get into M.E.T.?
A: Current UC Berkeley students in the College of Engineering, majoring in one of the M.E.T. tracks , can apply to M.E.T. through the Continuing Student Admissions process.
Q: As an M.E.T. student, can I transfer to another major in engineering or elsewhere?
A: Students should apply to the major they are interested in and not count on changing their major after they are admitted. Should students find that the major they applied for is not a good fit, they will need to complete a full semester of study – and in some cases a full year – before applying for a change of major in the College of Engineering. If M.E.T. students change their major to one outside the M.E.T. program, like Nuclear Engineering, they would no longer be in the M.E.T. program.
Applicants can apply to Berkeley M.E.T.’s Engineering Undeclared + Business first-year track. Engineering Undeclared + Business students explore major options in their first year and then select one of the six engineering tracks offered through M.E.T.
Q: Do IB/AP scores count for credit?
A: Qualifying scores on IB/AP tests may count for credit. Please review the Exam Credit Guidelines for more information. Different guidelines apply for each cohort. Pay close attention to the guidelines corresponding to your enrollment year.
Q: Can M.E.T. students pursue a minor?
A: Yes, M.E.T. students can pursue a minor if they work with their M.E.T. academic advisor to plan how a minor can fit into their schedules.
Q: Is the M.E.T. curriculum different from regular engineering or business coursework?
A: M.E.T. students enroll in the same high-caliber Berkeley courses as students who are pursuing degrees in Aerospace Engineering (AE), Bioengineering (BioE), Civil Engineering (CE), Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences (EECS), Industrial Engineering & Operations Research (IEOR), Materials Science & Engineering (MSE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), or Business Administration. M.E.T.’s integrated curriculum plan is designed to allow students to complete two degrees in four years. In addition, M.E.T. students will complete two new courses customized for the program, drawing from entrepreneurship offerings developed by Berkeley Engineering’s Sutardja Center and Berkeley-Haas’s Lean Launch approach.
Q: How exactly are business and engineering integrated in this program?
A: The M.E.T. program team works exclusively with M.E.T. students to integrate the engineering and business curriculum plans and provide M.E.T. students with professional development, internship opportunities, company excursions, and other experiences that allow for real-world learning.
Q: What is the workload like? Will I take double the course load to complete the two degrees?
A: The M.E.T. coursework is designed for you to complete two full B.S. degrees in four years. A minimum of 120 units are required to graduate; you can complete degree requirements without taking double the course load. You can see a sample 4-year plan for each available M.E.T. academic track.
Q: How strict is the four-year graduation timeline?
A: There is very little wiggle room. Graduation dates are extended only for extenuating circumstances, or for the possibility of study abroad (after all degree requirements have been fulfilled). Haas and Engineering require that students graduate during the class year they’re admitted into.
Q: Would it be possible to change engineering tracks once in the M.E.T. program?
First-Year Admissions
Q: What are the prerequisites for applying?
A: M.E.T. applicants must meet UC Berkeley’s basic admission requirements . The M.E.T. program is small and selective, enrolling students with exceptional academic records and a demonstrated interest in combining engineering and business.
Q: How do I apply to M.E.T.?
A: Applications for first-year admission to the M.E.T. program are available in October of the year prior to the year in which you’d enter UC Berkeley. The application filing period is Oct 1-Dec 2. Applicants must first submit a completed UC application by 11:59pm PST December 2 and submit an M.E.T. supplemental essay by 11:59pm PST on the stated deadline in your email . To learn more, visit admissions.berkeley.edu . First-year applicants to M.E.T. may apply for two simultaneously-earned B.S. degrees in one of the following tracks:
- Engineering Undeclared + Business
- AE + Business (Aerospace Engineering and Business Administration)
- BioE + Business (Bioengineering and Business Administration)
- CE + Business (Civil Engineering and Business Administration)
- EECS + Business (Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences and Business Administration)
- IEOR + Business (Industrial Engineering & Operations Research and Business Administration)
- MSE + Business (Materials Science & Engineering and Business Administration)
- ME + Business (Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration)
Q: Where is M.E.T. located on the UC Berkeley application?
