MBA Essay Prompts 2025–2026: Complete Guide

MBA Essay Prompts 2025–2026: Complete GuideAll applicants must submit two required essays. The Admissions Committee is eager to understand who you are, both professionally and personally. We encourage you to be thoughtful, honest, and concise. Above all, let your true self shine through.

Essays: Two short-form questions and one long-form essay

Short Answer 1: What is your short-term professional goal during your deferment period? (50 words maximum)

Short Answer 2: What are your immediate post-MBA career goals, and how will those build towards your long-term professional goals? (150 words maximum)

Essay: Taking into consideration your background, personal, professional, and/or academic, how do you plan to add meaningful value to the Wharton community? (350 words maximum)

Link: https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu/deferred-admissions/moelis-advance-access-program/

Career Goals Essay 1: What is your career objective, and how will the Wharton MBA Program for Executives contribute to your attainment of this objective? (Upload file, 500 words maximum)

Contribution Essay 2: Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (Upload file, 500 words maximum)

Optional Essay: Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application. This space should be used to clarify information provided in the application or address extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps or inconsistent performance in academic career, choice of recommender, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. Please note that this section is not intended to be an additional essay. (Upload file, 500 words maximum)

Reapplicant Essay: What have you been doing since you previously applied for admission, and what impact have your activities had on the clarification of your goals? Include any steps you have taken to enhance your preparation for admission to Wharton. (Upload file, 300 words maximum)

Link: https://grad-admissions.wharton.upenn.edu/apply/

Unofficial Prompts:

Discuss why you are applying to the Lauder Institute, detailing specific reasons, experiences, and background for choosing your Program of Concentration, as well as your interest in further study in that Program. Applicants to Programs of Concentration involving language study (Africa-French; East and Southeast Asia; Europe; Latin America; South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa) should also discuss what they hope to gain from advanced language and cultural education, as well as describe how they have learned the language they will study (e.g. undergraduate courses, undergraduate major, etc.). Finally, please describe how you see yourself benefiting from, and contributing to, the Lauder community.   (800 words)

Describe a challenging intercultural or politically sensitive situation where you had to navigate a difference in perspective or opinion. Explain how you handled it and any lessons learned. (200 words)

Career Goals Immediate Short Answer 1: What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (Text box, 50 words maximum)

Career Goals 3-5 years Short Answer 2: What are your career goals for the first three to five years after completing your MBA, and how will those build towards your long-term professional goals? (Text box, 150 words maximum)

Contributing to Wharton Essay: Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to add meaningful value to the Wharton community? (Text box, 350 words maximum)

Reapplicant Essay: Please share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, extracurricular/volunteer engagements, etc.). (Text box, 250 words maximum)

Lauder Essay 1: Why Lauder: Discuss why you are applying to the Lauder Institute, detailing specific reasons, experiences, and background for choosing your Program of Concentration, as well as your interest in further study in that Program. Applicants to Programs of Concentration involving language study (Africa-French; East and Southeast Asia; Europe; Latin America; South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa) should also discuss what they hope to gain from advanced language and cultural education, as well as describe how they have learned the language they will study (e.g. undergraduate courses, undergraduate major, etc.). Finally, please describe how you see yourself benefiting from, and contributing to, the Lauder community. (Text box, 500 words)

Lauder Essay 2: Challenging Situation: Imagine you’re in a classroom and a fellow student makes a statement you find offensive or problematic. How would you respond? You may use a real experience you’ve had or outline how you’d approach the situation. What principles would guide you, and what would you hope the outcome would be? (Text box, 200 words)

Optional Essay: Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application. This space should be used to clarify information provided in the application or address extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps or inconsistent performance in academic career, choice of recommenders, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. Please note that this section is not intended to be an additional essay. (Text box, 500 words maximum)

International Experience: Please indicate in brief the nature of your experience in the following categories, e.g. Colombia (study abroad, summer 2019); Ethiopia (UN Economic Commission, summer internship 2018), etc.

A. Countries in which you have lived for 3 or more months.

B. Countries in which you have worked for 3 or more months.

(Text box, no word limit)

Link: https://grad-admissions.wharton.upenn.edu/apply/

Short Answer 1: What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (50 characters maximum)

Short Answer 2: How do you plan to spend the summer after the first year of the MBA? If in an internship, please include target industry(ies) and/or function(s). If you plan to work on your own venture, please indicate a focus of business. (50 characters maximum)

Essay 1: Through your resume and recommendation, we have a clear sense of your professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next three to five years and what is your long-term dream job? (500 words)

Essay 2: Please share a specific example of how you made a team more collaborative, more inclusive or fostered a greater sense of community within an organization. (250 words)

Essay 3: We believe Columbia Business School is a special place with a collaborative learning environment in which students feel a sense of belonging, agency, and partnership–academically, culturally, and professionally. How would you co-create your optimal MBA experience at CBS? Please be specific. (250 words)

Link: https://academics.business.columbia.edu/admissions/mba/application-requirements#5

Short Answer:

What are your professional plans after you complete your undergraduate or current master’s degree? (50 characters maximum)

Essay 1: Applying to a deferred enrollment program suggests that your aspirations in the next 2-5 years will include an MBA. Why do you feel you need an MBA to achieve your long-term career goals, and why would you like to pursue your MBA at Columbia Business School? (300 words)

Essay 2: Contributing to the community is an important part of the CBS experience. Discuss one experience or situation in your undergraduate or graduate career where you feel you contributed to your community and what you learned from the experience. (250 words)

Optional Essay: If you wish to provide further information or additional context around your application to the Admissions Committee, please upload a brief explanation of any areas of concern in your academic record or personal history. This does not need to be a formal essay. You may submit bullet points. (Maximum 500 Words)

Link: https://academics.business.columbia.edu/admissions/mba/options-deadlines/dep/application-requirements#5

Short Answer 1:

What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (50 characters maximum)

Short Answer 2:

For those who do not live in the NY tri-state area, please briefly share your plans for attending class from that distance. (50 characters maximum)

Essay 1: Through your resume and recommendations, we have a clear sense of your professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next three to five years, and what is your long-term dream job? (500 words maximum)

Essay 2: Please share a specific example of how you made a team more collaborative, more inclusive, or fostered a greater sense of community within an organization. (250 words maximum)

Optional Essay: Is there something else you feel would be helpful for the Admissions Committee to know? An optional third essay will allow you to discuss any topics that do not fall within the purview of the required essays.

Reapplicant Essay: How have you enhanced your candidacy since your previous application? Please detail your progress since you last applied and reiterate how you plan to achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA professional goals. (upload file, 500 words)

Link: https://academics.business.columbia.edu/admissions/emba/application-requirements#5

Short Answer: What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (Text box, 50 characters maximum)

Essay 1: Through your resume and recommendations, we have a clear sense of your professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next three to five years, and what is your long-term dream job? (Upload file, 500 words maximum)

Essay 2: Please share a specific example of how you made a team more collaborative, more inclusive or fostered a greater sense of community within an organization. (Upload file, 250 words maximum)

Essay 3: We believe Columbia Business School is a special place with a collaborative learning environment in which students feel a sense of belonging, agency, and partnership–academically, culturally, and professionally.

How would you co-create your optimal MBA experience at CBS? Please be specific. (Upload file, 250 words maximum)

Optional Essay: If you wish to provide the Admissions Committee with further information or additional context about your application, please include it here. You may write an essay or submit bullet points. (Upload file, 500 words maximum)

Reapplicant Essay: How have you enhanced your candidacy since your previous application? Please detail your progress since you last applied and reiterate how you plan to achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA professional goals. (Upload file, 500 words maximum).

Video Essay: You will be required to complete a Video Essay as part of the application. Once you submit the written application and pay the application fees, you will receive a Kira Video Essay link (within 24-hours) to be completed by the Application Round Deadline. The link will expire in 48-hours after receipt, hence to provide yourself with adequate time we recommend submitting the written section a few days ahead of the deadline. There will be three video essay questions that you will be required to complete. We will consider your application as complete and ready to be reviewed only once we have received your answers to the video questions. All instructions for this section will be shared with you along with the link.

Link: https://www.iese.edu/mba/admissions-fees/

Describe a highly stressful situation you faced and how you managed it. What did this experience teach you about yourself and your interactions with others? (Text box, 400 words maximum).

