The MBA essay is an integral part of the application package because it helps admissions officers get an idea of who you are.

Many MBA aspirants consider the essay arguably the most difficult part of the application process. And they may be right – so many things could go wrong.

Fortunately, writing an MBA admissions essay is not that hard as long as you follow several simple rules.

#1. Answer the question

This piece of advice when it comes to essay writing may appear odd, but you will be surprised how often applicants veer off into a general description of their skills and experience instead of staying on topic. Read the question and think carefully about what it asks of you.

Sometimes candidates think about what they are going to write in advance without having seen the question. And then, once they read it, they proceed with their prepared answers, largely ignoring the actual question. A big mistake, yet so easily avoidable.

#2. Be yourself

It is important to be authentic and never lose sight of your personal story. Instead of writing what you think admissions committee members want to read, focus on the attributes and experiences that make you stand out. If you are true to yourself and tell your story, you will distinguish yourself from everyone else by highlighting your uniqueness.

Some applicants fall into the trap of painting a spectacular picture of themselves. There are many problems with this approach. One is that admissions officers can easily see through stories conceived by the imagination. Another is that you have to maintain a false image of yourself, which, in addition to being tiring, will eventually blow up in your face. The purpose of the essay is to show who you are, what you want to achieve, and what motivates you.

Harvard Business School gives this simple piece of advice to applicants when it comes to essays: “Don’t overthink, overcraft and overwrite. Just answer the question in clear language that those of us who don’t know your world can understand.”

#3. Write clearly

Speaking of clear language, the best essays are comprised of short sentences and approachable language. Admissions committees are more likely to remember strong, thought-provoking statements written in plain language than flowery prose.

Clarity beats stylistic language every time. Jargon, abbreviations, and technical terms are best avoided. Don’t assume that admissions officers are familiar with the terminology used in your job. So when you write your essay bear in mind that you are addressing fairly intelligent people who may not necessarily have extensive knowledge of the nuts and bolts of your profession.

#4. Demonstrate your fit to the program

One of the major purposes of the MBA essay is to help admissions officers assess your fit to the program. No two MBA programs are equal. Each one has its own requirements, methods, and even cultures. When the admissions directors evaluate your application, they don’t only think about how the program will benefit you, but also how you will benefit the program. In other words, they want to know how you will contribute to enriching the learning experience of your peers.

In this regard it will really help to know the program extremely well, including curriculum, the profile of those admitted, career outcomes, etc. Thus, you will demonstrate your fit and convince the admissions officers of the mutual benefit of all involved if you gain admission.

#5. Edit and proofread

Before submitting the text, edit, proofread and then proofread some more. As noted earlier, editing does not mean rewriting and overcrafting. Instead, make sure the structure of the essay makes sense and the arguments and logic are in place. It’s also highly recommended to seek a fresh perspective by asking someone else to have a look at your work.

If you want to learn more about MBA essays or anything else about your admission journey, you may want to take a look at UnimyPrep. Take advantage of its vast array of free preparation resources, online events and tools as you march confidently toward your dream MBA or Masters program.

 

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