A: The new UC application defaults to category view to see the major choices, but we recommend applicants toggle to the college view instead. To apply to the program, you’ll need to choose one of the seven M.E.T. engineering tracks found under both the Haas School of Business and the College of Engineering.
Q: Can I change the major (and/or college/school) I applied for at Berkeley?
A: To change a major/college/school in your submitted Berkeley application, please submit your request using the Contact Us form . You can expect a decision via email within five to seven days. NOTE: No new major changes will be considered after January 24, 2025.
Q: Where can I find the supplemental essay prompt?
A: You can find the supplemental essay by clicking the Admissions tab and choosing M.E.T. Supplemental Essay .
Q: How do I submit my supplemental essay?
A: M.E.T. applicants must first complete the UC application and choose one of the M.E.T. engineering tracks. After submitting your UC application, students will receive an email with a link to the M.E.T. Supplemental Essay Form. This typically takes 5-7 business days. In some cases, this email may get misrouted to spam or other folders in your inbox. It is your responsibility to check your email. The deadline to submit your supplemental essay form is typically in mid-December. If you do not submit your essay by the deadline, you will not be considered for admission to the M.E.T. Program.
Q: Is the M.E.T. Supplemental Essay also due on December 2?
A: No, the supplemental essay is due after December 2. You will receive an additional email after submitting your UC application with the M.E.T. supplemental essay deadline. You can begin working on the supplemental essay now. The prompt is on our website .
Q: It’s been more than 7 business days since I submitted my UC application, and I’m still waiting to receive my supplemental essay form. What should I do?
A: Sometimes there can be a delay on when students receive the supplemental essay form. While it typically takes 5-7 business days, it sometimes takes longer. There’s nothing the M.E.T. office or the Office of Undergraduate Admissions (OUA) can do to expedite the process. Our recommendation is for students to begin writing their M.E.T. Supplemental Essay now and have it ready to submit once they do receive the form.
Q: With UC Berkeley no longer using SAT/ACT exams in the review process, does this mean that UC Berkeley is “test-blind”?
A: Our admissions team works in partnership with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The Admissions team released an FAQ about changes to testing policy. They are the best resource to get the latest information about testing policy.
Q: Are interviews being conducted this year?
A: No. In lieu of interviews, we’re asking applicants to submit a video essay instead.
Q: What does an invitation to submit a video essay mean?
A: Applicants who submit their supplemental essay will receive a request to record a video essay. Video essay invitations will be emailed starting on November 1. Videos must be submitted by 11:59 pm PST on January 3, 2025. Check your email for information and be sure to submit your video essay by the deadline, if you do not submit by the deadline you will not be considered for admission to the M.E.T. program
Q: Are video essays required?
A: If a video essay was requested, you’re required to submit one.
Q: When will I hear back from UC Berkeley about the admissions decision?
A: Applicants who are admitted to the M.E.T. program will be notified in either February or March of the following year.
Q: Is there a waitlist for M.E.T.?
Q: Is there an appeal process for those not accepted to M.E.T.?
A: We regret that we’re unable to offer admission to all qualified applicants. There is no appeal process for the M.E.T. program. Every application has gone through extensive reviews, and admissions decisions to the program are final. If you have any questions about the admissions process, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions .
Q: Can I transfer into the M.E.T. program once I start at Cal?
A: First-year applicants who were not accepted to the M.E.T. program may apply to the M.E.T. program through the Continuing Admissions process. More details can be found here.
Q: If I’m not selected for the M.E.T. program, am I still eligible for other majors at Berkeley?
A: M.E.T. is highly competitive. The number of admitted applicants is kept small to ensure close mentoring and a tight-knit cohort. Applicants who are not admitted to the M.E.T. program will automatically be considered for admission to Berkeley Engineering’s AE, BioE, CE, EECS, IEOR, MSE, or ME majors. However, admission to these majors is not guaranteed.