Describe a highly stressful situation you faced and how you managed it. What did this experience teach you about yourself and your interactions with others? (text box, 400 words maximum)

Career Goals: Describe your short and long-term career aspirations, including your target geography, industry, and function. How do you plan to bridge the gap between your current position and these goals, and how will INSEAD help you achieve them? (text box, 300 words maximum)

Anything Else: Is there anything else that was not covered in your application that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee? (text box, maximum 300 words)

Describe Yourself: Give a candid description of yourself as a person and a leader, emphasizing the strengths and weaknesses you recognize in yourself. Explain how you are actively working on your development, sharing key experiences that have shaped you, providing specific examples where relevant. (text box, 500 words maximum)

Why now?: What are the reasons that lead you to apply to the Program at this point in your life? (Text box, 280 words maximum)

Goals: Explain the most significant goals you think you have achieved so far and the reasons for their importance in your personal growth. (Text box, 280 words)

How will you finance your studies?: How do you expect to finance your Program studies? (Text box, 280 words maximum)

Long-term Professional Goals: What are your long-term professional goals? (Text box, 280 words maximum)

Post-MBA location:

Where do you wish to pursue your profession after receiving the MBA?

Where? (Choose one: “Italy”, “My home country”, or “Abroad”)

Why? (Text box, 280 words maximum)

Employment: Please describe your current or last work experience. Please only include your main occupation (i.e. no advisory or investor roles). If you haven’t had any job experience, please contact us.

Describe your responsibilities and career progress (give examples of experiences managing human and financial resources, indicating the level of responsibility) (Text box, 30 words maximum)

Free time: What interests and occupations do you pursue in your free time? (Text box, no word limit stated, text box allows 8192 characters)

University Studies: What do you think you gained from your university studies? Conversely, what important things do you think your studies lacked? (Text box, 280 words maximum)

Other Possible Goals: What other possibilities have you seriously considered, apart from the Program, for reaching your goals of personal and professional growth? (Text box, 280 words maximum)

Short-term Professional Goals: What are your short-term professional goals (within the next 3-5 years)? What other options are you considering/have you considered? (Text box, 280 words maximum)

Possible gain: What do you hope to get from the program? (Text box, no word limit stated, text box allows for 8192 characters)

Weakness: Describe your weak points, personal and professional, explaining why you see them as such. (Text box, 280 words maximum)

Strengths: Describe your strong points, personal and professional, explaining why you see them as such. (Text box, 280 words maximum)

Background Essay: The World That Shaped You: How has the world you come from shaped who you are today? For example, your family, culture, community, all help to shape aspects of your life experiences and perspective. Please use this opportunity to share more about your background. Please do not include any links in your response. (Text box, 250 words maximum

Reapplicant Essay: Please let us know what has changed since you last applied. (Text box, 200 words maximum)

Link: https://applymitsloan.mit.edu/apply/

English-speaking environment: Please outline your experience of working or studying in an English-speaking environment. Do you plan to take further English language tuition before the programme starts? (Text box, 300 words max)

International Experience: Please tell us your most significant international experiences to date. (Text box, 100 words maximum)

Reapplicant Essay: How have you grown or changed personally and professionally since you previously applied and what steps have you taken to become the strongest candidate you can be? (Text box, approximately 250 words)

Optional Essay: We know that life is full of extenuating circumstances. Whether you want to explain gaps in work experience, your choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance or something else, you can use this section to briefly tell us anything we need to know about your application. (Text box, 280 words maximum)

Career Goals/Why Kellogg: Essay 1. Intentionality is a key aspect of what makes our graduates successful Kellogg leaders. Help us understand your journey by articulating your motivations for pursuing an MBA, the specific goals you aim to achieve, and why you believe now is the right moment. Moreover, share why you feel Kellogg is best suited to serve as a catalyst for your career aspirations and what you will contribute to our community of lifelong learners during your time here. (Text box, 450 words maximum)

Leadership & Values: Essay 2. Kellogg leaders are primed to tackle challenges everywhere, from the boardroom to their neighborhoods. Describe a specific professional experience where you had to make a difficult decision. Reflecting on this experience, identify the values that guided your decision-making process and how it impacted your leadership style. (Text box, 450 words maximum)

Career Goals/Why Kellogg?: Essay 1. Intentionality is a key aspect of what makes our graduates successful Kellogg leaders. Help us understand your journey by articulating your motivations for pursuing an MBA, the specific goals you aim to achieve, and why you believe a deferred enrollment program is the right fit for you. Moreover, share why you feel Kellogg is best suited to serve as a catalyst for your career aspirations and what you will contribute to our community of lifelong learners during your time here. (Text box, 450 words maximum)

Pre-MBA Job Plan: Please share how you intend to spend the next few years prior to joining Kellogg. (Text box, 200 words maximum)

Optional Essay: Additional Information. We know that life is full of extenuating circumstances. Whether you want to explain gaps in work experience, your choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance or something else, you can use this section to briefly tell us anything we need to know about your application. (Text box, 280 words maximum)

Career Goals (Short Answer):

1.  Share with us the motivations behind your desired industry/function after graduating from Kellogg. (Text box, 500 characters maximum)
2.  What does a successful career look like five years after you graduate from Kellogg? (Text box, 500 characters maximum)

Leadership and Values: Essay 2. Kellogg leaders are primed to tackle challenges everywhere, from the boardroom to their neighborhoods. Describe a specific professional or extracurricular experience where you had to make a difficult decision. Reflecting on this experience, identify the values that guided your decision-making process and how it impacted your leadership style. (Text box, 450 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Milestones or Challenges:

Short Answer Question 1. Pursuing an MBA offers a fantastic springboard to your desired career goals. What are some professional milestones you’ve set for yourself or challenges you’re currently facing? How do you think Fuqua’s Executive MBA will specifically help you achieve your goals and navigate those challenges?

(Upload file, 500 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Success or Impact: Short Answer Question 2. In what ways do you believe you will make an impact at Fuqua? Why is this important to you? (Upload file, 250 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Optional Essay: If you feel there are circumstances of which the admissions committee should be aware, please explain them here (e.g. unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance). Note that you should NOT upload additional essays nor additional recommendations in this area. The Optional Information section is intended to provide the admissions committee with insight into your circumstances only. (Upload file, No word limit)

(Previous year’s prompt) International Experience (Short answer): Briefly describe your international experience. (Text box, 500 characters maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Optional Background Information: (Family Information Section) Lived Experiences. Do you have other lived experiences that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee that may give us insight into your opportunities, challenges, and/or achievements? If so, please share 200 words or less explaining how those experiences might affect your contributions to Fuqua. (Text box, 200 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) 10 Random Things:

Short Answer Question 3. The Admissions Team wants to get to know YOU, beyond your professional and academic achievements shared with us in the application. Please share with us ten random things about you. This could include important life experiences, hobbies, achievements, fun facts, or anything that helps us understand what makes you uniquely you.

Please present your response in list form, numbered 1 to 10. Some points may be brief; others may be longer. No more than 2 pages. (Upload file)

Optional Essay: Please share additional information here if you need to clarify any information provided in the other sections of your application. This is not meant to be used as an additional essay. Please limit your additional information to the space in this section.

We know you’ll be tempted, but please don’t send us any additional materials (e.g., additional recommendations, work portfolios). To be fair to all applicants, extra materials won’t be considered. (Text box, 75 words maximum)

Reapplicant Essay: Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (Text box, 250 words maximum)

Business-Minded: Please reflect on how your choices have influenced your career path and aspirations. (Text box, 300 words maximum)

Growth-Oriented: Curiosity can be seen in many ways. Please share an example of how you have demonstrated curiosity and how that has influenced your growth. (Text box, 250 words maximum)

Leadership-Focused: What experiences have shaped how you invest in others and how you lead? (Text box, 250 words maximum)

Link: https://apply.business.cornell.edu/s/

(Previous year’s prompt) Personal Essay: An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of work. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are. (Text box, 250 words minimum/no maximum)

Individual Experience (Photo Essay):

Chicago Booth appreciates the individual experiences and perspectives that all of our students bring to our community. This respect for different viewpoints creates an open-minded environment that supports curiosity, inspires us to think more broadly, and take risks. At Booth, community is about collaborative thinking and learning from one another to better ourselves, our ideas, and the world around us.

