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How to Write and Format an MBA Essay

Create a strong essay for your MBA application

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What Is an MBA Essay?

The term MBA essay is often used interchangeably with MBA application essay or MBA admissions essay. This type of essay is submitted as part of the MBA admissions process and is usually used to provide support for other application components like transcripts, recommendation letters, standardized test scores, and resumes.

Why You Need to Write an Essay

Admissions committees sort through a lot of applications in each round of the admissions process. Unfortunately, there are only so many places that can be filled in a single MBA class so a vast majority of the candidates who apply will be turned away. This is especially true of top MBA programs that receive thousands of applicants each school year.

Many of the applicants who apply to business school are qualified MBA candidates —they have the grades, the test scores, and the work experience needed to contribute to and succeed in an MBA program. Admissions committees need something beyond a GPA or test scores to differentiate applicants and determine who is a good fit for the program and who is not. This is where the MBA essay comes into play. Your MBA essay tells the admissions committee who you are and helps to set you apart from other applicants.

Why You Don't Need to Write an Essay

Not every business school requires an MBA essay as part of the admissions process. For some schools, the essay is optional or not required at all. If the business school does not request an essay, then you don’t need to write one. If the business school says the essay is optional, then you should DEFINITELY write one. Don't let the opportunity to differentiate yourself from other applicants pass you by.

MBA Essay Length

Some business schools put strict requirements on the length of MBA application essays. For example, they may ask applicants to write a one-page essay, a two-page essay, or a 1,000-word essay. If there is a desired word count for your essay, it is very important to adhere to it. If you are supposed to write a one-page essay, don't turn in a two-page essay or an essay that is only a half-page long. Follow instructions.

If there is not a stated word count or page count requirement, you have a little more flexibility when it comes to length, but you should still limit the length of your essay. Short essays are typically better than a long essay. Aim for a short, five-paragraph essay . If you can't say everything you want to say in a short essay, you should at least stay below three pages. Remember, admissions committees read thousands of essays - they don't have time to read memoirs. A short essay demonstrates that you can express yourself clearly and concisely.

Basic Formatting Tips

There are some basic formatting tips that you should follow for every MBA essay. For example, it is important to set the margins so that you have some white space around the text. A one-inch margin on each side and on the top and bottom is typically good practice. Using a font that is easy to read is also important. Obviously, a silly font like Comic Sans should be avoided. Fonts like Times New Roman or Georgia are typically easy to read, but some of the letters so have funny tails and embellishments that are unnecessary. A no-frills font like Arial or Calibri is usually your best option.

Formatting a Five Paragraph Essay

Many essays - whether they are application essays or not - utilize a five-paragraph format. This means that the content of the essay is split into five separate paragraphs:

One introductory paragraph
Three body paragraphs
One concluding paragraph

Each paragraph should be about three to seven sentences long. If possible try to create a uniform size for the paragraphs. For example, you don't want to start with a three-sentence introductory paragraph and then follow up with an eight-sentence paragraph, a two sentence paragraph and then a four-sentence paragraph. It is also important to use strong transition words that help the reader move from sentence to sentence and paragraph to paragraph. Cohesion is key if you want to write a strong, clear essay.

The introductory paragraph should start with a hook - something that captures the reader's interest. Think about the books you like to read. How do they start? What grabbed you on the first page? Your essay isn't fiction, but the same principle applies here. Your introductory paragraph should also feature some sort of thesis statement , so the topic of your essay is clear.

The body paragraphs should contain details, facts, and evidence that support the theme or thesis statement introduced in the first paragraph. These paragraphs are important because they make up the meat of your essay. Don't skimp on information but be judicious - make every sentence, and even every word, count. If you write something that doesn't support that main theme or point of your essay, take it out.

The concluding paragraph of your MBA essay should be just that - a conclusion. Wrap up what you are saying and reiterate your main points. Do not present new evidence or points in this section.

Printing and Emailing Your Essay

If you are printing out your essay and submitting it as part of a paper-based application, you should print the essay out on plain white paper. Do not use colored paper, patterned paper, etc. You should also avoid colored ink, glitter, or any other embellishments designed to make your essay stand out.

If you are emailing your essay, follow all of the instructions. If the business school requested it to be emailed with other application components, you should do that. Do not email the essay separately unless you are instructed to do so - it could get in someone's inbox. Finally, be sure to use the correct file format. For example, if the business school requested a DOC, that is what you should send.

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7 Essential MBA Essay Tips

A good essay can help you gain admission to a top master of business administration (MBA) program. But writing one can be a challenge.

Most business schools require an essay for admission to an MBA program alongside other requirements like undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, and, sometimes, admissions test scores. An essay allows you to emphasize your experience and helps you stand out from the crowd of other MBA program applicants.