Q: Can I select a different fallback major option outside of Engineering in the College of Engineering?
No, applicants cannot select M.E.T. as a major choice and an alternate major in the College of Letters & Sciences or select Business Administration through Berkeley-Haas.
Q: Does being denied from M.E.T. count negatively against you when considered for AE, BioE, CE, EECS, IEOR, MSE, or ME?
A: No, it does not count negatively against you.
Continuing Student Admissions
Q: I am planning to transfer to UC Berkeley from a community college and/or from another college/university. Am I eligible to apply to this program?
A: Only students enrolled in the College of Engineering at UC Berkeley are eligible to apply to the M.E.T. Program. The program is not open to junior transfers from another university or college. In addition, we cannot review applications from students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree.
Q: I am currently a first-year student at L&S and also undeclared. Is it possible for me to fill out an application for M.E.T.?
A: Please refer to the College of Engineering’s Change of College policy for information regarding the change of college application process. Only students enrolled in the College of Engineering at UC Berkeley are eligible to apply to the M.E.T. Program.
Q: I applied to M.E.T. during my senior year of high school and was not admitted to the program. Can I apply again?
A: If you’re a current UC Berkeley student in the College of Engineering, majoring in one of the current M.E.T. tracks, you’re eligible to apply to M.E.T. during the spring semester of your sophomore year.
Q: Will I get access to M.E.T. program events/programming as an applicant?
A: No, only students currently enrolled in the M.E.T. program have access to events and programming.
Q: When will students accepted to M.E.T. through the continuing admissions process take the required special topics courses?
A: The first year M.E.T. Special Topics course cannot be taken until the fall semester of third year for admitted continuing students.
Q: Can I make appointments with the M.E.T. program team to work on my academic plan?
A: Individual pre-admission advising appointments are not offered at this time. Applicants are advised to use the M.E.T. Four-Year Plan Worksheet for their engineering track to create a manageable plan that meets all the requirements. We encourage prospective applicants to view our admissions’ webinar recording for more information.
Q: Can I still apply even if I haven’t completed all the prerequisite coursework?
A: Outside of Haas prerequisite courses, the absence of an engineering or breadth course may not preclude your candidacy. You must take a minimum of 2 technical courses that fulfill the requirements for your engineering degree each semester.
If you’re unable to enroll in a class listed in the first two years of your plan of study, please note on your application why you were unable to take it and when you intend to take it instead.
Q: I took Foundations of Data Science and a Connector course for Stats. How should I enter this in the application?
A: Please input the courses as separate entries, both under the Statistics prerequisite in the Academic Record.
Q: I accidentally selected the “Continuing Student Application” for Berkeley-Haas consideration instead of M.E.T. How can I switch my selected application type?
A: Please email [email protected]. We will initiate a one-time application switch. Allow for 2 business days for the request to be processed. Note: we will not issue an application change after the April 1, 2024 deadline.
Q: Can I withdraw my application after submitting it?
A: Yes, if you wish to withdraw your application from consideration, you must meet the deadline stated in the application. Please write in the subject: “M.E.T. CSA Application Withdrawal”. In the body, include your name, last 4 digits of your SID, and indicate that you wish to withdraw your application from consideration for the application cycle. E-mails should be sent to [email protected] .
Q: If I’m not admitted to M.E.T., can I still be considered for admission to Haas?
A: No, after submitting your application to M.E.T., your application will only be eligible for M.E.T. consideration.
Q: When will I find out if I’m admitted to M.E.T.?
A: You’ll receive an admissions decision in mid June.
Q: I applied to M.E.T. but don’t have my sophomore year grades yet. How will my candidacy be reviewed?
A: Sophomore year grades will be taken into consideration to assess your candidacy.
Q: Will I get guaranteed housing and priority registration when admitted to M.E.T.?
A: The Housing guarantee is only available to M.E.T. students during their first year. As with our current M.E.T. junior and senior classes, enrollment appointments for admitted M.E.T. continuing students will be determined by the number of semesters a student has completed at UC Berkeley.