The photos below represent some of the values described above that we uphold at Chicago Booth. Select one and share how it resonates with one of your own values.

Photo Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18RjPg08ap5gRQqorYbtmM9DbieWAx_rp/view

Optional Essay: Is there any unclear information in your application that needs further explanation or additional details you would like to share with the Admissions Committee? If so, please use this section to clarify. (Optional) (Text box, 300 words maximum)

Short-term Career Goal (Short Answer): What is your immediate post-MBA career goal? (Text box, 250 characters maximum)

Optional Personal Information: Is there anything about your upbringing or family/household circumstances that you would like the Admissions Committee to know? (Text box, no word limit)

Career Goals: How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (Text box, 250 words minimum/no maximum)

Link: ttps://www.chicagobooth.edu/admissions/apply

Long-term Career Goal (Short answer): What is your long-term post-MBA career goal? (Text box, 250 characters maximum)

Reapplicant Essay: Upon reflection, how has your perspective regarding your future, Chicago Booth, and/or getting an MBA changed since the time of your last application? (Text box, 300 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Why Booth?: Why are you seeking an MBA from Chicago Booth and what unique knowledge and experiences do you hope to contribute to the program? (Upload file; Please limit your answer to two pages)

(Previous year’s prompt) Optional: Scholarship Consideration: Scholarship Consideration. Each year, we award a limited number of merit-based scholarships to incoming Executive MBA students at all three program locations. Merit scholarships are awarded based on academic and professional achievement. All candidates are automatically considered and no additional application is required. However, if you’d like to provide one to two reasons why you should receive a merit-based scholarship, please do so here. (Text box, max. 250 words)

(Previous year’s prompt) Optional: Commitment to Diversity:

Commitment to Diversity. At the University of Chicago, diversity is not only an ideal to which we strive, but a core institutional value. The Executive MBA Program at Chicago Booth seeks a population of students across different industries, functions, cultures, and geographies. How will your life experiences help you contribute to and participate in this diverse learning environment? (Text box, max. 250 words)

(Previous year’s prompt) Career Goals:

Career Goals. This section will provide the admissions committee with further insights into your motivation for pursuing an MBA and what you hope to gain from the experience.

• Please describe your career objective. (Dropdown, select one).
• What is your short-term career goal? (Text box, 150 word max)
• What is your long-term post-MBA goal? (Text box, 150 word max)

(Previous year’s prompt) Optional: Academics and Career: Optional Short Answer Questions. Please limit your answers to 250 words or less for these questions.

Academics and Career. The Executive MBA Program at Chicago Booth is an academically rigorous course of study that focuses on the fundamental tools of business. As a student, you will draw upon key learnings from coursework and your professional background to make valuable contributions to the classroom. If there is anything else you would like the admissions committee to know about your academic background or professional experience, please share that information here. You may wish to respond to the following prompts:

• Do you believe your previous academic performance is indicative of your academic potential? If not, please provide specific reasons for your underperformance.
• Do you have a gap in your professional experience?
• Are there additional insights that might be useful for the Admissions Committee to know?

(Text box, max 250 words)

Unofficial Prompts:

Short-Answer Question:

What do you plan to accomplish after graduation and prior to starting your MBA?

Essays:

How will the Chicago Booth Scholars Program contribute to your short-term goals during your deferment period? How will the Booth MBA then help you achieve your long-term post-MBA career goals?

An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experiences and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of work and the classroom. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are…

Link: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/mba/early-career-programs/chicago-booth-scholars/application-process

(Previous year’s prompt) Personal Information (Optional): Personal History. Is there anything about your upbringing or family/household circumstances that you would like the admissions committee to know? (Text box, No word limit)

(Previous year’s prompt) Personal Story: An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experiences and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of work and the classroom. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are… (Text box, 250-word minimum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Pre-MBA Plans: Post-Graduation. What are your professional plans for your time in deferment prior to starting your MBA? (Text box, 250 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Choice of Recommenders: Why did you choose these two recommenders? (Text box, No word limit)

(Previous year’s prompt) Career Goals: How will the Chicago Booth Scholars Program contribute to your short-term goals during your deferment period? How will the Booth MBA then help you achieve your long-term post-MBA career goals? (Text box, 250-word minimum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Optional Essay: Additional Information. Is there any unclear information in your application that needs further explanation or additional details you would like to share with the Admissions Committee? If so, please use this section to clarify. (Optional) (Text box, 300 words maximum)

Optional Additional Info: If you wish to provide additional information about academic or personal circumstances not included in your Optional Essay or elsewhere in this application, please do so here. (Text box, 1000 characters maximum)

Career Goals (Short Answer): Describe your post-MBA short-term and long-term career goals. (Text box, 150 words maximum)

Why MBA? (Short Answer): Why is the MBA the right degree for you to pursue both personally and professionally? (Text box, 150 words maximum)

Optional Essay: Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions Committee should be aware? (Text box, 250 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Transformative Leader: At Anderson, our mission is to prepare transformative leaders by developing students to think innovatively, problem-solve, and adapt to others – all with a driven and purposeful mindset. How do you plan to achieve your goals and develop into a transformative leader during your time at UCLA Anderson? (Text box, 250 words maximum)

Reapplicant Essay: If you are reapplying, please answer the essay questions below and update the reapplicant fields in the Program section of the application with any new test scores, career progress, or other significant changes since your previous application. Reapplicants are those who have applied within the last two admissions cycles; if your last application was three or more years ago, you will be considered a new applicant.

Link: https://apply.anderson.ucla.edu/apply/

Why UCLA Anderson? (Short Answer): What makes UCLA Anderson a top choice for you, and how will you engage with and contribute to the community? (Text box, 250 words maximum)

Careers With Purpose: Darden’s Career Center delivers personalized career searches, support, and resources to empower students in their goals to create value as transformational leaders. The team of dedicated, expert career coaches spans every major industry, function and geography and collectively represent over one hundred years of coaching experience. Coaches are prepared to support students wherever they are in their search, as career goals shift and evolve while pursuing an MBA. Through a wide variety of career-related programming, students gain the skills to convert personal purpose into professional success. This support continues after graduation with access to complimentary career support for life through Darden’s Alumni Career Services.

At this time how would you describe your short-term, post-MBA goal in terms of industry, function, geography, company size and/or mission and how does it align with the long-term vision you have for your career? (Text box, 200 words maximum)

Exploring Charlottesville (Short answer): What are you excited to explore in Charlottesville? (Text box, 25 words maximum)

Darden Worldwide:

• Darden has an incredible network of alumni and partners around the world, and, in a typical year, the School connects with over 80 countries. What location would serve as an impactful catalyst to your development during your MBA program?(Text box, 5 words)
• And why? (Text box, 50 words maximum)

Community & Inclusive Impact:

The Darden School of Business seeks to improve the world by developing and inspiring responsible global leaders. We believe all key stakeholders – students, faculty, staff, alumni – play a critical role in cultivating a learning environment and supportive community, and every action in service of this goal is important.

Please describe an example of building community within your personal or professional life. What impact did this have on you and those around you? How will this experience contribute to the way you will build community at Darden? (Text box, 200 words maximum)

Optional Essay: Additional Comments. If there is further information you believe would be helpful to the Admissions Committee, please provide it. (Text box, 250 words maximum)

Reapplicant Essay: What have you done to improve your candidacy since you last applied? (Text box, 100 words maximum)

Relationships Matter Here: What would you want your classmates to know about you that is not on your resume? (Text box, 200 words maximum)

Optional Family Information: Darden seeks to facilitate a welcoming application process. You may use this opportunity to expand, for example, on family, medical, financial or other circumstances that will help us understand your opportunities, achievement, resilience, and impact within context. (Text box, 150 words maximum)

Link: https://apply.darden.virginia.edu/apply/

Optional Essay: If any aspect of your candidacy needs further explanation, please provide a brief description here. (Upload file, 200 words maximum)

Gaps in Work Experience:

Have you had any post-undergraduate employment gaps in full-time employment of greater than three months (other than for graduate study), or are you currently unemployed?

