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Commonly asked essay questions for an MBA application

When applying to top global MBA programs, applicants typically need to answer several essay questions. These questions are designed to assess a candidate’s goals, experiences, and fit with the program. Here are some of the most common MBA essay questions:



1. Career Goals and Aspirations

  • What are your short-term and long-term career goals? How will an MBA from our school help you achieve these goals?

  • Why do you want to pursue an MBA at this point in your career?

2. Personal and Professional Achievements

  • Describe your greatest professional achievement and why you are proud of it.

  • Discuss a time when you faced a significant challenge at work and how you handled it.

3. Leadership and Teamwork

  • Describe a leadership experience where you had a significant impact.

  • Provide an example of a time you worked effectively within a team. What role did you play?

4. Fit with the Program

  • Why have you chosen to apply to our MBA program? What aspects of our program attract you the most?

  • How do you plan to contribute to our MBA community?

5. Personal Development and Reflection

  • What is your biggest weakness and how are you addressing it?

  • Reflect on a time when you received constructive feedback. How did you respond and what did you learn?

6. Cultural and Global Awareness

  • Describe a situation where you successfully navigated a cultural difference.

  • How has your international experience shaped your professional and personal growth?

7. Ethics and Values

  • Describe a situation where you had to make an ethical decision. What was the outcome?

  • What core values guide your decisions and actions?

8. Entrepreneurial Spirit

  • If you were to start your own business, what would it be and why?

  • Describe an innovative solution you have implemented or would like to implement.

9. Optional Essays

  • Is there any additional information you would like the admissions committee to know about you?

  • Explain any gaps in your employment history or academic record.


Examples from Specific Schools

Harvard Business School

  • As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program?

Stanford Graduate School of Business

  • What matters most to you, and why?

  • Why Stanford?

Wharton School

  • What do you hope to gain professionally from the Wharton MBA?

  • Describe an impactful experience or accomplishment that is not reflected elsewhere in your application.

INSEAD

  • Describe your short-term and long-term career goals.

  • Give a candid description of yourself, stressing the personal characteristics you feel to be your strengths and weaknesses.

Chicago Booth

  • How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals?

  • Choose the moment that best resonates with you from Booth's "Booth Moments" and explain why.

London Business School

  • What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School program contribute towards these?

MIT Sloan

  • Please submit a cover letter seeking a place in the MIT Sloan MBA Program.


Conclusion

These essay questions are designed to give the admissions committee a deeper understanding of your career goals, personal experiences, leadership potential, and fit with their program. At Viet MBA Coach, we provide guidance on how to craft compelling and authentic essays that effectively convey your story and aspirations. Contact us to learn more about our essay editing service.


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