Q: Can I submit a letter of recommendation?
A: Letters of recommendation are not required and will not be accepted or reviewed.
Q: How many students will be accepted?
A: Admissions through the M.E.T. continuing student admissions process will be limited to 5-10 students per academic year.
Q: Is there a waitlist?
Q: Is there an appeal process?
A: We regret that we’re unable to offer admission to all qualified applicants. There is no appeal process for the M.E.T. program. Every application has gone through extensive reviews, and admissions decisions to the program are final.
Q: Is there a minimum GPA required to apply?
A: A minimum overall and technical UC G.P.A. of 3.0 is required.
Q: I received a C- in a prerequisite course, should I repeat it?
A: No – the admissions committee will always start with the first attempt at a prerequisite. If you received a C- or higher for the first attempt, the prerequisite should not be repeated. If you received a D+ or lower in a prerequisite, the course must be repeated until you receive at least a C-. The D+ will still be considered because it was your first attempt.
Q: Can I switch engineering majors during the application process or after being admitted to the M.E.T. program?
A: No, once you’ve submitted your continuing UC Berkeley student application to the M.E.T. program, you cannot change your engineering major.
Q: I forgot to show my ID during my video interview. What should I do?
A: Please send a copy of your photo ID (school, license, etc.) to [email protected] and cc [email protected]. We will upload it to your application.
Q: My question wasn’t answered. Who can I reach out to for more advice?
A: Please email our team: [email protected].
Student Life
Q: Will I have time to do other things at Berkeley while getting two time-intensive degrees?
A: Without a doubt, M.E.T. is demanding, calling for motivation and a clear sense of direction. However, here at Berkeley, countless student activities and cultural offerings are right at your fingertips. The Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation , for example, is a beehive of activity for students interested in hands-on making and prototyping.
Q: Do M.E.T. students have a designated housing facility?
A: No, M.E.T. students do not have their own designated housing facility. They apply to on-campus housing the same way as all incoming first-years. When applying for housing, students will be able to submit their preferences, and we find that in the end almost everyone gets housing that works for them. Current M.E.T. students are living on campus, anywhere from Foothill to Clark Kerr to the Units, and even Bowles Hall.
Q: Are M.E.T. students guaranteed housing?
A: Newly-admitted students – undergraduate first-years and transfers – receive housing priority. You will maximize your chances of getting an offer if you meet all housing application and university deadlines, and are flexible about housing preferences. We recommend listing “any room size, any location” as your fifth room preference. Visit this page (opens in a new tab) for more FAQ’s about Housing.
Q: Is there a benefit to applying for housing early?
A: The Housing Office takes many factors into account when determining housing assignments. Assignment preferences are not given based on when applications are received, as long as they’re submitted by the deadline. That said, turning in your housing application before the deadline is always recommended.
Q: Can M.E.T. students study abroad?
A: It’s definitely possible for students to study abroad during the summers, or complete summer internships abroad. We encourage you to meet with your M.E.T. advisor to learn how studying abroad fits your schedule.
Q: Will M.E.T. students have opportunities to intern at innovative companies like Facebook and Google?
A: M.E.T. provides you with opportunities–including industry mentoring and access to Berkeley’s Career Center and extensive alumni networks–to pursue hands-on, real-world experience with technology management and entrepreneurship. While internships are not a degree requirement, we’ve designed the M.E.T. curriculum path so that you can complete your internships during your summers. We encourage you to explore internships in both business and engineering. The M.E.T. Student Board created an internship visualization that shows where students have interned in the past years.
Entrepreneurial Fellows Program (Employers)
Q: Who can participate?
A: Startups currently affiliated with Berkeley Skydeck, EvoNexus, House Fund, IndieBio, SAP.iO, TechStars, or Y Combinator. All participating companies must be either in the Pre-Seed, Seed, or Series A funding stage with a range of employees (from 3 to 30 max).
Additionally, the Entrepreneurial Fellows Program will not fund current undergraduate student-founded startups from any college or university.
