When you read sample MBA essays online, you are probably impressed with their content quality and stylistic approaches to essay writing. You can also write as beautifully as the writers of those essays. How? Well, we gathered some helpful pointers on writing MBA personal statements from SAS. Here’s the short list:
Excellent MBA essay samples don’t talk about the school extensively
According to SAS:
Admissions officers already know how great their institutions are (or aren’t). Customization is important, but two or three sentences about the school should suffice.
The whole purpose of your essay is to highlight your qualifications in such a way that the admissions officers will deem you fit for the MBA program and as part of the community. The common mistake among MBA essay writers is devoting a large part of the essay to patronizing the school, citing what makes it a good institution. While this is well and good, the discussion should focus more on your application and how the school makes a good choice for you.
Here’s another tip:
Good essay samples don’t talk about negative things
No need to mention that D+ in Italian History (was Michelangelo his first name or his last?). It’s okay that you couldn’t find a job for 4 months after graduating from college. Your GMAT score is what it is. The personal statement is like a first date; let her know about the credit card debt months later, after you move in.
If you are to mention some challenges in your life such as failures, make sure that you end it up with a positive conclusion. You can say that because of the untoward incidents that happened, you learned a lot from it. Discuss in your essay some lessons learned and how it shaped you into a better person. Don’t make excuses for your failures. Instead, try to dwell on your strengths to show readers your character and adaptability to certain situations.
The Center for Writing Studies of University of Illinois include this as part of the don’ts when writing an MBA essay:
Allow any superficial errors in spelling, mechanics, grammar, punctuation, format, or printing to creep under your vigilant guard.
Even small mistakes will reflect on your character. Spelling errors may indicate your recklessness or lack of focus, same with ignoring the requirements for the format. Much can be said with these simple mistakes that you failed to clear out prior to submitting the essay for final evaluation.
Here’s another common mistake according to the CWS list:
Repeat information directly from the application form itself unless you use it to illustrate a point or want to develop it further.
Your admissions essay should not be a duplicate of your resume or application forms. The admissions panel has carefully evaluated these requirements, so why let them go over your list of accomplishments all over again? It will only be a waste of time. Basically, what you need to tell them is why you’ve decided to pursue an MBA degree, why you’ve chosen the program or school, and what you can offer to the community and the chosen field.
Your application essay can put you one step ahead of other applicants by giving your application the needed boost. Be aware of the common essay mistakes and focus on the more important points of writing an MBA admission essay.
A well-written statement of purpose is one of the requirements that will put you one step ahead to clinching that spot for the MBA program. It will make you stand out from other applicants who may have the same qualifications as you, the same GPA, test scores, or competitive skills you developed from college or years of work experience. Washington State University has some good information about the different topics usually found in many MBA essay samples.
Areas of expertise and interest in MBA personal statement samples
Knowledge or creativity in a field: Describe any of your special interests and how you have developed knowledge in these areas. Give examples of your creativity: the ability to see alternatives; take diverse perspectives; come up with many, varied, or original ideas; or willingness to try new things.
Basically, what the admissions panel would like to know about the applicant is what made him or her interested in the specific MBA program. This shows that you are serious about getting an MBA degree and that you are headed somewhere in choosing a specific MBA program. They want to give the slot to someone who has chosen the program according to his or her goals and not just because of some random decision. While you can always infuse creativity into your writing, you should be careful in doing so. You have to carefully select the details to include in your essay and then make an in-depth discussion about them. Make sure that whatever discussion you choose to take, it would ultimately relate to your application. Be creative but make sure that you don’t compromise clarity and sense of purpose along the way, which is a common mistake among MBA essay writers nowadays.
Here are other tips from the article:
Dealing with obstacles
Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to address this challenge. Include whether you turned to anyone in facing that challenge, the role that person played, and what you learned about yourself.
According to the article, you may discuss some of the most challenging points in your life and use it to show what kind of person you have become because of your learnings. Talking about the obstacles you faced is a great way to show that you are mature enough and that you have experiences that could help you with the journey ahead. However, the common mistake among essay writers is that they make the discussion too overly dramatic for some readers. It turns into a short biography, without clearly specifying how a specific event in your life is important to your application.
Other ideas for MBA essay topics include:
Extracurricular activities from sample essays
Explain what you have done to make your community a better place to live. Give examples of specific projects in which you have been involved over time.
