This blog post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.
APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:
ESSAY TIPS
Here are the UCLA Anderson full-time MBA essay requirements for the 2019-2020 application cycle.
NEW APPLICANTS
- Short Answer Questions: Tell us about your MBA goals AND why you are applying to UCLA Anderson now:
- Describe your short term and long term goals (150 words maximum)
- Why is UCLA Anderson a good school for you? (150 words maximum)
- Essay Question: At Anderson, we believe our students are engaged, courageous, humble, and open. Describe a time when you demonstrated one of these traits in your personal life. (250 words maximum)
REAPPLICANTS
Reapplicants are those who submitted a completed MBA application within the previous two years (those who applied for the MBA program starting in 2018 or 2019). If you applied three years or more prior, then please answer the "New Applicant" questions.
- Reapplicant Essay Question: Please describe your career progress since you last applied and how you have enhanced your candidacy. Include information on short-term and long-term career goals, as well as your continued interest in UCLA Anderson. (500 words maximum)
OPTIONAL
Similar to previous years, we also have an optional question for those who need some additional space to explain extenuating circumstances that are not evident in the application. No preference is given in the evaluation process to applicants who submit a response to the optional question. The optional question can be answered by either new applicants or reapplicants.
- Optional Question: Are there any extenuating circumstances in your profile about which the Admissions Committee should be aware? Please use your best judgment. (250 words maximum)
Tips for Approaching the Short Answer Questions:
The short answer questions are meant to be short and simple. They give you the opportunity to clearly articulate your career ambitions and touch on the various UCLA Anderson resources that will help you achieve your goals.
For your short-term goals, think about what you want to do in the few years after your MBA. Be sure to include both functional- and industry-interest and consider including a few examples of companies you’d like to work for (if relevant). For your long-term goals, make sure that they connect with your short-term goals. Long-term goals do not need to be as specific, but the focus should be on the impact you hope to make in your career. Keep in mind that we will evaluate your goals in relation to the other elements of your application so be sure that they make sense given your background.
Next, be specific when describing why Anderson is a good fit for you. This question requires a little bit of homework. Focus on the elements at Anderson that are unique and will help you realize your career aspirations. In order to demonstrate that you have done your research, be specific when discussing things like courses, clubs, conferences, professors, specific programming, career and academic resources, etc. Given the limited space you have to respond, be sure to include the things that are most important to you.
Strategies for Tackling the Essay Question:
This is a new question this year. We are seeking to understand who are you on a deeper, more personal level. Therefore, we are asking you to be introspective and tell us about a time when you demonstrated that you were engaged, courageous, humble or open in your personal life. This essay is meant to align more closely with our culture and values and it will help us determine if you will fit in with our student-driven community.
To begin, think about the quality that resonates with you most. When choosing a story to write about, remember that the story itself is only one part of the question. The other part is the outcome of the experience. What did you learn about yourself from this experience? Consider what your story reveals about you. Is it meaningful and insightful about who you are? Given the limited amount of space you have to respond, be sure that you are genuine, clear, and concise.
The Purpose of the Optional Essay:
This essay is truly optional and should only be used to describe any extenuating circumstances in your application or profile. Examples include an extended gap in your resume, poor grades due to a circumstance otherwise not explained, a personal matter or family situation, and the like.
Use your best judgment and know that no preference is given in the evaluation process to applicants who submit an optional essay.
Quick Tips on the Reapplication Essay:
Be sure you are highlighting what you have done since your previous application to enhance your candidacy. List the specific steps you took as well as share any new achievements in and outside of work.
Additionally, make sure you continue to articulate your short-term and long-term goals. We want to understand if your goals have stayed the same or if they have changed (and if so, why).
In most cases, the entire application does not need to be revolutionized. There were likely strengths to your application the first time you applied, so don’t be concerned that not every single part of your reapplication is different from the first. Thus, be sure to include your continued strengths, and highlight new and improved differences.
Parting Words (Read Before You Hit Submit!)
Have at least a few people review your work. Ask someone who knows you well to read your short answer responses and essay to ensure that they represent you, your values, and your goals. Then, ask someone else to give you an objective perspective of how you may come across to the admissions committee. Last but not least, make sure you are clear, concise, and free of any spelling and/or grammatical errors.
Best of luck!
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