Q: I missed the deadline to sign-up for the Startup Fair. Can my company still participate?
A: If you meet our affiliated startup guidelines, please email our team ([email protected]) with your company information, and we will circulate internship opportunities to our students. Interested students may reach out to you and apply/interview for your available positions. Your organization can make offers to students of interest, with a maximum of (2) M.E.T. student interns at each affiliated startup.
Q: How do I know an applicant is an M.E.T. student?
A: M.E.T. students have been instructed to submit email recruiters email with the subject line: [COMPANY NAME] April Meet & Greet Follow-up – [student name]. Their resumes also indicate that they are pursuing dual-degree programs in engineering and business.
Q: How many students can I hire?
A: Your organization can make offers to students of interest, with a maximum of (2) M.E.T. student interns at each affiliated startup.
Q: If we want to make an offer to an M.E.T. student who does not complete the EFP application, will the student still be eligible to participate?
A: No. Students must apply for a grant through the EFP program.
Q: Can we provide M.E.T. students with additional funding?
A: If you have funding for student interns, we ask you to hire and pay them directly, rather than participate in the Entrepreneurial Fellows Program.
Q: Are employers required to fill out I-9 forms?
A: The Entrepreneurial Fellows Program is an internship whereby our students receive a grant, so it’s similar in nature to a fellowship. For questions about I-9 forms, this USCIS website has a fact sheet for students with more information.
For any questions about student eligibility to work in the US, students know that the Berkeley International Office handles those questions.
Q: What are the start-end dates for this program?
A: Startups must be able to provide 10-12 weeks of meaningful internship engagement between June-August. The earliest a student can begin an internship is June 9.
Q: Can students work past the summer, or during the fall/spring semesters?
A: The M.E.T. Entrepreneurial Fellows Program stipend covers 10-12 weeks of work between June-August only. If you wish to extend an offer for work past summer 2024, it will be up to your organization to secure funding for the student.
Q: My question wasn’t addressed. Who can I contact for more information?
A: Please email [email protected]. We’re happy to help.
Entrepreneurial Fellows Program (Students)
Q: How do I participate?
A: You can find all the steps for applying on our Entrepreneurial Fellows Program page .
Q: I participated last year, can I apply again?
A: From the Class of 2027 on, students may only participate in the Entrepreneurial Fellows Program for one summer.
Q: What if I or my friend owns a startup?
A: The Entrepreneurial Fellows Program will not fund any current undergraduate student-founded startup from any college or university, as they do not meet program requirements: (1) Currently affiliated with a UC Berkeley or M.E.T. approved startup accelerator or fund, (2) Pre-Seed, Seed or Series A funded with 3-30 employees, and (3) not a current undergraduate student-founded startup from any college or university.
Q: Which startups are participating? How will I be matched with a startup?
A: EFP eligible startups are invited to participate in our April Startup Fair. Eligible startups not in attendance during the Meet & Greet can still participate in the program, and the M.E.T. team will circulate company names and internship positions as we get them. Internship position guides will be sent a week before the Meet & Greet. We encourage all students interested in interning with an EFP startup this summer to attend.
All applicants will need to interview with an approved startup partner and receive an internship offer for consideration to participate in the Entrepreneurial Fellows Program.
Q: Can I find my own opportunity?
A: If you find a startup venture outside the EFP eligible partners in attendance during the April Meet & Greet and opportunities forwarded to you by the M.E.T. team, it is your responsibility to make sure it meets the program requirements:(1) Currently affiliated with a UC Berkeley or M.E.T. approved startup accelerator or fund, (2) Pre-Seed, Seed, or Series A funded with 3-30 employees, and (3) not a current undergraduate student-founded startup from any college or university.
NOTE: If you are hired by a startup that does not meet all requirements, your participation may be in jeopardy.
Q: What do I need to submit with my EFP application?
A: A resume, unofficial transcript, job description, offer letter, and contact information for your startup supervisor.