Writing about your community service shows that you are a person who is socially responsible as an active member of a community. This shows what kind of a leader you can become and that you are fully aware of the needs of the world around you. This can earn you plus points, as some MBA programs emphasize on the need for better management for the success of an enterprise.
Goals and dreams in essay samples
Articulate the goals you have established for yourself and your efforts to accomplish them. Give at least one specific example that demonstrates your work ethic/diligence.
Your goals will show that you are a person who is responsible and who is mature enough to plan for his or her future.
According to the ECE Information Portals of Carnegie Melon, another good tip is to use the following set of questions when writing your application essay:
* What career have you chosen? What factors formed this decision?
* What evidence shows that this is a correct choice? That is, how can you show that this choice is realistic? (Personal experience in the field is a good place to begin.)
Good MBA essay samples can serve as your guide to unlocking the secrets to noteworthy personal statements. Study the samples and see how they discuss areas of expertise, goals, and extracurricular activities to highlight the applicant’s qualifications.
One of the most important stages in writing an application essay is brainstorming for topics. You can actually find interesting ideas from various MBA essay samples. Everything About College shares some common topics that you can consider for your personal statement. Here’s a short list:
Some essay topics from MBA essay samples
# A person, event or circumstance that has influenced you, and how it impacted your life. (This may be the most used common essay topic.)
# The greatest challenge you have ever faced.
# Have you taken advantage of the educational opportunities offered to you? How?
The purpose of your personal statement is to give the admissions panel a clear picture of who you are. And you can do this by talking about the experiences and the people around you that made a difference in your life. Talking about the challenges will help the admissions committee measure how strong and strategic you are as a person. Discussing the chances that came into your life, on the other hand, will show how you deal with opportunities and how you turn raw chances into opportunities. Aside from the ones mentioned above, you can also talk about…
# A work of fiction, your favorite character in it, and why.
# Your favorite volunteering/extracurricular activity and what you learned from it. (Read: How you grew)
# Why are you interested in the college you are applying to? Why do you want to come here?
Talking about your favorite fictional character can be an excellent means of baring yourself to the admissions panel. If you talk about your extra-curricular activities, you can show how active you are as a member of a community. And when you talk about the reason you applied to a specific school, you’ll show why you deserve to be there.
How to choose a topic for your admission essay
This excerpt from another source of application essay tips shares some pointers on how to come up with a topic for your essay:
Brainstorming is often a successful way for students to get some of these ideas down on paper. Seeing one’s ideas in writing is often an impetus for the writing process. Though brainstorming is particularly effective when a topic has been chosen, it can also benefit the student who is unable to narrow a topic.
You have to jot down every topic that comes to mind, including those you have seen from MBA essay samples. You have to choose topics that interest you the most or one which you can say interesting things about.
There are many topics you can come up with. It is in choosing the focal point of your application essay that you will encounter utmost difficulty. You have to choose a topic that you are most comfortable writing about.
Your MBA essay is one of the most important requirements for MBA application. This is why you have to exert much effort into writing an essay that would make the admissions committee remember you. Jobs and Scholarships shares some important points that could help you write an MBA essay that will let you steal a spot for admission.
Read MBA essay samples
Although there are no clear-cut rules to writing an admission essay, there are certain things that the Admission Board expects their business school applicants to include in their essays. Browse through MBA essay samples of successful applicants to get a feel of what the Admission Board prefers in terms of essay structure and composition.
You can find several MBA essay samples from university websites as well as school application guides online. These samples will show how winning personal statements are written. It will show you different ways on how to discuss your MBA application to the admissions panel.
Here’s another tip:
As you read, make a checklist of the important elements that should never go missing when you write your own admission essay: personal goals and insights, influences, relevant accomplishments, and a plan of action. From the samples, identify which qualities are valued by the business school.
You have to keep in mind, however, that you have to speak through your own voice. Only use MBA essay samples as guide. Make sure that you don’t plagiarize. Your application essay should be unique, personal, and honest.
Keeping your essay concise
You should be clear with your personal goals, and keep your discussion focused on experiences which are consistent with your purpose. To keep from rambling on and on, set aside a time for brainstorming before preparing an outline. Make a list of the things that motivated you to pursue an MBA.
