MBA Application Essay

One of the last requirements of an MBA program is writing an essay. This document looks at how you express your views and opinions through your command of the English language. Although it may appear as just another writing exercise, producing a professional MBA application essay can be challenging. By applying some of these simple reminders, your essay would convey everything business schools seek in a student.

Charm Your Way Up

Business schools aren’t just looking for applicants with near-genius intelligence. Between two people with similar 4.0 GPAs and 750 GMAT scores, MBA programs would usually pick the likable one rather than the sarcastic cynic. Make sure your essay isn’t just a showcase of your excellent writing skills, but your cheerful disposition and interesting character as well.

Don’t Exaggerate

Be honest in enumerating your skills, abilities and achievements. Unless you have tangible proof, avoid adding overblown adjectives when describing yourself. No one wants to read an article filled with recollections on what it feels like to be a summa cum laude or how you arrived there. Chances are, most people in an MBA course have those same achievements anyway, and maybe even more impressive.

No “I” In Essay

An MBA essay is about you but ironically, you can’t glorify yourself much and make it sound overly self-centered. Although you have to use the word “I” often, be conscious of not overdoing it. The best way to get past this paradox is to use specific examples rather than adjectives to describe your skills and abilities. Let your actions describe you in your essays because they certainly speak louder than words.

Word Structure

The main point of this exercise is to display how good your writing skills are. Still, even the best writers make errors from time to time. Misspelled words, grammatical errors and typos won’t get you anywhere. Ideally, you should hire a professional to proofread and edit your work. If you don’t have enough cash, at least have some colleagues read your article and scrutinize its strengths as well as weaknesses.

(Whenever you find yourself doubting your own writing skills, it’s best to get to know the Top Ten Common Grammar Mistakes.)

Be Creative

How many times have you heard applicants describe themselves as someone who “want to help other people” or “think outside the box?” These trite phrases have been in too many application essays that reading another one might make MBA schools nauseous. Be original when describing yourself and think outside the box. Oops!

Have Mercy

Remember that your essay is just one of thousands that business schools need to screen during the application period. Be considerate and follow the essay’s word limit. Using polysyllabic words and jargons are more boring than impressive. It is better to use simple words that pack a punch, rather than pretentious lingo you searched in a thesaurus.

Start Strong

As earlier mentioned, business schools have tons of application essays to go through during the application period. To make sure they read the rest of your work, grab their attention immediately and start with a strong paragraph. Keep it interesting throughout, especially if you need to expand your article to 1,000 words. End your article with a bang to keep your reader wanting for more.

Prepare Early

The last thing you want to do is to start a couple of days before the essay is due. Staying up all night searching for words will only end up in a mediocre product. Give yourself time to review your work so you can edit or omit unnecessary material.

Stay Focused

Always keep in mind that you are writing an essay for your MBA application and not an autobiography. Despite the many things that have happened in your life, only a few of them are relevant to your application and should be included in the essay. Make sure that each sentence in your essay is related to the other and supports one central theme.

Writing an MBA application essay is not just about spelling and grammar. It must also be an interesting account on what makes you an ideal candidate for an MBA degree.

(Your essay may be one of the most important parts of your entry into your dream degree but your Letters of Recommendation and your MBA Application Form are also things that need your utmost attention.)