If yes, please use the space below to provide more information. (Text box, 250 words maximum)

Optional Background Info: Supplemental Detail. If you would like to elaborate on any of your responses within this section, or any other aspect of your background, we encourage you to do so here. (Text box, 250 words maximum)

Select a Prompt:

Please respond to one (1) of the three essay prompts below. The word limit (though not necessarily the goal!) is 500 words.

1) Describe the biggest commitment you have ever made. Why is this commitment meaningful to you and what actions have you taken to support it?

2) Describe the community that has been most meaningful to you. What is the most valuable thing you have gained from being a part of this community and what is the most important thing you have contributed to this community?

3) Describe the most significant challenge you have faced. How have you confronted this challenge and how has it shaped you as a person?

(Upload file, 500 words maximum)

Reapplicant Essay: Since your last application, please discuss any significant updates to your candidacy, including changes in your personal or professional life, additional coursework, or extracurricular/volunteer activities. (Upload file, 200 words maximum)

Career Interests: Briefly describe your career interests and how you arrived at them. What have you already done to pursue these interests? What do you need to do going forward? (Text box, 200 words maximum)

Link: https://admissions.som.yale.edu/apply/

Unofficial Prompts:

Essays:

We require two short essays, with the following prompts:

• Why are you interested in pursuing an Executive MBA at this point in your life and career, and how does it align with your goals? (300 words maximum)
• Why Yale? (300 words maximum)

There is also an optional essay, with the following prompt:

• If any aspect of your candidacy needs further explanation (unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, academic performance, promotions or recognitions, etc.), please provide a brief description here. (200 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Why Yale?: Short Essay 2: Why Yale? (Text box, 300 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Career Goals: Short Essay 1: Why are you interested in pursuing an Executive MBA at this point in your life and career, and how does it align with your goals? (Text box, 300 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Optional Information: If any aspect of your candidacy needs further explanation (unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, academic performance, promotions or recognitions, etc.), please provide a brief description here. Please note that this section is truly optional – if no aspect of your application requires further explanation, you do not need to include an essay. (Text box, 200 words maximum)

Post-MBA Plans: Option 1 “Employment”:

• Describe below your immediate plan after graduating from the MBA: (Text box, 1250 characters)
• How does your preferred sector in your preferred location recruit MBA talent and what do they look for in a candidate? Describe the research you have done so far. (Text box, 1250 characters)
• Reflecting on your answers above, how do you meet these requirements and what obstacles stand as barriers? (Text box, 1250 characters)
• What do you plan to do between now and starting your MBA to prepare and maximise your chances of success? (Text box, 1250 characters)
• Should you not be successful in securing your first choice of role, what is your alternative? (Text box, 1250 characters)

Post-MBA Plans – Option 2 “Entrepreneurship”:

• • • Describe your business idea including details of your business plan and the steps you have taken so far to develop or launch your business idea.

  (Text box, 1250 characters)

• How will the MBA help you start, or further develop, your own business? (Text box, 1250 characters)
• What do you plan to do between now and starting your MBA to prepare and maximise your chances of success? (Text box, 1250 characters)
• Should you not be successful in developing or launching your own business, what is your alternative? (Text box, 1250 characters)

Post-MBA Plans – Option 3 “Family Business”:

• Describe the scale and scope of your family business. (Text box, 1250 characters)
• What role do you currently play in the business. (Text box, 1250 characters)
• Describe the main differences between the role that you hold now and the role that you’ll be occupying once you return. (Text box, 1250 characters)
• What are your immediate future plans for developing the family business? Describe how the MBA will help you achieve them. (Text box, 1250 characters)
• What do you plan to do between now and starting your MBA to prepare and maximise your chances of success. (Text box, 1250 characters)

Post-MBA Plans – Option 4 “Returning to current employer”:

Describe the role you will be returning to and provide any other pertinent information. (Text box, 1250 characters)

Post-MBA Plans – Option 5 “Other”:

Describe your plan after graduating from the MBA. (Text box, 1250 characters)

• How does the MBA fit in your plans and how will it enhance your short-term direction? (Text box, 1250 characters)
• How will you develop your career goals before starting your MBA? (Text box, 1250 characters)
• What research have you already conducted? What further research will you do? (Text box, 1250 characters)
• How will the MBA help equip you for the future? (Text box, 1250 characters)

Current Role: Please list your main responsibilities, your most significant challenges and greatest achievement. (Text box, 5000 characters maximum)

Reapplicant Essay: Re-applicants only: What improvements have you made in your candidacy since you last applied to the Oxford MBA programme? (Upload file, 250 words maximum)

Link: https://apply.sbs.ox.ac.uk/apply/

Current role (Short answer): Define your current role. Please list your main responsibilities, your most significant challenges and greatest achievement. (Text box, 1250 characters maximum)

Professional Qualifications (Short answer):

Please provide information regarding any relevant professional qualifications that you hold including the professional firm or educational institution attended, qualification, subject, year achieved and result. (Text box, 500 characters maximum)

AND

Please upload any certificates relevant to your professional qualifications. (Upload file, no word limit)

Who you are: Essay 2. If we asked your closest associates to describe you, what would they say? Which adjectives would they use and why? What would they say are your strengths and weaknesses? (Upload file, 500 words suggested)

Video essay:

Essay 3: Describe an aspect of your organisation which could be viewed as ‘problematic’. Briefly outline three different action plans which could be implemented to deal with the issues involved, assessing the advantages and disadvantages of each. * Suggested 2,000 words

In your video essay you will present and pitch for up to two minutes on the three action plans you have outlined and explain which action plan is the best solution for the problem you have addressed, as though you are presenting this to senior leaders within the organisation.

To submit the video essay follow these steps:

1) Write essay three and upload to the Essays page. The essay question is:

Essay 3: Describe an aspect of your organisation which could be viewed as ‘problematic’. Briefly outline three different action plans which could be implemented to deal with the issues involved, assessing the advantages and disadvantages of each. * Suggested 2,000 words

2) Select below to begin your video recording. You will first be required to test your camera and microphone to confirm both are working. Once you confirm you will have 20 seconds preparation time before recording your video essay.

3) Once you start recording your pitch you will have up to two minutes to describe the issue, present the three action plans and conclude which action plan is the most effective solution.

Organisational action plans: Describe an aspect of your organisation which could be viewed as ‘problematic’. Briefly outline three different action plans which could be implemented to deal with the issues involved, assessing the advantages and disadvantages of each. (Upload file, 2000 words suggested)

Career objectives: Essay 1. Please outline your career objectives and explain how the Executive MBA would help you achieve them. (Upload file, 500 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Video essay:

Essay 3: Describe an aspect of your organisation which could be viewed as ‘problematic’. Briefly outline three different action plans which could be implemented to deal with the issues involved, assessing the advantages and disadvantages of each. * Suggested 2,000 words

In your video essay you will present and pitch for up to two minutes on the three action plans you have outlined and explain which action plan is the best solution for the problem you have addressed, as though you are presenting this to senior leaders within the organisation.

To submit the video essay follow these steps:

1) Write essay three and upload to the Essays page. The essay question is:

Essay 3: Describe an aspect of your organisation which could be viewed as ‘problematic’. Briefly outline three different action plans which could be implemented to deal with the issues involved, assessing the advantages and disadvantages of each. * Suggested 2,000 words

2) Select below to begin your video recording. You will first be required to test your camera and microphone to confirm both are working. Once you confirm you will have 20 seconds preparation time before recording your video essay.

3) Once you start recording your pitch you will have up to two minutes to describe the issue, present the three action plans and conclude which action plan is the most effective solution.

(Previous year’s prompt) Current role (Short answer): Define your current role. Please list your main responsibilities, your most significant challenges and greatest achievement. (Text box, 1250 characters maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Organisational action plans: Describe an aspect of your organisation which could be viewed as ‘problematic’. Briefly outline three different action plans which could be implemented to deal with the issues involved, assessing the advantages and disadvantages of each. (Upload file, 2000 words suggested)

(Previous year’s prompt) Career objectives: Essay 1. Please outline your career objectives and explain how the Executive MBA would help you achieve them. (Upload file, 500 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Professional Qualifications (Short answer):

Please provide information regarding any relevant professional qualifications that you hold including the professional firm or educational institution attended, qualification, subject, year achieved and result. (Text box, 500 characters maximum)

AND

Please upload any certificates relevant to your professional qualifications. (Upload file, no word limit)

(Previous year’s prompt) Who you are: Essay 2. If we asked your closest associates to describe you, what would they say? Which adjectives would they use and why? What would they say are your strengths and weaknesses? (Upload file, 500 words suggested)

Optional Essay: Is there something in your resume or application that needs a brief explanation? Appropriate uses of this essay would be the explanation of an employment gap, academic outliers, choice of recommender, completion of supplemental coursework, etc. You may use bullet points where appropriate. (Upload file, 250 words maximum)

Unofficial Prompts:

We want to hear your story. When responding to our required essays, be authentic and take time to reflect on your goals and past experiences. Craft a response that explains how these experiences led you to pursue an MBA.