The number of words for the MBA essay is limited. And so, you have to share your points of view with utmost clarity and as concise as you can. Aside from this, you need to be clear about creating a picture of yourself for them to get to know you better.
According to another article on successful applications:
Focus your energy on painting a concise, complete, and well-thought-out picture of who you truly are, rather than present what you think the Admissions Committee is looking for in response to essay questions.
Again, you have to speak through your own voice. You can use essay samples as a guide but this doesn’t give you the right to plagiarize. You have to show sincerity through your essay. The admissions committee have read a lot of essays before. For sure, they can see through your lies.
You are a unique individual, and you have to show it through your essay. Make sure that your MBA essay is clear, concise, tight, and original.
The first step toward getting an MBA degree is getting accepted into an MBA program. Once you have found a few of the MBA schools and MBA programs that you want to attend, you will have to put together your application package. To make an exceptional application package and increase your chances of being admitted, you should try to learn about the school, its history, its programs, and what the environment is like. Perhaps the best way of doing this is by approaching and talking to alumni from the programs you are applying to.
Alumni aid: where to go, and what to do
Colleagues, relatives, and friends will be your first stop. Anyone who has MBA experience will be of great help to you. So you can even search the Internet for forums on MBA education and communicate with MBA degree-holders through the Internet. When you talk to these people, ask them about their experiences in MBA school. Try to get a feel of what your journey towards an MBA degree will be like. Once you have an idea of the big picture, you can start asking about specific details. Ask about admissions processes and what admissions committees expect from applicants. All of the information that you gather will give you a good idea of how to go about your own application.
Alumni aid: getting more from the experience
One of the most important parts of your application to an MBA program is your MBA admissions essay. This requirement can make or break your chances of getting into one of the programs that you apply to. Try to ask MBA alumni for help on your MBA admission essay. Some of the people you talk to may have very helpful suggestions and tips on how to perfect your essay. Ask questions about the format, tone, structure, topics, and content that is expected from your MBA admission essay. You can also use MBA essay samples to help you make an excellent essay. Keep in mind that your admission essay plays a big role in getting you into the MBA program of your choice.
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People getting into an MBA program usually do so in hopes that they would further their careers. Earning an MBA makes you an asset among employers. It gives you a higher chance of getting promoted to managerial and executive positions, thus earning more money in the process. An MBA degree also gives you the leverage to ask for a higher salary. The reason for this is that companies view people with an MBA degree as more competent and efficient. As an entrepreneur, you’ll definitely learn more about how to make your business more successful when you pursue an MBA degree. The following are some reasons an MBA program can help entrepreneurs with their business ventures.
You’ll learn new theories
Because of the constant change in society, technology, and market trends, new business theories have been created to adapt to them as well. If you are an entrepreneur, getting into an MBA program would keep you updated and help you avoid being left behind. Being updated about the latest business theories will surely be beneficial as you apply new ideas into your business.
You’ll meet new people
People who get into MBA programs are usually working professionals bent on improving their careers. Some of these individuals could become potential clients, and others could be potential partners. An MBA program would also allow you to meet people of various cultures and backgrounds. Skills in dealing with different kinds of people are very important when it comes to running a business.
You’ll have a back-up plan
There are always new businesses that spring up but few of them becomes successful. Putting up a business means a lot of hard work and perseverance, and having a back up plan is a must. Having an MBA degree would make you desirable among different companies just in case you decide to become part of the corporate world.
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It is quite clear that if you want to build a better career, getting an MBA degree is the way to go. You might be worried about the expenses involved especially when paying off loans, and juggling work with school, but don’t forget about the rewards you will get in the long run. Those that hold MBA degrees generally earn more than those who don’t.
The reason why MBA degree holders earn more
Companies tend to offer higher salaries to employees that have gone through an MBA program. Because companies would heavily base your competence on your education, having an MBA degree would give you more value. Having an MBA degree would also easily get you promoted to managerial and executive positions, thus getting a higher salary. Companies know that individuals who have gone through an MBA program have advanced knowledge and skills. There are companies that view their employees as assets and would even pay for their MBA education.