Read on to learn more about MBA essays, and get seven essential tips about how to write one.

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7 Tips for Writing an MBA Essay

1. the prompt is key.

Not every business school has the same MBA essay prompt, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to answering every question effectively.

Some schools, like the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, offer choices between multiple short-answer prompts with small word counts.

Others, like The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, have broader essays asking students to define how an MBA will help them advance their future professional goals and how they’ll contribute to the community.

Don’t use a template or reworked sample essay to answer a school’s prompts. It’s important to put your own personal touch on an MBA essay and tailor your writing to each business school’s prompts.

2. Tell Your Story

A good format for MBA admissions essays is: I faced a challenge. I overcame that challenge, and here is how I will put that lesson into action and advance myself in an MBA program.

Incorporate your background and the challenges you’ve faced into your MBA essay. Make sure to highlight how those experiences have prepared you to excel in an MBA program. And be sure to underscore the impact you’ve had on different teams you’ve been a part of.

Make sure to discuss your goals and how the MBA program you’re applying to can help you achieve them.

3. Provide Real-World Examples

An MBA essay shouldn’t read like a resume. This is your shot to show how your lived experience has positioned you to pursue an MBA.

You won’t have enough space to get into the specifics of every challenge you’ve faced, but providing examples of your lived experience and skills is key to a successful MBA essay.

These don’t just have to be examples of major accomplishments. You can also highlight times you haven’t succeeded in a goal and what you’ve learned from that.

4. Apply Your Goals

If you’re applying to multiple business schools with required MBA essays, you’ll almost certainly see some examples of the following prompt: How will an MBA from (insert school name here) help you achieve your professional goals?

Do your research and apply your goals to a school’s MBA curriculum. If you’re applying for an MBA at a program with a heavy focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) like Tulane University, you might discuss the ways you want to incorporate data analytics into your career.

If you’re aiming for a dual sustainability degree at the University of California, Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, be sure to highlight the ways you plan to apply what you learn about sustainability.

An MBA essay should let schools know that you have a genuine interest in their curriculum.

5. Be Concise

A long essay does not always mean a good essay. Business schools are looking for effective communicators, so be sure to avoid redundancies and edit your essay to be concise and reader-friendly. Make sure you keep your MBA essay within a school’s requested word limit.

Make sure you’re writing in the active voice whenever possible. For example, instead of writing “the program was started by me,” write “I started the program.” Put yourself at the center of the action in your writing.

6. Proofread

It goes without saying that a spelling error in an MBA essay can hurt your chances.

Make sure to carefully proofread your essay for spelling and grammar. It might also help to have a friend take a look at your writing. Another set of eyes can catch something you might have missed.

There are also a number of online proofreading tools like Grammarly, Grammark, and others that can help you shape up your essay.

7. Stay on Time

Start your essay well in advance of the application deadline.

It’s important to take time to draft and edit your essay to make sure you meet all the requirements in a concise and grammatically correct manner. Give yourself plenty of time to write the best essay possible.

What Is in an MBA Essay?

MBA essays vary by school. Some schools have broad prompts that will ask you about your long-term goals or how you’ll contribute to the university community. Others have more specific questions relating to their program or your experience.

MBA essay lengths also vary. Some schools assign multiple, shorter essays of less than 300 words. Other business schools have one or two longer essays of up to 900 words.

Why Is the MBA Essay Necessary?

An MBA essay can help you highlight your strengths in a way that a resume can’t. Essays allow you to add a personal touch to your application and outline what makes you stand out from other applicants.

Business schools are looking for diverse cohorts of students with varied backgrounds and experiences. An MBA essay can help you highlight the ways you’ll contribute to your cohort and the community.

Frequently Asked Questions About MBA Essays

How do i end an mba essay.

The end of your MBA essay should generally be a pitch to the admissions committee. Take what you’ve written and use it to show how you’ll succeed at a business school. Avoid writing “in conclusion” or simply summarizing what you’ve written so far. Keep in mind that this approach won’t work for every prompt.

How important are essays for an MBA?

An MBA essay is usually a requirement for admission to an MBA program . MBA essays can help you highlight your goals and achievements and show how you will add value to the university community.

Is there a lot of writing in MBA programs?

Writing and communication are key skills taught in MBA programs. Whether you’re focusing on marketing or pursuing a STEM concentration, reading and writing will be components of MBA programs. A growing number of programs, however, are allowing students to use artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in their writing.

What makes an MBA applicant stand out?

Work and life experience, background, skills, and undergraduate coursework are among the factors that can help you stand out as an MBA applicant.

What matters most in MBA admissions?

There is no one factor that matters the most in MBA admissions. Work experience might be the deciding factor for one candidate, whereas a stellar undergraduate record might help another. A strong essay, good test scores, and extensive experience can all help to boost your application.