Q: Can I be paid by the startup in addition to the Entrepreneurial Fellows grant?
A: No, all affiliated opportunities will receive grant funds only.
Q: When will I be notified that a decision has been made? Will I be notified if I am not selected?
A: Decisions will be announced on a rolling basis and completed by May 17.
Q: Can I participate in this program while simultaneously enrolled in Berkeley summer sessions?
A: Yes, you may take summer session courses and participate in the Entrepreneurial Fellows Program. Participating in this program may affect your financial aid, so please reach out to the financial aid team for support.
Q: How many hours will I need to work?
A: Participation in EFP requires full-time employment of 40 hours per week for a minimum of 10-12 weeks.
Q: Can I continue working with the startup after the summer?
A: EFP funds are only provided for the summer. Should you continue your internship, you are responsible for negotiating future terms and payment.
Q: Will housing and transportation be provided?
A: Housing and transportation are each student’s responsibility.
Q: What are the start and end dates for the program?
A: June-August 2025.
Q: My question isn’t answered. Where can I get more help?
A: Email [email protected]. We’re here to help.
Essays help us learn about who you are as a person and how you will add to our community. We seek candidates from a broad range of industries, backgrounds, cultures, and lived experiences.
Our distinctive culture is defined by four key principles - Question the Status Quo, Confidence Without Attitude, Students Always, and Beyond Yourself. We encourage you to reflect on your experiences, values, and passions so that you may craft thoughtful and authentic responses that demonstrate your alignment with our principles.
Below are the required essays, supplemental essays, and optional essays for the Fall 2024-2025 application cycle.
Expand All Collapse All
Required Essay #1
What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why?
(300 words max)
Required Essay #2
What are your short-term and long-term career goals, and how will an MBA from Haas help you achieve those goals?
Short-term career goals should be achievable within 3-5 years post-MBA, whereas long-term goals may span a decade or more and encompass broader professional aspirations.
Experience with Diversity, Equity or Inclusion
One of our goals at Berkeley Haas is to develop leaders who value diversity and to create an inclusive environment in which people from different ethnicities, genders, lived experiences, and national origins feel welcomed and supported.
Describe any experience or exposure you have in the area of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging whether through community organizations, personal, or in the workplace?
Candidates seeking consideration for mission-aligned fellowships may use this space to reflect on their commitment to the mission of those fellowships.
Video Essay
The Berkeley MBA program develops leaders who embody our four Defining Leadership Principles . Briefly introduce yourself to the admissions committee, explain which Defining Leadership Principle resonates most with you, and tell us how you have exemplified the principle in your personal or professional life.
Please review the Defining Leadership Principles in advance and take time to prepare your answer before recording. You will be able to test your audio-visual connection before recording. Video essays should last 1-2 minutes and may not exceed 2 minutes.
Optional Essays
The admissions team takes a holistic approach to application review and seeks to understand all aspects of a candidate’s character, qualifications, and experiences. We will consider achievements in the context of the opportunities available to a candidate. Some applicants may have faced hardships or unusual life circumstances, and we will consider the maturity, perseverance, and thoughtfulness with which they have responded to and/or overcome them.
Optional Information #1
We invite you to help us better understand the context of your opportunities and achievements.
Optional Information #2
This section should only be used to convey relevant information not addressed elsewhere in your application. This may include explanation of employment gaps, academic aberrations, supplemental coursework, etc. You are encouraged to use bullet points where appropriate.
Supplemental Information
- If you have not provided a letter of recommendation from your current supervisor, please explain. If not applicable, enter N/A.
- Name of organization or activity
- Nature of organization or activity
- Size of organization
- Dates of involvement
- Offices held
- Average number of hours spent per week
- List full-time and part-time jobs held during undergraduate or graduate studies indicating the employer, job title, employment dates, location, and the number of hours worked per week for each position held prior to the completion of your degree.
- If you have ever been subject to academic discipline, placed on probation, suspended, or required to withdraw from any college or university, please explain. If not, please enter N/A. (An affirmative response to this question does not automatically disqualify you from admission.)