Personal Essay

Our goal at Georgetown McDonough is to craft a diverse class with people who have had varying personal and professional life experiences. As such, we want to give our applicants the opportunity to select one essay (from a list of three) that allows them the ability to best highlight their experiences, characteristics, and values that showcase the value proposition that they can bring to the McDonough community. Please select one of the following three essays to complete in 500 words (approximately two pages, double spaced) and include the essay prompt and your first/last name at the top of your submission.

Essay Option One – Georgetown Community

Our mission is rooted in Jesuit principles of equality and respect for everyone and an ethos of caring for the whole person. Inclusivity and diversity are core to supporting a community of people with an intersectional understanding of themselves and the world around them. Share how your educational, familial, cultural, economic, social, and/or other individual life experiences will contribute to the diversity of perspectives and ideas at Georgetown University.

Essay Option Two – Cura Personalis

As the oldest Jesuit institution in the United States, cura personalis is a Latin phrase deeply ingrained within our community and translates to “care of the person.” It encompasses a profound sense of care and responsibility for one another, rooted in personalized attention to each individual’s needs, unique circumstances, gifts, and limitations, fostering the growth of each person. Please reflect on a specific instance where you exemplified cura personalis by supporting a teammate or coworker. Describe the particular actions you took to guide them, and explain the impact of these efforts. Additionally, discuss how you would leverage these experiences to contribute to the collaborative environment at Georgetown McDonough.

Essay Option Three – Achieving Excellence

Georgetown McDonough is committed to achieving greater excellence to enrich the legacies of our students and alumni. Please reflect on a professional experience from your resume where you achieved outstanding results. Describe why this experience exemplified excellence, highlight the strengths or skills you utilized that contributed to this achievement, and share how these qualities will help you leave a legacy at Georgetown.

Video Essay

We believe a vibrant community is built on diverse and unique individuals, and we want you to bring your whole self to Georgetown McDonough. We’ve learned about your professional and leadership qualities throughout the application, but now we want to know more about you beyond work. Whether it’s a new hobby, a fun adventure, or a simple pleasure, in one minute, share what has recently brought you joy outside of work.

Video Guidelines

• You may use your phone, computer, or other means to record the video, but please ensure all audio and visual components are clear. We recommend a well-lit room and minimal noise distraction.
• The admissions committee would like for you to appear in person during part of your video.
• Please adhere to the time guideline of one minute.
• We recommend unscripted, conversational videos – help us get to know the real you!
• Upload your video to an accessible website (such as YouTube, Vimeo, Youku, or Tudou), and submit the direct video URL into your online application.
• Please note that all videos must remain active and accessible to the admissions committee online for a minimum of five years for record retention purposes.
• For your privacy: Do not include your name in the title of your video. You may submit “unlisted” videos via YouTube or password protected videos through Vimeo. If using a password, please include immediately after your link in the text box below. [Ex: www.youtube.com/123, password: Hoyas]

Optional Essay

Please provide any information you would like to add to your application that you have not otherwise included (300-350 words, approximately one page, double spaced).

Re-Applicant Essay

Required for re-applicants. How have you strengthened your candidacy since your last application? We are particularly interested in hearing about how you have grown professionally and personally (300-350 words, approximately one page, double spaced).

Link: https://msb.georgetown.edu/mba/application-components/#fall-2025-essays

(Previous year’s prompt) Georgetown MBA Essay (Select a Prompt):

Georgetown MBA Essay. Our goal at Georgetown McDonough is to craft a diverse class with people who have had varying personal and professional life experiences. As such, we want to give our applicants the opportunity to select one essay (from a list of three) that allows them the ability to best highlight their experiences, characteristics, and values that showcase the value proposition that they can bring to the McDonough community.

Please select one of the following three essays to complete in 500 words or less (approximately two pages, double spaced). Please include the essay option prompt and your first/last name at the top of your essay.

• Essay Option 1 – Georgetown Community: Our mission is rooted in Jesuit principles of equality and respect for everyone and an ethos of caring for the whole person. Inclusivity and diversity are core to supporting a community of people with an intersectional understanding of themselves and the world around them. Share how your educational, familial, cultural, economic, social, and/or other individual life experiences will contribute to the diversity of perspectives and ideas at Georgetown University.
• Essay Option 2 – Cura Personalis: As the oldest Jesuit institution in the United States, cura personalis is a Latin phrase deeply ingrained within our community and translates to “care of the person.” It encompasses a profound sense of care and responsibility for one another, rooted in personalized attention to each individual’s needs, unique circumstances, gifts, and limitations, fostering the growth of each person. Please reflect on a specific instance where you exemplified cura personalis by supporting a teammate or coworker. Describe the particular actions you took to guide them, and explain the impact of these efforts. Additionally, discuss how you would leverage these experiences to contribute to the collaborative environment at Georgetown McDonough.
• Essay Option 3 – Achieving Excellence: Georgetown McDonough is committed to achieving greater excellence to enrich the legacies of our students and alumni. Please reflect on a professional experience from your resume where you achieved outstanding results. Describe why this experience exemplified excellence, highlight the strengths or skills you utilized that contributed to this achievement, and share how these qualities will help you leave a legacy at Georgetown.

(Upload file, 500 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Optional Essay: Optional: You may use this essay to provide any additional information that you have not otherwise included in your application. You may address anything in your academic or professional background or anything you feel the admissions committee may need to know regarding your application. (upload file, 300-350 words – appx 1pg double spaced – or less.)

(Previous year’s prompt) Career Goals (Short Answer Questions):

The following questions can be found in the Future Goals section of the McDonough application portal.

Please share your post-MBA goals with the Admissions Committee in a maximum of 3 sentences.

What is your short-term career goal following graduation from an MBA program? Please share your preference on industry, function, and/or geographic area, if known. (Text box, 3 sentences maximum)

What is your long-term career goal following graduation from an MBA program? Please share your preference on industry, function, and/or geographic area, if known. (Text box, 3 sentences maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Video Essay (Prepared):

We believe a vibrant community is built on diverse and unique individuals, and we want you to bring your whole self to Georgetown McDonough. We’ve learned about your professional and leadership qualities throughout the application, but now we want to know more about you beyond work.

Whether it’s a new hobby, a fun adventure, or a simple pleasure, in one minute, share what has recently brought you joy outside of work.

(Video file upload, one-minute limit)

School Commentary:

Video Guidelines:

1. Briefly introduce yourself by stating your first name
2. Appear in person during part of your video.
3. We strongly encourage you to speak outside of the experiences we can read on your resume.
4. We prefer unscripted, conversational videos – help us get to know the real you!
5. You may use your phone, computer, or other means to record the video, but please ensure all audio and visual components are clear. We recommend a well-lit room and minimal noise distraction.
6. Your video should be about 1 minute in length. It is OK if your video is a few seconds over or under 1 minute.
7. For your privacy: Do not include your name in the title of your video. You may submit “unlisted” videos via Youtube or password protected videos via Vimeo. If using a password, please include immediately after your link in the text box below. [Ex: www.vimeo.com/123, password: Hoyas]
8. Please note that all videos must remain active and accessible to the admissions committee online for a minimum of five years for record retention purposes.
9. The video is for the purposes of admissions only and will not be used for any other purposes after your decision is provided.

(Previous year’s prompt) Reapplicant Essay: How have you strengthened your candidacy since your last application and why do you feel that you are better-positioned this year to begin the MBA Program? We are particularly interested in hearing about how you have grown professionally and personally. (upload file, 300-350 words or appx 1 pg double spaced or less)

Unofficial Prompts:

There is one required essay (maximum 500 words) for all Tepper MBA applicants (except college seniors). You are now able to choose which essay question resonates most with you and how you can present your best application. Please choose 1 of the following 2 questions. We do not have a preference on which question you answer. Here are the 2 options:

At Tepper, we value leaders who can make confident decisions when facing complexity and uncertainty. Tell us about a time when you had to take action without having all of the answers. How did you navigate the situation and what was the outcome?