Considering an MBA program
Different people have different needs and wants. There are a lot of MBA programs out there and doing research before joining one is very advisable. You should also think about your line of work and consider enrolling into an MBA program that specializes in your particular industry. If you are looking to change your career path, then an MBA degree can serve as a tool for you to shift careers. Opt for prestigious MBA schools so that you’ll have an edge. If you’re worried about the expenses, apply for a scholarship. To get accepted into your dream MBA school, it’s best that you come up with a winning admission essay.
Remember that while earning an MBA is one way of earning more, there still are other factors that can help you achieve financial success. These factors include hard work, perseverance, and discipline.
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The people that usually get MBA degrees are those in the corporate world. The reason for this is that they would like to keep themselves updated with the latest business trends and strategies or become strong players in a highly competitive environment. An MBA program would give them the necessary skills and knowledge so that they are not left behind by the ever changing trends in the globalized arena of business. An MBA degree, however, not only helps people in the business industry, but also individuals working in the public sector or the government. If you work for the government or public sector, an MBA program can definitely help you become a better public service provider.
Why an MBA degree is desirable for government or public sector work
As someone who works in the government or public sector, an MBA degree can help you in several ways. By pursuing an MBA degree, you’ll be able to improve your leadership skills. Leadership skills are especially important in the public sector, as well as the ability to think quickly and make critical decisions. Getting into an MBA program would expose you to people of different cultures and backgrounds. This type of experience is very important in government work, especially when dealing with foreign relations.
What MBA degree to get
A general MBA program can do wonders for your career but you may also choose a specialized MBA program that can help you excel in your field. For example, if your type of work is in foreign relations, then it probably would be best to enroll yourself in a program that focuses on international business.
So if you work in the public sector or government and are interested in joining an MBA program, do some research about the various universities that are offering different MBA programs.
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Pursuing a JD and MBA degree at the same time is now possible through joint programs offered by various universities. If you want to pursue a Juris Doctor degree and a master’s degree in business, opt for a joint JD and MBA degree. If you are interested in learning more on how to handle legal issues or concerns in the business setting, improve your decision-making skills, have great time management skills, and can multi-task effectively, pursuing such a joint degree is a good idea.
How does a joint JD and MBA program work?
There are two ways in which universities administer their joint JD (Juris Doctor) and MBA programs. One is that you go through the JD and MBA programs simultaneously, and the other way is that you take up one program for the first couple of years, and the other program for the remaining years. Getting this type of MBA dual degree would save you a lot of money and time than enrolling in two separate programs. An MBA program like this could also be available part-time but would obviously take more time to finish. This would be ideal if you would like to work while getting your MBA and JD degree.
How can a joint JD and MBA degree help you in your career?
Having this type of degree means your equipped with the proper training and knowledge about how to handle legal business issues. Plus, a joint JD and MBA degree can increase your chances of getting a higher position because of your academic background and training. Becoming a business lawyer is also easier if you have a joint JD and MBA degree.
How do you get a joint JD and MBA degree?
Different universities may have different requirements when it comes to their joint programs. Passing both the LSAT and GMAT is one of the common requirements that universities would ask for.
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The saying “It’s never too late” can surely be applied when it comes to switching careers. Imagine being stuck your entire life in a career that you either hate or bores you. Many people make the mistake of choosing a career path impulsively and sticking to it because they think that they don’t have a choice or that switching careers is an impossible task. What they probably don’t know is that a change in career is possible, and that one way of doing so is by joining an MBA program.
Using an MBA degree for a career switch
There are different fields of specialization offered by different MBA programs. Taking up a particular specialization would help you gain significant knowledge in a particular field, which would eventually lead you towards a new career path. Pursuing an MBA degree would also allow you to combine the knowledge you’ve gained in college and the things you’ll about to learn from such a program. Combined knowledge of two fields can help you get promoted at work, giving you the opportunity to fully exercise what you’ve learned from the MBA program.
Choosing an MBA degree when switching careers
If you think specializing in a field can help you switch careers, then pursuing an MBA degree can greatly help. You should assess your skills, needs, and wants and see to it that you choose an MBA program that would best suit you. When choosing an MBA program, it is important that you research on the different programs that are offered by various universities. To help you find an MBA program that would steer you towards the career path you want, it’s best to research about the program’s curriculum, tuition expenses, reputation of the school, and teaching methods used by the professors. If you plan to study while working, opt for a program with flexible class schedules.
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