Extracurricular Supplement Tips
Cindy Jennings Millette, Senior Associate Director of Full-time Admissions, shares how we evaluate extracurricular and community involvement.
Watching video: Extracurricular Supplement Tips
Take the next step.
The Haas Full-time MBA is our flagship offering, designed to give students the tools to become leaders and earn their MBAs. Learn from world-renowned faculty as well as our truly global cohort of students. All this in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Top Tips To Tackle the Berkeley Haas Video And Goals Essay
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The University of California -Berkeley Haas School of Business has added a video essay as one of the required MBA application components for 2023–24. The video essay asks about leadership, so Haas has also revised its Essay #2, formerly on that topic. They also simplified its recommendation letter by moving to the common format.
We’ve got fresh advice on how to handle all of this, so read on.
Your Video Introduction
Haas sets itself apart from other schools with its Defining Leadership Principles (DLPs). The Berkeley MBA seeks to develop leaders who embody these principles:
- Question the Status Quo
- Confidence Without Attitude
- Students Always
- Beyond Yourself
The new video essay asks applicants to “briefly introduce yourself to the admissions committee, explain which leadership principle resonates most with you, and tell us how you have exemplified the principle in your personal or professional life.” Videos must clock in under two minutes.
This requires some careful reflection —and some practice. Your response should be smooth, succinct and show what kind of leader you are and aspire to be.
Videos give admissions committees a direct and authentic way to get to know you. They also are a good way to assess judgment. Is your reply TMI? Admissions committees want to get to know the real you, but it’s obviously important to be appropriate. And, finally, videos can be a fun and fresh way to express your excitement about Haas. The DLPs are a distinctive draw that attracts students to Berkeley, and this is another way to demonstrate your fit..
Two minutes may seem like a lot when you’re staring into the eye of the camera with admissions on the line — but it’s really not. With only that short window to work with, don’t try to address all four of the principles. Instead, focus on one of the principles and demonstrate how you reflect it with clear and cogent examples.
Once you’ve sketched out your thoughts and know what you want to say practice! As noted the evaluation of these responses is likely to be graded on communication skills and poise as much as on content. And if you’re a bit intimidated about talking on camera or mastering the technology, Fortuna has you covered. Our fellow coach Cassandra Pittman explains how to ace your video here , and Karen Hamou offers advice on what to wear .
Advice for Essay #2.
Leadership was the topic of Berkeley’s second essay last year. Now that the video is covering that theme, the new Essay #2 asks, “How will an MBA help you achieve your short-term and long-term career goals? (300 words)
Although the prompt asks, “How will an MBA help…,” this essay is really looking beyond the credential of the recognized degree. Berkeley wants to know what skills you will build or enhance and what experiences you will leverage in pursuit of career goals. It’s important to be specific. Make sure you call out what specific aspects of Berkeley’s MBA program will bolster your success after graduation.
We sometimes suggest citing companies that heavily recruit at Haas when applicable as a way of showing your awareness of the school and the link between your goals and what is achievable. For the budding entrepreneurs, perhaps mention Haas alumni entrepreneurs who are working in a similar space.
Our take on the rationale behind this question is this: The committee wants to know if your personal and professional goals are aligned with the program at Haas and how you will leverage the Berkeley MBA experience to achieve them.
One final change this year is that Berkeley Haas has moved to use the Common Letter of Recommendation from GMAC : This change eliminates one additional question specific to Haas that asked recommenders to explain how applicants reflect the value of “confidence without attitude.” Haas explained to us that they adopted this change to streamline the process, making it easier on many fronts for applicants, letter writers, and programs.
Essays 1 and 4 and the optional essays remain the same. For a deeper dive into our advice on how to answer all of these essays, please see our Fortuna Admissions blog here .
Sharon Joyce is a director at MBA admissions coaching firm Fortuna Admissions and former Berkeley Haas Associate Director of Admissions. For a candid assessment of your chances of admission success at a top MBA program, sign up for a free consultation
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