OR

The Tepper School of Business is committed to helping students reach their full potential by supporting their professional and personal transformation. How do you hope to transform, both professionally and personally, during your time in the program? Please describe your development goals and steps you plan to achieve them.

College Seniors applying through the Tepper Future Business Leaders should answer the essays provided in the Deferred Admission for College Seniors section.

There also is an optional essay for additional information about your candidacy that you may wish to share with the admissions committee. Use this essay to convey important information that you may not have otherwise been able to convey. This may include unexplained resume gaps, context for recommender selection, etc. However, do not feel obligated to complete the optional essay.

Are you a re-applicant? Use the optional essay to explain how your candidacy has strengthened since your last application.

We know this is an important component of your decision to attend business school. We take it seriously as well. Please describe your post-MBA career goals.

It would be helpful to consider the following information in your response:

• You have up to 2 minutes to respond to this question.
• Please be as specific as possible. If you have not yet identified specific companies, that is okay. Just tell us what interests you for your next role or company. What about the industry, company, or functional role is appealing to you?
• If you have any criteria you are using to evaluate career opportunities, please share those as well. We may have great opportunities to add to your list.
• How does this post-MBA career goal relate to your long-term career plan?

Link: https://www.cmu.edu/tepper/programs/mba/admissions…

(Previous year’s prompt) Video Essay: Career Goals (Impromptu):

Now, let’s hear directly from you! We know that your career goals are an important part of your decision to attend business school, and we are excited to hear them. Please describe your Post-MBA career goals. You have up to 2 minutes to respond to this question.

Please consider the following information in your response:

• Please be as specific as possible. If you have not yet identified specific companies, that is okay. Just tell us what interests you for your next role or company. What about the industry, company, or functional role is appealing to you?
• If you have any criteria you are using to evaluate career opportunities, please share those as well. We may have great opportunities to add to your list.
• How does this post-MBA career goal relate to your long-term career plan?

Pro Tip: While we have titled this a video essay, we prefer you to answer this prompt like a live question. We do want you to think about your response and likely write down some of the points you would like to communicate. However, the best responses are not reading your essay on camera.

(Previous year’s prompt) Philosophy on Helping Others:

The Tepper School community is committed to helping students reach their full potential. Explain your philosophy on helping others achieve their full potential. How have you implemented this philosophy in your professional life, and what impact has it had on those around you? How will this philosophy influence your approach to leadership in the Tepper MBA program and beyond?

(Upload file, 500 words maximum. Double spaced, 12-point font.)

(Previous year’s prompt) Optional Essay: Is there anything else that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee as we evaluate your application? If you believe your credentials and essays represent you fairly, you should not feel obligated to answer this question. This essay is intended to provide a place for you to add information that you think is important but is not covered elsewhere in the application. This could include clarification of your employment or academic record, choice of recommenders or helpful context for the admissions committee in reviewing your application. (Upload file, No word limit)

(Previous year’s prompt) Personal Factoid: One more question from the Admission Committee – just for fun! List an interesting fact about yourself that you’d like to share with your future Tepper classmates. (Text box, 1 or 2 sentences)

Unofficial Prompts:

All candidates are asked to submit short essay responses. These should be concise, clear and introspective as we’ll use them to learn more about you, your motivations and your aspirations.

>> Tips from Admissions: 5 tips for writing a standout MBA application essay

Essay 1 is required (250 words maximum).

We value the different paths and aspirations that each student brings to the UNC Kenan-Flagler community. Please share your goals for pursuing an MBA, or the path you’re considering, and how they reflect your unique background or perspective.

Essay 2 is required and includes responses to two prompts (500 words maximum).

Responses to each prompt within this essay should be no longer than 250 words each.

Prompt #1: UNC Kenan-Flagler is guided by four core values that shape who we are: impact, innovation, inclusion, and integrity. Which one of these Core Values resonates most deeply with your professional journey? Please share an example that demonstrates how this value has influenced your actions or decisions.

Prompt #2: The strength of our community is enriched by the range of personal and professional experiences our students contribute to the Full-Time MBA Program. What aspects of your background would you draw upon to enhance classroom conversations and co-curricular life at UNC Kenan-Flagler?

Essay 3 is optional (200 words maximum).

We encourage you to tell us more about who you are so we can get to know you as a person and potential member of the Carolina community. Use this essay to convey information that you may not have otherwise been able to in the application.

Optional topics:

Personal or professional accomplishments

Interests and passions

Gaps in work experience or inconsistent academic performance

Context for recommender selection

A fun fact about yourself

Essay 4 is required only for previous applicants to any UNC MBA program format (100 words maximum).

If you are re-applying to the program, we appreciate your continued interest in UNC Kenan-Flagler. We require a complete application in addition to a brief essay that describes how your application differs from your previous submission and that alerts us to new test scores, a recent promotion, or other areas that demonstrate how you have strengthened your candidacy.

https://www.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/programs/mba/full-time-mba/admissions/requirements-deadlines/?utm_content=x437978538.1748013043

(Previous year’s prompt) Reapplicant Essay: If you are re-applying to the program, we appreciate your continued interest in UNC Kenan-Flagler. We require a complete application in addition to a brief essay that describes how your application differs from your previous submission and that alerts us to new test scores, a recent promotion, or other areas that demonstrate how you have strengthened your candidacy. (Upload file, 100 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Optional Essay:

Essay 3 is optional. We encourage you to tell us more about who you are so we can get to know you as a person and potential member of the Carolina community. Use this essay to convey information that you may not have otherwise been able to in the application.

Optional topics:

• Personal or professional accomplishments
• Interests and passions
• Gaps in work experience or inconsistent academic performance
• Context for recommender selection
• A fun fact about yourself

(Upload file, 200 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Project with Impact:

Essay 2 is required. Your response should be no longer than 500 words and should address the following question:

Reflect on a project or initiative you were involved in that had a significant positive impact on a community, organization, or individual. How did this experience shape your sense of responsibility as a future leader dedicated to making a difference in the world?

(Upload file, 500 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Career Goals:

Essay 1 is required. Your response should be no longer than 500 words and should address the following questions:

• What are your immediate career goals and how will you benefit from earning an MBA at Kenan-Flagler Business School?
• As the business world continues to evolve, circumstances can change and guide you in a different direction. Should your goals that you provided above not transpire, what other opportunities would you explore?

(Upload file, 500 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Feel Alive: Essay #1. What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why? (Text box, 300 words maximum)

Optional Statement: 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. (Text box, 300 words maximum)

Reapplicant instructions: How have you improved your candidacy since you last applied? (Text box, 300 words maximum)

Additional Information: Please provide information on any aspect of your candidacy that requires further explanation, or information that you would like the Admissions Committee to know. (Text box, 300 words maximum)

Career Challenge: What has been your most significant professional challenge? (Text box, 200 words maximum)

Positive Impact: Essay question 3. Provide an example of when someone else positively impacted your life. What did you learn from this experience? (Text box, 200 words maximum)

Current Job:

Work experience. Primary responsibilities. Describe your primary job responsibilities;

1.  type and size of internal and external teams with which you work or supervise
2. type and number of clients or projects you manage;
3. size of budget or revenue for which you are responsible;
4. international experience or exposure

(Text box, 250 words maximum)

Career Goals:

Please provide details of your post-MBA career plans. The statement should not exceed 500 words and must address the following:

• What are your short and long-term career objectives? How will the Cambridge MBA equip you to achieve these?

• Looking at your short-term career goal, describe the research you have done to understand how this industry/role/location recruits MBA talent and what they are looking for in a candidate?

• How confident do you feel about meeting your short-term career goal? What skills/characteristics do you already have that will help you to achieve them, and what preparation are you doing now?

Career objectives (Text box, 500 words maximum)

Reapplicant Essay: Essay question 4. Additional question for re-applicants. Describe any relevant developments since you last applied to the Cambridge MBA? (Text box, 200 words maximum)

Professional Mistake: Essay question 1. Tell us about a time when you made a professional mistake. How could it have ended differently? (Text box, 200 words maximum)

Best Team: Essay question 2. Tell us about the best team you worked with. What made the team successful? (Text box, 200 words maximum)

Career Accomplishment: What has been your most significant professional achievement? (Text box, 200 words maximum)

Previous roles/promotions:

Career Goals/Why Kellogg?: Essay 1. Intentionality is a key aspect of what makes our graduates successful Kellogg leaders. Help us understand your journey by articulating your motivations for pursuing an MBA, the specific goals you aim to achieve, and why you believe a deferred enrollment program is the right fit for you. Moreover, share why you feel Kellogg is best suited to serve as a catalyst for your career aspirations and what you will contribute to our community of lifelong learners during your time here. (Text box, 450 words maximum) *text box allows 480*

Pre-MBA Job Plan: Please share how you intend to spend the next few years prior to joining Kellogg. (Text box, 200 words maximum)

Optional Essay: Additional Information. We know that life is full of extenuating circumstances. Whether you want to explain gaps in work experience, your choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance or something else, you can use this section to briefly tell us anything we need to know about your application. (Text box, 280 words maximum)

Career Goals (Short Answer):

1.  Share with us the motivations behind your desired industry/function after graduating from Kellogg. (Text box, 500 characters maximum)
2.  What does a successful career look like five years after you graduate from Kellogg? (Text box, 500 characters maximum)

Leadership and Values: Essay 2. Kellogg leaders are primed to tackle challenges everywhere, from the boardroom to their neighborhoods. Describe a specific professional or extracurricular experience where you had to make a difficult decision. Reflecting on this experience, identify the values that guided your decision-making process and how it impacted your leadership style. (Text box, 450 words maximum) *text box allows 480*

Personal and professional growth: Short Answer Prompt 1. Imagine yourself at the completion of your MBA journey. Why was pursuing your MBA at Texas McCombs the right decision for your personal and professional growth? Reflect on how you made the most of your time in the program—academically, through hands-on learning opportunities, and within the McCombs community. (Upload file, 250 words maximum)

Core values: Short Answer Prompt 2. Reflect on a core value that defines you. Share a specific example of how it has guided your decisions and actions, and explain how it will shape your contributions and growth as a McCombs MBA student. (Upload file, 250 words maximum)

Optional Essay: Optional Statement. Please explain any gaps in work experience, choice of recommender, and/or academic performance issues that may help the admission committee in reviewing your application. (Upload file, 250 words maximum)

Career Goals (Short answer):

The following prompts can be found in the Employment History section of the McCombs application portal:

• Self-Characterization: Choose one… Career Enhancer, Career Entrepreneur, Career Explorer, Career Switcher
• Short-term: Immediately after graduation, what are your short-term career goals? (Text box, 140 characters maximum)
• Long-term: Ten years and beyond graduation, what are your long-term career goals? (Text box, 140 characters maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Lead Change: Short Answer Prompt 3. The University of Texas at Austin’s motto, “What starts here changes the world,” embodies a spirit of impact and transformation. What fuels your drive to lead change and make your mark in the world? (Upload file, 250 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Diversity Essay (Optional):

Optional Statement (Diversity, Personal Background, and Contributions): As Georgetown is a diverse, global community, we encourage you to upload a brief statement of up to 500 words to help the Admissions Committee understand the contribution your personal background and individual experiences would make to our community. As appropriate, you may wish to address any educational, familial, cultural, economic, and social experiences that have helped to shape your educational and professional goals; or how your background (e.g., first-generation student, resident outside the U.S.) or activities (e.g., community service and leadership) will contribute to the diversity of perspectives and ideas at Georgetown University.

(Upload file)

(Previous year’s prompt) Select a Prompt:

Our goal at Georgetown McDonough is to craft a diverse class of students with varying personal and professional life experiences. As such, we want to give our applicants the opportunity to select an essay prompt that best showcases their experiences, characteristics, and value proposition that they can bring to the McDonough community.

Essay Options: Please select one of the following essay options:

1. Option 1: Tell us something that is not on your resume.
2.  Option 2: Describe your proudest accomplishment. (This can be a personal, professional, or academic accomplishment)
3.  Option 3: Choose a quotation that defines you and explain why. (Please clearly state the quotation you’re referencing)

(Previous year’s prompt) Scholarship Essay (Optional):

Our program offers merit-based scholarships. Applicants interested in being considered for a merit-based program scholarship must include a scholarship essay with their applications. The Admissions Committee will typically release scholarship award notifications with their admissions decision.

Scholarship Essay Prompt: For scholarship consideration, please explain what unique values and perspectives you will bring to the program.

(Previous year’s prompt) Additional Information (Optional):

Additional Information: Please provide any information you would like to add that you have not otherwise included in other sections of your application. For example, you can use this space to describe inconsistent academic performance, gaps in employment, or any other relevant information.

(Upload file)

(Previous year’s prompt) Career Goals (Short Answer):

1.  What is your short-term goal following graduation from the Georgetown McDonough School of Business? (Text box, 1-2 sentences).
2.  What is your long-term goal following graduation from the Georgetown McDonough School of Business? (Text box, 1-2 sentences).

(Previous year’s prompt) Reapplicant Essay:

Re-Applicant Essay Prompt: How have you strengthened your candidacy since your last application? We are particularly interested in hearing about how you have grown professionally and personally. (Upload file)

(Previous year’s prompt) Goals: What are your immediate and long-term professional objectives and what do you need to achieve them? (text box, 100 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) General Management Experience:

General Managers are individuals responsible for strategy, budget, and work output from both individuals and teams for at least one function of an organization, with the ability to see the big picture across functions. They participate making in short-term and long-term strategy decisions and work cross-functionally to achieve specific goals or strategies.

Please describe your General Management experience. Cite a recent example that demonstrates your general managerial perspective. (Text box, 100 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Additional Academic Information (Optional): You may use this space to briefly explain or expand upon your academic history and transcripts (e.g., low grades, lack of degree or quantitative courses, etc.). (text box, 100 words)

(Previous year’s prompt) Principled Leadership:

The educational mission of the MIT Sloan School of Management, “to develop principled, innovative leaders who improve the world and to generate ideas that advance management practice,” has never been more important.

Describe a principle that motivates you in your life and career. How have you put this principle into practice? (Text box, 100 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Additional Employment Information (Optional):

Employment History. Additional Information (Optional).

You may use this space to explain anything that may be unclear to us about the information on this page (e.g., extenuating circumstances, gaps in employment, complex organizational structure, etc.). (text box, 100 words)

(Previous year’s prompt) Innovation and Impact: Please tell us about a time when you introduced a new idea that changed the way in which your organization approached a business challenge or opportunity. What factors did you consider, what barriers or obstacles did you face, and how did you measure success? (text box, 300 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Professional Summary: To assist your classmates, professors, and the MIT Executive MBA staff in getting to know you, please provide a paragraph of up to five sentences summarizing your background and work experience. You may include information about your current company and position, previous experience, education, personal interests, and/or family. (Text box, 100 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Additional Information (Optional):

Here you may provide any additional information you would like the Admissions Committee to know that may be helpful in evaluating your candidacy. For example:

• How has the world you come from shaped who you are today? For example, your family, culture, community, all help to shape aspects of your life experiences and perspective. Use this opportunity if you would like to share more about your background.
• Would additional context help the committee to understand the significance of an honor or award from your resume?
• What would you like to tell us about your hobbies or non-profit work?
• Is there anything else you want to share?

(Text box, 200 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Leading Within a Diverse Environment: The mission of the MIT Sloan School of Management is to develop principled, innovative leaders who improve the world and generate ideas that advance management practices. Graduates are expected to lead in a global and diverse environment, with the ability to navigate and manage diversity across roles, industries, identities, and perspectives. Our selection process is designed to identify individuals equipped to lead in these complex and dynamic contexts.

Please describe a time when you contributed toward making a work environment or organization more welcoming, inclusive, and diverse. (text box, 200 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Why Now?: Why is this the right time to pursue the MIT Executive MBA? (text box, 100 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Leading Others Through Adversity: Tell us what you learned about your strengths and weaknesses as a leader during a recent challenging period for your team. (text box, 200 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Organizational Chart:

Please upload a current organizational chart that outlines the internal structure of your department and company. Please limit submissions to two pages or less. (upload file)

Note: We should be able to see your line of reporting to the top of your organization, and easily find you, your peers, your direct supervisor, their peers, and your direct reports, as well as any other recommenders from your current organization. You may choose to create your own document or redact individuals’ names. However, please provide as much information as possible.

Impact Mini-Essays: Think about a time in the last five years when you’ve created a significant positive impact, whether in professional, extracurricular, civic, or academic settings. What was the situation, what did you do, and what was the impact? (Text box, 1200 characters maximum) (Please note: you can enter 3 separate examples, 3 x 1200 characters)

What matters most?:

Essay A: What matters most to you, and why?

For this essay, we would like you to reflect deeply and write from the heart. Once you’ve identified what matters most to you, help us understand why. You might consider, for example, what makes this so important to you? What people, insights, or experiences have shaped your perspectives? (Text box, 650 words maximum)

Career Goal (Short Answer): Post-GSB Aspirations. Briefly share your short- and long-term professional aspirations after graduating from Stanford GSB. (Text box, 100 characters maximum)

Background Mini-Essay: Additional Context. We know that each person is more than a list of facts or predefined categories. With this space, we provide you with an optional opportunity to elaborate on how your background or life experiences have helped shape your recent actions or choices. (Text box, 800 characters maximum)

Optional Essay: Additional Information. We are deliberate in the questions we ask. We believe that we get to know you well through all of the elements of your application. Complete this section only if you have critical information you could not convey elsewhere on your application (e.g., extenuating circumstances affecting academic or work performance). This section should not be used as an additional essay. (Text box, 1200 characters maximum)

Why Stanford?:

Essay B: Why Stanford?

Describe your aspirations and how your Stanford GSB experience will help you realize them. (Text box, 350 words maximum)

Background Mini Essay: Additional Context. We know that each person is more than a list of facts or predefined categories. With this space, we provide you with an optional opportunity to elaborate on how your background or life experiences have helped shape your recent actions or choices. (Text box, 800 characters maximum)

Why Stanford?:

Essay B: Why Stanford?

Describe your aspirations and how your Stanford GSB experience will help you realize them. (Text box, 350 words maximum)

Additional Coursework: If you have completed or are in the process of completing any additional coursework not shown on your transcripts (e.g., professional certifications, MBA prep classes, English enrichment classes, etc.), provide relevant information here. (text box, 320 characters remaining)

Additional Information: Additional Information. We are deliberate in the questions we ask. We believe that we get to know you well through all of the elements of your application. Complete this section only if you have critical information you could not convey elsewhere on your application (e.g., extenuating circumstances affecting academic or work performance). This section should not be used as an additional essay. (Text box, 1200 characters maximum)

Impact Mini Essays (Optional): Think about a time in the last five years when you’ve created a significant positive impact, whether in professional, extracurricular, civic, or academic settings. What was the situation, what did you do, and what was the impact? (Text box, 1200 characters maximum) (Please note: you can enter 3 separate examples, 3 x 1200 characters)

Post-GSB Aspirations: Briefly share your short- and long-term professional aspirations after graduating from Stanford GSB. (text box, 100 characters maximum)

What matters most?:

Essay A: What matters most to you, and why?

For this essay, we would like you to reflect deeply and write from the heart. Once you’ve identified what matters most to you, help us understand why. You might consider, for example, what makes this so important to you? What people, insights, or experiences have shaped your perspectives? (Text box, 650 words maximum)

Career Goal (Short Answer): What are your plans between graduation and enrollment at Stanford GSB? (text box, 255 characters)

Personal Expression: “Pick Six”:

Introduce yourself to the Admissions Committee and to your future classmates using six images and corresponding captions. The Pick Six is a way to share more about the qualities you will bring to the Stern community, beyond your professional and academic achievements. Your uploaded PDF should contain all of the following elements:

• A brief introduction or overview of your “Pick Six” (no more than 3 sentences).
• Six images that help illustrate your interests, values, motivations, perspective and/or personality.
• A one-sentence caption for each of the six images that helps explain why they were selected and are significant to you.

Note: Your visuals may include photos, infographics, drawings, or any other images that best describe you. Your document must be uploaded as a single PDF. The essay cannot be sent in physical form or be linked to a website.(Upload file)

Change: _____ it.:

Change: Dare It. Dream It. Drive It. In today’s global business environment, the only constant is change. Using NYU Stern’s brand call to action, we want to know how you view change. Change: _____ it. Fill in the blank with a word of your choice. Why does this word resonate with you? How will you embrace your own personal tagline while at Stern? Examples:

• Change: Dare it.
• Change: Dream it.
• Change: Drive it.
• Change: Empower it.
• Change: Manifest it.
• Change: [Any word of your choice.]

(Upload file, 350 words maximum)

Additional Information – Reapplicant Essay: Please provide any additional information that you would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee and/or give context to your application. This may include important aspects of yourself not otherwise apparent in your application, including but not limited to: hardships you have encountered, current or past gaps in employment, further explanation of your undergraduate record or self-reported academic transcript(s), plans to retake a standardized test or English proficiency test, or any other relevant information.

If you are a reapplicant, please utilize this optional essay to highlight any changes since your last application.

(Upload file, 500 words maximum)

Professional Aspirations: What are your short-term career goals? (Upload file, 150 words maximum)

Additional Information (optional):

Please provide any additional information that you would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee and/or give context to your application. This may include important aspects of yourself not otherwise apparent in your application, including but not limited to: hardships you have encountered, current or past gaps in employment, further explanation of your undergraduate record or self-reported academic transcript(s), plans to retake a standardized test or English proficiency test, or any other relevant information.

If you are a reapplicant, please utilize this optional essay to highlight any changes since your last application.

(Upload file, 500 words maximum)

Additional information (Reapplicant essay): Essay #2 (Optional for New Applicants/Required for Reapplicants) – Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider when reviewing your candidacy for the MBA program. Reapplicants should provide any profile updates since your previous application. (Upload file, 500 words maximum)

Career Goals: Essay #1 (Required) – What are your short-term and long-term career goals, and how will an MBA from USC Marshall help you achieve those goals? Short-term career goals should be those you want to achieve within 3-5 years post-MBA, whereas long-term career goals may span a decade or more and encompass broader professional aspirations. (Upload file, 400 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Optional Essay: Essay #3 (Optional) – We realize that each person is more than a list of facts or pre-defined categories, and we’d like to recognize each individual’s unique qualities and experiences. Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider when reviewing your candidacy for the MBA program. (Upload file, 500 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Teamwork: Essay #2 (Required) – In the USC Marshall MBA Program, teamwork is essential to success. Please share an example of a time when you collaborated effectively with others to achieve a personal or professional goal. (Upload file, 400 words maximum)

Optional Essay: Please include this essay if you have additional information that you believe would be helpful to the admissions committee in considering your application. (Upload file, maximum 500 words)

Personal Statement: Foster Mission Statement. TOGETHER – WE FOSTER LEADERS, WE FOSTER INSIGHTS, WE FOSTER PROGRESS – TO BETTER HUMANITY. This is the Foster School’s mission statement, and it serves as the north star for how we do business here. Please select one part of our mission statement and describe how it resonates with you in your personal or professional life. (Upload file, 500 words maximum)

Optional Nurturing Our Community Essay: At the Foster School of Business, we embrace inclusion and belonging as two of the foundations of both successful business strategy and a world-class educational experience. We share the University’s dedication to promoting the understanding and appreciation of human differences, and the constructive expression of ideas. We welcome you to share some of the ways you have practiced inclusion and promoted belonging. (Upload file, 500 words maximum)

Statement of Purpose: Tell us your ideas about what lies ahead for you in your career. What are the gaps or deficiencies currently preventing you from pursuing these potential career paths? How do you plan to use your time in the Foster Full-time MBA Program to fill these gaps and advance your career? (Upload file, 750 words maximum)

(Previous year’s prompt) Personal Statement: Personal Statement: Personal Resilience Essay. Resilience is one of the most important values of a successful Foster student. Tell us about what resilience means to you and share some of the ways that you have demonstrated resilience in overcoming personal or professional challenges. How do you anticipate showing resilience during your time as an MBA candidate? (Upload file, 500 words maximum)